News December 11, 2019

Dance community mourns Sydney promoter Paul Strange

Senior Journalist, B2B

Tributes are pouring in for Sydney scene builder Paul Strange, who has passed away.

Through his company Paul Strange Presents, Strange staged countless house and techno events, parties and festivals in Australia’s biggest city over nearly 20 years.

Over time, he booked a roll call of big-name artists and producers from the electronic and dance communities, from Carl Cox to Nina Kraviz, Roger Sanchez, Pete Tong, Derrick Carter and more.

Social media lit up today with news of Strange’s death, with many friends, colleagues and associates remembering him as a legend of Sydney’s dance culture.

“Thank you for all you did Paul,” wrote Jane Slingo, founder of Young Strangers and director Electronic Music Conference (EMC). “Thank you for caring so much about this city and its scene. Thank you for always smiling and projecting positivity even when things were so tough.”

Strange was “one of Australia’s best promoters and a true legend,” noted Mark Doyle, presenter, DJ and founder of Hed Kandi and Fierce Angel.

“Paul was instrumental in building Hed Kandi to legendary status in Sydney,” Doyle continued. “He gave us his continued support over the years and was responsible for some truly unbelievable nights. He was a truly amazing person and I even forgave him for my famous 58 hour roundtrip for my gig at Home (24 hours each way and 10 hours in Sydney. He continued to dominate and innovate Sydney nightlife and tonight Australia has lost a true shining star in the nightlife business. A very very very sad day.”

A proud Scot with a keen ear for underground house, Strange relocated to Australia with five years’ experience working in Ibiza with some of the world’s leading clubs. He founded his company in 2000, and had stints working with and running events in Sydney with Gas Nightclub, Tank, Kink, Favella, Goldfish and other venues.

In 2007, he pulled off a masterstroke with a party at The Argyle which attracted some 3,000 punters.

Strange’s company was gearing up for the popular Space Ibiza New Year’s Day party, which is due to return for its 11th year. Dubbed A New Era and held at The Greenwood Hotel in North Sydney, its NYD2020 line-up features Patrice Baumel, Heidi, Rebūke and Noir. Last year’s edition was headlined by Carl Cox.