Guru Josh, the rave legend behind hit Infinity, dies in Ibiza aged 53

Paul Walden (6 June 1964 – 28 December 2015), commonly known as Guru Josh, was a Jersey musician, active in the British post-acid house scene, best known for his début single Infinity, initially released in 1989 on Walden's record label, Infinity Records. The song was re-released in 1990 by BMG Records, and remixed for re-release in 2008 by the German artist DJ Klaas.

Rave legend Guru Josh who was famous for his 90s club anthem Infinity has died aged 53.

The musician, whose real name is Paul Walden had lived in Ibiza where he had set up a digital graphics business and a rave promotions company.

He died on the Spanish island on Sunday and was found dead in an apartment he shared with his manager.

And sources say that the musician had a tough Christmas period after his relationship broke down. 

One told the Sun: 'He had troubles with his girlfriend, who walked out on him over Christmas. 

'But it's so tragic what has happened. He was an inspiration and a beautiful bloke.' 

Walden's agent Sharron Elkabas confirmed her client's death to the Guardian but did not reveal the cause.

She said: 'Guru Josh was without a doubt one of the biggest characters in the business and an immensely talented and creative person.

'It was a pleasure to have known and worked with him – he will be missed. RIP Paul Walden.'

Walden was born in Jersey and studied dentistry before deciding to be a musician and moving to London, where he worked as a booking agent.

He later got into the early 90s rave scene, reinventing himself as Guru Josh and teaming up with saxophonist Mad Mick.

The first single Infinity was released and looked destined to be a flop as many DJs refused to play the song.

However, it was picked up by Mike Pickering, the influential DJ at the world famous Hacienda nightclub in Manchester, becoming an anthem on the city's club scene.

It then crossed over into the mainstream, and when released in 1990, it peaked at number five in the UK charts.

He then released several other singles ‘Freaky Dreamer’, ‘Holographic Dreams’ and ‘Whose Law (Is it anyway?)’.

After a break, he broke back on the dance music scene in 2008 as part of the Guru Josh Project, when Infinity was remixed, reaching number one in several countries across Europe.

Later he moved to Ibiza, setting up his own businesses after switching his attentions to the art world.

And since news of his death broke, rave fans have been taking to social media to pay tribute to him.

DJ Fat Controller wrote on Facebook: 'Terrible news that Guru Josh has passed away....

'Not only did he make a seminal piece of dance music with "Infinity" he also pushed the forefront of 3d visual effects with his Dr. Devious Experience.

'People don't want to see the guy next door on stage, they want to see a being from another planet. You want to see somebody you'd never meet in ordinary life.

'Those words suit Josh more than anything else anyone could write.

'RIP The Guru.....' 

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