Tributes have poured in following the death of John Reid, the acclaimed Glasgow-born DJ and vocalist behind Nightcrawlers. John has died at the age of 61.
Beyond his dance floor success, Reid built a notable songwriting career, penning Tina Turner’s 1999 hit “When the Heartache Is Over”, contributing tracks for Rod Stewart, and co-writing Westlife’s UK No.1 “Unbreakable”. The former Crookston Castle student also helped craft “A Moment Like This”, performed by both Kelly Clarkson and Leona Lewis.
John also collaborated with Simon Cowell and Ian Levine on tracks like “Whenever You Need Someone” (Bad Boys Inc), and also wrote for Eternal, Gemini, and Claire Richards’ festive song “My Heart Is Heading Home (This Christmas).”
His defining 90s anthem with Nightcrawlers, Push The Feeling On, found new life through remixes by underground artists JCA and Rosabot, climbing back to No.1 on the U.S. Dance Chart. With fresh versions featuring artists such as Big Narstie, the track cemented John’s legacy as a key figure in 90s dance music.
Mary Kiani, the former TTF vocalist and John’s nine-year fiancée, shared the news of his sudden death as she wrote: “Just heard this morning that my first love John Reid died suddenly. We met in Glasgow but fell in love in London.
“He was recording his album with Roy Hay (Culture Club) for his new band ‘This way up’. Myself and Danusia DanooshaZaremba were on tour, and every night we met at the Columbian hotel. We bought our first flat in Dennistoun age 21 & 22. We were both doing great with our music.
“The birth of The Nightcrawlers happened (Push the feeling on). We toured, we recorded, we did our vocal sessions together. We parted 9 years later. Last year, I got in touch with him. I said I’d love to say hello again before one of us dies. I saw him just last year in Glasgow.”
Elsewhere, Chris Judge, who is Susan Boyle’s vocal coach and Red Hot Chilli Pipers singer, also paid tribute: “RIP John Reid, an incredible Scottish singer with so much soul most famous for his vocals in the Nightcrawlers hit push the feeling on.. it’s been sampled so many times Pitbull, the Friday song by Riton Mufasa & Hypeman etc.
“He was also an extremely talented topline writer, who wrote ‘A moment like this’ hit after hit for Tina Turner, Rod Stewart, Leona Lewis, Westlife. Sending love to my besty Mary Kiani you guys were the OG Session singers of the 90s I’ve loved hearing your story’s Sjo Big hugs xxx”
Chris added: “I remember him from doing road shows all over the country.. back when I was in the boy band days he was always such a nice guy very encouraging and supportive to all the new bands.
“He had so much success as a writer but it was his voice I loved he was an incredible singer and well respected like Mary in the session scene doing all the backing vocals working for people like Ian Levine.”
The cause of John’s death has not yet been confirmed by his loved ones.
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Source: Mirror
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