Influential DJ and Record Producer Matt Tolfrey passes away at 44

DJ and record producer Matt Tolfrey has passed away at the age of 44-as the heartbreaking news was announced on Monday. 

Since the news broke out on social media, his close friend and fellow musician, Damian Lazarus led the tributes as he remembered his cheeky smile and humour' in a touching post.

Sharing the news to Instagram, he wrote: 'This weekend we lost a key member of the extended Crosstown Rebels family. Matt Tolfrey played a major role in our music scene and will be very sorely missed. 

'We first met in Nottingham when I was booked to play at Stealth and we went on to work and play together for the best part of 20 years. He produced key singles and remixes for us and in recent years was responsible for helping us work with artists that he represented. 

'Like us, Matt believed in community and bringing people together on and off the dancefloor and his record label leftroom Records.'

Damian added: 'He has played an important role in bringing like minded music makers together.

'Matt was a brilliant DJ and was represented by myself and Will in the every early days of the Rebel Agency (now NGE).'

His cheeky smile and humour will be sorely missed. My heart goes out to everyone that knew and loved Matt but especially to his beautiful daughters Arla and Beau.'

RIP Matt, you left the room too early.'