16-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Glasgow Times
Tributes pour in for Glasgow DJ Derek Baird
Derek Baird, tragically died in his sleep on Wednesday after battling facial cancer for several years.
The former Knightswood Secondary School pupil who was a DJ at Groove City Radio and owned clothing range, Chasing The Phase, frequently shared his journey with the disease on social media.
He revealed on Facebook back in January that his treatments had now come to an end after receiving the likes of chemotherapy, radio therapy and immunotherapy for two years. However, nothing more could be done for him.
He also said he gave up on his DJ career to focus on being pain free and as comfy as possible towards the end.
Music promoter's STREETrave, who Derek worked with a number of times, lead tributes to the "brave man, who was an inspiration to all."
Taking to Facebook, they wrote: "As many of you know - our good friend Derek Baird passed away yesterday what this guy went through was unimaginable but yet he didn't hide away and he fought it head on!!
"He played Pavilion Festival, the Sr Summer all dayer and played Ibiza for us last year - what a brave, brave man - an inspiration to us all - our thoughts and prayers go out to his friends and family.
"RIP our good friend and sleep tight - Chasing the Phase!!"
Another person said: "So so sad, a true warrior right to the end. He fought with dignity, what an inspiration."
A third person said: "So sad. What a loss to the dance community. He will be spinning upstairs with the big man."
Another said: "I met Derek at Glitterbox last year and was blown away by his fight, determination and love for life. A genuinely lovely guy. Sending love to all of his family and friends."
Someone else said: "RIP Derek Baird you have been a true fighter and a massive inspiration to everyone with your journey. May you now rest in peace, mate."
Another wrote: "Such a cruel world, let's blow this up for Derek Baird after a brave battle he passed away. RIP brother. I didn't know you personally but I followed your journey and gutted to hear you have passed, hope you are out of pain now."
A close friend of Derek's wrote: "You tackled everything head on with such bravery and courage. The world is a sadder place without you big guy, will never forget you and the mark you left on us Keep chasing the phase on the other side my friend."
