16-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Tributes paid to 'warrior' Scots DJ who died after battling terminal face cancer
Glasgow music producer Derek Baird has been described as an "absolute warrior" by devastated fans after a brave fight for several years.
Tributes have poured in for an inspirational Scots DJ who has tragically lost his battle with face cancer.
Derek Baird has been described as an "absolute warrior" by devastated fans. The Glasgow music producer, sadly passed away in his sleep on Wednesday after putting up a brave fight for several years.
Derek who took to the airwaves on Glasgow station Groove City Radio and the DJ was also popular on the Scottish dance music festival circuit, including at Ayr's Pavilion Festival and STREETrave's Summer All-Dayer bash at SWG3.
Despite battling terminal illness Derek launched a clothing brand Chasing The Phase and continued to perform. The much-loved DJ was receiving treatment at the Marie Curie Hospice.
Derek's heartbroken family took to social media to confirm the sad news on Wednesday evening.
Paying tribute to the dad-of-one, a post on his Facebook page read "Sadly, our wee Del passed peacefully in his sleep today.
"Everyone who had the pleasure of meeting Derek will know how special he is, although he is no longer with us his amazing spirit with live with us all forever.
"The family would like to thank everyone who has supported Derek throughout his inspiring journey."
Promoters STREETrave paid a heartfelt tribute to a"good friend" who went "through the unimaginable".
Their statement read: "As many of you know - our good friend Derek Baird passed away yesterday what this guy went throug h 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 loving wife Linda & daughter Lauren and the rest of his friends and family
"RIP our good friend & sleep tight - Chasing the Phase!"
Their tribute came just weeks after they honoured Derek at their 2025 Ayr festival. A big screen at the festival had Derek's picture with the words "thinking of you" attached during one of the act's performances.
Heartbroken friends and family flocked to social media to remember the DJ to pay tribute.
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One pal wrote: "Absolute warrior. Sending much love to his family and friends."
Another said: "Absolutely heartbroken he was a great guy and we had some major laughs together. Till we meet again my friend. RIP."
A third shared: "RIP Derek what a warrior you were you will be sadly missed my friend."
Meanwhile a fourth added: "What a loss to the dance community. He will be spinning upstairs with the big man."
