GERMAN DJ Tomcraft has died at the age of 49.
The house and trance DJ, real name Thomas Bruckner, is best known for his UK number one hit Loneliness.
Announcing his death, Bruckner’s family said: “With a heavy heart, we need to inform you that… our beloved father and husband has passed away.
“We will forever carry you in our hearts and love you until we’re reunited again.”
British DJ and producer Judge Jules shared a touching tribute to the star – describing him as a “lovely guy who made one of the greatest records ever”.
German DJ Sash! said: “I just can not believe it. He seemed to be so healthy.
“We shared so many stages together the last couple of months.”
German producer and DJ Westbam – real name Maximilian Lenz – said Bruckner’s death was “truly heartbreaking” – and he “had fantastic new music coming”.
He said: “I played together with him in Rügen just 2 weeks ago… he sounded great and very much like unmistakably him.”
Born in Munich, DJ Tomcraft found fame in the late 1990s and early 2000s with his hit track Loneliness – a favourite in clubs worldwide.
The song shot to number eight in the UK in 2002 – and reached the number one spot the following year.
And the anthem won a new generation of fans after it was featured in thriller Saltburn last year.
In a book by Jon Kutner and Spencer Leigh titled 1,000 Number One Hits, Bruckner said: “The lyrics say that happiness seems to be loneliness and loneliness killed my world.
“It doesn’t really make much sense to me either – but I prefer it because of that.
“I like the idea that it is a bit crazy – it’s just that kind of record.”
Brit singer Will Young gave a nod to the classic by incorporating its lyrics into his 2015 hit Love Revolution.
Bruckner was also known for his songs The Circle, Prosac and Silence.
He also collaborated with Sonique, Hardwell and Bloodhound Gang’s Jimmy Pop during his career.
The iconic DJ released a total of four albums during his life – all within just six years.
He played to a crowd of 1.3million at Berlin’s infamous Love Parade in 2003 – and played shows across the world.
