Simon Marlin, the British half of the acclaimed house music duo The Shapeshifters, has shared the devastating news that his wife has passed away. The announcement was made on Thursday through a deeply emotional and personal tribute posted on his Instagram account.
A Heartfelt Farewell to a 'Best Friend'
In his poignant social media post, Marlin addressed his late wife directly, describing her as his 'best friend' and expressing profound sorrow mixed with a sense of relief that her suffering has ended. He wrote, 'Farewell my love. Today is a day I feared, not having your unwavering love, your council, your support but most importantly your friendship.'
The DJ and producer went on to acknowledge her fierce battle, stating, 'You fought so hard to stay with us but I am now happy your pain is gone and your light will burn bright elsewhere.' His words painted a picture of a deeply supportive partnership, with Marlin adding, 'You have countless times always been there when I needed you, through the ups and downs you never faltered.'
An Outpouring of Support from Fans and Friends
The comments section beneath Marlin's post quickly filled with messages of condolence and support from friends, fellow musicians, and devoted fans of The Shapeshifters. Responses included sentiments such as 'So tragic. So sad. Much love to you and thinking of you all' and 'Simón, so very sorry, my deepest condolences sending love & prayers for you and your family.'
Another fan commented, 'beautiful words …. Sending condolences x,' while others expressed their heartbreak at the news, with one writing, 'I’m sending you so much love. I hate hearing this news. My heart goes out to you.'
The Shapeshifters' Legacy in UK Music
Simon Marlin, alongside his Swedish musical partner Max Reich, forms The Shapeshifters, a duo that has left an indelible mark on the UK's house music scene. They are perhaps best known for their debut single, the iconic 'Lola's Theme,' which catapulted to number one on the UK Singles Chart in 2004, becoming a staple of club culture in the mid-2000s.
The pair followed this success with their second single, 'Back to Basics,' which reached number 10 in March 2005. Throughout the late 2000s and early 2010s, they continued to release a stream of well-received singles, solidifying their reputation within the electronic music industry.
Marlin's Evolving Career and Collaborations
In more recent years, Simon Marlin has expanded his professional endeavours beyond the duo's core work. He has ventured into solo DJing, music production, and label management, while also establishing himself as a sought-after remixer and collaborator for major artists.
The Shapeshifters have worked with an impressive roster of stars, including the late George Michael, Leona Lewis, and Cee Lo Green, creating hits that have resonated across the pop and dance music landscapes. Marlin's personal tribute to his wife underscores the profound personal loss behind the public figure, as the music community mourns alongside him.
