The music world is in mourning after legendary 1980s musician Paul Hardcastle shared the devastating news that his son, Paul Hardcastle Jr, has died following a fatal motorcycle accident. The younger Hardcastle was 35 years old.
A Father's Heartbreaking Tribute
Paul Hardcastle Sr, aged 68, announced the tragedy in a deeply emotional Instagram post on Monday night. He accompanied the message with a poignant childhood photograph of his son. The singer, composer and producer wrote: 'Just to let you know that my super talented son Paul Hardcastle Jnr was in a fatal motorcycle accident earlier and has sadly died. RIP son love Dad.'
A Musical Legacy Cut Short
Paul Hardcastle Jr was a respected musician in his own right, known for his skill on the saxophone and as a DJ. He followed in his father's footsteps, forging a successful career in the industry. His first major musical collaboration was on his father's 2008 album, Hardcastle 5, where he featured on the final track, 'Take 1'.
He continued this creative partnership, also contributing to the 2022 release, Hardcastle X. His debut solo single, 'Touch and Go', released in 2010 and produced by his father, was a significant success, reaching number one on the USA Billboard Jazz Chart.
The Enduring Legacy of Paul Hardcastle Sr
Paul Hardcastle is perhaps best known for his iconic 1985 anti-war hit '19', which addressed the experiences of soldiers in the Vietnam War and topped the charts. A highly respected electronic producer, keyboardist and composer, he also made a lasting mark on British television. In 1986, his track 'The Wizard' was adopted as the theme tune for BBC's Top Of The Pops weekly chart show, a role it fulfilled until 1991.
The same year, he released a notable remix of 'One Wish' by the band Hiroshima. The news of his son's untimely death has sent waves of sadness through the entertainment community and among his fans worldwide, who remember the Hardcastle family in their thoughts.
