​Legendary Neapolitan techno DJ Rino Cerrone has died aged 52

Legendary Neapolitan techno DJ and producer Rino Cerrone has died aged 52, his family confirmed yesterday (September 25).

In a post on his official Facebook page, Cerrone’s family wrote: “With immense sorrow and a broken heart we bid farewell to our brother Rino Cerrone who passed away this morning.”

“We lived for years with the hope of your return to the scene, unfortunately our dream did not come true, but your groove will always remain in our hearts. We are close to the pain of your family!”

Rino Cerrone was best known for his influential techno sound which became synonymous with the city of Naples, helping to evoke a techno movement in the city through the early ‘00s.

Cerrone offered artists a platform to release their music through his record labels, Rilis, UnRilis, and Loose Records, and helped to bring up some of today's techno stars including Marco Carola and Joseph Capriati.

In a tribute posted yesterday (September 25), Capriati called Cerrone a “true legend of music, but above all a great friend and a unique and unrepeatable person”.

“My friend, I can't believe you are gone,” he wrote. “You taught me everything, supported me in difficult times and we shared days making music and talking about life. As long as I live, I will carry your memory high everywhere I go.”

During his career, Cerrone was part of groups including the live techno trio Q-Men, and Neapolitan duo Junction Hands alongside Markantonio.

Markantonio has paid tribute to the late DJ on Facebook, writing: “His music has indelibly marked the techno made in Naples, his unmistakable sound will forever be a source of inspiration for generations to come.”

Read some tributes below.

Gemma Ross is Mixmag's Assistant Editor, follow her on Twitter