Mehdi backstage. Montreal. 2007.

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It was a real kick in the chest to learn about the passing of DJ Mehdi this morning. He was an incredibly gifted producer, DJ and tremendously nice guy- like unbelievably nice. In 2007 I had the privilege of photographing him in Montreal, Paris and Berlin, and was continually amazed by the passion he had for his craft, how effective he was at winding up the crowd and how friendly and approachable he was. At the time I was working on a book about club culture and he was incredibly cool about letting me document him- often on short notice and all around the world.

I actually have a really fond memory of being in Berlin, having issues getting into a club he was playing then having him vouch for me, get in me, apologize for the hassle then let me hang on stage with him throughout his whole set as he egged me on to raid his beers backstage. You’re not going to find many people that’ll do that. He was rad.

Above is the first photo I ever took of Mehdi backstage in Montreal. It’s by no means a great photo, but it marked the start of a loose friendship and some wicked times. I encourage you to bump his shit; especially Signatune which remains a banging track to this day. Long live Mehdi. Long live Ed Banger. RIP.