Daniel Wherrett, the influential West Coast house music producer and DJ known professionally as DJ Dan, has died. He was 57. No cause of death has been reported; the passing was announced on March 31, 2026.

Career and influence

Born in Washington in 1968, Wherrett grew up around Seattle and later relocated to San Francisco, where he launched a career as a live DJ, mix‑CD creator and producer. Over a career spanning more than three decades, DJ Dan released numerous singles and three studio albums and became a defining figure in American electronic and house music.

His production and remix work included high‑profile reworks for artists such as Lady Gaga, New Order, Orgy and Paris Hilton, and his DJ sets were celebrated for their kinetic energy and synesthetic sensibility—described by his representatives as a vision of music in color.

Announcement, tributes and recent activity

A statement shared on social media from DJ Dan’s representatives said: “It is with profound sorrow, deep admiration, and an enduring sense of gratitude and love that we announce the passing of Daniel Wherrett — known professionally to the world simply as DJ Dan — one of the most beloved, genre‑defying, and genuinely influential pioneers in the history of American electronic music.” The statement added personal reflections on his approach to music and cited inspirations including James Brown and his parents.

Click here to see the full official statement on DJ Dan’s death.

Billboard reported that DJ Dan had been scheduled to perform on March 28 at the Dead Ringer club in Reno, Nevada. Beyond that scheduling detail, news outlets have reported that no cause of death or location has been disclosed.

Legacy

Colleagues and fans have paid tribute to DJ Dan’s musical vision and long contribution to house and electronic music. His mixes, productions and remixes helped shape the sound of the West Coast electronic scene and influenced generations of DJs and producers.

By Stephen Andrew Galiher. Published March 31, 2026.

Image Referance: https://www.vice.com/en/article/dj-dan-west-coast-house-music-icon-dead-at-57/