Tributes have been paid to songwriter and DJ John Reid, who has died at the age of 61.
The Glaswegian producer and vocalist was best recognised for his work co-writing songs for the likes of Sir Rod Stewart, Tina Turner, Nightcrawlers and more.
Some of his biggest hits included the house classic ‘Push The Feeling On’, Westlife’s Number One single ‘Unbreakable’, and Kelly Clarkson’s ‘A Moment Like This’ – which later topped the charts in the UK when it was covered by X Factor winner Leona Lewis.
News of his death was confirmed online by his former fiancee, Mary Kiani. “Just heard this morning that my first love John Reid died suddenly,” she wrote (as per Metro).
Although she did not reveal a cause of death, she did share how the two of them began their relationship, saying that they “met in Glasgow but fell in love in London”.
“Last year, I got in touch with him. I said I’d love to say hello again before one of us dies,” Kiani added. “I saw him just last year in Glasgow. RIP John, Love Bubbs.’
Tributes were also paid by vocal coach and Red Hot Chilli Pipers singer Chris Judge, who wrote (via Daily Mail): “RIP John Reid, an incredible Scottish singer with so much soul most famous for his vocals in the Nightcrawlers hit ‘Push The Feeling On’.”
“I remember him from doing road shows all over the country, back when I was in the boy band days,” Judge added. “He was always such a nice guy, very encouraging and supportive to all the new bands. He had so much success as a writer, but it was his voice I loved. He was an incredible singer and well respected.”
The aforementioned Nightcrawlers single was famously sampled by Pitbull in his 2009 song ‘Hotel Room Service’.
Fans have also taken to social media to pay tribute to the DJ and songwriter, with one person on X writing: “Hearing the terribly sad news… We say a fond farewell and thank you for giving me so much music to enjoy in my teenage years. Music lives on always.”
Another shared: “Sorry to hear this news. RIP John Reid. DJ, producer, songwriter & Nightcrawlers star. The classic ‘Push The Feeling On’. Co-writer of Leona/Kelly hit ‘A Moment Like This’ plus songs for Westlife, Tina Turner, Rod Stewart, Bad Boys Inc, Eternal, Andrea Bocelli. My Condolences.”
“Sad hearing that John Reid of the Nightcrawlers has passed away,” added a third. “’Push the Feeling on’ remains a popular crowd fave to this day. R.I.P John”.
Sorry to hear this news. RIP John Reid. DJ, producer, songwriter & Nightcrawlers star. The classic Push The Feeling On. Co-writer of Leona/Kelly hit “A Moment Like This” plus songs for Westlife, Tina Turner, Rod Stewart, Bad Boys Inc, Eternal, Andrea Bocelli. My Condolences 🖤 pic.twitter.com/sEVP9wS2Oe
— Kevin Hughes (@Popprince) June 16, 2025
Hearing the terribly sad news.
Memories of the 90s is fading.
We say a fond farewell and thankyou for giving me so much music to enjoy in my teenage years.
John Reid Mr Nightcrawler 😢 farewell and thankyou. Music lives on always. pic.twitter.com/ddj6hQtd0S— Lisa Marie Hawley 🪡🧵🎧 (@LiseyLoopster) June 16, 2025
Sad hearing that John Reid of the Nightcrawlers has passed away. John was on the same management as myself , First Avenue, back in the 90’s. ‘ Push the Feeling on’ remains a popular crowd fave to this day. R.I.P John https://t.co/XUBcdOtprm
— Mooli (@moolimusic) June 16, 2025
As well as working alongside Rod Steward and Tina Turner, Reid was also behind singles from Eternal and Gemini, and helped pen Claire Richards’ festive single ‘My Heart Is Heading Home (This Christmas)’.
He previously collaborated with Simon Cowell and Ian Levine on the Bad Boys Inc. 1994 single ‘Whenever You Need Someone’.
