German DJ Tomcraft, real name Thomas Bruckner, has tragically passed away at the age of 49, prompting an outpouring of tributes online.
Bruckner's devastated family made the announcement on social media: "With a heavy heart, we need to inform you that yesterday, 15 July 202, our beloved father and husband has passed away. We will forever carry you in our hearts and love you until we're reunited again."
Judge Jules hailed him as a "lovely guy who made one of the greatest records ever". Tomcraft found fame in the late '90s and early '00s with his hit track Loneliness, which rocketed to number eight in the UK in 2002 and reached the coveted number one spot the following year.
Aside from Loneliness, Bruckner was also known for his successful songs The Circle, Prosac and Silence. He once reflected upon the writing process of his megahit Loneliness in a book by Jon Kutner and Spencer Leigh titled 1,000 Number One Hits.
In it, Tomcraft mused: "The lyrics say that happiness seems to be loneliness and loneliness killed my world. It doesn't really make much sense to me either - but I prefer it because of that. I like the idea that it is a bit crazy - it's just that kind of record."
The chart-topping song quickly became a favourite in clubs worldwide. Reports suggest that the first time he played it to a club crowd, the reaction was "unbelievable", with "people screaming and acting really crazy".
Following the release of Loneliness, it's been said that Judge Jules couldn't get enough of the track, spinning it for 13 straight weeks on his BBC Radio 1 show, as per the BBC. The tune has found its way to a new generation, featuring in the 2023 film Saltburn during an epic party sequence, and even caught the attention of Dutch EDM sensation Hardwell who, along with DJs From Mars, gave Loneliness a fresh spin in the same year.
Will Young tipped his hat to the classic by incorporating its lyrics into his 2015 hit Love Revolution. Devoted fans have taken to the YouTube comments section under the Loneliness video to pay their respects.
One fan penned: "RIP Tomcraft, you will live forever through your never dying music," while another shared: "RIP, thanks for this unique gift, which will be played forever and ever." Another said: "You made my childhood so happy. Thank you for this anthem."
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