Family pay tribute to London gay legend, Simon Hobart

By Benjamin Cohen • October 23, 2005 - 0:00

Simon Hobart's family descibed him as “a wonderful, unique person who will be sadly missed“

37 Comments on Family pay tribute to London gay legend, Simon Hobart

Simon Hobart, the legendry founder of the London's alternative gay scene died in the early hours of Sunday morning. Much of London's gay community was in shock as the news spread over the course of the week.

Simon who founded Popstarz, Ghetto and Trash Palace is credited for the having initiated the gay indie scene in London and far beyond. Police have confirmed that the body of a man matching Mr Hobart's description was found on Sunday morning outside his home. They are not treating the death as suspicious.

He started his DJ career at the gothic club Kitcat in the 1980s and later opened a club night called Bedrock at the famous Marquee club. In 1995 he launched Popstarz, which in time became the largest gay club night in London with thousands of regular revellers. It also attracted scores of big name stars including Mick Jagger, Brian Molko, Keith Flint and Little Britain star Matt Lucas.

He later went on to launch Ghetto, the popular club situated below the Astoria in the centre of the westend and latterly Trash Palace, a gay bar in China Town.

In a statement to the press, Simon's family promised to ensure that his legacy promoting tolerant, friendly clubs would continue.

"We would like to thank all of Simon's friends and everyone who have sent messages of love and support. Simon was a wonderful, unique person who will be sadly missed.

Through his clubs and events he has touched and changed many lives, and made thousands of people happy.

It was Simon's wish, and it is also the wish of his family, that Simon's legacy continues after his death. Therefore Popstarz, Ghetto and Trash Palace will continue to operate and bring joy to all the people that Simon cared about so much.

Simon's clubs will be run in the manner and style that Simon wanted and continue to raise money for Simon's favourite charity, MacMillan Cancer Relief.

Dearest Simon, you live on in our hearts forever."

Popstarz, Simon's most popular night (held on Fridays at the Scala, King's Cross) will re-open on the 4th November with an event celebrating his life that will raise money for MacMillan Cancer Relief.

PinkNews.co.uk joins with the many people who have contributed their own tributes in our comment area to thank Simon for many nights of entertainment and support of our website over the past few months. We will miss him greatly.

Any advertising revenue accrued from this page will be passed on to MacMillian Cancer Relief in Simon's memory.

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