Culture
27 Jul 20

Screamadelica star Denise Johnson has died

Rowetta, 808 State, Doves & New Order are among those paying tribute to the Manchester singer who was a pivotal part of Primal Scream during the '90s

The extremely sad news coming out of Manchester today is that singer Denise Johnson, who's probably best-known for handling lead vocals on one of the standouts from Primal Scream's Screamadelica classic, 'Don't Fight It, Feel It', has unexpectedly passed away.
A member of the Scream Team from 1990-'96, she also worked with New Order, A Certain Ratio, Ian Brown, Electronic and Maze, and was poised to release her debut solo album, Where Does It Go, which includes a cracking version of 'True Faith'.
The tributes have been pouring in with Rowetta from Happy Mondays messaging: "I have so many great memories of Denise from when we were young. We just used to sing and laugh like naughty schoolgirls all the time. A great loss to Manchester and music. My condolences to her family and loved ones.

"We are devastated by the news that our dearest friend, Denise Johnson, has passed away," add Tom and Phil from New Order and ShadowParty. "She moulded our album sound and brought smiles to everyone who was around her. We, and whole musical community, will miss you so much. Rest in paradise, sweet lady."

Adds New Order bandmate Stephen Morris: "Shocked and devastated to hear of the passing of Denise Johnson. An absolutely beautiful lady."

"Just devastated by the news of the passing of such a beautiful lady Denise Johnson," mourns Doves' Jimi Goodwin. "Rest in Peace, sweetheart, lost for words."

"Unbelievably sad news that our great friend, hero and inspiration Denise Johnson has passed away," say Space Monkeys. "We are all absolutely heartbroken. The world has lost not only one of it’s finest artists and voices but also a truly beautiful soul. Rest peacefully Denise. We love you."

"Can't believe the news that Denise Johnson has passed," 808 State reflect. "Her voice sews so many memories together in many contexts, but most of all she gave the best hugs. You can hear that, can't you?"

Some sad news tonight, Manchester singer Denise Johnson has died.

Brought up in Hulme, she was best known for her work with Primal Scream.

The full statement from her family is below: pic.twitter.com/NPIHu5fXI2

— BBC Radio Manchester (@BBCRadioManc) July 27, 2020