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What José María Castells died of: details about the life and death of the iconic Spanish DJ
The world of electronic music is in mourning following the death of José María Castells Lloberas, a prominent Spanish DJ and music producer , who died on January 1, 2025, at the age of 59, after a battle against cancer diagnosed in May 2024.
The news, which was announced in the middle of the New Year, has deeply moved the artistic community and its fans around the world.
Castells’ death represents an irreparable loss for the music world. His passion, creativity and commitment to art left an indelible mark on dance culture and on those who had the privilege of enjoying his music.
Biography of Jose Maria Castells
José María Castells was a key figure in electronic and dance music during the 1980s and 1990s. His name became immortalised by his participation in the creation of the popular Max Mix compilations, which revolutionised the art of megamixes.
Together with Toni Peret and Quique Tejada, he formed the legendary Dream Team Megamix, whose innovation in mixing songs positioned him as a benchmark in the genre.
Castells not only marked the history of dance music with his mixing skills, but also helped expand the horizons of electronic music in Spain, becoming an icon for later generations of DJs.
Born in Barcelona on 9 August 1965, Castells began his musical career at the age of 15 as a nightclub assistant. His talent soon led him to stand out in professional competitions, achieving second place in the first DJ competition organised by the MAX MUSIC record label in 1985.
This achievement marked the beginning of a prolific career that would include the creation of numerous megamixes and collaboration with important musical projects.
Among his most notable contributions are Max Mix volumes 3 to 12, which achieved great success on the charts. This work, carried out together with Toni Peret, positioned him as one of the most influential DJs of his time.
Beyond the stages
José María Castells not only shined in the DJ booths, but also left his mark in other areas of the music industry. He was one of the driving forces behind the television format Operación Triunfo in the early 2000s, which demonstrated his ability to innovate in different facets of music. In addition, he owned several nightclubs, consolidating his influence on the Spanish nightlife scene.
In 2015, he reunited with Peret and Tejada to form Dream3Team Reload, reviving the spirit of the legendary Dream Team and bringing their legacy to new audiences.
