Our dear friend Chriss Ronson has passed away at the age of 48
2026.01.11 - Balatonica
We have lost one of the most distinctive and most beloved figures of the Hungarian electronic music scene — an artist who left a lasting mark on everyone who knew him, not only through his music, but through his integrity, openness, and unshakable love of life.
From the late 1990s onward, the name Chriss Ronson became inseparable from the golden era of Hungarian club culture. He rose to prominence at a time when DJs built communities, when a single night out could feel like a shared ritual, and when a DJ set was an event in itself. His career soon reached far beyond Hungary’s borders: international festivals, European clubs, and iconic venues all testified to the fact that a world-class talent had emerged from Hungary.
Yet he never represented this success with loud self-promotion. Instead, he carried it with quiet elegance, musical intelligence, and a rare sensitivity. His sets always carried something unmistakably “Chriss Ronson” — a distinctive arc and emotional flow that many tried to emulate, but few could truly reach. He listened to his audience, and in return they trusted him enough to follow him into braver, more adventurous musical territories.
Even during his severe illness, he never turned away from life. He spoke honestly about pain and fear, but even more about how meaning, growth, and inner anchors can still be found in the midst of suffering. He did not see illness as an enemy, but as a signal — one that calls for self-reflection, slowing down, and humility. His unforgettable smile held his entire philosophy of life: focusing on the good, even in the hardest moments.
Music remained a healing force for him throughout this time. Even if less frequently, he continued to perform, to write music, and to reveal a quieter, more intimate side of himself. The energy of the dancefloor and the shared vibration with his audience gave him strength until the very end.
Chriss Ronson was a DJ and producer who came to represent an entire generation. For countless people, he was a gateway into the world of electronic music. His passing marks not only the end of a remarkable career, but the closing of an era.
We will miss his smile, his refined musical storytelling, and the calm attention with which he turned toward every person. Yet the immense value and the countless experiences he left behind will stay with us for a very long time to come.
Thank you for letting us be part of this magical journey.
Rest in peace, Chriss.
