Scottish DJ Jack Revill, known as Jackmaster, passed away unexpectedly at the age of 38 following complications from an accidental head injury. Revill died on a Saturday morning in Ibiza, Spain, as his family confirmed in a heartfelt Instagram statement.
“His family—Kate, Sean, and Johnny—are utterly heartbroken,” the message read. The family also thanked fans for their overwhelming support while requesting privacy during this difficult time.
Revill, a beloved figure in the electronic music scene, made a significant impact through his work with the Numbers label and Rubadub Records in Glasgow. His passion for music and ability to blend genres into electrifying DJ sets earned him admiration worldwide. His family emphasized his lasting legacy, stating that his contributions to the dance music industry will remain “indelible.”
Born on January 11, 1986, in Glasgow, Revill’s love for music began at a young age when he worked in a record shop.
In a 2012 interview with Resident Advisor, he reflected on his time there: “I never worked for money. It was always just like, you would take a record per hour… I never had to buy any records again.” This job sparked his desire to DJ, which he began doing at 17 under the name Jackmaster, a nod to the Chicago house scene of the 1980s.
As his career took off, Revill became a sought-after DJ, performing at famous clubs and festivals worldwide. By 2014, he had secured a BBC Radio 1 Essential Mix residency, adding to his accolades, including the Breakthrough DJ Award at DJ Mag’s Best of British Awards in 2010. He co-founded the Numbers record label, which contributed to discovering and promoting emerging artists in electronic music.
In 2018, Revill faced controversy after being accused of sexual assault at the Love Saves the Day Festival in the UK. Under the influence of GHB at the time, Revill later issued a public apology, stating that he had taken significant steps to address the negative aspects of his lifestyle, including taking an extended break from performing. The victims responded by acknowledging his apology and efforts to improve, noting their support for his personal growth.
Despite his troubled past, Jack Revill’s legacy as a trailblazer in electronic music remains undeniable. His final Instagram post on September 27 celebrated a gig at Hï Ibiza, where he wrote, “The vibe was wicked.”
How has a favorite artist or musician inspired you, and what legacy do you think they’ll leave behind?