When you think of the greatest Trance producers of recent years, Jon O’ Bir is certainly one of the names that will come to mind. And after 12 wonderful, fruitful and musically rich years of in the industry, the Trance guru has called it quits.

After dishing out scores of brilliantly produced tracks and stupendous collaborations with other heavyweights such as Marcus Schossow, Gareth Emery and Sonic Element, just to name a few.

He has had a career most artists could only dream off. Jon’s life changed back in September 2002 when he won a DJ competition for Passion and M8 magazine, beating 300 other aspiring DJ’s. Godskitchen soon offered Jon a residency and the prospect of a fledging career as Britain’s next DJ sensation.

Appearances on the Essential selection and Fergie’s Radio 1 show as well as a trip to Holland for a guest mix on Armin van Buuren’s popular’ A State of Trance’ show propelled his name to a wider audience.

During his residency at Godskitchen, Jon gained respect from DJ’s and clubbers for his flawless warm up and energetic peak time sets. He showed how diverse his resident skills were by warming up for Sasha, Tiesto, Paul van Dyk and many more big name acts. He also kept the dance floor rocking, playing after these A-list DJ’s.

Jon has been as hot in the studio as he has been on the DJ circuit. One of his early productions ‘Ways & Means’ was named after his radio show and remixed by Trance god Paul van Dyk, became a huge release in 2008. His debut album ‘From Within’ followed shortly after, with Paul van Dyk again being involved, releasing it on the massive Vandit Records. 2010 was a very successful year for O’Bir’s productions. ‘Out of Touch’, ‘Never Enough’ and ‘Stringer’  all delivered with plays from all the top jocks and two highly acclaimed Beatport Trance number 1’s in ‘Never Enough’ and ‘Found A Way’, the latter being included in Armin van Buuren’s top 10 tracks of 2010. Jon O’ Bir even garnered huge support from Trance Trio Above and Beyond playing a guest mix on their weekly podcast, Trance Around the World, most recently being the 396th episode.

On 21st March, 2013, Jon O’ Bir had this to say on his facebook page.

“Hello… and goodbye. 

After 12 years, I’ve decided to move away from DJ’ing and producing. I lived the dream in those 12 years, too many highlights to mention, but include playing at some of the most amazing events, being resident of GodsKitchen, having a show on BBC Radio 1, being invited to do the Essential Mix and of course the two albums ‘From Within’ and ‘Music Database’. A big THANK YOU to all who have helped me along in my career, you know who you are and of course to you, who listened and watched me during what seemed this unreal moment in my life, I could not have done it without you. I will be moving on to another exciting project, but I’ll still be working closely for our events and label company, Infinity. 

Details of my last few gigs to come soon, I hope to see some of you there, but for now, I’ll leave you with one of the highs. Midnight, NYE 2005, New York City on my 21st birthday. One of many golden memories.“

Leaving scores and scores of fans utterly disheartened at the loss of one of Trance Music’s greatest acts.

Here’s wishing Jon O’ Bir all the very best in whatever endeavours he pursues, and a huge thank you from all of us at The Bangin Beats and the Trance family all over the world, for his wonderful contribution to the industry. GodSpeed.