Nightcrawlers frontman and Westlife songwriter John Reid dies aged 61

John Reid, the Scottish DJ, vocalist and songwriter best known as the founder of British-American house music group Nightcrawlers and co-writer of Westlife’s hit 'Unbreakable', has died at the age of 61.

Reid’s death was confirmed by his former fiancée, singer Mary Kiani, in a post on Facebook. She did not disclose the cause of death but said he had died "suddenly".

A key figure in the 1990s dance scene, Reid gained prominence as the voice behind the Nightcrawlers single 'Push The Feeling On.'

Although the original 1992 release had moderate success, it was the 1995 remix by US producer MK (Marc Kinchen) that transformed the track into a global club anthem. The single again found renewed popularity after being sampled in Pitbull’s 2009 hit 'Hotel Room Service.' It is considered a dance music classic.

Beyond his work with Nightcrawlers, Reid had a prolific career as a songwriter, contributing to singles for major artists including Tina Turner ('When the Heartache Is Over'), Rod Stewart, Eternal, Andrea Bocelli and Leona Lewis. He co-wrote 'A Moment Like This', originally performed by Kelly Clarkson and later a UK chart-topper for Lewis following her X Factor win.

Tributes have been shared online by peers and fans alike. Speaking to the Daily Mail, vocal coach Chris Judge described Reid as "an incredible Scottish singer with so much soul."