Randall RobertsStory developing. Refresh often for updates.
TMZ is reporting that DJ AM, born in Philadelphia but a longtime LA resident, has been found dead in New York. AM was the co-owner of the popular high-end Hollywood nightclub LAX, as well as a longtime DJing partner with Blink 182 drummer Travis Barker.
Writes TMZ:
We're told DJ AM had not been seen or heard from for a few days. We're told one of his friends went to check on him, but got no response after knocking on his apartment door.
DJ AM and Busy P backstage last month at Hard Summer 2009 at the Fourm; Credit: Timothy Norris
DJ AM at Dim Mak Tuesdays in July
UPDATE 4:33 PM: New York Post is reporting that drug paraphernalia was found in his apartment.
DJ AM's last Tweet: “”New york, new york. Big city of dreams, but everything in new york aint always what it seems.”
DJ AM's last weekend in Atlantic City: Saturday, August 22:
(ed note: sorry for the dead link. innerorbitz removed the seven YouTube videos from YouTube that document the entire set. He/she is perhaps negotiating rights to someone for these right now.)
DJ AM talks about his heroin addiction, and suicide attempt, in this interview conducted with Hollywood Gossip last year.
“When I left rehab, I'd learned absolutely nothing about recovery … I attended a few meetings, but within five months I was back doing drugs. Then my father died. Eventually, my mom kicked me out of her house as well.”
Goldstein says his “main income was stealing cash and drugs from dealers. By 20, he began “freebasing cocaine” around the same time he began deejaying. “I would take my money, then race downtown and buy crack,” he tells the magazine.
Keep reading updates after the jump:
Listen to some of DJ AM's final words on the stage, from the introduction to his Saturday night show in Atlantic City: “My name is DJ AM. How are you guys feeling tonight? Are you guys fucked up!? Because I'm not. I guess I'm the only one that's not.” Click below:
(ed note: sorry for the dead link. see above for possible explanation)
***
DJ AM on his way to the mound at CitiField last Sunday to throw out the first pitch at a Mets game.; Credit: DJ AM Twitpic
UPDATE 5:05 PM: DJ AM throws out the first pitch at the Mets game on Sunday, August 23. His Tweet after the pitch: “Update. I made it to the plate! DEF not the best pitch, but I didn't bababooey it, so I know it wasn't the worst! Still was an honor.”
In the fall, LA Weekly freelancer Pamela Chelin covered an Avalon benefit for DJ AM after the plane carrying him and Travis Barker crashed.
“AM taught me how to mix in '99,” said Danny Masterson after his set. “So, I'd do anything and everything he'd ask me to do. I'm just happy he's safe.” Masterson's sister, Alanna, was also in attendance, brought with her Hilary Duff who said, “We're here to support the families and AM.”
Wearing one of the $20 DJ AM shirts being sold at the event with the proceeds going to the victims' families, Simon Rex said, “I was invited by Mark (Ronson) to do a couple of songs. I'm friends with Travis and AM and I came to support.”
“AM's one of my closest friends,” said DJ Steve Aoki. “I love him dearly and I'm glad to be part of this whole thing. I played with Travis and AM that night (of the crash). I'm happy to do this and to give my 20 bucks. It's horrible what happened.”
Though it was unknown if DJ AM would actually be in attendance last night, he emerged on stage to a grand roar from the audience and admitted being “honestly speechless” and “in shock” by the crowded club filled with such enthusiastic support. “Please say a prayer for Travis,” said AM. “I love you guys. Thank you so much. I hope you have fun. Peace.”
Longtime friend, the actor Danny Masterson, has Tweeted a quick shout-out to his friend: “RIP DJ.AM I love u and am so fucking crushed ur gone”
UPDATE 5:47 PM: The place to be in LA tonight is no doubt going to be LAX. No word on what's planned for this weekend's Banana Split Sundays at Bardot, AM and DJ Steve Aoki's weekly throwdown there. This is the next Hollywood show that AM was scheduled to play, according to his MySpace page. Here's the flyer and the video, though.
Banana Split Sundaes from Dim Mak on Vimeo.
Do you have memories of your favorite DJ AM gig? Share them in the comments section below.
Advertising disclosure: We may receive compensation for some of the links in our stories. Thank you for supporting LA Weekly and our advertisers.