Juan Atkins, Detroit techno pioneer, dies at 64
The artist, known as Model 500, was found unresponsive in a Mexico City hotel room before a scheduled performance.
At a glance
- Atkins was found unresponsive in a Mexico City hotel room prior to a scheduled performance
- He was pronounced dead after being taken to hospital
- He performed as Model 500 and was one half of Cybotron
- He is credited as a pioneer of Detroit techno and influential figure in global dance music
Juan Atkins, a founding figure of Detroit techno and influential force in dance music globally, has died aged 64. His agency confirmed that he was discovered unresponsive in a hotel room in Mexico City ahead of a performance and was pronounced dead after hospitalisation.
Atkins performed under the name Model 500 and was part of the electronic duo Cybotron, helping to shape the sound that emerged from Detroit and influenced dance music worldwide.
Why it matters
Atkins was instrumental in developing Detroit techno, a genre that became hugely influential in electronic and dance music worldwide.
Original reporting
- The Guardian — WorldJuan Atkins, pioneer of Detroit techno sound, dies aged 64
- The Guardian — CultureJuan Atkins, pioneer of Detroit techno sound, dies aged 64
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