MARK GOODINGS OF HIDDEN AGENDA DIES: DANCE MUSIC WORLD REACTS

Mark Goodings of pioneering Metalheadz duo Hidden Agenda has died.

Together with his brother Jason, Goodings was part of the label's first wave of acts, releasing their first Hidden Agenda record in 1995.

Offering an uplifting, jazzy sound the pair — Mark,the producer, Jason, the DJ — were regulars on Metalheadz and Creative Source throughout the mid-to-late '90s, before Mark moved to Switzerland in 1998 to make broken beat as Max Fresh.

News of Mark's passing was shared by Goldie via his Facebook page. The Metalheadz boss paid tribute to Goodings saying, "Hidden Agenda's legacy to UK underground music really cannot be underestimated."

Goodings was apparently with family and close friends at the time of his death. "I have a new respect for what it means to brave after Mark's decision to pass to the next life," added Goldie.

Many of drum & bass' most revered DJs, including DJ Marky and Doc Scott, have also spoken out in memory of Goodings on social media.

Rest in piece Mark , thoughts go out to Jason and the family #HiddenAgenda xx pic.twitter.com/jdQPJ9SgUv

— djstorm (@djstormdnb) 30 November 2016

God bless Mark Goodings, Hidden Agenda. An integral part of the original Metalheadz family & an inspiration to many in music. Gone too soon.

— Future 07.01.17 (@docscott31) 30 November 2016

2016 it's been so hard for the music, sports... and now we lost Mark Goodings from Hidden Agenda. Rest In Paradise Mark! :'(

— DJ Marky (@djmarky) 30 November 2016

Hidden Agenda. https://t.co/u0iNVahZQJ Hugely influential to me. Rinced this over and over.

— DJ Die - GutterFunk (@dieclearskyz) 23 November 2016

Sad to hear about the death of Mark Gooding from Hidden Agenda.. A major part of Creative Source and Liquid funk you will be sorely missed

— FABIO (@fabiodnb) 30 November 2016

R.i.P Mark Goodings of Hidden Agenda!! Save journey my friend #Headz4Life pic.twitter.com/hJRUv2UFCQ

— Randall (@Randallmac2) 30 November 2016

Rest in Peace Mark Goodings, #HiddenAgenda. he and his brother Jason created some of the most beautiful D&B/Jungle this scene has witnessed

— DJ Flight (@DJFlight) 30 November 2016

Sad to hear about the death of Mark Gooding from Hidden Agenda.. A major part of Creative Source and Liquid funk you will be sorely missed

— FABIO (@fabiodnb) 30 November 2016