Paul Walden, Known As Guru Josh, Musician Behind “Infinity,” Dies At 51

Paul Walden, known as Guru Josh, died on Monday due to unknown circumstances. Walden, best known for his club anthem in 1990, “Infinity,” was only 51 when he died in Ibiza.

Rumors are circulating that his girlfriend walked out on Christmas and that Walden wasn’t dealing well with the situation. Walden’s agent, Sharron Elkabas confirmed his death. “Guru Josh was without a doubt one of the biggest characters in the business and an immensely talented and creative person. It was a pleasure to have known and worked with him – he will be missed. RIP Paul Walden.”

Walden, a New Jersey native, studied dentistry but gave it up to pursue music in London in the late 1980s. There he worked as a booking agent and played shows with his band, Joshua Cries Wolf. In Walden’s most recent interview with the Guardian, he explained how he was given an ecstasy pill at a gig and it changed his entire perspective on life. From there, he explored the rave scene and reinvented himself as Guru Josh. He began working with his band’s saxophone player, Mad Mick, to create house music. The result was the creation of “Infinity.” The song catered to the rave scene with a saxophone twist.

Walden sent out 500 copies to different DJs in the area but few to none responded except Mike Pickering, DJ at Manchester’s Hacienda, who played it frequently. With Pickering’s help, the song became the anthem for the Manchester club scenes. The record was a hit and peaked at number five on the UK charts. Walden went onto create more music, Whose Law (Is It Anyway)?, but it did not share the same success as the first.

Walden decided to move to Ibiza where he concentrated on his digital graphics business and rave promotions company. There, he reinvented himself again as Dr Devious. His work included combining music with 3D graphics.

In 2008, Infinity was remastered by German artist DJ Klaas and sold six million copies.