Paul Hardcastle has announced the heartbreaking death of his son, Paul Hardcastle Jr., who died at the age of 35 following a fatal motorcycle accident.
The devastating news was shared Monday night on the legendary musician’s official Instagram account. Alongside a throwback photo of his son, the 68-year-old artist wrote:
“Just to let you know that my super talented son Paul Hardcastle Jnr was in a fatal motorcycle accident earlier and has sadly died. RIP son love Dad.”
Paul Hardcastle Jr. was a gifted musician in his own right, known for his work as a saxophonist, DJ, and producer. He frequently collaborated with his father and became part of the Hardcastle musical legacy at a young age. In 2008, he appeared on the final track, Take 1, from Hardcastle 5, and later contributed to the 2022 release Hardcastle X.Paul.
His biggest breakthrough came in 2010 when he co-wrote, recorded, and performed his debut single, Touch and Go, which was produced by his father. The track became a major success, reaching No. 1 on the U.S. Billboard Jazz Chart and establishing him as an international talent in his own right.
Tributes poured in almost immediately from fans and friends in the music and television worlds. Former TOWIE star James Argent wrote, “I’m so sorry mate, thinking of you all. Heartbreaking,” while presenter Hayley Palmer shared, “Paul, I don’t even have the words — I am so, so sorry to hear this. Heartbreaking. I’m thinking of you Paul.”
Paul Hardcastle Sr. rose to global fame in the 1980s with his iconic No. 1 hit 19, a song famously created in his parents’ living room in Leytonstone and backed by future music mogul Simon Fuller. The track topped charts in 13 countries and became one of the most recognizable songs of the decade.
Now, decades after that breakthrough, Hardcastle faces an unimaginable personal loss — the death of the son who followed him into music and shared his creative world. Paul Hardcastle Jr. is remembered not only for his talent and success, but for being a beloved son whose life was taken far too soon.
Paul Hardcastle Jr. obituary and funeral arrangements will be made available by his family at a later date.