Peter Rauhofer's Friends Release 'Don't You (Forget About Me)' Remix on Anniversary of His Death
It's been one year since DJ and producer Peter Rauhofer passed away following a courageous battle with brain cancer. On the anniversary of his death, the Grammy-winning musician's close friends and management are sharing one more gift of his with the world for Yahoo Music readers — his final remix — a reinterpretation of the classic '80s anthem "Don't You (Forget About Me)" by Simple Minds.
[Related: Grammy-Winning DJ, Producer Peter Rauhofer Dies at 48]
Peter completed the remix just before his passing and played it only a few times out in clubs. Several of his peers consider it among the best ever of his prolific body of remix work.
Peter — a native of Vienna, Austria, who made New York City his second home — was one of the most important remixers of artists ranging from the mainstream (Christina Aguilera, Pink, and Madonna), to the underground (Celeda, Suzanne Palmer, and Avenue D).
Recording Academy President Neil Portnow said following Peter's passing in 2013, "Grammy-winner Peter Rauhofer was an innovative and gifted DJ, producer and remixer. His acclaimed dance mixes of recordings by Madonna, Rihanna, Whitney Houston, and Mariah Carey solidified him as pioneer of club music. In 1999, under the moniker Club 69, Peter received a Grammy for Remixer of the Year (Non-Classical) for Cher’s anthem 'Believe' and other inventive work he did that year. His impact on EDM will continue to inspire music lovers and keep them dancing. Our heartfelt condolences go out to his family, friends and worldwide fans who mourn his untimely death."
[Related: Molly Ringwald Talks Jazz Album, Simple Minds Cover]
"Don't You (Forget About Me)" was the highlight of the soundtrack to the 1985 John Hughes film "The Breakfast Club." The track was the No. 1 song in the U.S. for three weeks, the only chart-topper for the new wave band. It's since been covered countless times, including versions by Anna Kendrick and the Barden Bellas in the 2012 film "Pitch Perfect" and most recently in a March episode of "Glee." "Breakfast Club" star Molly Ringwald released her own jazz interpretation of the song for her 2013 album, in tribute to the late Hughes.
Head here to check out more of Peter's remixes and productions.