Well-known North Texas DJ and musician Mark Ridlen passed away Saturday, Nov. 16, at the age of 65, following a lengthy battle with lung and kidney cancer. Ridlen died in a Dallas hospital, surrounded by friends.
Ridlen was known by his stage name of DJ Mr. Rid and was a familiar face at events in the LGBTQ community, including in recent months a North Texas LGBT Chamber of Commerce New Members Showcase and Hunky’s recent grand re-opening party at the Cedar Springs Road location.
According to a memorial tribute written by Pete Freedman for WFAA.com, Ridlen first made his name by making mixtapes for vintage clothing stores, which led to him being hired to work at the Starck Club when it opened in 1984. That same year, he founded his psychedelic rock band Lithium X-Mas.
As the 1980s Deep Ellum rock scene began to fade, Ridlen continued to work as DJ Mr. Rid, and he launched a separate identity as DJ Deluxe to spin at weddings and fashion events. He co-hosted a weekly radio show called Sonic Assembly Power Hour on 89.3-FM KNON and regularly formed new bands, as well as creating his karaoke event/singalong party known as Scaraoke!
Friends turned his annual Mr. Rid’s Birthday Virgo-Go Party at the Double Wide in Deep Ellum in August into a benefit to help him cover medical expenses. Despite his declining health, he DJed at the State Fair on Texas-OU gameday.
Survivors include his mother Nancy and his brother David. A memorial service is in the works with details still to be announced.
— Tammye Nash