Simon Hobart, the man behind Popstarz, Trash Palace and the Ghetto, has died.

I'm stunned. I saw him on Friday and Saturday, and he was the same as always. Popstarz and all the off-shoots (like Lovebite and Miss-Shapes) changed my life and gave me some of the best nights of my life and introduced me to some of the best friends I ever had. (I even met my boyfriend at Popstarz!)

Simon was shy but kind, and often went out of his way for the regulars and to make sure the best night could be had by all.

This is a massive blow to the indie scene, both gay and straight; Popstarz influenced the national scene.