DJ Reza, founder of Go Ventures and a pioneer in the Southern California rave scene, has passed away at the age of 51.
Go Ventures founder and legendary Southern California artist DJ Reza, real name Reza Gerami, has reportedly died of unspecified causes. He was 51.
DJ Reza had a storied legacy in the rave scene. A self-taught DJ with a limitless musical style, he became known as a trendsetter and true “Party Rocker” when behind the decks, regularly playing everything from funky house to electro.
Beyond DJing, DJ Reza turned his passion for the dance music community and decades of experience in nightlife into a vibrant career as the founder of Go Ventures. As a promoter, he helped usher in a new era of festivals and events in Southern California and beyond, with notable parties including The Love Festival, Monster Massive, and Together As One. These would become pillar events for many in the rave community in the late ’90s and early ’00s, directly feeding into the EDM boom of the early 2010s.
Many in the community have begun sharing their condolences and memories of the days of raves gone by on Instagram and Facebook. “This can’t be true. Not Reza. Not the rock of Gibraltar of the rave scene. Good God,” said renowned rave photographer Michael Tullberg. “How on earth can we say goodbye to a true legend…we would not be where we are without his efforts, his drive, his passion.”
“Love you, Reza. You lived life to the fullest and will forever be an iconic figure in US rave history,” said Insomniac founder and CEO Pasquale Rotella on Instagram Stories. “I’ll never forget our adventures and the challenges we faced together. It wasn’t always easy but you never gave up. Your influence will forever be felt in the rave community. You’ll be deeply missed. Rest in paradise my brother.”
The histories of Go Ventures and Insomniac were intertwined, as the two Southern California promoters had previously collaborated on editions of Together As One from 1998 to 2010. In 2011, the two promoters were embroiled in a financial scandal surrounding the illegal payments to an LA Memorial Coliseum events manager. Citing creative differences over the festival’s direction, the two split for years before making amends, with Together As One returning to Seattle in 2023 and 2024.
Last year saw DJ Reza spark life back into The Love Festival, with a one-night edition at Hollywood Palladium. He was also busy defining the next era of Go Ventures with Saturday Night Sessions at the forefront.
We here at EDM Identity extend our sincere condolences to the family and loved ones of DJ Reza during this difficult time. His energy and passion for the rave community will be missed in Southern California and throughout the regions he graced over the years.