Juan Atkins, pioneer of Detroit techno, dies aged 64

Summary

Juan Atkins, one of the pioneers of Detroit techno and a major influence on dance music more widely, has died aged 64. He was known as Model 500 and was one half of the duo Cybotron. His agency, Greensmith Artists, confirmed the death to the dance music website Resident Advisor, saying Atkins was found unresponsive in a hotel room in Mexico City before a performance there and was pronounced dead after being taken to hospital.

Timeline

1. The Guardian

   1 Nov 2026, 18:31 UTCSource ↗

   The Guardian reports that Juan Atkins, a Detroit techno pioneer known as Model 500 and one half of Cybotron, has died aged 64, with his agency Greensmith Artists saying he was found unresponsive in a Mexico City hotel room before a performance and was pronounced dead after being taken to hospital.