Featured image credit: Crazy P / Enrico Becker
Band members say she died in ‘sudden and tragic circumstances’ and pay tribute to ‘a life driven by love, compassion, community and music’
Danielle Moore, lead singer and frontperson of the electronic outfit Crazy P, has died aged 52.
In a statement posted to Instagram, the band said that she had died in “sudden and tragic circumstances” on 30 August.
Her bandmates wrote: “We cannot believe the news ourselves and we know it will be the same for all of you. She gave us so much and we love her so much. Our hearts are broken. We need time to process that this has happened. Danielle lived a life driven by love, compassion, community and music. She lived the biggest of lives. We will miss her with all our hearts.”
Moore’s cause of death has not been shared.
Tributes from fellow musicians poured in, reflecting Moore’s impact on the music community. JD Twitch of Optimo, Róisín Murphy, and Sister Bliss were among those who honored her memory. Twitch described her as “the definition of a beautiful human being” in a tribute on social media platform X.
Crazy P, originally known as Crazy Penis, was formed in the mid-90s by Chris Todd and Jim Baron while they were at university in Nottingham. The group, known for their vibrant blend of house and disco, signed with Manchester’s Paper Recordings and expanded in 2002 to include Moore, bassist Tim Davies, and percussionist Mav Kendricks. Over the years, Crazy P released seven studio albums along with several remix collections, establishing a loyal fan base and a significant presence in the dance music scene.
Born and raised near Manchester, Moore’s love for music blossomed in her youth, heavily influenced by her experiences at the iconic Haçienda nightclub. “I had my really seminal dancefloor moments there,” she reflected in an interview with Disco Pogo last year. “I could dance how I wanted and feel so myself.”
Moore’s dynamic stage presence and expressive vocal style became hallmarks of Crazy P’s live performances. “Performing is everything,” she said in her live agency bio. “When I’m performing, I feel like I’ve stepped into my alter ego and am able to take on any mood. It’s very empowering to become detached from my own slightly vulnerable self.”
Based in Manchester and later Todmorden, West Yorkshire, Moore credited the group’s 2005/6 tour supporting Faithless as a pivotal moment for Crazy P. Reflecting on her career, she considered their 2019 album Age of the Ego a standout achievement, particularly proud of its lyrics that challenged societal norms, criticized the idolization of public figures, and advocated for social justice, community investment, and fair taxation.
Beyond her work with Crazy P, Moore was also an accomplished solo DJ, known for her eclectic and energetic sets. In her Disco Pogo interview, she candidly addressed societal expectations of stability: “I sometimes find myself up against the idea that I’m not ‘steady’ or ‘settled’. I’ve experienced more than a few raised eyebrows. But I know I’m so lucky with my life. Would I swap those travels and memories and music for anything? Would I fuck!”
Danielle Moore’s legacy will endure through her contributions to music and the indelible mark she left on the lives of those who knew her. Her spirit, embodied by her passion for love, compassion, community, and music, will continue to inspire.
As we say farewell to Danielle Moore, we remember her not just as a talented artist, but as a vibrant soul who touched countless lives with her warmth, generosity, and unwavering passion for music. Her legacy will live on in the beats of Crazy P’s tracks, the dancefloors she lit up, and the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to experience her magic. Danielle’s life was a celebration of love, community, and creativity, and though she has left us too soon, her spirit will continue to resonate. Rest in peace, Danielle—your captivating vocals won’t be forgoten.
