Fluid manager and Philly nightlife champion Oronde Gibson has passed away at 43
Oronde Gibson, the face of Fluid Nightclub for its 14-year run and man who helped nurture a generation of DJs in this city passed away overnight – of complications from a stroke suffered earlier this year. He was just 43. There’s a lot of sadness in the music community today – I have volumes to say about this man – he was my friend, and I his. Together we were co-conspirators and each other’s sounding boards. Most of all this man had a heart as big as his being. If he liked you – he had your back. Period.
As the face of Fluid Nightclub, he made sure everyone had a good SAFE time, night after night; year after year. The whole resurrection of local nightlife was made possible, in part, because he made sure it had a home. From Jazzy Jeff and Questlove to Cosmo, Rich Medina and Mike Nyce. From Dieselboy and Josh Wink to Psydde Delicious and myself …
He was a giant among us – quietly keeping peace and loving life.
While the record might be over, his beat will carry on.