Guru Josh Project

Biography

Guru Josh Project was an electronic music group, initially centered around the English musician Paul Walden (6 June 1964 – 28 December 2015), who was known by the stage name Guru Josh. Walden, originally from Jersey, was a key figure in the British post-acid house scene. His musical journey began in his youth, playing in various bands before finding his niche in house music.

The Original "Infinity"

In 1989, Guru Josh released his debut single, "Infinity (1990s... Time for the Guru)," which became an anthem of the rave era. The track, featuring a distinctive saxophone melody, was initially produced for a warehouse party of the same name. It gained significant traction after being championed by DJ Mike Pickering at the renowned Haçienda nightclub in Manchester. The song achieved widespread European success, charting in the UK, Germany, Austria, and other nations. An album, also titled Infinity, followed, along with other singles like "Freaky Dreamer" and "Holographic Dreams."

The Reformation: Guru Josh Project

After the initial success, Walden moved to Ibiza, focusing on art and a promotions company. In 2007, the "Guru Josh Project" was formed by Darren Bailie, who had been a long-time fan of the original "Infinity." The new lineup consisted of Paul Walden (Guru Josh), Darren Bailie, and Anders Nyman (also known as Snakebyte).

"Infinity 2008" and Renewed Success

In 2008, the Guru Josh Project released a remixed version of the classic track, titled "Infinity 2008," produced by German DJ Klaas. This new version became a massive international hit, surpassing the chart performance of the original. It reached number one in several countries including France, Belgium, Denmark, and the Eurochart Hot 100. The success of "Infinity 2008" introduced the iconic saxophone riff to a new generation of dance music fans and sold millions of copies worldwide. The group followed up with other singles such as "Crying in the Rain" in 2009 and "Frozen Teardrops" in 2010.

Later Years and Legacy

Guru Josh, as a solo artist, continued to release music, including "Love of Life" in 2011 and another remix, "Infinity 2012." Paul Walden tragically died by suicide on December 28, 2015, at the age of 51. Guru Josh's "Infinity" remains an enduring classic of the dance music genre, with its legacy cemented by the global success of the Guru Josh Project's remixed version.