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Nightcrawlers (band)
Nightcrawlers (band)
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Nightcrawlers were a British-American house music project from Glasgow, Scotland and Chicago, Illinois, United States, assembled by producer, DJ and vocalist John Reid (6 September 1963 – June 2025).

Key Information

Career

[edit]

Beginnings: 1992–1996

[edit]

In the early 1990s, the band Nightcrawlers was formed as a more soul and funk-influenced pop act and featured vocalist John Reid (who had some local success as a DJ and vocalist under the name Robinson Reid[1] with acts like This Way Up[2] in the late 1980s). The band signed to Island Records' 4th & Broadway record label[3][4] and released their debut single "Living Inside a Dream", which failed to reach any commercial success. The band then decided to release a second single, "Push the Feeling On", which also failed to go Top 40 in its original acid jazz-styled version and so the band were dropped from Island records, splitting up not so long afterwards. However, "Push the Feeling On" found some success on the American dance scene and briefly crossed over to pop radio, resulting in a minor hit, peaking at No. 80 on the Billboard Hot 100, where it spent fifteen weeks on the chart (it peaked at No. 7 on the US Hot Dance Club Play chart). Most of "Push the Feeling On" success is due to the B-side, a remix by Marc Kinchen, an American record producer who has had a number of hits in the UK charts under the name MK.[5]

Kinchen essentially reinvented the track by stripping down the song to one vocal line out of the chorus and creating an unusual sounding track around it. His version, originally entitled 'MK's Nocturnal Dub' but more famously known as 'The Dub of Doom Mix', became heavily played on the underground scene for two years in the UK, eventually reaching No. 22 on the UK singles chart in October 1994 when it was commercially released. In 1995, MK created new mixes for the track and the single was once again re-released, this time licensed to London's ffrr dance label. It peaked at No. 3 on the UK Singles Chart, becoming Nightcrawlers' biggest hit in the United Kingdom.[6][7][8]

Reid then signed to BMG as a solo artist under the Nightcrawlers name, with his records being issued on the new Final Vinyl imprint through Arista Records. Reid released four further consecutive singles, all featuring remixes by MK. "Surrender Your Love" peaked at No. 7, "Don't Let the Feeling Go" peaked at No. 13, "Let's Push It" peaked at No. 23 and "Should I Ever (Fall in Love)" peaked at No. 34.[8] In September 1995, Reid released an album containing all six singles he had previously released, using Lets Push It as the title. MK once again worked closely with Reid, repeatedly remixing tracks to his trademark sound. In 1996, Reid released a remixed version of the album, entitled The 12" Mixes: An Album of the Very Best Club Remixes. In the same year, Reid released the single "Keep Pushing Our Love" featuring soul singer Alysha Warren, which peaked at No. 30, intended to be the lead single from a second studio album. However, due to poor sales of the single, a second album never materialised.

Current work: 1999–2025

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In an attempt to revive Nightcrawlers, Reid released a single entitled "Never Knew Love" in 1999. However, it failed to achieve any commercial success and as such, no further releases appeared until 2004, when underground artists JCA and Rosabot released a collaborative remix single of Reid's hit "Push the Feeling On". It re-entered the U.S. Dance Chart, this time peaking at number 1. Elated with the success of the remixes, Reid once again began recording material for a possible second album. In 2011, the first single from the second album, "Cryin' Over You", was released in the United Kingdom and Germany. It features vocals from British singer Taio Cruz.

In 2018, John Reid released an EP titled The Nightcrawlers Soul Sessions, which included a soul version of "Push the Feeling On" and a version of the track with Big Narstie as a bonus. It also featured "All Night Long", which came with remixes by Russell Small of Freemasons and Phats & Small fame.[9][10]

In 2021, the MK remix of "Push the Feeling On" was sampled by British producer Henry 'Riton' Smithson, who had teamed up with social media stars Mufasa and Hypeman to record the track, called "Friday".[11] Credited to Riton X Nightcrawlers featuring Mufasa and Hypeman, the record was issued by Sony's Ministry of Sound Recordings and entered the UK singles chart at number 60 on 22 January 2021 and eventually reached the top 5.[12]

After appearing in the video for "Friday", Reid went on to provide vocals on producer Kevin Christie's follow-up to "Rasputin" (a remix/revamp of the Boney M. song which he - Majestic[13][14] - took into the Top 20 of the UK singles chart).[15] The new collaborative single was released by Ministry of Sound Records[16] and called "Losing My Mind", with the artist credit typeset as Majestic X Nightcrawlers.[17]

John Reid's death was announced on 16 June 2025. He was 61.[18]

Solo work

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Reid was a successful songwriter in his own right, having co-written a UK chart-topping single for Westlife ("Unbreakable"), Tina Turner's 1999 hit-single "When the Heartache Is Over" and also songs for Rod Stewart. He was a friend of Simon Cowell, and he co-wrote the Kelly Clarkson and Leona Lewis hit "A Moment Like This". He has worked as a songwriter for the Spanish singer Mónica Naranjo, with songs including "No Voy A Llorar", "If You Leave Me Now" and "Hotline", he also worked with Ian Levine, in "Whenever You Need Someone" (Bad Boys Inc), and tracks for Eternal, Gemini, Claire Richards for "My Heart Is Heading Home (This Christmas)" track and Optimystic.[7]

Ross Campbell is a lecturer at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland.[citation needed]

Discography

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Studio albums

[edit]
List of albums, with selected details and chart positions
Title Album details Peak chart
positions
UK
[8]
FIN
[19]
SWI
[20]
Lets Push It
  • Released: 1995
  • Format: CD
14 38 37

Remix albums

[edit]
  • The 12" Mixes (1996)
  • Nightcrawlers Soul Sessions (2018)

Singles

[edit]
Year Title Peak chart positions Certifications
(sales thresholds)
Album
UK
[8][21]
[22][23]
AUS
[24]
AUT
[25]
BEL
(FL)

[26]
BEL
(WA)

[27]
FRA
[28]
GER
[29]
IRE
[30]
NED
[31]
SWE
[32]
SWI
[20]
1992 "Living Inside a Dream" 82 Non-album singles
"Push the Feeling On" 86
1994 "Push the Feeling On" (MK Mixes) 22 Lets Push It
1995 "Push the Feeling On" (New MK Mixes for '95) 3 62 15 7 3 7 6 4 6 3 7
"Surrender Your Love" 7 17 29 11 9 27 14 10 18 20
"Don't Let the Feeling Go" 13 46 24 26 30 25
1996 "Let's Push It" 23 107 35 33 30 41
"Should I Ever (Fall in Love)" 34 78
"Keep Pushing Our Love" (featuring Alysha Warren) 30 Non-album singles
1999 "Never Knew Love" 59
2003 "Push the Feeling On 2003" 64
2007 "Push the Feeling On 2007" 82
2011 "Cryin' Over You" (featuring Taio Cruz)
2012 "Push the Feeling On 2k12" (with Glamrock Brothers & Sunloverz) 100 57
2021 "Friday" (with Riton featuring Mufasa & Hypeman) 4 12 5 1 2 21
[34]
3 3
[35]
3 23
[36]
2
"Losing My Mind" (with Majestic)
"—" denotes releases that did not chart

See also

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References

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[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
The Nightcrawlers were a Scottish house music project assembled in 1992 by producer, DJ, and vocalist John Reid in Glasgow, best known for the international dance hit "Push the Feeling On," which achieved widespread success following its 1995 remix by Marc Kinchen (MK). John Reid, born on September 6, 1963, in Easterhouse, Glasgow, formed the Nightcrawlers after earlier work as the singer Robinson Reid in the mid-1980s band This Way Up alongside Culture Club guitarist Roy Hay. The project's debut single, "Push the Feeling On," was originally released in 1992 on 4th & B'way Records but gained massive popularity with MK's "MK Dub Revisited Edit," peaking at number 3 on the UK Singles Chart, number 5 on the Eurochart Hot 100 Singles, and reaching the top 10 on charts in several European countries. This track, featuring Reid's distinctive vocals, became a staple of 1990s club culture and was later sampled by Pitbull in his 2009 hit "Hotel Room Service." The Nightcrawlers released their sole studio album, Let's Push It, in 1995 on Arista Records, which included remixes of "Push the Feeling On" alongside other singles like "Don't Let the Feeling Go" and "Surrender Your Love." Operating primarily as Reid's solo endeavor with occasional collaborators such as vocalist Alysha Warren on tracks like "Keep on Pushing Our Love," the project remained influential in house music despite limited further releases under the name. In 2021, the Nightcrawlers revived with "Friday (Dopamine Re-Edit)," a collaboration with DJ Riton and featuring Mufasa & Hypeman, which sampled "Push the Feeling On" and reached number 2 on the UK Singles Chart, topping the Scottish Singles Chart and peaking at number 4 in Ireland. Beyond the Nightcrawlers, Reid built a prolific songwriting career, penning hits such as "When the Heartache Is Over" for (1999) and "" for (2005) and (2006), the latter earning an Ivor Novello Award. Reid passed away suddenly on June 16, 2025, at age 61, leaving a legacy in and pop songwriting.

History

Beginnings: 1992–1996

The Nightcrawlers were formed in 1992 in , , as a house music project assembled by producer, DJ, and vocalist John Reid, alongside collaborators Graham Wilson, Hugh Brankin, and Ross Campbell. Blending elements of and , the group signed to 4th & B'way, an imprint of , marking their entry into the burgeoning electronic music landscape. This formation reflected the era's fusion of club culture influences, with Reid's soulful vocals providing a distinctive edge to their productions. The band's debut single, "Living Inside a Dream," was released in July 1992 but achieved minimal commercial traction, failing to chart significantly and underscoring the challenges of breaking through in the competitive UK music market. Later that year, they issued "Push the Feeling On," an original track that initially garnered limited attention, though it reached No. 7 on the US Billboard Hot Dance Club Play chart. The song's fortunes changed with remixes by American producer Marc Kinchen (MK), whose 1994 and 1995 versions—particularly the "MK Dub Revisited Edit"—propelled a re-release to No. 3 on the UK Singles Chart in March 1995, establishing the Nightcrawlers as a key player in the house scene. Building on this momentum, the group released their debut studio album, Let's Push It, in 1995 via , which peaked at No. 14 on the . The album featured standout tracks like "Surrender Your Love," another MK-remixed single that climbed to No. 7 on the UK Singles Chart in May 1995, alongside "Don't Let the Feeling Go" (No. 13) and the title track "Let's Push It" (No. 23), all contributing to the project's commercial viability in the mid-1990s dance market. In 1996, they followed with the remix album The 12" Mixes on , compiling extended club versions of early singles such as "" and "Surrender Your Love," catering to DJs and the growing demand for 12-inch formats in . Amid this breakthrough period, the Nightcrawlers embraced the mid-1990s scene through early live performances, including club appearances and shows across the and , such as a notable 1994 set in that highlighted their energetic stage presence and Reid's commanding vocals. These outings, often tied to their chart successes, helped solidify their role in the transatlantic club circuit, bridging rave culture with US-influenced sounds.

Revival: 1999–2025

Following the release of several singles and a remix album in 1996, the Nightcrawlers project entered a period of dormancy, with no new material emerging until 1999. In an effort to revive the act, John Reid returned with the single "Never Knew Love," issued on Riverhorse Records, which featured a vocal house style emphasizing Reid's soulful delivery over electronic beats. This track marked a continuation and refinement of the project's house roots, blending garage influences with deeper electronic production elements suited to late-1990s club scenes. Throughout the 2000s, Nightcrawlers activity remained sporadic, consisting primarily of collaborations and reissues that capitalized on the enduring popularity of earlier hits. Reid contributed vocals to tracks like "Flyin' (All The Way)" with Stevie Sole in 2004 on Clubsole , while a 2003 reissue of "Push the Feeling On" included fresh remixes such as the JCA , reintroducing the classic to new audiences amid evolving trends. These efforts highlighted the project's adaptability, with Reid occasionally appearing on compilations like Roger Sanchez's Release Yourself Vol. 6 in 2007. The 2010s brought a resurgence, particularly through Reid's exploration of soul-infused sounds. In 2011, Nightcrawlers collaborated with on "Cryin' Over You" via Kontor Records, bridging pop and dance elements. This momentum culminated in the 2018 release of the Nightcrawlers Soul Sessions album on Rosina Records (with tracks later appearing in expanded digital form in 2023 by Rezzonator Music), which featured soulful remakes including a reimagined "" alongside originals like "All Night Long" and "Farewell." Produced with collaborators Michael J. McEvoy and Ernie McKone, the album emphasized live instrumentation and Reid's vocal prowess, earning acclaim for revitalizing the project's legacy in contemporary soul-dance contexts. Entering the 2020s, Nightcrawlers achieved renewed mainstream visibility through high-profile collaborations in the streaming era. The 2017 single "Push the Feeling" featuring Big Narstie on Relentless Records set the stage, but the project's biggest recent success came with "Friday" alongside Riton and featuring Mufasa & Hypeman in 2021 on Ministry of Sound, which peaked at No. 4 on the UK Singles Chart and amassed over 37 weeks on the chart. Additional 2021 releases like "Losing My Mind" with Majestic further showcased crossover appeal. Under Reid's leadership, the band issued singles such as "Where is the Love (Philly Soul Mix)" and "I.O.U." in 2023, both drawing from Philly soul influences, while "Light Up My World" (initially released in 2022 but tied to ongoing projects) and "Until You Come Back To Me" in 2024 anticipated Soul Sessions Vol. 2. John Reid's sudden death on June 16, 2025, at age 61 effectively concluded active Nightcrawlers output, as he had been the project's driving force since its inception. Tributes poured in from the music community, including performances and retrospectives highlighting his contributions to and genres, with ongoing projects like Soul Sessions Vol. 2 receiving posthumous recognition. As of November 2025, Soul Sessions Vol. 2 remains unreleased posthumously, though its singles continue to receive attention. Over this period, Nightcrawlers evolved from underground to mainstream pop-dance crossovers, leveraging streaming platforms to blend classic with contemporary collaborations and revivals, ensuring Reid's vocal legacy resonated across generations.

Personnel

John Reid

John Reid was born on September 6, 1963, in , , . He began his music career in the mid-1980s as the singer Robinson Reid in the band This Way Up, alongside guitarist Roy Hay, releasing singles such as "Tell Me Why" and "If I Can't Have You" in 1987. He then immersed himself in the local music scene as a DJ and producer, initially focusing on before immersing himself in the emerging movement in during the late 1980s and early 1990s. Reid's early experiences as a DJ helped shape his production style, drawing from influences such as , , and , which he later integrated into tracks. As the founder of Nightcrawlers, served as the , primary songwriter, and central figure in assembling the project, overseeing production from its in . He crafted the band's by blending soulful vocals with and elements, creating anthemic tracks that stood out in the . 's distinctive, emotive vocal delivery was particularly evident on the 1992 hit "," which became a cornerstone of and showcased his ability to infuse soul depth into electronic beats. Following the peak of Nightcrawlers' success in the , Reid pursued independent releases that highlighted his solo artistry, often under the band name. A notable example is the 2018 album Nightcrawlers Soul Sessions, a -oriented project featuring reimagined tracks like a version of "," which fulfilled his long-standing interest in genre fusion. This work emphasized Reid's vocal prowess and production skills in a more intimate, non-dance context. Reid established himself as a prolific songwriter, co-writing chart-topping songs for major artists. His credits include Tina Turner's 1999 single "," Westlife's UK No. 1 "Unbreakable" (2002), and Kelly Clarkson's "" (2005), as well as tracks for , , and Pitbull, such as contributions to Pitbull's 2009 hit "." These songs, often featuring uplifting melodies and emotional lyrics, sold millions and demonstrated Reid's versatility beyond . He advocated for blending soul and house elements throughout his career, citing influences from pioneers while maintaining a soulful core in his compositions. Reid spent much of his later career based in , where he continued producing and writing, though the Nightcrawlers project maintained ties to Chicago's scene through collaborations. His remained relatively private, but he was known for his modest demeanor and passion for music that bridged genres. Reid died on June 16, 2025, at the age of 61 from a sudden illness, with his family confirming the news through a . His passing prompted widespread tributes from the music industry, with figures like praising his legacy in dance and , noting his role in creating enduring hits that influenced generations.

Other members and contributors

The Nightcrawlers functioned primarily as a studio-based project, utilizing session musicians for recordings rather than maintaining a consistent performing or touring ensemble. The core songwriting and during the project's early period from to 1996 included Hugh Brankin, Graham Wilson, Ronald Wilson, and Ross Campbell, all of whom received credits on key releases. Brankin, Wilson, and Campbell co-wrote foundational tracks such as "," blending elements with influences. Ronald Wilson contributed additional songwriting, notably on "Let's Push It," while Ross Campbell, a Scottish producer, handled composing and arrangement roles across multiple tracks. External collaborators played significant roles in the project's revivals; American DJ and producer Marc Kinchen (MK) provided influential remixes for 1990s singles, including multiple versions of "Push the Feeling On" and contributions to the album Let's Push It. In 2021, British producer Riton partnered with Nightcrawlers for the single "Friday" (featuring Mufasa & Hypeman), which sampled the MK remix of "Push the Feeling On" and achieved commercial success in several European markets. These contributors maintained sporadic involvement in later releases, but the project has no active members following John Reid's death in June 2025. Biographical details on Brankin, Wilson, Campbell, and other non-lead figures remain sparse in public records, highlighting the Reid-centered nature of the endeavor compared to conventional bands.

Discography

Studio albums

The Nightcrawlers' debut studio album, Let's Push It, was released on September 25, 1995, by Arista Records in association with BMG. Featuring 10 tracks that blended house music with soul influences, the album was primarily produced by frontman John Reid alongside collaborators including Marc Kinchen (MK), who contributed remixes emphasizing a deep house sound. It achieved commercial success in the UK, peaking at No. 14 on the Official Albums Chart and spending five weeks in the Top 75. In 2018, John Reid released Nightcrawlers Soul Sessions as a solo project under the Nightcrawlers banner, initially through Rosina Records as an EP, with a full album digital reissue in 2023. This 9-track album reinterpreted Nightcrawlers classics and new material in a soulful style, including a Philly soul-infused version of "Push the Feeling On," and was self-produced by Reid to highlight his roots as a soul DJ. The release received airplay on UK soul radio stations and charted at No. 1 on the UK Soul Chart upon its initial launch. Reid began work on a follow-up, Soul Sessions Vol. 2, announced in early 2023 as a collection of original tracks with Philly soul elements, self-produced via his Rezzonator Music label. At least four singles—"Light Up My World" (October 2022), "I.O.U." (January 2023), "Where Is the Love?" (July 2023), and "Until You Come Back to Me" (August 2024)—were released digitally as previews, but the full album was not released following Reid's death on June 16, 2025.

Remix albums

The Nightcrawlers' sole dedicated remix album, The 12" Mixes, was released in 1996 by Arista Records as a compilation tailored for DJ sets and club environments, compiling extended 12-inch versions of tracks from their debut album Let's Push It to sustain their momentum in the house music scene. Featuring ten tracks with runtimes averaging over seven minutes, the album highlights remixes of key singles like "Push the Feeling On" and "Surrender Your Love," crafted by prominent producers such as MK (Marc Kinchen), David Morales, and Motiv8 to amplify the originals' dancefloor energy through deeper basslines, layered percussion, and atmospheric builds. This collection played a crucial role in extending the band's appeal within underground club culture, where longer mixes allowed for seamless transitions and heightened immersion during sets. The tracklist emphasizes variations on core hits, with multiple interpretations of "Push the Feeling On" and "Surrender Your Love" bookending the album to underscore their enduring popularity:
TrackTitleRemixDuration
1Push The Feeling On (feat. John Reid)MK Dub Of Doom Mix6:36
2Keep on Pushing Our Love (feat. John Reid & Alysha Warren)T-Empo Club Mix8:10
3Surrender Your Love (feat. John Reid)MK Club Mix8:24
4Let's Push It (feat. John Reid)Evolution Club Mix6:53
5Lift Me Up (feat. John Reid)Beware of the Bull Mix5:30
6Should I Ever (Fall In Love) (feat. John Reid)Morales Classic Club Mix7:02
7Don't Let the Feeling Go (feat. John Reid)Tin Tin Out Vocal Mix6:46
8Surrender Your Love (feat. John Reid)Wand's Crunchy Nut Mix7:52
9Let's Push It (feat. John Reid)Motiv 8 Bump 'N' Boost Vocal6:38
10Push the Feeling On (feat. John Reid)Argonaut's Smokin Hot Mix9:15
No further dedicated remix albums followed after 1996, though subsequent releases such as the 2018 EP Soul Sessions incorporate select es alongside original material, maintaining the project's evolution in soul-infused without shifting to full remix compilations.

Singles

The Nightcrawlers' singles output spans from their early 1990s house and acid jazz-influenced releases to modern collaborations and reissues, with several achieving notable commercial success in the UK and internationally. Their breakthrough came with remixed versions of core tracks, particularly those featuring vocalist John Reid, while later efforts incorporated contemporary dance elements and guest artists. Key releases are detailed below, focusing on major singles with available chart data from the Official UK Singles Chart.
YearTitleUK PeakCertificationsLabelNotes
1992Living Inside a Dream4th & B'way RecordsDebut single; acid jazz/disco style; did not enter top 100 but received limited airplay.
1992Push the Feeling On (original)864th & B'way RecordsInitial release; minor hit blending disco and acid jazz; later reissued multiple times.
1995Push the Feeling On (MK remix)3Platinum (BPI)Final Vinyl/AristaRemixed by Marc Kinchen; 22 weeks on chart; major club and radio success; certified for 600,000 units in UK.
1995Surrender Your Love (feat. John Reid)7Final Vinyl/Arista7 weeks on chart; house track produced by MK; included on debut album Let's Push It.
1996Don't Let the Feeling Go (feat. John Reid)13Final Vinyl/Arista5 weeks on chart; follow-up single emphasizing vocal house elements.
1996Let's Push It (feat. John Reid)23Final Vinyl/Arista4 weeks on chart; upbeat dance track.
1996Should I Ever (Fall in Love) (feat. John Reid)34Final Vinyl/Arista2 weeks on chart; romantic house ballad.
1996Keep on Pushing Our Love (feat. John Reid & Alysha Warren)30Final Vinyl/Arista2 weeks on chart; collaborative vocal house single.
1999Never Knew Love (feat. John Reid)59Distinct'ly PlatinumRevival-era release; 1 week on chart; deeper house sound.
2003Push the Feeling On 2003Resist MusicReissue with updated mixes; limited commercial impact but club play.
2021Friday (with Riton feat. Mufasa & Hypeman)2Platinum (BPI)Ministry of SoundDopamine re-edit sampling "Push the Feeling On"; 37 weeks on chart, 14 in top 10; global streaming hit certified for 600,000 units.
2022Keep on Pushing Our Love (feat. Alysha Warren)Nightcrawlers RecordsRe-recorded version; independent digital release focusing on soulful house.
2023Where Is the LoveNightcrawlers RecordsDigital single; reflective house track.
2023I.O.U.Nightcrawlers RecordsUpbeat electronic release.
2023Light Up My WorldNightcrawlers RecordsMotivational dance single.
2024Until You Come Back to MeNightcrawlers RecordsLatest vocal house effort; digital-only.
Additional remix singles, such as the "Dub of Doom" version of "Push the Feeling On" (1992/2021 reissues), have seen niche club success but no major chart entries. Certifications for "Push the Feeling On" extend to Platinum status in multiple European territories, underscoring its enduring impact.

References

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