A GLASGOW DJ has died after contracting meningitis.

Barry Connell was found dead in his bedroom days after being featured on Radio 1's Essential Mix, a dance music show that is one of the pinnacles of a DJ's career.

The 27-year-old had gone to the doctor complaining of earache, but was found dead at his Maryhill home the next day.

Barry was a resident DJ at Inside Out, a regular club night held at Glasgow arts venue The Arches.

He was also recently signed up by a top dance promoter and was playing regular shows in Ibiza and Sweden.

Today, tributes poured in to social networking sites for the DJ, who leaves behind a fiancee Amanda and parents Christine and Joe.

His family were too upset to speak about his death, but among the hundreds of internet comments is a message on Radio 1's Essential Mix site from Amanda "wife to be", Glasgow.

It simply says: "You were my world and will always be. xxx"

One tribute from a dance fan said: "Great DJ, very sad loss. RIP Barry."

Simon Foy, director of Inside Out, said: "Barry was one of the most talented DJs Scotland has ever produced, as his recent Essential Mix showed.

"He will be sorely missed by many, not just as a DJ, but also for being a genuinely good guy, who touched the lives of a lot of people."

A spokesman for dance promoters Goodgreef, whom Barry had recently joined, described him as "one of our dearest friends and brightest talents".

He added: "Our thoughts are with Amanda and family."

Barry's funeral was held yesterday at Clydebank Crematorium. Donations should be forwarded to Meningitis Research Foundation.

A Facebook group has also been set up in his memory and a condolence book is on his website: www.barryconnell.com