Psytrance Pioneer Goa Gil Dies at Age 72 After Battle with Cancer

On October 26, GOA GIL PASSED AWAY AT HIS HOME IN CALIFORNIA.

The confirmation of this news has come through an announcement on his official website, stating, “To the worldwide community, we find it difficult to express in words the message we want to convey. It is with profound sadness that we inform you of the departure of Shri Mahant Managalanand Puri, also known as Goa Gil, as he peacefully left his earthly existence in the comfort of his home.”

Prior to his passing on Thursday, October 26, Goa Gil had been receiving treatment for high-grade B Cell lymphoma. This condition compelled him to cancel all his scheduled shows for 2023. He relocated to California in February to initiate his treatment. However, by June, his GoFundMe page detailed that the cancer had resurged at an exceptionally rapid pace.

As a California native, Goa Gil played a key role in shaping the evolution of psytrance in Goa, India. His unique electronic music genre garnered global recognition through iconic 24-hour DJ performances and captivating gatherings. In 1985, he met his future spouse, Ariane MacAvoy, and together they created The Nommos Project.

Gil was a staunch proponent of yoga, and he recently shared on his website, “Throughout history, humanity has harnessed music and dance as a means to connect with the spirit of nature and the universe… We utilize trance music and the trance dance experience to trigger a transformative shift in consciousness.” He further emphasized, “Through the trance dance experience, we hope that individuals will become more attuned to themselves, their environment, the crossroads of human existence, and the planet’s needs… This heightened awareness leads to understanding and compassion, which is the need of the moment and the authentic Goa state of mind.”

Lastly, a GoFundMe campaign has been established to cover the “final expenses,” including the establishment of ceremonial memorial locations. These sites encompass a samadhi temple in Ujjain, India, and a smaller one at his burial place in California. These sites serve as tributes to his enduring influence on the realms of music and consciousness.