South Australia’s Greek community bid a heartfelt farewell to one of its most beloved cultural figures this week, as hundreds gathered in Adelaide to honour the life of Stelio Mitsos, known to many simply as DJ Stelio.
Mitsos passed away on 13 September at the age of 51, after suffering a cardiac arrest at his home. His funeral, held on Monday at St Dimitrios Greek Orthodox Church in Salisbury, drew more than 600 mourners from across the Hellenic and wider multicultural community.
A pioneer in South Australia’s entertainment scene, Mitsos founded Glamour Entertainment and became a household name. With thousands of performances at weddings, baptisms, festivals and private events, he had a gift for uniting generations on the dance floor, blending traditional Greek sounds with contemporary beats.
As his casket was carried into the church, musicians George Mountzouris, Andrew Harpas, Jimmy James, Michael Papacharalambous and Mikelena Hourdas played a slow drumbeat in tribute. Inside the casket, a pair of black headphones lay beside him, symbolising a lifelong bond with music.
“It felt as if he was arriving for one final performance,” one attendee remarked.
His wife of 22 years, Priscilla Mitsos, spoke movingly of their shared life:
“You were the rhythm in my life, my calm in the storm, and the reason I danced. You gave your energy so freely, and wherever you went, you lit up the room with your presence.”
Father Michael Psaromatis, who was by Mitsos’ side in his final moments, recalled chanting prayers as Stelio passed:
“It was as though his soul ascended on those sacred words, not into silence, but into song.”
Family tributes highlighted both his humour and resilience. Sisters Maria and Angela remembered how, after their father’s sudden death, Stelio became their protector and strength:
“He was mischievous … but behind the humour was someone who held us together during life’s hardest moments.”
Friends and colleagues described him as the “heartbeat” of Glamour Entertainment, with koumbara Joanna recalling:
“Through music, he had a rare gift to unite people, to spark joy, to lift the weight of the world off someone’s shoulders, if only for a night.”
Others remembered the simple pleasures he loved, Greek music, barbecues, Jack Daniels, and above all, Priscilla. Sister-in-law Maria described him as a “legend behind the decks” who could “read a room like a poet reads a verse.”
Following the service, the funeral procession to Centennial Park Cemetery stretched for blocks, a testament to the many lives he touched. As final prayers were said, a playlist Mitsos had curated for his own birthday played softly, his last encore.
Born in Adelaide to Greek immigrant parents, Stelio’s life reflected both his heritage and his Australian upbringing. Through music he bridged cultures, mentored younger entertainers, and championed Greek traditions across generations.
Tributes have since flooded social media, describing him as “a true cultural ambassador” and “the life of the party.” Dimitrios Jim Tsakiris from Greek Music to the Max summed up the community’s grief and gratitude:
“Thank you, Stelio, for bringing the best singers from Greece to Adelaide. You will be remembered not only as a gifted DJ and concert promoter, but above all, as a beautiful human being.”
In a quiet moment after the service, Priscilla shared a final tribute of her own:
“He didn’t want a cat … but now, I’ll adopt one and name it Stelio. A little reminder of him at home.”
Stelio Mitsos leaves behind an enduring cultural legacy. His music, his humour, and his spirit will continue to live on in the hearts of all who danced to his beat.
May his memory be eternal. Αιωνία του η μνήμη.
