The city of Brisbane came together to honour Glenn Price, affectionately known as DJ Merlin, at a heartfelt gathering at the The Sportsman Hotel. Longtime patrons and performers packed the venue on Saturday afternoon, many wearing shirts and costumes that reflected the DJ’s favourite pop culture and music references. The event served as both a memorial and a celebration of a man who for decades was a familiar presence behind the decks, a friend to staff and a constant supporter of local drag. Organisers described the afternoon as warm, loud and full of anecdotes that captured the personality that made him beloved.
Family members were central to the ceremony: Paul Price, Glenn’s brother, led the reflections and thanked the wider community for embracing his sibling as part of their extended family. According to Paul, the hotel was more than a workplace for Glenn; it was his true home. The family also confirmed that Glenn, who had experienced a stroke in 2026, passed away from a heart attack brought on by a serious heart condition. Attendees were invited to share brief memories and photographs, helping stitch together a public portrait of a man whose kindness and humour left a deep impression.
A home for performance and belonging
The memorial underscored how the Sportsman Hotel — often called Sporties — functioned as a cultural hub where performers, staff and patrons found connection. For more than 25 years, Glenn worked there as the resident DJ, shaping the soundtrack to countless drag shows, quiz nights and community celebrations. Staff members recalled how he would prioritise the hospitality of the venue, often requesting a simple coffee before tackling whatever task the night demanded. His consistency and devotion to the venue became part of its identity, and the pub’s walls now bear a permanent reminder in the form of his portrait displayed in the Lounge Bar.
Induction and legacy
One particularly memorable moment for the hotel community was Glenn’s induction into the Sporties Drag Hall of Fame in February 2026. Colleagues described the induction as a surprise that the staff kept secret for months because they knew Glenn would never have agreed if asked directly. When manager Chris White announced the honour, the room erupted in cheers; the image of Glenn framed on the Hall of Fame wall now stands as a testament to his contribution. Chris and other managers emphasised Glenn’s loyalty to the venue and to founding figures like Neil McLucas, whose mentorship helped shape his decades-long role at the hotel.
Friend, mentor and fixture of Brisbane’s drag scene
Beyond the practical role of curating music, many performers and community members spoke about Glenn’s quieter, sustaining support. Brisbane drag star Gayleen Tuckwood described Glenn as a mentor and protective figure, someone who offered guidance and practical help to performers in need. These testimonials sketched a portrait of an individual who invested in people offstage as much as he did in the shows themselves. Attendees repeatedly used phrases that emphasised belonging and care, noting that Glenn’s presence often meant the difference between a lonely night and a connected community experience for those who frequented the venue.
How the community paid tribute
The memorial on Saturday, March 21, 2026, included practical arrangements intended to welcome a large crowd: the hotel asked guests to note that space was limited and that the event would be simulcast in the Butch Bar for overflow. Light refreshments were provided after the formal part of the service, and organisers encouraged attendees to wear anything that felt connected to Glenn — from rock band tees to drag attire. Those with photographs to contribute were invited to email images to [email protected] so that visual memories could be included in future tributes and archives.
Enduring echoes of a life well lived
Speakers at the memorial repeatedly returned to the theme of home: that the Sportsman Hotel had been Glenn’s domicile of choice and that he, in turn, helped make the venue a home for others. Stories of small acts of kindness, late-night conversations and a tireless willingness to help made the case that his impact will persist in the relationships he formed. As staff and friends continue to share photographs, recordings and stories online, the portrait of DJ Merlin remains not only a tribute on a wall but an active, living memory within Brisbane’s queer and performance communities.