A Toronto-based DJ has released his very own tribute to the late British pop icon David Bowie, recording his own twist on the star’s smash hit “Let’s Dance.”

DJ Skratch Bastid, also known as Paul Murphy, says he was working on a compilation of different popular songs from 2015, when news of Bowie’s death hit the internet in the wee hours of Monday morning.

“It’s interesting experiencing public deaths with the internet, because it comes on like a flood,” Murphy said.

Instead of letting the news wash over him, Murphy said he decided to honour Bowie by doing what he does best.

“I just decided I needed a break from working on this mix and I pulled out two copies of ‘Let’s Dance’ and was just messing around with them and I thought why don’t I film a quick little tribute for him.”

It took him about four full takes before he uploaded the clip to YouTube and Facebook, and Murphy said he was worried he appeared too cheerful in the video, smiling as the song blared.

“Someone passed away so I don’t know what kind of enthusiasm I want to put in this, is this going to be a somber thing,” Murphy said he remembered thinking. “It’s pretty hard to either stay still or be somber when that song is playing because it’s such a fun song.”

The 1:49 clip had already been viewed 8.5 million times as of Tuesday morning.

“I think celebration is a good way to go about (remembering Bowie), and I think that’s what resonated with people.”

Bowie’s “Let’s Dance” was released in 1983 as part of Bowie’s album of the same name. The album also included hits “Modern Love” and “China Girl.”

Bowie, also known for a time on stage as Ziggy Stardust, sold approximately 140 million records in his career, releasing 111 singles and 51 music videos.

He died early Monday morning in New York City after an 18 month-long struggle with cancer. A statement said he died “peacefully, surrounded by his family.”

Murphy said he didn’t discover the hit Bowie song by hearing it on the radio or on a record player growing up. As a DJ spinning mostly hip-hop songs, Murphy said he knew of “Let’s Dance” because rapper Mase once sampled it in one of his songs.

“I grew up a little bit after . . . I was a little too young to be there when Bowie was the number one popstar,” Murphy said.

In his earlier days, Murphy said he came across Bowie songs from the 1990s while exploring record stores for “dark and weird” beats to sample in his songs.

“Space-y noises for lack of a better term were great material to make weird beats and weird samples out of.”

But after listening to whole songs, Murphy said he developed a deeper appreciation for his music.

“When you’re looking at stuff for samples, you’re mostly looking at aesthetic and production qualities rather than songwriting. But once those records enter your collection and you start playing them, you realize why other people were interested in them.”

Murphy says he wants the video to pay tribute to Bowie, whose music offered so many seductive beats to attract people onto dance floors.

“Really it’s just me channeling what I used that record for over the years.”

Coincidentally, “Holy Holy,” a band made up of musicians who have been featured on various Bowie songs and albums over the years, is scheduled to perform at the Toronto Opera Hall tonight.

Demand for tickets has predictably surged after Bowie’s death, and a second show has been added for Wednesday night.