After nearly three decades of defining trance music together, Cosmic Gate has announced an amicable split. Stefan Bossems (DJ Bossi) is stepping away from touring, which means he's leaving the project entirely. Nic Chagall (Claus Terhoeven) will continue carrying the Cosmic Gate name solo.
The news hit the trance community like a shockwave this morning. In a joint statement posted to Instagram, the duo framed the decision with warmth and mutual respect rather than tension. "This decision comes with deep respect, gratitude, and friendship," they wrote. "What we built together, side by side, and had the privilege to share with all of you around the world is something truly rare and beautiful."
Formed in 1999 when the two German producers crossed paths in a Cologne studio, Cosmic Gate quickly became synonymous with big room trance. Their early tracks—"Exploration of Space," "Fire Wire," and "The Drums"—are certified classics, with "Exploration of Space" alone racking up over 50 million Spotify streams. Their 2001 remix of Tiësto's "Urban Train" remains a touchstone of the era.
Cosmic Gate's Legacy
- 27 years together as one of trance's most enduring duos
- Grammy nomination in 2019 for Best Remixed Recording (Gabriel & Dresden's "Only Road")
- 11 studio albums including Materia and MOSAIIK
- Wake Your Mind Radio podcast running for 12+ years
- First trance artists nominated for a Grammy in the remix category
Over the years, Cosmic Gate evolved from big room trance pioneers to progressive house innovators, constantly pushing the genre forward while maintaining their emotional core. Their most recent album, Perspectives, dropped just nine days ago on February 13, showcasing their ability to blend trance, progressive house, and melodic electronica with cinematic depth.
The trance world has responded with an outpouring of gratitude and well-wishes. Hardwell, Gabriel & Dresden, John O'Callaghan, ilan Bluestone, Showtek, and Above & Beyond's Tony McGuinness are among those who've publicly chimed in to celebrate the duo's legacy and express excitement for Nic's next chapter.
Nic Chagall will make his first solo appearances as Cosmic Gate this weekend, with sets scheduled in Manchester and at A State of Trance in Rotterdam. New music is already in the works, signaling that while the partnership is ending, the Cosmic Gate legacy is far from over.
For a generation of trance fans, Cosmic Gate represented loyalty, chemistry, and the kind of creative partnership that's increasingly rare in electronic music. Bossi's departure marks the end of an era—but also a bittersweet reminder to appreciate the moments we have on the dancefloor while they last.
Thank you, Bossi and Nic, for 27 years of pure trance magic.