SJM Concerts director Chris York has died at the age of 55 following a long illness.
York was regarded as one of the leading promoters in the live music industry and is said to have helped define the sector over the past three decades.
His career in live music began in the late 1980s when he started booking gigs as a student at Warwick University.
He then worked as booker at The Venue in London, putting on early shows by Pulp, Suede, and PJ Harvey before taking on roles at Straight Music and MCP Concerts.
In 1993, York joined SJM Concerts where he would go on to promote the likes of Oasis, Foo Fighters, Green Day, The Chemical Brothers, Lily Allen, Smashing Pumpkins, Robert Plant, Lorde, Morrissey, Stereophonics and more.
Tributes have flooded in for York, with Liam Gallagher, The Doves, The Pogues, Stereophonics, and Suede among many to pay their respects.
“Chris York was a true unsung hero of the music world. The Charlatans are proud to have called him a friend,” said The Charlatans frontman Tim Burgess.
“Our thoughts are with his family and many friends today.”
Alternative rock band Shed Seven also posted on social media: “Chris York played a pivotal role in shaping our career from the very beginning, standing by us every step of the way. A kind and inspirational man, a true gent, one of the good guys. Heartbroken to hear this news. Sending our [love] to his family, we were proud to be his friend.”
During his career, York also worked closely with The Who’s Roger Daltrey, producer Des Murphy, and fellow SJM Concerts director Rob Ballantine to establish the annual Teenage Cancer Trust concert series.
Since its launch in 2006, the event has raised more than £30m ($38.5m/€35.5m).
“He has left a big hole in the live music industry and I’m not sure it will ever be filled,” said AEG Presents UK chief executive Steve Homer in tribute to York.
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