Liam Gallagher, Suede, Stereophonics and SJM lead tributes to promoter Chris York: “He helped define UK live music”
Liam Gallagher, Suede, Stereophonics, SJM and more have shared their tributes to the late promoter Chris York.
Today (July 25), SJM Concerts announced the news of their director, who died aged 55 following a long illness.
Throughout his career, which spanned over 30 years, York worked with some of the world’s biggest artists including Oasis, Lorde, Morrissey, Suede, Stereophonics, Massive Attack and more.
He was also responsible as lead booker for developing the Teenage Cancer Trust series at Royal Albert Hall alongside Roger Daltry, live producer Des Murphy and SJM co-director Rob Ballantine.
Now, a wave of artists have paid tribute to York following the news of his death. Liam Gallagher wrote: “RIP CHRIS YORK”, whilst Stereophonics said that York “showed incredible strength and resilience”.
Meanwhile, Suede’s Mat Osman wrote: “There was no better sign of a great gig than Chris shyly poking his head around the dressing room door after and saying ‘well that was alright, wasn’t it?’”. Check out more tributes to York down below:
RIP CHRIS YORK
— Liam Gallagher (@liamgallagher) July 25, 2024
So sad to hear of the passing of Chris York. You might not recognise the name but if you’re a London gig-goer then you’ll have been at one of the thousands of gigs he put on through SJM. And he was a huge friend and supporter of Suede. In the early nineties 1/3 pic.twitter.com/E4VLiGEcV1
— Mat Osman (@matosman) July 25, 2024
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
to his family, we were proud to be his friend x https://t.co/Gm1sW3I2N7
— Shed Seven (@shedseven) July 25, 2024
Very sad to hear that Chris York has passed away. A music industry legend who gave us so many opportunities to cut our teeth as a live band & continued to work & support us & so many artists who’ve worked with SJM over the years. Thoughts are with his family & colleagues.
— James Walsh (@jamesstarsailor) July 25, 2024
I always enjoyed seeing Chris in the dressing room before a show (last time was at the Albert Hall in 2023). He showed incredible strength and resilience. Our thoughts are with his friends & family. Big love. Kelly https://t.co/AqaIzXNmTY
— stereophonics (@stereophonics) July 25, 2024
Today, we have sadly lost one of the UKs greatest promoters.
Someone I looked up to, admired, trusted and someone who lead the industry for many years.
I'm just grateful that I could call him a friend.
RIP Chris York.
— Sacha Lord (@Sacha_Lord) July 25, 2024
We send our heartfelt thoughts and sincerest condolences to Chris York’s loved ones and our @SJMConcerts family and friends.
A force of nature, exceptional promoter, industry pioneer and above all, a genuine music fan and all-round lovely man. Thank you for the gigs.
With love. https://t.co/aQsvb1nTIp
— Academy Music Group (@academyamg) July 25, 2024
We are deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Chris York. Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and colleagues. Chris was one of the best in the business and will be greatly missed. https://t.co/uWLhvpWuIP
— York Barbican (@yorkbarbican) July 25, 2024
Chris York was a true unsung hero of the music world. The Charlatans are proud to have called him a friend. Our thoughts are with his family and many friends today x https://t.co/0rXNqMBKrd
— Tim Burgess (@Tim_Burgess) July 25, 2024
In their tribute to York, SJM wrote that they were “a company shaped and forged by Chris, Simon [Moran] and Rob [Ballantine] over three decades that has helped define the UK’s live music scene.”
York met Moran in 1993 at SJM Concerts, with the duo working over thirty years developing the company. York began working at the Venue in New Cross and then John Curd at Straight Music, along with Tim Parsons at MCP Concerts. He then went on to join SJM for the rest of his career.
They further wrote that he and the company have won Music Week Promoter of the Year Award 10 times, as well as the “record for the biggest selling UK concert tour in history and “the biggest selling UK comedy tour in history”.
SJM Concerts are deeply saddened to announce that Chris York, leading UK promoter and Director of the company, has died at the age of 55 following a long illness. Full statement below. pic.twitter.com/Na7ulQ0CPG
— SJM Concerts (@SJMConcerts) July 25, 2024
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Alex Rigotti
NME
