Legendary Irish music promoter Vince Power has passed away at the age of 76. He was the creator of Reading & Leeds and Barcelona’s Benicàssim and had a significant contribution to the Glastonbury festival over the years. He was known for revolutionizing the music industry in the UK and Ireland and received a CBE award in recognition for his contributions to live music. His iconic venue Mean Fiddler has been a staple of London’s music scene for 26 years, hosting talented musicians like Annie Lennox, Roy Orbison, and Jamiroquai.
Born in Waterford, south of Kilkenny, Power moved to London in his teens, where he ran a successful second-hand furniture store. After establishing funds from his venture, he opened Mean Fiddler in 1982, which operated as a venue hosting live performances, nightclubs, and gay bars. Power also ran the UK’s first-ever four-day festival called The Phoenix that featured headliners like David Bowie, Björk, and The Chemical Brothers.
Power was described as a visionary entrepreneur, a loving father, and a loyal friend who significantly influenced the music industry. His family confirmed his death in a statement, expressing their sadness at the loss of a great person. At the time of his death, many tributes were shared on social media by famous personalities who knew Power, including Paul Weller, who described him as a good friend, and Kieran McGeary, who expressed sadness at his death.
In honor of his contributions to the music industry, Vince Power’s legacy is forever preserved as he single-handedly changed the landscape of live music in the UK and beyond. His contributions cemented his status as a living legend who transformed countless lives by sharing his love for music with the world. Rest in peace, Vince Power
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