Legendary Irish music industry figure Steve Strange, who was booking agent for major acts including Eminem, Snow Patrol and Coldplay, has died aged 53 after a short illness.
Strange was raised in Carrickfergus in Northern Ireland and co-founded the X-ray Touring booking agency in 2005. He worked as the booking agent for a host of Irish and international acts including Ash, Kodaline, Queens Of The Stone Age and Jimmy Eat World.
X-ray Touring announced his death in a statement posted to social media, which read: "X-ray Touring are deeply saddened to announce that Steve Strange, one of the founding partners of the agency, has passed away after a short illness.
"We have lost a legendary figure in our personal and professional lives that we will all deeply miss.
"Steve was a unique individual within our industry, his overwhelming love of music lead to a 30 year plus career guiding the touring of an eclectic mix of artists from all genres of music that he adored.
"A universally known, hugely respected and loved character – if you hadn't already seen him at a gig or festival, you'd most certainly hear his infectious and infamous laugh."
The statement concluded: "Steve had the best ears in the agency business, signing and developing the careers of countless world class artists, from small club venues to vast international multi-stadium tours.
"He will always be remembered with love by his friends & colleagues at X-ray and the world over."
Among those paying tribute to Strange on Twitter were Northern Irish rockers Ash, who said their "hearts are broken" at the news of his death.
Our hearts are broken. Goodnight Mr. Steve Strange. Agent extraodinaire. The heart of a lion. Straight outta Carrick, he changed this business forever. Our force. Our constant source. Our Shining Light. Miss you like crazy Strangey. pic.twitter.com/1MKZ1O2Gt9
— ASH (@ashofficial) September 25, 2021
Kodaline tweeted that they are "truly saddened" to hear of the death of their "friend and agent".
We are truly saddened to hear the news of our friend and agent Steve Strange. Steve signed us to his roster at X-Ray touring before we had even played a show as kodaline and since then has helped guide and shape our live career. pic.twitter.com/9Paa4ATpgz
— Kodaline (@Kodaline) September 25, 2021
The Charlatans said they are "heartbroken" that their "beloved" agent has died.
We are all heartbroken that our beloved agent has sadly passed away. Steve Strange RIP pic.twitter.com/8gStbox9ME
— The Charlatans (@thecharlatans) September 25, 2021
Glastonbury co-organiser Emily Eavis said Strange was "so kind" and "a lovely man to deal with".
So sad to hear the news about music agent and industry legend Steve Strange passing. He was always so kind to us here at Glastonbury and a lovely man to deal with. We will miss you sir and your infectious laugh.
— Emily Eavis (@emilyeavis) September 25, 2021
Tim Burgess called Strange "one of life's most gloriously upbeat people".
Absolutely heartbreaking news about Steve Strange. Our agent, our friend and one of life's most gloriously upbeat people. You will be missed, celebrated and remembered so fondly. Goodnight big man x x pic.twitter.com/NVgXX8hVJp
— Tim Burgess (@Tim_Burgess) September 25, 2021
Rock band Garbage said he was "a great friend to musicians around the globe".
Rest in the music dear Steve Strange. Fine promoter and a great friend to musicians around the globe. You will be missed sir.
— Garbage (@garbage) September 24, 2021
Read some more tributes to Strange below.
RIP Steve Strange one of life's great characters pic.twitter.com/JuvzlzivmG
— James Skelly (@JamesSkellyBand) September 25, 2021
Terrible news one of the truly great people in this world has passed. Steve Strange was my agent for nearly 20 years and he always had my back. Heartbroken pic.twitter.com/Tt4cY5axMn
— mark lanegan (@marklanegan) September 24, 2021
I lost a dear friend, legend and fellow countryman today. I'm so sad. Steve Strange I will miss that unmistakable infectious laugh, your positivity and kind heart. My condolences to all of Steve’s family and close friends, they certainly broke the mould when they made you Steve.X pic.twitter.com/bzY5vHCA2g
— RICKY WARWICK 🍀 (@rickywarwick) September 24, 2021
RIP one of the true gentlemen and truly pioneering agents of the modern music game . Steve Strange was one of the true good guys . He will be missed by so many . Thoughts with his family and closest friends. Irreplaceable. Belt out Mustang Sally wherever you are my friend . pic.twitter.com/0v1k6QFgM2
— Tim Vigon (@timatcoalition) September 24, 2021
Profoundly shocked and saddened to hear of the passing of Steve Strange of @XrayTouring - an absolute giant of the industry and a kind and friendly heart. RIP.
— Frank Turner (@frankturner) September 24, 2021
Sorry to hear of the passing of Steve Strange. I knew Steve. He was always trying to get That Metal Show revived. He also managed @lastinline among many others. Great guy who will be missed. Condolences to his friends, family & bands. https://t.co/CldebIvyQn
— Eddie Trunk (@EddieTrunk) September 25, 2021
