Legendary Irish music promoter Vince Power has died aged 76

Vince Power, the legendary Irish music promoter who ran events all over the UK, Ireland, and beyond, has died at the age of 76.

Born John Vincent Power, the “revolutionary” promoter and festival owner was involved in the making of Reading & Leeds, Barcelona’s Benicàssim, and had a hand in the running of Glastonbury over the years.

The news of his death was confirmed in a statement by his family, who announced (via The Irish Post): “It is with great sadness that we confirm the passing of Vince Power.”

“A visionary entrepreneur who enhanced and influenced the music industry significantly, whilst always being a dedicated, loving father and a loyal friend to so many.”

Power was appointed a CBE in 2006, and has been credited with changing the face of live music in the UK and Ireland for the better. Amongst his ventures is the iconic Mean Fiddler, a venue dedicated to up-and-coming talent in North London.

Born in Waterford, just south of Kilkenny, Power would eventually move to London in his teen years where he ran a successful second-hand furniture store. Using the funds from his business, Power opened Mean Fiddler in 1982.

The venue was opened in the basement of London Astoria and operated as a live music venue, nightclub, and gay bar, hosting the likes of Annie Lennox, Roy Orbison, and Jamiroquai over the course of 26 years.

Power also helmed the UK’s first-ever four-day festival, named The Phoenix, which offered an alternative to festivals such as Glastonbury and Reading.

By 1996, the Phoenix line-up included the likes of David Bowie, Björk, The Prodigy, Leftfield, Goldie, The Chemical Brothers, and Cocteau Twins, with a huge haul of dance music acts.

Read some tributes to Vince Power below.

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I’m sorry to hear of the passing of Vince Power, who was a good friend to us, and will be greatly missed. Bless you mate and thank you – PW

— Paul Weller (@paulwellerHQ) March 11, 2024

I’m saddened to hear that Vince Power founder of The Mean Fiddler as well as music festivals across the UK, Ireland and beyond has died. He was one of the original investors in Beat 102 103. An astute but unassuming businessman, I always enjoyed his stories and expertise. pic.twitter.com/kcGOukaQ5o

— Kieran McGeary (@kieranmcgeary) March 10, 2024

Vince Power’s revamped Reading Festival was my first, and I loved it so much I came back every year. And in my adult life, the Mean Fiddler Organisation basically WAS the London live scene. Respect and R.I.P. https://t.co/6GdzsXJKMC

— Simon Price﮷ (@simon_price01) March 10, 2024

What Vince Power did for the music scene in London, and later Reading, Leeds and Phoenix festivals, was nothing short of revolutionary. I lived in a Mean Fidler House in the 80’s, and we saw incredible acts every week. He was very unassuming. Thanks for all the music, Vince pic.twitter.com/BbHhGYA1RC

— Julie Ward (@JulieWard_) March 10, 2024

I owe a lot to Vince Power.
I met him first in 1986 when I worked at The Mean Fiddler.
He was a great supporter of live music & put my band on.
When he bought The Clapham Grand I was asked to DJ the opening night.
Thanks for everything Vince.
Rest In Peace Sir… pic.twitter.com/wzIdO9H0FZ

— Mr Benn (@thebowlerhatman) March 10, 2024