TRIBUTES have been paid to music promoter John Reynolds after he passed away at the age of just 52.
Reynolds, perhaps best known for founding the annual Electric Picnic festival in Co. Laois, died suddenly at his Dublin home.
He also co-managed Boyzone in their early days while his promotions company POD organises the Forbidden Fruit, All Together Now and Metropolis festivals.
The family of the promoter – nephew of former Taoiseach Albert Reynolds – paid tribute to him in a statement.
“It is with great sadness that the Reynolds family confirm the sudden death of John Reynolds of POD this evening,” they said.
“John, aged 52 years, who was one of Ireland’s leading independent festival and concert promoters, died suddenly at his home in Milltown, Dublin.
“Funeral arrangements will be announced in the coming days.
“The family [have] requested privacy at this time.
“Metropolis Festival will go [ahead] this Saturday 27 and Sunday 28 October as scheduled in the RDS, Dublin.”
Meanwhile colleagues, artists and music fans paid tribute to Reynolds on social media.
Deepest sympathies to the family and friends of John Reynolds.
He was a creative force on the Irish music scene.
A visionary who was one of our leading independent festival and concert promoters.
Suaimhneas síoraí dhá anam. https://t.co/5lQcrzbWFo
— ⚖️Josepha Madigan (@josephamadigan) October 25, 2018
Just heard about John Reynolds, my condolences 2 his family & friends. U may not have heard of John before, but if u've been 2 Electric Picnic, Forbidden Fruit, shows at Pod Venues in dublin, then u know John's work. He gave me a lot of shows when i was starting out. So sad. RIP
— JamesVincentMcMorrow (@jamesvmcmorrow) October 25, 2018
John Reynolds cared more about the experience he gave, than the money to be made. Such a loss. Gutted.
— Mark McCabe (@MarkMcCabeIE) October 25, 2018
RIP the wonderful #JohnReynolds a talented innovator who made gigs and festivals a better experience for music fans in Ireland. And what a fan himself. Who else would put the Blue Nile on the main stage at The Electric Picnic? #RIPJohnReynolds pic.twitter.com/7qwm4Oa8k6
— Ken Sweeney (@KenSweeney) October 25, 2018
RIP John Reynolds. Lovely guy and responsible for some great festivals.
— DELORENTOS (@delorentos) October 25, 2018
RIP John Reynolds. Memories of Spiders Night Club in the Annaly Hotel in Longford in the 1980s.
— Ken Murray (@NewsMurray) October 25, 2018
Shocked & saddened by the death of John Reynolds who brought the boutique festival to Ireland. I loved his passion & willingness to take a risk. He was so proud - and justifiably so - of launching @ATNfestival this year. John will be sorely missed https://t.co/KLgflhNZqy
— Stuart Clark (@stuartclark66) October 25, 2018
very sad to hear of passing a John Reynolds, he was an artist when it came to curation, so passionate about music and such a great ear. A lovely man
— Tom dunne (@tomhappens) October 25, 2018
Saddened to hear of the death of John Reynolds. One of the first gigs he promoted was The Stunning in Moate, Co. Westmeath around 1993. He changed the face of festivals in Ireland with #ElectricPicnic & was about to do it all again with #AllTogetherNow. RIP.
— Steve Wall (@stevethewall) October 25, 2018
Very sad to hear of John Reynolds passing. He was a really good guy who put on so many amazing events - starting @EPfestival 14 years ago, then @ForbiddenFFest , Altogether now and this wkends Metropolis fest. RIP John https://t.co/v04qp0TVly
— HamsandwicH (@Ham_Sandwich) October 25, 2018
Just like everyone else in the music biz who knew John Reynolds I'm shocked and saddened by his sudden death a lovely, fun, brave, talented guy
— EDDIE ROWLEY (@EddieRowleySW) October 25, 2018
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