U2’s latest tour has suffered yet more bad news, with the announcement of the sudden death of the band’s long-serving tour manager. Dennis Sheehan, who has overseen the group’s tours for over three decades, was found unconscious in his room in Los Angeles.
Sheehan, who was 69, was pronounced dead at the scene on Wednesday morning in the Sunset Marquis Hotel, having suffered a suspected cardiac arrest, according to TMZ. His death comes one night in to U2’s five-night residency at The Forum in Los Angeles.
U2 are mourning the death of their tour manager on Wednesday morning
In addition to managing U2’s tours, Sheehan has worked with many big names over the years, including Led Zeppelin, Iggy Pop, Patti Smith and Lou Reed. He had worked with U2 since before the release of their War album in 1982.
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Reacting to the tragic news, frontman Bono wrote on the group’s official website U2.com. “We’ve lost a family member, we’re still taking it in. He wasn’t just a legend in the music business, he was a legend in our band. He is irreplaceable.”
“With profound sadness we confirm that Dennis Sheehan, U2’s longstanding tour manager and dear friend to us all, has passed away overnight,” said Arthur Fogel, LiveNation’s CEO of global touring, in a statement. “Our heartfelt sympathy is with his wonderful family.”
No official news has yet been announced as to whether U2 will be carrying on their tour as normal, though sources close to the band believe that they will elect to carry on. In the hours after Sheehan’s death, the group’s Facebook page posted a promotional poster for the tour.
The group’s Innocence + Experience tour kicked off in difficult circumstances a fortnight ago, with guitarist The Edge falling offstage during an encore in Vancouver and escaping without serious injury. Bono, of course, is still recovering from his pushbike accident in New York in November last year, and is currently unable to play guitar himself.
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