RIP

Peter Rieger, the founder of Cologne-based promoter Peter Rieger Konzertagentur (PRK), has passed away aged 63. The news was announced today by CTS Eventim – since 2000 the majority stakeholder in PRK – which paid tribute to a man who has provided “thousands of people wonderful memories” and “given numerous artists their breakthrough. Peter was head of Peter Rieger Konzertagentur from 1986 to 2015.

Promoting pioneeer Tim Moffat has died at the age of 85, leaving behind his wife Esther and son Troy. Moffat began his career as a radio DJ before moving into promotion and he brought acts including Elvis Presoey and the Rolling Stones to Hawaii, as well as promoting the Pacific island's Sunshine Festivals. 

BBC Radio 2 presenter Desmond Carrington has died, aged 90. Having worked for the station since the 1950s, he is best known for his weekly show 'The Music Goes Round', which he presented for 35 years, until last October when he stepped down due to ill health.

Larry Steinbachek, former keyboardist with 80s synthpop group Bronski Beat, has died at the age of 56. Steinbachek formed the group with Jimmy Somerville and Steve Bronski in 1983 and they had chart success with songs including "Smalltown Boy" and "Why?" Steinbachek's sister Louise Jones told BBC News that he died last month after a short battle with cancer, with his family and friends at his bedside.

Paul Boyd, the bass player with No Hot Ashes, had died of cancer. He joined the band in 1983. For many years, while NHA were inactive, he played in another Belfast band, the now defunct WorldsEnd. NHA announced Paul's death in an beautiful tribute which begins “It is with heavy hearts that we have to announce the passing of Paul Boyd. He was the bassist and founding member of No Hot Ashes, but more importantly a son, husband, father, grandfather and friend." and ends "Paul died on Tuesday 17th January 2017. He will be missed greatly by all, but his legacy carries on in our memories, in our hearts and in the recordings he made. God bless you Paul Boyd.”

Mike Kellie, the  drummer form the Only Ones. and before that Spooky Tooth, has passed away. He also drummed on Johnny Thunders "So Alone"  album and for George Harrison, Maurice Gibb, Jim Capaldi, Peter Frampton, Jerry lee Lewis and many others. The Birmingham born drummer would have been 70 in March.

The Allman Brothers Band co-founder Butch Trucks has passed away at the age of 69. Trucks, played drums alongside Jai "Jaimoe" Johnny Johanson throughout the Allmans' 46-year on-and-off history. He died  in West Palm Beach, Fla. Trucks is survived by his wife, Melinda, their four children and four grandchildren

John Wetton, the bassist and singer for Asia, as well as a former member of King Crimson and U.K., has died at the age of 67 after a battle with cancer.