International music stars pay tribute following death of music promoter Vince Power

Music stars from around the world have been paying tribute to Waterford music promoter Vince Power, who died over the weekend. 

Imelda May, Billy Bragg, Cait O'Riodan of the Pogues and Cerys Matthews are just some of those who paid tribute to the Waterford man who championed live music and organised many successful music festivals. 

Mr Power played a significant part in the music industry in the UK and Ireland through his work as a live music promoter.  He was renowned for organising festivals  and live shows, including Glastonbury, the Leeds Festival, Hop Farm Music Festival and many more.

Raised in Kilmacthomas, Mr Power moved to London at 15 and went on to carve out an impressive career in the music business through his events management group Mean Fiddler in the 1980s. Mean Fiddler took over the Reading Festival, before branching out in many other ventures.

In 1993 he organised Fleadh Mór, a largescale music festival at Tramore Racecourse in his native Waterford. The event featured top international acts including Bob Dylan, Van Morrison, The Chieftains and Joan Baez. 

He repeatedly promoted many famous artists of the rock and roll era including Bob Dylan, Van Morrison, Roy Orbison, Paul Weller and Neil Young.

The Embassy of Ireland in Great Britain paid tribute saying: "Saddened to learn of the passing of Vince Power. He worked throughout his career to champion Irish culture, leaving an indelible impact on the music scene in Britain. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam". 

The Irish Cultural Centre said: "His impact on London's Irish music scene was profound, shaping the industry for decades. Our deepest condolences to his family and friends".

I'm going to miss you so very much, my friend in music, in thinking, in dreaming. love you very much. RiP #VincePower pic.twitter.com/HxzK4It4hN

— Cerys Matthews (@cerysmatthews) March 10, 2024

Tanita Tikaram said like many artists, she owed so much to him. "He gave me my first gig at the Mean Fiddler acoustic Room attended by about 3 people but he made sure 1 of them was an important agent!" she recalled. 

Paul Weller described him as a "good friend". 

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

Imelda May said how she adored him. 

So sad to hear of the passing of
the great Vince Power. I adored him.
He took a chance on me at the start of my career when I needed it most.
He was so important to Irish culture and community at home and the UK.
He’ll be greatly missed.
Love to his family #ripvincepower pic.twitter.com/ul6Hn08JaB

— Imelda May (@ImeldaOfficial) March 10, 2024