Vince Power: Mean Fiddler founder and live music giant dies at 76
Vince Power, the founder of the Mean Fiddler group and a legend of the live music world, has died aged 76.
Power, born in Co. Waterford, Ireland, set up Mean Fiddler in the early 1980s, a company which went on to have a key hand in the running of Reading Festival, Glastonbury and more.
Since news of his death broke, figures from across the music industry have lauded Power and his legacy.
Leading tributes was Paul Weller, who said: “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.”
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
In a post on their website, Memorial Exchange said: “Today, the music community mourns the loss of one of its beloved figures, Vince Power, whose passing has left a profound void in the hearts of many.”
“Vince Power was more than just a music promoter; he was a friend, a visionary, and a purveyor of unforgettable experiences. His contributions to the music scene, particularly in venues like Subterrania London and The KPH, have left an indelible mark on both artists and audiences alike.
The post added: “For those fortunate enough to have crossed paths with Vince, his infectious laughter, warm spirit, and unwavering passion for music will forever be cherished.”
Others to pay tribute included Cerys Matthews, who wrote: “I’m going to miss you so very much, my friend in music, in thinking, in dreaming. love you very much. RiP.”
Melvin Benn, Festival Republic Managing Director, added: “Vince’s passing is a massive loss to the music industry and to me personally. A visionary with a willingness to take risks to enable his vision but always with a humbleness that belied his importance. We had an amazing 20 years together that helped shape the music industry as we know it now.”
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
Elsewhere, ex-NME and Q Magazine editor Danny Kelly called Power “the most important music promoter in the UK” and lauded “a life fully lived”.
See more tributes to Power below.
RIP Vince Power. From flogging old furniture to the most important music promoter in the UK – quite the journey. Saved the near-moribund Reading festival, and others. Turned The Mean Fiddler into London's CBGBs, London's Fillmore. A life fully lived. pic.twitter.com/EkqlevBpPG
— Danny Kelly (@dannykellywords) March 11, 2024
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 https://t.co/hKRQQgoFsc— Embassy of Ireland (@IrelandEmbGB) March 11, 2024
We are so sorry to read about the death of Vince Power, a legend in the music industry, especially live music. https://t.co/tvBfBrI68H
— Ronnie Scott's Jazz Club (@officialronnies) March 11, 2024
Sad to hear about the passing of music legend Vince Power. His passion for live music helped Camden massively through the Mean Fiddler Group running, at times, Dingwalls, the Jazz Cafe and the Kentish Town Forum. He helped rebuild the Reading Festival too. Rest in Power Vince! https://t.co/aQUVQvhqYW
— Jonathan Simpson (@CamdenJonathan) March 10, 2024