Originally posted by Q4MusicBono leads tributes to late PR legend Rob Partridge
Bono and Johnny Marr were among the stars to pay tribute to music business PR and manager Rob Partridge, who died today.
The well-loved publicist, who founded and owned the Coalition Group, commanded huge respect in the music industry and guided a stellar roster of acts. He died aged 60 after a lengthy illness.
Among the many acts Rob represented over a distinguished PR career have been Tom Waits, Bob Marley and Grace Jones. He was also instrumental in helping U2 to a record deal with Island, recommending that label boss Chris Blackwell sign the band.
Bono said today: "Rob Partridge was the first person in the British Music Industry to sing our praises. He not only had an eye for upcoming talent, he was a nurturer... a person who would educate you about the kind of obstacles you were going to meet and how to get over them... a rare human being."
Johnny Marr – who is represented by Coalition – said today: “Rob was a lovely guy, gentle and polite, but not above good devilish humor. He loved soulful music and working with soulful artists, because he was soulful himself."
And Marianne Faithfull – another act with whom he has worked for many years – said he was “one of the greatest men I have known and a great man to work with”. “I don’t know what I will do without him, we have been friends for so long,” she added.
The highly respected publicist also represented the Nationwide Mercury Music Prize for many years and was known for his uncanny ability to predict the winner within moments of the shortlist being unveiled. He was rarely wrong.
Rob began his career as a journalist, firstly as a news reporter for Music Week, then news editor for Melody Maker, as well as freelancing for a number of publications. He became head of press at Island Records in 1977, and joined the board four years later.
As media director, Rob looked after a roster of acts which included Marley, U2, Grace Jones, Kid Creole, Run-DMC, NWA, Steve Winwood and the B-52’s. His achievements were recognized for work with acts such as Frankie goes To Hollywood and Courtney Pine.
He formed the PR company Partridge & Storey in 1991, with the name Coalition adopted five years later. His widow Tina continues to work for the company.
Not the most recent news (a few days ago) but I believe it's worth a mention here.
