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Chris York, UK Promoter and Director of SJM Concerts, dies at 55
July25
SJM Concerts announced with deep sadness the passing of Chris York, a leading UK promoter and Direc
SJM Concerts announced with deep sadness the passing of Chris York, a leading UK promoter and Director of the company, at the age of 55 following a long illness.
Chris York`s illustrious career in the music industry began in 1993 when he joined Simon Moran at SJM Concerts. Over the next three decades, Chris and Simon worked tirelessly to establish SJM Concerts as the UK`s premier concert promoter.
York`s early career saw him working at the Venue in New Cross, with John Curd at Straight Music, and with Tim Parsons at MCP Concerts, before he found his permanent home at SJM. His partnership with Simon Moran was both a professional and personal bond that lasted throughout his career.
Chris York was instrumental in promoting some of the biggest names in music, including Oasis, Foo Fighters, Green Day, The Chemical Brothers, Lily Allen, Massive Attack, Robert Plant, Underworld, Lorde, Morrissey, Placebo, Suede, and Stereophonics. His efforts helped many artists transition from club touring to arenas and stadiums.
Since 2006, York took on the role of lead talent booker for the annual Teenage Cancer Trust spring residency at London`s Royal Albert Hall. Working alongside The Who`s Roger Daltrey, live producer Des Murphy, and fellow SJM Director Rob Ballantine, he contributed to concerts that have raised over £30 million for the charity. These events have featured performances by Take That, Ed Sheeran, Florence and the Machine, Arctic Monkeys, Pet Shop Boys, The Cure, New Order, and Sir Paul McCartney, among others.
York also played a pivotal role in the development of the annual multi-venue Country to Country (C2C) Music Festival, which has significantly boosted the popularity of country music in the UK. In recognition of his efforts, he was awarded the prestigious Jo Walker Meador International Award by the Country Music Association in 2021.
In 2022, Chris York was honored at the International Live Music Conference with their annual Bottle Award for Lifetime Achievement.
Under Chris`s leadership, SJM Concerts has won the Music Week Promoter of the Year Award 10 times, holds records for the biggest selling UK concert tour and the biggest selling UK comedy tour, employs over 80 full-time and numerous freelance staff, and currently has over 1000 shows on sale. Chris York`s influence on the company and the UK`s live music scene is immeasurable.
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