Tributes were on Monday pouring in for music legend Vince Power who has died at the age of 76.
Power ran some of London’s top music venues and has been credited with changing the face of live music in Britain.
Born in County Waterford, Ireland, he moved to London aged 15 in 1963. By 1982 he had opened the Mean Fiddler in Harlesden, which became one of the most iconic music venues in the capital and welcomed legendary artists including Van Morrison, Johnny Cash and Paul McCartney.
At its height, his Mean Fiddler Music Group owned the most prolific live music venues in London including GAY, The Astoria and The Jazz Café. It was credited with making Glastonbury a safe and viable festival as well as re-booting Reading and Leeds Festivals. Most recently he was overseeing the Camden Live music venue Dingwalls.
Power was father to eight children and was appointed a CBE in 2006. In a statement his family said: “It is with great sadness that we confirm the passing of Vince Power. A visionary entrepreneur who enhanced and influenced the music industry significantly, whilst always being a dedicated, loving father and a loyal friend to so many.
“We want to thank everyone who has offered their condolences and request that our privacy be respected at this time of great sadness.”
Singer songwriter Tanita Tikaram tweeted: “So sad to hear Vince Power has passed away. Like many artists I owe so much to Vince, 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! My condolences to Vince’s family and loved ones.”
Singer songwriter Cerys Matthews wrote: “I’m going to miss you so very much, my friend in music, in thinking, in dreaming. Love you very much. Rip.”
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
Speaking to the Irish Sun in 2018, Power said: “Right from the start at The Mean Fiddler we made bands feel welcome.
“They didn’t do that at the other London venues and the bands kept coming back.”
Singer Imelda May tweeted: “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.”
