CARCASSONE, France (CelebrityAccess) — Michael Hinc, a former agent who represented clients such as The Smiths, Morrissey, and The Sisters of Mercy, died on January 6th at his home in France. He was 70.
News of his passing was shared by his brother on social media: “It is with deep sadness and regret that I have to share the news of Mike’s passing on Saturday the 6th of January 2024 after a short illness.”
“He slipped gently from this world overnight, in stark contrast to how he had lived most of his life, uncompromisingly and full on, with an exuberant passion for his art and music. Mike’s funeral is set for Tuesday the 16th January, just outside of Carcassonne, France and he will be sadly missed by his friends, ex-work associates and moreover by his loving family,” Hinc’s brother, David, added.
Hinc began his career in the industry working security in London clubs before joining Rough Trade, the London-based booking agency, and later, the Cloud Music Agency.
Along with his work in the music industry, Hinc was also a professional artist in his own right, earning a Master of the Arts degree from Hertfordshire University.
Following the news of Hinc’s passing, his former client, Morrissey, shared a reflection on his former booking agent:
“Mike was the Smiths live booking agent … very funny and very irreverent in the spirit of the Blenheim Crescent age. He was also very intelligent whilst being next to incomprehensible … which was perfect for the exciting psychic disorder of Rough Trade. Along with Geoff Travis, Scott Piering, Jo Slee, Martha DeFoe, Richard Boon and Pat Bellis, he worked very hard for the Smiths from the very beginning, and his cramped All Trade hut within the record label was a hideaway sanctum of busy blackboards and choking cigarette smoke. He was much admired by John Peel and John Walters, and this certainly helped the Smiths to move quickly. I was thankful then, and I’m thankful now.” – Morrissey.
