IRELAND (CelebrityAccess) John Reynolds, 52, renowned Irish promoter and founder of the Electric Picnic music festival, was found dead in his apartment in Miltown, south of Dublin, tonight.
Reynolds was also known for once owning the POD nightclub in Dublin.
“It is with great sadness that the Reynolds family confirm the sudden death of John Reynolds of POD this evening,” his family said in a statement. “John aged 52 years, who was one of Ireland’s leading independent festival and concert promoters, died suddenly at his home in Milltown, Dublin. Funeral arrangements will be announced in the coming days. The family requested privacy at this time.”
Reynolds, who built the Electric Picnic fest alongside Robert Laffan, was also known for launching pop stars Boyzone in the 1990s with Louis Walsh. The Mejtropolis Festival, run by Reynolds’ POD Presents and featuring Roisin Murphy and Villagers, is expected to go ahead this weekend as planned, according to the Irish Sun.
The tributes have begun to pour in from artists and fans.
Saddened to hear of the death of John Reynolds. One of the first gigs he promoted was The Stunning in Moate, Co. Westmeath around 1993. He changed the face of festivals in Ireland with #ElectricPicnic & was about to do it all again with #AllTogetherNow. RIP.
— The Stunning (@TheStunningBand) October 25, 2018
Just heard about John Reynolds, my condolences 2 his family & friends. U may not have heard of John before, but if u’ve been 2 Electric Picnic, Forbidden Fruit, shows at Pod Venues in dublin, then u know John’s work. He gave me a lot of shows when i was starting out. So sad. RIP
— JamesVincentMcMorrow (@jamesvmcmorrow) October 25, 2018
Very very sad news about the sudden death of visionary concert promoter John Reynolds – RIP pic.twitter.com/8NrevYX2Z8
— Ian Dempsey (@IanDempsey) October 25, 2018
Very sad to hear of John Reynolds passing. He was a really good guy who put on so many amazing events – starting @EPfestival 14 years ago, then @ForbiddenFFest , Altogether now and this wkends Metropolis fest. RIP John https://t.co/v04qp0TVly
— HamsandwicH (@Ham_Sandwich) October 25, 2018