Popular Musician Is Dead

Music Icon, Star and celebrity agent who represented music stars including Coldplay, Eminem and Queens of the Stone Age has died at the age of 53. Steve Strange, the founding partner of X-Ray Touring, was hailed as a ‘legendary figure’ following his death after a short illness.

The agent signed and developed some of the best artists across the globe during his career, which began as a drummer, performing with several Irish bands.

A tribute published by CelebrityAccess read: ‘We have lost a legendary figure in our personal and professional lives that we will all deeply miss. ‘Steve was a unique individual within our industry, his overwhelming love of music lead to a 30 year plus career guiding the touring of an eclectic mix of artists from all genres of music that he adored.

‘A universally known, hugely respected and loved character – if you hadn’t already seen him at a gig or festival, you’d most certainly hear his infectious and infamous laugh.’

After playing in the band No Hot Ashes, Mr Strange began to enter the world of artist management and booking agencies in the 1990s. As well as going on to work with Coldplay, Eminem and Queens of the Stone Age, he also boasted clients such as Chance the Rapper, Snow Patrol, Jimmy Eat World, Kodaline, and Bright Eyes.

In 2019, he became the second Northern Irishman to receive the ‘Outstanding Contribution to Music’ award, the Belfast Telegraph reports. He was presented with the gong at a ceremony in Belfast where he was praised for championing emerging acts and giving homegrown bands a platform.