This story is free to read because readers choose to support LAist. If you find value in independent local reporting, make a donation to power our newsroom today.
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
U2 Tour Manager Found Dead In West Hollywood Hotel
The man who has managed U2's tours for over three decades was found dead in his West Hollywood hotel room this morning.Dennis Sheehan, 68, was found unconscious in his room at the Sunset Marquis Hotel this morning around 5:30 a.m. Paramedics responding to a report of an apparent heart attack pronounced him dead at the scene, according to TMZ. The coroner told City News Service he died of natural causes.
"We've lost a family member. We're still taking it in," Bono said, according to CNS. "He wasn't just a legend in the music business, he was a legend in our band. He is irreplaceable."
U2 was in town and had just performed the first of five shows at the Forum last night.
Arthur Fogel, CEO of Live Nation released a statement as well: "With profound sadness we confirm that Dennis Sheehan, U2's longstanding tour manager and dear friend to us all, has passed away overnight. Our heartfelt sympathy is with his wonderful family."
A native of Ireland, Sheehan worked with U2 since 1982, according to Variety. TMZ says that Sheehan has been in the biz since the 70s, working with Led Zeppelin, Iggy Pop, Patti Smith and Lou Reed. He'd started out as a musician but began working on tour management as a 19-year-old.
He described his career journey here:
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
