Led Zep, Iggy, Reed tour manager Sheehan dead at 68

Former Led Zeppelin, Iggy Pop and Lou Reed tour manager Dennis Sheehan has died at the age of 68.

He was found in his hotel room in Los Angeles, while on the road with U2. It’s thought he suffered a heart attack.

U2 frontman Bono says: “We’ve lost a family member. He wasn’t just a legend in the music business – he was a legend in our band. He’s irreplaceable.”

Live Nation touring boss Arthur Fogel adds: “Dennis was a dear friend to us all. Our heartfelt sympathy is with his wonderful family.”

Sheehan was born in England and grew up in Ireland, and began his music career as a guitarist before landing his first tour manager’s job aged 19. He first worked with Led Zep manager Peter Grant by looking after Scottish bands Stone The Crows and Cartoone, before becoming assistant TM with Robert Plant and co in 1975, 1977 and 1979.

Along with Pop and Reed he also toured with Patti Smith and many of the 1970s punk acts.

Not only is one-time online news editor Martin an established rock journalist and drummer, but he’s also penned several books on music history, including SAHB Story: The Tale of the Sensational Alex Harvey Band, a band he once managed, and the best-selling Apollo Memories about the history of the legendary and infamous Glasgow Apollo. Martin has written for Classic Rock and Prog and at one time had written more articles for Louder than anyone else (we think he's second now). He’s appeared on TV and when not delving intro all things music, can be found travelling along the UK’s vast canal network.