Tributes for Northern Ireland’s leading music promoter and manager John Rogers have been pouring in throughout the week.
Last week the well known industry stalwart passed away at the age of 74 following a hospital visit.
The news has sent shockwaves around the music community who have described him as “one of the hardest working men in music” and “always great craic”.
Leading the tributes was John’s friend U105 DJ Johnny Hero who said he was one of the “last legends in the music world”.
Remembering John, Johnny said: “Anybody could ask him to put a show on and he would just say yes, the logistical problems.
“I mean he would call me the day before a show and say ‘hold on, they want a Russian folk act now to headline’ and I’m going ‘Well what did you tell them?’ to which he would reply ‘Oh I told them we’d get them one’.
“Any demands that were put on him, he said yes and then would try to do it instead of himming and haing and telling them to get someone else to do it, he never turned down a challenge.
“It was brilliant watching him, if you had some downtime at a gig, there would be all these musicians hanging about and John would hold court, telling stories and they’d all sit entranced by his stories, and they were always funny and always entertaining.
“I was looking at my phone today and it gave me my five most used contacts, my wife, my three kids and John are my top five.
“It’s just terrible, at lunch time there I lifted my phone to phone him because I do it everyday just to see how he’s getting on, and I lifted my phone, looked at it and realised…Jesus, it’s really hard to believe he’s not here.”
John was probably best known publicly for being the former manager of Van Morrison spending over three decades working with the global star.
Speaking of John’s passing Van said: “I am shocked and saddened to hear of John’s passing having worked together over the years.
“My thoughts go out to Wilma and his family as they deal with this loss.”
In his 50 year career John made the careers of hundreds of music acts throughout Ireland, Northern Ireland and beyond.
Brian Kennedy, who has worked with John for many years, said he was devastated to hear of his passing.
He added: “January 2023 hasn’t gotten off to a very cruel start with the Sudden passing of our friend and promoter John Rogers.
“I was lucky enough to spend some of my most exciting Musical times with him throughout my career, especially my formative years singing with Van Morrison and touring the world with Bob Dylan and Joni Mitchell and Ray Charles to name only a few. I’ll never forget the first time I sang in Madison Square Garden.
“John was one of the hardest working men I ever met and so passionate about music and musicians. It is a terrible loss to our industry and my heart goes out to his lovely wife Wilma, and of course the rest of his family and friends.
“We’re all floored by this terrible news and may he Rest in the deepest of peace. We will be dedicating our final show this weekend at the Stormont hotel in his memory.”
Photo credit: Johnny Hero
Many people might not realise it but it was John who gave country star Nathan Carter his big break in music.
Nathan explained: “I was honoured to have met John, a man who gave me great advice throughout the years negotiating my first ever record deal with Decca records and promoting a lot of gigs through the years.
“John will be sadly missed and the music industry was a better place with him around.”
Belfast singer Joby Fox described John as a “long-time friend” and remembered the music man’s commitment to new artists.
He said: “When I first went to London, I was only an insecure wee guy in the music Business.
“John was there for me all the way. He used to joke and say, you are in the Murphia now kid (the Irish side of the music Business).
“I loved John; he was a loyal friend and mentor. He was also such a fun. He was always generous with his time and his knowledge of the music business.
“You always expect people like John to live forever. I will carry him in my heart.”
Performer and show producer Donna Stewart spent many years working alongside John from writing and producing his hugely successful Belfast City Of Rhythms show run at the Europa Hotel in 2014 to working with him as a performer and agent for other performers.
Donna, who is now a performer in Fleetwood Dreams Fleetwood Mac tribute band said John brought “razzmatazz” to the terraced streets of Belfast: “I knew John from the early 90’s. He was managing my ex-husband’s band Ashanti.
“He wanted the band to tour with the Commitments as it wasn’t long after the film and Andrew Strong was his Godson. I will never forget the big tour bus that arrived in a wee street in Belfast, all terrace houses. It was a definite source of gossip.”
In 2007 Donna went on to work directly with the renowned promoter.
“I had a Glee tribute group, John sent them all on tour too,” she explained.
“Then later he worked as my agent as a Dolly Parton tribute act. And in return I wrote the Belfast City of Rhythms show for the tourists staying in Europa Hotel over the summer.
“John was very loveable, and he was so very funny! Every time I turned up for a gig dressed as Dolly he would ask me when I was going to get ready. Many times over a coffee and a scone we would have laughed more than worked.
“He will be missed by so many. I’m finding it hard to believe I will never see him again. My heart goes out to Johnny Hero who was one of his closest friends and of course his family who he was exceptionally proud off.”
Fellow promoter and performer Mervyn Boyd who worked with John recently on the promotion and production of the Tribute Fest shows at Crusaders Football Club said John will be missed by everyone in the business.
“I’ve worked with John off and on for 25 years. He was a larger-than-life character that will be missed.”
Performer with ABBA tribute Bjorn Identity and owner of Musicon Events Karen Rush said: I learned a lot working closely with John for the past six years delivering tribute shows to audiences across the country, notably; The Bjorn Identity.
“He was a big character in the business, highly dedicated and passionate about his work and was always there on the night to say ‘Have a great show’, he will be missed.”
One of John’s latest proteges was singer songwriter Odhran Murphy who said he was “heartbroken” at the loss of his mentor.
He said: “To say I am heartbroken about John’s passing would be an understatement.
“John Rogers was a true inspiration to not only myself but the entire music industry.
“I could not thank John enough for all his support and guidance he has given me as my manager over the last two years.
“It was an honour to have worked alongside a gentleman like John and I would not be where I am today without his support.
“Although I am devastated that our time had to be cut short, I am eternally grateful for two wonderful years full of memories and friendship.”
Former Northern Ireland footballer Gerry Armstrong recalled a long and enduring friendship with John.
“He was a fantastic guy, loved by everyone, he would never let anybody down and helped everyone.
“He had 100% respect from all he came into contact with and when he said he was going to do something he did it.”
Gerry spoke of how John had helped him.
“When I was doing my book he put me in touch with the right people, and I did a number of private functions. John also helped my daughter, Marianne. Brian Kennedy was playing the Ballygally in Larne and he helped her support Brian when she was just 15.”
Over the past week Gerry had spoken to John a number of times before learning of his passing and the promoter said he had a full book of shows.
“He told me he wasn’t well but he said he had 130 plus events to promote and organise before the end of March,” Gerry said. “When his wife Wilma called me to say he had passed it was devastating. “John will be sadly missed.”
He said that he ranked as one of the most important people on the local entertainment scene.
“John was like the late Steve Strange as a giant in the business, who earned respect and loyalty,” Gerry explained. “He was school friends with Van Morrison and worked with him for so long. He could call people associated with the Rolling Stones and be called back.
“John also helped so many local people, from north and south, from Donegal, Monaghan, Dublin, Belfast and all parts.”
Jim McQuillan, manager for Bagatelle, said John was a great colleague and confidant and he will miss him dearly.
He added: “He seemed to know a lot of people in the music business and entertainment business, not just in Ireland but overseas.
“On the other side, he was very funny and we would sit for hours just swapping stories, talking about the music business and people that we work for.”
Jim also said that talking with John came so easily, with both of their professions in the music industry creating a great talking point between them.
He said: “There were no real barriers or anything.
“You know exactly what you’re doing or where you’re coming from.”
John left a lasting impression on everyone involved throughout the whole industry, with Jim ensuring that his humour and demeanour will be fondly missed.
Jim added: “He will leave a gap also for just the fun end of it, you could have a good laugh as well.
“They used to call him ‘fun bags’.”
Meanwhile Bagatelle bass player Ken Doyle said John would be “sadly missed” from the industry:
“He was a real character and totally professional in all the shows he did with us,” he said.
“There was no messing about with John.
“We had great times with him, always fun and great craic.
“We worked with him, as well as Johnny Hero and whether it was after a show, getting a lift from the Waterfront Hall it was always fun with John.
“He’ll be sadly missed.”
Sean McGuinness from the Dublin City Ramblers added: “I knew the late John Rogers as he often booked us for gigs in Donegal, Belfast and various venues throughout Ireland.
“I found him to be a very genuine person and very professional and personal when we dealt with him. A lovely guy who will be sadly missed.
“Sincere condolences to all his family and friends. Ar dheis De go raibh a anam dilis. RIP John.”
From the author:
I’ve known John for many years and one thing I noticed was that he was incredibly well known throughout the industry. Not only was he an incredibe supporter of young and new talent but he spent a lot of time helping charities put on gigs they normally wouldn’t have been able to. No matter what job you did for him, John was always there with your little white envelope in his jacket or fleece. He’d slip you your payment in the most discreet manner.
Over the years I got to know John well, even having the odd moaning match between us which would normally result in John laughing at me…and me shaking my head. I had met him just before Christmas where he was singing the praises of a young artist on his books, he was always sure when someone was “big time” and he was rarely wrong.
I’m going to miss those last minute phone calls and the craic. One of the biggest shows I worked on with John was when myself, John and Johnny Hero co-promoted Horslips at the Ulster Hall together. Not only was it a baptism of fire for me but it was one of the best learning experiences. John had absolute faith in me for my part and spent a lot of time reassuring me when I was having a meltdown.
John’s passing is devastating to the whole music business here in Northern Ireland. His kindness, dedication and enthusiasm will never be matched again. I am honoured to have known him and to have had the chance to create this tribute piece in his memory.
With thanks to all the contributors, Johnny Hero for photos and contacts, Jonathan Traynor, Zahra Baz and Maisie Laughton who helped pull all this together.