Mick Brigden, former Rolling Stones and Bob Dylan tour manager, and protégé of legendary concert promoter Bill Graham, has died in what has been deemed a freak accident at his California home. He was 73.
He died on Sunday, 5th September in a tragic accident that occurred while digging a grave for his pet dog, his wife Julia Dreyer Brigden confirmed.
Brigden had a long and fruitful career in the music industry that spanned more than five decades.
Working for Graham, Brigden was instrumental in holding down the management arm of his music empire. He is known for managing some of the world’s most famous acts, including Van Morrison, Carlos Santana and Joe Satriani. He was managing Satriani up until his death.
Satriani has since responded to Brigden’s death in a statement posted to his official website.
“It’s been a crazy and wonderful 33 years of rock ‘n’ roll. I’ve never worked so hard, played so hard, laughed and cried so hard, made so much music and had so many worldwide adventures, and all with Mick by my side.
“He was the ultimate music business mentor. Honest, tough, nurturing, hardworking, respectful, tenacious, insightful, he was all of things and more. I learned so much about how to be a good person from Mick,” he continued.
“Throughout his illustrious career he worked the biggest and the best, but always knew it was important to be kind, be respectful, be cool and do things the right way.
“Mick was always full of energy and endlessly creative. He could help you get an album project organized, pick the right mix, pick a single, help with album artwork, book a tour, manage a tour, review the contracts, crack the whip with a smile and get a table at the right restaurant when you needed one.
“And, then, over a few glasses of wine, share his feelings and insights, listen to yours, and remind you to smell the roses along the way…”
..it's been a crazy & wonderful 33 years of rock 'n' roll. I've never worked so hard, played so hard, laughed and cried so hard, made so much music & had so many worldwide adventures, & all with Mick by my side.. RIP Mick Brigden. Read the full essay at https://t.co/fXyB1x0YkM pic.twitter.com/chfcstnXtJ
— Joe Satriani (@chickenfootjoe) September 7, 2021
Sammy Hagar also paid tribute, reminiscing on when Brigden road-managed his band Montrose from 1973-75 whilst they were on tour supporting Humble Pie – another band road-managed by Brigden.
“Mick Brigden was the first person that took care of me on the road,” Hagar wrote on Twitter.
“Montrose opened for Humble Pie for the 3 years we were on the road. Mick was their tour manager, lighting director, stage manager, seemed like he did everything. RIP Mick.”
Mick Brigden was the first person that took care of me on the road. Montrose opened for Humble Pie for the 3 years we were on the road. Mick was their tour manager, lighting director, stage manager, seemed like he did everything. RIP Mick, read full post:https://t.co/K7Z7ZiWNpH pic.twitter.com/2vT5RrVl1b
— Sammy Hagar (@sammyhagar) September 8, 2021
Brigden is survived by his wife Julia, son Jack, daughter Jessica and grandson David Merz. A lover of animals, his family are asking in memorium, for donations to be sent in his name to The Humane Society of Sonoma County.
