U2’s longtime tour manager, Dennis Sheehan, was found dead Wednesday morning (May 27) in his hotel room in West Hollywood. He was 68.
“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,” Arthur Fogel said in a statement.
“We’ve lost a family member, we’re still taking it in. He wasn’t just a legend in the music business, he was a legend in our band. He is irreplaceable,” Bono said on U2.com.
Paramedics were reportedly called to his room at the Sunset Marquis hotel after he was found unresponsive in the early hours of the morning; shortly thereafter, he was reportedly pronounced dead at the scene.
Sheehan grew up in Ireland and played in a band from age 13 to 19. During his late teens, Sheehan moved into the behind-the-scenes music world, putting in time at Arista in London and working with everyone from Led Zeppelin to Patti Smith.
Prior to the release of U2’s War album in 1983, Sheehan joined forces with the band and has worked with them ever since.
U2 will play the second of five concerts at The Forum in Los Angeles on Wednesday.
