Atlanta rockers Mastodon have confirmed the passing of their longtime manager, Nick John, on September 8 following a battle with pancreatic cancer.
Vocalist/guitarist Brent Hinds broke the news on Instagram, sharing a photo of the two with the caption “R.I.P. Nick John” accompanied by a broken heart emoji.
The band also shared a statement on John’s passing, which reads: “Longtime artist manager Nick John passed away peacefully in his sleep this morning after a valiant battle with pancreatic cancer. Nick was an integral part of Rick Sales Entertainment for more than 20 years, working closely with Slayer in a management capacity as well as earning Executive Producer credits for the band’s “God Hates Us All”, “War Of The Warfield”, “Soundtrack To The Apocalypse” and “Still Reigning.”
“In 2006, he signed Mastodon to RSE, taking them to five Grammy nominations and the Best Metal Performance Grammy Award this year for “Sultan’s Curse.” He started working with the French metal band Gojira in 2012 who went on to two Grammy nominations in 2016. Nick began his record business career in the early 90’s as a valued intern at Rick Rubin’s American Recordings.
“In what can be a challenging industry, Nick was well known to be a kind and gentle soul and an overall amazing human who touched countless lives. Nick is survived by his wife Colleen, his mother and sister. Information regarding services will be announced shortly.”
News of John’s passing comes about a week after Mastodon cancelled their fall North American tour just days before its launch due to a what they billed as “a critical situation” within the band’s circle.
“Thank you for your guidance, your wisdom , your never ending hard work and dedication to Mastodon, always pushing and reaching turning over every stone to make sure we were always protected and always had every opportunity any of us could dream of,” wrote the group in a tribute to their fallen manager. “Thank you for making yourself available morning noon and night to handle every crisis or situation that ever came up. Thank you for being so passionate and believing in us with such enthusiasm that we considered you part of the band. Thank you for your calm demeanor, your level head and your sharp sense of humor. Thank you for showing all of us how to work our phones and computers with incredible patience via NJ solutions.
“Thank you for your smile and your infectious laugh but most of all, thank you for your unconditional love and friendship, we love you very much and are going to miss you more than we know. We love you Nick John. RIP. Sending love and strength to his wife @theoriginalleen who is also a dear friend of ours. We love you @Colleen!”
Mastodon formed in Atlanta in 2000; they released their debut album, “Remission”, in 2002 and have since issued six more studio efforts; their latest release is 2017’s “Emperor Of Sand.”
See also:
Mastodon reveal reason behind North American tour cancellation
Mastodon cancel North American tour due to critical situation
Mastodon announce fall North American tour
Mastodon stream animated video for Emperor Of Sand track Clandestiny
Search Mastodon at hennemusic
