We were heartbroken to learn of the death of Steve Strange, a co-founder of X-ray Touring, brilliant agent and beloved, charismatic member of the music community, who died on the morning of 9/24. X-ray partner Josh Javor (with Strange below at left) released the following statement. Our condolences go out to Steve's loved ones and the X-ray team.

X-ray Touring is deeply saddened to announce that Steve Strange, one of the founding partners of the agency, has passed away after a short illness.

We have lost a legendary figure in our personal and professional lives whom we will all deeply miss.

Steve was a unique individual within our industry. His overwhelming love of music led to a 30-year-plus career guiding the tours of an eclectic mix of artists.

He was a universally regarded, hugely respected and loved character—if you hadn’t already seen him at a gig or festival, you’d most certainly have heard his infectious and infamous laugh.

Steve had the best ears in the agency business, signing and developing the careers of countless world-class artists from small club venues to vast, international multi-stadium tours.

He will always be remembered with love by his friends & colleagues at X-ray and the world over.

“I can’t believe we have lost Steve Strange, says Neil Warnock, MBE, Head of Worldwide Touring for UTA . "He was an absolute icon in the world of music. He was a fan of all music genres who was at the top of his game. I’ve lost a true friend and the industry has lost a larger-than-life character.“

Strange personally represented Eminem, Coldplay, Queens of the Stone Age, Snow Patrol, Alice in Chains, Jimmy Eat World and literally hundreds of other bands. His friends were truly a who’s who of the global music business—agents, managers, promoters and record execs.

Born in Carrickfergus, Northern Ireland, he picked up the drums at 12 and played in bands throughout his youth and early adulthood.

Strange initially worked for Irish promoter MCD, where he handled the nightclub Limelight. He launched his career as an agent in 1991 with London-based Prestige, which was then run by Miles Copeland, Phil Banfield and Rob Hallett, but a year later returned to Ireland to promote shows at MCD/Wonderland. A year after that, he went back to London to join the FAB Agency.

When Strange’s bands, including Placebo and Ash, started to explode, he knew he had to join a bigger outfit. John Giddings gave him the opportunity at Solo Agency. Strange stayed with Giddings, whom he considered a mentor, for about a year and a half. Then, in 1997, he moved to Helter Skelter, which was then called Fair Warning/Wasted Talent. It was the biggest agency in the country at that point. In 2005, Strange left with colleagues Ian Huffam and Jeff Craft to form X-ray Touring, his professional home for the rest of his days.

This lovely tribute to Strange was captured at the Belsonic Festival in Belfast.