Dennis Sheehan, U2's longtime tour manager, found dead
Dennis Sheehan, U2's tour manager of more than 30 years, was found dead in his hotel room early Wednesday morning in what apparently was a major heart attack, officials said.
Sheehan, 68, was discovered unconscious and declared dead on the scene by the Los Angeles County Fire Department at around 5:30 a.m. at the Marquis Hotel in West Hollywood.
"We've lost a family member," U2 frontman Bono said in a statement on the band's website. "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."
Just hours before his death, Sheehan was assisting in preparations for U2's first show of a five-date tour at the Forum in Inwood. Sheehan, who was born in Wolverhampton, England, and raised in southern Ireland, joined U2 in 1982 having already worked with Led Zepplin, Patti Smith, Lou Reed, Iggy Pop and other rock legends.
"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," said Arthur Fogel, CEO Global Touring, Chairman Global Music Live Nation Global Touring, alongside Bono's official statement on their website.
Sheehan was known to be extremely hard-working and trustworthy. In 2008 Sheehan received the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Parnelli Awards which recognize work in the live-event industry. "Dennis Sheehan is a wise and trusted colleague and the best tour manager in the world," Paul McGuinness, U2's manager, had said when Sheehan was given the honor.