Many tributes to 'visionary Longford concert promoter' John Reynolds (52)

Many tributes have been paid tonight to renowned Longford music promoter John Reynolds who died suddenly at his home earlier today.

He was the founder of the Electric Picnic music festival and once owned the POD nightclub on Harcourt Street in Dublin. 

A nephew of the late Taoiseach Albert Reynolds, John is predeceased by his parents, the well known Longford town business couple, Jim and Anne Reynolds, who poignantly passed away within 24 hours of each other on the weekend of November 5 and 6, 2016. He has two sisters Angela and Orlagh, and is the brother of James, and deepest sympathy is extended to his family and wide circle of friends. 

You may also be interested in reading: End of an era as well known Longford town business couple, Jim and Anne Reynolds, pass to their eternal reward

Economist, broadcaster and author, David McWilliams said he was 'completely devastated at the death of an old, old friend tonight, John Reynolds'. "I can't really take it in. Far too soon. Can still hear him at the kitchen table here, telling stories, full of infectious enthusiasm, planning the next festival. Heartbroken. RIP Gino."

Showbiz writer Eddie Rowley tweeted this evening, "Just like everyone else in the music biz who knew John Reynolds I'm shocked and saddened by his sudden death a lovely, fun, brave, talented guy."

Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Josepha Madigan TD, extended deepest sympathies to the family and friends of John Reynolds. She commented, "He was a creative force on the Irish music scene. A visionary who was one of our leading independent festival and concert promoters. Suaimhneas síoraí dhá anam." 

Jerry Fish said, "Shocked to hear the sad and tragic news that John Reynolds has passed away. My love and condolences to close friends and family. The magic he created in the world of the Irish music festival speaks for itself, thought JR would be around for many years to come."

Deputy Editor of Hot Press, Stuart Clark, said he was "shocked & saddened by the death of John Reynolds who brought the boutique festival to Ireland. I loved his passion & willingness to take a risk. He was so proud - and justifiably so - of launching the All Together Now Festival this year. John will be sorely missed."

Former Green Party TD and Senator Dan Boyle tweeted, "Shocked to hear of the death of John Reynolds at such a young age. His promotion of Electric Picnic has impacted on lives of thousands of people in the country. RIP."

In a statement released on Thursday evening, his family confirmed he died suddenly at his home.

“It is with great sadness that the Reynolds family confirm the sudden death of John Reynolds of POD this evening.

“John aged 52 years, who was one of Ireland’s leading independent festival and concert promoters, died suddenly at his home in Milltown, Dublin.

“Funeral arrangements will be announced in the coming days.

"The family requested privacy at this time.

"Metropolis Festival will go ahead this Saturday 27th and Sunday 28th October as scheduled in the RDS, Dublin."

In addition to the Electric Picnic festival and  the POD, John ran the Red Box club on Harcourt Street and he was also the driving force behind Dublin's Forbidden Fruit and Vinyl festivals.

This year he launched a new festival weekend, All Together Now, through his promotions company POD at Curraghmore House, Co Waterford. 

Tributes have been pouring in a social media;

Very very sad news about the sudden death of visionary concert promoter John Reynolds - RIP pic.twitter.com/8NrevYX2Z8

— Ian Dempsey (@IanDempsey) October 25, 2018

Just heard about John Reynolds, my condolences 2 his family & friends. U may not have heard of John before, but if u've been 2 Electric Picnic, Forbidden Fruit, shows at Pod Venues in dublin, then u know John's work. He gave me a lot of shows when i was starting out. So sad. RIP

— JamesVincentMcMorrow (@jamesvmcmorrow) October 25, 2018

Hard to take in the news tonight of the passing of John Reynolds. A true giant of Irish Music, he shaped many of our best loved festivals and music venues and raised the bar for live music. Deepest sympathies to all his family and friends.

— Whelan's (@whelanslive) October 25, 2018

Very sad to hear of John Reynolds passing. He was a really good guy who put on so many amazing events - starting @EPfestival 14 years ago, then @ForbiddenFFest , Altogether now and this wkends Metropolis fest. RIP John https://t.co/v04qp0TVly

— HamsandwicH (@Ham_Sandwich) October 25, 2018

Dreadfully sad news about an old pal John Reynolds. A beautiful person. As resident DJ in his family's Longford nightclub, Blazers, I truly enjoyed working with him throughout his college years. Rest Peacefully, John https://t.co/kZzpLydRM3

— Liam Tuohy (@djleejt) October 25, 2018

Deeply shocked to hear the news about John Reynolds. He commissioned many pieces off me over the years and was only in my home a few months ago, such a lovely man, rip John #JohnReynolds #RIPJohnReynolds #ThePod

— Niall O'Loughlin (@nialloloughlin) October 25, 2018

The care & attention to detail that John Reynolds put into everything - his clubs, pubs, small gigs, big gigs & of course festivals was something else. The POD was magic, those early years of @EPfestival were incredible & @ATNfestival was magic in the making. RIP John & thank you

— Ronan Casey (@ronan_casey) October 25, 2018

As I've gotten older I take it as a compliment now that #johnreynolds once thought me too young to be in the #Pod one night even though I was of age! Sorry to read this news this evening. Sincere sympathies to his family & friends. https://t.co/xqR1M6NAzD

— Nuala Carey (@nualacarey25) October 25, 2018

Saddened to hear of the death of John Reynolds. One of the first gigs he promoted was The Stunning in Moate, Co. Westmeath around 1993. He changed the face of festivals in Ireland with #ElectricPicnic & was about to do it all again with #AllTogetherNow. RIP.

— The Stunning (@TheStunningBand) October 25, 2018

RIP the wonderful #JohnReynolds a talented innovator who made gigs and festivals a better experience for music fans in Ireland. And what a fan himself. Who else would put the Blue Nile on the main stage at The Electric Picnic? #RIPJohnReynolds pic.twitter.com/7qwm4Oa8k6

— Ken Sweeney (@KenSweeney) October 25, 2018

Shocked to hear of the passing of John Reynolds this evening

RIP to him but also thank you for all that you did for Irish music festivals. Your Electric Picnic was always one of the highlights of my year pic.twitter.com/BOZ9gNc4br

— Teresa McGuinness (@SweetenedVoices) October 25, 2018