Bruce Kapp, who worked in the live music industry for forty years, has died at the age of 57 from a suspected heart attack at his home in Los Angeles. Kapp, who served as senior VP of touring at Live Nation, is credited with helping to develop the concept of national touring. Born in Chicago, Kapp started working with bands whilst still at school and after studying marketing at university, launched his own talent agency, booking artists throughout the US Midwest. In the seventies he formed concert promotion company Celebration Concerts and over the years worked with acts as diverse as The Who, Emerson Lake & Palmer, REO Speedwagon, Fleetwood Mac, Janet Jackson, and NWA. More recently, with Live Nation, he had helped to oversee tours by the likes of Aerosmith, Def Leppard and Van Halen.
Live Nation president/CEO Michael Rapino said in a statement: "Bruce was not only one of the brightest stars in the Live Nation family, his passion and spirit inspired everyone who ever had the pleasure of meeting him. He was one of the most genuine and warm people in the music business and he will be very much missed."
He is survived by his wife and one daughter.