Irish promoter Jim Aiken has died at the age of 74, following a short illness.
Born in Jonesboro, County Armagh, Aiken started his career as a physics and maths teacher in Belfast, leaving in 1965 when his work promoting bands began to take off. Closely associated with the likes of Cliff Richard, Garth Brooks and Elton John, the promoter travelled the world encouraging acts to visit Northern Ireland when the troubles were at their height, and went on to become one of Ireland's leading promoters. He later played a key role in arranging a series of concerts at the Northern Irish parliament building Stormont to celebrate the Northern Ireland peace process.
He was also a past member of National Concert Hall, the Arts Council of Northern Ireland and Investment Belfast, was involed with radio stations FM104 and Redfm, and was part of the consortium which brought HMV to Ireland
Dancer Michael Flatley said: "Jim was a gentleman. True to his word and tough in negotiations - and why shouldn't he be? He always stood by what he said, he always honoured his deal. I would have gone to the end of the world for big Jim Aiken".
Aiken's family released a statement saying that he had died peacefully at home, and extended their thanks to well-wishers. Aiken is survived by his wife Anne, five children and eleven grandchildren.