Brent Grulke, the creative director for the South By South West Festival, died of a heart attack on Monday. He was 52.
Tributes from peers for the man who is known for pushing SXSW into overdirve with his genuine passion for all music have been posted on the SXSW website.
SXSW managing director Roland Swenson posted " "His relationships brought in so many of the artists that went on to greater success. And it was Brent who recruited the music staff that carried the work even farther than we dared hope. He was willing to let his staff take charge of their own efforts, and take on huge endeavors under his gentle leadership. He had a lot of faith in people and had the courage to let things happen."
Scott Wilson the festivals director of technology wrote; "When I think through the years, I was most impressed by Brent's fearless championship of artistry. I clearly remember a dinner in 1999 in Portland during North By Northwest where Brent stood up for every band playing the festival. It was a decisive moment -- one that defined us all and, although difficult, the right thing to do"
Prior to becoming his music career as a record producer, sound engineer, tour manager and record company executive and SXSW creative director, Grulke was the Records Review Editor for the Austin Chronicle.
He is survived by his wife, Kristen, and son, Graham, as well as brothers Brad and Brian.
