Members of the Aotearoa music community are paying tribute to beloved music manager Lorraine Barry today, after her peaceful death at home yesterday.
Lorraine was an integral figure in the New Zealand music landscape, not just as a leading manager, but a mentor, teacher, connector and friend to many.
Having grown up in Northern Ireland and made a career in music as international marketing manager for Virgin Records in the UK for 16 years (working with international artists including John Lee Hooker, Massive Attack, Chemical Brothers, Ice T, Soul II Soul, and the Spice Girls), she moved here more than 20 years ago, with her Kiwi partner Ross Burge of the Muttonbirds.
Lorraine became Sir Dave Dobbyn's manager, and went on to establish her own management company, and work with artists such as Avantdale Bowling Club, Home Brew, Aaradhna, Aidan Fine, and others. She was a board member for the New Zealand Music Commission and a mentor of developing artists, while generously sharing her knowledge and skills across the community via MMF NZ and a variety of initiatives.
Head of APRA AMCOS Aotearoa Operations Anthony Healey says "I can’t think of anyone who has had greater impact. We were gifted more than 20 years of her generosity, kindness and professionalism. She adopted us all, a world away from her homeland and we are all better for it.
"To Ross and her whanau, we share your sadness and send our collective love and thoughts. Moe mai rā e hoa."
Many in our community have wonderful stories and memories of Lorraine to share, and she will be hugely missed. We look forward to the opportunity to celebrate Lorraine's life in coming months.