Famed Tour Manager Gerry Stickells Dies

Courtesy Queen Official – Gerry Stickells with Queen

Gerry Stickells, who worked with the likes of Queen and Jimi Hendrix, died March 6.

Stickells got his big break working with Jimi Hendrix, prior to which he had said he was “just unemployed.” He ran the guitar man’s legendary Electric Lady Studios for two years after Hendrix’s death in 1970.

He partnered with Chris Lamb to create GLS Productions in 1977 and the duo went on to work with an extensive client roster, including Roger Waters, Van Halen, Michael Jackson, and Jennifer Lopez.

“So sad that our wonderful tour manager for many years, Gerry Stickells passed away this morning,” Queen’s Brian May wrote on Instagram. “RIP Gerry. Love Ya. Thanks for everything.”

Queen’s Roger Taylor added: “He was more than a tour manager to Queen – he was a father figure, great friend and teacher and an island of calm in the midst of chaos. He had a profound effect on my life, all of it good.

“From his early days with Jimi Hendrix through all the years with Queen and Paul McCartney, Gerry was THE MAN! We will miss him greatly and send love to Sylvia and the family at this difficult time.”

Stickells organized the first Freddie Mercury tribute concert in 1992 and wrote the book “Queen On The Road: The Authorized Story” in 1995.

Stickells was honored with the Parnelli Awards’ lifetime achievement award in 2007. Lamb received the same honor in 2015.