DENVER — Music promoter Barry Fey, a top-tier music promoter credited with bringing U2, the Rolling Stones, the Doors and other top bands to Colorado over a span of more than 30 years, died at his home near Denver April 28. Fey, who had been recovering from hip replacement surgery, was 73.
Fey got his start with Baby Huey and the Babysitters in 1965, a gig that reportedly fetched a mere $92. Within a few years, however, he had produced milestone events including Led Zeppelin’s first U.S. concert, the final performance of Jimi Hendrix and numerous shows featuring The Who and the Rolling Stones.
Fey is also remembered for the 1983 U2 concert at Red Rocks Amphitheatre that is preserved in the video, “Under a Blood Red Sky.” Upon his retirement in 1997, then-president Bill Clinton videotaped a message of thanks and congratulations.
In late 2011, Fey completed his memoir, Backstage Past, which included forewords written by Ozzy and Sharon Osbourne and Pete Townshend.
Fey, a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps, got his start in the music business after studying pre-law at the University of Pennsylvania. He is survived by four sons.
