Big Day Out founder Ken West dies age 64

Big Day Out founder Ken West has died at the age of 64.

The vibrant music promoter passed away ‘peacefully in his sleep’ at his Central Coast home on Thursday, his family have confirmed. 

‘We bring unfortunate news that, Ken West; a father, husband, mentor and most of all a legend, has passed away peacefully in his sleep on the morning of the 7th April 2022,’ his family said in a statement.

Tragic loss: Big Day Out founder Ken West has died at the age of 64, his family have confirmed

‘Our family would appreciate respect and privacy during this difficult time.

‘Ken was big and noisy in life, but passed quietly and peacefully.’

Ken is survived by his wife Cathy and son, Oliver.

The Big Day Out was incredibly popular throughout the 1990s and 2000s, with West and his business partner Vivian Lees bringing some of the biggest acts to parks and showgrounds around Australia.

The first ever Big Day Out was staged at Sydney’s Hordern Pavilion on January 25, 1992, with a then-unknown Nirvana taking the middle slot.  

‘We bring unfortunate news that, Ken West; a father, husband, mentor and most of all a legend, has passed away peacefully in his sleep on the morning of the 7th April 2022,’ his family said in a statement. Pictured: West in 2001

The festival soon became a massive hit, and was later staged across six cities every summer. 

Past acts who have taken to the stage include Metallica, Silverchair, Foo Fighters, Red Hot Chili Peppers and Kanye West. 

Big Day Out ended in 2014, after it was bought by US concert promoters C3 Presents.

After the festival’s last show, West had largely kept his life out of the limelight.

Epic: Big Day Out was incredible popular throughout the 1990s and 2000s, with West and his business partner Vivian Lees bringing some of the biggest acts to parks and showgrounds around Australia. Pictured: The crowd at The Big Day Out in 2010

‘After a lifetime living in the future, I’m loving living in the now,’ he told Double J in 2019.

‘Thinking more than doing, advising without judging. I’m in a rare position and I know it.’

To mark the 30th anniversary of the first festival in January 2022, West shared chapters of the book he had written about his experiences in the industry on his website.

Epic: The first ever Big Day Out was staged at Sydney’s Hordern Pavilion on January 25, 1992, with an unknown Nirvana (pictured) in the middle slot

He said his book was completed, and he hoped to release it later this year.

‘The Big Day Out for me was life changing, and the first six years were the heart and soul of a great adventure. A different world, innocent, dangerous, optimistic and a lot of fun,’ he wrote.

‘Working and partying with incredible artists who motivated me to create beautiful complex events. Human alchemy was taken to its limits. Continually evolving and growing for over 20 years.’

He concluded: ‘The complete book itself is written, however with thousands of photos, artwork and documents to integrate it is constantly evolving.

‘As for the E-book, that’s another story. Hopefully at least one will be available by the end of the year. I will let you know, when I know.’

Music industry legends: West (right) is pictured alongside his business partner Vivian Lees 

Source: DailyMail