Tony Edwards, Legendary 1960s-1970's Purple Manager has passed

[JohnH]

RIP Tony Edwards.


Below is pasted from the Highway Star.com:

Tony Edwards R.I.P.

DPAS reports that Tony Edwards, the former manager of Deep Purple, has died on November 11 at a London hospital at the age of 78.

Ritchie Blackmore has this to say in Tony’s memory:

WITHOUT TONY EDWARDS THERE WOULD BE NO DEEP PURPLE. With deepest respect — and with great sorrow — we honor Tony Edwards — who passed on November 11, 2010. Tony was the man behind the scenes for Deep Purple. He was instrumental to the existence and sustenance of the band and its music from its inception to present day. Tony’s insight and intuitiveness were unparalleled in the music business. He will be thought of often — and missed greatly.

Jon Lord writes about his memories of Tony Edwards:

A few days ago – fittingly, on Remembrance Day – I lost a friend. He was my manager from 1968 to 1976, my daughter Sara’s Godfather and the man who was instrumental in helping me to realise, in 1969, the dream which defined my musical life – that of a Concerto for Group and Orchestra.

Tony Edwards was a good man and a man also of deep-seated enthusiasms. He had a passion for, and a great interest in, Deep Purple and its various member’s careers, as well as a genuine enjoyment of the band’s music.
He was the reason that Richie and I were able to get together at the end of 1967 and the sole reason too for our being able to form the band that changed our lives. Without him and this early financial and emotional support, there would have been no Deep Purple.

He was a rock and a firm foundation on which we could build our musical house. It still stands, and it stands as a monument to him.

Thank you Tony.

Blackmore writes:

"WITHOUT TONY EDWARDS THERE WOULD BE NO DEEP PURPLE. With deepest respect - and with great sorrow - we honor Tony Edwards - who passed on Nov11, 2010.Tony was the man behind the scenes for Deep Purple. He was instrumental to the existence and sustenance of the band and its music from its inception to present day. Tony's insight and intuitiveness were unparalleled in the music business. He will be thought of often - and missed greatly."