Veteran artist manager Raymond Coffer has passed away following a short illness.
Described by Beggars Group chairman Martin Mills as having played “an extremely important role in the Beggars story”, Coffer managed Love And Rockets, The Smashing Pumpkins, Cocteau Twins, The Sundays, Curve and Echo And The Bunnymen’s Ian McCulloch.
Celebrated for breaking America with Love And Rockets, not to mention his rare position as a UK executive steering the career of one of the most prominent US bands of their generation in The Smashing Pumpkins, Coffer was beloved across the industry.
Coffer worked in partnership with Andy Gershon and Darren Michaelson, who he mentored from the start of their careers.
I shall miss his charismatic personality and passion for the artists he represented
Martin Mills, Beggars Group
Alongside Ed Bicknell (Dire Straits) and Elliott Rashman (Simply Red), he was also a founder board member of the Music Managers Forum (MMF), where he served from 1992-1996.
Beggars Group chairman Martin Mills said: “I am saddened to hear of Raymond's passing. He played an extremely important role in the Beggars story and we had a lot of fun together over the years. Not only did he manage two of the most important bands in our early years in Love And Rockets and Cocteau Twins, he also managed two lesser known acts that we loved – Xymox and Swell. I shall miss his charismatic personality and passion for the artists he represented.”
Dianne Wagg of Deluxxe Management, a former MMF chair and custodian, described Coffer as “a legendary manager, discerning and insightful”.
“He had the best taste in music and always knew exactly what needed to be done – and then made it happen,” Wagg said in a statement published by the MMF. “I realise we were friends for well over 30 years and he was always there to offer thoughts and advice. He had a warm curiosity, loved to find new talent even after moving on from management. He tipped me off about an unknown act he was championing some years ago and, guess what, London Grammar! Even over these last few months, when we chatted and texted, he told me that, if the right act came along, he’d like to manage again – once a manager, always a manager! Also served the best bagels when you visited him at home. Dear Raymondo – a privilege to know you and we will miss you so much.”
He had the best taste in music and always knew exactly what needed to be done – and then made it happen
Diane Wagg, Deluxxe Management
Stephen Budd, also a former MMF chair and custodian, said: “My path with Ray commenced during The Sundays period as I managed their producer Dave Anderson. Ray was always utterly respectful, friendly, enthusiastic and as became evident during the course of making records with them, deeply in love with music.
“We stayed in touch over the years and of course via the MMF meet ups. He was always generous with his time, suggestions and invitations. I’m rather gutted I never made it down to one of his Bushey Festivals as he would invite me to each year. I’m sure he would have been in his element. A decent and kind Music Man, he will be sorely missed.”
MMF custodian Merck Mecuriadis said: “Raymond was a lovely man and a manager that made a difference to his artists. May he rest in peace.”
Coffer began his career in the family football souvenir business before becoming a chartered accountant and later meeting Love And Rockets, where his management story began.
In retirement, he stepped away from the industry, earning a PhD from the University Of London in Germanic and Romance Studies in 2011. He also founded the free to all Bushey Park Performing Arts Festival.
Coffer passed away on April 30 and leaves behind his wife of 58 years, Roberta, his son Nick and three grandchildren.
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