Tributes have been paid to Neil Young’s longtime manager, Elliot Roberts, who has died aged 76.
Roberts, who managed Young for 52 years, died in Los Angeles on Friday (June 21). No cause of death has been confirmed.
Roberts also worked with artists including Tracy Chapman, Tom Petty, Yes, Talking Heads, Morrissey, Devo and Spiritualized. He founded Asylum Records with David Geffen in the US.
Young posted a tribute to Roberts on his online archives website. He said: “We are all heartbroken, but want to share what a great human being Elliot has been. Never one to think about himself, he put everyone else first. That’s what he did for 50 years of friendship love and laughter, managing my life, protecting our art in the business of music. That’s what he did.”
Fellow artists have been paying tribute on social media.
By Kayla Effner
RIP Elliot Roberts. Elliot was Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers Co-manager together with Tony Dimitriades 1978-1988. He was a dear friend of the Heartbreakers family and will be deeply missed by all. (????: @LinerNoteJunkie ) pic.twitter.com/MyrpNZQpsE
— Tom Petty (@tompetty) 23 June 2019
I am so sad to hear of the passing of Elliot Roberts—one of the nicest kindest & funniest people I have ever met. I knew Elliot through his long time management of ?@Neilyoung?. We had so many good times across the world. May the One who brings Peace bring Peace to all. pic.twitter.com/iQ597Nzvwf
— Marc Benioff (@Benioff) 21 June 2019
I liked Elliot Roberts a lot. He was a kind, thoughtful, and helpful man. So sad to hear of his passing. Love always.
— Flea (@flea333) 22 June 2019
Saddened by the passing of Elliot Roberts. He laid the blueprint for how to manage us crazy artists and our bizarre, longshot careers. Grateful to those who make it possible for us to work and be happy.
— Jason Isbell (@JasonIsbell) 22 June 2019
The world knew him as Elliot Roberts, manager of Neil - and at times Joni, Dylan, CSNY and many others. When we crossed paths - here in 2000 (r) - I called him by his given name Mr. Rabinowitz; he was another Bronx boy. Condolences to his family & friends, and endless gratitude. pic.twitter.com/DMmZPcmiKm
— Jody Denberg (@JodyDenberg) 22 June 2019
This was a great man. A great manager. A man with soul. A man who cared for his artist’s interests sometimes more than he cared for his own. This is rare. This is my personal experience of him, since he managed me in one of my bands. Rock In Peace, Elliot Roberts. https://t.co/nItrnNwQFV
— Michael Des Barres (@MDesbarres) 22 June 2019
RIP #ElliotRoberts You will be missed old friend. https://t.co/SwXaxBXmaD
— Slash (@Slash) 22 June 2019
After scouring the internet for the perfect photo of Elliot Roberts, I finally came across this image that captures his two finest qualities, love and humor. Sending strength and love to his friends and family. Rest In Peace Elliot, see you on the next level ????: far out magazine pic.twitter.com/zB9ubVFpTz
— Lukas Autry Nelson (@lukasnelson) 23 June 2019
I was blessed to be part of the magical years in Laurel Canyon. Elliott’s spirit will be carried by all of us. #ElliotRoberts https://t.co/QhopY4630X
— Nils Lofgren (@nilslofgren) 23 June 2019
thanks for your life, Elliot Roberts. "there ain't nothing like a friend, who can tell you're just pissing in the wind" (which is what he probably just told Neil here). photo: Joel Bernstein pic.twitter.com/cMKuZSHq1I
— rob sheffield (@robsheff) 22 June 2019
We lost a friend today, someone who truly believed in our band, made our wildest dreams come true and was always there to show support even from far away. RIP Elliot, thank you for everything. Keep on rocking! ♥?#elliotroberts love this pic of him & Neil ???? pic.twitter.com/scAblx3R1X
— The Magic Numbers (@themagicnumbers) 22 June 2019
Met this guy on the road and he was one of the good ones - a classy, lovely guy . Sleep with angels ?? Neil Young Pens Tribute to Late Manager Elliot Roberts | Pitchfork https://t.co/T5xcLldhDm
— Courtney Love Cobain (@Courtney) 23 June 2019
