Bill Graham (promoter)

Bill Graham (born Wolfgang Grajonca January 8, 1931 in Berlin, Germany - October 25, 1991) was a well-known concert promoter, beginning in the 1960s.

Cause of Death

Graham was killed in a helicopter crash near Vallejo, California in 1991, while returning home after just seeing Huey Lewis and The News at the Concord Pavilion. Graham had attended the event to discuss promoting a benefit concert for the victims of the 1991 Oakland firestorm, after a great portion of the Oakland/Berkeley Hills burned down. Once he had obtained the commitment from the band to perform, he returned to his helicopter, but was stopped by the bass player from the News, Mario Cippolino, who, in a moment of foresight, pressed Graham to take his limosine. After Graham's pilot, Steve Kahn assured him it would be okay, he continued with the flight. It crashed shortly after take-off when its rotors became entangled in power lines along Hwy 37, which runs between the East Bay and Marin County. Also killed in the crash was Graham's girlfriend at the time, Melissa Gold, ex-wife of author Herbert Gold.

Related Topics:
Helicopter - Vallejo, California - Huey Lewis and The News - Concord Pavilion - 1991 - Oakland firestorm - Oakland - Berkeley - Mario Cippolino - Steve Kahn - Hwy 37 - East Bay - Marin County - Melissa Gold - Herbert Gold

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Graham was married one time (wife: Bonnie) and had several long term relationships throughout his life. He is survived by his sisters and two sons: David Graham and Alex Graham.

Related Topics:
David Graham - Alex Graham

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Following his death, his company, Bill Graham Presents was taken over by a group of employees. Graham's sons were not part of the new management team. The new owners then went on to sell the company to promotions.

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The city of San Francisco named the city auditorium after Graham as a tribute and a memorial service held for Graham in Golden Gate Park attracted one of the biggest crowds the park had ever seen and included many of the bands Graham had been instrumental in supporting.

Related Topics:
San Francisco - Golden Gate Park

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