Feb

28

Jim Aiken, 1932-2007: “only the good die young”

February 28, 2007 |

James “Jim” Aiken, 75, Ireland’s leading and much-loved entertainment promoter, has past away after a short illness. In a lifetime of bringing big name artists to Ireland - from Springsteen to The Rolling Stones - he was best known for the series of open air concerts in the beautiful grounds of Stormont Castle in Belfast. After intervention by the former British secretary of state, Mo Mowlam, it was Aiken who promoted the series of concerts at Stormont which included The Eagles and Rod Stewart.

Mr Aiken - nick-named “gentleman Jim” - grew up in Jonesborough, County Armagh, and started work as a teacher of physics & maths at Harding Street school in Belfast. He quit teaching in 1965 when his “other job” promoting bands began to take off.

Aiken travelled the world encouraging bands and singers to come to Northern Ireland at the height of The Troubles. He was closely associated with stars like Charley Pride, Elton John, Cliff Richard, Pavarotti and Garth Brooks.

Irish dancer Michael Flatley of Riverdance fame paid tribute to Aiken. “Jim was a gentleman. True to his word and tough in negotiations - and why shouldn’t he be? He always stood by what he said, he always honoured his deal. I would have gone to the end of the world for big Jim Aiken,” he said.

Aiken is survived by his wife Anne, son Peter, and four daughters.

source: BBC Northern Ireland

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