Longtime Portland Metal Promoter Mike Thrasher Has Passed Away
Mike Thrasher, a well-known promoter for metal and punk shows in Portland, OR who also had an ownership stake in the Hawthorne Theatre, has passed away. He was only 48 years old. A cause of death has not been publicly revealed, although an official message from the company indicates that the death was at least somewhat expected.
Willamette Week, a Portland publication, reports that Thrasher got his start promoting shows in the early ’90s and took over as owner of the Hawthorne Theatre in 2005. Thrasher Presents, his promotion company, has a number of upcoming shows listed from all across the rock spectrum, including metal dates for The Decibel Magazine Tour, The Acacia Strain, Spite, Thy Art is Murder, Kadavar, Code Orange and more.
Gordon Cross, the CEO and CFO of Thrasher Presents, sent out an email earlier this afternoon expressing the company’s sadness while indicating that operations will continue:
“It is with great sadness that I have to let you know that Mike Thrasher has passed away.
“While this was not wholly unexpected for us here, the suddenness of the last few weeks has hit us all hard. And while we have had time to take all necessary steps to prepare business to continue, nothing can ever fully prepare anyone for this kind of loss on a personal level. Mike will be missed.
“I do want to reassure you however, as to the fundamental strength of Mike’s companies. It was his intention for us to continue to operate and grow his businesses, and we are fully committed to doing so. Everything necessary for that transition has been put in place. I will continue in my role as CEO/CFO which I have been fulfilling for the last 5 years. Sean Major is continuing as senior talent buyer as before, and with the help of our marketing/production teams will be moving ahead to continue promoting shows well into the future.”
Here at MetalSucks, we had the opportunity to work with Mike and his employees on various occasions to help promote his shows over the years. We wish his family, co-workers and friends all the absolute best during this difficult time.
