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A publicist announced the passing of a respected Music Industry Executive, Joe McFadden. As reported by Hollywood Reporter, Joe died on March 11, 2025, in Chatsworth, CA, after battling a long-term illness. He was 77. As of this writing, the details of his illness and causes have not been revealed.
A seasoned professional in the music label and promotions industry, McFadden devoted his life to cultivating the careers of numerous prominent artists like Coldplay, Beastie Boys, Bob Seger, Paul McCartney, and more.
More about the contributions of Joe McFadden
Joe McFadden graduated from Fresno State University with a Business Administration and Management degree and worked with his father, Jack, in Bakersfield, CA, managing Buck Owens and Merle Haggard.
In 1975, McFadden joined EMI Music which lasted 32 years. He subsequently began working as the senior vp sales and field marketing for Capitol, EMI's label from 1985-2007.
Among his many collaborators were Paul McCartney, Bonnie Raitt, Bob Seger, Megadeth, Duran Duran, Beastie Boys, Radiohead, Foo Fighters, Coldplay, and Iron Maiden.
He helped promote The Beatles, Nat King Cole, Frank Sinatra, and The Beach Boys. McFadden founded The Hammer LLC with Punch Andrews and Mike Boila of Hideout Records to counsel Bob Seger on sales and marketing soon after heading out Capitol Records.
On Coldplay's Viva La Vida record and worldwide tour, he oversaw global sales, marketing, and promotion. McFadden joined Better Noise Music in 2008 and led its growth. He collaborated with creator Allen Kovac for over 30 years as Chief Commercial Officer.
He helped Five Finger Death Punch, Mötley Crüe, Papa Roach, and The Hu thrive, as well as Buckcherry's double-platinum 15 and Saints of Los Angeles.
Better Music CEO Allen Kovac wrote a heartfelt message for Joe McFadden
A week ago, Better Music CEO, Allen Kovac, shared a post dedicated to the late Joe McFadden via his LinkedIn account. In his text, he mentioned all the experiences he had with Joe and also emphasized his contributions to the industry. He said that he was connected to Joe McFadden since 1987.
“Today, we gather not only to remember a remarkable individual but to celebrate the profound impact he had on our lives and our work. Joe McFadden was more than just a colleague; he was a dear friend and an invaluable partner in our journey together since we first met in 1987.”
He also revealed how together they navigated through challenges.
“Joe admired my clarity in marketing, but what I valued most was his unwavering honesty and practical thinking. Together, we navigated the challenging waters of the music industry, working on projects like Richard and Duran Duran. At times when many doubted, Joe stood firmly by my side as a label executive, always ready to open doors and create opportunities for us to succeed.”
Towards the end of his tribute, Allen Kovac also talked about his unwavering spirit and enthusiasm.
“Joe's spirit, enthusiasm, and unwavering support have left an indelible mark on all of us. He was a true champion for those he believed in, and today, as we remember him, let us carry forward his legacy of belief, honesty, and camaraderie in our own lives and work.”
Allen lastly mentioned that Joe was like a guiding light in the music industry owing to all his contributions throughout his career.
“Joe, thank you for being my partner, my friend, and a guiding light in our industry. You will be profoundly missed, but your influence will live on through each of us. Rest in peace.”
His wife, Ellen McFadden, his sister, Lana Waltman, his children, Jonathan, Jeffrey, Sara Torello Hart, and David Torello, and four grandchildren, Jeffrey Jr., Maci Stanford, Vivian Hart, and Elijah Hart, survive him.
A memorial ceremony will be organized on Saturday, March 22, 2025, at 1:15 PM, at the Church of the Recession at Forest Lawn in Glendale, California. The service will be live-streamed.
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