Big Day Out founder Ken West has passed away at only sixty-four years old in devastating news.
His family issued a statement that said: “We bring unfortunate news that, Ken West, a father, husband, mentor and most of all a legend, has passed away peacefully in his sleep on the morning of the 7th April 2022.
“Our family would appreciate respect and privacy during this difficult time. Ken was big and noisy in life, but passed quietly and peacefully.”
Ken West, the founder of Big Day Out, died in his sleep this morning. 💔 pic.twitter.com/JNhJ8PiPIv
— steph harmon (@stephharmon) April 7, 2022
West was known for his love of music, his energy and his love of mentoring people. He really believed in the Australian music industry and he made it better, more vibrant and far more exciting.
He organised the first Big Day Out festival in 1992, the lineup famously featured Nirvana, it was their one and only Australian tour and their set is one for the history books.
From there, Big Day Out then became one of the world’s biggest and most respected music festivals, with the biggest bands and musicians gracing the stage, including The Foo Fighters, Rage Against The Machine, and even Kayne West.
The festival became more than just a festival; it became a bedstone of the Australian music industry, and West’s contribution to the music world will live on forever.
The tributes are now rolling in for West via Twitter, with people sharing what an impact he made on the music scene but also on their lives.
https://twitter.com/nicwkelly/status/1512048740282298375
Just hearing of the death of Ken West, absolutely crucial part of the music business, the source of so many discoveries, an enthusiast, a wonderful nutcase. He changed things.
— Bernard Zuel (@BernardZuel) April 7, 2022
He lived 1000 lives in 64 years. He gave so much not only to me, but to thousands of music fans. My first festival experience was 94 @bigdayout – I then was lucky enough to play at over 20 of them. The loss is indelible & hard to comprehend, thank you for everything Ken West xxx
— Phil Jamieson (@philjamieson) April 7, 2022
Sorry to hear of the sudden death of Ken West, founder of the Australian touring festival the Big Day Out. Ken made the whole thing like a party for punters and artists alike. UK bands called it the Big Day Off. Lots of fun memories hanging with Ken and the BDO crew. So long mate
— Billy Bragg (@billybragg) April 7, 2022
West is survived by his wife Cathy and son Oliver.
