BELFAST, Ireland (CelebrityAccess MediaWire) — The man who brought international stars to Belfast, Ireland, during the height of conflict in the north, died this week at the age of 74.
Jim Aiken, who also gained famed for staging a series of open-air concerts on the grounds of Stormont in the wake of the Good Friday peace agreement, was last visited by President Mary McAleese, who broke away from engagements to make a private trip to Aiken’s home to show her respects before his death.
Aiken began promoting Irish bands in his 20s, before traveling the world to convince international entertainers to visit northern Ireland.
He was on a first name basis with many of the artists he brought to the area, including Charlie Pride, Nail Diamond, Bruce Springsteen, and Cliff Richards. At his celebrated peace agreement concert, he brought Elton John, Rod Stewart, The Eagles, and tenor Luciano Pavarotti.
Jim was also involved in radio ventures, including FM104 and Redfm, and was part of the consortium that brought HMV to Ireland. He was also a past member of the National Concert Hall, the Arts Council of Northern Ireland and Investment Belfast.
Jim leaves his wife of 47 years, Anne, and their four daughters and one son. –by CelebrityAccess Staff Writers
