RIP, NEIL LASHER

We’re sad to report that our longtime friend and colleague Neil Lasher died on Sunday from complications related to the coronavirus. He was 73.

The beloved industry veteran, who spent more than two decades as a promotion, marketing and artist relations exec at EMI Music Publishing, went on to serve as a special consultant to Sony/ATV following Sony’s acquisition of EMP. He simultaneously conducted a meaningful career as an addiction interventionist.

In that role, Neil was honored by the MusiCares MAP Fund in 2012.

"I've been very fortunate to have two rewarding careers—one in the music industry and one in the field of addiction recovery," Neil said at the time. "I've made countless friends in both, and have wonderful memories spanning many years. And because I've seen the ravages of addiction take their toll on artists, crew members, myself and others who work in the music business, I've been a supporter of the MusiCares MAP Fund from the very beginning. Their programs give people their dignity and their lives back."

This classy, compassionate music man helped countless people reclaim their lives just as he’d done for himself. We’re heartbroken to lose him to this terrible disease, and our thoughts are with his family and friends during this sorrowful time.

"I wish to extend my deepest sympathies to Neil’s family and friends, which include many of us at Sony/ATV mourning this devastating loss," reads a statement from SATV boss Jon Platt. "His passionate work as a music executive led him to his true purpose, helping others, and we are forever grateful for Neil and his legacy."

"Neil Lasher and I had a meaningful, long and wonderful friendship, essentially working side by side for most of our careers," reads a tribute from Marty Bandier. "I always considered him a dear friend, a trustworthy consultant and an important member of my team at SBK, EMI and Sony/ATV. I was touched by his work in creating alcohol and substance abuse recovery support systems for people in the music community. In fact, of everything he did, this work seemed to be his greatest passion of them all. I will miss him dearly and the loss for me and my family is tragic, but not nearly as big a loss as it is for the people yet to be helped by Neil in their battle against addiction."

There will be a private funeral for him imminently, with plans being contemplated for a large industry memorial when it’s safe to do so.