Country music commentator Paul Rowe dies
Renowned country music commentator Paul Rowe passed away on Friday, aged 64.
Barry Harley, General Manager of Tamworth’s Rural Press Events said Rowe’s death is related to what he understands is a heart condition.
As a host on Tamworth FM, Rowe headed up the Festival FM station at the Tamworth Country Music Festival for the past 15 years. A veteran in the Australian and New Zealand radio industry, Rowe was the first contact for the Tamworth Festival’s Official Guide publication and the on-site PA for the AgQuip FM field days.
Gavin Flanagan, Tamworth Country Music Festival Manager and Rob Potts, owner of Rob Potts Entertainment Edge have paid tribute to Rowe.
Flanagan told TMN: “Over the past two years the Tamworth Country Music Festival staff have had the good fortune of working closely with Paul as part of our very popular Fan Zone concept with Paul managing Festival FM’s operations. He was a great friend of the Festival and a true advocate for country music across Australia. He will be sadly missed by the country music industry and the Tamworth community. Our condolences and thoughts are with Paul’s family at this sad time.”
Potts told TMN: “It was quite a shock to hear of Paul’s passing. He was one of the long-time radio champions of county music, particularly over his latter years as the voice of Festival FM in Tamworth. He would offer support to all the young developing artists equally with the big stars. He always had a great sense of humor and loved his work. He will be missed by our industry and my thoughts and condolences go out to his family.”
Rowe leaves behind his wife Marg and son Bradley.
Bradley wrote on his Facebook wall: “Dad… you did so much for me and i will never forget it. I love you and i will miss you so much.”
“Paul’s sudden passing has, and will affect many of us in different ways and our collective thoughts from not only the Rural Press Events team, but the whole country music family, go out to Paul’s wife Marg and son Bradley and extended families,” read the note from Harley.
Rural Press will announce funeral details as soon as they are known.