Universal Music Canada is mourning the unexpected passing of Greg Blackmore, its Western Promotions Manager, who died suddenly on Wednesday. He was 62.

“A staple of our radio promotion department for close to 20 years, Greg’s passion, commitment, and keen understanding of this country’s radio landscape, made him a vital member of our team,” said Jeffrey Remedios, Chairman & CEO, Universal Music Canada, in a statement provided to Broadcast Dialogue. “From his home base in Langdon, Alberta, where he managed radio promotion for Canada’s Western region, Greg was beloved by artists, managers, program directors, and colleagues around the world.”

“We feel profoundly fortunate Greg shared his talent and time with us as part of our promo team and UMC family for so much of his impressive career. There was no one quite like Greg, and his absence will be deeply felt. We extend heartfelt sympathies to Greg’s family, friends and loved ones, and to the countless industry colleagues who will miss him as much as we will.”

Among the Canadian artists Blackmore lobbied hard for over the last decade was Arkells. The band posted a tribute via its social media accounts Friday afternoon, saying they cherished the time they’d spent touring Calgary radio stations with the veteran label rep.

“Our friend Greg Blackmore was a completely singular and legendary character in Canadian music. He had a huge heart, wicked sense of humour, swore like a sailor, and was beloved by artists, management, radio and music industry alike,” wrote Arkells in a post to Twitter.

“At first glance, he might look like a ‘tough guy bouncer’ at a night club, but once you got to know him for five minutes you realized he was so full of love and fun, and deeply enjoyed the competitive nature of his job,” the band continued.

Our friend Greg Blackmore was a completely singular and legendary character in Canadian music. He had a huge heart, wicked sense of humour, swore like a sailor, and was beloved by artists, management, radio and music industry alike.
1/ @umusic pic.twitter.com/o5nLq0fgYv

— ARKELLS (@arkellsmusic) January 28, 2022

Prior to joining Universal Music in 2002, Blackmore held roles with EMI Music Canada and Zomba Records.

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