Cosa Nostra PR co-founder Michelle Kerr sadly passed away over the weekend following a five year battle with cancer. Kerr is a much-loved name around the industry, and you've been following basically anyone that's played in any great band the past few days, you've seen ample evidence of that.
A few examples:
Machine Head's Robb Flynn: "There are a lot of unsung heroes that helped propel Machine Head to where we are. Michelle Kerr was one of them. She had my back for nearly 3 decades, handling the often rigorous UK press duties after she inherited them in 1995 halfway through the Burn My Eyes album cycle.
"She is and remains one of my longest music business relationships alongside Mark Palmer, and Monte Connor,
"I always considered her a cross between Elizabeth Taylor and Lemmy, so yes, she's was an undeniable bad ass!! AND, she could drink me and all of my friends under the table!
"Smart, funny, tough, loyal, she was simply one of the best humans I've ever come across in my life.
"She had been battling it for so long, always held her head up high, always looked on the bright side.
"My nickname for her was 'Poppet' a reference to the movie Pirates of the Caribbean… All these years later I don't even know how that came to be… But every phone call, every time we saw each othe… the first words out of my mouth would always be 'Ello Poppet'
"devastated right now…
"Really never thought that I would be saying this…
"…Goodbye Poppet"
Hatebreed's Jamey Jasta: "RIP Michelle Kerr. Thank you for everything! You've inspired me more than you'll ever know. The world needs more people like you—rock solid, no-nonsense, always looking for solutions and pushing through the hardest times. A true soldier of rock who did so much for so many. We will not forget. We will pay it forward. Love you, Michelle. See you in the next realm."
Stone Sour: "It is with great sadness that we've learned of the passing of our dear friend Michelle Kerr. She was instrumental in breaking the band in the UK in the very beginning. She was a powerhouse, a kind soul and we will miss her deeply."
Murderdolls' Wednesday 13: "I didn't have the right words yesterday, and I don't know if I have them now, but I'll try.
"Michelle Kerr was and has been like a sister to me for over 20 + years. She has been the only person to be involved in my career since the beginning with Murderdolls up until now.
"Michelle, and Joey were like my brother and sister, and together our bond was unbreakable. Joey told me about Michelle before I met her in 2001 and said 'She's the best PR person in the industry,and she'll make us famous' and she did.
"My career and existence up till today in the UK is 100% because of her. She believed in me when I didn't believe in myself sometimes, and she never settled for anything but the best for me.
"This upcoming UK tour was going to be very emotional for her and I celebrating and remembering the music of Murderdolls, Joey, and Ben. Now, this tour will be to honour them all.
"A true believer in the powers of rock n roll and making dreams a reality. I was lucky to know her and anyone who knew her, knows that too. Rest easy my sweet Michelle, the world just lost 1 of the best to ever do it. – 13????????"
A GoFundMe has been launched to help with Kerr's memorial costs, which you can donate to here. We extend our deepest condolences to Kerr's friends and family at this time.
"It is with profound sadness that Cosa Nostra PR shares the passing of its co-founder Michelle Kerr," wrote Cosa Nostra PR in a statement.
"Michelle left us peacefully and in the company of close friends. As the sun came up on Saturday 14 September she made it to the final after show party, following a five-year detour with cancer.
"Michelle lived for most of her life in Hampstead; a place she adored. A place where she loved going for long walks on the heath and frequently went wandering through Highgate Cemetery. Michelle's wish was to have some of her ashes laid to rest in Highgate Cemetery and if possible to have a memorial bench on Hampstead Heath. Her family and close friends have arranged a fundraiser to help cover the costs (being in the company of George Michael and Malcolm McLaren doesn't come cheap). Any surplus funds will go to a charity in Michelle's name.
"If Michelle ever put you on a guestlist, gave you time with one of her artists, helped you and/or your band(s) achieve any level of success, gave you career advice, bought you a drink at a show… your donation would be appreciated.
"If you're someone who would like to pay your respects at her funeral, please donate any money you may have spent on flowers or travel. At her request, her funeral will be very small and private.
"The fundraiser can be found here: https://gofund.me/243b5a18.
"Michelle's loss leaves an unfillable void, and we will miss her enormously. See less."
