Craig Aaronson, A&R Exec Who Signed Chemical Romance, Reportedly Dies
Aaronson was involved in the signing and A&R development of such acts as My Chemical Romance, The Used, Avenged Sevenfold, Taking Back Sunday, Mastodon, Serj Tankian, and Against Me!
Craig Aaronson, the veteran music biz executive who was involved in the signing and A&R development of such acts as My Chemical Romance, The Used, Avenged Sevenfold, Taking Back Sunday, Mastodon, Serj Tankian, and Against Me!, has reportedly died after a long battle with cancer.
Aaronson, a longtime A&R at Warner Records, hit his stride when he signed Jimmy Eat World to Capitol in 1995. He later joined Warner Bros. Records, and swiftly rose through the ranks, becoming senior vice president of A&R and, in 2008, president of Sire.
According to Alternative Press, Aaronson was most recently working with the Hundred Handed label.
Various artists and music industry figures have paid their respects to the A&R great via social media. “Rest in peace Craig. You gave us fire, hope, and love. Thank you,” tweeted former MCR frontman Gerard Way. “RIP Craig Aaronson. So sad. He was a great friend who taught me alot and played a huge part in my career,” wrote Fred Mascherino, former guitarist and co-lead singer with rock band Taking Back Sunday and current member of Terrible Things.
Craig Aaronson RIP
— John Feldmann (@JohnFeldy) October 29, 2014
Rest in peace Craig. You gave us fire, hope, and love. Thank you.
— Scare-ard Way (@gerardway) October 30, 2014
Rest in Paradise Craig Aaronson. Thank you for believing in me when I was just a kid making music.
— Adeline Records (@adelinerecords) October 30, 2014
The world lost one of the kindest men I know today. You’ll be missed, Craig. pic.twitter.com/HMFYyL5XUP
— Claudi-GHOST? (@claudioPsanchez) October 30, 2014
Just received heartbreaking news. The world lost a visionary man today whom I owe my career to! So sad.. Signing off for now RIP C. Aaronson
— Branden Steineckert (@801PUNX) October 30, 2014
News of a death is always heavy. I’m taking the rest of the night off y’all. Love the ones you got.
— Laura Jane Grace (@LauraJaneGrace) October 30, 2014
RIP Craig Aaronson. So sad. He was a great friend who taught me alot and played a huge part in my career.
— Fred Mascherino (@thecolorfred) October 30, 2014
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