Terry Slater, the influential EMI executive and manager of 1980s pop sensations a-ha, has died at the age of 85. The music industry veteran, whose career stretched from performing with The Everly Brothers to steering acts like Queen, Sex Pistols, Kate Bush and Duran Duran, passed away after a career that left an indelible mark on popular music.
From bass player to music mogul
Slater began his professional life as a bass player and songwriter, touring alongside The Everly Brothers before moving into executive roles at EMI. His sharp ear for talent saw him play a pivotal role in the rise of some of the most iconic acts of the 20th century, but he is perhaps best remembered as the man who discovered a-ha.
The Norwegian trio, comprising Morten Harket, Magne Furuholmen and Paul Waaktaar-Savoy, were taken under Slater's wing when he began managing them. He stayed with the band for about 12 years, becoming so integral to their success that he was often referred to as the fourth member.
'The most important person in a-ha's career'
News of Slater's death was confirmed by a-ha's keyboardist Magne Furuholmen in a heartfelt Instagram post. Alongside a photograph of Slater with the band dressed in tuxedos, Furuholmen wrote:
"43 years ago, give or take a couple of months, Terry Slater took a chance on three scruffy, hopeful Norwegians living in London squalor with a burning ambition and some degree of talent.."
"Terry is the singularly most important person in a-ha's music career. He was already a towering figure in music world when we first met, but more than just his business boldness, experience, knowhow, network etc, he became a kind of father figure and a good friend."
"He really cared. about the band, and the three of us as people, guiding us with a steady hand through the many trappings and pitfalls of success. He is without a doubt the person with the greatest impact on our professional lives and, I dare say, the lives of all our families."
"It is with immense sadness that we must now accept the fact that Terry has passed away. Thank you dear Terry - for everything....You are missed. RIP Terry Slater."
Tributes from Ed Sullivan and Everly Brothers
The official Facebook page of The Ed Sullivan Show, where Slater had once performed as a musician, also paid tribute. The post read:
"We are deeply saddened by the passing of Terry Slater. From performing and writing alongside The Everly Brothers to his influential years as an executive at EMI and manager for a-ha, Terry left an unforgettable mark on the music industry."
"His legacy lives on through the timeless songs and artists he championed. Rest in peace, Terry. Thank you for the music."
The Everly Brothers' Facebook page, managed by the brothers' estate, also commemorated Slater. The post said:
"We are devastated to learn of Terry Slater's passing," it began. "Terry was many things to the Everly Brothers - a bass player, a writing partner and a lifelong friend. He is credited for writing numerous Everly Brothers' songs including Bowling Green, Lord of the Manor and Up in Mabel's Room. In the mid 60s, the three became so close that Ike and Margaret Everly referred to Terry as their third son. We send our condolences to Terry's family."
