Peter Katsis, the longtime manager for legendary rock bands Korn and The Smashing Pumpkins, died on Thursday of complications related to congestive heart failure. He was 69.
Videos by Wide Open Country
During his 30 years in the music business, Katsis managed some of the world's biggest musical acts, including the Backstreet Boys, Limp Bizkit, Korn and The Smashing Pumpkins.
Mark Beaven, co-founder of Advanced Alternative Media, confirmed the news to Rolling Stone on Thursday. "Sharing the sad news that OG legendary manager, Peter Katsis, passed this AM," he
added on social media. "He was a gentleman, knew his music properly, cared, and showed up for what and who mattered. He made things better and he will be missed."In the 1980s, Katsis began his career as a promoter. Later, he became involved in the city's industrial scene and worked in the A&R executive at Trax Precision Records. Ministry was among his earliest discoveries.
Tributes Pour In For Peter Katsis
"Rest in power, Pete," Al Jourgensen wrote on Instagram. "He was out first manager in 1981. May your next journey be as prodigious as this one. We (Ministry camp) loved you. Safe travels."
Katsis moved to Hollywood in the late 1980s, where his music career continued to blossom. Over the years, Katsis worked with numerous award-winning acts, including Thirty Seconds to Mars, Snoop Dogg, Bush, Pentatonix, One Direction, Fever 333, Limp Bizkit, Korn, The Smashing Pumpkins and 311, among others.
Smashing Pumpkins frontman Billy Corgan wrote a heartfelt tribute to Katsis on social media.
"Heartbroken that Pete is gone. He meant a lot to Chloe and I as a dear friend and extended member of our family. He will be missed. I'll always cherish his intense candor and deep love of great music; which was infectious. And he deserves immense credit for helping to usher in the alternative revolution of the 80's and 90's and beyond. He was truly one of a kind. One of us. And Chicago royalty through and through," Corgan shared on X.
A 2002 Vanity Fair article labeled Katsis "The Best Music Manager In The Business, period."
During an interview with Barrett Media, Katsis was asked what part of his job nobody sees that took the biggest toll. "The key lies in staying true to the music. All your work and creative ideas should stem from the art itself," Katsis replied.
"The other thing that is required is total dedication to pursue the inspiration of both your client and their audience. No one 'sees you' inspiring your artist, and it is probably somewhat thankless and best done one-on-one anyway."
Katsis is survived by his sister, Anastasia Katsis, and by his son, Ian Katsis.
