By Monk
Everyone at Über Röck HQ is saddened to learn of the death of Ross Graham, a fierce champion of the independent music scene here in Northern Ireland, who passed away on 8 October.
As CEO of the Northern Ireland Music Industry Commission, he was instrumental in setting up funding mechanisms for emerging artists and grassroots venues. He served as a board member of the Nerve Centre, the independent music and arts development centre in Londonderry for 18 years, and was instrumental in the campaign to establish the Oh Yeah Centre in Belfast.
A former manager and producer of Belfast punk legends The Outcasts, Ross was also programme director of FFWD NI, a music industry development initiative, led Generator NI, a skills and talent development programme that delivered creative industries projects across Northern Ireland and beyond, and was involved with OUTPUT, an annual music conference and showcase event.