Legendary music industry executive, Joe McFadden, was born in Tracy, CA on November 16, 1947 and passed away on March 11, 2025 in Chatsworth, CA having suffered a long illness. McFadden, who was 77, is survived by his wife Ellen McFadden, Lana Waltman (sister), Jonathan McFadden (son), Jeffrey McFadden (son), Sara Torello Hart (daughter), David Torello (son), and four grandchildren: Jeffrey McFadden Jr., Maci McFadden Stanford, Vivian Hart, and Elijah Hart.
A service will be held Saturday March 22, 2025, 1:15pm, at Church of the Recession at Forest Lawn in Glendale, CA. The live stream can be viewed at Forest Lawn – In Loving Memory of Joseph Arlen McFadden. In lieu of flowers, donations in McFadden’s honor can be made via St. Jude’s Hospital, which he supported and believed in throughout his life.
McFadden earned a degree in Business Administration and Management from Fresno State University. His academic background supported his expertise in business strategy within the music industry. McFadden’s career and legacy reflect his dedication to artist development and his ability to adapt to the evolving music industry landscape. McFadden grew up in the music industry, working with his father Jack McFadden in Bakersfield, CA managing notable artists including Buck Owens and Merle Haggard.
McFadden’s tenure with EMI Music was for 32 years from 1975 – 2007 and his Capitol Records time was 10 years from 1997 – 2007. During his time with Capitol Records, he worked with many recording artists such as Paul McCartney, Bonnie Raitt, Bob Seger, Megadeth, Duran Duran, Beastie Boys, Radiohead, Foo Fighters, Coldplay, and Iron Maiden. He was involved in campaigns for The Beatles, Frank Sinatra, Nat King Cole, The Beach Boys, and many others.
When McFadden left Capitol Records he opened his own independent business, The Hammer LLC. During that time, he worked with Punch Andrews and Mike Boila (Hideout Records and Distributors) as a consultant in sales and marketing for Bob Seger.
McFadden also worked with Coldplay in 2007-2008. He was in charge of sales, marketing, and promotions for their Viva La Vida album and world tour. He traveled around the world with the group setting up performances and meet and greets for them and creating record breaking sales.
McFadden joined Better Noise Music, one of the world’s leading independent rock labels, in 2008, playing a key leadership role. As its Chief Commercial Officer, he worked closely with Allen Kovac, founder of Better Noise Music, for over 30 years in various capacities. Read Kovac’s tribute below.
Their partnership was instrumental in building the label into a global powerhouse for rock and alternative music. McFadden’s responsibilities include overseeing operations, strategic planning, and artist development for major artists such as Five Finger Death Punch, Mötley Crüe, Papa Roach, and The Hu. He played a role in the success of Buckcherry’s double-platinum album 15 and Mötley Crüe’s Saints of Los Angeles.
Prior to joining Better Noise Music in 2008, McFadden led his company President of The Hammer Inc, LLC and before that was Senior Vice President of Sales and Field Marketing at EMI Music and Capitol, where he worked from 1985 to 2007.
Allen Kovac (Tribute To Joe McFadden):
“Joe McFadden was more than just a colleague; he was a dear friend and an invaluable partner in our journey together since we first met in 1987.
I still vividly recall that day in the bleachers of a gym in Philadelphia. I was a relatively unknown manager on the rise, working with Richard Marx, while Joe was with CEMA Distribution, quietly making his mark. As we listened to Richard perform, something remarkable happened. Joe, who initially struck me as understated, became animated and vocal, pointing at Richard and proclaiming, “That kid is going to be a star.” From that moment on, a bond was forged between us—two believers in the power of music and vision.
Joe admired my clarity in marketing, but what I valued most was his unwavering honesty and practical thinking. Together, we navigated the challenging waters of the music industry, working on projects like Richard and Duran Duran. At times when many doubted, Joe stood firmly by my side as a label executive, always ready to open doors and create opportunities for us to succeed.
When I took the leap to start my own record company, one of my first hires was, without question, Joe. He was not just an employee; he was the foundation upon which we built our dreams. At our retreats, where new ideas were often met with skepticism, Joe would be the voice of reason, encouraging everyone to listen to my vision and reminding them that I saw possibilities they might have missed. His confidence in me gave me strength, and I will forever be grateful for that.
Every morning at our retreats, Joe would be the first to rise and greet the day. He would come down to breakfast with a smile, often sharing his fondness for the wonderful pillows in my master guest bedroom. He always got that room because of the deep respect I had for him, just as I cherished ending each night with my best scotch, a tradition we shared and enjoyed together.
Joe’s spirit, enthusiasm, and unwavering support have left an indelible mark on all of us. He was a true champion for those he believed in, and today, as we remember him, let us carry forward his legacy of belief, honesty, and camaraderie in our own lives and work.
Joe, thank you for being my partner, my friend, and a guiding light in our industry. You will be profoundly missed, but your influence will live on through each of us. Rest in peace.”
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A service will be held Saturday March 22, 2025, 1:15pm, at Church of the Recession at Forest Lawn in Glendale, CA. The live stream can be viewed at Forest Lawn – In Loving Memory of Joseph Arlen McFadden. In lieu of flowers, donations in McFadden’s honor can be made via St. Jude’s Hospital, which he supported and believed in throughout his life.
McFadden earned a degree in Business Administration and Management from Fresno State University. His academic background supported his expertise in business strategy within the music industry. McFadden’s career and legacy reflect his dedication to artist development and his ability to adapt to the evolving music industry landscape. McFadden grew up in the music industry, working with his father Jack McFadden in Bakersfield, CA managing notable artists including Buck Owens and Merle Haggard.
McFadden’s tenure with EMI Music was for 32 years from 1975 – 2007 and his Capitol Records time was 10 years from 1997 – 2007. During his time with Capitol Records, he worked with many recording artists such as Paul McCartney, Bonnie Raitt, Bob Seger, Megadeth, Duran Duran, Beastie Boys, Radiohead, Foo Fighters, Coldplay, and Iron Maiden. He was involved in campaigns for The Beatles, Frank Sinatra, Nat King Cole, The Beach Boys, and many others.
When McFadden left Capitol Records he opened his own independent business, The Hammer LLC. During that time, he worked with Punch Andrews and Mike Boila (Hideout Records and Distributors) as a consultant in sales and marketing for Bob Seger.
McFadden also worked with Coldplay in 2007-2008. He was in charge of sales, marketing, and promotions for their Viva La Vida album and world tour. He traveled around the world with the group setting up performances and meet and greets for them and creating record breaking sales.
McFadden joined Better Noise Music, one of the world’s leading independent rock labels, in 2008, playing a key leadership role. As its Chief Commercial Officer, he worked closely with Allen Kovac, founder of Better Noise Music, for over 30 years in various capacities. Read Kovac’s tribute below.
Their partnership was instrumental in building the label into a global powerhouse for rock and alternative music. McFadden’s responsibilities include overseeing operations, strategic planning, and artist development for major artists such as Five Finger Death Punch, Mötley Crüe, Papa Roach, and The Hu. He played a role in the success of Buckcherry’s double-platinum album 15 and Mötley Crüe’s Saints of Los Angeles.
Prior to joining Better Noise Music in 2008, McFadden led his company President of The Hammer Inc, LLC and before that was Senior Vice President of Sales and Field Marketing at EMI Music and Capitol, where he worked from 1985 to 2007.
Allen Kovac (Tribute To Joe McFadden):
“Joe McFadden was more than just a colleague; he was a dear friend and an invaluable partner in our journey together since we first met in 1987.
I still vividly recall that day in the bleachers of a gym in Philadelphia. I was a relatively unknown manager on the rise, working with Richard Marx, while Joe was with CEMA Distribution, quietly making his mark. As we listened to Richard perform, something remarkable happened. Joe, who initially struck me as understated, became animated and vocal, pointing at Richard and proclaiming, “That kid is going to be a star.” From that moment on, a bond was forged between us—two believers in the power of music and vision.
Joe admired my clarity in marketing, but what I valued most was his unwavering honesty and practical thinking. Together, we navigated the challenging waters of the music industry, working on projects like Richard and Duran Duran. At times when many doubted, Joe stood firmly by my side as a label executive, always ready to open doors and create opportunities for us to succeed.
When I took the leap to start my own record company, one of my first hires was, without question, Joe. He was not just an employee; he was the foundation upon which we built our dreams. At our retreats, where new ideas were often met with skepticism, Joe would be the voice of reason, encouraging everyone to listen to my vision and reminding them that I saw possibilities they might have missed. His confidence in me gave me strength, and I will forever be grateful for that.
Every morning at our retreats, Joe would be the first to rise and greet the day. He would come down to breakfast with a smile, often sharing his fondness for the wonderful pillows in my master guest bedroom. He always got that room because of the deep respect I had for him, just as I cherished ending each night with my best scotch, a tradition we shared and enjoyed together.
Joe’s spirit, enthusiasm, and unwavering support have left an indelible mark on all of us. He was a true champion for those he believed in, and today, as we remember him, let us carry forward his legacy of belief, honesty, and camaraderie in our own lives and work.
Joe, thank you for being my partner, my friend, and a guiding light in our industry. You will be profoundly missed, but your influence will live on through each of us. Rest in peace.”
The post Music Industry Executive JOE McFADDEN, Who Worked With MÖTLEY CRÜE, MEGADETH, IRON MAIDEN And Others, Dead At 77 appeared first on BraveWords - Where Music Lives.
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