Published
Fri, May 23, 2014, 13:34
- The popular promoter—and former spy—has died age 70.
Mike Wiand, the man who founded Leeds venue The Warehouse, has died age 70.
Wiand, who was born in Nebraska, lost his battle with pancreatic cancer. As the Yorkshire Post report, the one-time US spy moved to North Yorkshire in the late 1960s. He opened The Warehouse in 1979, and it became well known for hosting DJ nights as well as bands like Frankie Goes To Hollywood and The Stone Roses. After closing, it reopened in 2010 under new management with a renewed focus on club music. As we reported recently, in 2014 The Warehouse is celebrating its 35th year, and has billed the likes of Maya Jane Coles, Kim Ann Foxman and Laura Jones to play.
Wiand's son, Dean, is quoted as saying: "Dad had so much passion, heart and creativity, plus he was generous to a fault and the sort of extravagant 1970s-type showman you just don’t get any more. He really knew the music industry and sound systems, too, which is one reason people flocked to The Warehouse."