While a cause of death has yet to be revealed, Weeks' long-time clients Paper Bag confirmed his death today. The label wrote: "We are devastated by the loss of our friend and colleague Darryl Weeks. Darryl was a wonderful person, husband, father, respected publicist & member of the music community. We were lucky to count him as a friend & part of the Paper Bag family, representing the label & artists."
UPDATE (2/14, 12:15 p.m. EST): A GoFundMe has been launched by family member Bryan Weeks, with all proceeds going towards Darryl's children's education fund. More details about the fundraiser are available here.
Weeks, a devoted music fan, started in the music industry as the Marketing Supervisor at Toronto's HMV Superstore before launching a career as a publicist at Outside Music.
After five years at Outside, he founded StageFright Publicity, where he acted as publicist for artists including the Acorn, Art D'Ecco, Average Sex, Austra, Born Ruffians, CFCF, the Charlatans, Elliott Brood, Frog Eyes, Helena Deland, KASHKA, the Luyas, Michael Rault, Moonface, MUNYA, OGenesis, Preoccupations, PS I Love You, Royal Canoe, the Rural Alberta Advantage, Tim Burgess, Tim Hecker, TOY, Wolf Eyes, Yamantaka // Sonic Titan and Yves Jarvis, among many others.
The announcement of his passing has been met with an outpour of grief and kindness from all corners of the Canadian music industry and beyond. Many spoke of his kindness, his goodness, his laughter and his love of music. You can read some of it below.
Darryl will be missed greatly.
We are devastated by the loss of our friend and colleague Darryl Weeks. Darryl was a wonderful person, husband, father, respected publicist & member of the music community. We were lucky to count him as a friend & part of the Paper Bag family, representing the label & artists. pic.twitter.com/5HLbC8pRDj
— Paper Bag Records (@PaperBagRecords) February 12, 2019
Losing Darryl Weeks is heartbreaking. Anyone in Canadian music knows he was a dream to work with - a professional who never lost sight of being a fan. Rest in peace.
— Jill Krajewski (@JillKrajewski) February 12, 2019
We lost a true and beautiful friend at the weekend. Darryl Weeks was a shining star - always so positive, he lit up any room he was in. He loved music and his family and we talked fondly of both whenever we met. Hold tight to the ones you love tonight. Rest in power Darryl x x pic.twitter.com/IBISrI38P1
— Tim Burgess (@Tim_Burgess) February 12, 2019
We are heartbroken to hear of the passing of Darryl Weeks. He was one of our favourites - so smart and kind and funny and incredibly passionate for his work and the artists he championed. The void he leaves in our community will be felt deeply. Our hearts go out to his family.
— Indoor Recess (@IndoorRecessInc) February 12, 2019
Absolutely gutted to learn the passing of Darryl Weeks. He was a caring, encouraging publicist and while working with him over the last 6+ years he made me feel so empowered and excited about music, touring, and sharing things with the world. He will be so sorely missed. 😥 pic.twitter.com/uhx7GrPTC0
— KASHKA ✨ Kat Burns (@therealkatburns) February 12, 2019
we are so very sad. at a complete loss for words. darryl was a friend who has had our backs since day one. you're never not laughing when you're with him. we will miss him so much. i can't believe it. sending love to his wonderful family. https://t.co/vRDDPWgGyP
— born ruffians (@BornRuffians) February 12, 2019
