Manchester music legends have led tributes to influential media director James Masters, who has died aged 50. James was the head of media for Manchester's iconic Hacienda, and was behind media campaigns for the popular Hacienda Classical events and club nights.
Joy Division and New Order star Peter Hook broke the news on his social media platforms on Thursday. He wrote: "It is with great sadness that we pay tribute to James Masters, one of the great friends of Peter Hook & The Light and Fac 51 The Hacienda.
"Truly one of our close family. James passed away yesterday and will be sorely, sorely missed."
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He added: "Rest in peace mate. God Bless. Love Hooky."
Happy Mondays star Rowetta also paid tribute, sharing on her Facebook page: "To my dear friend James Masters. Thank you for everything. Nobody worked harder than you.
"I love you and will miss working with you, and the odd party of course. Rest peacefully."
Former Hacienda DJ Dave Haslam posted a tribute on X saying: "Sad news of the death of one of the most important and idiosyncratic members of the Hacienda family, James Masters. RIP."
The Fac 51 Hacienda page also shared the news with "regret and sadness" to followers. A statement read: "It is with great regret and sadness that we have to pay tribute to a wonderful member of The Hacienda family.
"James Masters was a loyal hardworking member of our team for so long and he will be sorely, sorely missed. His tireless work and love for everything Manchester, Factory and The Hacienda was legendary. From his early days working for Tony Wilson at Granada TV to establishing The Hacienda Classical and Hacienda nights all over the world. James passed away yesterday. Rest in peace our friend. We will miss you."
James grew up in Monton, and studied at Manchester Grammar School before heading to the prestigious Jesus College, Oxford to study History. After graduating he returned home to Manchester to pursue a career in the media, and worked with Factory Records legend Tony Wilson at Granada in the early noughties.
Over the past ten years he had worked on press and PR for the reinvigorated Hacienda brand, which has spawned succesful club nights and the hugely popular Hacienda Classical live events. Last month he had shared the update with media of Hacienda Classical's record-breaking eighth appearance at Castlefield Bowl for the Sounds of the City series in July 2024.
Hacienda manager Fletch said: "James was a true gentleman, my go to guy and someone who really really cared. Always the eccentric, he was certainly a one off and I loved him for that x RIP mate."
James has been fondly remembered by Manchester Evening News staff past and present, for his dedication to Manchester music events, keen attention to detail and convivial nature. Reach regional what's on editor Emily Heward said: "A truly lovely man and Manchester legend gone too soon."
In an interview with the MEN about the impact of the Hacienda in its 40th anniversary year, James wrote: "Where to start? As a teenager coming through central Manchester every day, The Hacienda was the cathedral of the scene, almost like the Pantheon in Rome.
"An inspiration to so many, including myself, it imbued my youth with tinseltown memories and so many characters and friends who were ultimately to shape my life in many ways. I am reminded of The Hacienda’s almost unique capacity to re-unite and renew.
"Guided by a passion for life, who knows how long The Hacienda can keep turning. We are all but spokes in the wheel."
