Fontaines D.C.’s long-serving manager, Trevor Dietz, a figure the Irish rock band considered their “sixth member,” has passed away suddenly at the age of 47. Dietz was instrumental in the Brit Award winners’ rise to prominence, having initially worked with them as a promoter in Dublin during the nascent stages of their career. He witnessed firsthand their transformation into one of the most significant breakthrough rock acts of the last decade.
The band, comprised of frontman Grian Chatten, guitarists Conor Curley and Carlos O’Connell, bassist Conor Deegan, and drummer Tom Coll, announced the heartbreaking news via their Instagram account on Tuesday, June 7.
“We are utterly heartbroken to let you know that on Sunday June 7, we lost our dear friend and manager Trevor,” the statement read. “Trevor was beside us from the beginning of our journey as a band; we have never known Fontaines D.C. without him, the sixth member of the band. He cared passionately for us and for what was fair and right in the wider world. He was fearless in his beliefs. We will miss him always.”
The band concluded their poignant message by requesting privacy for themselves and Dietz’s family during this incredibly difficult period, signing off with “RIP Trev.” The cause of Dietz’s death has not been publicly disclosed.
Dietz’s connection with Fontaines D.C. began when he was working as a promoter at The Workman’s Club in Dublin. He booked the then-emerging band for multiple performances in 2016.
Reflecting on their early days at a Hot Press event in 2019, Dietz recalled spotting the band and offering them several slots at The Workman’s. “I spotted them and put them on three or four times at the Workman’s, and then we decided to take the relationship from promoter to manager,” he said. He elaborated on his long-held ambition to manage a successful band, noting his observation of experienced managers like Frank Murray, who managed The Pogues, at venues. Dietz mentioned a final conversation with Murray before his passing, where he was encouraged to “just go out and find them!” Not long after, Fontaines D.C. emerged.
Dietz guided Fontaines D.C. through their ascent to international acclaim, overseeing the release of four critically lauded albums. These included their debut, Dogrel, and their most recent offering, Romance, released in 2024. Both Dogrel and Romance earned nominations for the prestigious Mercury Prize, in 2019 and 2025 respectively.
Dietz emphasized that his commitment to the band was contingent on their ambition. He explained, “If other people had heard the conversation that day they would have gone, ‘Jesus, these guys are nuts, it’s not going to happen,’ but I knew we could go well beyond Ireland with this. So first and foremost, you need a band that shares your vision and who are reliable, accountable and honest.”
Carlos O’Connell, speaking to The Independent in 2019, echoed Dietz’s perspective on the significance of an Irish band breaking through on a global scale. He suggested this success may have heralded a broader “renaissance” for Ireland’s cultural output. “We started out playing to five people, then 20, then 100,” O’Connell recounted. “Bands in Ireland have been ignored for a long time, but I feel like there was a moment where, when we were making a name for ourselves, people were starting to look to see if there were any more bands coming out of there.”
Since the band shared the news of Dietz’s passing, a wave of tributes has poured in from fellow musicians and fans of Fontaines D.C. alike.
Victoria Mary Clarke, a journalist and the wife of the late Pogues frontman Shane MacGowan, offered her condolences, stating, “Really really sorry. What a tragic loss.”
The rock band Lambrini Girls expressed their grief, posting, “Rest in peace, Trev. He went above and beyond for everyone, and championed so many DIY bands, the impact he had is beyond measure. Lost for words. Sending our love and condolences to all of you.”
Irish rock group Cardinals hailed Dietz as a “champion of Irish music,” while BBC Radio presenter Annie Mac sent her sympathies, saying, “Sending my love to you lads and to Trevor’s loved ones.”
Fontaines D.C. are currently preparing for a European tour scheduled to commence in August, which includes a headline performance at the Reading and Leeds festivals.
