On June 24th, 2012 the West Coast music scene lost a great man when Peter Barsotti succumbed to Leukemia at age 64. Peter was sometimes known as the “ideas guy” behind many Bill Graham Presents (BGP) productions including Day on the Green and BGP’s annual New Years Eve bash.
Barsotti was a longtime Bill Graham confidante and he retired after BGP was purchased by SFX Entertainment. He and his late wife, Bettike, also bought the Iron Door Saloon in Groveland, CA in 1985. He is survived by his wife, Debra, and four children; father Mario and four brothers.
This news particularly hits home since it was a member of the Barsotti family who hired me at BGP a decade ago. The Barsotti family has really helped introduce me to the San Francisco Bay Area music scene after graduating from Berklee College of Music. I also frequent the Iron Door Saloon as I head up to Yosemite or to catch some shows by bands in that area like, The Trespassers. I have also had cancer a couple times and am currently in remission.
The Bill Graham Memorial Foundation recently posted the following on their Facebook Page:
“Farewell to our dear brother, Peter Barsotti, who died yesterday after a long battle with cancer. Peter’s creative fingerprints were all over Bill Graham productions for many years – from Day On the Green sets, to backstage environments, to Bill’s New Year’s Eve ‘midnight rides,’ decorations, special effects, logistics, you-name-it. Peter was one of Bill’s primary idea guys; and then Peter ushered those ideas into being. Thank you, Peter. Our hearts go out to your family and extended family.”
A memorial is also in the planning stages.
RIP Peter. You will be missed.
Music Sumo 