UPDATE: Tour manager Josh Stern passes away, donation information released
UPDATE: December 20 at 3:37 p.m. EST
According to his obituary, which explains that “writing music and playing guitar were [Stern's] passion,” loved ones request that in lieu of flowers for his funeral service, donations be made to the arts program at the high school from which Stern graduated:
Howard W. Blake High School, Friends of the Arts
1701 North Boulevard
Tampa, FL. 33607
Ponyboy Production has also set up the Josh Stern Fairwell Fund, to which you can donate. All money will go directly to Stern's family to help cover the costs of his services.
UPDATE: December 19 at 3:13 p.m. EST
Those wishing to their pay respects to Josh Stern can attend a memorial service, which is open to the public. Details follow:
Friday, December 21 @ 10 a.m.
Congregation Beth AM
2030 West Fletcher Ave
Tampa, FL 33612
ORIGINAL POST: December 18 at 4:31 p.m. EST
AP has received word that Josh Stern, tour manager and crew member for bands such as New Found Glory, Senses Fail, Thrice, Bayside, Falling In Reverse and more has passed away unexpectedly.
Chad Gilbert from New Found Glory tweeted the following and sent us the below picture from their recent tour with Stern (pictured front, wearing white), which wrapped up only two days ago, on December 16.
Hug & be nice to your friends because you never know what could happen. 2 days ago I was with my tour manager. Now he's gone RIP Josh Stern
— Chad Gilbert of NFG (@XChadballX) December 18, 2012
Response from the musical community continues to pour in. See some of the tweets from artists Stern has worked with in the past below:
josh stern was one of the best people i ever met. always smiling. a genuine good heart. the world needs more like him. rest easy, friend.
— J.R.(@LessThanJR) December 18, 2012
Oh my god I can't control my tears. RIP josh stern
— Ryan Seaman(@ryanseaman) December 18, 2012
@boomboomsaki RIP man. We shared some great times together. Gonna miss you
— Jack Barakat (@JackAllTimeLow) December 18, 2012
Fuuuuck! Heart broken once again. Another awesome and beautiful soul gone too soon. RIP Josh Stern. You will be sincerely missed.
— Alexander William (@AlexAllTimeLow) December 18, 2012
I'm in shock right now at the news of Josh Stern's passing. Love you brother, RIP. @boomboomsaki
— Ryan M of Yellowcard (@RyanMendez) December 18, 2012
Rest well Josh Stern
— Andy Biersack (@AndyBVB) December 18, 2012
My friend Josh Stern was a loyal, selfless&compassionate guy who always put a smile on my face&in my heart. I wish I'd have told him that
— benji madden (@benjaminmadden) December 18, 2012
Wow, nothing but love and respect to Josh Stern. He taught us the ropes of touring back in 2006, and remained close to us since. RIP brother
— Rian Dawson (@riandawson) December 18, 2012
We met Josh Stern in FL over 10 years ago. He was a huge part of this scene and community. Wishing I had spent more time with him on Warped.
— Ryan from Yellowcard (@williamryankey) December 18, 2012
Call the people you love and let them know you do. You can't possibly know what tomorrow will bring.
— Ryan from Yellowcard (@williamryankey) December 18, 2012
Rest in peace, Josh. Thank you for always being behind us all. You will be missed by so many.
— Ryan from Yellowcard (@williamryankey) December 18, 2012
I feel so numb right now, I can hardly hold my tears in.RIP Josh Stern you are already missed.
— Steveisdareason(@steveisdareason) December 18, 2012
We lost a great friend today…May you #RIP Josh Stern….You will be forever missed…
— Bowling For Soup (@bfsrocks) December 18, 2012
We lost a good friend and coworker today. RIP Josh Stern. The road will never be the same
— Official Bayside (@BaysideBand) December 18, 2012
Go hug someone you love and don't forget how special life is… So glad we got to see Josh last week and so glad… fb.me/21wROAp3R
— Man Overboard (@ManOverboardNJ) December 18, 2012
