Sam Cutler, former tour manager for The Rolling Stones and Grateful Dead, and one-time correspondent for Rhythms, has passed away in Brisbane, aged 80.
Cutler’s children, Bodhi and Chesley, confirmed on Cutler’s Facebook page that he died “peacefully in his sleep” last Tuesday, July 11.
“Our father was first diagnosed with cancer nearly a decade ago, and it is with gratitude that Sam’s family thank the wonderful doctors, nurses, hospital staff and administrators in ALL hospitals that our father received treatment within. Many people from across our big beautiful world crossed paths with Sam in his life, and many more formed timeless memories with him that are each beautiful encapsulations of the man that he was.
“Sam would want nothing more for his friends to continue to form timeless memories with whomever they meet, and to share those memories with him in the next life. As per our father’s wishes, his ashes will be scattered in the foundations of a newly constructed Buddhist temple at the Chenrezig Institute, due to be completed in 2025.
“Our family asks for privacy at this time, and we thank you all very much for your messages of support.”
Additional details of “celebrations of life” will be announced by the family shortly, alongside funeral details. There is an email address where people can share their memories: thankyousamcutler@gmail.com
Born on March 10, 1943 in Hertfordshire, England, Cutler worked as stage manager and master of ceremonies on a series of 1960s gigs in the U.K. and Europe with different artists, including Pink Floyd, Eric Clapton, The Rolling Stones and Alexis Korner. In 1969, he acted as master of ceremonies at The Rolling Stones concert in Hyde Park London. Following the Hyde Park show, Cutler was asked to be the personal road manager to The Rolling Stones during their 1969 Tour of America, which culminated in the Altamont Free Concert where Afro-American arts student Meredith Curly Hunter, Jr. was killed in front of the stage. Cutler was credited with first uttering The Rolling Stones’ famous intro line, “Ladies and Gentlemen, the Greatest Rock and Roll Band in the World…The Rolling Stones!”
Cutler was subsequently hired by the the Grateful Dead as their tour manager and went on to become a co-manager of the band and eventually became their agent and tour manager.
Sam Cutler moved to Australia in the late ’90s and lived in Queensland. His memoir You Can’t Always Get What You Want: My Life With the Rolling Stones, the Grateful Dead, and Other Wonderful Reprobates was published in 201o. Cutler also appeared on Melbourne band Black Cab’s 2006 release ‘Valiant’.