Detroit’s Bob Fox Dies

Bob Fox, 62, former owner of Detroit’s Brass Ring Productions, died at his home in Boyne City Dec. 6.

The cause of death was undetermined at press time, according to the Detroit Free Press. Alongside partners Michael Tinik and Rick Kraniak, Fox founded in 1974 Brass Ring Productions, which became the major Detroit promoter.

KISS owes a lot to the company: the live album Alive! was recorded at a Cobo Arena show promoted by Brass Ring, and the anthem “Detroit Rock City” was inspired by concerts promoted by the company.

Brass Ring brought acts like Madonna and The Rolling Stones to Cobo Arena, Joe Louis Arena and the Pontiac Silverdome.

Fox and Brass Ring had a hand in the creation of Meadow Brook Music Festival, bringing back the Royal Oak Theatre and was part of the group who encouraged Little Ceasars Pizza / Olympia Entertainment head Mike Ilitch to buy and restore the Fox Theatre in the late-’80s, prompting a downtown revitalization.

Brass Ring handled booking for the Fox Theatre until 2000 when the contract was taken over by Olympia Entertainment. Fox retired in 2003.