First Avenue Stage Manager Conrad Sverkerson Dies At 66

Conrad Sverkerson, who was the longtime stage manager at Minneapolis’ First Avenue, died last week at age 66. The venue announced the news with a post on social media saying, “Our communal First Avenue heart is shattered by the passing of our beloved Conrad Sverkerson.”

Sverkerson died Sept. 30 of lung cancer at Essentia Health-St. Mary’s Medical Center in Duluth, Minnesota, according to the Minnesota Star Tribune. The paper noted that he has been “eager to go back to work in October after taking much of the year off while undergoing chemotherapy and radiation treatments.” 

Sverkerson was beloved by both staff at First Avenue and artists alike, with the Star Tribune pointing out that many of his First Avenue crewmates visited him in the hospital, along with Low singer Alan Sparhawk stopping by to sing some songs.

The stage manager was a native of the Twin Cities and got his start at First Avenue as a doorman in 1988, beginning with a show by Duran Duran. He then transitioned to becoming part of the stage crew in 1990, before becoming stage manager.

Sverkerson made First Avenue his home for the rest of his career, with the exception of taking a few months off to tour as part of a few bands’ production crews including Soul Asylum.

“Conrad was a legend among artists and touring crews,” First Avenue declared its in tribute to Sverkerson. “Some were lucky enough to see him every time they played in Minnesota, from their first gig in the Entry and beyond. He’d often be the first person they saw when they arrived, and the last they saw leaving the club. Touring isn’t easy, but a familiar face, a helping hand, and general kindness (along with a gruff “hello”) can brighten a long day. Many a lasting friendship was formed in the garage at First Avenue with Conrad. He was a character, and someone who cared.” 

Star Tribune reported that performers from across the globe would give Sverkerson a shoutout from the stage or mention him in interviews including Flaming Lips singer Wayne Coyne who recounted the stage manager giving the band a rug to keep their drum kit from moving around on stage.

Coyne told the Star Tribune: “One of the big reasons people love playing that place is Conrad.”

Check out the full statement from First Avenue below:

Our communal First Avenue heart is shattered by the passing of our beloved Conrad Sverkerson.

Conrad touched the lives of so many—his friends and family, his First Avenue family, bands and artists and crew from throughout Minnesota, across the country, and around the world.

This loss feels endless and unimaginable to us as individuals, to our Twin Cities community, and the entire live music industry.

First starting at First Ave in 1988, Conrad moved to the stage crew in 1990 and eventually became stage manager.  He helmed our ship for decades, working alongside some of his best friends and his brother, Billy. In typical Conrad fashion, he started his first night of work as a doorman and ended it playing foosball with Duran Duran. Conrad had a thousand stories like that. They were never a brag—just something that happened that day. 

Conrad was a legend among artists and touring crews. Some were lucky enough to see him every time they played in Minnesota, from their first gig in the Entry and beyond. He’d often be the first person they saw when they arrived, and the last they saw leaving the club. Touring isn’t easy, but a familiar face, a helping hand, and general kindness (along with a gruff “hello”) can brighten a long day. Many a lasting friendship was formed in the garage at First Avenue with Conrad. He was a character, and someone who cared. 

To say that Conrad was the face of First Avenue for so many over the years would be an understatement. Throughout his 37 years working here, Conrad’s spirit has been indelibly woven into the very foundation of our star-studded building and we will work to honor it every show. We’ll miss him every day.

His legacy endures. Conrad forever.