Artist Manager Peter Katsis Dies; Managed Careers Of Smashing Pumpkins, Backstreet Boys, Jane’s Addiction, Many Others

Chicago-based artist manager Peter Katsis, who worked with a wide range of artists at multiple companies including Smashing Pumpkins, Jane’s Addiction, Backstreet Boys, Bush and many others, has died, leading to an outpour of condolences from colleagues and artists. He was 69 and died of complications from congestive heart disease, Variety reported.

Getting his start at the concert board at Northern Illinois University, Katsis shot to prominence in the early ’80s managing industrial metal pioneers Ministry. Over the course of more than 35 years and as co-founder of Prospect Park and partner at The Firm, Katsis’ career spanned genres and decades as he’s credited as both steering and influencing realms of heavy rock music as well as nu-metal and boy bands into the 2000s, including in recent years at YM&U Group managing eartists including Bush, 5 Seconds of Summer, Fever 333, Jane’s Addiction and more.

Among condolences as a thoughtful tribute from from Smashing Pumpkins frontman Billy Corgan, who referred to Katsis as extended family.

“Heartbroken that Pete is gone,” Corgan shared on social media. “He meant a lot to Chloe and I as a dear friend and extended member of our family. He will be missed and I’ll always cherish his intense candor and deep love of great music; which was infectious. And he deserves immense credit for helping to usher in the alternative revolution of the 80’s and 90’s and beyond. He was truly one of a kind. One of a us. And Chicago royalty through and through.”

Katsis took part in Pollstar Live! in 2022 where he noted career highlights including hosting a rock concert in Cuba by Audioslave in 2005.

He also noted previous experience as an agent in the early ’80s at Prestige Artists, booking artists including Marshall Jefferson, Adonis, James Chance, as well as serving as talent buyer and promoter booking shows at Chicago venues like The Metro, Riviera Theatre and more. He was involved in management for more than 100 gold, platinum and multi-platinum artists.