Features
Agora Founder LoConti Dies
Henry “Hank” LoConti, the owner of Cleveland’s legendary Agora concert club that launched several influential namesakes in the Midwest not to mention the careers of many of the biggest stars in rock, has died of lymphoma at 84. He died in his home in Independence, Ohio.
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LoConti opened the Agora in 1966 and over the years hosted not only remarkable early shows by Bruce Springsteen, but those of a wide range of artists including KISS, Judas Priest, Metallica, U2, the Clash, Gang of Four, Southside Johnny, and
“Hank was a visionary a futurist who could see the potential in things,” friend John Gorman, who promoted shows with LoConti while working at WMMS 100.7/FM, told the Cleveland Plain-Dealer. “The Agora was the first place bands would go on to become famous.”