Industry Vet Phillip Kovac Dies In Los Angeles

Courtesy PFA – Phillip Kovak illustration

Phillip Kovac, a long-time concert promoter, transportation executive, and artist manager, has died in Los Angeles after battling PSP, a rare form of Parkinson’s disease. He was put to rest Sunday (Oct. 13) in his hometown of Houston, Texas.

He began his career in the early 1970s as a cofounder of TDA Productions. Among the wide variety of artists he presented were The Police, Tom Petty, Elvis Costello, Dizzy Gillespie, Muddy Waters, Bob Hope, Boston, and Hall And Oats. He and his partners sold the company in the early 80’s. 

In 1983, Phillip moved to Los Angeles to start his first job as a talent booker and director for Florida Custom Coach. The company quickly rose to dominate the industry. Phillip worked with more than 100 artists over 12 years. They included The Rolling Stones, U2, and Van Halen, among many others. 

By the mid-90’s, Kovac moved into artist management, founding Left Bank Nashville. Artists included Clint Black, Deanna Carter, and Tracy Lawrence. In the early 2000’s he moved back to Los Angeles, heading the touring division of Tenth Street Management. Working with Mötley Crüe, Blondie, Papa Roach, and Yes.

He leaves his brothers Allen, Lawrence, and Lewis. Nephews Austin, Andrew, and Max, and a niece Jessica Lauren Kovac.