Brent Grulke 1960-2012

Creative director of South by Southwest Brent Grulke has passed away aged 52 following a heart attack.

Grulke sadly passed away yesterday (August 14th), having recently returned to the US following a trip to London.

Having originally found work in the music industry as a sound engineer and tour manager, Grulke went on to spend time in the marketing department at Spindeltop Records. He also wrote for the Austin Chronicle, having first moved to the Texan city to study at its university.

Grulke was involved with music festival and convention SxSW from its conception in 1987. He initially started out as a stage manager and subsequently became the event’s creative director in 1994.

The Grulke family has established the Graham Grulke Education Fund, for which contributions can be made in memory of Brent. Donations made payable to the Graham Grulke Education Fund can be directed to:

EMG, Inc.
6101 West Courtyard Drive
Suite 2-120
Austin, Texas 78730
Attn: Brad Grulke

Grulke is survived by his wife Kristen and son Graham.

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