One of the industry's pioneering forces, John, a nephew of former Taoiseach Albert Reynolds, became well-known during the '90s as the owner of the POD nightclub and, along with Louis Walsh, was one of the driving forces behind Boyzone.
In 2004, he staged what many consider to be Ireland's first boutique festival, Electric Picnic, which he grew from a one to a three-day event.
Following the curtailment of his involvement in EP, he launched Forbidden Fruit and Metropolis, the urban festival which will go ahead as planned this weekend in the RDS with the likes of Roisin Murphy and Villagers headlining.
Irish music fans also have John to thank for Leonard Cohen's 2010 visit to Lissadell House in Sligo, which the legendary Canadian rated among his all-time favourite shows. This year, he engineered the Nick Cave and Patti Smith double-header in Kilmainham; launched the Vinyl spoken word festival at the RHK with David Bell; and struck festival gold again with the inaugural All Together Festival in Waterford.
A maverick and a true music fan, John was a good friend to Hot Press and will be sorely missed.
Following news of John's death, artists shared tributes and memories of his legacy.

Terrible news. A gentle soul, a lovely guy. The best of times with the amazing Nick Cave and the fantastic ATN just the latest of so many great summers, memories and adventures. Rest in peace. #JohnReynolds

— Dave Fanning (@fanningrte) October 26, 2018

Back in 2010 when we were figuring out how to host an event with the Dalai Lama in Dublin I reached out to numerous people seeking advice. Most didn't reply but #JohnReynolds did. I never forgot that. He was clearly someone who stayed open to life, people & possibilities. R.I.P.

— Ruairí McKiernan (@ruairimckiernan) October 26, 2018

Shocked & saddened by the death of John Reynolds who brought the boutique festival to Ireland. I loved his passion & willingness to take a risk. He was so proud - and justifiably so - of launching @ATNfestival this year. John will be sorely missed https://t.co/KLgflhNZqy

— Stuart Clark (@stuartclark66) October 25, 2018

Very very sad news about the sudden death of visionary concert promoter John Reynolds - RIP pic.twitter.com/8NrevYX2Z8

— Ian Dempsey (@IanDempsey) October 25, 2018

I am completely devastated at the death of an old, old friend tonight, John Reynolds. I can't really take it in. Far too soon. Can still hear him at the kitchen table here, telling stories, full of infectious enthusiasm, planning the next festival. Heartbroken. RIP Gino.

— David McWilliams (@davidmcw) October 25, 2018

Extremely sad to hear of the passing of John Reynolds. A real innovator, adventurer and chance-taker. And a nice man. He paid his own respects to my father two months ago. RIP, John.

— Leagues O'Toole (@foggynotions) October 25, 2018

Very sad to hear of John Reynolds passing. He was a really good guy who put on so many amazing events - starting @EPfestival 14 years ago, then @ForbiddenFFest , Altogether now and this wkends Metropolis fest. RIP John https://t.co/v04qp0TVly

— HamsandwicH (@Ham_Sandwich) October 25, 2018

Extremely sad and shocked to hear about the death of John Reynolds. So much love and condolence to family and friends. Sleep well sir xC

— Villagers (@wearevillagers) October 26, 2018

Hard to take in the news tonight of the passing of John Reynolds. A true giant of Irish Music, he shaped many of our best loved festivals and music venues and raised the bar for live music. Deepest sympathies to all his family and friends.

— Whelan's (@whelanslive) October 25, 2018

Just heard about John Reynolds, my condolences 2 his family & friends. U may not have heard of John before, but if u've been 2 Electric Picnic, Forbidden Fruit, shows at Pod Venues in dublin, then u know John's work. He gave me a lot of shows when i was starting out. So sad. RIP

— JamesVincentMcMorrow (@jamesvmcmorrow) October 25, 2018

RIP John Reynolds. Lovely guy and responsible for some great festivals.

— DELORENTOS (@delorentos) October 25, 2018

Shocked to hear the sad and tragic news that John Reynolds has passed away. My love and condolences to close friends and family. The magic he created in the world of the Irish music festival speaks for itself, thought JR would be around for many years to come. Big Love Jerry❤️⚓️x

— Jerry Fish (@VivaJerryFish) October 25, 2018