Art Fein, Los Angeles rock-scene renaissance man, dead at 79

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Art Fein, a versatile figure in the Los Angeles music scene, who spent six decades working as a journalist, publicist, manager, and TV show host, has passed away at the age of 79.

On July 30, Fein passed away due to heart complications during his recovery from hip surgery, as per Cliff Burnstein, the co-founder of Q Prime Management and a close companion.

Arthur David Fein was born on the 17th of June in 1946. Raised in Chicago, he found himself captivated by a Chuck Berry performance at the age of 10, leading him to dedicate his life to unearthing, advocating for, and preserving rock music. In 1971, he moved to Los Angeles to pursue a career in music journalism. He eventually landed a job within Capitol Records’ emerging college promotion department. It was there that he formed friendships with John Lennon and Yoko Ono, while arranging interviews for Ono’s latest album, “Approximately Infinite Universe,” on various college radio stations.

Following his departure from the Capitol, he spent time writing music reviews for numerous publications such as the Los Angeles Times, Herald-Examiner, Billboard, and more, before being appointed as a music editor at Variety. In his 2022 memoir “Rock’s in My Head”, he reminisced about his feelings towards his career in rock criticism by then: “By the time I got this job, I was tired of the emerging, annoying field of rock criticism. It seemed to be more about the writers than the music. I didn’t aim to be overly critical. Instead, I saw myself as an ally. My goal was to support the music; rock critics were more interested in boosting their own self-importance.

In simpler terms, after re-entering the music industry with roles at Elektra/Asylum, Casblanca, and elsewhere, he shifted his focus to management, nurturing an early punk movement in Los Angeles that led to notable bands like The Cramps, The Blasters, and The Heaters. A collection of songs he put together, titled “(Art Fein Presents) The Best of L.A. Rockabilly” (1983), served as a guidebook for bands influenced by X and Social Distortion, who blended traditional rockabilly with punk music for the contemporary era.

The TV program titled “Lil Art’s Poker Party,” which aired on local cable channels in Southern California for an impressive span of 24 years, showcased conversations and live performances with his preferred musicians. Richard Foos, one of the founders of Rhino Records, reminisced about our weekly poker games, often hosted at either his or Art’s house. He was present on the night when music critic Lester Bangs joined us for a game. We began the first hand, engaged in discussions about music, and never played another hand after that.

1990 saw the release of “The L.A. Musical History Tour: A Guide to the Rock and Roll Landmarks in Los Angeles” by Fein. This collection served as a guide for readers, leading them to significant spots like the gravesites of Roy Orbison and Ritchie Valens, as well as locations where Sam Cooke, Janis Joplin, Marvin Gaye, Tim Hardin, Dennis Wilson, and Darby Crash met their unfortunate ends.

Additionally, Fein forged a complex bond with producer Phil Spector, whom Lennon had introduced as the “expert on music.” Fein joined Spector’s close circle, even during his turbulent times when he was found guilty of murdering Lana Clarkson, a hostess at House of Blues. Remarkably, Fein continued communicating with Spector even after he received a life sentence in prison.

In the early stages of The Blasters, when not many recognized or cared about us beyond Rollin’ Rock Records, Art Fein showed immense concern. Around early 1980, I was an aspiring poet working as a fry cook in Long Beach… Art Fein played ‘Marie Marie’ to a Welsh rock and roll artist named Shakin’ Stevens, who swiftly recorded my song and turned it into a massive hit on the international scene. Thanks to Art Fein, I didn’t have to be a cook for much longer, as I was able to pursue music full-time. I can never express enough gratitude for everything you did for me, Art.

Back in 1994, while touring with Butch Hancock in Europe, singer-songwriter-guitarist Rosie Flores had an unfortunate accident. During our month-long tour, I slipped on a wet cobblestone street in London and broke my wrist severely. A few months later, I was invited to perform at the Elvis annual birthday bash at The House of Blues. It’s common practice to donate all earnings from these shows to charities or organizations. This year, Art, unexpectedly handed me a stack of money amounting to $1,500 for my medical bills. This gesture brought tears to my eyes.

At the end of his memoir, Fein expressed that he couldn’t come up with anything particularly witty or insightful about the current status of album sales, online streaming platforms, or emerging distribution methods. Nor could he discuss how social media platforms like YouTube and TikTok are influencing modern music today.

As it turns out, he never aspired for a career in the music industry; instead, his passion was for music itself. That’s where he still remains.

Fein is survived by daughter Jessie and wife Jennifer.

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2025-08-13 02:31