It is with great sadness to announce that New York City music icon Theresa Chambers, passed away August 11, 2024 after a long illness. She was 64 years old and born in the Bronx, New York on March 1, 1960.
"There was no one in the music industry at one time or another that did not work with her at the many venues across the city from the 1990’s through the 2000’s. She booked talent for many of New York City’s famed venues."
She will be missed by her children Ryan, James and Anna, her brothers Christopher, Paul and Daniel and her beloved Aunt Colleen.
Theresa was a fundamental part of the live music community in New York City for decades having worked at talent agency APA, Studio 54 as Steve Rubell’s assistant and as a talent booker for promoter Ron Delsener Presents. She was also the founding booker at many legendary music venues such as The Bowery Lounge, Mercury Lounge, Fez, and the Knitting Factory among others in the city for many emerging British and American Artists. She was a great friend to managers, labels and especially the Artists she booked. As one person said this past week “Theresa was seriously a bad ass with a heart” and “For years she was the gatekeeper of great up and coming talent.”
In addition to her roles in the live music business, Theresa was also an accomplished manager for many artists to include but not limited to, Ireland’s “Hot House Flowers” and chart toppers “Something Happens” among many others.
Long time manager and industry veteran Dave Lory says, “Theresa not only knew great talent, but she was a dear friend. I worked with her while booking the New Music Seminar for years along with many artists I managed over the years. Theresa was one of the first people to reach out to me when Jeff Buckley disappeared in the Mississippi River. She cared for the people she worked with along with the Artists. She will be missed and was one of a kind. There will be no one like her again, Theresa was that special.”
NY Music Industry Veteran/Music Publicist Fiona Bloom says, “I used to be so intimidated by her. Sometimes, I would call and when she picked up the phone I would start shaking and lose my train of thought. I admired and respected her so much. After literally going to hundreds of shows at the Mercury Lounge (a combination of artists I repped or being a fan), we developed a friendship which included countless conversations about new artists on the scene. Her favorite thing to talk about! She always had her finger on the pulse, with some of the best ears in the biz. Fearless and Bold. I remember she told me once I was overly persistent to the point of irritation, but also said it’s the only way to do your job and you get it done! We’ve lost a great soldier! A champion for the unsung and a true live music lover! NYC venues will feel emptier without her.”
Theresa’s last year was spent as an unofficial advisor to the post-punk band that her daughter Anna fronted “Torture and the Desert Spiders.
The family will announce a memorial service later in the year and an announcement will be made at that time.
For more information contact Dave Lory at [email protected]
