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Tributes after death of former NME journalist James McMahon: “His words mattered”

Posted on by Larry
Tributes after death of former NME journalist James McMahon: “His words mattered”

Tributes have been paid to the former NME journalist James McMahon, who has died at the age of 44.

McMahon was NME Featured as an editor in the 2000s and died on Thursday (November 14) from a soft tissue sarcoma at Whipps Cross Hospital in East London.

A passionate advocate of all forms of music, especially metal and indie, McMahon was fiercely committed to defending working-class artists.

News of his death was shared by former NME editor Conor McNicholas, who wrote: “James was someone who really mattered – his words mattered. His actions were important. He connected people in new ways and changed things, always for the better, because he cared so deeply.”

Nadine Shah, AdvantagesAlex Kapanranos, Frank Carter, Ash And The MaccabeesGuitarist Felix White was among the musicians who paid tribute to James.

“So shocked and saddened to hear this,” White wrote. “Sending love to his loved ones. I loved him and we did well to keep in touch for more than twenty years.”

Shah added: “Such a good boy. Not boring at all and just really brilliant. Good night buddy.”

Benefit tweeted: “Feels like yesterday I was looking through my old one NMEs for some of the covers James worked on. Rest in peace James, love to all your friends and family.”

Franz Ferdinand frontman Alex Kapranos added on Instagram: “Very sad news about James McMahon. I send love and respect to his friends and family.”

“I’m so sorry to hear about the loss of James,” wrote Ash frontman Tim Wheeler. “He has been so brave in all his suffering and so open about everything he went through. I’m really shocked and saddened. I thought he would get better. A nice man, with a beautiful love for music and curiosity about the world. Sending love to Kat and James’ family, friends and loved ones.”

James McMahon backstage with Slash at the NME Awards. Credit: supplied
James McMahon backstage with Slash at the NME Awards. Credit: supplied

The Anchoress wrote: “So incredibly heartbroken. I love Kat and the whole family.”

Hefner’s Darren Hayman said: “Right after I thought I’d ever get in NME Once again, James somehow landed a reissue review. The only two pieces of music press I have on display are that and a photo of John Peel in a Hefner T-shirt. Thanks James.”

Hope of the statesSam Herlihy described him as “a real music person in a world that is failing them”, while Frank Carter described his death as “a devastating loss to the world”.

“Thank you James for everything,” he added. “Your words and your actions both have a big impact. You changed my life.”

The Cribs said: “I am so sorry to hear this news. James was one of our first and fiercest supporters. He was also a strong supporter and supporter of the underground and went to great lengths to highlight it at every publication he worked for. A champion for us all”

McMahon’s passion was reflected in his writing. Originally from Doncaster, he became NME features editor when he moved to London, where he also played in the bands Jobbers and Sister Death.

James then became editor at Kerrang! for six years from 2011, where his love for making music journalism as colorful and vibrant as possible shone through a successful period for the magazine. He was an early champion of Bring me the horizon And Black veil brides.

On departure Kerrang!James diversified into writing for publications, including about his many passions for The Guardian, Vice, The Face, The Spectactor, Record Collector And The Evening Standard. These loves include football, WWE, horror movies and aliens.

In 2021, James wrote and presented a Radio 4 documentary about an 80s quiz show In the bull’s eye.

In addition to his writing, McMahon started Culture Substack Ghost before hosting The James McMahon Music Podcast. His interviewees typified McMahon’s diverse tastes Mogwai, Graham Coxon And The Ks Unpleasant Sister Slee, Bucks Fizz And Soul Asylum.

McMahon continued to work and interview until weeks before his death Betty Boo for his podcast in October and discussing music as an expert on Sky News And GB News.

McMahon was also a proponent of OCD and wrote movingly about its effects. His widow, Kat Kennedy, started one JustGiving campaign in honor of James to raise money for The Central London OCD Support Group.