Calgary-based concert promoter David Horodezky has passed. He was 77.

Starting off as a club owner of Calgary's Surfer A Go-Go - and later The Apollo - in the 1960s, in his heyday Horodezky owned and operated Brimstone Productions, which, in the 1970s and 1980s, was the go-to concert promoter for Alberta and booked international acts from Winnipeg to Victoria in arenas and stadiums.

Anne Murray, Bryan Adams, Meatloaf, Loverboy, Rod Stewart, Supertramp, Neil Diamond, The Who, Queen, The Eagles, Fleetwood Mac, Chris De Burgh, and Dire Straits were just some of the acts that Brimstone brought to Western Canada, and Horodezky had a legendary reputation for his unique brand of artist care. He was a serious competitor in the Prairies to the Concert Production International and Perryscope concert promotion agencies.

Horodezky also established the Arena Cross motorcycle events in football stadiums and hockey rinks.

"David was fiercely loyal, protective and loving to family and close friends," wrote his friend Bryan Tucker, in tribute. "Like many others, my life was much richer with him in it. We will miss his intensity, humour and conversations across a wide band of topics and interests. You never had to speculate where David stood as he unflinchingly stated his opinion immediately, if not sooner. We will miss David desperately already and shall for the rest of our lives."