Michelle Kerr, the co-founder of the renowned music PR agency *Cosa Nostra PR*, passed away on September 14, 2024, after a long and courageous battle with cancer.
She left behind a profound legacy in the rock and metal music industry, having helped shape the careers of countless artists over her decades-long career.
Who was Michelle Kerr?
Michelle was an instrumental figure in music publicity, known for her dedication and passion. Along with her business partner Kirsten Sprinks, she launched Cosa Nostra PR in 2012 after working for Roadrunner Records, where she led press efforts for 17 years.
Cosa Nostra PR went on to represent iconic artists like Slipknot, Behemoth, Machine Head, Lamb of God, and Halestorm, among many others. Michelle’s work wasn’t just confined to individual artists—she was also integral in promoting major events like Bloodstock Open Air and Knotfest, growing their international reach and reputation.
Beyond her professional life, Michelle was deeply connected to her roots in Hampstead, London. She cherished the area’s natural beauty, particularly its Heath, where she often enjoyed walks.
It was her wish to have her ashes laid to rest in Highgate Cemetery, alongside luminaries like George Michael and Malcolm McLaren. Friends and family have initiated a fundraiser to support her memorial wishes, including the establishment of a memorial bench on Hampstead Heath in her honor.
Michelle Kerr’s legacy
Despite the immense loss, Michelle’s legacy will continue to resonate through the artists she supported and the industry she helped shape. Her death leaves a void, but her influence will live on for years.
Michelle Kerr’s legacy extends far beyond the artists she worked with; her role in shaping the heavy music publicity landscape is unmatched. At Cosa Nostra PR, she and her team handled publicity for an extensive roster of major bands, festivals, and events in both the UK and the US. This agency, co-founded by Michelle in 2012, became a powerhouse in the PR world, representing rock and metal icons such as Slipknot, Machine Head, Behemoth, and many more. It also expanded its reach by overseeing the media strategy for globally recognized festivals like Bloodstock Open Air and Knotfest, which helped elevate her influence even further.
Michelle’s journey in the music industry was characterized by her unwavering commitment to her clients and her keen sense of where the industry was headed. Her work at Roadrunner Records, where she led PR for 17 years, laid the foundation for Cosa Nostra PR. During her time there, she worked with high-profile artists like Rob Zombie, Korn, and Heaven & Hell, among many others. This experience honed her skills and passion, allowing her to build a thriving business that was rooted in personal relationships and deep industry knowledge.
Michelle Kerr GoFundMe by Sami Westwood
The news of Michelle’s passing has deeply affected the industry, with many paying tribute to her work ethic, The GoFundMe campaign page was set up by her friends and family not only aims to honor her wish of being laid to rest at Highgate Cemetery but also seeks to continue her legacy by supporting a charity in her name. This initiative has seen widespread support from those in the industry, showing just how many lives Michelle touched during her career.