Yesterday the sad news came down that Chip Hooper, a longtime agent for the likes of Dave Matthews Band, Phish and many others, passed away after a four year battle with brain cancer. Hooper was one of those guys behind the scenes who was incredibly vital to the operation and ultimate success of these groups. As Trey Anastasio referenced in his emotional tribute to Hooper at the Fox Theatre, he booked (among many others) every Phish and Trey Anastasio Band show in the band’s history and without him, none of it would’ve been possible. 

With the news of his passing, musicians and sports figures alike (Hooper’s son Max is a standout basketball player for Oakland University) took to Twitter to pay tribute to him after an incredibly courageous battle with a horrible disease. Take a look below at thoughts from moe., former basketball coach Steve Lavin and many others. 

This post will be updated as more tributes surely come pouring in. 

On October 5th 1996, Chip Hooper and Dan Wiener showed up at the Capitol Theater in Port Chester, NY to watch moe. perform. After the show, they met with us to discuss bringing the band to Monterey Peninsula Artists, which later became Paradigm. In typical moe. fashion, Chip was trying to have a serious meeting with us as MMW played above our heads and, at the same time, we were having a bachelor party for one of the members – which included rowdy friends and a keg of beer. In response to Rob asking a question about the band not having enough money to get to a gig, Chip’s reply was “That would be Topper’s fault.” We were pretty much sold right there.

For ten years, Chip was our responsible agent, and then mentored the band for ten more. There are lots of stories that could be told about Hooper working with moe., and about the relationship he had with our manager Topper. Almost all of them would put a smile on your face. We’ve been lucky to have had him as an agent, mentor and friend, and today we send much love and peace to his family, both at home and at Paradigm.

Chip, you will be missed and always in our thoughts.

With a heavy heart, we send our condolences to the Hooper family after the passing of Max’s father, Chip Hooper. pic.twitter.com/zEeRW7Sp6Q
— Golden Grizzlies (@GoldenGrizzlies) March 6, 2016

Tip of the cap the late Chip Hooper, one of the best in the business, a true class act. https://t.co/ihAstpH92q

— Umphrey’s McGee (@umphreysmcgee) March 7, 2016

A few individuals I would credit for building @ofarevolution‘s career. Chip was one of them. Rest in peace my friend https://t.co/vMOk1GXtsO
— Richard On (@Richard_On) March 7, 2016

Chip Hooper believed in everyone from my father to me, giving us the opp. to play our shows. Thank you so much. RIP pic.twitter.com/d3od1yN7cT
— Dylan Gardner (@dylangardner) March 6, 2016

RIP to a good friend of the festival Chip Hooper who always believed in our mission. Folk On
— Newport Folk Fest (@Newportfolkfest) March 6, 2016

Chip Hooper fought the great fight. May he now rest in peace free of pain knowing his remarkably… https://t.co/jxrXgyHU7K
— Steve Lavin (@SteveLavin64) March 6, 2016