The Taranaki Daily News has issued the following report:

The man who brought Fleetwood Mac to Taranaki died suddenly at his home on Friday.

Garry Sharpe-Young, 45, events business development manager at the New Plymouth District Council died after suffering an aneurism.

The Taranaki Daily News understands council staff became concerned when they couldn't find Mr Sharpe-Young for a meeting and went to his home where they found him dead. The council later released a statement saying he died from an aneurism, or a burst artery.

His death cast a pall over the weekend for his council colleagues, many of whom were involved in organising Womad.

Mr Sharpe-Young is credited with bringing in top line international acts and revolutionising Taranaki as a leading events centre in New Zealand.

He joined the district council in September 2008 after two years at Venture Taranaki.

In both organisations he secured major events for the district including TSB Bowl performances by Sir Elton John, Jack Johnson, Fleetwood Mac, and Cliff Richard and the Shadows, as well as TSB Stadium concerts by Motorhead, the Beach Boys and Westlife.

Mr Sharpe-Young was the founder of G-Taranaki, the guitar festival launched in July 2008. The festival was to take place again in August 11-15 this year with the rumoured headline act of Guns 'n Roses guitarist Slash.

"G-Taranaki was Garry's baby," Venture Taranaki chief executive Stuart Trundle said.

"He started it from scratch and convinced some of the world's best guitarists to travel to Taranaki and take part.

Mr Sharpe-Young was in the middle of securing several big acts for the region for next summer.

Council chief executive Barbara McKerrow said Mr Sharpe-Young was a valued colleague and a talented individual with a passion for his work.

"This is a loss for the community and we will miss him terribly," she said.

"Our challenge now will be to build on the legacy of Garry's achievements. We are fortunate to have a world-class venues and events team able to carry on his work." She said everyone at the council was deeply shocked and saddened by his death.

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The entire BW&BK; sends our condolences to Garry's family and friends. He will indeed be missed.