Terry Slater, who began his career as a bass player and songwriter touring with The Everly Brothers before becoming an influential EMI music executive and manager of 1980s chart toppers a-ha, has died aged 85
10:59, 01 Aug 2026Updated 11:05, 01 Aug 2026
A-ha, made up of Magne Furuholmen’s has paid emotional tribute to Terry Slater (second from left)(Image: NA)
Music industry titan Terry Slater, who kick-started his career as a bass player and songwriter touring with The Everly Brothers before ascending to executive roles at EMI, has sadly passed away at the age of 85. Throughout his illustrious career, Slater played a pivotal role in catapulting iconic acts such as Queen, Sex Pistols, Kate Bush and Duran Duran to global fame.
He was also instrumental in “discovering” 1980s pop sensations A-ha, made up of Magne Furuholmen, Morten Harket and Paul Waaktaar-Savoy. He took the trio under his wing, managing them for approximately 12 years.
In fact, he was often dubbed the fourth member of the group, known for hits like Take On Me and The Sun Always Shines on TV. The band’s keyboardist, Magne, confirmed the sad news in a heartfelt Instagram post.
Terry Slater also worked with huge bands such as Queen and Duran Duran(Image: NA)
Although he didn’t disclose a cause of death alongside a photo of Terry and the band dressed in tuxedos, reports the Express. He wrote: “43 years ago, give or take a couple of months, Terry Slater took a chance on three scruffy, hopeful Norwegians living in London squalor with a burning ambition and some degree of talent..
“Terry is the singularly most important person in a-ha’ s music career. He was already a towering figure in music world when we first met, but more than just his business boldness, experience, knowhow, network etc, he became a kind of father figure and a good friend.”,
“He really cared. about the band, and the three of us as people, guiding us with a steady hand through the many trappings and pitfalls of success. He is without a doubt the person with the greatest impact on our professional lives and, I dare say, the lives of all our families.
“It is with immense sadness that we must now accept the fact that Terry has passed away. Thank you dear Terry – for everything….You are missed. RIP Terry Slater.”
The Ed Sullivan Show’s Facebook page, where Slater had once graced the stage as a musician, also paid tribute.
They wrote: “We are deeply saddened by the passing of Terry Slater. From performing and writing alongside The Everly Brothers to his influential years as an executive at EMI and manager for a-ha, Terry left an unforgettable mark on the music industry.
“His legacy lives on through the timeless songs and artists he championed. Rest in peace, Terry. Thank you for the music.”
Meanwhile, The Everly Brothers’ Facebook page, managed by the brothers’ estate, also commemorated the star and his significant contribution to the duo’s career. The post read: “We are devastated to learn of Terry Slater’s passing,” it began.
“Terry was many things to the Everly Brothers – a bass player, a writing partner and a lifelong friend. He is credited for writing numerous Everly Brothers’ songs including Bowling Green, Lord of the Manor and Up in Mabel’s Room. In the mid 60s, the three became so close that Ike and Margaret Everly referred to Terry as their third son. We send our condolences to Terry’s family.”
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