Skip Johnson

Skip Johnson / April 28, 1952 – May 10, 2025
Skip Johnson, 73, one of the live music industry's original larger-than-life characters, devoted partner and adored big brother and uncle, passed away peacefully at his home in New Hope, PA, surrounded by family on May 10, 2025.
The first son of the late Edward Bernard Johnson Jr. and Mary Elizabeth (Stearne) Johnson, Skip was a true child of Philadelphia. He was born there in 1952, later growing up in Southampton, PA, and graduating from Archbishop Wood High School.
As a 17-year-old kid eager to fly, he approached pioneer concert promoter Larry Magid at an event in Wildwood, NJ, asking for a job. When Larry had nothing to offer, Skip didn't back down: "Then let me clean the toilets." Seeing something in the skinny kid with a mop of black hair, Larry said yes. So began a working bond and friendship that lasted for more than 55 years, with Larry recently describing Skip as "the only guy in the business I've never heard anyone say anything bad about."
Skip soon landed a tour with The Who, looking after Keith Moon in particular. It was trial by fire, and he learned quickly. He then spent decades on the road as a lighting director, production manager and tour manager with countless other artists that included Prince, Bette Midler, Billy Crystal, Yes, the O'Jays and Jefferson Starship. He also steered shows at The Borgata and the Camden, NJ, amphitheater and acted as a promoter rep for some of Philadelphia's biggest live music events. He was the calm, competent center in any chaotic backstage, the one who could solve any problem, fix anything broken or smooth over any disagreement. To quote a recent remembrance, "If Skip was on the show, you knew it was gonna be a good day."
He lived a big, bold life, the kind you read about in rock and roll books and magazines, but he remained unassuming, level-headed and, above all, kind. He'd always figure out a way to help with nothing expected in return. As he gained experience, he took his role as mentor seriously, inspiring countless young people taking their first steps in the business. He was fiercely protective of those around him, and any woman on a crew of his knew she would be respected.
Skip gravitated toward the ocean, was a talented nature photographer with a special fondness for birds, played the ukulele and found great joy in his beloved pets. He always scooped up the spider and took it outside. No matter how much the road ran in his blood, he was equally happy at home working on one of his many DIY projects. He turned his and Beth's garage into what looked like a Home Depot outpost and claimed their food pantry as his tool storage space. There was once an incident with a rogue chain saw, but we like to forget about that.
Skip is survived by his partner of 28 years, Beth Kittrell, brothers William Johnson (Jeneane) and Michael Johnson (Carol), sisters Shelley McKenzie, Margaret Maher (Kevin) and Mari-jane Bocchino and dozens of nieces, nephews and cousins who thought of him as pretty much the coolest guy ever.
A few weeks ago, Skip read the tributes for a longtime industry friend who had been on a parallel cancer journey. He asked with genuine concern, "I wonder if they'll say such nice things about me?" Almost 400 Facebook celebrations later, the answer is yes. He would have been completely overwhelmed by the outpouring of love, admiration and heartfelt memories. We'll now all think of him as packing one last bag and heading off for yet another adventure. May the road rise to meet you, our cherished and irreplaceable Skip.
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Services will be private. If you would like to honor Skip, no need for flowers or donations. Please just call an old friend you haven't spoken to in a while or take a walk and enjoy the spring birds.