John Butler Roadie Steph Popoff Passes Away

Respected Queensland-based roadie Steph Popoff has passed away, close colleagues have confirmed.

Having spent time as part of Alex Lloyd's and more recently John Butler's entourage, Popoff had also worked as a production manager of large events such as Homebake and Splendour In The Grass. He appears on the credits of the John Butler Trio's Live At Red Rocks and Live At St. Gallen albums.

John Butler's manager Phil Stevens offered the following statement to theMusic.com.au.

“I cannot believe the tragic news of Steph Popoff's passing. Steph worked for the John Butler Trio for eight years. He was John's most trusted right hand man. He was a vital part of the team and John had the hugest respect for the amazing work he carried out.

“Steph was a total gentleman, trustworthy, hardworking and took so much pride in his work. He was a pleasure to live and work with and it was an honour to have travelled many highways through life together.”

In recent years he had pulled back from the touring world to spend more time with his children.