Tributes paid after death of former NME journalist James McMahon: “His words mattered”

nme.com:

NME journalist James McMahon, who has died age 44.McMahon was NME Features Editor during the 2000s, and passed from soft tissue sarcoma at Whipps Cross Hospital in East London on Thursday (November 14).A passionate champion of all forms of music, especially metal and indie, McMahon was fiercely committed to championing artists from a working class background.News of his death was shared by former NME editor Conor McNicholas, who wrote: “James was someone who really mattered – his words mattered.

His actions mattered. He connected people in new ways and changed things, always for the better because he cared so very much.”James McMahon3rd July 1980 – 14th November 2024Words by @ConorMcNicholas Please consider donating in his memory at https://t.co/YCTqHq7c7E pic.twitter.com/JKmjqRsJJ3— The James McMahon Music Podcast (@jamesjammcmahon) November 15, 2024Nadine Shah, Benefits, Alex Kapanranos, Frank Carter, Ash and The Maccabees’ guitarist Felix White were among the musicians paying tribute to James.“So shocked and sad to hear this,” wrote White. “Sending love to his closest.

I loved him and we did well to stay in touch for 20+ years.”Shah added: “Such a good lad. Really not boring and just really brilliant.

Goodnight mate.”Benefits tweeted: “It feels like only yesterday I was looking through my old NMEs for some of the covers James worked on.