Man responsible for making Moncton a concert hub dies

The man instrumental in transforming Magnetic Hill into a major concert site has died.

Ian Fowler died Saturday morning in Moncton Hospital. Thanks to Fowler, Moncton has drawn bands like the Rolling Stones, Bon Jovi, and U2.

In his role asMoncton's General Manager of Economic Development, Tourism and Culture, Fowler also attracted sporting events, including the World Junior Track and Field Championships in 2010.

Moncton Mayor George LeBlanc says Fowler was an inspiration.

"Ian showed a lot of vision and initiative in moving the city forward. Certainly he was amoving force between many of the tremendous successes the city had. It's going to be a huge loss to the city of Moncton."

He had been ill, though LeBlanc said his death was "sudden."

Fowler was 53.