Remembering Bill Carroll
• Against the celebratory backdrop of a holiday weekend, we were deeply saddened to learn of the passing of beloved label executive Bill Carroll at the far-too-young age of 59.
Sharing the sentiments of hundreds of Carroll’s friends and industry colleagues, Howard Petruziello of Red Light Management / ATO Records said, “I’m crushed and numb from this news. BC and I were partners for over 10 years at Virgin/CMG and that partnership was the most rewarding experience of my life. Bill approached music and promotion passionately and considered it an honor to represent the artists he worked with. He would often say that while we weren’t saving lives, that music is a vital part of enriching people’s lives (including ours) and that we play an important part in connecting them with our artists. Bill was the most generous, selfless person I’ve ever met and so many people, his family, artists, coworkers and myself are better off for having him in our lives. He genuinely loved helping others and it’s not an understatement to say that a lot of folks wouldn’t be where they are today or would’ve had a much rockier path if it was for Bill’s support and guidance.”
Petruziello continued, “Bill couldn’t care less about the flashy, egotistical aspects of our business (it was jeans, a flannel shirt and boots in the winter, cargo shorts and a t-shirt in the summer for BC). He just wanted to work hard, treat people well, have some fun and spend time at home with Alicia and their dogs.”
In closing, Petruziello said, “I cherish the 10+ years we worked together and I miss the deep conversations, turning each other on to great music, sneaking out of the office for wings and beer, his tales about his epic cross-country promo runs and the comradery. I join all of you in mourning his passing. Rest in peace, Bill. I love you and will miss you forever.”
Carroll grew up in the Boston area and graduated from St. Anselm College in New Hampshire. He started doing local Boston promo for Polygram/Island, later moving to L.A. for a national gig with Polygram/Island before moving into the same position with London Records. Carroll later worked for Vagrant and Elektra before spending 11 years at Virgin (later Capitol Music Group) as SVP of Alt and Rock. After that he spent time at C3 with Dave and has since been living in Roscoe, NY with his wife, Alicia.
Greg Thompson, Pres./Partner at Big Loud, worked with Carroll at Elektra and Capitol Music Group back in the day, and posted this tribute on Facebook: “There are no words to express the sadness in my soul. The music biz lost a giant and I lost a brother and a friend. Bill Carroll was one of a kind… and if you were lucky enough to call him a friend than you know what I mean… Rest In Peace Bill.”
