KATY Perry has revealed the tragic loss of one of her managers in a heartbreaking social media post.
The 39-year-old singer shared some photo memories of Martin Kirkup as she paid tribute to him on Thursday.
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Martin was 76 when he passed away on February 4, 2024.
The Dark Horse hitmaker said she was compelled to write about Martin – despite him not liking social media – because of how special he was.
On Instagram, Katy wrote, “It’s taken me a little while to make this post…something about posting it makes it all feel, final… and even though Martin wasn’t particularly fond of social media and its sensationalism, I must respectfully take a moment and speak on how special he was and is to me.”
She continued, “I say this because I personally don’t believe that anyone ‘dies’; they simply move on to the next dimension. They aren’t here anymore, but are now EVERYWHERE.”
Katy added, “Martin Kirkup was one of my managers at Direct Management for almost 20 years. He was the bulldog of our group – the one who always said, ‘Show me the data, the P&L, the science, the facts!’ If all else failed, he would just say, ‘That’s ridiculous!’ or some other cheeky, witty, eloquent one-liner with an English accent and all would be convinced.
“Martin was one of my protectors. He was vigilant about getting me what I deserved and celebrated the headstrong female I am.
“I have been so fortunate to have an INCREDIBLE team by my side for almost 20 years, before I had (as my father from Memphis would say) a pot to pee in or a window to throw it from!
“Martin, along with all of my managers, have literally fought day in and day out for my voice to be heard, and I have SO much pride, respect and admiration for my team at Direct Management.”
Katy also revealed that the British music executive got to hear some of her new music before he died.
“Three days before he passed, he finally got to hear some of what I have been working on and the joy and love that it holds.
“I could tell he was excited for the future, and I was so glad I had that last moment to make him proud in my own little way.”
Ending her heartbreaking note, Katy wrote, “We didn’t get to physically say goodbye, but I know he knows how much respect and admiration I have for him, and his hearty chuckles and wicked retorts continue to echo through my mind.”
Martin is survived by his wife Lale Kirkup, daughter Melisa Kirkup Blatt, son John Kirkup and three grandchildren, Sam, Abigail, and Ivy, as reported by Variety.
NO MORE IDOL
After six years on the judges’ panel, Katy announced on Monday that she’s leaving American Idol.
After the season, the Fireworks singer plans to exit the show to focus on new music.
While discussing her decision on Jimmy Kimmel Live, Katy explained: “So I think this will probably be my last season for Idol.
“I love Idol so much. It’s connected me with the heart of America, but I need to feel that pulse of my own beat.
“I love the show so much but I wanna go and see the world and maybe bring new music.”
“Well, you know, this fall, this September, I’m going to be doing this huge music festival in Brazil called Rock in Rio. It’s really exciting,” she added.
“It’s a big deal for people all over the world, especially my Brazilian fans.
“So it’s going to be a very, very exciting year … for all popstar girlies.
“Maybe I’ll come back if they’ll have me one day!”
NEW MUSIC
With the news that Katy is moving on, her fans think she’s dropping a new album next – especially since they’ve been begging the star to release new music.
Katy teased her career moves in an Instagram post, capturing her posing in a sexy skintight black dress with a plunging neckline and large cutouts at her midsection.
It was held together with numerous silver butterfly pins, a symbol that has appeared in several of her music videos.
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