Horst Weidenmüller: Honoring a Visionary of the Independent Music Community
Today, the music community mourns the loss of Horst Weidenmüller, a visionary leader whose influence and passion shaped the landscape of independent music. As the Founder & CEO of !K7 Music, Horst built an independent music company that championed creativity, sustainability, and inclusion since its founding in 1985. From producing concert videos for post-punk icons to launching the iconic DJ-Kicks series, Horst’s innovative spirit made !K7 a global symbol of artistic excellence and independence.
Horst’s contributions extended far beyond the walls of !K7. He was a steadfast advocate for the independent music sector on a global scale. He was both a Founder and the longest serving Board Member of Merlin, as well as a long serving Board Member of IMPALA. His tireless efforts helped strengthen and champion the value of independent music rights, setting a standard for ethical and sustainable practices that will inspire generations to come.
Darius Van Arman, Co-CEO of Secretly Group and Chairperson of the Merlin Board, paid tribute: “Horst’s leadership was guided by a deep sense of purpose. His ability to combine artistic integrity with a commitment to sustainability and inclusion set him apart. The independent music community owes him an incredible debt of gratitude for his vision and perseverance.”
Charlie Lexton, COO of Merlin, reflecting on Horst’s contribution to Merlin dating back to 2007, said: “Horst was a key figure in the launch of Merlin and a Board member from day one. As executives, he always supported us and he always trusted us – what more could we ask? He never lost sight of his principles as an independent, but he pushed us to embrace change and to avoid looking back. It’s also important not to forget he had great taste in music. We are devastated to have lost him, but I’m proud to have known and worked with him for so long.”
Martin Mills, Founder and Chairman of Beggars Group and Founder and former Chairperson of Merlin, shared: “Horst was a key driver of the European independent movement, and globally through Merlin. That he was the last original board member speaks for itself. The initiative to set up Merlin was a huge lift, and his passionate advocacy of the concept was crucial. As a board member, and a very engaged one, his principles always drove his actions, and his advocacy of smaller members’ interests was truly influential. As a guiding light of the EMI divestment group which brought so many rights home, he was the personification of the enormous independent wins of the last two decades. As well as which, he created and ran a truly innovative music label. His influence will live on.”
Helen Smith, Executive Chair of IMPALA, commented: “Horst had such a positive impact on all who knew him, the “Horst halo effect”. We will miss him and will continue his work as he would have wanted. It was an honour to recognise his work with !K7 last year, just ahead of the fortieth anniversary of the iconic label, one of my personal favourites. Horst’s contribution at IMPALA on the board and as founder of our sustainability task force four years ago is inspirational. He was instrumental in so many of our successes. Always funny and caring, Horst was a friend and a mentor.”
“Horst embodied the creative spirit of the independent music community,” said Jeremy Sirota, CEO of Merlin. “His dedication to fostering innovation and his unwavering belief in the power of independent music were transformative. He was a cherished member of the Merlin family and a personal friend whose loss is deeply felt. I will miss his advice, our wide-ranging conversations, and the passion he brought to everything he touched.”
Merlin and the entire independent music community extend their deepest condolences to Horst’s family, friends, and colleagues. Merlin will honor his legacy by continuing to champion the values he held dear—innovation, sustainability, and the importance of independent music.
