Producer and band manager Gerry Bron has died at the age of 79.

He worked closely with Uriah Heep for many years.

He gave the band their name, managed their affairs and served behind the desk for their 1970 debut album Very 'Eavy, Very 'Umble, then every subsequent release until 1980′s Conquest.

His label Bronze Records was home to acts including Heep, Motorhead, Colosseum and the Damned.

Bron also worked in the mainstream pop arena with acts such as Manfred Mann and Gene Pitney.

His son Richard tweeted: "Very sadly my father passed away yesterday morning very unexpectedly. Rest in peace Dad – we all love you."