Maurice Jones, the man who came up with theВ  Monsters Of Rock Festival concept in 1980, has died at the age of 64 after a long battle with cancer.

Jones first got involved with music when he managed a band called the N Betweens, who became Slade. From there, he became a successful booking agent in the Midlands, before starting Midlands Concert Promotions (MCP) at the end of the 1970s, working with some of the biggest bands in the world, including AC/DC (who were close friends of his) and Def Leppard.

Apart from creating Monsters Of Rock, and establishing Donington as the mecca for rock fans around the world, Jones also co-promoted Live Aid at Wembley Stadium in 1985.

He retired in 1997, and has spent much of the last 12 years indulging his passion for boats and sailing.