Robbie Williams has sadly announced the death of his long-term manager, David Enthoven. "My Friend, Mentor and Hero passed away today," the heartbroken 42-year-old singer tweeted. "David Enthoven, I love you. RIP."
David had managed Robbie ever since he left Take That back in 1996. According to the Mirror, the 72-year-old passed away from liver cancer, just a few days after receiving the diagnosis.
Heartbroken Robbie Williams paid tribute to manager David Enthoven on Twitter
Tributes have poured in for the music mogul since the news broke. Jamie Cullum was among those paying their respects, writing a message to Robbie that read: "My deepest sympathy dude. He was a real gentleman in the truest sense, RIP x."
David was a true heavyweight in the music industry, establishing the EG record label in the late 60s and immediately finding success with King Crimson's debut album In the Court of the Crimson King.
They later signed T. Rex, Roxy Music and Brian Eno - but David's career went off the rails in the 1980s as he battled addiction to drink and drugs.
David (left) and Tim Clark founded ie:music together in 1992
He beat his demons and returned to the industry in 1992 to found ie:music with Tim Clark. The pair went on to work with the likes of Lily Allen, Lemar, Will Young and Robbie.
It was David who introduced Robbie to songwriter Guy Chambers, with whom he co-wrote his biggest hit Angels, and helped orchestrate his £80million deal with EMI.
According to the BBC, he was fiercely protective of the pop star, and thought of him as a surrogate son. At the height of Robbie's fame, David explained his managerial approach to Esquire magazine.
"I always say to Rob, 'If you wanted an elephant to keep you amused backstage, I'd go and find [an] elephant.'
David was very protective of Robbie and thought of him as a surrogate son
"It sounds very pandering, but it's not, because at the end of the day, come nine o'clock at night, he's got to get up there and do his stuff.
"The boss gets looked after because the boss delivers the bacon."
Following David's death, the Music Manager's Forum (MMF) said in a statement: "We are very sad that long time manager and MMF supporter David Enthoven has passed away today after a short illness.
"David will be remembered as a true friend, an exemplary colleague, a helpful mentor and a truly exceptional human being. Big hugs David. We will miss you."