Iconic Founder Of Computicket Dies From Covid-19 Complications

Iconic Founder Of Computicket Dies From Covid-19 Complications. End of an era for entertainment industry as Computicket founder, Percy Tucker, dies at age 92 from COVID-19 complications. Tucker died on the 29th of January 2020. He founded Computicket 50 years ago in 1971 and wanted to dedicate his life furthering live arts and entertainment in South Africa. Upon retirement in 1994, Tucker published his autobiography-history of the South African theatre, Just the Ticket!

“Internationally, he is known, above all, for the founding of Computicket, the world’s first fully operative computerized, centralized ticket-booking system, which he introduced in South Africa in 1971.  For this concept and its realization, Percy Tucker has been extensively honoured as it changed forever the way tickets for entertainment was marketed worldwide,” Tucker’s official website reads.

Tucker’s cousin, Hazel Feldman said: “On a personal level and as a cousin, I am absolutely gutted but we were so blessed to have him in our lives for as long as we did. He was a legend – it’s a passing of an era. It’s very, very sad.”

The Shoprite Group in a statement said: “Computicket expresses its sincere condolences following news that its founder, Percy Tucker, passed away. His family, friends and work colleagues remain in our thoughts during this difficult time.”

Singer Andre Schwartz also expressed his feelings towards the passing of Tucker, he tweeted: “Sad sad news re the passing of Percy Tucker. Percy was a remarkable man and friend. He conceptualised and founded @Computicket The world’s first centralised ticket booking system. He remained actively involved in theatre. A true icon.”