A Royal perspective
During five decades working with many of the world ’ s biggest selling touring artists , from the Rolling Stones to Michael Jackson , veteran agent Neil Warnock MBE has had artists play at the Royal Albert Hall on many occasions . A huge admirer of the venue , Warnock was the perfect choice to chair its 150th Anniversary Committee . He tells Access about the birthday celebrations and how the Covid crisis has impacted the venue and the many artists he works with .
Words : Christopher Barrett
Few live music industry executives have worked with so many iconic performing artists as Neil Warnock , and as global head of touring , music , at United Talent Agency , he continues to oversee an extensive roster of UK agents and artists .
At age 17 , Warnock started booking acts including The Doors , Jethro Tull and Donovan into colleges and universities . Over the years since , he has managed a string of agencies including South Bank Artists , NEMS Enterprises , The Bron Agency and the Agency Group , representing a remarkable array of top talent including Johnny Cash , the Rolling Stones , Dolly Parton , Pink Floyd ,
Michael Jackson , Simon & Garfunkel , Deep Purple and Mariah Carey .
Warnock first visited the Royal Albert Hall on 5 July 1969 . Having watched the Rolling Stones play Hyde Park in front of an estimated 500,000 fans and release white doves in tribute to the passing of the band ’ s co-founder Brian Jones , Warnock walked across the park to another gig his company was involved in – Chuck Berry and The Who at the Royal Albert Hall .
As a working-class young man from an Essex estate , Warnock had always thought of the venue as somewhat exclusive and intimidating . He recalls clearly how welcome the team made him feel on his first visit there . His love affair with the stately old building began that day and over the years since he has had countless artists play there .
He says that among the many highlights was a joint appearance by the Rolling Stones and The Beatles at the venue , a show by Johnny Cash and his wife June , and a performance by David Gilmour : “ When David played here , he brought in the whole of his stadium show production and adapted it for the venue . He played at such a high level with such brilliant sound and lights – it was an outstanding occasion .”
Warnock says he has never worked with an artist who hasn ’ t enjoyed playing the 5,272-capacity venue , and he is looking forward to seeing the 150th Anniversary show programme come to life .
Commencing on 29 March 2021 , and due to run for two years , the anniversary activity will include performances by artists such as Patti Smith , David Arnold and Jon Hopkins , while KT Tunstall will lead a new mentorship programme for young female artists and Nile Rodgers will compose a pop anthem for the anniversary .
The birthday events will , hopefully , see a welcome return of audiences to the Hall . The impact of its closure
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