Merck Mercuriadis’ career has encompassed spells managing Elton John, Guns N’Roses and Morrissey, plus a 20-year stint with the Sanctuary Group. Here, the Hipgnosis Songs boss talks seminal labels, songwriting and his latest star client, Nile Rodgers...

The first act I saw live was…

“Joe Cocker. I grew up in a small town in Canada and the nearest gig was about 100 miles away. That would be a three to four hour journey in those days and my father agreed ...