Six original board members of the Music Managers Forum reunited at an event in Manchester to mark the organisation’s 25th anniversary.
Bruce Findlay, Dennis Muirhead, Ed Bicknell, Elliot Rashman, Gail Colson and Steve Finan joined more than 180 managers and artists to celebrate the milestone at the Old Granada Studios in Manchester.
The celebrations rounded off You Are The Future Of Music – a free day of workshops and seminars with some of the world’s leading music companies and organisations including Spotify, YouTube, BMI, PRS Foundation, AWAL, PledgeMusic, Sentric Music, PPL, PRS for Music, MPA and BASCA.
The MMF launched in 1992 at Tony Wilson and Yvette Livesey’s In The City conference.
Speaking at the celebration, current chair Diane Wagg said: “What happened 25 years ago at In The City was a seismic moment for the music business and empowered a whole generation of managers. From that point on we had a collective voice, and a vehicle to share ideas, knowledge and experiences. The MMF still prides itself in fighting for creators' rights and a more transparent industry, and it is a real privilege to share this occasion with both our original founders and our future membership.”
MMF chief executive Annabella Coldrick added: “We remain hugely grateful to Bruce, Dennis, Ed, Elliot, Gail and Steve. What they kickstarted in 1992 has benefitted music managers, artists and songwriters around the world, and laid the foundation for what the MMF is today. That they could join us at an event that will help benefit so many enthusiastic upcoming music entrepreneurs encapsulates what our organisation is all about.”
The MMF represents more then 500 UK-based music managers, advocating on their behalf and promoting knowledge sharing, education and professional development.
The MMF and Featured Artist Coalition’s (FAC) will stage the sixth annual Artist & Manager Awards on November 14.
By Georgina Littlejohn
