McGuinness Speaking At ARIA Week

Former U2 manager Paul McGuinness is a keynote speaker at ARIA Week in Sydney. 

Photo: William Murphy

Staged Nov. 21 to Dec. 4, it creates a buzz of gigs, showcases and conferences in the lead-up to the Nov. 26 ARIA (Australian Recording Industry Association) Awards.

McGuinness follows his presentation with a Q&A session with Gotye co-manager John Watson at an invite-only masterclass Nov. 25. ARIA Week events include the Electronic Music Conference, a focus on the Kings Cross entertainment strip, and shows by awards nominees SheppardAndy Bull and DZ Deathrays

One Direction joined the list of performers at the ARIA awards, alongside 5 Seconds of SummerHilltop HoodsSheppardChet Faker and Justice Crew.

Broadcaster and record producer Ian Meldrum and the 1970s influential TV show “Countdown” will be inducted into its Hall of Fame.

Elton John called Meldrum “the single most important influence in Australian pop music.” The ARIAs, at , are broadcast on Ten Network.