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Really Useful Theatres Gets Concert Boost
Dave Gaydon, the former head of music at London’s
– Dave Gaydon
Really Useful Theatres
Gaydon will oversee the group’s move “towards presenting an increased volume of live music concerts and events especially at the London
Bob Dylan, Brian Wilson, Imelda May, LeAnn Rimes, Coldplay, Bon Jovi, Billy Ocean, Whoopi Goldberg, and The Kaiser Chiefs have all recently taken the stage at the Palladium, joining a list of acts that includes Marvin Gaye, The Beatles, and Frank Sinatra.
Gaydon will work with Rebecca Kane Burton, who left
He will remain as director of GOAT Music, the boutique music agency he founded with Lou Birkett.
“Since taking the helm here I’ve been keen to secure the right music person to propel the London Palladium forward and secure the caliber of acts this world famous stage deserves,” Burton said. “Dave’s credentials at the Roundhouse and beyond speak for themselves. I’m thrilled he’s joined us and can’t wait to see how the place flourishes under his creative direction.”
Gaydon said, “I am delighted and feel privileged to be part of the move into a new era for this incredible venue. There are a whole host of both heritage and contemporary artists that I know will work fantastically well in the intimate setting of The Palladium and I’m looking forward to programming some great gigs.”
The Palladium, which recently underwent a £1 million refit of the backstage and dressing room areas, is an industry favorite. ITB’s Barry Dickins said, “I recently had three nights of Bob Dylan at the Palladium and had a wonderful experience. The venue is world famous and beautiful which is good for both the artist and the public. The staff were very professional and helpful.”
Solo Music Agency’s John Giddings described the venue as “one of the best venues in town; it’s classy, sophisticated and historic. All the staff there are very helpful and friendly; it’s perfectly located in the centre of town. I’ve had great shows with Imelda May and Shane Filan there, I love it. If they had the dates available at Christmas I would have put Mariah Carey’s Christmas show in there for five nights!”
United Talent’s Neil Warnock said: “For me, the London Palladium is very special having seen Cliff Richard & The Shadows there, Bette Midler, and Gene Pitney (whom I represented at the time) in the ’70s. Now I have
“This is such a unique venue, perfect in size for so many artistes and with an amazing ambiance. It’s great that Dave Gaydon is joining the team there. He was amazing at the Roundhouse and I’m sure will be perfect for the London Palladium.”
AEG Presents’ Steve Homer added, “There aren’t many venues in the UK or world for that matter you can use the word iconic about, here is one of them, it has amazing history in the UK market for music and variety and recently with its new open-door policy has seen a resurgence with some incredible artists gracing the stage.”
SJM Concerts’ John Cornwell said: “We’ve put over 20 shows in the Palladium in the last year alone, ranging from Primal Scream to Norah Jones to Coldplay, and everyone is always excited about playing the venue because of its rich history and the beauty of the place. We look forward to putting on many more shows in there.”