United Talent Agency's Neil Warnock Appointed Member Of The British Empire

UTA – Neil Warnock
UTA’s global head of touring has been awarded a MBE

UTA’s Global Head Of Touring Neil Warnock has been appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the UK’s 2019 New Year Honours List, for his services to Music and Charity.

The announcement came out of Buckingham Palace, the official London residence of the UK’s sovereigns since 1837, on Dec. 29. The official presentation will take place in Spring 2019.

Neil Warnock is one of the most experienced music agents in the world and considered an architect of the modern live music business. As part of his executive role at UTA, Warnock oversees a robust roster of UK agents and artists, advising on both regional and international touring business strategy.

Warnock has been actively involved with the Nordoff Robbins music charity for 43 years. He sits on the board as a trustee and is chairman of fundraising where he plays a key role on several of the charity’s key fundraising committees, including the O2 Silver Clef lunch the charity’s annual flagship event which has raised in excess of £20 million ($25.4 million).

Julie Whelan, CEO of Nordoff Robbins, said the MBE recognition for Warnock was “hugely deserved,” adding that the charity was “just so grateful for his energy, determination and commitment to our work which has made a massive difference across the UK.”

“Neil has worked tirelessly for Nordoff Robbins as he believes so passionately in the power of our music therapy to help the most vulnerable and disadvantaged people, Whelan said.

Neil Warnock commented: “I’m absolutely honoured and humbled to receive this prestigious accolade. The work that Nordoff Robbins does is so important and the changes that they have made to vulnerable and isolated peoples’ lives are immeasurable. I would like to recognise all the therapists and people working at the charity who work so hard to make a difference to those lives every single day.”

Warnock began his career over five decades ago. He has directly helped to open up new touring markets in areas such as India and China for international artists, and has been an influential player in expanding the global footprint of the live music business.

He currently represents some of the largest worldwide touring acts including Dolly Parton, Deep Purple, Mariah Carey and David Gilmour. His extensive and varied career has also seen him work with legendary artists including Pink Floyd, The Rolling Stones, Johnny Cash, Simon & Garfunkel and Michael Jackson.

Among his achievements are Michael Jackson’s tour stop in India, The Rolling Stones’ tours in South East Asia and Europe, and Pink Floyd’s two world tours, numerous events, including having the band play Russia before the Iron Curtain came down and negotiating for them to play on the Grand Canal opposite St Mark’s Square in Venice.

Warnock was recently announced as chair of The Royal Albert Hall’s 150th anniversary committee, where he will oversee the entertainment programming for the venue’s jubilee year in 2021.

UTA’s music division includes over 100 agents in six offices, across five-time zones. Its client roster includes icons and emerging artists alike, who are represented across music, television, film, video games, digital, publishing, fashion and other business verticals.

UTA acquired The Agency Group in 2015. The current roster includes Guns N’ Roses, Bring Me The Horizon, Muse,

The Most Excellent Order of The British Empire is a British order of chivalry, consisting of Knights and Dames, Appointments to the Order of the British Empire and Gallantry awards to servicemen/women, and civilians.

They are awarded on merit for exceptional service or contributions, twice yearly; on the date of the Queen’s official birthday (mid June) and at New Year. Anyone can nominate someone for an honour. Committees made up of independent experts and senior civil servants assess the nominations, and compile the Honours list independently of the government. It is then submitted to the Queen via the Prime Minister.

Other recent notable recipients from the British music industry include grime icon Wiley, who just joined UTA for worldwide representation, and promoter legend Barrie Marshall.