Madison Square Garden Company Launches Next Generation Tour In London

MSG – The MSG Next Generation Tour bus has hit the road
Students from Newham Sixth Form College pictured with UK rock band Nothing But Thieves, and Jayne McGivern, EVP of development and construction at MSG

The Madison Square Garden Company (MSG) has announced the launch of the MSG Next Generation Tour, which aims to inspire young people in East London to consider careers in the music and live entertainment industry.

The launch event took place Nov. 19 at Here East in London’s Olympic Park, close to the future location of the MSG Sphere, unveiled earlier this year. and still awaiting planning approval.

Over the course of one week, until Nov. 23, the MSG Next Generation Tour bus will visit schools and colleges in East London, speaking to around 300 students, aged 14-18, about career opportunities in the industry.

Stops include Newham College in East Ham and Stratford Campuses, Lister Academy and City Academy. 

On board are some of the industry’s most experienced tour managers, production crews and technical specialists, who will share their experience with the students. The goal is to spark young people’s excitement about working in the live industry, proving that it can be well-paid and involve a lot of travelling.

The list of professionals, who are going to speak in front of students, is led by iconic tour manager Glen Rowe, who has 25 years of touring experience under his belt.

As tour director for MUSE for 18 years, Rowe took the band from small clubs, to headlining arenas, stadiums, and festivals all over the world. He also set up CATO music in 2001, which has grown into the busiest rehearsal studio in London.

The list of speakers also includes Liz Daisley, who worked in production on some of the world’s biggest festivals, including Glastonbury in the UK and Dimensions overseas, and sound designer Nigel Glasgow.

MSG – Nothing But Thieves band members Dom Craik (guitar) and lead singer Conor Mason
Performing for students from Newham Sixth Form College and University of East London

Jayne McGivern, MSG’s executive vice president, development and construction, commented: “We want to inspire the next generation of talented young people in East London to think about a career in music and live events, and that’s why we’ve created the MSG Next Generation Tour.

“If approved, MSG Sphere London will create exciting jobs on the doorsteps of the young people we’re speaking to. But students don’t need to wait for MSG Sphere – music and live entertainment is a large and growing industry that generates billions of pounds for the UK economy, and thousands of interesting career opportunities.”

Rowe added: “I love the MSG Next Generation Tour because it opens doors for people who probably don’t know they exist.

“I’ve spent the last 25 years touring around the world with various different bands, and it’s now time to pass the baton on to the next generation to do what I did – possibly at MSG Sphere London– and to have as much fun.”