‘A Class Act’ Retires: Paul Latham Steps Down As Live Nation UK President And COO International

Live Nation UK – Paul Latham
Retiring after 34 years in the game

Paul Latham has announced his retirement. The industry veteran became Live Nation’s UK president in 2002 and added the role of COO in 2009.

The news was first reported by Music Week, the print edition of which features a double-page Live Nation advert this week, which thanks Latham for “an incredible 34 years.”

Latham joined Apollo Leisure on his 24th birthday on Sept. 24, 1984, in the role of assistant theatre manager at the Apollo Theatre Oxford. At the time, Apollo had only six theatres.

By 1999, when Apollo Leisure was sold to SFX, there were 80 venues in the portfolio including theatres, music venues, arenas, cinemas, bingo halls and leisure centres. During that time, Latham had managerial stints in Oxford, Bristol, Coventry, Manchester, Edinburgh, Dublin, Cardiff and London.

Following the acquisition by SFX, and subsequent sale to Clear Channel, which then spun off to become Live Nation, Latham held roles heading venue operations, promotions, ticketing, festivals across the world, excluding the U.S.

During his career Latham event managed and operated three Eurovision Song Contests, MTV Music Awards, three Royal Variety Performances, the World Premiere of Riverdance and Lord of the Dance and Artist and Royal security at Live Aid.

For the last eight years he has also been the chairman of the charity Creative and Cultural Skills, which aims to give young people opportunities to get jobs in the creative industries. Latham is also the chairman of UK Live Music, a part of UK Music that represents the music industry with the Government and influential lobbyists.

Pollstar reached out to some of Latham’s industry colleagues, who had nothing but good things to say about him. John Giddings, founder of Solo Agency and head of Isle Of Wight Festival, said: “What a great bloke! He was always welcoming, always kind, would always help out. An all round good guy, who really helped me in my career. Thank you Paul!”

John Reid, president of Live Nation Europe-Concerts, said: “Paul was a class act. He’s forgotten more than I will ever know about the UK business and we will miss him dearly.”

Live Nation UK & Ireland chairman Denis Desmond told Music Week:  “It has been my pleasure to know and work with my good friend Paul Latham for 28 years. Paul’s many achievements over the years speak for themselves, not only in the commercial world but also the charities he has tirelessly helped. Wishing Paul every happiness on his retirement.”