No mean feat as Vince honoured
for his music
 By
Elaine Sheridan
IRISH entrepreneur Vince Power has staged the biggest and best music
events Britain has ever seen.
And last week his impressive career was validated by being awarded an
honorary CBE for a lifetime’s contribution to the British music
industry.
He received his award from Culture Secretary Tessa Jowell at London’s
Department of Culture, Media and Sport.
On presenting the honour Mrs Jowell said: “Mr Power has done a huge
amount to raise the profile of live music in Britain. Through his work
with music festivals and venues his contribution has been fundamental
in shaping the landscape of music in Britain today.”
Power first ventured into the music business in 1982 when he bought a
run-down property in Harlesden, north-west London.
He re-developed the building and christened it Mean Fiddler. During the
1980s the venue was a magnet for the huge Irish community in the capital
and played host to stars including The Pogues, Christie Moore and Moving
Hearts as well as old veterans like Johnny Cash and Roy Orbison.
Through Mean Fiddler the music promoter went on to found numerous clubs
and music events in Britain as well as running the hugely successful Reading
and Leeds festivals.
The Waterford man was also responsible for taking over the running of
the Glastonbury Festival some years ago.
On receiving his award the Irishman said: “I am surprised and pleased
to be given this honour. It’s been a long road — 25 years
in the music industry. I hope I will continue to contribute to the British
music industry.”
In 2005 Power sold his controlling stake in Mean Fiddler to US giant Clear
Channel and pocketed about £13million. But he has since set up another
company — Vince Power Music Group (VPMG) — to organise new
events. Under the terms of the sale with Clear Channel Power is not allowed
to run any festivals in Britain for at least three years.
Instead Power has concentrated on the overseas market and last March took
over the running of the Benicassim music festival in Spain — often
described as the Glastonbury of Europe.
To keep himself busy on this side of the water he has set up several bars
and nightclubs including the critically-acclaimed Pigalle Club in Piccadilly,
a 1940s style supper club that is frequented by some of the top stars
in the music industry.
He also owns several bar/restaurants in west London including the prestigious
Odettes in Regents Park.
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