Held at the Leicester Square Theatre in London, MPG Chairman Steve Levine said: ‘We are delighted that Nicky and Blue have accepted our offer to become MPG patrons. They are very talented producers with impressive CVs. Having them as patrons lends the MPG gravitas and enhances our standing within the context of the wider music industry. Their willingness to share their knowledge also benefits our younger members as they both have a wealth of experience that covers many aspects of the music industry.’
Nicky Graham, who currently serves as a Writer Director on the PRS Board, is a former Chairman of the Music Producers Guild and has produced artists including Barbara Dickson, Bonnie Tyler, XTC, Mr Big and Bros, for whom he also wrote. Graham, who has also worked in A&R and publishing, is currently completing work on a musical based on the life of Marc Bolan.
Blue Weaver was previously a member of the MPG board, but recently stood down as he is no longer based in the UK. Blue has been associated with many bands including Amen Corner, Strawbs, Mott The Hoople, Streetwalkers and the Bee Gees. He has also worked with Lou Reed, Chicago and the Pet Shop Boys and written songs for the Bee Gees, Barbra Streisand, Gladys Knight, Jimmy Ruffin and many more. He now lives between London, Germany and Southern Spain enjoying producing and playing with Spanish and German musicians.
The Music Producers Guild also announced a number of changes to its board, including the appointment of two new directors – producer/engineer Russ Hepworth-Sawyer and Sue Sillitoe, director of White Noise Public Relations Ltd, who has for some time been responsible for the Guild’s press and PR activities. Former MPG vice chairman Phil Harding stood down and Richard Lightman was elected in his place. He now co-chairs the Guild with Mark Rose.
More than 40 members of the MPG attended the AGM and money was raised during the event for MPG supported charity, the RNID. Once business was completed there was entertainment from comedy duo Freya Slipper and Liz Black who performed as Thankless Child, as well as musical comedy and singing from Rachel Paris and vocal coach Alison Thea Scott.
More: www.mpg.org.uk
