Harvey Goldsmith CBE

For the past 50 years, the legend ‘Harvey Goldsmith” has been synonymous with some of the world’s most spectacular music events.

Whilst a student at Brighton College, Harvey started booking bands as the social secretary of the student’s union. He then went to find his first live music venue, Club 66 in Brighton. Subsequently he became one of the most sought-after legendary impresarios. He has produced the most historic concerts, television broadcasts and charities of our time.  Using his influence and notoriety to make a difference in the world he’s helped raise over $300 million for  charity.

Harvey Goldsmith is considered by many as the man who can take a musician and make them a legend

For the majority of his career, Harvey has averaged around 500 concerts a year. He has promoted successful tours with most, if not all of the world’s major artists. They include legends such as Black Sabbath, Bruce Springsteen, Elton John, Eric Clapton, Pink Floyd and Queen. Others include The Rolling Stones, Genesis, Jools Holland, The Who and Yes, to name just a few. Harvey has produced shows with attendance surpassing the 100,000 mark.

Playing a significant role in providing a home for live music he has helped establish major world venues. The transformation of the Millennium Dome into the now world renowned O2 Arena is just one of those.

Most noteworthy Harvey has been instrumental in producing and creating some of the world’s greatest music events including Live Aid in 1985. This was broadcast to an estimated 1.9 billion people (nearly 40% of the world’s population at the time) across 150 nations. He also produced Live 8 in 2005.

In 1991 he brought entertainment back to Hyde Park, starting with Pavarotti, the first concert held at Hyde Park in 20 years. He also initiated and produced the famous Led Zeppelin reunion concert. A tribute to Ahmet Ertegun, co-founder of Atlantic Records, it went down in history as one of the most sought after shows ever.  It scooped up a number of awards in its wake and raised money for the Ahmet Ertegun Education Trust.

Harvey is not only a giant in the music industry, but also in the entertainment industry. In 1994 he commenced a relationship with Cirque du Soleil. This has been one of most successful shows ever to perform in the UK. It has returned to London’s Royal Albert Hall every January to date.

Furthermore Harvey is unique in presenting entertainment. He happily works with Classical music, Opera, Rock and Pop. He has produced three major operas: Aida, Tosca and Carmen and worked and managed Luciano Pavarotti. Most recent work includes producing concerts for Andrea Bocelli, Hans Zimmer, Jools Holland and Jimmy Buffett.

British Music Experience

Harvey has a passion for his work as he, like many, is a fan of music. He believes that music can tell the story of its time in British history. As a result he established the ‘British Music Experience’ in 2007, which he Chairs. The museum was originally located in the 02 Arena. Today it is found in Liverpool, which is considered by many to be the home of British music. It is found within the walls of the historic Cunard building. This museum is the only one of its kind, as it upholds the history of British music. Harvey explains how it is not just the music which tells a story, but also the clothes and artifacts of the time which help paint a more vivid image.

Harvey Goldsmith CBE is the recipient of numerous awards including a CBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List in 1996 and ‘The Diamond Award’. This was for his contribution to The Arts, as part of HM The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Celebrations in May 2012.

Likewise, over the years, Harvey has collected numerous honours in recognition of his service to the industry. These include:

‘Chevalier des Artes et Lettres’ from the French Minister of Culture
15^th Music Industry Trust’s Award (MITS) (one of the highest accolades to be awarded in the music industry)
‘Armand de Brignac VIP Award’ from Classic Rock Magazine
‘Event of the Year’ for the Led Zeppelin concert at the O2 in 2007
‘Lifetime Achievement Award’ from the Outdoor Events Industry in February 2009
‘International Music Person of The Year Award’ in April 2010 by the City of West Hollywood
An Honorary Fellowship from Ravensbourne for his outstanding contribution to the institutions music education
‘The Freedom of The City’ in 2011 by the Lord Mayor of London
Harvey became the Event 100 Club’s most influential person in the Events Business in December 2011.
An Honorary Degree of Doctor of Arts by the University of Brighton in 2012