The Godfather of gigs returns to festivals

I first met Vince Power in 1998 at Camden’s Jazz Café. I was dating one of his waitresses and had arrived to meet her at the end of her shift. I had only been in London a year but already knew the reputation of this live music legend. Now, at 60 years old, he’s mellowed with age, helped no doubt by the £13 million he pocketed in 2005 after selling his stake in Mean Fiddler to Clear Channel Entertainment. But back in 1998, as I was summoned to his table in a scene straight out of Scorsese’s Goodfellas, he was a man to be feared and revered in equal measure.

That night he played the role of the protective Godfather, running an eye over this guy who’d turned up to relieve his table’s waitress of her duties. Since then, as a journalist, I’ve witnessed Power play many roles - the festival promoter, loving father, venue impresario and modest, almost shy businessman.

Following the £37.9 million takeover of Mean Fiddler, Power signed a three-year non-compete arrangement, which has seen him dedicate his time to building a venue portfolio. The Godfather of gigs now owns The Bloomsbury Ballroom, The Pigalle Club in Piccadilly, Power’s Acoustic Room in Kilburn and the 101 Bar Lounge on New Oxford Street. He also owns The Moose club behind Selfridges, The Camel in Victoria and several restaurants.

Next month, Power’s non-compete clause expires. Anyone that thinks this Irish workaholic will continue to simply tend his VPMG stable of venues should think again. The man who created the Reading and Phoenix festivals and influenced Creamfields, Tribal Gathering, Glastonbury and Homelands is back. His return venture to a much-changed festival scene will take place on 6 July at The Hop Farm in Tonbridge, Kent.

In the last three years, the festival scene has morphed into branded live music experiences. Power wants it to return to its roots. A Day at the Hop Farm, headlined by Neil Young will therefore be unbranded, free of registration and without VIP areas. “It counteracts the current brand saturated music scene and will make the festival goer the most important element of the event,” he said.

In a live music scene dominated by global conglomerates this brawling, gambling Irishman is driving back into town in his 1970 Buick Skylark and looking to shake things up. I still wouldn’t mess with him. Live Nation, AEG Live and the like should underestimate him at their peril. This could be a new dawn for a true London hero.
Tickets for Power’s return to the festival scene went on sale on 18 March through See Tickets. Additional artistes will be announced shortly.