Agent To The Stars Recalls His Career
Paul Charles on his life as a top music promoter, at the Irish Cultural Centre
Bono 1980. Picture: Colm (Hot Press)
May 13, 2023
The story of how a music-mad youngster from Northern Ireland got caught up in the allure of rock ’n’ roll in London's heady 1960s and went on to become one of the most influential music figures ever, can be heard at a forthcoming event at the Irish Cultural Centre in Hammersmith.
Paul Charles, who has worked with some of the biggest names in music, from U2, Van Morrison, Ray Davies of The Kinks, to The Waterboys and others, will be interviewed by Richard Mills, Author & Senior Lecturer in Literature and Popular Culture ( St. Mary’s University), on Friday, 19 May at 8 pm. (Doors open 7.30pm).
They will be discussing his memoir 'Adventures in Wonderland', (Hot Press Books) as well as his long career in the music industry.
Paul Charles
Over the past 40 years, Paul has been agent and confidante to Tom Waits, Crosby, Stills & Nash, Rory Gallagher, Carly Simon, The Undertones, Elvis Costello, to name but a few. He has also been involved for three decades booking acts for The Acoustic Stage at Glastonbury Festival. He founded Asgard promotors, which represented U2, The Police, Meatloaf and others. Along with his newly-published memoir, he is also a crime-writer and a songwriter.
Paul Charles says: “There are times when I have to stop and think – did all of that really happen to me? And the frightening answer is: yes, it did! There have been incredible highs and devastating lows along the way. I have tasted extraordinary success – and on more than one occasion feared for my life. It’s been a proper rollercoaster ride.
Tony Clayton-Lea – Irish Times Music Critic, says; “From working with superstar rock stars and the créme de la créme of singer-songwriters, to bringing The Clash to Ireland, The Undertones to the UK, and Van Morrison into the mystic, Paul Charles knows the music business inside out - and Adventures In Wonderland spills the beans in fine style."
The organisers say it promises to be a very entertaining evening, and copies of the book will be available to purchase on the night.
Tickets cost £12 or £10 for concessions.
The Irish Cultural Centre is located at 5 Black's Road, London W6 9DT.
The Centre has a remit to deliver the best Irish arts and education programme outside Ireland.
The Centre also plays an active role in the wider community with open-access programme for all ages, interests and backgrounds.
Anne Flaherty
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