United Talent Agency's Neil Warnock is appointed a Member of the British Empire (MBE)

01 January 2019 - Press release

Buckingham Palace last night announced that UTA's Global Head of Touring, Neil Warnock, has been appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire in the 2019 New Year Honours List, for services to Music and Charity. The presentation will take place in Spring 2019.

Neil Warnock is one of the most experienced music agents in the world and a key architect of the modern live music business. As part of his executive role at UTA, Warnock oversees a robust roster of UK agents and artists, advising on both regional and international touring business strategy.

Warnock has been actively involved with the Nordoff Robbins music charity for 43 years. Warnock sits on the Board as a trustee and is Chairman of Fundraising where he plays a pivotal role on several of the Charity's key fundraising committees, including the O2 Silver Clef lunch the charity's annual flagship event which has raised in excess of £20m. He also leads on the development of the Charity's awareness campaign "Get Loud" which last year saw 10 high profile shows across the UK raising awareness of the life changing work of Nordoff Robbins.

Julie Whelan, CEO of Nordoff Robbins says: "Neil has worked tirelessly for Nordoff Robbins as he believes so passionately in the power of our music therapy to help the most vulnerable and disadvantaged people. This recognition is hugely deserved for him and we of course are just so grateful for his energy, determination and commitment to our work which has made a massive difference across the UK."

Neil Warnock says: "I'm absolutely honoured and humbled to receive this prestigious accolade. The work that Nordoff Robbins does is so important and the changes that they have made to vulnerable and isolated peoples' lives are immeasurable. I would like to recognise all the therapists and people working at the charity who work so hard to make a difference to those lives every single day."

The Most Excellent Order of The British Empire is a British order of chivalry, consisting of Knights and Dames, Appointments to the Order of the British Empire and Gallantry awards to servicemen/women, and civilians. They are awarded on merit for exceptional service or contributions, twice yearly; on the date of the Queen's official birthday (mid June) and at New Year. Anyone can nominate someone for an honour. Committees made up of independent experts and senior civil servants assess the nominations, and compile the Honours list independently of the government. It is then submitted to the Queen via the Prime Minister.
Warnock began his career over five decades ago. He has directly helped to open up new touring markets in areas such as India and China for international artists, and has been an influential player in expanding the global footprint of the live music business. He currently represents some of the largest worldwide touring acts including Dolly Parton, Deep Purple, Mariah Carey and David Gilmour. His extensive and varied career has also seen him work with legendary artists including Pink Floyd, The Rolling Stones, Johnny Cash, Simon & Garfunkel and Michael Jackson. Among his many unparalleled achievements are Michael Jackson's tour stop in India, The Rolling Stones' tours in South East Asia and Europe, and Pink Floyd's two world tours, numerous events, including having the band play Russia before the Iron Curtain came down and negotiating for them to play on the Grand Canal opposite St Mark's Square in Venice.

UTA's rapidly growing music division is a global industry leader through its diverse representation of acclaimed artists and top-ranking world tours. Spanning over 100 agents in six offices, across five-time zones, UTA Music is at the forefront of culture thanks to a client roster that ranges from timeless icons to emerging superstars and its full-service representation that maximizes opportunities not only in music, but across television, film, video games, digital, publishing, fashion and other business verticals. The 2015 acquisition of The Agency Group positioned UTA as a leader in artist representation. Current UTA acts include Guns N' Roses, Bring Me The Horizon, Muse, A Day To Remember, Post Malone, Marshmello, Seether, G-Eazy, Bush, Mariah Carey, Suicidal Tendencies, DJ Khaled, Paramore, Die Antwoord, Angel Du$t, 21 Savage, Kaskade, Apocalyptica, Trace Adkins, Ms. Lauryn Hill, X Ambassadors, Toby Keith, among others.