John Reid, a retired music manager, rose to prominence for his successful career in arts management and attended St Mirin’s Academy alongside famous singers Gerry Rafferty and Joe Egan.
Who is John Reid?
John Reid is a retired music manager who rose to prominence in the music industry by managing famous artists. Born on 9 September 1949 in Paisley, Renfrewshire, Scotland, he was the son of John Reid, a welder, and Betty, a shop worker. Reid attended St Mirin’s Academy, where he studied alongside singers Gerry Rafferty and Joe Egan.
Reid’s career in the music industry began in 1967 when he began working as a promoter for EMI at the age of 18. He quickly advanced in his career and at the age of 19 became the manager of the Tamla Motown label for the UK. This role allowed him to work closely with Motown artists and further establish his presence in the industry.
In 1971, Reid took a significant step in his career by starting his own management company. With just a few hundred pounds in savings and a £5,000 loan, he ventured out to manage artists on his own. During this period he met a young musician named Reg Dwight, who later became known as Elton John.
Reid’s management of Elton John proved to be a turning point in both their careers. He began managing Elton John in the 1970s, and their professional relationship lasted until 1998. During this time, Reid played a key role in shaping Elton John’s career and leading him to international success. He helped secure recording contracts, organize tours and navigate the complexities of the music industry.
However, their professional collaboration was accompanied by a love affair. Reid and Elton John moved in together and became lovers, and Elton was Reid’s first client. Their personal relationship lasted five years before it came to an end. Despite the end of their love affair, Reid continued to manage Elton John’s career for several more years.
Reid’s influence in the music industry extended beyond Elton John. From 1975 to 1978, he was also the manager of the band Queen. During this period he played a vital role in the band’s career, contributing to their success and helping to cement their place in rock music history.
In later years, Reid faced legal challenges and disputes. In 1994, he managed Riverdance star Michael Flatley, but their professional relationship ended acrimoniously. Flatley paid Reid around £1 million to settle a wrongful termination claim. In addition, Reid’s relationship with Elton John became strained due to a leaked letter from Elton’s accountants that revealed Reid’s extravagant spending. This resulted in a legal dispute, which ultimately led to Reid settling out of court by paying Elton £3.4m in 2000.
John Reid retired from music management in 1999, marking the end of his active involvement in the industry. However, his influence on the careers of Elton John and Queen, among others, remains significant. Despite the portrayal of Reid as a somewhat negative figure in “Rocketman,” it’s important to note that cinematic depictions can take creative liberties for storytelling purposes.
Name | John Reid |
Born | September 9, 1949 (age 73) |
Nationality | Scottish |
Occupation | Music manager, panelist |
Active for years | 1967–1999, 2005–2006 |
Known for | Elton John’s manager (1970–98) Manager of Queen (1975–78) |
Partner | Elton John (1970–1975) |
What happened to John Reid?
After a career as a music manager, John Reid largely withdrew from the public eye. After retiring from music management in 1999, he remained relatively quiet in the industry. He briefly returned to the public sphere in 2005 when he participated as a judge on the Australian version of The X Factor. Since then, however, Reid has kept a low profile.
In recent years, there has not been much information available about John Reid’s activities or involvement in the music industry. He had no notable performances or significant roles. It seems he has decided to live a more private life away from the limelight.
While the films “Rocketman” and “Bohemian Rhapsody” drew attention to John Reid and his contributions to the careers of Elton John and Queen, there have not been many public comments from Reid himself regarding these portrayals or his involvement in the films. . He generally kept a low profile, which may have been a deliberate choice to preserve his privacy.
John Reid music manager
John Reid is a famous music manager who played a significant role in the music industry, especially during the 1970s and 1980s. Born on September 9, 1949 in Paisley, Renfrewshire, Scotland, Reid began a successful career that spanned several decades.
Reid’s journey in the music industry began in 1967 when he started working as a promoter for EMI at the age of 18. His passion for music and desire for success led him to become the British manager of the American record label Tamla Motown, displaying his early talent for managing artists and their careers.
However, Reid’s most notable achievements came through managing two iconic musicians — Elton John and Queen. He first met Elton John, then known as Reg Dwight, at a Motown Christmas party, contrary to his portrayal in the movie “Rocketman.” Recognizing John’s potential, Reid became both his manager and lover, and their personal and professional relationship lasted for several years.
During their collaboration, Elton John experienced unprecedented success, with hits such as “Your Song”, “Daniel” and “Crocodile Rock” catapulting him to international stardom. Reid played a key role in managing John’s career during this period, guiding him through the intricacies of the music industry and helping to shape his image and sound.
In addition to managing Elton John, Reid took on the task of managing the British rock band Queen from 1975 to 1978. Despite being portrayed as fired in the film “Bohemian Rhapsody” for suggesting that Freddie Mercury pursue a solo career, their split was more amicable in reality. Reid had a good working relationship with the band members and played a key role in their success over the years.
Although Reid’s managerial career was marked by achievement and success, it was not without controversy. Reports and testimonies from former employees and journalists described Reid as having a fiery temper who was involved in physical confrontations on several occasions. These incidents, often in defense of his clients, earned him a reputation as a confrontational and assertive man.
Reid’s professional relationship with Elton John eventually ended in 1998 due to a legal battle over finances. Elton John accused Reid of negligence and breach of duty, leading to a lawsuit. Although the court ruled against John, Reid reportedly paid a substantial settlement to settle the matter.
Since retiring from music management, John Reid has largely stayed out of the public eye. Although he briefly returned to the spotlight as a judge on the Australian version of The X Factor in 2005, he has generally kept a low profile in recent years. Information about his current activities and involvement in the music industry is scarce, suggesting that he has chosen to live a more private life.
Overall, John Reid’s contribution as a music manager, particularly his work with Elton John and Queen, has left an indelible mark on the music industry. His role in shaping the careers of these legendary artists and his reputation as a passionate and sometimes controversial figure solidify his status as a significant figure in the history of music management.
Are Elton John and John Reid still friends?
The current state of Elton John and John Reid’s friendship is not publicly known. Although they had a close personal and professional relationship during their time together, their relationship experienced strains and a subsequent legal dispute that led to their separation in 1998. It is unclear if they have rekindled their friendship or kept in touch in recent years.
After their professional collaboration ended, Elton John publicly criticized John Reid during the court process, accusing him of betrayal and financial mismanagement. However, Reid has reportedly paid a substantial settlement to resolve the legal issue, which could suggest their resolution or closure.
Since then, limited information is available about their personal relationship. Both Elton John and John Reid have kept a relatively low profile and there have been no significant public statements or interactions between them.
It is important to note that the nature of celebrity friendships and relationships can be complex and subject to change over time. Although their professional collaboration was significant and their personal bond intense during their time together, the dynamic between Elton John and John Reid may have evolved or shifted in the years since their separation. As such, the current status of their friendship remains unknown to the public.
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Categories: General
Source: HIS Education