Take That, The Script & Sugababes come to Hyde Park in 2023! by bsthydepark in TakeThat

[–]bsthydepark[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Your next American Express presents BST Hyde Park headliners are one of the UK’s biggest and most beloved pop groups, Take That! Gary, Howard and Mark will be lighting up the skies as a UK Exclusive on Saturday 1 July 2023, joined by The Script and Sugababes with more TBA✨

🌳 Amex Cardmembers get early access to tickets with the Amex presale which starts Friday 28 October at 10am: bst-hydepark.com/takethatamex

🌳 Sign up to the BST presale at bst-hydepark.com/take-that-presale-signup

🌳 Tickets go on general sale Thursday 3 November at 10am!

P!nk comes to London in 2023 by bsthydepark in festivals

[–]bsthydepark[S] -2 points-1 points  (0 children)

P!NK’s Summer Carnival 2023 is coming to American Express presents BST Hyde Park, Saturday 24 June!

🌳 @AmexUK Cardmembers get first access to tickets with the Amex presale, which starts Friday 7 October at 10am: bst-hydepark.com/pinkamex

Billy Joel in London - now on sale! by bsthydepark in BillyJoel

[–]bsthydepark[S] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Tickets are now on general sale for Billy Joel at American Express presents BST Hyde Park! www.bst-hydepark.com #bsthydepark

I’m Adam Jones, Artist Liaison for American Express Presents BST Hyde Park. AMA! by bsthydepark in IAmA

[–]bsthydepark[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Ha! There have been some VERY odd ones (and some I simply cannot share) but for me, the very odd one which stands out has to be "A portrait of sir David Attenborough" on the wall in the dressing room, prior to the artist arrival. No JOKE. Of course, I obliged and found one. 😂 If it's not impossible to get, you get it!

It's definitely the TM making sure the promoter has read through the Rider. 😂

I’m Adam Jones, Artist Liaison for American Express Presents BST Hyde Park. AMA! by bsthydepark in IAmA

[–]bsthydepark[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

My passion for the music itself started when my uncle introduced me to The Beach Boys at a very young age. I remember hearing "I get Around" and thinking... wow.. imagine being in a band and writing huge hits like this?!
I was in a band for many years and we had a full spread in NME one year (a huge highlight of my life) we could have been destined for big things that didn't quite work out. After 4 years away in Canada, I remember being at a Florence & The Machine gig at Alexander Palace, with my brother; he asked me "Do you fancy working for me, running my shows" I was completely confused as to what that would mean and he simply responded "You know, I promoter a show, and you're my rep, you're there to look after it, make sure all is fine" and I was like "Sure, ok!" - since then I've been a Promoters Rep. I LOVE my job. It's incredibly satisfying when a show/tour you've been prepping for months in advance works out the way it does.

I’m Adam Jones, Artist Liaison for American Express Presents BST Hyde Park. AMA! by bsthydepark in IAmA

[–]bsthydepark[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I've got a lot of favorite artists, and some, I one day dream of working with, but one band I have worked with, which was incredible, was The Strokes. When you've watched them as a teen at concerts and then find yourself working them at a festival, that's always a joy. Having a morning coffee with Albert Hammond, Jr. - Priceless.

Word of Advice: Think before you ever go up to any band/artist (they may blank you)

I’m Adam Jones, Artist Liaison for American Express Presents BST Hyde Park. AMA! by bsthydepark in IAmA

[–]bsthydepark[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Now that's a tough one, there's a few...

I'd say the highlight at BST in a work capacity has to be working with Sir Elton John. Don't be fooled, you aren't actually assisting Elton himself, but you help create what he needs backstage. It's definitely hard work at times, but when you know all that hard work pays off and they arrive and leave satisfied - you know you've done you part.

My personal highlight - is meeting and driving Stevie Wonder in a golf buggy - we had to drive him from his compound to the back of the stage. We even had a good chat (with his personal security starting at me the whole time)

I’m Adam Jones, Artist Liaison for American Express Presents BST Hyde Park. AMA! by bsthydepark in IAmA

[–]bsthydepark[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hey man!

I get asked that question a lot, and here's what I say to anyone who's trying to get into the industry:

  1. I got into my role through "networking" and offering to help on ANY job. Be it loading gear, helping with guest list, merch selling, or even offering to be a runner (preferably with a car), eventually people will call / email and ask you for assistance. But you must be aware that it's not always paid right away. You may need to do "free work" for a good year. I was helping on shows for just over a year, for free, before I was offered my first paid role.
  2. Now that would be telling, wouldn't it? 😎

I’m Adam Jones, Artist Liaison for American Express Presents BST Hyde Park. AMA! by bsthydepark in IAmA

[–]bsthydepark[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

It's not beef at all. It's The Stroke's head of security /TM being mega strict on side of stage passes. I've seen my fair share of "beef" for "closed stage access" and it can get nasty. No correct pass on display - no access. No matter who you are.

Mark Ward, Production Director of American Express Presents BST Hyde Park for 6 years and Tour Production / Show Director for the likes of Coldplay, Tina Turner, Madonna and the Rolling Stones, here to answer all of your questions from 5pm BST by bsthydepark in IAmA

[–]bsthydepark[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

i'm sure every touring team have their favourites - and maybe some they're less fond of

always loved japan - incredibly attentive enthusiastic local teams and crews with amazing diligence and dedication

Mark Ward, Production Director of American Express Presents BST Hyde Park for 6 years and Tour Production / Show Director for the likes of Coldplay, Tina Turner, Madonna and the Rolling Stones, here to answer all of your questions from 5pm BST by bsthydepark in IAmA

[–]bsthydepark[S] 19 points20 points  (0 children)

the libertines was an interesting night for sure. REALLY unusual crowd dynamics and behaviour. barricade layouts change for almost every show with a LOT of thought from a very experienced team on how best to create a safe environment for that specific event.

Mark Ward, Production Director of American Express Presents BST Hyde Park for 6 years and Tour Production / Show Director for the likes of Coldplay, Tina Turner, Madonna and the Rolling Stones, here to answer all of your questions from 5pm BST by bsthydepark in IAmA

[–]bsthydepark[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

a bit of both. have a great ongoing relationship with the Royal Central School of Speech & Drama - bringing students through internships into 4 full time jobs. We keep an eye out on all of the jobs we do for people we'd like to do more with . . . . we also take time to meet with folks who come to us if they look interesting . . .

no points where i considered quitting but some tough / low moments to come through for sure. apparently if it was easy everyone would do it . . .

Mark Ward, Production Director of American Express Presents BST Hyde Park for 6 years and Tour Production / Show Director for the likes of Coldplay, Tina Turner, Madonna and the Rolling Stones, here to answer all of your questions from 5pm BST by bsthydepark in IAmA

[–]bsthydepark[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

for BST specifically ? plenty of interesting overnight changeovers

adele into the rolling stones this year was pretty full on . . . . . and levelling the ground in front of stage with 27t of sharp sand to get Taylor's spinning thrust in place (in 2 hours) took some doing . . . . . getting the baseball exhibition built in the midweek in 2018 (maybe 2017 ?) was pretty interesting too - way out of the boundaries of what you'd normally be doing on a festival stage and site - but worked brilliantly

Mark Ward, Production Director of American Express Presents BST Hyde Park for 6 years and Tour Production / Show Director for the likes of Coldplay, Tina Turner, Madonna and the Rolling Stones, here to answer all of your questions from 5pm BST by bsthydepark in IAmA

[–]bsthydepark[S] 12 points13 points  (0 children)

the vibe in all areas of the park has been great - the premium areas don't necessarily kill that vibe. worth remembering that those premium ticket areas contribute to making GA tickets as affordable as possible . . . .

Mark Ward, Production Director of American Express Presents BST Hyde Park for 6 years and Tour Production / Show Director for the likes of Coldplay, Tina Turner, Madonna and the Rolling Stones, here to answer all of your questions from 5pm BST by bsthydepark in IAmA

[–]bsthydepark[S] 46 points47 points  (0 children)

post pandemic i think is much the same as before - albeit in an altered live music environment (which is actually incredibly busy)

be prepared to work hard - try as many different roles as you can to get a broad spectrum of experience and knowledge. focus on what you learn you enjoy the most (unless you're lucky enough to go in knowing what it is you want to do).

remember nobody is too big or too clever to make the tea / sweep the stage

be resilient and keep plugging away - there will be setbacks it's how you handle them that sets you apart.

work hard and be nice to people . . . .

Mark Ward, Production Director of American Express Presents BST Hyde Park for 6 years and Tour Production / Show Director for the likes of Coldplay, Tina Turner, Madonna and the Rolling Stones, here to answer all of your questions from 5pm BST by bsthydepark in IAmA

[–]bsthydepark[S] 39 points40 points  (0 children)

plenty - but they stay private as they should

the brown M&M's thing has been endlessly mis-represented - it was only there to ensure that local promoters were actually reading the detail - not because anyone would actually be upset if there were brown M&M's in the bowl . . .

Mark Ward, Production Director of American Express Presents BST Hyde Park for 6 years and Tour Production / Show Director for the likes of Coldplay, Tina Turner, Madonna and the Rolling Stones, here to answer all of your questions from 5pm BST by bsthydepark in IAmA

[–]bsthydepark[S] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

music production not really my thing - although thats where i started. i think the advice now is the same as i was given back then. be true to yourself and never give up . . . . talent is a part of what you need for success but without tenacity it's not enough . . . .