Join the godfather of modern music PR Alan Edwards in conversation with cultural author Andy Spinoza for an evening discussing Alan Edwards’ memoir, detailing his work with everyone from Bowie to Blondie; the Rolling Stones to the Spice Girls; Prince to Amy Winehouse.
Published by Simon & Schuster on 6 June 2024 ‘I Was There‘ traces Edwards’ career from the thriving punk scene of ’70s London, which inspired him to set up his own PR company, through his work with acts such as Blondie and the Rolling Stones, his collaboration with David Bowie over nearly four decades, his move into the pop world with the Spice Girls, and beyond.
In an intimate conversation with Andy Spinoza in the John Rylands’ Historic Reading Room expect to find out more about all the entertaining tales of rock-star antics one might expect, but also dive further into Edwards’ fascinating observations about the brilliant artists he has worked with, and what makes them tick.
This event will give guests a unique opportunity to explore the rise of PR as a major force in British society from one of the trailblazers in the industry. Even as Edwards’ career takes off and allows him to play a crucial background role in the lives and careers of some of the world’s biggest stars, he retains a powerful sense of being an outsider – never forgetting how lucky he is to look back on decades of music and culture and say, ‘I was there’.
The event is presented by Creative Manchester in partnership with the John Rylands Research Institute and Library.
Book your FREE ticket now https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/i-was-there-alan-edwards-in-conversation-with-andy-spinoza-tickets-908156308967?aff=oddtdtcreator
About the speakers
Alan Edwards is the Founder of public relations agency The Outside Organisation and an instinctive storyteller. The company has represented an eclectic range of clients, including some of the biggest music stars on the planet, corporations and brands, government, royalty, celebrities, charities, events and sports legends.
As of March 2024, Alan has been named by PR Week the No 1 in Entertainment PR for an unprecedented tenth year in a row.
Andy Spinoza arrived in the city in 1979 as a student at the University of Manchester. He founded 'what’s on' magazine City Life in 1983 and from 1988-1998 reported on the music scene for the Manchester Evening News. He then had a 25-year PR career with own agency, including promoting the city worldwide. Now an author, his 2023 book Manchester Unspun is an account of the city’s extraordinary transformation.
