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Starting his career at Island Artists in the early 1970s, John worked with the likes of Free, Mott the Hoople, Jim Capaldi and Paul Kossoff. His company, Blueprint Management, now overseen by his son Matt, would go on to represent Go West, ABC, Alison Limerick, Tony Hadley and many others.

John was widely recognised within the management community for his advocacy – both for artists and other managers – and, alongside Alan McGee, was instrumental in helping develop the Labour Government’s New Deal for Musicians, which enabled unemployed artists aged 18-24 to opt out of Welfare to Work schemes and access instruments and studio time.

Under his Chairmanship, John established the British Music Roll of Honour in 1995, the precursor to the Artist & Manager Awards.

His own contribution to music management was recognised at the inaugural Artist & Manager Awards in 2011, when he received the Peter Grant Award for lifetime achievement.

He was a lovely man, and will be sorely missed by everyone at the MMF.

TRIBUTES: 

Tim Clark, MMF Custodian 

I was fortunate to meet John Glover in the heady days of the 60’s, when Island as a label, agency and management company, was flying the flag for independent music companies. He was a stellar part of Island’s success and never lost its ethos of putting artists first as he went on to run his own successful management company. He was a true gentleman.

Paul Craig, Nostromo Management, MMF Chair 

That’s immensely sad about John. Lovely man, legendary manager and supported the best football team. Condolences to his family.

Diane Wagg, Deluxxe Management and former MMF Chair

I’m so sad to know that we’ve lost one of the music industry’s true gents. John was a fabulous and much loved manager for his artists and a joy to know.

A co-founder, long-term supporter and Custodian of the MMF, his experience was invaluable and always openly shared.

Personally, I’ll miss his kindness, humour and love of a good old chat as well as knowing I can pick up the phone any day for advice. It was an honour to know John and I send my heartfelt sympathies to Matt, his family and friends.

Stephen Budd, Record Producers, former MMF Chair

He was so helpful to me personally several times, especially when I had a terrible personal tragedy.  We often went to the football together and as both life-long Arsenal fans celebrated some very significant moments.

His contribution to co-founding the MMF is of course inestimable.

Such a gentleman and a truly wonderful human being who I loved dearly. He will be sorely missed.

Gary McClarnan, Sparklestreet, MMF Custodian

A great man.  I learned a lot from John’s generous guidance.  Will miss his charm and wit.

Jackie Davidson MBE, MMF Custodian

Extremely sad news to hear of the passing of John Glover. A great Man and Manager

Merck Mercuriadis, MMF Custodian

Godspeed John Glover and family!

Annabella Coldrick, MMF Chief Executive

I first met John when I joined the MMF nearly 10 years ago on what was then our advisory board comprised of former Chairs and Board Directors of the MMF.  He was such a kind and generous man with the most amazing stories from the music industry that I got to hear over a series of long lunches. He stayed involved in the MMF his whole career and was still offering us support and guidance through the Custodians Council even this year when he was ill.  We shall miss him deeply and are very thankful for his contribution to the MMF and the wider management community.