The Great Escape Festival has today announced the launch of The Steve Strange Award, in honour of the late live agent and co-founder of X-Ray Touring Steve Strange, who sadly passed away in September 2021.
The Award, which will happen annually, will recognise a music act that is breaking through creative boundaries in the music industry. The first recipient of the prestigious award and a cash prize of £5,000 will be announced in 2022 after The Great Escape Festival, which takes place in Brighton from 11-14 May.
Widely respected as one of the greatest live agents and legendary figures in the music industry, Steve Strange was responsible for developing the careers of some of music’s greatest acts. Strange’s artist roster included the likes of Eminem, Coldplay, Queens of the Stone Age, Phoebe Bridgers and more.
Among those who paid tribute to the beloved agent following his passing earlier this year were Coldplay, Ed Sheeran and Glastonbury’s Emily Eavis. Universally known and hugely respected, Strange was regarded as having the best ears in the music industry and known by many for his creative spirit.
The Great Escape Festival will mark the extraordinary career of Steve Strange and his life-long dedication to artists with the brand-new award. The winning act will be voted on by the thousands of industry delegates that attend the event every year.
The Steve Strange Award will be presented to new, or existing, acts from The Great Escape line-up, who are seen to be breaking the status quo in music. The winner will be revealed on Monday 16th May, following the 2022 edition of The Great Escape Festival in Brighton and will receive a £5,000 cash award to help develop their own musical journey.
Rory Bett, CEO at Mama Group said: “Steve Strange has a long history with The Great Escape and championed hundreds of artists over the years. It is a great honour for us to launch this award for creativity in his name, so that he can continue to influence the industry he loved”.
Josh Javor, agent at X-Ray Touring said: “Steve was a huge supporter of The Great Escape and would be deeply honoured by this award being launched in his name. He was first and foremost a passionate music fan and creativity was at the heart of his business. We are delighted his name will live on through this award and inspire many artists into lifelong careers in the industry Steve loved so much”.
Additionally, The Great Escape has today announced the the first 20 influential industry figures who will be sharing their knowledge and expertise as part of this year’s TGE Conference at the Jury’s Inn Brighton, from 11-14 May, and also the return of the Arts Council England supported TGE Elevate professional development programme.