The University of Westminster has hosted an evening with iconic Music PR Manager Alan Edwards, bringing together students, colleagues, alumni and industry guests to celebrate his remarkable 45‑year career working with icons such as David Bowie, Prince and Yungblud.
Held on 12 May at the University’s Portland Hall in the Little Titchfield Street site, the event included a live performance by the band Stepbrothers, which is made up of Westminster alumni, a curated display of archival materials from across Edwards’ career, and a signing of his Sunday Times bestselling book I Was There.
A highlight of the night was an in‑depth Q&A, where Edwards discussed his work with some of the world’s most influential artists, including David Bowie, Blondie, the Spice Girls, Prince, Naomi Campbell, Bob Marley, Rolling Stones and Yungblud, which encouraged conversation and reflection on the evolution of music PR and how Edwards shaped the industry.
Alan Edwards is the Founder of public relations giant The Outside Organisation, which has represented a range of clients, including the biggest music stars on the planet, corporations and brands, government, royalty, celebrities, charities, events, sports legends and clubs. With his career success, Edwards has been named the Number One Entertainment PR by industry bible PR Week for eight years in a row.
The evening was run and organised by the University’s Live Performance Team, funded by the Quintin Hogg Trust, supported by Fashion Marketing and Promotion Lecturer Gary Kingsnorth, and Student Marketing Manager Manon Hall and hosted by Akara Etteh, Music Production, Performance and Business Lecturer.
About the event, Manon said: “I loved watching the audience listen to Alan as it felt like they could all resonate with the stories. With some of the audience being original fans of Alan's clients, this must have given them so many crazy behind-the-scenes stories about their idols!”
Dr Lucy Ann Harrison, Assistant Head of the School of Arts who oversees the Live Performance Project, added: “It was fantastic to host Alan Edwards in the building where Bowie performed. It’s great to hear how much care he puts into promoting music and we’re proud of our alum for providing new takes on some absolute classics!”
The event directly contributes to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDGs) 4: Quality Education and 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth. Since 2019, the University of Westminster has used the SDGs holistically to frame strategic decisions to help students and colleagues fulfil their potential and contribute to a more sustainable, equitable and healthier society.
Learn more about Music courses at the University of Westminster.
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