JASON ILEY MBE HONOURED WITH MITS AWARD AT STAR STUDDED CEREMONY

In recognition of his outstanding contribution to the music industry

Major artists came together to celebrate Jason Iley: Calvin Harris, George Ezra, Jade Thirlwall, Joy Crooks, Paloma Faith, Perrie Edwards, Rag'n'Bone Man, Tom Grennan and YolanDa Brown

Star performances from Mark Ronson feat. JACOTÉNE, Cat Burns feat. The Brit School Choir and Jake Bugg

Tributes from Mariah Carey, Robbie Williams, U2, P!NK, Brandon Flowers, Perrie Edwards, George Ezra, Jade Thirlwall, Mark Ronson, Bob Geldof, Serge Pizzorno, Arcade Fire, Chase & Status, Rita Ora, Richard Curtis and more

Hosted by Jo Whiley

Monday 4th November

www.mitsaward.co.uk  

Supporting the BRIT Trust and Nordoff & Robbins

Chairman & CEO of Sony Music UK & Ireland Jason Iley MBE has been awarded this year's Music Industry Trusts Award (MITS). The evening was hosted by legendary DJ Jo Whiley and the award itself was presented to Jason by long-time friend and musician, Paloma Faith, in a room full of his peers at a gala ceremony in The Great Room, Grosvenor House Hotel, which was held in aid of two vital music charities in the UK: The BRIT Trust and Nordoff & Robbins.

The MITS marked a career spanning three decades, in which Jason has consistently championed new talent and has worked with some of the biggest names in music. Jason has been Chairman at Sony Music UK for 10 years, making him the longest-serving Chairman in the British company's history. Since being appointed he has championed artists, diversified the company, refreshed Sony Music's roster and led acquisitions including Ministry of Sound Records in 2016.

During the on screen tributes, many artists and colleagues sent their congratulations to Jason, including Mariah Carey, Robbie Williams, Bono, P!NK, Brandon Flowers, Perrie Edwards, George Ezra, Jade Thirlwall, Mark Ronson, Bob Geldof, Serge Pizzorno, Arcade Fire, Chase & Status, Rita Ora, Richard Curtis and many more.

The evening was a celebration, with Jason's artists gathering to honour their Chairman and CEO. Grammy-winning producer and DJ Mark Ronson closed the night with a hit-filled medley, while there were earlier performances by singer-songwriters Cat Burns and Jake Bugg.

Accepting his award, Jason Iley MBE told the packed out room, "I'm beyond touched by the video and it brings back so many amazing memories...

I can honestly say I can't believe how lucky I have been to work with U2 over the past over 13 years, seeing them play live all over the world, shows like The Astoria, performing on top of Portland Place with the BBC and stadium shows pretty much everywhere around the world. I remember the early days hanging out backstage, just waiting to say hello, and then they started to ask me questions and listened to my opinions, and before long, they trusted and cared what I thought, which developed into a long term relationship and friendship that's lasted over 20 years.

I've had so much fun working with Richard Curtis over the years on many of his films and Comic Relief, but working with Richard and Bob on Make Poverty History and Live 8, and spending time in Africa was one of the most enlightening and humbling experiences of my lifetime.

As Mark [Ronson] mentioned, our first meeting was when he played me 'Uptown Funk,' not a bad way to have a first meeting. I remember leaving the studio and thinking that Mark was about to be one of the biggest hits of our lifetime. Mark is one of my absolute favourite people in the world, and I can't thank him enough for flying in from LA only this morning to be with us tonight."

He added, "We're all in this business because we love music, and music shaped my life and childhood, and that was down to my very special dad. We didn't have much when we were younger, and my dad somehow managed to buy the best sound systems, whether in the house or the car, growing up endlessly listening to Bob Dylan, Pink Floyd and U2, all of which I've been fortunate enough to work with since. If it wasn't for you Dad, I would have never got into music.

Throughout my career, I've been lucky to work with the most brilliant people and the best mentors in Rob, Lucian and Jay-Z and too many artists to mention. I'm especially grateful to Rob [Stringer] who has been the constant throughout my career, as a friend and an ally and as someone who's always had my back.

I wanted to say the biggest thank you to Nordoff and Robbins and the BRITS Trust for all of the meaningful work that they do... It is genuinely changing people's lives. But I think it's best summed up by one of the team who put it very simply "We see ability, not disability." I was lucky enough to spend an update at BRIT School. I've been there many times throughout my career and I always felt so inspired by the students, and especially Stuart. I'd also like to thank Dan, Toby and everyone from MITS for putting on this event this evening.

When I look over my career, it's been pretty crazy to witness the evolution of our industry, and it's so exciting to see because there are no signs of slowing down. If the past few years, or even months, have taught us anything, it is that you never know what's around the corner or what excites me the most. What excites me the most is watching the new generation of artists, the talented executives and the entrepreneurs who are coming through right now, who are going to be the stars and leaders of our future. I care deeply about my artists and executives. I believe we are only as good as the team we work with. And the real reason I'm on stage tonight is I've been fortunate enough to work with so many fantastic artists and passionate executives over the years. I really feel like the luckiest man in the world doing what I do, and it is really beyond any expectation to receive tonight's MITS Award. I feel truly honoured, grateful and thankful. This is a night I will never forget. Thank you all again."

Paloma Faith stepped up to the stage to introduce Jason, but not before sharing some lighthearted personal memories. She recalled inviting him and his family over for dinner, only for her table to dramatically collapse mid-meal. Faith then spoke sincerely about her admiration for Iley, saying: "In truth, Jason's the most caring record exec I've ever come across. As someone who has a strong sense of my own personal morality, who understands and observes the nuances of the British class system, politics and justice, Jason knows I'll always speak my mind about the right thing to do by people, and he has genuinely asked me about these issues in an ever-changing society and world. In terms of his leadership of the company, he's not just great at his job, but he cares about good people. He cares about the people he works with, especially if they're kind, deserving and hard working. It's not surprising that he's managed to move from humble, working class beginnings to the head of several companies in his career, and I hope that career is only just beginning. For my sake."  

During the final performance of the night, Mark Ronson told the crowd "It's so great to be here tonight. That last song [Nothing Breaks Like a Heart], I remember playing Jason the demo of it when it was just a ride cymbal and a kickdrum. He was like "It's haunting, I like it." You know, his vision and his patience, especially with me, cause I take f*cking forever to make records has always been so great so I'm very happy to be here tonight."

Ronson, joined by Australian vocalist JACOTÉNE, performed 'Nothing Breaks Like a Heart,' 'Late Night Feelings,' plus his rendition of 'Valerie, 'ended on an upbeat note with 'Uptown Funk'.

Earlier in the evening, Cat Burns performed a soothing rendition of 'Go' backed by The BRIT School Choir, whilst opening performer Jake Bugg dedicated his performance of 'Lightning Bolt' to Jason: "Thanks for coming together for a great cause, and a great man as well. I just want to take this opportunity to say: Jason, thank you very much, thank you for everything. This one's for you!"

Today, Jason oversees a roster that includes homegrown talent such as Calvin Harris, Paloma Faith, Mark Ronson, George Ezra, Robbie Williams, Rag'n'Bone Man and this year's breakthrough artists Central Cee and Myles Smith, as well as internationally signed stars like Beyoncé, Adele, Harry Styles, Miley Cyrus, SZA, P!NK and Foo Fighters.

Beyond chart success, under Jason's leadership, Sony Music has launched initiatives to support a new generation of executives in the music industry, including a female-focused A&R Academy and a landmark Childcare Support Scheme aimed at increasing the proportion of women in senior roles. The company has also invested heavily into mental health provision, creating a new role for an in-house Director of Artist & Employee Wellbeing and providing all employees with mandatory mental health management training, in collaboration with leading mental health charity, Mind.

Jason Iley MBE has now joined the ranks of previous MITS recipients including Annie Lennox OBE, Kylie Minogue, Emma Banks, Sir Elton John and Bernie Taupin, Rob Stringer, Sir Lucian Grainge, Ahmet Ertegun, Michael Eavis CBE, Pete Tong MBE, Roger Daltrey CBE, and last year's recipient, live music agent Lucy Dickins.

Celebrating its 32nd edition this year, the Music Industry Trusts Award is recognised as one of the true benchmarks of achievement in the UK music business and continues to benefit hugely deserving causes year after year. The MITS Award supports two important charities, the BRIT Trust and Nordoff & Robbins, and is sponsored by PPL, SJM Concerts, Voly Music and YouTube.

www.mitsaward.co.uk  

#MITSAward