As a pioneer of independent regional promotion Tony ran one of the most successful PR companies in the UK for over 20 years, working with some of the world’s leading artists including David Bowie and U2.
In that time he also managed New Order’s Peter Hook with his first solo project, ‘Revenge’.
Tony was a member of The Brits Voting Academy and was very active in both moderating and/or being a panellist at numerous music conferences both nationally and internationally.
During the 80’s and 90’s he also produced and presented his own radio show, ‘The Last Radio Program’ for Piccadilly/Key 103.
Both living and working in a thriving music city such as Manchester afforded him the luxury of being surrounded by both emerging and established talent.
His experience in working with U2 and getting them their first radio and television appearances opened his eyes to the possibilities but even more so to the time and effort artists need to dedicate to the cause… their career !
Tony's passion was always artist development and after being awarded an ‘Alien of Extraordinary Ability’ for services to the Music and Arts he relocated to the US and became involved in sharing the knowledge he had accrued from all his time in the music industry by giving lectures at music schools, universities and events.
As a published author, TEDx speaker he shares those experiences with his ‘Lessons Learned from Rock n Roll’ together with a forthcoming series of E Books.
'Tony has been one of the UK’s foremost record promoters and undoubtedly one of the best U2 has had the pleasure of working with. It was in those crucial formative years that we were grateful for the passionate belief Tony had in the band and pleasing to see the hugely successful career he built off the back of the work he did with U2 and the calibre of acts he has continued to work with.'
Paul McGuinness, U2 Manager 1978-2013
From working in a music shop and selling guitars to forming a punk band in his teenage years, Paul Ripley has always had a passion for music.
After many years on the road he developed long standing relationships with a number of musicians.
Seeing first hand the many obstacles that musicians were encountering, especially on the road, he decided to form his own production company and began touring with a multitude of acts and taking care of their live sound.
Those endless hours on the road got Paul thinking of ways to help emerging acts achieve their dreams of gaining recognition.
After many years of observing the radio industry evolve, Paul teamed up with a well known local radio presenter and formed the first professional online radio station in Manchester. In his him 20 plus years in radio, both producing shows and managing the day to day running of a radio station, Paul has retained a hands on role within the rapidly changing business.
In addition, Paul has helped produce and develop presenters at both the BBC and other local FM radio stations, allowing him to see the inner workings…. both good and bad!
During the last 18 years Paul has become a leading force in helping support new and emerging talent; managing artists and bands. This has further fuelled his desire to understand all areas of the music industry, and delve into unchartered waters such as publishing. Success in the music industry is only ever achieved when you understand the inner workings and the multitude of roles that people play.