Youngsters get a chance to work at Coldplay gigs

YOUNGSTERS aspiring to a career in the music industry are being offered an opportunity to go behind the scenes at Coldplay’s Principality Stadium gigs – thanks to the band’s former manager, who is from Wales.

Cardiff-born Estelle Wilkinson guided the band to success between 2000 and 2006 and has come up with the Talks On Tour concept to inspire those thinking about working in the industry.

Now living in Monmouth, Estelle has put together the sessions, which feature a variety of crew members, management and all manner of behind-the-scenes personnel relaying their musical knowledge and stories of life on the road.

Following a hugely successful debut with Robbie Williams’ management and production team in Manchester recently, the second session moves on to Cardiff on Wednesday.

The event will see members of Coldplay’s crew, agent and concert promoter speaking to Estelle about their experiences within the music industry.

Estelle said she wanted to use some of her expertise to help any young people thinking about working in the industry.

“The aim of these sessions is to educate and inspire young people about the diverse roles that exist within the music industry, especially the live sector, which is growing year on year in an exciting environment at the venue on a show day,” she said.

The event will be split into two sessions: the first will see Estelle speaking to three core crew members working on Coldplay’s tour and the second will be with their live agent, Steve Strange (Xray Touring), SJM Concerts’ managing director Simon Moran, and Alex Luff, the events manager and operations manager at the Principality Stadium.

Robbie Williams’ manager Tim Clark was among the guest music experts at the inaugural Talks on Tour last month and thought it was a great idea.

He said: “I was delighted to support Estelle and pleased that Robbie Williams’ Heavy Entertainment Show could host the first Talks On Tour.

“I hope it proves useful to the next generation of talented young managers, promoters and tour managers – whatever role you want to do.”

During the break at the Cardiff Talks On Tour on Wednesday there will be the opportunity to win a pair of tickets for Coldplay’s gig that night.

Tickets cost between £10 and £15. To book visit www. talksontour.eventbrite.co.uk