Alan McGee: Creation Records Masterclass
BIMM Dublin was all abuzz on Wednesday 4th March when we were lucky enough to welcome the legendary founder of Creation Records – and man responsible for the bands Oasis, Primal Scream, Teenage Fanclub, My Bloody Valentine and Ride becoming household names – Alan McGee! The hugely respected label boss was in conversation with music journalist Eamon Sweeney, thrilling the crowd with tales of his colourful life.
Alan founded Creation when he was only 23 years old and over the years that followed, journeyed through acid house, shoe-gazing and indie to become one of the key figureheads of Britpop, before selling the label in 2000. More recently he’s decided to concentrate on the management side of things via Creation Management, listing artists such as The Jesus and Mary Chain, Black Grape, the Libertines and Wilko Johnson on the company’s roster.
Alan talked to the packed-out audience about his time with Oasis and their universal appeal, stating that he believes their music will keep having revivals down the line as they’re discovered by new generations: “I think in maybe ten years, it will be really fashionable to like Oasis again.” He also lamented on the time he turned down Foo Fighters, saying: “It was a stupid move because it would have been the second coming of Creation.”
As inspirational as ever, Alan also had meaningful words of wisdom for our Masterclass students about following your dreams, based on his own success: “If you really mean it, don’t give in and you will get there. Just keep going!”
The Masterclass was a huge hit with our students, who were visibly impressed by his clear knowledge and love of music:
“It was so refreshing to have someone speak their mind about the industry and just be completely more interested in the music rather than the money and the biggest arena a band can play,”
said Songwriting student Gary O’Nuallain.
Drums student Stephen D’arcy was excited by Alan’s modern view of music:
“I found it really interesting when he was asked if he thought there would be a music revolution and he said that it’s already taken place in the form of technology. It was different to see someone from the industry embrace streaming, which is really good!”
We’d like to thank Alan for taking time out of his very busy life to chat to us all here at BIMM – it really was entertaining and one we’ll never forget!
