Michael Chugg celebrates 50 years as an entertainment promoter

Michael Chugg, one of Australia's most respected concert promoters, has just clocked up 50 years in the entertainment industry.

50 years ago this week, on 14th March 1964, Chugg hosted his very first event at the Trade's Hall in Launceston. Having booked the venue, the talent, undertaken the promotion and selling tickets for a dance event on behalf of the Launceston Amateur Cycling Club.

Chugg told Paul Cashmere "I was the cyclists' representative on the cycling club committee and I suggested we run the dance.

"My mate was bass player in a Launceston band called The Dominos. We booked the Trade's Hall in Launceston, with his band and another band on the bill. We had about 250 people and made £80 for the cycling club, which in 1964, was a fair bit of money."

Since then he has upscaled from Tasmanian dance bands to the likes of Coldplay, Radiohead, Eddie Vedder, Robbie Williams, AC/DC, Simon & Garfunkel and Elton John.

Earlier this week in London, Chugg was honoured with a exclusive event in London at the International Live Music Conference with messages from Eddie Vedder, Alice Cooper, Robbie Williams, Neil Finn, Luke Steele, Dallas Green, Jason Mraz and Robert Plant.

On the Noise11 website, Cashmere writes that 'Chuggie' is one of the heroes of the Australian music industry, passionate about supporting and developing Australian talent and recently started Chugg Music. The label now boasts Lime Cordiale and Sheppard amongst its line-up.

Upcoming Chugg Tours include Elvis Costello, Robbie Williams, Biffy Clyro, Keith Urban, Doobie Brothers and the Deni Blues & Roots Festival.

For more information go to http://ow.ly/uBXgB

12th February 2009 - MICHAEL CHUGG NAMED INTERNATIONAL PROMOTER OF THE YEAR