Music industry luminary Neil Warnock has today been named Chairman of the Royal Albert Hall’s 150th Anniversary Committee.

Warnock will lead a team of music industry giants who will act as Ambassadors as the Grade I Listed building prepares to celebrate its 150th birthday in 2021.

The Ambassadors have been selected from across the industry, and will lead in the creation of a special programme of events designed to commemorate the momentous occasion.

Warnock’s career in the music industry spans five decades over which he has worked with iconic artists such as The Rolling Stones, Pink Floyd, Johnny Cash and Michael Jackson. Currently he serves as the Head of Global Touring at United Talent Agency (UTA) in London.

The Royal Albert Hall first opened its doors in 1871 with a programme of just 36 events in the first year. The venue – one of the busiest in the world – now hosts over 400 auditorium shows a year with hundreds more in other spaces around the building.

Commenting on his appointment, Neil Warnock said: “It is a true honour to chair the 150th Anniversary Committee. The Royal Albert Hall is much more than just a beautiful Victorian venue, it’s a place of stories and memories – where people have been singing, dancing, laughing and crying together since 1871.

“The Ambassadors represent the best talent in the music industry and are the perfect team to support the Hall in bringing to life a programme that will go down in history.”

Lucy Noble, Artistic Director at the Royal Albert Hall said: “We are very proud to announce such a stellar roster of Ambassadors and cannot wait to share details of the special anniversary programme of events.

“Neil’s industry experience, coupled with his work with various other charities, makes him the ideal person to support the Hall and lead this important programme.”

In 2021, the community will come together to celebrate the memories and iconic moments associated with the Hall over the last 150 years. Full details of the artistic programme will be announced in due course.

In the run up to the anniversary, the Hall is collecting memorable stories from artists, staff and audiences.

If you were in the crowd, part of the crew, or even performing, the Hall wants to hear from you. We are calling for submissions on Facebook or Twitter, using #RAH150, or on the Hall’s own website at www.royalalberthall.com/RAH150.

The Royal Albert Hall is extremely grateful for the support of the Blavatnik Family Foundation in the project of gathering oral histories of the past 150 years at the Hall, which will add to this captivating resource.