A new fund to support those looking to start a career in music has been established in memory of a pioneering industry giant.

The John Preston Memorial Fund will support a five-year program run by the Highlands-based Liam Colgan Music Fund in association with the University of the Highlands and Islands.

Mr Preston, former chairman of BMG Entertainment, passed away suddenly in 2017 after a short illness and his widow Roz said: “As one of the top executives in the UK music industry, John’s career has been devoted to the discovery and support of young musical talents.

“Over a 25-year career he has worked with many well-known artists including Annie Lennox and Dave Stewart of Eurythmics, David Bowie, Take That, Whitney Houston and many others too many to mention. He took particular pleasure in seeing young talents flourish and succeed.

“I am truly grateful to the Liam Colgan Music Fund for helping me establish an awards program on their behalf.

“Recognizing exceptional talent and achievement was something important to him and he would be delighted to support students at the University of the Highlands and Islands as well.”

Iain Clark, former drummer for Uriah Heep and president of the Liam Colgan Music Fund, said: “I worked with John a few years ago when he was president of one of Europe’s pioneer music distribution companies. digital.

“I’m sure he would be delighted to see us help young musicians and others with ambitions to enter the music industry, especially those who live in more remote areas.

“Our awards will be open to all musicians and songwriters, aged 16-30, living in the Highlands and Islands, and will showcase some of the wonderful musical abilities that exist here.”

Liam Colgan, from Inverness, received a BA (Hons) in Popular Music Performance from Perth College UHI, but sadly passed away at the age of 29 while on a bachelor party trip to Hamburg in 2018 .

For more information on the awards and how to apply, see www.liamcolganmusicfund.com

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