The top floor of the Oxo Tower on London’s southbank was the venue for PPL‘s 85th anniversary event this evening. Artists, journalists and representatives of all the trade organisations, enjoyed the summer sun burning up the outdoor walkway, which offered a superb view of the river.
CEO Peter Leathem and PPL Chair John Smith gave in-depth speeches to mark the occasion, with John focusing on the history of the collecting society since its beginnings in the 1930s.
Peter announced the top three most-played recordings of the 21st century as 3) Happy by Pharrell Williams, 2) I gotta feeling by Black Eyed Peas’ and the top track as 1) Chasing cars by Snow Patrol. Peter then presented Gary Lightbody of the band with a commemorative framed disc.
Horace and Tracey Trubridge, Nick and Julie Forshaw, plus Phil Kear and myself were on hand to represent the MU. Whilst later arrivals included Tom Watson, Deputy Leader of the Labour Party and Kevin Brennan, MP for Cardiff West.
It was a pleasure to meet US producer and guitarist Robert Johnston for the first time, plus to catch up with so many familiar faces from across the industry.
The event was featured by the BBC in its news channels this morning.
