Vince Power facts for kids

John Vincent Power (CBE) (born April 29, 1947 – died March 9, 2024) was an Irish businessman. He was famous for owning music venues and creating music festivals. He founded a company called Mean Fiddler and worked mostly in London, England.

The Story of Vince Power

John Vincent Power was born on April 29, 1947, in Ireland. When he was about 15, he moved to London. He started with different manual jobs, like demolition and clearing out houses. He became very good at selling second-hand furniture.

He used new ways to advertise his furniture shops. Soon, he had many successful shops across North West London. This success allowed him to follow his true passion: music, especially country and western music.

Starting the Mean Fiddler

After a trip to Tennessee, USA, Vince wanted to bring the "Nashville sound" to London. So, in 1982, he opened his first country and western club. He called it Mean Fiddler, and it was in Harlesden, North West London.

The Mean Fiddler quickly became a popular place. It was known for new and upcoming artists, Irish music, and country stars. This club was the start of a huge business. It grew to include eight major music festivals, 14 live music venues, and many successful nightclubs and restaurants.

Vince Power helped many famous artists. These included Bob Dylan, Van Morrison, Roy Orbison, Paul Weller, and Neil Young. He was known for finding new opportunities in the music world. People even called him 'The Godfather of Gigs'.

In 1982, The Mean Fiddler opened in an old boxing gym. It became famous for its Irish music nights. New bands like The Pogues and Billy Bragg played there. Within five years, big stars like Roy Orbison and Johnny Cash performed. Roy Orbison played his last UK show there in 1987.

By the late 1980s, The Mean Fiddler was a top spot for new and well-known artists. This success helped Vince's company, Mean Fiddler Music Group, grow. It also allowed them to start organizing big outdoor music festivals in the UK.

Vince Power lived in London with his eight children. He passed away on March 9, 2024, at the age of 76.

Music Festivals and Events

Vince Power played a big part in making music festivals popular in the UK. He helped organize many famous events. These included Reading and Leeds, The Phoenix, and The Fleadh. He also put on special one-off shows, like the first Sex Pistols reunion concert in Finsbury Park.

Taking Over Reading Festival

In 1989, Mean Fiddler took over the Reading Festival. Bands like New Order, The Pogues, and The Sugarcubes performed. Vince is given credit for making Reading Festival a huge success again. It became a highly anticipated event on the yearly festival calendar.

In 2005, Vince sold his part of The Mean Fiddler Music Group. He then started a new company called Vince Power Music Group.

Benicàssim Festival

Also in 2005, Vince bought Benicàssim, a very famous festival in Europe. This festival is held in a port town in Spain. It's more than just music; it has over 100 acts on four stages over four days. Festival-goers can also enjoy eight days of free camping.

Benicàssim is popular with thousands of UK fans. They travel to Spain for a "Glasto del Sol" experience. It was voted Best Overseas Festival in 2012. It features international pop, rock, and electronic artists.

Hop Farm Music Festival

Vince Power launched the Hop Farm Music Festival in 2008. It took place every year at The Hop Farm Country Park in Kent, England. After its first year, it was nominated for 'Best New Festival'.

The Hop Farm Festival started because a survey showed that festival fans felt they were not important. So, Vince created a festival that focused on the fans. It aimed to be "back to basics" with no sponsors, no branding, and no special VIP areas. Children under 12 could always enter for free. Famous acts like Blondie, Prince, and Peter Gabriel played there.

In September 2012, Vince Power Music Group faced financial challenges and had to close down for a time.

In July 2018, Vince launched a new festival called Feis. It was held at the Liverpool Pier Head. It was called the city's "largest celebration of Irish artists." The lineup included musicians like Van Morrison, The Chieftains, and Imelda May.

List of Festivals

Here are some of the festivals Vince Power helped run:

• Reading and Leeds
• Glastonbury
• Phoenix Festival
• Hop Farm Music Festival
• Benicàssim
• Tribal Gathering
• Homelands
• Feis Liverpool
• Fleadh (held in many cities like London, Chicago, New York)
• Madstock, Finsbury Park
• Big Love
• Gig on the Green, Glasgow
• NASS (National Adventure Sports Show)
• Jam in the Park

Helping Others: Charitable Work

Vince Power was involved in many charities. He especially helped Cradle, a charity for children in Bosnia.

He raised money in different ways, including collections at his festivals. He helped rebuild a primary school in Mostar, Bosnia. He also helped in Thailand after the Tsunami. He supported the Phillip Hall Memorial Fund. He was also a patron for UNICEF, Human Rights Watch, and the Depression Alliance.

Awards and Recognitions

Vince Power supported many projects at The Roundhouse, a famous music venue. He gave money to help redevelop The Roundhouse. In his honor, a music studio there will be named the 'Vince Power Music Studio'. He was also a patron of its Millennial Committee.

In 2006, Vince Power was given a special award. He was appointed a CBE, which stands for Commander of the Order of the British Empire. This is a high honor in the UK.