ROCK HISTORY MUSIC EXECUTIVE EPISODE ONE

Please note, this historical archive footage, recorded as part of the Mark Rye, Rock History series of interviews, depicts terminology, and attitudes from a different era. There is some profanity, descriptions of threats of violence. Viewer discretion advised.

David Arden, born David Levy in 1951, son of Don Arden, brother of Sharon Osbourne, is a British music executive best known for his work with the influential independent label Jet Records and for being the son of legendary music manager Don Arden. Raised within one of the most powerful and controversial families in the British music business, David became involved in the family enterprise during the 1970s as Jet Records grew into a major force in international rock music.

Jet Records was founded by Don Arden in 1974 and became home to major artists including Electric Light Orchestra, Roy Wood and Ozzy Osbourne. As the company expanded, David Arden assumed increasing responsibilities within the organisation, helping oversee aspects of its business operations and later managing Portland Recording Studios in London after its acquisition by the Arden family.

During the 1980s, however, both David and his father became embroiled in legal controversies that damaged the family’s business empire. In 1986, David appeared before the Old Bailey in connection with the kidnapping and assault of a Jet Records accountant. He was convicted and served several months in prison. The lengthy legal proceedings and associated costs contributed significantly to the decline and eventual collapse of Jet Records, once one of Britain’s most successful independent labels.

Despite these setbacks, David Arden remained connected to the music industry and has continued to be associated with the Jet Records name in later years. His career remains closely intertwined with the remarkable rise and fall of the Arden music dynasty, which played a pivotal role in shaping the careers of some of rock music’s biggest acts during the 1970s and early 1980s. Today, David Arden is remembered as one of the key figures behind the scenes at Jet Records during its most influential period.