ROCK HISTORY JEREMY LASCELLES

Jeremy Lascelles (born 14 February 1955) is a prominent British music industry executive best known for his leadership of Chrysalis Music and his ongoing influence across artist management, publishing and recorded music.

Born Robert Jeremy Hugh Lascelles in Bayswater, London, he comes from a distinguished family; he is the third child of George Lascelles, 7th Earl of Harewood, and Marion Stein, and is a second cousin to King Charles III. Lascelles developed a passion for music at a young age and began his career in the early 1970s playing percussion and managing bands, including his brother’s ensemble the Global Village Trucking Company.

In 1979, he joined Virgin Records, where he spent over a decade rising through the ranks to become Head of A&R. During this time he worked with major acts including Phil Collins, Culture Club, Human League and Simple Minds, establishing a reputation for spotting and nurturing talent.

In 1994 Lascelles was recruited by Chris Wright to lead Chrysalis Music plc, initially as Managing Director and later as Chief Executive. Under his stewardship the company expanded significantly, signing and overseeing successful acts such as Portishead, David Gray, OutKast, Laura Marling, Bon Iver and Fleet Foxes. He also served on the council of the BPI and as Vice-Chairman of the Association of Independent Music (AIM).

Lascelles stepped down as CEO of Chrysalis Music in 2012 and took on a visiting professorship at Leeds College of Music. In 2014 he co-founded Blue Raincoat Music, a London-based artist management and music publishing company.  In 2016, Blue Raincoat acquired full ownership of Chrysalis Records, bringing the iconic label back into independent hands. 

Today Lascelles remains a respected figure in the global music business, recognised for his decades of expertise in artist development, publishing and executive leadership.

**Warning** - The interview contains some bad language and occasional drug references