Early Years and the Music Industry
John Reid, born on September 9, 1949, in Paisley, Renfrewshire, Scotland, had humble beginnings with a welder father and a shop worker mother. A future music industry titan, Reid started his journey at St Mirin’s Academy, where he walked the same hallways as future renowned singers Gerry Rafferty and Joe Egan.
At the tender age of 18, Reid stepped into the music industry by joining EMI as a promoter in 1967. Quickly proving his mettle, he was appointed as the UK manager for the American Tamla Motown label just a year later.
Setting Up His Own Company and Meeting Elton John
In 1971, Reid dared to venture independently, setting up his management company with modest savings and a loan. It was during this period that he stumbled upon a young musician named Reg Dwight, who would later take the world by storm as Elton John.
Managing Elton John: Professional Relationship and Personal Romance
Reid’s career took an important leap when he took on managing Elton John in the late 70s and saw his meteoric ascension to global renown over nearly twenty years of management service, from 1972 until 1998. Reid was instrumental in this journey, securing record deals, organizing tours, and helping John navigate the complexities of the music industry.
However, their professional association wasn’t just limited to boardrooms and concert halls. Reid and John shared a romantic bond for five years, living together during that period. Although their personal relationship ended, their professional collaboration continued for several more years.
Role in the Success of Queen
Reid’s influence wasn’t confined to Elton John alone. Reid made an impactful contribution as manager for Queen from 1975-1978. Though his tenure may have been short-lived, Reid made significant strides toward helping to establish their place within rock music history.
Controversies and Legal Challenges
Reid’s later years in the music industry were fraught with legal challenges and disputes. His management tenure with Riverdance star Michael Flatley ended in a costly wrongful termination lawsuit. Further, a leak regarding Reid’s extravagant spending led to a legal dispute with Elton John, culminating in Reid paying a significant out-of-court settlement in 2000.
Life After Music Management: The Quiet Retirement
Reid retired from active music management in 1999. However, his absence from the industry did not erase his contributions. Despite his portrayal in films like “Rocketman” and “Bohemian Rhapsody,” Reid’s role in shaping the careers of Elton John and Queen remains noteworthy.
Brief Public Appearance and Current Life
Reid retired shortly thereafter and mostly kept out of public view since, aside from appearing briefly as a judge on Australia’s version of The X Factor in 2005. Since then he has chosen a more private life – rarely appearing publicly and commenting upon depictions in films or commenting further about them.
Legacy: An Indelible Impact on Music History
John Reid made an incalculable impactful contribution to music history regardless of its upheavals, from shaping Elton John’s career path and queen’s rise to stardom to helping shape Prince and countless other great musical artists achieve greatness despite some controversy in their careers. Regardless, his lasting legacy endures.
Relationship with Elton John: Are They Still Friends?
The current status of the friendship between Elton John and John Reid remains unknown. After their professional collaboration ended in 1998, they had a legal battle that led to a fallout. As in any personal relationship, their dynamics may have altered over time and thus their current relationship status remains unknown to the general public.
John Reid’s music manager career was punctuated with both highs and lows. Even now that he has made himself scarce in public view, his tale still holds the attention of audiences, attesting to his lasting contribution in shaping the industry.
