Adrian Grant has worked in the entertainment and media industries for over 30 years, producing magazines, books, records, videos, concerts and theatre shows.
His career started in 1988 after completing a diploma in Business Studies, when he obtained a loan from The Prince’s Trust and launched the world’s first Michael Jackson fanzine, ‘Off The Wall’. Within three years it had a circulation of 25,000 and was being read in 47 different countries.
This led to a 20-year working relationship with Michael Jackson and saw Adrian create ‘Thriller Live’, a show now seen in 35 countries by nearly five million people, and is currently the 13th biggest West End musical of all-time.
Away from Jackson, Adrian published two national magazines – Shades and Blink. Shades was one of the UK’s first ethnic youth led lifestyle publications with the goal of creating greater diversity in the UK.
In October 2017 Adrian received the Image Award at the Black British Business Awards for setting a record of excellence and making a lasting, significant and positive contribution to the standing of people of African and Caribbean heritage in Britain for his show, ‘Thriller Live’ and media work.
Adrian also produced the West End show, ‘Respect La Diva’, and the recent UK tour of ‘The Aretha Franklin Songbook’.
In November 2018 Adrian launched the Visionary Arts Foundation aiming to inspire positive change in our communities by empowering young adults to use their artistic platforms from film, music and theatre to literature and digital media as a sound board for discussion and debate around social issues such as inclusion, equality, mental health, anti-social behaviour and the climate crisis.
Adrian loves being an entrepreneur and the daily challenges that his ventures bring. More so he is passionate about creating positive change, and helping others pursue their goals.
Projects
- The Visionary HonoursThe Visionary Honours award show celebrates culture and people within the arts, media and entertainment world that have inspired social change and debate – from inclusion &diversity, equality and mental health to the climate crisis and anti-social behaviour/youth crime. www.visionaryarts.org.uk
- The Aretha Franklin SongbookRespect: The Aretha Franklin Songbook will have you up on your feet, dancing in the aisles as we pay R.E.S.P.E.C.T to the Queen of Soul! A theatrical concert like no other, Respect flings open its church doors and warmly invites you to experience Aretha’s extraordinary journey to success. Featuring world class vocalists backed by a sensational gospel choir and a live band. Enjoy some ‘soul food’ in this stunning 2-hour feast and rejoice in the Queen of Soul’s uplifting story directed & choreo
- Thriller LiveNow in its record breaking 11th year, THRILLER LIVE created by Adrian Grant is a spectacular concert created to celebrate the career of the world’s greatest entertainer - Michael Jackson. After opening in the Lyric Theatre in London on 2 January 2009 to rave reviews, Thriller Live has celebrated its eighth birthday in the West End, embarked on a world tour and a sell-out UK arena tour, played over 5000 shows globally to over 5 million fans, visited over 34 counties and entered the West End recor
- Denise Pearson - Album, Tour & VideosDenise Pearson is a Brit award winner, Grammy nominee and former lead singer with iconic pop group, Five Star. While in the group, Denise had an unprecedented chart run of over 20 top thirty UK singles including System Addict, The Slightest Touch and the anthem Rain Or Shine. Five Star were also the youngest British group to have a number 1 album and the first group to achieve 7 consecutive hit singles from one album in the UK. In 2013 Denise signed a new management deal with Baronet Entertainment and got a dream gig – supporting The Jacksons on tour. Denise joined the UK leg of The Jacksons worldwide Unity Tour performing to packed arenas in London, Birmingham, Manchester, Bournemouth and Glasgow to great acclaim. Denise’s debut solo album, Imprint was released on the 8th June 2014, and culminated with a UK tour supporting Billy Ocean. At the beginning of 2016 Denise was invited to perform lead vocals on Sigala's number one hit, Easy Love, for BBC1's Top Of The Pop's New Years Day special - a programme she last appeared on 30 years ago! Denise has a number of gigs and festival appearances lined up in 2017, and is currently working on a new album, due out Autumn 2018.
- Respect La DivaRESPECT La Diva is a spectacular and uplifting musical celebration paying tribute to some of the greatest female singers of all-time. Featuring a cast of amazingly talented West End singers and dancers with a stunning live band, RESPECT La Diva is packed with over 30 classic songs by diva greats including Diana Ross, Tina Turner, Aretha Franklin, Whitney Houston, Etta James, Dolly Parton, Shirley Bassey, Mariah Carey, Beyoncé, Madonna, Dusty Springfield and many more.
Projects credited in
- Championing Diversity: this Black History Month, meet 100 creatives inspiring changeWe asked 11 of our creative heroes to each nominate 10 leading black change makers and creators who are shaping the current climate with raw talent, big ideas and crazy hard work. There is still a huge disparity of BAME individuals in the creative industry. Currently only 13% of the creative industry workforce identify as coming from Black and Minority Ethnic backgrounds. In addition, only 8% of senior positions have BAME representation. Spotlighting this subject is as important as ever. True d138
Work history
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ProducerBaronert Entertainment & Media Group
London, United KingdomFull Time
The Baronet Entertainment & Media Group produce stage shows, TV programmes, documentaries, music videos, online media and manage artists.
Working with a pool of exciting talent from directors and writers to designers, musicians and actors, our 30 years of experience in the entertainment & media industries allows us to create projects of all shapes and sizes.
Skills
- Theatre Production
- Video Producer
- Author
- Director Video
- Art and Creative Direction
- Music Management
- Marketing
- Editorial Publishing
- Business Management
- Producing Televison
Awards
Image AwardBlack British Business Awards
Adrian received the Image Award at the Black British Business Awards for setting a record of excellence and making a lasting, significant and positive contribution to the standing of people of African and Caribbean heritage in Britain for his show, ‘Thriller Live’ and media work.