Rebel With A Cause: Roots, Records and Revolutions with Darcus Beese

'Rebel With A Cause: Roots, Records and Revolutions’ is the remarkable story of Darcus Beese: legendary music-industry executive and A&R who was raised in a musically fertile and politically febrile times.

His parents - Darcus Howe and Barbara Beese - were prominent activists in west London and members of the Mangrove Nine during a time when racism was rife. This book tells his story and how his unique upbringing along with a love of music and culture helped him progress from “tea-boy” to become the President of one of the world’s biggest and most successful record labels - Island Records.

Racism was rife, not only on the streets, in schools and on the terraces, but also in the highest institutions of power. His parents and he were at the forefront of fighting for equality, which is something he continues to do for himself and for his artists. This is the incredible tale of an inspirational leader and rebel with a true cause.

From signing and nurturing some of the greatest artists of the twenty-first century including Amy Winehouse, Mumford & Sons, Dizzee Rascal, Florence and the Machine and more, to him moving to New York to run Island USA but becoming despondent at what he saw and encountered and how those beliefs instilled in him by his parents have, and continue to be, prominent in his personal and professional life.

We have two ticket options available: * Event Only and *Event with Discounted Book Combo deal - books will be available for collection at the Festival.

Our event will be followed by a dedicated signing event with Darcus. RRP books will also be available for purchase on the day.

About Darcus:

Darcus Beese OBE is a legendary music-industry executive, the first Black President of a UK major label, (Island Records UK), and the only Black British CEO of one of the world’s biggest and most influential record companies, Island Records US. The son of Darcus Howe and Barbara Beese, members of the Mangrove Nine and two of Britain’s most important and powerful political activists, Darcus’s personal journey is every bit as interesting as his work life, and the values he learned as a kid, have stood him in good stead throughout his life.

Described by Music Week, as 'one of the great A&R people of his or any generation', Darcus began his incredible journey in the music business working as a teaboy at Island, under the label’s illustrious founder Chris Blackwell. Quickly rising through the ranks, Darcus went on to run Island, overseeing the musical output of Bob Marley, U2, Cat Stevens, Drake and the Weeknd to name but a few, while simultaneously signing and nurturing some of the greatest artists of the twenty-first century including Florence and the Machine, Mumford & Sons, Jessie J and most notably Amy Winehouse. Following the global success of Amy, Darcus headed to New York to become CEO of Island US where he ran the US giant who counted Sir Elton John, Bon Jovi , The Killers , Sabrina Carpenter, Remi Wolf, Shawn Mendes & Keshi among its enviable roster. Darcus has recently launched his own label, Darco Recordings, and continues to discover and nurture new talent.

Darcus says: ‘It feels unreal to me. As a kid I never thought or dreamed that one day I would be writing my story, let alone having it published. But now I think why not me? Growing up in a family of activists, a mother and father who fought to change British society, I’ve always understood the importance of using your voice, always felt a duty to speak my mind and stand up for what was right. Writing the book, looking back over my fifty plus years, I really appreciate how blessed I am to have such a strong beautiful family and to have enjoyed the most amazing experiences working alongside some of the greatest musical talents. Hopefully there’s plenty more to come. If this book inspires one kid to believe in themselves, to stay true to themselves, then it’ll be worthwhile.’

Hosted Radio 5 Live’s Afternoon Show: Nihal Arthanayake for 8 years

Presenter of the hugely successful Penguin Podcast

Won Interview of the Year at the 2019 BBC Radio & Music Awards

TV appearances including MasterChef, Never Mind the Buzzcocks and The Jeremy Vine Show Trustee of Home and an Ambassador for the British Asian Trust

Author of Let’s Talk: How to Have Better Conversations, published in 2022

Host or Publisher Louder Than Words Festival