Happy Friday, reader, and welcome to another fireside chat between one brave charity leader and the sector’s most probesome hack, Society Diary.
This week’s victim is the CEO of the Music Venue Trust (MVT) and co-owner of the Tunbridge Wells Forum, Mark Davyd.
Davyd previously led fellow music charity Rhythmix, in which role he forced Simon Cowell to change the name of an X Factor girl band with the same moniker. Cowell eventually renamed the group Little Mix and nobody heard of them ever again.
Read on for more insights into Davyd’s eventful career, including brushes with celebs and a strange awakening.
Does Tunbridge Wells Forum smell better or worse than when it was a toilet?
“33 years of sweat into the walls has its own distinctive odour. Better or worse depends on how much you like the smell of guitars and bass and drums. Or urinals.”
Who have bigger egos – singers or charity CEOs?
“Guitarists. And accountants.”
As an NME Person of the Year, does that officially make you cool?
“No. But I went out with Andy Burnham one night and that apparently scores some points these days.”
Very cool. How good’s our new PM’s music taste?
“Pretty good. Although he needs to learn the names of some bands who aren’t from Manchester.”
Who’s the greatest live musician you’ve ever seen?
“For technical ability probably John Entwhistle or Prince. But I prefer the emotional connection of a spectacularly well written tune delivered to perfection over technical ability, so I’m going to say Neil Hannon.”
Have you ever regretted taking part in a fundraising challenge?
“I was cursing Frank Turner the fifth time he said: ‘What about one more run up the roof of the O2?’”
What’s your most annoying habit?
“I find it difficult to take questionnaires seriously. Also, not worrying about my diet at Christmas and then crowdsurfing at the first opportunity in the New Year.”
Cats or dogs?
“Dogs like music and a good dance. You can’t do better than a night out with a dancing dog.”
Favourite biscuit?
“Garibaldis. I don’t really like biscuits, but I like words that roll off your tongue.”
Weirdest place you’ve fallen asleep?
“Well, I don’t remember falling asleep there, but I woke up one morning underneath the counter of a Chinese takeaway in the quaint Sussex village of Battle. It was difficult to tell who was more surprised, me or the owner.”
