John Giddings

John Giddings (born 1 May 1953 in St Albans, Hertfordshire) is a prominent English music agent and promoter, best known for reviving and running the Isle of Wight Festival since 2002. He is the founder and managing director of Solo Music Agency, through which he has represented some of the biggest names in music, including The Rolling Stones, U2, Madonna, Celine Dion, David Bowie, and Genesis. Notably, in 2008, Solo managed three of the five top-selling concert tours globally: Madonna's 'Sticky & Sweet Tour', Celine Dion's tour, and The Police's reunion tour. ​Giddings' involvement with the Isle of Wight Festival began when he first attended it as a teenager in 1970. After the 1971 Isle of Wight Act, which banned events with over 5,000 attendees, was overturned in 2002, Giddings was instrumental in reviving the festival. The initial event, 'Rock Island 2002', faced financial challenges, but under Giddings' leadership, the festival grew into a multi-day event attracting between 50,000 and 60,000 attendees annually and contributing significantly to the local economy.