An insight into running a music venue, with Phil Moore

Meet Phil Moore, the Events Manager for The Black Prince in Northampton. 

For nearly two decades Phil has been involved in the live music scene. With experience in both DJing and live music he threw his skills and knowledge into The Black Prince and since all he has seen is success.  

“People always ask me what is my dream? And I tell them the dream is to love what you do and do what you love,” he said. 

Phil began his journey in the live music scene after finishing at The University of London in 2005. He went on to spend a year in Australia and officially became the Events Manager for The Black Prince in June 2019.  

He settled into his role when Covid-19 struck. Which disrupted the live music scene, however The Black Prince found an unexpected advantage with its large beer garden. 

Phil Moore in The Black Prince venue room

Phil attended his first concert at 15, watching Kingmaker perform at The Roadmender in Northampton and since then, has experienced over two thousand gigs, including seeing Oasis around six times.  

As well as live music, Phil is also an experienced DJ. “DJing is fun and isn't stressful, it can be sometimes, but it is generally not stressful. It's fun to see people smile and dance when you play a tune that they like. What's not to like about DJing?” He said with a smile. 

Phil told Amped Up magazine that a significant part that The Black Prince’s charm brings to Northampton is its diversity.  

“People come there for different reasons, and they enjoy the place in different ways. Sometimes they are there for a drink, or a chat with their friends, a dance, or maybe to watch a band and hang out in the garden, there is just always something going on,” he said. 

Phil’s favourite part about his job is the satisfaction that comes from seeing a band deliver a great performance and witnessing the audience leave buzzing with excitement. “That feeling of bringing all that positive energy together is like a drug, it is incredibly satisfying and addictive.”  

As for challenges, the toughest moments arise when things aren’t always as planned, when sales are low or when an artist is being difficult, which is more common than you’d think. “I remind myself that most people are just grown-up children in a way. So sometimes their worries just need calming and reassurance,” he said. 

As an Events Manager, booking artists involve a mix of responding to offers from booking agents and deciding if the performer fits well with the venue’s atmosphere. “Sometimes a band is offered to us, and we decide if they’re the right fit. Other times, I chase a band that I really want to play here,” Phil shared. 

Being an Events Manager involves booking artists by responding to agents and choosing if a performer is suitable for the venue. Phil said: “Sometimes a band is offered to us, and we decide if they’re the right fit. Other times, I chase a band that I really want to play here,”  

Find out more about Phil Moore and what it means to run a live music venue with Amped Up magazines April issue.