Irish music promoter gets CBE

VINCE Power, founder of the Mean Fiddler music empire, received an honorary CBE yesterday.

British Culture Secretary Tessa Jowell handed out the honour at the Department for Culture, Media and Sport in London.

Mr Power, 59, was recognised for his valuable contribution to music.

Born in Co Waterford he moved to London aged 16 and opened the first Mean Fiddler venue in Harlesden, north-west London, in 1982.

The Pogues were among the fledgling acts who played there. The club also played host to the likes of Johnny Cash and Eric Clapton.

The Mean Fiddler took a 50% stake in the Reading Festival and added the likes of Glastonbury and Irish music festival the Fleadh to its events roster.

Mr Power sold his stake in the company to US media giant Clear Channel for £13 million last year.

His business interests include cabaret venue The Pigalle Club in London’s Piccadilly.