‘I’m often the only woman in the room’: the female music managers changing the industry’s tune

Self Esteem, stage name of Rebecca Lucy Taylor, top, performing at the Hammersmith Apollo in London in March 2023. She is managed by Louise Latimer. Photograph: Gus Stewart/Redferns

Black Sabbath’s manager, Don Arden, was nicknamed “the Al Capone of pop” for his ruthless business dealings. His protege, Peter Grant of Led Zeppelin, once helped dangle Robert Stigwood out of a window by his ankles.

Things have changed in the music business. And while modern managers are likely to be better behaved, they are also more likely to be women.