Simon James Moran is a concert promoter in the United Kingdom, managing director of SJM Concerts, director of the Academy Music Group of venues and owner of the Warrington Wolves Rugby League team. [1][failed verification] He is in charge of major London venues including the O2 Shepherd's Bush Empire and O2 Brixton Academy.
In 2011, The Guardian credited Simon Moran as the catalyst for Take That reforming in 2005, after he offered to promote a comeback tour.[2] The band "heaped praise on music mogul Simon Moran" at the BRIT Awards 2008, for his work arranging their sell-out tour.[3]
Promoted by Moran, Take That's Progress Live in 2011 tour was the biggest live tour in UK and Irish history.[4]
SJM Concerts promotes tours by many well-known artists,[5] including Morrissey, Spice Girls and The Killers and the company's management arm, SJM Management manages the careers of The Script, The Coral, and Paul Heaton.[6]
Simon Moran is also a board member of the Academy Music Group, which owns and runs venues including Carling Brixton Academy, Shepherd's Bush Empire, and Carling Academies in Birmingham, Liverpool, Bristol, Newcastle, Sheffield, Leeds and Glasgow.[7]
Moran is a shareholder in a joint-venture label with Gary Barlow, Future Records.[8]
SJM Ltd is a company with a registered office in Manchester, England, UK.