Overview
Marcus Russell is Manager of Oasis, and many other rock bands, Managing Director of Big Brother Records and Managing Director of Ignition Management.
Born in Ebbw Vale, South Wales, Marcus was educated at Ebbw Vale County Grammar School (1964-1971) after which he worked (1971-74) as a blast furnace operative for British Steel at Ebbw Vale Works and for the NCB at Waun-y-Pound open cast coal mine. In 1974, left Wales to study at Middlesex Polytechnic and went on to teach economics at comprehensive schools in Harlow, Essex before becoming Head of Economics at Royal Liberty School in Romford, Essex in 1983.
In 1984, he left the teaching profession to set up his own management company in the music business, called Ignition. Early clients included Latin Quarter (who included fellow Ebbw Valian Mike Jones). Subsequent clients included Johnny Marr (The Smiths), Bernard Sumner (New Order), Neil and Tim Finn (Crowded House). In May 1993 he acquired a then unknown Manchester band, Oasis. Marcus has managed Oasis for 16 years, to become Britain’s most successful rock band of the last four decades.
For the last 15 years Marcus has also been the owner and benefactor of Ebbw Vale Rugby Club and has made significant contributions to popular culture in Wales.