Tony Smith
John Anthony "Tony" Smith, born in January 1945, is a distinguished British manager and music and film producer. He gained prominence as the talent manager for the renowned rock band Genesis, as well as for the solo endeavors of members Phil Collins, Mike Rutherford, and Tony Banks. Additionally, he managed Nick Mason of Pink Floyd and his project, Nick Mason's Saucerful of Secrets.
Smith's early career saw him promoting concerts featuring iconic acts such as The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, and The Who, cementing his reputation in the music industry. In 1977, he co-founded Hit & Run Music Publishing alongside Jon Crawley, establishing a significant presence in the UK music scene. His collaboration with Hilary Shor later led to the formation of Hit and Run Productions, where he made his mark in film. Among his notable productions are "Eye of the Beholder" (1999) and the critically acclaimed "Children of Men" (2006).
In recognition of his significant contributions to music management, the Music Managers Foundation honored Smith with the Peter Grant Award in 2000. Beyond his work in entertainment, Smith is also a passionate historic car racer, having owned an Aston Martin DB4 GT Zagato Sanction II Coupe—one of only four ever produced. This remarkable vehicle was sold at auction in 2012 by Bonhams for an impressive £1.2 million, setting a record.
Filmography