Two Decades On - memories from our team
We turned 20 in December 2024. That’s 20 years of music, memories and making things happen together.
To celebrate, we caught up with some of the team who’ve been here for more than 15 years. The ones who’ve seen us change and grow and who’ve helped shape The Glasshouse into what it is today.
John Grant
John – Customer Experience Team
Over the years, I’ve been part of many epic events with funny and sad moments. One memory that stands out is when we had full audiences back in the building after the lockdown in September 2021. John Grant performed, and everyone was understandably emotional.
Lou standing in front of the Royal Albert Hall.
Lou – Manager, Make Music, Young People
I’ve spent more than half of my life working at The Glasshouse, where I met my husband and made lifelong friends. Being part of a place that champions inclusion, creativity and community makes coming to work something I genuinely look forward to.
My top memories include planning the CoMusica 10th Birthday celebration – seeing hundreds of young people on Sage One’s stage with confetti cannons popping off, getting to go up on the roof of the building and taking Voices of the River’s Edge choir to perform at Royal Albert Hall.
The cast of West Side story in Sage One.
Jane – Customer Experience Team
One of my favourite memories was producing a six-week work experience programme for students with additional needs. Another was seeing my all-time favourite musical West Side Story in 2012, performed by Royal Northern Sinfonia with John Wilson conducting. It was absolutely fantastic, and I ended up going three times!
Dan, Kathryn Tickell and Sting performing in Sage One.
Dan – Artist Liaison
The Glasshouse has been part of my work and musical life for a long time. A highlight was performing with Sting and the Kathryn Tickell Band in 2009. I also played in Sting’s The Last Ship alongside Kathryn Tickell, Jimmy Nail and The Unthanks. And speaking of The Unthanks, I played with them in 2023 and 2024 in Sage One.
Phil with young musicians.
Phil – Senior Programme Leader
I have so many great memories to choose from. I remember trips to Notting Hill Carnival with young people who performed in the world-renowned Panorama Steel Pan competition. I’ve also had countless performances with the Sambanistas – the samba band I started that’s still going strong 19 years on.
More recently, I loved seeing our organisation and, more broadly, our city, fully embrace and celebrate music of Black origin at the MOBO Awards.
Musicians performing at Let the Beat Go On.
Susan – Customer Experience Team
There are so many great things to remember. Let the Beat Go On was an event where The Silencer had stolen all the sound. So, we took families on a journey around the building searching for it – lots of fun!
I’ve also zip-wired across the concourse, face-painted hundreds of kids, played Santa’s Elf, learned to play the Ukulele, walked on the roof, ran tours, sold merch for a multitude of performers, listened to thousands of shows… I’ve enjoyed so much of working here.
The Glasshouse's concourse.
John – Customer Experience Team
There’ve been some fantastic gigs over the years. At the end of Duke Special’s set, he asked the audience if they fancied an encore – of course they said yes, so he left the stage. I led him through the crowd, who started following us down the stairs to a waiting piano on the Concourse and a customary pint of Guinness.
The audience gathered round the piano and spilled most of the way up the stairs from Sage Two. He played requests for 20 minutes, and at one point a customer even joined him on the keys. Once he’d finished, he shook everyone’s hand. Everyone headed home smiling.
Sting and Jimmy Nail in The Last Ship.
Katherine – Head of Strategy and Reporting
Sting’s The Last Ship was amazing. It was one of those rare nights where it felt like he’d invited us all to hang out, just him and his mates having a good time. When your mates include Jimmy Nail, Kathryn Tickell, Rachel and Becky Unthank and The Wilson Family, that’s a pretty special room to be in. And that’s without the fact that he donated all the proceeds to our 10th Birthday appeal.
Jo – Business Projects and Diary Manager
I’ve been part of The Glasshouse since the opening weekend. It’s had a big impact on both my personal and professional life, shaping my decision to study music and work in the arts. Over the years, I’ve been fortunate to be involved in some brilliant events, including BBC 6 Music, Tusk, and SummerTyne Americana.
Twenty years on, I still look forward to coming in every day. The venue now plays a key role in my children’s lives as well.
The Glasshouse Academy
Growing the future of music – with you.
For 20 years, we’ve been helping young people and artists make music, develop their skills and take their next steps. Now, we’re expanding what we do – so even more people can access high-quality music education and creative opportunities, whatever their background or ambitions.
