Dr Wayne Bickerton, a songwriter, record producer and former PRS for Music director, has sadly passed away.
The music industry figure died on 28 November at his home in Hertfordshire, England.
Raised in Liverpool, he began his music industry career touring and singing with ex-Beatle Pete Best.
While producing albums at Deram Records, he began writing songs with his partner Tony Waddington, going on to write a number of hits including Nothing But a Heartache and Can't Stop Loving You.
He won an Ivor Novello award for Songwriter of the Year in 1976.
Wayne’s career as an A&R man saw him move to Polydor/Polygram in 1970 and signed a range of acts including Cat Stevens and the New Seekers.
PRS elected him a director in 1976, and he progressed to chairman/CEO in 1993. PRS’ income increased by £30 million during his three year tenure as PRS CEO. He went on to become chairman of SESAC International in 1997.
John Josephson, chairman and CEO, SESAC, said: ‘The international songwriting community lost one of its most ardent advocates, as well a highly regarded creative talent, with the passing of Wayne Bickerton.
‘We are immensely grateful to Wayne for the instrumental role he played in building SESAC’s international presence over the past eighteen years. Wayne was an important force in the music industry and a champion of songwriters throughout the world for decades. He will be missed not only at SESAC but in songwriting communities throughout the world. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Wayne’s wife Carole during this sad time.’
He is survived by his wife, Carole Bickerton.
The music industry figure died on 28 November at his home in Hertfordshire, England.
Raised in Liverpool, he began his music industry career touring and singing with ex-Beatle Pete Best.
While producing albums at Deram Records, he began writing songs with his partner Tony Waddington, going on to write a number of hits including Nothing But a Heartache and Can't Stop Loving You.
He won an Ivor Novello award for Songwriter of the Year in 1976.
Wayne’s career as an A&R man saw him move to Polydor/Polygram in 1970 and signed a range of acts including Cat Stevens and the New Seekers.
PRS elected him a director in 1976, and he progressed to chairman/CEO in 1993. PRS’ income increased by £30 million during his three year tenure as PRS CEO. He went on to become chairman of SESAC International in 1997.
John Josephson, chairman and CEO, SESAC, said: ‘The international songwriting community lost one of its most ardent advocates, as well a highly regarded creative talent, with the passing of Wayne Bickerton.
‘We are immensely grateful to Wayne for the instrumental role he played in building SESAC’s international presence over the past eighteen years. Wayne was an important force in the music industry and a champion of songwriters throughout the world for decades. He will be missed not only at SESAC but in songwriting communities throughout the world. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Wayne’s wife Carole during this sad time.’
He is survived by his wife, Carole Bickerton.
