Lucian Grainge: Artist-friendly leader of a music juggernaut

Lucian Grainge, photographed in Pacific Palisades on Oct. 30. “He and his family are great Taylor Swift fans,” Grainge said of his choice of plus-one, adding, “I think it’s been published that he went to a SoulCycle class” featuring the pop superstar’s music. “I’m so thankful to have had his insight and protection for my entire career.” Grainge may lack the showbiz presence of machers such as David Geffen and Clive Davis, but with the industry continuing to grow due to streaming — 2022 marked the seventh consecutive year of expansion — and UMG’s unprecedented market share, his control is perhaps unmatched in the history of the recorded music business. One thousand percent.’ — Lucian Grainge “I like change,” he said over a cup of tea at his stately Pacific Palisades home. That’s what I care about.” ‘The fusion of different kinds of music is something that’s always fascinated me.’ — Lucian Grainge According to Tim Ingham, founder and publisher of Music Business Worldwide, that long-term strategy rests equally on Grainge’s “nose for sensible risk-taking” and on a flair for dealing with A-list talent that Ingham said inspires “everyone in the music industry, even his detractors, to take their hats off.” Asked if he’s ever seen anything like the current frenzy over Swift, Grainge said he was talking about this just the other night with Elton John.