Final tribute for music promoter Andrew Miller

Mourners paid their last respects to an influential concert promoter, who helped launch the careers of Adele and Amy Winehouse, as he was laid to rest in his home county of Shropshire.

Friends and family gathered at St Peter's Church in Rushbury near Church Stretton yesterday for the funeral of Andrew Miller, who died on February 16, aged 65, following a battle with cancer.

Mr Miller, who was educated at Shrewsbury School, was one of Britain's most influential concert promoters and also raised millions of pounds for charity.

He helped create the Brit School, which launched the careers of Adele, Amy Winehouse and Katie Melua.

During the service his close friend and colleague of 40 years Noel d'Abo described Mr Miller as a man of 'honour and deep integrity'.

He said: "What a man, what a life. He did not just make an enormous contribution to music but he also had a delightful character. He made a huge mark on all of us."

Mr d'Abo said the promoter's career had taken him all over the world but he never forgot his roots.

He added: "Wherever he went he charmed everyone with his warmth and kindness. He had the manners of an English country gentleman, which he learned in Shropshire."

He promoted concerts by Sir Paul McCartney, Sir Elton John and Pink Floyd. In 1972 he helped launch the Hardrock disco in Manchester and the first act he booked was David Bowie. One of the biggest achievements was the Knebworth 90 concert, which helped fund the Brit School, and also boosted music therapy charity Nordoff Robbins.

He is survived by his wife, Anna, and daughters Faye and Emily.

See also:

• Shrewsbury rock concert promoter, 65, loses battle with cancer