Mark Lundquist

Managing Director

Mark was born in Malaya on 27 July 1954 and is of Swedish and Australian descent. At 13 years old, he started playing guitar in bands with classmates, forming “Dragonfly”, who supported progressive rock band “Caravan”, at Kimbells Ballroom in Southsea (previously Ricky Farr’s venue).

Career as a Musician

Mark founded the progressive rock band “Fernhill” at the age of 17 as singer, guitarist and songwriter. Fernhill consisted of Mark Lundquist, Terry Holland, Gary Twigg, Clive Restall, Bob Hardy and Trevor Hockley. The band performed at The Marquee and London Lyceum on their 1971 tour supporting Liverpool band “Strife”.

In 1974, Mark joined forces with his brother, Paul (vocalist), to form a covers band, “Truth.” They toured exclusively in the UK and throughout the EU; performing at venues such as The Top Ten Club, Hamburg, and an entire year’s residency performing at The Three Virgins and Hard Rock Café in Copenhagen.

Mark Lundquist is a pivotal figure in preserving the legacy of British soul music, particularly through his enduring association with Cliff Bennett and the Rebel Rousers. As a long-time manager, guitarist, and close friend of Cliff Bennett, Lundquist played a crucial role in the band’s revival and continued success after Bennett’s retirement from performing in 2022. Under Lundquist’s guidance, the Rebel Rousers re-emerged with a fresh lineup of seasoned musicians, including original members and new talent, to keep the spirit of British R&B alive. Beyond his musical contributions, Lundquist co-authored the official biography of Cliff Bennett, titled Cliff Bennett & The Rebel Rousers: Pioneers of the British Music Industry, alongside Gemma Barnes.

This work, based on interviews conducted between 2020 and 2022, offers a vivid account of Bennett’s journey from post-war Britain to the heights of 1960s fame, performing alongside legends like The Beatles and Gene Vincent. The biography not only chronicles the band’s rise and influence—being the first London group signed by Brian Epstein and later Motown—but also reflects Lundquist’s deep respect for the era’s musical innovation. His efforts have helped cement the Rebel Rousers’ place in British music history, ensuring that their soul-infused sound and rebellious energy continue to resonate with new audiences. Through performance, storytelling, and stewardship, Mark Lundquist stands as a guardian of a golden age in British rock and soul.

Formation of MLM Concerts Ltd

Mark Lundquist Management (MLM Concerts Ltd) was formed in 1988 and in this new direction, Mark took on the role of agent for The Commitments (who toured the whole of the UK and Europe), and Procol Harum (who toured the UK, Russia and Poland, including playing at The Kremlin Moscow, St Petersburg and Warsaw Concert Hall, amongst other major venues) as well as promoting and booking tours for other major recording artistes.

During his early period as an Agent Mark worked in conjunction with HAT Promotions in Paddington Road, London and had a successful association with Isle of Wight Promoter, Peter Brennan. Together they arranged many shows at The Ryde Theatre and The Ryde Arena, reinstating these venues as key touring sites by booking Artistes such as Joe Brown, Marty Wild, ELO2, Roy Wood, Paul Young, amongst many others.

Recognition throughout the Industry

In 2003, BPI awarded Mark a gold disc for his promotion and artiste’s sales in the UK of more than 100,000 copies for the Warner Brothers compilation CD.

Mark provided Artists for several shows for the War Veterans, “The Not Forgotten Association”. In recognition of this, he was invited to three garden events at Buckingham Palace.

In 2006 and 2007 Mark booked the world-famous Gipsy Kings into the Kew Garden and Henley Festival, where they played to a 5000-capacity crowd. In 2008 he booked The Cavern Beatles into Pamplona’s Plaza Del Castillo for their ‘running of the bulls’, where they played a breath-taking sell-out performance to 15,000 people. He also supplied many festivals across the UK and Europe with major international recording Artists as Headline and support acts. Over the period of ten years, he also supplied Artistes for the Harley Davidson Euros Festivals.

As Councilor for the IEAM Mark was on the Committee of the VLEC attending meetings and events.

In 2012 Mark joined forces with London’s famous Dean St Studios, working to expand the Dean Street Live Agency section of the studio.

In 2017 The Shantics, under MLM Concerts Ltd, were signed by Goldun Egg records with Jake Gosling, who also produced Ed Sheeran and One Direction. Mark also attended the VAF Equity 50^th anniversary celebrations at the London Palladium (watch Mark being interviewed on You Tube).

In June 2018 MLM Concerts Ltd were proud to present T.Rextasy, the world’s only T Rex tribute to be officially endorsed by the Bolan family (and here), at the Isle of Wight Festival They played on the opening night of the festival and went down extremely well with the (approximately) 10,000 strong crowd.

To date MLM Concerts Ltd continues to book around 300 shows per year in theatres, festivals and corporate events with shows reaping success after success.

MLM Concerts LTD continues to thrive trading worldwide, promoting major UK, European and Worldwide tours for theatre shows such as “Hello Again… Neil Diamond”, “The Simon & Garfunkel Story”, “The Cavern Beatles” and original artistes including “Toploader”, “Cliff Bennett & The Rebel Rousers”, “Kenney Jones” and “Cregan & Co” as well as many more.

Nicole Barden

Co-Director and Head of Sales

As Co-director of MLM concerts, Nikki has been with the company for 10 years, originally selling stocks and shares in The City. Nikki has a unique relationship with all venue programmers creating our artistes’ tours and ensuring we hold the lion’s share of the market. Alongside Mark, she is at the forefront of the company and loves the entertainment industry.

Gemma Lawson

Sales, Marketing and Operations Manager

Contributing a wealth of experience from a background in HR, project management, education and administration, Gemma joined MLM Concerts Ltd in October 2018 in sales and marketing.

Gemma holds a varied role in the team, working on festival sales, design and database maintenance of industry contacts, artist bookings and marketing for various shows and events.