Dr Pete Waterman OBE is an original working class hero. Born in Coventry in 1947 from humble beginnings, he has travelled the world and worked with an impressive who’s who of 20th century figures, helping shape and influence a range of industries and institutions during his remarkable career.
Author, DJ, and television presenter, Pete is undoubtedly one of the most influential and prolific music moguls of a generation, being the man behind more than 100 Top 40 UK hits. Worldwide, Pete has achieved sales of more than 500 million units and has worked with many talented artists across the music spectrum including Kylie Minogue, Donna Summer, Rick Astley, Paul McCartney, John Travolta, The Specials, Cliff Richard, Bananarama and Steps. Recognised by industry colleagues, he has won dozens of awards, including multiple Ivor Novellos and being named the Music Industry’s ‘Man of the Year’.
Perhaps best known as one third of the hugely successful music production and song-writing partnership, Stock Aitken Waterman and for his world-famous PWL organisation, Pete is also recognised for his many TV roles. These include presenting The Hitman & Her, being a judge on Pop Idol and Popstars: The Rivals and his appearances on comedian Peter Kay’s spoof talent show Britain’s Got The Pop Factor… Most recently, Pete has been seen on More4’s Little Trains & Big Names With Pete Waterman and he has helped mastermind the successful launch of I Should Be So Lucky – the brand new Stock Aitken Waterman stage musical.
Alongside music, railways – both full-sized and miniature scale – are another of Pete’s life-long passions and he is president of the Railway Benefit Fund. After receiving Honorary Doctorates from Coventry University and the University of Liverpool, Pete was awarded an OBE in 2005 for services to the music industry.