Paul Dainty Appointed AO at Government House Ceremony

Paul Dainty can now add AO to his business card.

The legendary concert promoter was appointed Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) on Wednesday (Sept. 13) during a ceremony at Government House in his hometown, Melbourne.

Dainty’s AO is recognition of a remarkable career in live entertainment, and for his “distinguished service to the community” on the 2020 Fire Fight all-star benefit concert in Sydney, which raised more than $10 million for bushfire relief efforts.

The AO typically recognises people whose actions “have made a significant impact in our society.” Dainty, who was born in the U.K, is one of just 140 people bestowed the honour each year.

“It’s nice recognition,” Dainty told The Music Network ahead of the function. He capped the occasion with a dinner celebration with close friends. “It’s just nice to mark it with someone special.”

Since establishing the Dainty Group/Dainty Corporation in the early 1970s, the impresario has shifted more than 50 million tickets and established his name among the world’s leading concerts brands.

Dainty has produced tours for many of the heavyweights in rock and pop.

After emigrating to Australia, he enjoyed early success with Australian tours for the Bee Gees, Diana Ross, Cat Stevens and the Jackson Five, and, in 1973, the Rolling Stones.

It was Dainty who toured ABBA in 1977, at the peak of their powers.

Others to tour under the Dainty brand include Paul McCartney, U2, Guns ‘N’ Roses, Eminem, David Bowie, George Michael, Prince and Britney Spears.

His company’s theatre division has produced such shows as “Mamma Mia,” “Jersey Boys” and “Singing in the Rain.”

Today, he’s president and CEO of TEG Dainty, which, since 2016, has been a part of the TEG Group of Companies.

The following year, he was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in the Queen’s Birthday Honours.

In the past decade, Dainty has extended his reach into international markets, including tours for Eminem and Lionel Richie in South Africa and South East Asia, and pan-Asian dates for Michael Buble.

Forthcoming tours on the Dainty ticket include Ms. Lauryn Hill, Il Divo, and Nick Mason’s Saucerful of Secrets.