Patrons

Carl Leighton-Pope started his career in 1964 aged 18 working at the Marquee Club in Soho, London with the likes of Rod Stewart, The Who, Eric Clapton. Those days as a Mod riding a scooter and shopping in Carnaby Street signalled the start of a long career in the music business lasting over 55 years.

1972, Carl opened a recording studio in South Wales and managed Sassafras, a band on Chrysalis Records releasing 3 albums and touring Europe and the USA.1976, his move back to London kick started his agency career. 

Early signings included Patti Smith, The Motors, and a number of major bands from America: Styx, Journey and Huey Lewis. By 1978, Dire Straits, Simple Minds, UFO, and Wishbone Ash were added to his list of clients. Carl became one of the top agents in Europe. In the 1980s he found Bryan Adams, Climax Blues Band, and Matt Bianco, and were all added to the roster. He also signed Van Morrison and Bonnie Tyler. In the ‘90s he found and produced The Chippendales and toured them extensively in the UK and Europe. With the turn of the century, Michael Bublé, Billy Ocean, Jeff Healey, Keith Urban, and Chris Rea had also been added to Carl’s growing client base. WWE wrestling and Harlem Globetrotters soon joined the ranks. Bryan Adams, Michael Bublé, and Billy Ocean are still clients today. 

Theatre has also been an important part of Carl’s story, writing and producing Carnaby Street the musical, and a new play “LOVE” set for the West End at the end of 2023. Charity work has always been a focus in Carl’s life raising funds for Tickets for Troops and Nordoff Robbins. He works closely with his daughter, and his three sons, who are also in the music business. A keen golfer and sports fan, Carl’s life is still as busy as ever.

Warrant Officer Class 1 Hughes GC, who is currently serving with 29 EOD & Search Group as the Group Senior Ammunition Technician was awarded the George Cross in 2010 in recognition of his bravery whilst on tour in Afghanistan.

During his deployment he personally disarmed 120 Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) and put his own life at risk by foregoing protective clothing and manually defusing bombs to save the lives of his comrades.

His gallantry citation for the George Cross was described by the Ministry of Defence as, "the single most outstanding act of explosive ordnance disposal ever recorded in Afghanistan.” Since he was awarded the George Cross in 2010, Hughes has returned to Afghanistan twice.

"When I was asked to become a Patron of Tickets For Troops I didn’t have to think twice. This is a charity who look after the service men and women who continue to put their lives on the line, are drawn onto duty at a moment’s notice and who spend long hard weeks and months away from their families and friends.

“Having served for 18 years in the Army and spent many months moving around the UK and away on tour, I along with many members of the Armed Forces are grateful for the kind generosity of the donors across the UK, giving us the opportunity to attend events free of charge. Therefore I would like to take this opportunity to thank all those involved for supporting the Armed Forces.”

Samantha is wife of the former Prime Minister, David Cameron.

"Tickets For Troops has been a massive success in terms of recognising the work and courage of our troops but it has also rewarded those families whose support and love is crucial in the frontline. I am delighted and privileged to support such an excellent cause."

Lineker is a retired English International Football Striker, and is now a sports broadcaster for the BBC and Eredivisie live. He remains England's top World Cup scorer with 10 goals. He began his career at Leicester City and became known as a prolific goal scorer. He made his England debut in 1984 and over the following 8 years he scored a remarkable 48 goals- England's all time second highest goal scorer ever. 

"This is a terrific idea and it's important that we show respect for what the soldiers are doing out there and the sacrifice they have made"

Freddie Flintoff is a cricketer for England. Since his debut in 1998, Flintoff has become an integral player and has both captained and vice-captained the team. Flintoff, according to the ICC rankings, was consistently rated amongst the top international allrounders in both ODI and Test cricket. Flintoff holds the record for the most sixes scored for England, beating Ian Botham's record of 67. 

"I know exactly what the troops are going through from my recent experiences of travelling to Afghanistan to meet them. I was extremely moved by the whole experience and met some incredible people while I was out there. The Tickets for Troops scheme will hopefully help them and make them realize how grateful we are for their efforts."