Who Is Gary Richards (music executive)? Age, Biography and Wiki
Gary Richards, born on December 31, 1970, is a renowned music executive known for his significant contributions to the music industry. As of 2025, he is 54 years old. With a career spanning over two decades, Richards has played a pivotal role in shaping the careers of numerous artists and transforming the landscape of music production and distribution. His profound understanding of music trends and ability to connect with audiences have made him a vital figure in the industry.
| Occupation | Executives |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | December 31, 1970 |
| Age | 54 Years |
| Birth Place | Washington, D.C., United States |
| Horoscope | Capricorn |
| Country |
Popularity
Gary Richards (music executive)'s Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
While specific measurements can often vary, Gary Richards is approximately 6 feet tall and weighs around 180 pounds. His physique represents his active lifestyle, which is often enhanced by the demands of his career in music.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Gary Richards is known to maintain a private personal life. As of 2025, there is speculation regarding his relationship status, but he has not publicly confirmed any dating or romantic partnerships. It is known that he values family, often sharing insights about his supportive upbringing and its influence on his career choices.
Richards grew up in Washington, D.C. He received significant exposure to the music industry as a child as his father, Barry "Reazar" Richards worked on the radio and in concert promotion. He began to attend concerts with his father around the age of 10. The artists he saw live include Led Zeppelin and Alice Cooper.
His family moved to New Orleans, Louisiana, and then to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, where he worked as an on-air radio personality. The family then moved to Los Angeles, California, where he started performing as a DJ.
Net Worth and Salary
As of 2025, Gary Richards' estimated net worth is around $10 million. His impressive income stems from his successful career in music management, producing, and various business ventures. With numerous lucrative deals and investments in the music and entertainment industry, Richards continues to solidify his status as a financially successful executive.
Career, Business and Investments
Gary Richards’ career began in the late 1990s and has steadily progressed, earning him recognition as a heavyweight in the music scene. He has worked with numerous artists and has been influential in various successful projects. In addition to his work in music, Richards is involved in several business ventures, ranging from music festivals to partnerships with emerging artists. His keen business acumen has allowed him to make smart investments, further solidifying his reputation.
Entranced by the early 1990s warehouse scene, Richards hosted a weekly event of his own called "The Sermon" and helped bring attention to many L.A. nightlife hotspots including the Standard Hotel – Downtown.
He organized his first major music event titled "Magical Mickey's Holy Water Adventure" at Wild Rivers (water park) in Irvine, California in 1991. For the next two years, Richards produced monthly events including the first two "Electric Daisy Carnivals" in 1991 and 1992.
In 1997, Richards allowed promoter Pasquale Rotella to use the "Electric Daisy Carnival" name for a series of music festivals he was producing. The festival, commonly referred to as the "EDC" is one of the most popular electronic music festivals in the USA.
He followed "Electric Daisy Carnival" with presenting "RaveAmerica" at Knott's Berry Farm in Buena Park, CA on New Year's Eve, 1993.
Gaining reputation in the music industry Richards was chosen by Rick Rubin to handle A&R duties for the Electronic music division at Def American Recordings, where he signed and developed Lords of Acid, XL Recordings, Messiah, Digital Orgasm, Harthouse Records and God Lives Underwater.
Before establishing his own record labels Nitrus Records and 1500 Records which released music from Kill The Noise, Whitey, David Holmes, Überzone, Dub Pistols, Ugly Duckling, Depeche Mode tribute album For the Masses, and the original motion picture soundtrack for 15 Minutes.
Social Network
Gary Richards actively engages with fans and followers through various social media platforms including Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn. He uses these platforms to share insights into his projects, industry trends, and his life as a music executive. His robust online presence has allowed him to build a dedicated following and maintain connections within the industry.
Gary Richards (born December 31, 1970), known by his stage name Destructo, is an American music executive, concert promoter, and DJ. As of September 1, 2017, he is the President of LiveStyle, North America.
Prior to joining LiveStyle, he was the founder and CEO of HARD Events, a brand which has put on popular music festivals since 2007 and was subsequently purchased by Live Nation Entertainment in 2012. He has performed professionally as a DJ under the name Destructo for over 20 years, touring across the world.
He is credited with being a leader in the electronic music genre in North America, helping to bring artists like Deadmau5 and Justice into the mainstream.
Richards is included on Rolling Stone's "50 Most Important People in EDM" list, Billboard's "EDM Power Players" lists from 2014–2017, and inthemix's list of the "50 Most Powerful People in EDM". As Destructo, he has released four EP's titled Technology, Higher, West Coast, and RENEGADE respectively.
Education
Richards pursued a degree in Music Business from a prestigious university, which laid the foundation for his career in the music industry. His education provided him with essential knowledge about the inner workings of the music business, ensuring he was well-equipped to navigate the competitive landscape and make impactful decisions.
In conclusion, Gary Richards is not just a prominent figure in music executive circles but also a source of inspiration for many aspiring music professionals. With his business savvy and continued influence in the industry, he is surely a name to watch in the coming years.
