HITS presents a brand-new feature on the agents who work behind the scenes to help get your favorite tours up and running. Do they want to deal with us? We're pretty sure that's a no. But ready or not, here comes...

John Marx: Partner/Music Agent, WME

For nearly 40 years, Marx has been a major player in WME's music department—apropos given that one of the first acts he signed was "Baby Come Back" classic-rock perennial Player, in 1977 while working at Headquarters Talent Agency. In 1987, he joined William Morris as head of Contemporary Music and has been integral to the agency’s success ever since.

Marx has helped guide the live careers of such major stars as Bobby Brown, Sheryl Crow, Peter Gabriel, Mariah Carey, The Weeknd, Bruno Mars, the Backstreet Boys, Slash and Olivia Rodrigo. Earlier this year, he and his team signed the reunited Linkin Park, which has a major tour looming.

And now, two questions:

How do you relax away from the job?

I ride my motorcycles, play tennis, scuba and hike. Whenever I get the chance, I ride horses. That is so centering to me.

What was the first concert you ever saw?

The first concert was Buffalo Springfield at the Indio Date Fair. Next was the Steve Miller Band at the Shrine Auditorium, complete with a light show. That was followed by The Doors at the Carousel Theater in West Covina on 1/19/68. It was a 3,000-seat venue with a revolving stage.