Paladin Artists announced on Thursday that veteran agent Bruce Solar has joined the company, effective immediately. He’ll focus on expanding the company on a global scale. Solar will be based in Los Angeles and brings his roster of clients with him, including Blondie, Cake, Psychedelic Furs, The Zombies, Radical Face, Eels, Fantastic Negrito, The Monkees — as well as Jeff Bridges and Brian Wilson, both of whom he already shares with Paladin. Other artists will be announced in coming days.

Solar is no stranger to the Paladin team or the concert and touring industry.  He was previously partner and co-head of worldwide music at APA and has worked with Paladin co-founders Steve Martin and Andy Somers at both APA and The Agency Group, where he was vice president.

Solar’s music industry career began at the Harry Chickles Agency in Boston, booking numerous acts including John Lee Hooker and Willie Dixon. From there he went to Deleon Artists working with such talent as Etta James and Gil Scott-Heron. In the mid-90’s, he started Absolute Artists, where he oversaw operations for the successful boutique agency representing artists ranging from Sublime, Rickie Lee Jones and George Clinton. In 2001, Solar joined The Agency Group where he spent the next 14 years representing a diverse group of clients.

“Working with Bruce is always a pleasure,” says Martin. “His integrity and instincts are already well established. As a bonus, we can get poker tips and his extensive reviews of everything streaming.”

“It’s great to be reunited with Bruce,” says Somers. “We’ve accomplished a lot in our many previous years working together and I have every confidence that Bruce joining Paladin will create amazing new opportunities for our company.

“I couldn’t be happier to be joining my friends and former colleagues at Paladin,” says Solar. “I’ve known and worked with Steve and Andy for over 2 decades and I’m excited to help them continue to expand their roster and execute the vision of their already growing company.”