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VIPNEWS PREMIUM > VOLUME 187 > FEBRUARY 2016
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VIPNEWS > FEBRUARY 2016
McGowan’s Musings
Sad to say the News again leads off with
more bad news. We have had to report a lot
of deaths of late, and this edition continues
this highly unwelcome trend. As you will
see from the report below we attended
the second edition of Where’s the Music in
Norrköping in Sweden, on the Saturday we
heard the terrible news about the accident
in which the car carrying all four members
and the manager of the UK band Viola
Beach who had played at the Festival went
off the road at a canal bridge causing the
deaths of all five people. This was obviously
a huge shock to everyone. All at VIP send
our heartfelt commiserations to the family
and friends of all of these young men.
There was a positive follow up to another
recent tragedy when the US band Eagles
of Death Metal played a concert in Paris
at The Olympia on February 16th - three
months after Islamic extremists massacred
89 of their fans at the Bataclan theatre.
Band leader Jesse Hughes, told the
cheering crowd he wanted to finish the
gig they’d started in November after
receiving “overwhelming” support. The
show included 89 seconds of silence in
memory of the victims. Bataclan survivor
Mathias Von Euw, from Paris, told the BBC:
“Now it’s like we finish the story. It’s like
we just close the file and say ‘live’ - we can
continue again. We are free now after the
concert.” Lets hope that he’s right; it’s time
for some optimism!
So, moving on, let’s try and dig out
something to make us a smile from the
goings on in our world of live entertainment.
I did have to grin when I heard that after
the announcement that Coldplay would
headline this year’s Glastonbury, a petition
had been raised to try and stop such a
thing happening! Strange that such a
successful band arouses such negative
responses from so many people – maybe
they object to the colour yellow! Ah yes,
while we’re on the subject of festivals,
this is a good one, apparently Tom Jones
fans are furious about not being allowed
to take picnics to sustain them during the
great man’s performance at Tatton Park in
Cheshire! Shock horror! You can’t say we
don’t cover the gamut of human emotion
in the Musings…
But you can always count on a metal band
to put things into proportion by taking us
back to the grand excess that was once
part of what made rock and roll….. well,
rock and roll! Iron Maiden, for it is they,
have got themselves a new plane, and not
just some inconsequential private jet – it’s
a bloody great Boeing 747 jumbo jet! The
fully branded and brand new ‘Ed Force One’
will be flown by the rather remarkable (and
I mean that quite seriously) Iron Maiden
front man, Bruce Dickinson. He said, “The
greatest benefit of travelling in a 747 is
that because of its colossal size and freight
capacity we can carry our stage production
and all our stage equipment and desks in
the cargo hold without having to make any
of the immense structural modifications
needed to do this on the previous 757”. So
– that’s all right then, and you’ll all be glad
to know it’s on a lease deal.
Right, in a couple of weeks we’ll all be at
the 28th edition of the ILMC, where we’ll
get a perspective on where the business is
headed, and also have a bloody good time!
We all deserve it – we’ll keep you informed.
In the meantime Ladies and Gentlemen –
The News!
COLOPHON >
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VIPNEWS > FEBRUARY 2016
Live Nation has acquired a controlling
interest in Big Concerts, the leading concert
promoter in South Africa.
Big Concerts will continue to be led by Attie
van Wyk as Chairman and Justin van Wyk as
Chief Executive Officer.
Michael Rapino, Live Nation Entertainment
president and CEO, said: “Our mission at
Live Nation is to connect fans with the artists
they love in every corner of the globe. Our
entry into the South African market through
the acquisition of Big Concerts expands Live
Nation`s global footprint to 38 countries and
brings live entertainment at scale to a new
continent”
Alan Ridgeway, Live Nation president of
international & emerging markets, said:
“Since South Africa hosted the FIFA World
Cup in 2010, there has been a noticeable
increase in the number of artists visiting the
country with many acts now playing three
or four cities. We look forward to working
with Attie and Justin to further develop
the South African market, as well as the
broader African market as demand for live
entertainment grows across the continent.”
Attie van Wyk, Chairman of Big Concerts,
said: “We are extremely proud and excited
to be joining the Live Nation team. Over
the past 5 years the growth in the South
African live entertainment industry has
been exceptional, driven by investment in
local infrastructure and strong consumer
demand, all of which will continue to enable
us to bring global superstars to the African
continent in the future.”
Justin van Wyk, Chief Executive of Big
Concerts added: “With world class stadiums
and new arenas in the pipeline, South Africa
is the most advanced economy in Africa
and offers significant growth opportunities
for the global live entertainment industry.
We look forward to expanding the African
live touring circuit and its attractiveness for
global tours”.
Upcoming tours for 2016 include Roxette,
Rodriguez, Lionel Richie, Chris de Burgh,
Josh Groban, Mariah Carey, Iron Maiden and
George Benson. More information on these
tours can be found at:
www.bigconcerts.co.za
The Pudel Club in Hamburg burned down on the evening of February
14th when there were people still in the venue.
Even though the 200 persons capacity was very limited, it was a
nationally well known concert location. In recent years there had
been a dispute among the owners of the venue, leading to the
building being put up for auction, with a date set for April 20.
The latest news however indicated that the venue was to be re-
opened in one or two months.
The Pudel was opened in 1988 and since then became the un-official
headquarter for the alternative movement in Hamburg.
On Friday, February 19 a solidarity march with 2.500 supporters took
place, underlining the popularity of the cl Hamburg club.
Official investigations soon after revealed that the fire was deliberate,
but until today no news was given by the police authorities about
who was suspected of starting the blaze.
Live Nation acquires Big Concerts From VIP-Daily News
Pudel Club Burned DownManfred Tari [email protected]
Pudel Club Fire
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VIPNEWS > FEBRUARY 2016
The film rights of the autobiography of
Bill Graham “ My Life Inside Rock and
Out” has been purchased by 20th Century
Fox. Graham, a son of Jewish Russians,
is alongside the German Fritz Rau one of
the most prominent concert promoters,
having paved the way for the live music
business in the Sixties. After he was born
in Berlin in 1931, his father died two
days after was born. Later on his mother
took him to an orphans home after the
atrocities of the coordinated attacks on
Jews known as ‘Kristallnacht’, or the “The
Night of Broken Glass” on November
9, 1938. In an exchange for Christian
orphans arranged with a French orphans
home, he was able to flee Europe when
the German army occupied Paris in 1941.
He then arrived in New York where he
finished High School and College education.
Later on in 1965 he put on a charity event
for a San Francisco based mime troupe, for
which he worked as business manager. This
event apparently was the initial show that
led to Graham becoming one of the biggest
concert promoters in the US. Over the years
He worked with all the prominent artists of
the times and unfortunately died in 1991 in
a helicopter crash, when flying back from a
concert he promoted.
Graham was also known for his extensive
charity efforts and events, among others
for AIDS research, the Haight Ashbury Free
Medical Clinic or Amnesty International
or LiveAid. His autobiography is a very
worthwhile read for almost everybody
working within the live music community.
The film will be directed by Shawn Levy
and David Graham, with Alex Graham and
Robert Greenfield as executive producers.
Now that the Tempelhof Airport in Berlin is used as a location to
accommodate refugees, the organizers of Lolapalozza have been
forced to find a new site in the German capital. After last year’s premier
edition at the former airport with 40.000 visitors, the promoter has
now found a new site for the event in the Treptower Park.
But since the move became public Berlin citizens have launched
an online petition against the festival being held in the park. One
of the the protestors is also the owner of the location Die Insel; he
ventured his fears in the local newspaper Berliner Morgenpost, that
drunken and peeing festival goers would cause him financial losses.
The petition is signed by 2.700 people. Lollapalooza takes place on
September 10&11 and has announced Radiohead, Kings Of Leon,
Major Lazer and Paul Kalkbrenner as first acts.
Bio-Pic Of Bill GrahamManfred Tari [email protected]
Lollapalooza Berlin Moves On ToA New Site And Faces ProtestsManfred Tari [email protected]
Lollapalooza Berlin 2016 will take place at Treptower Park
Bill Graham died in 1991
SATURDAYMAY 7, 2016 SHERATON CENTRE
TORONTO HOTEL
REGISTER NOWO N E - D A Y C O N F E R E N C E
Global city planners & the music industry take part in music canada’s and cmW’s international creative-economy summit
Global city planners and the music industry take part in Music Canada’s and Canadian Music Week’s international creative-economy summit “The Mastering Of A Music City.”
The day-long summit takes place during Canadian Music Week on Saturday, May 7, 2016 at the Sheraton Center, Toronto. Individual tickets are available or you can gain access with the CMW VIP pass.
The “Music City” is a true 21st Century paradigm – a shared realization that cities across the globe enjoy an often-huge economic dividend from the creation, performance and reception of music.
Whether it’s Austin, Texas, where music tourism represents half the city’s economic output from music, or Melbourne, Australia, where live music accounts for 116,000 jobs, or Toronto, where the Canadian recording industry has a $400 million impact, that song you hear is sung by robust civic economies worldwide.
2016 keynote speakers
2016 speakers
“The Mastering Of A Music City” Conference – a joint event by Music Canada, the international recording industry group IFPI, Music Cities Convention and Canadian Music Week – will explore in-depth the relationship between creative city planning, quality-of-life and the music industry.
a Fantastic opportunity to enGaGe With cities From around the World
Frances mooreIFPI, London, UK
tim arnoldLondon, UK
david GriceAdeLAIde, AUstrALIA
bryce merrilldenver, CA, UsA
amy terrilltoronto, on
kate beckerseAttLe, WA, UsA
Graham hendersontoronto, on
don pittsAUstIn, tX, UsA
vanessa toulminsheFFIeLd, UK
paul broadhurstLondon, UK
Joey hendricksonCoLUmbUs, oh, UsA
ben raynertoronto, on
ohn WardleULtImo, AUstrALIA
mark davydLondon, UK
kWende keFentseottAWA, on
shain shapiroLondon, UK
alison WenhamLondon, UK
Jo dippleLondon, UK
omar lozanoAUstIn, tX, UsA
ian sWaintoronto, on
catlin WhitinGtonAUstIn, tX, UsA
neill dixontoronto, on
Jesper mardahlAArhUs, denmArK
Fruzsina szepberLIn, GermAny
timotheus WiesmannhAmbUrG, GermAny
mark Garnertoronto, on
kevin mcmanusLIverPooL, UK
mike tannertoronto, on
Jonathan WynnAmherst, mA, UsA
christopher thornberGbeACon eConomICs, UsA
lesa ukmanIeG, ChICAGo
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Unfortunately, though kindly invited, I
couldn’t make this second edition of this
growing event in the city of Ljubljana in
Slovenia, which has been described as, “A
small festival with great musicians in an
idyllic city with a view of the mountains”
The event took place at eight venues between
February 3rd and 5th February. Over three
days, 2.900 people attended the festival,
while the conference hosted 320 domestic
and foreign delegates. – music professionals
and enthusiasts from various backgrounds.
Hopefully we’ll make it next year!
The VIP team travels took us to the very
attractive city of Norrköping in South-East
Sweden for the second edition of “Where’s
the Music’ which took place from February
11-13. The Conference and City Festival
event is organized by the Stockholm office
of FKP Scorpio, whose stated aim and focus
for the festival was to, “…create a space for
new bands to showcase themselves for both
the public and the music industry.”
This edition attracted 4702 festival visitors
to see 120 acts across ten venues, with all
the shows on the Thursday night selling out.
The organisers stated, “We believe firmly in
the bands that played at all festival venues,
and it is great to see that the audience has
found the festival’s core. This year, festival
audiences really explored all the bands on
ten stages located across the city with no
more than a ten minute walk from each
venue..”
471 international delegates attended 17
panels, workshops and speeches in the Louis
De Geer Concert & Congress Hall. Amongst
the featured speakers were, award winning
US music supervisor Mary Ramos, Diana
Rodriguez of Criteria Entertainment, the
first woman to lead a Latin label in the US,
and music industry veteran Carl Leighton-
Pope, agent for acts such as Michael
Buble and Brian Adams. The well attended
panels covered, synchronization, streaming,
touring in the Nordics, ticketing and other
topics.
Project Manager Jonas Fläckerud told VIP
News, “We took a really big step of setting
up a February, winter conference event
and showcase festival in Sweden, and so
we are very happy to have delegates from
both Colombia and Mumbai present! All
the panels were extremely professional and
we are really on our way towards being
Conference Round UpAllan McGowan [email protected]
Where’s the Music 2nd EditionAllan McGowan [email protected]
MENT Ljubljana festival
We’re well into Conference and Festival - or City Festivals as I prefer to think of them – time, (though actually it’s getting harder to have a non conference time!) so here’s some info on one we couldn’t make, one we’ve recently attended and previews of a couple of other important upcoming events:
MENT Ljubljana festival
VIPNEWS > INDEPTH STORY > FEBRUARY 2016
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an important platform in the future of
the music business both in the region and
internationally.
It has truly been a weekend dedicated to new
music, new knowledge and new friendship.
I’d love to do a sequel next weekend. But
as we all know ”time is the new luxury”
and we all got family and relatives that also
needs us and even more places to visit. So
thanks to everyone for coming, let’s do this
again in 2017!”Panel at WTM
Where’s the music
FESTIVAL LINEUPAdrian Lux, Agent Blå, Albin Lee Meldau, Ali Khamis, Ana Diaz, Anti Pony, Apollo 5, Avec Sans (UK), Baby In Vain (DK), Black Temple,
Blaue Blume (DK), Billie the Vision & the Dancer, CHANCVN, Charlie Cunningham (UK), Chinah, Chain Wallet (NO), Cilia, Dajana,
Death Team, Den Svenska Björnstammen, Djurparken, Drivvedsfolket, Emil Berg, Emil Jensen, Emilie Ramirez (DK), En Drös Poeter,
Erik Lundin, Erik Rapp, Girls Names (UK), Gnučči, Grand Theft Culture, Great Garb, Grimner, Hanna Leess (US), Ida Long, Ikhana,
Imperial State Electric, Iron Lamb, Jakob Karlberg, Jordan Klassen (CAN), Julia Adams, Karakou, Katohjärta, Khoe, Kriget, Lindi
Ortega, Little Jinder, Livet på faktura, Lost Society (FIN), Luntgatan Girls, Maasai, Maj Monet, Mares, Markus Hägg, Maria Andersson,
Maria Hazell, Martin Rubashov, Mass Murder Agenda, Matriarkatet, Mavrick, Maxida Märak, Mayka, Melina Borglowe, Michel Dida,
Miriam Bryant, Model Aeroplanes (UK), Mwuana, Nadja Evelina, Natali Felicia, Nicole Sabouné, Nightbird (FI), Night Lovell (CAN),
Norde, Nüme, Okay Kaya (NO), Oskar Syk, Pale Honey, Panda Da Panda, Parham, Parker Lewis, Parker Lewis, Postaal (FR/UK),
Psykofant, Riwen, Sabina Ddumba, Sa’ra Charismata, Sebjak, Skander, Slaughter Beach (DK), Sigala (UK), S!VAS (DK), Sudakistan,
Syster Björk, Teen Daze (CAN), Tensta Gospel Choir, Tellavision (GER), The Magnettes, Titiyo, The Unguided, This Is Head, Traktor,
Tussilago, Unge Ferrari (NO) Venior (FI), Very Addictive, Viagra Boys, Vidar, Vigiland, Viola Beach (UK), Vånna Inget
Of course one tragic event which many are now well aware of involving UK band, Viola Beach, who had played at
the Dynamo venue on the Friday night overshadowed this otherwise successful and happy event. The organisers and
all attending ‘Where’s the Music” were of course thoroughly shocked by the dreadful news, and all thoughts and
commiserations went out to the devastated families and friends. No doubt future events will honour their memory.
VIPNEWS > INDEPTH STORY > FEBRUARY 2016
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As I said in the Musings, the VIP crew will
be at The Royal Garden Hotel in London
from March 4 -6 for this long standing
invitation only major gathering of the
live music industry (in fact that title was
introduced at and by the event)
More top names from the global concert
and festival businesses have signed up to
speak at this year’s edition. On Friday 4
March, Charles Attal (C3 Presents) and
Russell Warby (WME) join the Festival
Forum session; Pino Sagliocco (Live Nation
Spain) will sit in on The Dance Club:
The beat goes on?; and Anthony Addis
(Brontone) and Martin Vierrath (GEMA)
are added to Performance Royalties:
Shows, songs and settlements.
On Saturday 5 March, Steve Strange (X-ray
Touring), Salomon Hazot (Nous Productions)
and Michael Hapka (Mercedes-Benz Arena,
Berlin) join the Show Safety session, while
Geoff Meall (UTA), Scumeck Sabottka
(MCT Agentur) and Andrew Parsons
(Ticketmaster) line up for Ticketing:
The disruptors. Nancy Skipper (EAA)
and Martin Ingham (NAA) join The
Venue’s Venue, and Alex Bruford (ATC
Live), Herman Schueremans (Live Nation
Belgium), Paul Franklin (CAA) and Dan
Steinberg (Emporium Presents) participate
in Industry Relationships: Setting the
moral compass.
The full list of confirmed speakers for each
session can be found on ILMC.com.
Votes have also been pouring in for
the Oscars for the live music industry,
the Arthur Awards. All ILMC members
and IQ subscribers are eligible to vote for
their favourite agent, venue, promoter.
Voting closes on Friday 19 February at
18.00 GMT.
The conference always sells out in advance,
with 1,000 delegates in attendance;
other sessions already announced this
year include workshops with Google,
YouTube and Twitter and panels on
festivals, venues, ticketing, loyalty, show
safety and new technology.
Last month The Coral and Catfish and the
Bottlemen were announced as headliners
for the UK Festival Award-winning Liverpool
Sound City. A major new partnership with
electronic dance music promoters Freeze has
also been confirmed, with news of a brand
new format for its music industry conference.
Rebranded as Sound City+, the conference
will be purely artist and industry focused
and take place on the day preceding the
main festival – May 27 – in the iconic Rum
Warehouse at Liverpool’s Titanic Hotel.
Sound City+ promises a richer, condensed
platform. The content-heavy programme
will offer workshops, 1-2-1 meetings with
UK and international record labels, agents,
music supervisors and festivals from all
over the world, sign-posting sessions and
inspirational TED type talks through the
day.
Conference Director Jo Whitty said: ‘Our
major aim with Sound City+ is to create
a hectic, energised environment where
attendees can dash through an array of
rooms and meet some of the most amazing
people from all areas of the international
music business. This is definitely not aimed at
ILMC 28
Sound City Announces New Format for 2016
ILMC 28 ready to take off
VIPNEWS > INDEPTH STORY > FEBRUARY 2016
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Great Escape
Music CITIES Convention
The Great Escape will return to my home
town of Brighton in May, from the 19th to
the 21st. The Convention Programme will
again be presented by CMU Insights @ The
Great Escape. CMU will present four full-day
conference strands, including, ‘Transparency!
Data! Blockchain! Let’s make buzzwords
happen’, and ‘What if YouTube actually is the
future?
150 acts have already been announced for
the Festival element of the event and 100
more will be announced over the next couple
of days. We’ll cover this in more detail in the
next issue.
A Strong Music Industry Creates Vibrant and Sustainable Global Cities:
The third edition of Music Cities Convention, will be held at the
University of Brighton’s Sallis Benney Theatre on May 18th during
The Great Escape. This is the world’s largest and most extensive
conference to explore the relationship between city planning,
strategy, development, policy and the music industry. 2015 saw the
first and second sold out instalments of Music Cities Convention.
The first event in Brighton saw 120 attendees from 20 countries
and 50 cities, while the inaugural US edition exceeded this with
170 attendees from 60 cities, generating over $170,000 USD direct
economic impact. Following the success of previous events, the next
edition will see Music Cities Convention return to Brighton, in its
largest venue yet.
The University of Brighton is widely known for its work in culture,
sound arts and media and is pleased to be hosting Music Cities at its
city centre theatre this year. The conference will bring together leaders
in innovation, education and economic development, as well as policy
makers for regeneration, transport, education, entrepreneurship, arts,
city boards, cultural and tourism, for cities of all sizes.
The rationale behind this event is that, “When a city invests in music,
it makes it wealthier, healthier and more competitive.”
Jo WhittyConference Director Sound City
stalwarts. It is aimed at the new kids on the
block, those who want to shake things up
and change everything. Sound City is a place
to meet people, be inspired, have arguments
and do some great business.’
Sound City’s ‘In Conversation’ series is also
changing with a move to the festival site
during the live music side of the event from
May 28 – 29.
Sound City CEO Dave Pichilingi explained:
“The move is basically down to the
tremendous feedback and love we have had
for our In Conversation content. John Cale,
Thurston Moore, Edwyn Collins, Wayne
Coyne, Tracey Thorn, Andrew Loog Oldham,
Viv Albertine, Julian Cope, Mark E Smith and
many more have proved to be big hits at
conference over the last few years. The sheer
groundswell of music fans who go to the
festival and who said that they would love to
see them persuaded us to move it over to the
festival site so that everyone attending has
the chance to see and be inspired by them.
We’ve got some great names lined up to
announce over the next few weeks; it’s
going to be a really exciting new element for
Sound City.”
VIPNEWS > INDEPTH STORY > FEBRUARY 2016
THANKS FOR ATTENDING OUR 30TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION
Eurosonic Noorderslag is the key exchange and networking platform for European music, with a proven track record for helping to break new acts on the international live music scene. Selling out each year, the event attracts close to 4,000 professional delegates, including representatives of over 400 international festivals. Eurosonic Noorderslag presents showcases by more than 300 acts alongside a conference programme covering the latest developments in international music media, production and interactive industries.
Eurosonic Noorderslag has been responsible for kick-starting the careers of European acts like Ásgeir, Aurora, Bastille, Dotan, Ibeyi, James Blake, Jett Rebel, Hozier, Milky Chance, Royal Blood, Seinabo Sey and Vök.
Focus 2017Next years edition of Eurosonic Noorderslag will focus on music from Portugal.
Sais Nuno Saraiva from WHY Portugal: “Being focus country at Eurosonic Noorderslag 2017 is the best opportunity to bridge the gap between the new music made in Portugal and other new music markets, introducing the wealth of musical genres currently made in Portugal to a much wider audience.”
ARTIST SUBMISSION AND CONFERENCE REGISTRATION FROM MAY 1, 2016
Official numbers Eurosonic Noorderslag 2016Total number of visitors: 42,100 (sold out)Conference visitors: 4,124 (sold out)Nationalities: 40Acts: 345Number of venues Eurosonic: 42Number of venues Noorderslag: 11Media & journalists: 425EBU radio stations: 37International festivals: 424ETEP festivals: 95
11/12/13/14 JAN 2017GRONINGEN NL
ESNS: EU
ESNS: EU creative europe
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VIPNEWS > FEBRUARY 2016
The news these days is frightening. The
human catastrophe in Syria, the refugee
crisis, the ongoing increase of nationalistic
tendencies in Europe, Russia, Turkey and the
US, enriched with xenophobic, homophobic
and -what-so-ever-phobic-elements is a not
to be underestimated mixture that could
become a serious threat for the society we
are living in.
Whether if be anti-capitalistic, anti-European,
anti-governmental or even the ‘Anti’-world-
tour by Rihanna, ‘anti’ has somehow and
somewhere become part of pop-culture
these days. Of course ‘Anti’ always used to
be a driving force for pop-culture, but today’s
is different. It is simply more dangerous.
The rising social gap, backed by today’s media
environment reporting the consequences of
financial crisis and crimes by the financial
sector, about huge corporate companies
such as Amazon, Apple, Google or Ikea
that along with such as the Rolling Stones
or U2, highly effective and legally avoiding
paying taxes that normal tax payers are
obliged to. Then the very questionable
scandals, ranging from food-issues to the
Diesel-deception by VW seem just to be the
tip of the iceberg that destroys confidence
and cause disappointment in the trust
of politicians, public institutions and the
economic elite of our society.
Historically there were times when pop-
culture caused and stimulated a public mind
change. Protest songs and events, ranging
from “Give Peace A Chance” by John Lennon
and Yoko Ono, Free Nelson Mandela by Jerry
Dammers from The Specials, Live Aid, Farm
Aid, Band Aid or many other well intended
activities that caused public awareness and
stimulated politics.
Protest songs are even today prompting
awareness, the latest prominent example is
the live gig by Kendrick Lamar at the Grammy
Awards show, presenting a medley of his
songs “The Blacker the Berry” and “Alright.”
in favour for Black Live Matters-movement.
But today ‘hashtag-activism’ is more
common, more popular, simplified to
keywords expressing concerns or an
opinion. But taking the current news
flow into consideration this seems not
to be enough to impact on short sighted
politicians involved in military actions or in
favour of inhuman or inadequate policies
that currently gain more fans with populist
approaches even among those citizen that
even don’t know what a hash tag is.
We live in radical times and this affects the
live music sector. Still yet the terror attack
on the French concert venue was only an
exception, a brutal atrocity that hopefully
will never happen again. But terror is only
one aspect, also weather issues due to
climate change became a serious issue for
the live music sector as the recent years
heavy weather incidents proved, when
causing cancellations in the best case or
unfortunately deadly incidents such as at
Pukkelpop in Belgium in 2011.
But it is also quite likely that politics can
become a serious threat for the live music
business; just recently VIP News sent a
couple of questions to a promoter in Turkey,
asking how terrorism and the policies of the
present government is affecting the concert
business in this country.
Questions among others were:
The current government in Turkey is
considered as highly conservative and
driven by religion. What kind of difficulties
Europe Is not An Algorithm- Nor is the live music business...
A Comment piece byVIP News Journalist Manfred Tari…..
Manfred Tari [email protected]
Pukkelpop 2011
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VIPNEWS > FEBRUARY 2016
does this cause when putting on a show or
concert in Turkey?
During Eurosonic many promoters from
Eastern Europe complained that they have
to pay similar fees to promoters in Western
Europe. Bearing in mind that the economic
conditions in Eastern Europe still vary
significantly from those in Western Europe
that seems to be a very heavy burden.
Would you recommend that artists from the
Western hemisphere and their managers
and agents consider the social situation in
Eastern Europe more appropriately or does
the prevailing business mentality in the live
music sector make this nearly impossible?
Not surprisingly these questions will remain
unanswered. It is easy to imagine that
similar questions to promoters in countries
with populist governments in Poland or
Hungary will be remained unanswered
too. It is more than likely that the concerns
of those questioned will hold back their
opinion in public as those governments have
already proven that the new generation
of politicians in exalted position in these
countries rather appear to have a political
mindset akin to that of 100 years ago.
Apropos 100 years ago, in 1916 German
nationalistic politicians and the military
caused one of the biggest slaughters in
history in Verdun in France with more than
300.000 killed. Nationalism was and is one
of the biggest threats to mankind and its
widespread presence today, at a time when
scientists have recently proved the existence
of gravity waves in the universe confirming
the predictions of the scientist Albert
Einstein, seems hardly acceptable.
Nevertheless, the present still faces wars and
military activities, and again nationalistic
and hegemonic tendencies in politics and
economy. Just bear in mind, the live music
business will be one of the first sectors to
face the consequences of newly installed
border controls in Europe and elsewhere
and will suffer a backlash in its key business
segments, touring and festivals, after a long
lasting phase of development and prosperity
Even now the live music community is doing
less business in those parts of Europe hit
by the financial crisis, such as Greece and
Spain. Still agents are demanding fees for
international artists in weaker economic
regions in Eastern Europe that simply can’t
be generated by ticket sales, seemingly just
ignoring how and whereby these high fees
are paid.
Until now it is only a minority of artists that
have re-added protest songs to their set
lists. The same disregard goes for managers,
agents and promoters and the live music
periphery. However, it is unfortunately
already time again, to undertake and
strengthen the efforts to create awareness
against the radicalism, nationalism, injustice
and social drawbacks that are currently
causing such difficulties and miseries, in
order to keep the business running in the
future...
®
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contacts you need for the european Live music Industry?
WeLL you Can! www.vip-booking.com
Promoter Kilimanjaro Live has joined forces with Triple A Media and
Vlogger Events to launch Free Focus - a new digital and music talent
management firm.
The company’s board consists of Stuart Galbraith (pictured) and Mark
Walker (Kilimanjaro Live), Tom Burns and Dave Bullas (Vlogger Events)
and Andy Hipkiss and James Hancock (Triple A Media). They will
combine their respective strengths with the aim of “developing long-
term careers and growth for stars of a digital age”.
Mark Walker identified a gap in the market while promoting YouTube
stars Tyler Oakley, Lilly Singh, and Emma Blackery, having worked with
Burns and Bullas on Vlogger`s YouTube gathering Summer In The City.
Free Focus has announced its first signings as singer-songwriter and
4Music UK Music Video Chart presenter Bethan Leadley, and indie
beach-pop duo Box Of Light.
Kilimanjaro Live and Triple A Media have already worked with Leadley
to build her live musical career and say the move represents a natural
progression from that.
Recognising that branding and sponsorship make up a significant
portion of digital stars income, Free Focus aims to strategically
maximise revenue from those streams whilst introducing talent to
new areas where revenue and long-term careers can be built.
Olivier Nusse, Managing Director of Mercury Music Group and
Universal Classic & Jazz in the region, has been appointed CEO of
Universal Music France.
Nusse is succeeding Pascal Nègre – the man who has led Universal
Music France since 1998 – who is leaving the major immediately.
Nusse, who has worked at Universal in France for more than 20 years,
leads the iconic Mercury brand, which holds a market leading position
in the territory.
Lucian Grainge, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Universal
Music Group, said: “On behalf of everyone at UMG, I would like to
thank Pascal for his many significant achievements and commitment
to our company over many years of profound transformation in the
music industry. We wish him the very best for the future.”
He added: “We are very pleased to have an executive of Mr. Nusse’s
talents and stature take the lead for Universal Music France. Having
worked with Olivier over many years, I am impressed by his capabilities
and track record. He has demonstrated strong team leadership and an
ability to drive results.”
The news comes after months of global restructuring at UMG.
International office heads now report directly into Grainge in Santa
Monica, California for the first time – following the exit of Universal
Music International (UMGI) boss Max Hole in October last year.
Around 50 London-based UMGI positions have been affected by the
restructure, with the process starting late last year and still going on.
Some of these staff are staying on temporarily, some are relocating to
the US and some are leaving the company.
Kilimanjaro launches management firmFrom VIP-Daily News
New CEO at Universal France From VIP-Daily News
Olivier Nusse
Stuart Galbraith
13
NAMES & JOBSVIPNEWS > FEBRUARY 2016
15
MUSIC IN SHARES
MusicIn SharesManfred Tari [email protected]
CTS Eventim- Still A Plus
From all the Companies covered within this section it is only CTS
Eventim that, with an increase of 12.5 percent , is doing a little bit
better than one year ago.
Last reported share price on January 25 was 32.85, this time on
February 22 it is 31.74 Euro.
DEAG- Under Pressure
Business results and a highly volatile market environment for stocks,
brought the DEAG share down from 3.20 one month ago to just
2.80 Euro.
Live Nation- In Anticipation For Full Year Results?
Since last time the share price of Live Nation went from $22.12
to $20.04. The question remains if the markdown is a already
a presumption for the release of the full year results for 2015 on
February 25 or does the current share price only mirror the weak
market situation for stocks in these days?
SFX Entertainment A Superior Melt Down
$0.01 per share, market cap $1.2 million, a historical lesson on
what on the company website still is declares “Creating the global
platform for Electronic Music Culture”...
VIPNEWS > BUSINESS > FEBRUARY 2016
50 CENT & G-UNITTerritory: Europe & aroundPeriod: Summer festivals & upon requestAgency: Georg Leitner Productions GmbHAgent: Georg LeitnerPhone: +431 914 86 15E-mail: [email protected]: www.glp.at
BLIND CHANNEL (FIN)Territory: EuropePeriod: 2016Agency: The DamagerAgent: Toni TörrönenPhone: +358 400 592 152E-mail: [email protected]: thedamager.com/?page_id=1720
MICHAEL BOLTON Territory: Europe & aroundPeriod: Before / after August 27th & upon requestAgency: Georg Leitner Productions GmbHAgent: Georg LeitnerPhone: +431 914 86 15E-mail: [email protected]: www.glp.at
LARA CONLEY Territory: UK based, WorldwidePeriod: 08/01/2016 - 01/11/2016Agency: Ragged MoonAgent: Niks PatelPhone: +44 (0) 1453 569770E-mail: [email protected]: www.laraconley.co.uk
PAUL HARTNOLL (ORBITAL) Territory: World excl. USAPeriod: Spring 2016 onwardsAgency: Value Added TalentAgent: Dan SilverPhone: +44 (0) 2077 049720E-mail: [email protected]: www.vathq.co.uk
THE ”ORIGINAL” BLUES BROTHERS BAND Territory: EuropePeriod: On request, May - August 2016Agency: BasitoursAgent: Peter BaslerPhone: +41 79 7692393E-mail: [email protected]: www.basitours.com/artist/original_blues_ brothers_band
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ARTIST AVAILS
The “Original” Blues Brothers Band
MEMBER PRESENTATION
Starting up as a local agency in Germany’s Ruhr area in 1993, Contra Promotion
has grown to become an established brand in the country’s events industry.
Founder and managing director Björn Gralla leads a dedicated team. From
their headquarters in Bochum, they organise around 500 concerts and shows
throughout Europe every year.
In 1997, Contra Promotion began arranging tours for Göttingen rock band Guano
Apes. The band played a major role in the agency’s success. After splitting up
several years ago, the Apes are now doing a comeback tour – and they’re back on
Contra’s books. The agency has also made a name for itself with other acts from
Germany and abroad. They include HIM, Sunrise Avenue, Nightwish, H-Blockx,
Kevin Costner and Oomph!. Contra Promotion works with a wide range of genres,
covering everything from metal and pop to jazz and soul – and even comedy acts.
About Our Company
VIP-Booking’s core product is the Internet’s oldest and largest
database for the European Live Entertainment Industry
www.vip-booking.com developed as a tool for industry
professionals . Since it’s launch in the year 2000, we have consist-
ently offered our subscribers the very best in database services and
now boast subscribers in over 30 countries.
Today VIP-Booking offers a range of tools for the industry
– including VIP-News, VIP-Booking, VIP-Book and VIP-Contract.
Please visit vip-booking.com for further information .
Your comments and suggestions are always appreciated .
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vip-booking.com
VIPNEWS > MISC > FEBRUARY 2016
16