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PREMIUM > VOLUME 187 > FEBRUARY 2016

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VIP NEWS >

FEBRUARY 2016

McGowan’s

Musings

Sad to say the News again leads off with

off the road at a canal bridge causing the

this is a good one, apparently Tom Jones

more bad news. We have had to report a lot

deaths of all five people. This was obviously

fans are furious about not being allowed

of deaths of late, and this edition continues

a huge shock to everyone. All at VIP send

to take picnics to sustain them during the

this highly unwelcome trend. As you will

our heartfelt commiserations to the family

great man’s performance at Tatton Park in

see from the report below we attended

and friends of all of these young men.

Cheshire! Shock horror! You can’t say we

the second edition of Where’s the Music in Norrköping in Sweden, on the Saturday we

There was a positive follow up to another

heard the terrible news about the accident

recent tragedy when the US band Eagles

in which the car carrying all four members

of Death Metal played a concert in Paris

But you can always count on a metal band

and the manager of the UK band Viola

at The Olympia on February 16th - three

to put things into proportion by taking us

Beach who had played at the Festival went

months after Islamic extremists massacred

back to the grand excess that was once

89 of their fans at the Bataclan theatre.

part of what made rock and roll….. well,

Band

COLOPHON > VIP-News is published by: VIP-Booking.com 20-22 Wenlock Road London N1 7GU United Kingdom +44 870 755 0092 Managing Director: Ronni Didriksen rd@vip-booking.com General Manager: Peter Briggs pb@vip-booking.com Writer and editorial: Allan McGowan am@vip-booking.com Writer: Manfred Tari mt@vip-booking.com For advertising enquiries please contact: Peter Briggs pb@vip-booking.com +44 870 755 0092

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don’t cover the gamut of human emotion

leader

Jesse

Hughes,

told

in the Musings…

the

rock and roll! Iron Maiden, for it is they,

cheering crowd he wanted to finish the

have got themselves a new plane, and not

gig they’d started in November after

just some inconsequential private jet – it’s

receiving “overwhelming” support. The

a bloody great Boeing 747 jumbo jet! The

show included 89 seconds of silence in

fully branded and brand new ‘Ed Force One’

memory of the victims. Bataclan survivor

will be flown by the rather remarkable (and

Mathias Von Euw, from Paris, told the BBC:

I mean that quite seriously) Iron Maiden

“Now it’s like we finish the story. It’s like

front man, Bruce Dickinson. He said, “The

we just close the file and say ‘live’ - we can

greatest benefit of travelling in a 747 is

continue again. We are free now after the

that because of its colossal size and freight

concert.” Lets hope that he’s right; it’s time

capacity we can carry our stage production

for some optimism!

and all our stage equipment and desks in the cargo hold without having to make any

So, moving on, let’s try and dig out

of the immense structural modifications

something to make us a smile from the

needed to do this on the previous 757”. So

goings on in our world of live entertainment.

– that’s all right then, and you’ll all be glad

I did have to grin when I heard that after

to know it’s on a lease deal.

the announcement that Coldplay would headline this year’s Glastonbury, a petition

Right, in a couple of weeks we’ll all be at

had been raised to try and stop such a

the 28th edition of the ILMC, where we’ll

thing happening! Strange that such a

get a perspective on where the business is

successful band arouses such negative

headed, and also have a bloody good time!

responses from so many people – maybe

We all deserve it – we’ll keep you informed.

they object to the colour yellow! Ah yes,

In the meantime Ladies and Gentlemen –

while we’re on the subject of festivals,

The News!

VIP NEWS >

FEBRUARY 2016

Live Nation acquires Big Concerts From VIP-Daily News Live Nation has acquired a controlling

increase in the number of artists visiting the

is the most advanced economy in Africa

interest in Big Concerts, the leading concert

country with many acts now playing three

and offers significant growth opportunities

promoter in South Africa.

or four cities. We look forward to working

for the global live entertainment industry.

with Attie and Justin to further develop

We look forward to expanding the African

Big Concerts will continue to be led by Attie

the South African market, as well as the

live touring circuit and its attractiveness for

van Wyk as Chairman and Justin van Wyk as

broader African market as demand for live

global tours”.

Chief Executive Officer.

entertainment grows across the continent.”

Michael Rapino, Live Nation Entertainment

Attie van Wyk, Chairman of Big Concerts,

Rodriguez, Lionel Richie, Chris de Burgh,

president and CEO, said: “Our mission at

said: “We are extremely proud and excited

Josh Groban, Mariah Carey, Iron Maiden and

Live Nation is to connect fans with the artists

to be joining the Live Nation team. Over

George Benson. More information on these

they love in every corner of the globe. Our

the past 5 years the growth in the South

tours can be found at:

entry into the South African market through

African live entertainment industry has

www.bigconcerts.co.za

the acquisition of Big Concerts expands Live

been exceptional, driven by investment in

Nation`s global footprint to 38 countries and

local infrastructure and strong consumer

brings live entertainment at scale to a new

demand, all of which will continue to enable

continent”

us to bring global superstars to the African

Upcoming tours for 2016 include Roxette,

continent in the future.”

Alan Ridgeway, Live Nation president of international & emerging markets, said:

Justin van Wyk, Chief Executive of Big

“Since South Africa hosted the FIFA World

Concerts added: “With world class stadiums

Cup in 2010, there has been a noticeable

and new arenas in the pipeline, South Africa

Pudel Club Burned Down Manfred Tari mt@vip-booking.com The Pudel Club in Hamburg burned down on the evening of February

Even though the 200 persons capacity was very limited, it was a

14th when there were people still in the venue.

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 reopened 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,

Pudel Club Fire

but until today no news was given by the police authorities about who was suspected of starting the blaze.

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VIP NEWS >

FEBRUARY 2016

Bio-Pic Of Bill Graham Manfred Tari mt@vip-booking.com The film rights of the autobiography of

days after was born. Later on his mother

He then arrived in New York where he

Bill Graham “ My Life Inside Rock and

took him to an orphans home after the

finished High School and College education.

Out” has been purchased by 20th Century

atrocities of the coordinated attacks on

Later on in 1965 he put on a charity event

Fox. Graham, a son of Jewish Russians,

Jews known as ‘Kristallnacht’, or the “The

for a San Francisco based mime troupe, for

is alongside the German Fritz Rau one of

Night of Broken Glass” on November

which he worked as business manager. This

the most prominent concert promoters,

9, 1938. In an exchange for Christian

event apparently was the initial show that

having paved the way for the live music

orphans arranged with a French orphans

led to Graham becoming one of the biggest

business in the Sixties. After he was born

home, he was able to flee Europe when

concert promoters in the US. Over the years

in Berlin in 1931, his father died two

the German army occupied Paris in 1941.

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

Bill Graham died in 1991

and David Graham, with Alex Graham and Robert Greenfield as executive producers.

Lollapalooza Berlin Moves On To A New Site And Faces Protests Manfred Tari mt@vip-booking.com 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.

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Lollapalooza Berlin 2016 will take place at Treptower Park

Global city planners & the music industry take part in music canada’s and cmW’s international creative-economy summit

a Fantastic opportunity to enGaGe With cities From around the World 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.”

2016 keynote speakers Frances moore

IFPI, London, UK

christopher thornberG

lesa ukman

beACon eConomICs, UsA

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.

IeG, ChICAGo

2016 speakers

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. tim arnold

kate becker

paul broadhurst

mark davyd

Jo dipple

neill dixon

mark Garner

david Grice

Graham henderson

Joey hendrickson

kWende keFentse

omar lozano

Jesper mardahl

kevin mcmanus

bryce merrill

don pitts

ben rayner

shain shapiro

ian sWain

Fruzsina szep

mike tanner

London, UK

seAttLe, WA, UsA

AdeLAIde, AUstrALIA toronto, on

denver, CA, UsA

AUstIn, tX, UsA

London, UK

CoLUmbUs, oh, UsA

toronto, on

London, UK

ottAWA, on

London, UK

London, UK

AUstIn, tX, UsA

toronto, on

toronto, on

AArhUs, denmArK

berLIn, GermAny

toronto, on

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.

LIverPooL, UK

toronto, on

REGISTER NOW ONE-DAY CONFERENCE

SATURDAY MAY 7, 2016 amy terrill

toronto, on

vanessa toulmin sheFFIeLd, UK

ohn Wardle

ULtImo, AUstrALIA

alison Wenham London, UK

catlin WhitinGton AUstIn, tX, UsA

timotheus Wiesmann Jonathan Wynn

hAmbUrG, GermAny Amherst, mA, UsA

SHERATON CENTRE TORONTO HOTEL

“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.

VIP NEWS > INDEPTH STORY >

FEBRUARY 2016

Conference Round Up Allan McGowan am@vip-booking.com

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 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.

MENT Ljubljana festival

Hopefully we’ll make it next year!

Where’s the Music 2nd Edition Allan McGowan am@vip-booking.com The VIP team travels took us to the very

the bands that played at all festival venues,

and music industry veteran Carl Leighton-

attractive city of Norrköping in South-East

and it is great to see that the audience has

Pope, agent for acts such as Michael

Sweden for the second edition of “Where’s

found the festival’s core. This year, festival

Buble and Brian Adams. The well attended

the Music’ which took place from February

audiences really explored all the bands on

panels covered, synchronization, streaming,

11-13. The Conference and City Festival

ten stages located across the city with no

touring in the Nordics, ticketing and other

event is organized by the Stockholm office

more than a ten minute walk from each

topics.

of FKP Scorpio, whose stated aim and focus

venue..”

for the festival was to, “…create a space for

6

Project Manager Jonas Fläckerud told VIP

new bands to showcase themselves for both

471 international delegates attended 17

News, “We took a really big step of setting

the public and the music industry.”

panels, workshops and speeches in the Louis

up a February, winter conference event

De Geer Concert & Congress Hall. Amongst

and showcase festival in Sweden, and so

This edition attracted 4702 festival visitors

the featured speakers were, award winning

we are very happy to have delegates from

to see 120 acts across ten venues, with all

US music supervisor Mary Ramos, Diana

both Colombia and Mumbai present! All

the shows on the Thursday night selling out.

Rodriguez of Criteria Entertainment, the

the panels were extremely professional and

The organisers stated, “We believe firmly in

first woman to lead a Latin label in the US,

we are really on our way towards being

VIP NEWS > INDEPTH STORY >

FEBRUARY 2016

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

Panel at WTM

again in 2017!”

FESTIVAL LINEUP Adrian 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.

Where’s the music

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VIP NEWS > INDEPTH STORY >

FEBRUARY 2016

ILMC 28 As I said in the Musings, the VIP crew will

Live), Herman Schueremans (Live Nation

and IQ subscribers are eligible to vote for

be at The Royal Garden Hotel in London

Belgium), Paul Franklin (CAA) and Dan

their favourite agent, venue, promoter.

from March 4 -6 for this long standing

Steinberg (Emporium Presents) participate

Voting closes on Friday 19 February at

invitation only major gathering of the

in Industry Relationships: Setting the

18.00 GMT.

live music industry (in fact that title was

moral compass.

introduced at and by the event)

The conference always sells out in advance,

More top names from the global concert

The full list of confirmed speakers for each

with

session can be found on ILMC.com.

other sessions already announced this

1,000

delegates

in

attendance;

year include workshops with Google,

and festival businesses have signed up to speak at this year’s edition. On Friday 4

Votes have also been pouring in for

YouTube and Twitter and panels on

March, Charles Attal (C3 Presents) and

the Oscars for the live music industry,

festivals, venues, ticketing, loyalty, show

Russell Warby (WME) join the Festival

the Arthur Awards. All ILMC members

safety and new technology.

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)

(Ticketmaster)

and

line

up

Andrew

Parsons

for Ticketing:

The disruptors. Nancy Skipper (EAA) and Martin Ingham (NAA) join The

ILMC 28 ready to take off

Venue’s Venue, and Alex Bruford (ATC

Sound City Announces New Format for 2016 Last month The Coral and Catfish and the

and take place on the day preceding the

inspirational TED type talks through the

Bottlemen were announced as headliners

main festival – May 27 – in the iconic Rum

day.

for the UK Festival Award-winning Liverpool

Warehouse at Liverpool’s Titanic Hotel.

Sound City. A major new partnership with

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Conference Director Jo Whitty said: ‘Our

electronic dance music promoters Freeze has

Sound City+ promises a richer, condensed

major aim with Sound City+ is to create

also been confirmed, with news of a brand

platform. The content-heavy programme

a hectic, energised environment where

new format for its music industry conference.

will offer workshops, 1-2-1 meetings with

attendees can dash through an array of

UK and international record labels, agents,

rooms and meet some of the most amazing

Rebranded as Sound City+, the conference

music supervisors and festivals from all

people from all areas of the international

will be purely artist and industry focused

over the world, sign-posting sessions and

music business. This is definitely not aimed at

VIP NEWS > INDEPTH STORY >

FEBRUARY 2016

stalwarts. It is aimed at the new kids on the

Thurston Moore, Edwyn Collins, Wayne

block, those who want to shake things up

Coyne, Tracey Thorn, Andrew Loog Oldham,

and change everything. Sound City is a place

Viv Albertine, Julian Cope, Mark E Smith and

to meet people, be inspired, have arguments

many more have proved to be big hits at

and do some great business.’

conference over the last few years. The sheer groundswell of music fans who go to the

Jo Whitty Conference Director Sound City

Sound City’s ‘In Conversation’ series is also

festival and who said that they would love to

changing with a move to the festival site

see them persuaded us to move it over to the

during the live music side of the event from

festival site so that everyone attending has

May 28 – 29.

the chance to see and be inspired by them.

Sound City CEO Dave Pichilingi explained:

We’ve got some great names lined up to

“The move is basically down to the

announce over the next few weeks; it’s

tremendous feedback and love we have had

going to be a really exciting new element for

for our In Conversation content. John Cale,

Sound City.”

Great Escape The Great Escape will return to my home

Data! Blockchain! Let’s make buzzwords

town of Brighton in May, from the 19th to

happen’, and ‘What if YouTube actually is the

the 21st. The Convention Programme will

future?

again be presented by CMU Insights @ The

more will be announced over the next couple

Great Escape. CMU will present four full-day

150 acts have already been announced for

of days. We’ll cover this in more detail in the

conference strands, including, ‘Transparency!

the Festival element of the event and 100

next issue.

Music CITIES Convention A Strong Music Industry Creates Vibrant and Sustainable Global Cities:

makers for regeneration, transport, education, entrepreneurship, arts, city boards, cultural and tourism, for cities of all sizes.

The third edition of Music Cities Convention, will be held at the University of Brighton’s Sallis Benney Theatre on May 18th during

The rationale behind this event is that, “When a city invests in music,

The Great Escape. This is the world’s largest and most extensive

it makes it wealthier, healthier and more competitive.”

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

9

11/ 12/ 13/ 14 JAN 2017 GRONINGEN NL

THANKS FOR ATTENDING OUR 30TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION

ARTIST SUBMISSION AND CONFERENCE REGISTRATION FROM MAY 1, 2016 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 kickstarting the careers of European acts like Ásgeir, Aurora, Bastille, Dotan, Ibeyi, James Blake, Jett Rebel, Hozier, Milky Chance, Royal Blood, Seinabo Sey and Vök.

ESNS: EU

Focus 2017 Next 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.”

ESNS: EU creative europe

Official numbers Eurosonic Noorderslag 2016 Total number of visitors: 42,100 (sold out) Conference visitors: 4,124 (sold out) Nationalities: 40 Acts: 345 Number of venues Eurosonic: 42 Number of venues Noorderslag: 11 Media & journalists: 425 EBU radio stations: 37 International festivals: 424 ETEP festivals: 95

VIP NEWS >

FEBRUARY 2016

Europe Is not An Algorithm - Nor is the live music business... that along with such as the Rolling Stones

to be enough to impact on short sighted

or U2, highly effective and legally avoiding

politicians involved in military actions or in

paying taxes that normal tax payers are

favour of inhuman or inadequate policies

obliged to. Then the very questionable

that currently gain more fans with populist

scandals, ranging from food-issues to the

approaches even among those citizen that

Diesel-deception by VW seem just to be the

even don’t know what a hash tag is.

tip of the iceberg that destroys confidence and cause disappointment in the trust

We live in radical times and this affects the

of

live music sector. Still yet the terror attack

politicians, public institutions and the

economic elite of our society.

on the French concert venue was only an exception, a brutal atrocity that hopefully

A Comment piece by VIP News Journalist Manfred Tari…..

Manfred Tari mt@vip-booking.com

Historically there were times when pop-

will never happen again. But terror is only

culture caused and stimulated a public mind

one aspect, also weather issues due to

change. Protest songs and events, ranging

climate change became a serious issue for

from “Give Peace A Chance” by John Lennon

the live music sector as the recent years

and Yoko Ono, Free Nelson Mandela by Jerry

heavy weather incidents proved, when

Dammers from The Specials, Live Aid, Farm

causing cancellations in the best case or

Aid, Band Aid or many other well intended

unfortunately deadly incidents such as at

activities that caused public awareness and

Pukkelpop in Belgium in 2011.

stimulated politics.

But it is also quite likely that politics can The news these days is frightening. The

Protest songs are even today prompting

become a serious threat for the live music

human catastrophe in Syria, the refugee

awareness, the latest prominent example is

business; just recently VIP News sent a

crisis, the ongoing increase of nationalistic

the live gig by Kendrick Lamar at the Grammy

couple of questions to a promoter in Turkey,

tendencies in Europe, Russia, Turkey and the

Awards show, presenting a medley of his

asking how terrorism and the policies of the

US, enriched with xenophobic, homophobic

songs “The Blacker the Berry” and “Alright.”

present government is affecting the concert

and -what-so-ever-phobic-elements is a not

in favour for Black Live Matters-movement.

business in this country.

become a serious threat for the society we

But

Questions among others were:

are living in.

common,

more

keywords

expressing

to be underestimated mixture that could today

‘hashtag-activism’ popular,

is

more

simplified

concerns

or

to an

The current government in Turkey is

Whether if be anti-capitalistic, anti-European,

opinion. But taking the current news

considered as highly conservative and

anti-governmental or even the ‘Anti’-world-

flow into consideration this seems not

driven by religion. What kind of difficulties

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

Pukkelpop 2011

11

VIP NEWS >

FEBRUARY 2016

does this cause when putting on a show or

already proven that the new generation

segments, touring and festivals, after a long

concert in Turkey?

of politicians in exalted position in these

lasting phase of development and prosperity

countries rather appear to have a political During Eurosonic many promoters from

mindset akin to that of 100 years ago.

Eastern Europe complained that they have

Even now the live music community is doing less business in those parts of Europe hit

to pay similar fees to promoters in Western

Apropos 100 years ago, in 1916 German

by the financial crisis, such as Greece and

Europe. Bearing in mind that the economic

nationalistic politicians and the military

Spain. Still agents are demanding fees for

conditions in Eastern Europe still vary

caused one of the biggest slaughters in

international artists in weaker economic

significantly from those in Western EuropeÂ

history in Verdun in France with more than

regions in Eastern Europe that simply can’t

that seems to be a very heavy burden.

300.000 killed. Nationalism was and is one

be generated by ticket sales, seemingly just

Would you recommend that artists from the

of the biggest threats to mankind and its

ignoring how and whereby these high fees

Western hemisphere and their managers

widespread presence today, at a time when

are paid.

and agents consider the social situation in

scientists have recently proved the existence

Eastern Europe more appropriately or does

of gravity waves in the universe confirming

Until now it is only a minority of artists that

the prevailing business mentality in the live

the predictions of the scientist

have re-added protest songs to their set

music sector make this nearly impossible?

Einstein, seems hardly acceptable.

Albert

lists. The same disregard goes for managers, agents and promoters and the live music

Not surprisingly these questions will remain

Nevertheless, the present still faces wars and

periphery. However, it is unfortunately

unanswered. It is easy to imagine that

military activities, and again nationalistic

already time again, to undertake and

similar questions to promoters in countries

and hegemonic tendencies in politics and

strengthen the efforts to create awareness

with populist governments in Poland or

economy. Just bear in mind, the live music

against the radicalism, nationalism, injustice

Hungary will be remained unanswered

business will be one of the first sectors to

and social drawbacks that are currently

too. It is more than likely that the concerns

face the consequences of newly installed

causing such difficulties and miseries, in

of those questioned will hold back their

border controls in Europe and elsewhere

order to keep the business running in the

opinion in public as those governments have

and will suffer a backlash in its key business

future...

ImagIne if you could go to one website and get aLL the contacts you need for the european Live music Industry?

WeLL you Can! www.vip-booking.com

ÂŽ

145-157 St John Street | London Ec1V 4PW United Kingdom | Phone: +44 (0) 870 755 0092 www.vip-booking.com | vip@vip-booking.com

12

vip-booking.com

VIP NEWS >

NAMES & JOBS

FEBRUARY 2016

New CEO at Universal France

Kilimanjaro launches management firm

From VIP-Daily News

From VIP-Daily News

Olivier Nusse, Managing Director of Mercury Music Group and

Promoter Kilimanjaro Live has joined forces with Triple A Media and

Universal Classic & Jazz in the region, has been appointed CEO of

Vlogger Events to launch Free Focus - a new digital and music talent

Universal Music France.

management firm.

Nusse is succeeding Pascal Nègre – the man who has led Universal

The company’s board consists of Stuart Galbraith (pictured) and Mark

Music France since 1998 – who is leaving the major immediately.

Walker (Kilimanjaro Live), Tom Burns and Dave Bullas (Vlogger Events)

Nusse, who has worked at Universal in France for more than 20 years,

and Andy Hipkiss and James Hancock (Triple A Media). They will

leads the iconic Mercury brand, which holds a market leading position

combine their respective strengths with the aim of “developing long-

in the territory.

term careers and growth for stars of a digital age”.

Lucian Grainge, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Universal

Mark Walker identified a gap in the market while promoting YouTube

Music Group, said: “On behalf of everyone at UMG, I would like to

stars Tyler Oakley, Lilly Singh, and Emma Blackery, having worked with

thank Pascal for his many significant achievements and commitment

Burns and Bullas on Vlogger`s YouTube gathering Summer In The City.

to our company over many years of profound transformation in the music industry. We wish him the very best for the future.”

Free Focus has announced its first signings as singer-songwriter and 4Music UK Music Video Chart presenter Bethan Leadley, and indie

He added: “We are very pleased to have an executive of Mr. Nusse’s

beach-pop duo Box Of Light.

talents and stature take the lead for Universal Music France. Having worked with Olivier over many years, I am impressed by his capabilities

Kilimanjaro Live and Triple A Media have already worked with Leadley

and track record. He has demonstrated strong team leadership and an

to build her live musical career and say the move represents a natural

ability to drive results.”

progression from that.

The news comes after months of global restructuring at UMG.

Recognising that branding and sponsorship make up a significant

International office heads now report directly into Grainge in Santa

portion of digital stars income, Free Focus aims to strategically

Monica, California for the first time – following the exit of Universal

maximise revenue from those streams whilst introducing talent to

Music International (UMGI) boss Max Hole in October last year.

new areas where revenue and long-term careers can be built.

Around 50 London-based UMGI positions have been affected by the restructure, with the process starting late last year and still going on.

Stuart Galbraith

Some of these staff are staying on temporarily, some are relocating to the US and some are leaving the company.

Olivier Nusse

13

VIP NEWS > BUSINESS >

MUSIC IN SHARES

FEBRUARY 2016

Music In Shares Manfred Tari mt@vip-booking.com

CTS Eventim

Live Nation

- Still A Plus

- In Anticipation For Full Year Results?

From all the Companies covered within this section it is only CTS

Since last time the share price of Live Nation went from $22.12

Eventim that, with an increase of 12.5 percent , is doing a little bit

to $20.04. The question remains if the markdown is a already

better than one year ago.

a presumption for the release of the full year results for 2015 on

Last reported share price on January 25 was 32.85, this time on

February 25 or does the current share price only mirror the weak

February 22 it is 31.74 Euro.

market situation for stocks in these days?

DEAG

SFX Entertainment

- Under Pressure

A Superior Melt Down

Business results and a highly volatile market environment for stocks,

$0.01 per share, market cap $1.2 million, a historical lesson on

brought the DEAG share down from 3.20 one month ago to just

what on the company website still is declares “Creating the global

2.80 Euro.

platform for Electronic Music Culture�...

15

VIP NEWS > MISC >

FEBRUARY 2016

MEMBER PRESENTATION

ARTIST AVAILS 50 CENT & G-UNIT Territory: Europe & around Period: Summer festivals & upon request Agency: Georg Leitner Productions GmbH Agent: Georg Leitner Phone: +431 914 86 15 E-mail: gleitner@glp.at Homepage: www.glp.at

Starting up as a local agency in Germany’s Ruhr area in 1993, Contra Promotion

BLIND CHANNEL (FIN) Territory: Europe Period: 2016 Agency: The Damager Agent: Toni Törrönen Phone: +358 400 592 152 E-mail: info@thedamager.com Homepage: thedamager.com/?page_id=1720

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.

MICHAEL BOLTON Territory: Europe & around Period: Before / after August 27th & upon request Agency: Georg Leitner Productions GmbH Agent: Georg Leitner Phone: +431 914 86 15 E-mail: gleitner@glp.at Homepage: www.glp.at

LARA CONLEY Territory: UK based, Worldwide Period: 08/01/2016 - 01/11/2016 Agency: Ragged Moon Agent: Niks Patel Phone: +44 (0) 1453 569770 E-mail: niks@raggedmoon.co.uk Homepage: www.laraconley.co.uk

PAUL HARTNOLL (ORBITAL) Territory: World excl. USA Period: Spring 2016 onwards Agency: Value Added Talent Agent: Dan Silver Phone: +44 (0) 2077 049720 E-mail: dan@vathq.co.uk Homepage: www.vathq.co.uk

About Our Company VIP-Booking’s core product is the Internet’s oldest and largest­ database­for the European Live Entertainment Industry www.vip-booking.com­developed as a tool for industry professionals­. Since it’s launch in the year 2000, we have consistently offered our subscribers the very best in database services and

THE ”ORIGINAL” BLUES BROTHERS BAND Territory: Europe Period: On request, May - August 2016 Agency: Basitours Agent: Peter Basler Phone: +41 79 7692393 E-mail: office@basitours.com Homepage: www.basitours.com/artist/original_blues_ brothers_band

now boast subscribers­in over 30 countries.

Today VIP-Booking offers a range of tools for the industry­ – including VIP-News, VIP-Booking, VIP-Book and VIP-Contract.

MORE ARTIST AVAILS ON: WWW.VIP-BOOKING.COM POST YOUR ARTIST AVAILS ON: WWW.VIP-BOOKING.COM

Please visit vip-booking.com for further information­.

Your comments and suggestions are always appreciated­.

®

The “Original” Blues Brothers Band vip-booking.com

16