VIP-News by VIP-Booking.com - February 2021

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PREMIUM > VOLUME 241 > FEBRUARY 2021

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FEBRUARY 2021

Reflection and change

Peter Briggs er - VIP-Bookin g.com

General Manag

If there’s one thing the pandemic has

At VIP-Booking.com we’ve been constantly

The first edition was sent out earlier this

given us it’s time! Time to reflect on the

adding new content and services for our

week and includes a very interesting chat

way we do things, how we live our lives,

members. From being one of the first to

with two of the most down to earth agents

what’s important to us and what changes

organise online panels in April last year

around: Jon Ollier (Ed Sheeran, Annie-

we ought to be making in order to make

to continuously keeping up to date with

Marie, 2Cellos etc.) and Natasha Gregory

both our private and working lives better. In

all the changes happening in our business

(First Aid Kit, Amy Macdonald, Idles etc.),

other words, this is our chance to all come

with both news and database updates. One

who’ve both recently left major agencies to

back as better versions of ourselves.

could definitely say that it’s never made

go independent. Amongst the many topics

more sense to have access to VIP-Booking.

covered you’ll find out which event Jon

com than now!

can’t wait to attend, why Natasha insists on a No BS policy and what Jon and Natasha

You’ll notice that this issue has a new

most admire about each other’s work.

fresher design which makes it easier for you

COLOPHON >

to scroll through the headlines and click

Jon and Natasha are two great examples

through to articles of interest.

of people who’ve made the best out of a bad situation by embracing the new

VIP-News is published by: VIP-Booking.com Enghaven 19 Attrup 8444 Balle Denmark 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 +46 70 77 60 480 Charlie Presburg cp@vip-booking.com +44 (0) 7980 817496

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Another new launch which we’re very proud

opportunities put in front of them and

of is our new podcast series: WE TALK : LIVE

making the changes necessary for both

MUSiC. For this we’re very happy to be bring

them and their clients to get the best out

our long term friend Paul Cheetham onboard

of the future.

who will be our host. Many of you will know Paul from his time at Live Nation, AEG

For those of you who missed the podcast

Europe, Berlin Music Week and Reeperbahn

earlier this week, you can listen by clicking the

Festival etc. Paul’s inside knowledge from

play button below. Look out for forthcoming

working in many areas of the business and

episodes over the coming months.

his relaxed approach certainly brings out the best in our guests.

We hope you enjoy this newsletter.

HOW TO USE

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FEBRUARY 2021

Report: 85% consider leaving the UK night time industry From VIP-Daily News

The All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for the UK Night Time

The report, entitled ‘Covid-19 and UK Nightlife’, looked at the

Economy, a cross-party group of more than 40 MPs, has published

impact of the pandemic and Government support for businesses

the findings of its recent inquiry into the impact of Covid which warns

in the night time economy, including night clubs, bars, pubs, live

that the sector is at risk of ‘extinction’ unless the Government takes

music venues, festivals, and supply chain businesses. It involved

urgent action.

a survey which received over 20,000 responses from consumers, employers, employees, and freelancers in the sector.Key findings of

The MPs urge the Prime Minister and Chancellor to bring forward a

the survey included:

sector-specific grant package and a detailed roadmap for reopening the sector to avoid ‘irreversible losses’ that would create ‘ghost

85 per cent of people working in the night time economy are

towns’ across country and hinder the wider economic recovery.

considering leaving the industry.

Jeff Smith MP, Chair of the APPG

78 per cent of all employees in the sector had at some point been on furlough.

Businesses in the night time economy had on average made 37 per cent of their total workforce redundant.

In the second half of 2020, businesses in the night time economy traded at an average of 28 per cent of their annualised pre-Covid turnover.

Only 36% self-employed nightlife workers have been able to claim the Self Employment Income Support Scheme (SEISS).In addition, the report includes numerous detailed personal testimonies of those in the sector describing how the pandemic has affected them.

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FEBRUARY 2021

Outside of periods of forced closure, night time economy businesses

Michael Kill

have seen numerous and changing restrictions on their ability to trade, including curfews, social distancing measures like the ‘rule of six’, the loss of vertical drinking, and requirements for a ‘substantial meal’ with alcohol. Businesses have faced significant costs and investments in adapting to new conditions, and many, including a majority of nightclubs, have been unable to trade at all.

The inquiry examined written submissions from hundreds of businesses and local authorities, including the Greater London Authority and Greater Manchester Combined Authority, key trade bodies UK Hospitality and UK Music as well as the Department for Business Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) and the Department for Digital, Culture, Media, and Sport (DCMS).

The joint DCMS-BEIS submission recognised the importance of nightlife to the economy as a whole, noting that after the 2008 financial crisis the sector “helped drive the UK’s recovery more generally.” Despite this, the inquiry found that economic support for the night time economy had been “insufficient”, containing significant gaps.

Expanding eligibility for Government Grant Schemes and Jeff Smith MP, Chair of the APPG and a former self-employed DJ,

proving a sector-specific support package.

warned that the prospect of many night time economy businesses going bust would leave town and city centres across the country

Providing a Government-backed insurance schemes and

looking like ‘ghost towns’, noting the important role these spaces

solutions to spiralling commercial rent arrears.

play in local economies and communities.

He commented:

Introducing a Treasury-backed scheme to boost demand once restrictions are eased.

“Our world-leading night clubs, pubs, bars, and live music venues are cornerstones of our communities. They drive so much

Appointing a UK Government Night Time Economy advisor.

economic activity both locally and nationally, and bring hope, joy and entertainment to millions across the UK. Our findings today

Michael Kill (pictured), CEO of the Night Time Industries Association,

reveal this industry is on its knees, in desperate need of additional

commented:

support from the Government and a concrete plan for reopening.

Without these interventions, many of these viable businesses will

“We are pleased to support the APPG for the Night Time Economy

go under, leaving city and town centres resembling ghost towns.

when it became clear our industry’s needs weren’t being heard by

If the Government is serious about its ‘levelling up’ agenda it must

policy makers. But it gives me no pleasure today to announce the

act now to save this sector and avoid untold damage to the social

findings of this report, which confirm the devastating impact that the

fabric of this country.”

pandemic has had on UK nightlife.

Some of the key recommendations for Government included in the

“Every day I speak with the dedicated people that make up

report were:

this industry – from artists to engineers, bar staff to security, and production to promoters – they have shown great resilience in the

Extending the furlough scheme until businesses can operate

face of adversity.

without restrictions, and extending VAT and business rates relief through 2021.

“But resilience only gets you so far without the required support.

We need more assistance and a detailed plan for reopening now.

Producing a roadmap for reopening late night venues based

Otherwise, much of what defines a night out in the UK will be

on the vaccination programme and mass testing.

lost forever.”

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FEBRUARY 2021

France’s summer festivals to go ahead with low capacity From VIP-Daily News Summer festivals will be able to go ahead

Jean-Paul Roland

in France this year despite the enduring Covid-19 crisis, but attendance will be capped at 5,000 people and the public must be seated, the country’s culture ministry said on Thursday.

From jazz festivals to outdoor theatre, towns and cities across France host summer festivals, but existing Covid-19 restrictions and a lack of certainty over when the pandemic will end left organisers demanding clarity from the government.

“It is essential that we give visibility to our festival organisers who, early in the year, must decide whether to proceed and in what

The rules will apply to indoor and outdoor

But another festival, the Vieilles Charrues

format, even if the pandemic will continue to

events.

festival, attended by 270,000 spectators in

create uncertainty,” the culture ministry said in a statement.

2019, will go ahead despite the restrictions.

Reactions to the government`s announcement from festival organisers were mixed.

“We’ll adapt. It won’t be a silent summer in Carhaix (the town in Brittany where the

“We’re in shock,” said Jean-Paul Roland

event takes place), it will be the summer of

(pictured), director of the Eurockéennes

getting back together,” the festival’s director,

festival and representative of Prodiss (the

Jérôme Tréhorel, told AFP.

national union of producers, broadcasters, festivals and theatres in the private sector)

“I was very worried that there would be

to France24.

no announcement by the government at all or that the summer festivals would be

“The We Love Green festival (in the Paris

banned,” he said.

area in June) surveyed its festival-goers and the responses were clear, 85% of those

Currently, there is a nightly curfew in place

polled said they would not come if the public

in France from 6 pm to 6 am. Restaurants,

had to be seated,” Roland said.

bars, museums, theatres and concert halls are all closed. Gatherings are limited to

The Eurockéennes, a festival scheduled for

1,000 people.

the beginning of July, gathered 128,000 people in 2019 (it was canceled in 2020, like

If the health crisis deteriorated, the cap on

most music festivals). The festival had already

attendees and other safety protocols would

announced its lineup for 2021, featuring

have to be modified, the ministry said.

international stars like Muse, DJ Snake and

The Vieilles Charrues festival

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Massive Attack. “With 5,000 people, that

A 30 million fund will be made available

would be impossible, what artist would

to compensate festivals that have to make

accept to attend?” he said.

changes or cancel their plans, it added.

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FEBRUARY 2021

Rob Prinz steps down as ICM Partners restructure From VIP-Daily News Mark Siegel has been named Head of

long-time agent of many legendary clients,

Worldwide Concerts, Robert Gibbs will

he has also made it a point to continuously

now serve as Head of Music and London

mentor and develop young agents who

based Matt Bates has been named Head of

have gone on to have incredibly successful

International/Head of Europe.

careers of their own. Robert Gibbs, who is based in Los Angeles, is a Partner and

Former ICM Partners Worldwide Concerts

14-year veteran of ICM. He was promoted

Head Rob Prinz will return his full attention

to Head of Contemporary Music this past

toward being an agent for his star clients,

August and now takes on Siegel’s previous

including Jerry Seinfeld.

title as Head of Music. Gibbs is the highest ranking African American Music Executive in the Agency Business. Matt Bates, who

right, I am grateful to him for the job he

along with Peter Elliot and Ben Winchester

has done helping to grow and mentor the

each remain on the Primary International

next generation of leaders and position the

Board, is a 15-year veteran of Primary and

department for continued success and even

has been on its board since 2014.

further growth,” said Silbermann.

“Mark Siegel, Robert Gibbs and Matt Bates

The division has also established a Concerts

are universally respected within our agency

Leadership Committee, which will focus on

and the music business at large,” said

keeping the department on the cutting edge

Silbermann. “Through their hard work and

of the industry, while also identifying and

dedication to their clients and the team here

grooming a new generation of department

at ICM, they epitomize the true meaning of

talent. The committee includes agents

leading by example.”

Jacqueline Reynolds-Drumm, Yves C. Pierre, Ari Bernstein and Mitch Blackman, all of

Rob Prinz

Rob Prinz led a remarkable growth year

whom have been recognized as industry

for ICM Partners that began with the

leaders by Billboard.

partnership with London based Primary Steve Levine will remain Co-Head of

Talent International in March, followed by

“We have empowered a talented, diverse

Worldwide Concerts. Levine has been part

the recruitment and signing of 9 top music

and forward-thinking leadership team to

of the leadership of the ICM Concerts

agents mostly from WME and Paradigm,

best represent our clients and reap the

Division for over 20 years. He is a founding

including Pete Nash, Ron Kaplan, Garry

rewards of the investments we have made in

partner and board member of ICM Partners.

Buck, Simon Clarkson, Dave Kaplan, Alex

the live events business. We are all looking

Peter Elliot, remains Managing Director

Buck, Paul Gongaware, Randall Uritsky and

forward to a booming 2022 and beyond

of

while

Emily Yoon, who collectively have added

as the audience returns to experience the

Scott Mantell will remain co-head of ICM

an extensive and impressive list of client to

artists and concerts they love and have

International based in Los Angeles.

ICM’s roster.

greatly missed. This diverse team combines

Mark Siegel is a New York based Partner

“Rob did an outstanding job leading our

thinking next generation enthusiasm, giving

who has been with ICM for more than 25

aggressive growth strategy in 2020 and

our clients a dynamic leadership team and

years. For the last six years he has been Head

for that we are very grateful. He and I have

representation department built not only

of Music and now takes on Prinz’s title as

been discussing his desire to move back

for success today, but into the future.”

Head of Worldwide Concerts. Throughout

to becoming a full-time agent for a while

Chris Silbermann continued his thoughts on

his career, Siegel has not only been the

and while we both now feel that the time

the new Concerts Division leadership team.

Primary

Talent

International,

the wisdom of experience with a forward

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FEBRUARY 2021

Said Mark Siegel “I am extremely humbled and excited to be given the opportunity to

Mark Siegel

step into a new role within ICM Concerts. Chris Silbermann and Rob Prinz led the charge over the past year to grow our division and lay the foundation for ICM Concerts to be a leader in the industry for years to come. We have created a talented, diverse, and forwardthinking leadership team who I am proud to work alongside in our commitment to best represent our incredible clients. They are the reason we strive every day to be better than yesterday and I cannot think of a better group of agents, assistants and support staff who display their commitment and passion daily to that end.

As I step into this new role, I do so knowing I am surrounded by an incredible team, including my partners Steve Levine, Rob Gibbs and Matt Bates, and I am eager to continue the work that has propelled this department forward. I am equally excited to work with Jacqui, Yves, Ari and Mitch as they step into an active leadership role. To Rob Prinz, my colleague but more importantly my friend, thank you for your tireless work and leadership, especially over the past year, which resulted in the tremendous growth of our department. I look

Robert Gibbs

forward to continuing to have you as a partner and a colleague for years to come.”

Said Robert Gibbs “I am proud to work with Mark, Steve and Matt to lead this division and equally excited to work with our Next Gen Leaders, Jacqui, Yves, Ari and Mitch, who will help energize the entire concerts division. We pride ourselves on our culture and values as well as a client first dedication to the representation business, the only business we are in.”

Said Matt Bates “Since Primary joined with ICM 12 months ago, the support and vision I have seen from Chris Silbermann has been exceptional, which is reflected in the department’s growth and expansion. The foundation Rob Prinz built in the concert division has left ICM in a formidable position from which to navigate the exciting new world of live music, which is about to open up globally. I am looking forward to working alongside Mark Siegel and Rob Gibbs in their new roles and our incredible team of agents who will lead ICM to the forefront of the live music business.”

Said Rob Prinz “Working with this group as a team leader to help take the Concerts Dept to where we are today has been incredibly rewarding.

Collaborating with Chris Silberman has been the best experience I’ve had at any of the major agencies I’ve been fortunate to work at.

We saw eye to eye on every strategic move and its timing straight down the line which really was the catalyst for our growth. I look forward to ongoing work with our incredible clients and supporting the team to maintain the trajectory we are now on.”

Matt Bates

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FEBRUARY 2021

CTS Eventim acquires majority stake in DreamHaus From VIP-Daily News CTS Eventim has acquired a majority interest in a new Berlin-based concert agency, DreamHaus.

As part of the move, Matt Schwarz (pictured) will become the chief executive and managing partner of DreamHaus, after previously holding positions as chief operating officer

Ring and Rock im Park festivals, starting from

and managing director at Live Nation GSA

the 2022 editions.

(Germany, Switzerland, Austria).

Klaus-Peter Schulenberg, chief executive In January this year, Schwarz teamed up

of CTS Eventim, said: “Even in the face of

jointly implementing our visions within this

Eventim as head of eventimpresents and was

the challenges posed by the coronavirus

partnership and thus offering artists the best

tasked with acquiring attractive national and

pandemic, Eventim Live continues to grow

possible service and the ability to reach the

international tours and shows on behalf of

its network and strengthen both its market

greatest possible audience.”

Eventim Live.

position and potential. We have always

DreamHaus will later form part of Eventim Live,

the

German

entertainment

firm’s

ticketing unified

and

The acquisition of DreamHaus expands

stronger from this crisis.”

Eventim Live’s pan-European network to 35

live

promoter

network.

promoters in 15 countries.

Schwarz added: “I’m very pleased about the partnership between CTS Eventim

The announcement follows yesterday’s news

and DreamHaus, which offers our team all

from the German ticketing firm that it has

Under the agreement, DreamHaus will be

manner of opportunities for a successful

expanded its business operations in Israel

jointly responsible with eventimpresents for

future. I am also grateful to CTS Eventim for

through a joint venture with promoters

organising and programming the Rock am

the confidence the company has shown in

Zappa Group.

Matt Schwarz

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claimed that CTS Eventim will emerge

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FEBRUARY 2021

Vaccinated Israelis can now go to concerts From VIP-Daily News Finally parts of cultural life in Israel has

March they also have access to restaurants

But it is also the country that has come the

reopened. Those who have been vaccinated

and bars.

furthest in vaccinating the population.

“This is the first step towards an almost

Israel has administered at least one dose of

normal life,” said Health Minister Yuli

the Pfizer Inc vaccine to more than 45% of

While shops were open to all, access to

Edelstein, who has previously called it a

its 9 million population, the Health Ministry

leisure sites like gyms and theatres was

moral duty to be vaccinated. According to

says. The two-shot regimen has reduced

limited to vaccinees or those who have

the Jerusalem Post, Israel is the country that

COVID-19 infections by 95.8%, ministry

recovered from the disease with presumed

has spent the longest time in lockdown.

data showed.

against corona can now go to concerts, while others have to wait.

immunity, a so-called “Green Pass” status displayed on a special Health Ministry app.

Social distancing measures were still in force. Dancing was barred at banquet halls, and synagogues, mosques or churches were required to halve their normal number of worshippers.

People get their passports one week after they have been vaccinated or if they have recovered from coronavirus. From yesterday, those who have such a passport will have access to gyms, cultural events, swimming pools, hotels and synagogues,

Israel ready to open for concerts again

writes the newspaper Jerusalem Post. From

Industry heads to discuss survival and restart of the global business at virtual ILMC From VIP-Daily News Hundreds of leading figures from across the

Eventim), industry commentator Bob Lefsetz,

around the world are pushing forward with

global live music business are contributing

Emma Banks (CAA), Tim Leiweke (Oak View

plans to reopen. This is a crucial moment to

to the first virtual edition of the International

Group), Jason Danter (Lady Gaga/Madonna),

bring the global live music business together

Live Music Conference (ILMC) next week. The

Lucy Dickins (WME), Pandora founder

to define its restart.”

conference schedule now features the largest

Tim Westergren, Sam Kirby Yoh (UTA) and

line up of guest speakers at any live music

Mumford & Sons’ Ben Lovett.

conference ever. More than 250 speakers and 1,000 delegates will be in attendance.

The 33rd edition of the top global platform for

concert

and

festival

professionals

ILMC head Greg Parmley says: “This edition

features 60+ meetings, workshops and

of ILMC will mark one year since the live

keynotes across three days, alongside 50

Confirmed executives include Irving Azoff

music business began to shut due to

showcases from new artists, presented by

(Azoff Music), Klaus-Peter Schulenberg (CTS

COVID-19, and it takes place just as markets

top booking agencies and export offices.

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FEBRUARY 2021

Within the ILMC schedule, new event brand

debate, and the Green Events & Innovations

PULSE is a day of discussion around the

Conference

intersection of technology and live music,

AGreenerFestival, focuses on sustainable

and The Experience Economy Meeting

events with an extensive programme.

(GEI),

presented

with

(TEEM) focuses on non-music content.

Companies supporting ILMC 33 include Live The Arthur Awards – the live music industry’s

Immediately prior to ILMC on 2 March,

Nation, Ticketmaster, CTS Eventim, ASM

Oscar-equivalents – will stream live from the

daughter

Production

Global, Showsec, Tysers, Hearby & Semmel

stage of the Royal Albert Hall as the iconic

Meeting (IPM) welcomes leading touring

Concerts. The full schedule and details of all

venue celebrates its 150th anniversary.

and production professionals for a day of

sessions and speakers are at 33.ilmc.com.

event

the

ILMC

Former Austrian promoter Erich Zawinul dies aged 55 From VIP-Daily News Erich was born in New York to the jazz artist Joe Zawinul and an Austrian mother. His father Joe who passed away in 2007 was a very well renowned and respected jazz keyboard player who had worked with the likes of Miles Davis, Herbie Mann and Weather Report.

Having spent time in Los Angeles and then Oxford, Erich moved to Austria. His first job in the industry was as tour manager for Jimmy Cliff and he later began working at George Leitner Productions (GLP) where he met Richard Hoermann. Whilst working at GLP, he helped produce shows with artists such as Bonnie Tyler and the Chippendale Dancers.

Erich said at the time `After working at GLP for a while, Richard and I realized that we had a lot in common, similar perspectives and all and we decided to start our own company`. Zawinul and Hoermann started Artist Marketing of which Erich was a partner until 2002.

During that time Artist Marketing produced shows with artists such as Carlos Santana, ZZ Top and Aerosmith. In 2008, the company became part of the Barracuda Group where Erich worked as a booker for some years, he left the group around 2015. He later moved on to become a brand partner for Austrian Tequila company Padre Azul occasionally doing shows for close artist friends.

Richard Hoermann: “Erich was a very unique and truly endearing character. He loved music and he lived for the music biz with all his heart, I personally as well as all his many friends all over the world will certainly miss him.”

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Erich Zawinul

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FEBRUARY 2021

Finns to produce a several million euro ice show From VIP-Daily News The Finns are to produce a several million

be performed on 1 January, 2 January and

euro ice show of the beloved H. C. Andersen

3 January 2022. This performance brings

fairytale classic “The Snow Queen”, aimed

together the best know-how and talent of

at arenas and arena promoters starving for

synchronized skating, ice skating and ice

family audience content.

hockey, as well as the internationally most esteemed artists and creators of performing

This

audiovisual

extravaganza

brings

together the hottest European figure skating,

arts. Ticket sales will begin on Monday, 22 February.

ice hockey and performing arts talents for a unique family show.

The production features the mythology of Lapland and creates a new form of European

To serve the indoor arenas and arena promoters

art that combines sports and arts. Together

who are starving for exciting, European family

with the artistic group, the internationally

audience content, an international group of

acclaimed Canadian scriptwriter Melissa

performative arts creators and promoters

A. Thompson, also famous for her work at

There is clearly a great demand for ice ballet

have used the covid-19 shutdown crisis to

Cirque du Soleil, will bring out a concept

productions on the market. In Finland, we

create a new, Nordic ice show brand and a

that unites all forms of ice sports. This unique

have a high- level expertise in the field of

grand scale audiovisual show suitable for the

entity is based on a Nordic brand, on nature

ice arts, and it gives us a great foundation

entire family. This new production consisting

and on multitalented know-how of ice arts.

to produce a show like his. With these

of original composed score and a modernized

Paulina Ahokas

performers, artists and partners it has

take on the classic fairytale will premiere at

- The Snow Queen offers the audience

become reality, states Paulina Ahokas,

the brand new Uros Live Arena on New

something that has never been seen in

Managing Director of Tampere Hall and

Year’s Day, 1 January 2022. The show will

Finland or the Nordic countries before.

main producer of the show.

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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

The No 1 Information Resource For The Live Entertainment Industry Having the right tools for the job is often the key to success. We have developed a range of services to meet the demands of agents, promoters, talent buyers, venue bookers etc.

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> NEW BIZ >

FEBRUARY 2021

New Company Interview Despite incredibly tough times for all of us in the Live Music Industry and news of layoffs from many of the majors, we are still seeing people taking the big step to launch their own companies and initiatives.

VIP-News will be speaking to several of these new entrepreneurs over the coming months to get an insight into their new ventures. has taught everyone that the industry needed a reset with new

Name: Ben Ward Company: Route One Booking Country: Cornwall, UK Type of company: Booking Agency

initiatives and ideas about how we approach our line of work so it’s been very interesting to see various people leave major agencies to go independent.

What is/was your biggest concern about starting up your own company?

Gives us a brief update on your career before launching your

Obviously there are many concerns when you start your own

own company?

company, especially a talent booking agency during a worldwide pandemic with all festivals and venues closed! But we saw that as a

I’ve been a founding member and vocalist for the UK heavy metal band Orange Goblin since 1995, touring the world and playing festivals on a regular basis, releasing 9 studio albums to date. I

Ben Ward

worked as assistant to Paul Loasby at One Fifteen Management for 10 years, handling the careers of artists such as David Gilmour and Jools Holland as well as looking after the archives for Pink Floyd and working on reissue campaigns with EMI Records. I then did a few years working as a tour manager and in that time travelled all over North America and Europe before I became a booking agent at United Talent Agency (formerly The Agency Group) in June 2015. I worked there for 5 years before leaving in September 2020 when I started my own agency, Route One Booking.

Have you taken on any employees yet and/or planned on growing or is it a one man band?

Route One Booking is myself, operating as the head booking agent and director, Jules Chenoweth, also a director/agent/manager and Jack Sutton-Bassett who works as my assistant. We have an accountant within the company but essentially it is a three-man operation at the moment. Obviously there are plans to expand further down the line and we hope to take on more agents when the time is right.

Why did you decide to start your own company?

Jules and I had discussed the idea of starting our own booking agency for a while and when the Covid pandemic struck the whole live music industry pretty much closed down. I left UTA in September 2020 and with the world still locked down it seemed like the perfect time for me to branch out and start my own venture. I think the pandemic

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> NEW BIZ >

FEBRUARY 2021

challenge and as mentioned before, the perfect time to start. There

trusting your ears and your instincts and taking pride and satisfaction

are the initial concerns about your clients following you and having

in seeing your artists grow.

that faith in what you are doing, but those were soon put to rest as soon as I spoke with my clients and their managers. A lot of people

How do you see the potential for your company in this

focus on the financial implications, which is only natural, but with

disrupted Live Music industry?

Route One Booking we have focussed more on building the name, the brand and what we can do for our clients, rather than how we

We are basically starting with a clean sheet, which means that we

are going to pay the bills etc. This is a client based industry so we

can build from the ground up and all of our clients have very realistic

need to concentrate on ways to benefit them rather than ourselves

expectations of what we can achieve in the first couple of years. There

and then everything else will take care of itself.

is no pressure on us to deliver anything that isn’t going to be possible.

I’m still passionate about working with the clients that I already

Did you bring your full roster with you?

worked with at UTA but at the same time I am very excited about all the new bands we have added to the roster since our formation. As

I was very fortunate that the majority of my clients had a lot of belief

well as the booking side of things we can now offer all of our clients

and trust in me and what I was doing so I probably managed to retain

recording and mastering facilities, digital music distribution, touring

about 80% of my roster, which is a real boost when starting out. I

vehicles, backline, road crew and we are on the brink of launching

don’t believe in really having a priority client or anything like that.

our very own 1000 capacity, fully licensed outdoor venue here in

Every client we have on the roster is a priority for us as we want to see

Cornwall so if festivals aren’t to happen again this summer, we are

talent develop and grow from the grass roots level into international

looking to put on socially distanced shows for our clients ourselves,

headliners at some point. That’s the drive and the passion in this job,

and hopefully full capacity shows when it is safe to do so!

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

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THE INTERSECTION OF TECHNOLOGY & LIVE ENTERTAINMENT

WEDNESDAY 3 MARCH 2021 TOMMAS ARNBY LOCOMOTION | JULIE BOGAERT FACEBOOK SARA BOLLWINKEL PARADIGM AGENCY YVAN BOUDILLET THELYNK | SHERI BRYANT SANSAR SALIMAH YVETTE EBRAHIM BRAMBLE STUART GILMORE EIGHTH DAY SOUND BRANDON GOODMAN BEST FRIENDS MUSIC NATASHA GREGORY MOTHER ARTISTS STEVEN HANCOCK MELODYVR | MATT HEAFY TRIVIUM GREG HENDERSON NOTETRACKS | PARAM KANABAR NOQ GROUP AIVAR LAAN FANSIFTER | DANNY LEE ASIAN AGENT JUSTIN LUBLINER THE DARKROOM | STEVE MACHIN LIVEFROM.EVENTS MIKE MALAK PARADIGM AGENCY | GARY MARELLA VERZUZ ARJUN MEHTA MOMENT HOUSE | STACIE MILES BRAVADO LESLEY OLENIK LIVE NATION | CHERYL PAGLIERANI UTA VLADIC RAVICH BRAMBLE | TINA RUBIN WAVEVR DANNY RUKASIN BEST FRIENDS MUSIC | RIC SALMON DRIIFT MICHAEL SCHABEL KISWE | FABRICE SERGENT BANDSINTOWN SARAH SLATER TICKETMASTER | JAMES SUTCLIFFE LIVENOW JORDAN UDKO MAESTRO | LARS-OLIVER VOGT LIVE NATION GSA TIM WESTERGREN SESSIONS | WIKTORIA WÓJCIK INSTREAMLY SWEET STREAMS: BEST IN CLASS… THE LIVE-STREAMERS GUIDE TO LIVE MUSIC… THE NEW FAN EXPERIENCE… THE BUSINESS OF LIVE TECH… PULSE NEW TECH PITCHES…

REGISTER AT 33.ILMC.COM

> NEW BIZ >

FEBRUARY 2021

Take Over Interviews The Live and Events Industry has been through a process of consolidation over the past 2 decades. VIPNews will be speaking to several heads of companies who’ve been taken over by the majors over the past months and years to get an insight into what drove them to this decision and what advantages they see for their businesses by being part of a major vs remaining independent.

In what ways is it tough for companies to remain independent and still compete

Name: Carsten Svoldgaard Position: CEO Company: CSB Island Entertainment Member of DEAG Group Country: Denmark Type of company: Promoter, Tour agent

with the majors?

It is difficult to stand alone, especially with concert artists and in smaller markets such as Scandinavia. Here you can make full use of being able to offer artists and agents a full European tour instead of just 1 concert in

You

were

recently

taken

over

by

the DEAG Group. In addition to being the

each of the 4 Scandinavian countries.

DEAG. Was this a consolidation of an

door to the whole of Scandinavia, we have

already existing relationship and what

20 years experience of making show tours

How important do you think the inde-

are the benefits of being part of a big

all over the world and have produced many

pendent scene is for artist development?

organisation such as DEAG?

shows, both national and international, which we have toured in more than 50

Cannot see it should change anything in

Yes, it started as a good collaboration over

countries to date, which will be a big plus

artist development if you are independent,

some years with great mutual respect for

for the whole DEAG group in the future.

on the contrary, artists can get opportunities

the things we work with. The chemistry

to go beyond national borders by working

of our companies and staff fits together

The

perfectly. It is clear that a large company

general has been through a process of

such as DEAG provides a lot of positive

consolidation over the past 2 decades.

When do you hope shows will return to

opportunities we can take advantage of,

How do you see this trend continuing

some normality in your country?

but we can also add a lot of new things to

post pandemic?

Live

and

Events

Industry

in

with a larger group of companies.

We really hope that we will be allowed Yes,

the

to do minimal seated concerts already

development of merging more live and event

one

can

well

imagine

that

in the month of March. I do not see the

companies will continue for a number of

big problem in being at a concert hall,

years yet. It is clear that a pandemic like the

where everyone is sitting, facing the same

one we are still in the middle of gives rise to

direction and where it is easy to set rules

thinking about the future. Where do we want

and distance. To my knowledge I have not

to go? How do we get there? Do we have to

heard of infection in the concert halls.

work together to achieve the goal? I believe that collaboration and possibly mergers

Is your government providing support,

will provide a shortcut to reach these goals.

such as a cancellation fund, to help you

You can be stubborn and say WE CAN DO

plan ahead? If so what kind of support

IT OURSELVES, or enter into a collaboration

is being offered?

with partners who each have their strengths,

Carsten Svoldgaard

18

and get a lot more out of it. No one can be

In Scandinavia, there is help for our

world champion in everything, so why not

industry but it differs from country to

collaborate and get the opportunity to be the

country. In Denmark, you have options

best on several points.

for help with the daily expenses such

> NEW BIZ >

FEBRUARY 2021

as rent and salaries, you can seek help

There has been an influx of venture

Do you think the Live Industry will

when there is a complete lock down and

capital in the Live Business over a number

return stronger than ever if and when

there is activity compensation which will

of years now. Have we just seen the tip

things get back to normal?

start when the industry opens again. But

of the iceberg and if so is this good for

none of it covers profit, only part of the

the business a whole?

expenses. This is of course a help, but in no

Yes, I am optimistic. I think our industry and restaurants, hotels and all the joy that the

way something you can run your business

It is a natural development, it is not only in

whole world has had to do without over the

on, you have to take from your savings to

our industry, it is global and applies to all

last year, clearly shows that people need to

get through.

industries, an inevitable future.

get out, more than ever in general.

50-75% and we expect to be opened

Name: Ed Ratnikov Company: TCI (Eventim Live) Country: Russian Federation Type of company: Booking, Promotion, Events

completely before the summer 2021. Local artists are already very active.

Do you think the Live Industry will return stronger than ever if and when things get back to normal?

You were taken over by CTS at the end

can replace our unique direct contact from

I truly hope so, but it might turn to fear for

of 2019. Was this a consolidation of an

Artist to Audience and that the industry will

some people about being in crowds with

already existing relationship?

continue to consolidate as soon as the world

the risk of getting other kinds of viruses and

gets back to normal. It seems without live

diseases. But I am pretty sure that after a

We had long business relationship with CTS’s

and sport events people don’t have a chance

little while the whole world will forget about

Russian daughter company Parter.ru and our

to use their energy, especially negative

this disaster until another virus or disaster

old partner, Scumeck Sabottka (MCT), also

energy and if people cannot use it - it finds

comes along.

recommended us to Klaus-Peter. We had a

an exit in not so appropriate places, but this

nice meeting in Moscow back in September

is another story.

2018 and started the ball rolling…

In what ways is it tough for companies

What are the benefits of being part of a

to remain independent and still compete

big organisation such as CTS?

with the majors?

In brief, the financial back up and the

Strategy and methods in working. There’s

European level of doing business with

always a place for talented and passionate

European standards etc. Eventim is the best

individuals and companies.

possible partner for continuing TCI’s growth

story long-term. Becoming part of a global

How important do you think the inde-

player opens up additional opportunities for

pendent scene is for artist development?

us and the entire Russian market.

The

I guess this is the only way to develop talent.

Live

and

Events

Industry

in

The independent scene is always important

general has been through a process of consolidation over the past 2 decades.

When do you hope shows will return to

How do you see this trend continuing

some normality in your country?

post pandemic?

Considering Russia’s old Soviet health system I’ve heard many words about a world

was very good – Russia was less hit by COVID

conspiracy and that the world is never going

and the Russian vaccine is working very well.

to be the same, but I am sure that nothing

The Russian market has already opened

Ed Ratnikov

19

>

NAMES & JOBS

FEBRUARY 2021

Various Artists Management Jess Kinn joins One Fiinix Live Promote Rebecca Dixon From VIP-Daily News

From VIP-Daily News

UK based independent live music agency launched at the end of

Various Artists Management whose roster of clients include Ashnikko,

last year by Jon Ollier the award-winning UK booking agent whose

Tom Grennan, Supergrass, Loyle Carner & La Roux among others ,

clients include Ed Sheeran, Anne-Marie, Lauv, 2Cellos and JC Stewart

has promoted Rebecca Dixon to Head of Marketing and Promotions.

among others, has announced its first new agent hire.

Rebecca, whose appointment is effective immediately, has been Jess Kinn , whose appointment is effective immediately, joins the

with Various Artists Management for five years and has helped

company from live music streaming specialists LIVENow and was

oversee artist careers as varied as Charli XCX and The Libertines for

previously an agent at Paradigm Agency, where her client base

the company.

included Mallrat, Years & Years and Rebecca Garton. Jess will report directly to Jon Ollier. At this stage it is unclear which of her previous

Reporting directly to Group CEO David Bianchi, Rebecca will oversee

clients will be joining her.

the company’s global marketing and promotions activities and will work between the company’s London and Los Angeles offices once

London born Jess started her career in live music with The Leighton

travel restrictions are lifted.

Pope Organisation before joining Paradigm Agency where she worked her way up from reception to agent. As a booker she worked across

David Bianchi , Group CEO of Various Artists Management, said:

acts including Shawn Mendes, Halsey, Alan Walker and Faithless

“Rebecca joined us straight from University and it has been a huge

before becoming an agent in her own right . In 2018 she was named

pleasure to watch her grow into this role over the last five years.

as LIVE UK`s `Backstage Star` and a Music Week `Rising Star.` In 2020

Rebecca’s energy , passion and creativity will add real value and

she headed up events for LIVENow working on live streams for The

expertise to our roster of artists globally.”

Pete Tong Heritage Orchestra, Gorillaz and the record breaking Dua Lipa Studio 2054 stream.

Rebecca Dixon said, “I`m really excited to take on the position of Head of Marketing & Promotions for Various Artists Management.

Jon Ollier said, “Jess is everything we are looking for as we build our

Having been at the company for 5 years, I`m looking forward to

new business. She is an exciting and forward-thinking talent with a

working with our amazing roster of artists & managers in this new

fantastic reputation, and we are really thrilled to have her join us. I

role . In Ashnikko, Tom Grennan , Sad Night Dynamite, The Libertines,

believe she has a huge future ahead of her and I am excited to be a

Rose Gray & La Roux, we have an array of exceptional talent and we

part of it!”

will continue to build worlds and brands for those artists and their fans while innovating across all genres and platforms.”

Jess Kinn said, “ On my first conversation with Jon we immediately clicked over our shared values and ideas about the future of the live industry. Being part of a growing agency with progressive and

Rebecca Dixon

innovative thinking at its heart is exactly where I want to be in this ever-changing landscape of live events”

Jess Kinn

21

> BUSINESS >

MUSIC IN SHARES

FEBRUARY 2021

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

Spotify – More than Double...

This “Music in Shares” column is an

to those people working in the live music

outstanding one. Whilst in particular the live

sector, who are still facing and dealing with

music sector, previously the main income

a nightmare and where the light at the end

The

gainer for the music industry, is suffering

of the tunnel is still not in sight.

are impressive, but at least a bit more

in total misery, it seems that the financial community has apparently already arrived in

share

price’s

rocket

understandable with an increase of 145

CTS Eventim – Almost there

the Post-Covid-Era.

percent, a year ago it stood at $144.4, this time, please take a seat, it stands at $364...

On February 18, 2020 the shares for this

There seem to be two totally different

company stood at 58.40 Euro, on February

Tencent – Another Gainer

worlds,

two

entirely

dimensions

parallel

22, 2021 it is at 56.55 Euro. The twelve

universes. Due to the Corona-Pandemic,

different

months low was 25.54 Euro, the annual loss

From $12.68 it has now risen to $26.90 and

in 2021, the live music industry faces yet

of this one is just 5.5 percent...

with an additional IPO at the Hong Kong

another business year that is far away from

stock market in preparation, it is expected to

any kind of ‘normality’.

DEAG – Pushing the Pull-Back-Button

deliver another $5 billion...

It is not clear when, but the company

Considering all the relevant indicators they

announced an undertaking to de-list itself

are different to those live music folks in that

from the stock market. DEAG together

Since trading at NASDAQ in June 2020, this

they are in both an optimistic and euphoric

with SFX Entertainment, the forerunner

share price now stands at $36.38. However,

mood that is beating all expectations.

of Live Nation, has been a pioneer of the

In consideration of its role as a main content

corporatisation of the live music sector, it

provider for the likes of Spotify and others

Does this make financial resources happy?

undertook its IPO on September 14, 1998. A

streaming platforms it is apparently not

The answer is probably: “Yeah”! It must be

year ago the share price was 4.39 Euro, this

considered to be one of the ultimate winners

better than any known drug, pushing the

time it stands at 3.15 Euro....

of ‘stay at home’ entertainment...

mental level up to a new high. In essence,

it must feel like sitting by a swimming pool

Eventbrite – The Optimus-Bonus

Next One Please: Universal Music Group

all day long whilst being fed champagne and psychedelic substances.

Selling tickets during these times is a challenge. Anyhow a decrease from $22.14

Expected to undertake an IPO in 2021 at the

What do these people think? That the live

to $19.94 indicates hope by investors...

Amsterdam branch of Euronext, Vivendi, the

music business is more profitable than child

current mothership is full of hope to gain

labour? Even if the most optimistic scenarios

Live Nation - The Miracle

$30 billion...

promise a sort of recovery, the live music sector will almost certainly not be back on

A year ago it stood at $74.13 and today it

track in 2021. Unfortunately, this is probably

stands at $88.08, an increase of nearly 14

the most realistic scenario for the near future.

percent. The lowest share price in the last twelve months has been $19.88 (!), this

22

Warner Music – Uninspired

On the other side there are the financial folks.

There are even analysts out there who are

makes Live Nation the most likely scenario

astonished about the current share prices

for recovery, at a time when recovery for

for both CTS Eventim and Live Nation.

the business model of this company is

Nevertheless, the optimism in the investment

still expected to be a little further into the

heaven will hopefully spread sooner or later

future....

> MISC >

MEMBER PRESENTATION

FEBRUARY 2021

This space is dedicated to present some of our clients using VIP-Booking.com.

Companies presented here have our best endorsement...

RH-ENTERTAINEMENT OY The Finnish program agency RH-Entertainment has grown into a significant player as an event organizer. In 2019, the company organized over twenty festivals and over 200 concerts. Events organized by the program office include Raskasta Joulua tours, Sauna Open Air Rock festival, and Rock In The City festivals and Soi city festivals. In addition to domestic repertoire, RH-Entertainment Oy has also imported international artists such as Uriah Heep, D-A-D, Tom Jones, Johnny Logan, Whitesnake, Europe and many more. www.rh-entertainment.fi

About Our Company VIP-Booking’s core product is the largest­database­for 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 now boast subscribers­ in over 50 countries.

®

vip-booking.com

23

HOW TO USE

1

Use VIP Analytics to lo cate where your artist has the most in terest:

VIP-Booking.com for Agents/Managers

2

ues Use our Tour Builder to locate ven or agents within a given area:

3

Find the Talent B uyer and relevant other contact s:

®

The No. 1 information resource for the European Live Entertainment Industry vip-booking.com