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VIP NEWS 18
PREMIUM > VOLUME 209 > MARCH 2018
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VIP NEWS >
MARCH 2018
McGowan’s
Musings
Yesterday, as I write this, was the vernal
but pressing issues are regularly dealt with,
I seem to be getting a bit obsessed with this
equinox, which as far as I know means
and this edition certainly included some
science fiction, space travel motif, as I’m aware
that today offers the same amount of light
particularly serious topics. The mysteries
of the Major Tom, Life on Mars connection
as darkness. Hooray! - spring has sprung
of Brexit, (when will spellchecker start
with a petition for a Southern English town
helping me to recover from another full on
recognising this ludicrously over used word
to be renamed after a certain David Bowie –
ILMC! This thirtieth edition sold out again
I wonder?!), Ethics, Mental Health, Gender
RIP. He was also the Man who Fell to Earth, I
with 1100 plus international delegates
observations and of course Security, were
seem to remember – anyway… the proposal
descending on London to put the world
discussed in depth, perhaps indicating the
has been put forward by promoter and
of the live music industry to rights, and to
increasing maturity of our industry. Or does
manager David Stopps who used to run the
drink the bars of the Royal Garden Hotel dry!
that just mean that I’m beginning to feel my
iconic venue Friar’s in the town of Aylesbury
There is no doubt that fun is definitely an
age!
which the other David played several times.
established part of the agenda of this event,
COLOPHON >
A statue of Bowie has just been unveiled, As ever the event was entertainingly themed
so it obviously seemed to be a good time to
– this year saw science fiction and space
rename the town, not actually David Bowie,
travel take over the Royal Garden Hotel,
or Bowieville, or anything like that , no the
and the Gala Awards Dinner, where a flying
suggestion is, ‘Aylesbowie’ – so it retains
saucer circled over the guests heads. The
part of both names you see! Why not Ziggy
theme was echoed at the invite-only launch
Stardustbury I hear some of you ask – but that
event at Copper Box Arena in Stratford’s
would just be silly wouldn’t it?
Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park which gave 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
2
a first glimpse of MSG’s spectacular 20,000
Well, maybe it’s time to come back down to
capacity Sphere concept which will see a
earth, and to consider such important topics
planning application submitted later this
as band’s reforming – you know, those will
year.
they won’t they observations that worry the
The MSG Sphere was introduced as an
life out of fans. Both The Spice Girls and Take
“intelligent venue that brings the real world
That are shilly - shallying – (not recognised by
and cyber world together like never before.”
spell checker for some reason…) maybe we
MSG Executive Chairman Jim Dolan talked
should all take bets on it. Personally I’m more
of, reinventing the live experience whilst
interested in the bands that are still going,;
reading from SF writer Ray Bradbury’s The
a couple of weeks ago I went to see Geno
Veldt, about a next to real virtual-reality
Washington and the Ram Jam Band, and
environment. Dolan wished to illustrate how
last night The Pretty Things – both of which I
science-fiction environments often become
first saw fifty years ago! And they were both
reality, quoting Jules Verne’s prediction
bloody good – no shilly-shallying whatsoever!
of the submarine and HG Wells the atom bomb. I’m pretty sure that Star Trek came up
I’ll be visiting two events in Portugal over the
with the mobile phone and other inventions,
next month, and will as ever report back in
so we might soon be beamed up, or into,
the next issue. So, before I take off on talking
live shows. It’s the live music industry Jim,
about time travel, Ladies and Gentlemen –
but not as we know it!
The News!
VIP NEWS >
MARCH 2018
Iceland Airwaves Festival Sold From VIP-Daily News Icelandic promoter Sena Live has bought the
about booking as many [bands] as possible,
venues around the city held off-venue
Iceland Airwaves festival.
but booking well.” He admits balancing
concerts, while official festival events took
the books while maintaining the festival’s
place at 13 venues. Ísleifur considers it
character will be a huge challenge.
problematic that Airwaves is generating
Sena Live CEO Ísleifur Þórhaldsson told mbl. is that the goal is to bring the festival back
profits for these unofficial venues, while
to its roots, showcasing up-and-coming
Another matter facing the festival organizers
shouldering costs and seeing little of the
Icelandic artists rather than big names.
is whether or not to hold shows in Harpa,
revenue. “There must be a fair relationship
Reykjavík’s main concert hall. “Harpa is a
there,” he insists.
Sena Live has also bought the Airwaves
‘fancy’ concert hall, really classy, and it’s
brand,
to
significantly more expensive to book it than
Sena Live has produced some of Iceland’s
Icelandair, the festival’s main sponsor since
which
previously
belonged
other places,” says Ísleifur. Sena Live plans
biggest concerts in recent years, bringing
its inception 20 years ago.
to meet with the venue soon and discuss if
artists like Justin Timberlake and Justin Bieber
and how they could work together on the
to the country. Ísleifur says Sena Live will be
festival.
focusing on Airwaves this year and will likely
Ísleifur confirmed that Sena Live is very aware of the festival’s history as a bridge
not produce a large concert before 2019.
between emerging Icelandic musicians and
Sena Live will also be looking at off-venue
the international scene, giving new acts a
gigs which occur during the festival.
“Airwaves
is
chance to show their stuff and attracting
Organized by music venues, bars, and
institution
which
foreign journalists and talent scouts to
restaurants in Reykjavík, these concerts
immediately that everyone cares about,”
Iceland. He says that will remain the
occur during the festival but are free and
Ísleifur says. “We will not be the people
festival’s main goal, and is one condition
open to non-ticket holders. Last year 50
who destroy Airwaves.”
a
deep-rooted we
know
cultural and
feel
that was discussed with the festival’s largest sponsors before the sale. “We take these obligations seriously,” Ísleifur stated. Better-known bands will also be booked, “but they will always have to fit into the basic ideology of the festival,” he added. “Airwaves should be a festival where you can show up, even though you don’t know the band that’s performing, and their show is good. You should see bands that make it big after one, two, or three years.” The ratio of Icelandic to international acts at the festival has been around 140 to 60 in recent years, and Sena Live intends to maintain that proportion, possibly even increasing the emphasis on local acts. Ticket sales for the festival have been decreasing in recent years, with the 2016 edition resulting in a loss of ISK 57 million (USD 570,000/EUR 460,000). “We definitely have to make cuts here and there, but we’re still not talking about people feeling like the festival is downsizing,” says Ísleifur. “It’s not
Ísleifur Þórhaldsson
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VIP NEWS >
MARCH 2018
First bands announced for Hamburg Metal Dayz 2018 From VIP-Daily News The first bands for the Hamburg Metal Dayz 2018 have been
Dayz will fly the flag for riffs, rockers and heavy music at Reeperbahn
revealed, among them symphonic Metal sensation Beyond The
Festival in September.
Black, D:A:D frontman Jesper Binzer and crossover heroes Skindred. After having sold out in the past few years, the two-day event will The event at Hamburg’s Markthalle will once more bring heavy
once again feature well-selected Metal and Rock bands ranging from
music to the Reeperbahn Festival on September 21 and 22, having
big names to up-andcoming hot shots and acts you can’t see every
established itself as the „place to be“ for fans, musicians and
week. In addition, the Hamburg Metal Dayz have proven themselves
business insiders alike. For the seventh time, the Hamburg Metal
to be a fixture in the yearly calendar of networking music industry professionals. With this, the Markthalle becomes the „place to be“ for all lovers of Metal – fans, musicians and business insiders alike. The Hamburg Metal Dayz have always been more than just concerts. Fans came to expect and look forward to workshops, readings, expert discussions and exhibitions. This includes the traditional „promoter panel“ featuring Holger Hübner and Thomas Jensen, the creators of the Wacken Open Air. They will answer questions from the fans directly and might even drop some red hot news about the world’s biggest Metal festival.
Hamburg Metal Dayz
See the full line up: www.seaside-touring.com
Second Edition of Music Cork Allan McGowan am@vip-booking.com Shane Dunne – joint organiser of Music Cork, and promoter of the Indiependence Festival contacted VIP News to tell us how things are progressing with the Irish Showcase and Conference event. It’s shaping up really well for the second year of Music Cork, after a very successful first year interest is much higher this year with delegates passes selling really well. We’ve got some great speakers from across the industry covering management, labels, publishing, legal, PR, agencies and digital with many more to be announced. Music Cork is really about informal networking so we’re bringing back the pub crawls and the after parties and we hope that like last year, lots of business gets done over a beer. Early Bird Delegates Passes are on sale from www.MusicCork.com. Music Cork takes place in Cork, Ireland from April 25th - 27th.
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VIP NEWS >
MARCH 2018
ILMC 30 – Ethics Manfred Tari mt@vip-booking.com
Considering the increasingly difficult times
“The music business can be and has been a
Whether booking fee rebates and hidden
in which we live, this edition of ILMC
real important and fertile ground for being
kick-backs should be cut out of the business
seemed to be the right time to consider the
progressive and trying new ideas,” claimed
was then discussed; followed by the issue
subject of ethics and best practice in the live
Tudhope. “It’s been intriguing to see what is
of high ticket prices and headline acts
industry.
happening, just in the last year, in the music
increasingly demanding between 70–80%
industry, which is that people are looking
of a festival’s programming budget, leaving
Alex Bruford of ATC Live chaired the
forwards and realising that more ethical
little for smaller artists. Harris asked “now
panel and opened proceedings by reading
behaviour not only feels good, but is also
they have reached the top of the tree, is
out the dictionary definition of ethics
good for business.”
it right to pull the drawbridge up behind
(“distinguishing between right and wrong
them?”
human actions”) and asking if people in our
Harris continued in the same vein, saying,
business cared about doing the right thing.
“As far as I’m concerned, when it comes
Galperin supported his observations by
Amongst other topics the question of profit
down to ethics it’s a question of whether
quoting various philosophers, such as
versus fairness was debated.
you want to be able to sleep well at night.
Immanuel Kant and Aristotle, to the delight
I’m one of those people who, over the years,
of the audience, - it was unlikely that these
four
has probably made less, but slept better,”
names had featured in previous ILMC
panellists, Isla Angus (ATC Live), Semyon
He reminded everyone that we are still
panels! He suggested that deals needed to
Adam Tudhope (Everybody’s Management )
involved in a “relationship business”. He
be structured better to help promoters who
Semyon Galperin (Tele-Club Group, Russia),
continued, “There’s a whole load of under-
risk 100% of the losses in return for 20%
and manager and consultant Keith Harris–
the-table stuff going on in the industry. But
of the profits. “Mathematically, that doesn’t
was quite optimistic. Although there were
at the end of the day, if you’re keeping a
really work.”
definitely problem areas, the impression
dirty little secret and the person you’re
was that overall , and whilst avoiding
working with finds out, that’s going to
Angus agreed, saying that everybody in
complacency the industry seems to be
kill the relationship. In terms of long-term
the business had a duty to recognise that
gradually moving towards a more ethical
sustainability, you want to be able to look
it “doesn’t make sense to squeeze the
footing .
people in eye.”
last drop out of promoters because you’re
The
initial
responses
from
the
going to need them next week or next month.” The aim for everyone, she said, should be “building long term careers, rather than a flash in the pan,” and that ethics and business “were not mutually exclusive.” References
to
artists
and
managers
operating in an ethical manner of included handing back 50% of a festival headlining fee to help out the organisers who were staring bankruptcy in the face when the event ran into trouble. Tudhope spoke about his artists Mumford & Sons splitting the profits evenly between all three acts on the bill, when they staged
Panel at ILMC 2018
2011’s Railroad Revival Tour, much as two thirds of the audience were there to see
5
VIP NEWS >
MARCH 2018
Mumford. He concluded, “The winds
and StubHub, saying that they have no part
ethical generation that has had to reimagine
of change are blowing, the internet has
of our business, and ake money away from
the business”.
brought more transparency and, in turn,
fans in an appalling way.
more ethical practices to the recorded music
So, if this panel was anything to go bye,
industry. Nevertheless, the live side of the
The session concluded with Harris saying
there is cause for optimism, as Harris
business remains at least 10 years behind.”
that he saw, “… hope for the future with
finished up, “It feels more like the 60s than
He remarked on the misuse of the internet in
the greedy boom-and-bust years of the
it does the 80s, which is a good thing.” I
the live industry by companies like Viagogo
1980s and 1990s giving way to a more
for one agree!
Netherlands to be Guest Country for The Great Escape Allan McGowan am@vip-booking.com The
Netherlands
are
this
year’s
lead
international country for The Great Escape.
the awesome Dutch wave of bands ready to
we’re in the company of the cream of the
take over Europe!”
Dutch crop with acts like The Homesick,
The country’s most prominent rising stars
Canshaker Pi and so many more.”
will be showcased in partnership with the
Having already built solid foundations in
Dutch Music Export.
their home country these acts represent a
Dutch Music Export is a longstanding
variety of genres from alternative noise rock
partner at The Great Escape festival, since
With Pitou, Naaz, Iguana Death Cult,
and garage to indie folk, quirkpop and singer
year one the Dutch Impact party has been a
Paceshifters and Rosemary & Garlic already
songwriters with beautiful vocal harmonies.
highlight in the convention programme. For
confirmed, recent additions are: Canshaker
The aim of the the Export Office is to offer
thirteen years Dutch artists have provided
Pi, Charlie & the lesbians, Day Fly, Nana
something for everyone and present acts
festival go-ers with many memorable
Adjoa, Pip Blom, The Homesick and Brass
that will stay on the radar in 2018.
performances from artists such as, Amber
Rave Unit.
Arcades, Dope D.O.D, Jacco Gardner, Pip Blom says.”We played last year’s TGE and it was such a great festival that even in the
dozens of shows in the UK over the last
pouring rain we had the best time walking
The Dutch Impact Party will take place on
year, it’s a huge honour to play The Great
through Brighton checking out cool bands
Friday 18th May 2018 at Komedia, 44-47
Escape among our Dutch friends this year.
like Shame and Goat Girl. We’re honoured
Gardner Street, Brighton. More info and set
We love coming back to Brighton and join
to play this year again, especially because
times coming soon.
Canshaker Pi
6
Jameszoo and Klangstof,
Said Canshaker Pi ”After having played
VIP NEWS >
MARCH 2018
Rockavaria - Comeback Of A Festival Manfred Tari mt@vip-booking.com It’s true to say that DEAG’s original 2015 attempts to launch new festivals in Germany and Austria were not exactly a success story.
Die Toten Hosen will headline Rockavaria
In fact in its business report for the same year the company filed a financial debt of 23.2 million Euros and the share price suffered a significant backlash. However,
once
again,
DEAG
survived
troubled times; the first episode in the 40 year old company’s long history was the purchase of the musical company Stella
VIP News asked Christian Dieckmann, COO/
as Paul McCartney, Black Sabbath, Sunrise
around 2000, shortly after DEAG undertook
CDO of DEAG about his expectations and
Avenue, Anna Netrebko, Paul Kalkbrenner,
its IPO at Frankfurt Stock Exchange in 1998.
the experience applied to the revamping of
and the sold out-show with Aerosmith last
this edition of the festival.
year.
Rockavaria a thorough work over, staging
VIP News: What are the challenges and
VIP News: Apparently the site will
the festival at a new site in Munich and
the benefits arising from the new site
accommodate
applying a revamped festival concept. The
for Rockavaria?
Can a festival with this kind of billing
Nevertheless, DEAG gave its festival-brand 22.000
festivalgoers.
and production settings be profitable
event went ahead in 2015 and 2016, but was suspended in 2017, but this year will
Christian
take place on June 9 -10. at the Königsplatz,
taking on the challenge! The former site
Dieckmann:
We
are
already
centrally located in the inner city of Munich.
- the Olympic park including the stadium
or do you consider this event rather to be a strategic investment?
- was tricky to operate, and an expensive
Dieckmann:
The
goal
is
to
continue
The line-up is distinctively rock oriented,
festival site. An alternative and attractive
Rockavaria as a festival with both popular
featuring 21 acts with Iron Maiden and
new location allowing a profitable festival-
headliners and upcoming artists - and
Toten Hosen as headliners, and including
event was urgently needed. So we - and the
to continue profitably. We will reach the
Limp Bizkit, Therapy?, Royal Republic,
audience as well - appreciate that Munich
target. For purely strategic reasons we
Donots and Emil Bulls.
welcomes Rockavaria now and also in future,
wouldn´t accept loss making events. The
and that the city provides space and options
diverse locations are to be distinguished.
for this type of music culture. The benefit
Some are more difficult, some less. This
is a sensational view and an extraordinary
location provides such good conditions that
atmosphere. It´s a very beautiful spot and
both a top-billing and a smaller capacity are
a special piece of nature in the middle of
possible
Munich! VIP News: Particularly DEAG suffered
Christian Dieckmann - Foto / Diehoffotografen
8
For the first time we received permission for
a substantial financial loss in 2015,
a second stage called “Green Stage” in the
when the bidding war for top-artists
shady park. For sure Rockavaria is the rock-
reached new levels. However, It looks
festival with the most beautiful scenery.
like boutique festivals these days are
A big advantage is that we are used to
doing better than events with popular
producing concerts on this site, having
headliners, which are more expensive
presented 20 shows to date with artists such
than upcoming artists. With this in
VIP NEWS >
MARCH 2018
mind, what are the strategic guidelines
a row of bad weather. Current ticket
Onkelz stadium show, Iron Maiden tour in
for the development of Rockavaria
sales for open-air events apparently
Germany and also festivals like Rock The
in particular since the event was
are below expectations. How you
Ring in Switzerland and last but not least
suspended in 2017?
would describe the current market
Rockavaria in Munich.
situation and what this means for Dieckmann: Rockavaria is an urban rock
Rockavaria?
VIP News: Please tell us about the marketing concept for Rockavaria. Are
festival. It presents edgy and top-class headliners embedded in a well formed music
Dieckmann: I assume that we have again
you going to promote the festival with
programme composed of international and
to distinguish. It seems comprehensible
a focus on regional territories or even
national great rock bands. Additionally the
that Stephan´s perception is true referring
on a nationwide level?
location and atmosphere are something
the large three- or four-days festivals in the
special. Everything is focused on the music,
countryside. The very bad and dangerous
Dieckmann: The radius is about 300
the shows and having a nice rock summer´s
weather conditions in the last two years
kilometres around Munich I guess, so for
day in a beautiful environment.
impaired the people´s festival pleasure and
now it´s a regional thing.
experience. The effect could be reservation, Rockavaria is not a boutique festival. But
but also many festivals took place without
VIP News: Looking on the website
the urban festival approach distinguishes
being affected by apocalyptic weather and
for the event there haven’t been any
Rockavaria
many people had fun at festivals.
sponsors displayed yet. Is it due to the
from
e.g.
Glastonbury
or
type of “rock”-billing or other reasons
Wacken. It´s not about spending four days in the countryside and taking a short break.
With current ticket sales in mind I can say
that explains the lack of sponsors?
that the headline open air shows we will VIP News: At ILMC 2018, Stephan
present this summer are not affected. Just
Dieckmann: We have Monster Rehab, Jim
Thanscheidt mentioned in the festival
a selection like Ed Sheeren stadium tour
Beam and some other partners and I expect
panel, that in 2018 festival promoters
UK, Foo Fighters Stadium show in Bern
a head-sponsor partner coming in the next
are paying the price for three years in
(CH), die toten hosen in Lucerne, Boese
two years.
9
VIP NEWS > INDEPTH STORY >
MARCH 2018
Federation Of German Tax Payers Criticise Support Programme for Music Venues - a comment by VIP News Reporter Manfred Tari (mt@vip-booking.com) spent. For more than 20 years this association has regularly questioned how taxpayers’ money is being used and abused, compiling blacklists that reads like a manifest. Worth noting that on the next page after the foreword of its current report the organisation prominently features the statement that the budget for social spending is expected to exceed more than 50 per cent of the entire state budget. Of course we all got used to spotting poverty in the streets, and we realised that, since the days of Reagan & Thatcher and their European political equivalents, the social gap between the rich and the average people continues to rise; asking ourselves why some huge corporate companies are hardly paying any taxes while at the same time the purchasing power of ordinary people declines. So actually you might think this organisation is fighting for a good purpose, and eventually this might be the truth, but unfortunately not in general. In its current report just released on March 20
Manfred Tari
this organisation highlighted, among others, that the support programme for digitalization of music venues was being misspent. Until 2019 this incentive programme will outlay a total amount of
In the hey days of populism it takes a lot to raise awareness.
3 million Euro, enabling clubs and venues to invest in new digital
Politically minded players easily produce statements and claims that
sound and light equipment.
are somehow being picked up in public or social media. Feeding opinions and boosting messages has reached a level of perfection
Roughly calculated this organisation is questioning subsidies
that is so to say mind blowing.
and other expenses of more than 2.2 billion euro. Then there is another 6 billion Euro for military drones for the German Ministry
There are certain buzzwords that simply seem to work best these
for Defence; the assumption that this organisation also represents
days. One of those is “neo- liberal.” A kind of hard-core-capitalism-
peace activists is wrong. In the particular chapter regarding this
philosophy that for certain people has become a sort of religion,
spending, this association recommends the purchase of American
praising the idea of a free market as the ultimate requirement to
drones instead, which have already proved successful and much
save the world.
less expensive.
Not since the collapse of the Soviet Union have the hardliners
Whatever it takes, every investment in music is certainly less
of capitalism celebrated such an on-going party and declared a
harmful than in military equipment, whether it’s cheaper or not.
policy of austerity as being the sexiest thing for mankind since the invention of the wheel.
VIP News asked the Tax Payers Federation for a statement shortly before this report went to press. The spokesperson of the
10
Well, the German Federation Of Tax Payers also has an ultimate
organisation replied to VIP News, but argued that due to a lack
passion for austerity when it comes to how tax monies are being
of time it was not possible to answer all the submitted questions.
VIP NEWS > INDEPTH STORY >
MARCH 2018
and more. Also, the coalition agreement of the new government
The questions by VIP News were:
provides for a massive expansion of subsidies and financial grants – contrary to the subsidy policy guidelines.
• Please explain why you chose the financial aid for the digitalisation of music venues to be considered in your
To draw attention to this expansionary policy, the federation of
recent report...
taxpayers has used current examples from the federal budget and the coalition agreement. Promoting live music clubs is just one of the
• Did you check in detail who is eligible for this funding?
examples. A subsidy race between different cultural sectors would be problematic: If one sector receives more government funding,
• Music venues in Germany, unlike music halls or
others feel at a disadvantage. So now that the music clubs receive
orchestras for classical music hardly receive any subsidies.
state aid, other cultural areas, which are not subsidized so far,
The financial gap between institutionalized culture ventures
could soon claim those as well. In general terms, there is no legal
and the ones who actually benefit from the programme for
entitlement to subsidies, that is to say the financial help by taxpayers.
the digitalisation of music venues is more than significant. Are you still seriously questioning this programme when
In the light of already rampant public spending, there should be
taking into account that the majority of venues that still are
no subsidy spiral in which more and more sectors, companies and
hosting concerts with upcoming and eventually midsized
private clientele are calling for state support. It is also important that
artists, due to the financial volume related with these kind
strict rules for the awarding of subsidies and grants are not only
of concerts, rather do for it passion than for profits?
formulated but also taken into account. As a scene connoisseur, you are pursuing a self-legitimate interest to justify a subsidy requirement
• The number of music venues in Germany as in other
for music clubs. However, this can also be done by other sectors – for
European countries is decreasing due to various reasons.
example, the film industry, the computer game industry or private
Sometimes it is due to new neighbours, new landlords,
EEG plant operators. However, we, as the taxpayers’ federation,
stricter noise emissions, tougher safety guidelines or
try our best to scrutinize and question subsidy programs over all
simply economical reasons. In addition thereto, culture
branches – not only culture. Because exactly the money, which
offers for younger audiences particular in Germany and
politics distributes for subsidies, is the money citizens must earn
especially for popular music are very rare. What kind of
before. We believe that they have a right that their money is spent
political preferences does your organisation have in terms
wisely and carefully.
of subsidies for culture? Well, in particular the film industry in Germany has for ages received substantial amounts of subsidies and even the games-sector to a much lower extent receives subsidies, too. In fact the spokesperson answered with a summary, saying: Anyhow, the German live music sector for popular music itself For its campaign “spring cleaning”, the federation of Taxpayers has
pays taxes and probably more than it receives on financial grants
looked particularly critically at the subsidy policy of the German
in return. Perhaps it is about time to ask the wonderful act Sleaford
government as with the beginning of spring every year. In 2015,
Mods to write a proper protest song, to be played before each and
the government decided on subsidy-policy guidelines: if these self-
every club show, explaining why the political-philosophy of radical
defined targets were consistently implemented, they could curb the
neo-liberalism is just one those elements that is feeding political
expansionary granting of subsidies. Unfortunately, the ministries
populism. But convincing the believers and evangelists of neo-
largely ignore their own guidelines! The consequences: The volume
liberalism is almost as challenging as convincing Donald Trump that
of subsidies is growing, and citizens and businesses are paying more
climate change is real...
Need to know who is touring Europe?
®
Go online - www.vip-booking.com vip-booking.com
11
VIP NEWS >
MARCH 2018
FIGHTBACK: Grassroots Promoter Programme Expands! Allan McGowan am@vip-booking.com MVT will supply a toolkit and contacts that new promoters need to put on their show. Alongside this, the FB: GP scheme will match them with music industry experts with experience of every aspect of delivering a successful event who can mentor them through the process. The package of support includes:
• A Gig-In-A-Box – everything you need to know about how to book, Recently The Music Venue Trust teamed
MVT’s Beverley Whitrick adds: “We want
up with Music Planet Live to launch a new
to make a big change to the independent
initiative that will encourage and help 100
promoter scene in the UK, enabling 100
• Support from your local Grassroots
young female promoters to each stage
young women to take a chance on promoting
Music Venue and leading Independ-
a gig in a grassroots music venue of their
a show they believe in. With their support,
ent Promoters and music industry pro-
choosing. The scheme is part of MVT’s
we are not only going to raise money for
fessional acting as mentors
Fightback programme of fundraising events.
Music Venue Trust, we are going to start
The
‘Fightback:
Grassroots
Promoter’
programme will make £100,000 available
manage and promote a show
the process of identifying the next wave of
• Be part of a national campaign with
fantastic new independent promoters and
your own local event – profits from
tackle head-on diversity in this sector
your Fightback show directly help to
in ‘subsidy guarantees’, basically under-
keep venues open through the Emer-
writing shows that participating promoters
The Instigators of the project are delighted
stage. They’ll still need to aim to break
to announce that following the successful
even on the gig, but the initiative will take
launch
the risk out of promoting a grass roots
Promoter initiative, the programme is being
music event. Promoters taking part in the
expanded with a second opportunity aimed
scheme will also have access to knowledge
at anyone who is passionate about live
and advice.
music and want to learn the skills to become
of
their
Fightback
gency Response service
Grassroots Beverley Whitrick, MVT:
an independent promoter. Stage 2 of the MVT and MPL note that “under 25s who
programme has brought new partners and
want to promote a show are often put off
supporters on board, including DHP Family,
by the risk or the lack of information about
Ticketweb, Ents24, Kilimanjaro Live, The List
who to speak to, how to get the best deal,
and many others.
or what connections they need. At the same
12
time, grassroots music venues are crying
FB: GP stage 2 will make an additional
out for new young promoters with fresh
£100,000 in subsidy guarantees available
ideas. Add into that mix a lack of diversity
to underwrite 100 additional Fightback
in the music industry and it adds up to a
fundraising shows at Grassroots Music
series of barriers to young women taking
Venues promoted by new promoters or
We
up promoting and adding their unique voice
those who want to try and develop their
fantastic feedback and responses to our
and ideas to the grassroots scene”.
promoting skills.
initial
Beverley Whitrick
were
overwhelmed
Fightback
Grassroots
with
the
Promoter
VIP NEWS >
MARCH 2018
announcement, and it clearly demonstrated that there is a huge interest in promoting and in supporting grassroots music venues. This new initiative is open to everyone who would like to get involved. Bring us great ideas, and we will get you the support you need to make them a reality. Fightback Grassroots Promoter is supported by key organisations and figures from every level of the music industry, with established promoters such as Live Nation and DHP Family among those getting behind the campaign:
Paul Latham, COO UK & Ireland, Live Nation:
Paul Latham George Akins
“Live Nation already have female festival promoters and senior gig promoters but we are mindful that we can always do better
performing in the industry we will naturally
and need more talent from the most diverse
see more growth in the business.”
backgrounds. We wholly support the Music
Richard Taylor, Music Planet Live: “At Music Planet Live we don’t believe that
Venues Trust in their ground-breaking and
Fightback Grassroots Promoter is a targeted
a financial risk should always be a part of
laudable campaign.”
initiative from Music Venue Trust and
promoting for independent and emerging
Music Planet Live that sits alongside MPL’s
promoters at grassroots level. The role is
announcement of £1 Million of incentives and
vital for the entire live industry and we’re
grants to support emerging UK promoters
committed to supporting the hard work
and artists. Music Planet Live will be funding
undertaken, which on many occasions has
“There are clearly barriers to women breaking
artists, projects and live events up to £5k
little financial reward. We want to provide
into the world of concert promotion. We as
each across the UK. In addition to show
an opportunity for promoters to be able to
a company would like to see more women
sponsorship, the site is designed so artists,
put on the shows they want. We want the
promoting,
working
venues and promoters of all levels can use its
venues paid, the artists paid and as such we
behind the scenes and if we can help in any
service to increase exposure and following,
want to help cover costs, so promoters can
way to see this come to fruition then we
create a new audience and generate income
afford to put on a show risk free and help
will. By having more women working and
through various means.
keep live music thriving.”
George Akins, DHP:
performing
and
13
VIP NEWS >
MARCH 2018
The Further Adventures of The Broken Ravens Allan McGowan am@vip-booking.com The extremely hard working Scottish band
Reindeer Section) and band mate Derek
at the end of our meeting with a tee shirt
The Broken Ravens have been keeping VIP
(we called him Prick Rubin) co produced.
and a bottle of Harris Gin, which she was
News informed of their progress as they
delighted with. A quick 15-minute coffee
put their efforts into breaking into the US
A week of 14-hour days really paid off and
lasted 4 hours and once the EP is mixed and
Market. Kevin Clark brings us up to date:
cannot believe the results. We recorded
the PR back story is complete, she will pass
7 tracks. In the downtime at the studio
on to various industry friends that will be
Well, we finally got to Los Angeles after
Danny and his wife Lori made us a meal,
able to help us secure high profile shows
snow in Glasgow that was of biblical
sat in on recordings and treated us like a
and management. She said our music, our
proportions!!! It was unreal and I was stuck
part of the family. They were amazing, as
take on the music industry, and the way we
there for nearly 4 days. Left after the other
was almost everyone we met.
have done everything ourselves was a great
guys and got there a day before them!!
story and totally alien to LA. She thinks We played a show at the Viper Room, and
people would buy into the band as persons
We were unsuccessful in obtaining funding
invited a writer that expressed interest in
you can easy identify with, and coupled
(ÂŁ5k) from the Creative industry bodies
our music. She is based in Santa Monica
with the fact our music is unique in their
that subsidise these things. I managed to
and has written a script for a new dark
local music scene.
raise all the money by selling tee shirts,
detective themed series that Amazon was
arranging events in local venues utilising
keen to shoot. The writer was blown away
Just to mix now, and looking for the right
local musicians and bands, and by securing
by our music and since has been in touch
person who can work on a humble budget.
small
from
with regards to sync. She has also been in
Will send you a selection of tracks once
local businesses. All this was done in
talks with Netflix and if all goes well, will
they are done.
approximately 8 weeks.
be shot this summer in NYC. She sent the
donations
of
sponsorship
script to me after signing an NDA, not that
Good to be home, first day back to work
Once we all got over the pond, we recorded
I know anything about scripts but seems
tomorrow, looking forward to it like a hole
7 tracks in Danny Hutton’s (Three Dog
pretty good so fingers crossed.
in the head!!!
Hut. His son Dash was the engineer/
I also had a meeting with an attorney for
Kindest Regards
producer and my brother Charlie (Astrid/
a huge global metal band. I presented her
Kevin
Night) Laurel canyon studio- The Canyon
The Broken Ravens
14
16/17/18/19 JAN 2019 GRONINGEN NL
! U O Y K THAN ! 9 1 0 2 S N S E T A U O Y EE
S
THE EUROPEAN MUSIC PLATFORM
VIP NEWS >
MARCH 2018
SXSW Announces 2018 Grulke Prize Winners Allan McGowan am@vip-booking.com I’ve not been to SXSW for some years now,
album aptly sums up the contributions of
and I must admit I miss Austin; SXSW itself
this multi-faceted artist to state-of-the-
is no longer as big as it was, though many
art music. As a songwriter, video pioneer,
are of the opinion that the reduction is no
producer,
bad thing. Those who I have spoken to
software developer, conceptualist — and
about this recent edition have remarked on
— most recently, interactive artist (re-
how relatively quiet it was.
recording
artist,
computer
designated TR-i), Rundgren has made learned to play guitar and started writing
a lasting impact on both the form and
But, SXSW was always a great event run
her own lyrics, eventually settling into
content of popular music. His myriad
by some fine people and I have no doubt
an intense song-a-day pace. Some were
production projects include albums by
it will re-establish its own levels. The sadly
good, others better left forgotten, but the
Patti Smith, Cheap Trick, Psychedelic Furs,
missed Creative Director Brent Grulke
process sharpened her chops and shaped
Meatloaf, XTC, Grand Funk Railroad, and
passed away on August 13, 2012, but
her approach to songwriting. Her debut EP,
Hall and Oates.
his name is commemorated, by, as well
Something American, is out now.
as other things, the annual Grulke Prize,,
Jurors for the Grulke Prize include music
now in its sixth year and awarded in three
The Grulke Prize winner for Career Act is
critics, industry professionals, and SXSW
categories.
Todd Rundgren. A wizard, a true star —
staff, many of whom knew and worked
the title of Todd Rundgren’s 1973 solo
with Brent over the years.
On March 19, 2018 – The South by Southwest® (SXSW®) Conference and Festivals announced the winners for this year’s Prize.. The Grulke Prize winner for Developing U.S. Act is Starcrawler. Hailing from Los Angeles, Starcrawler formed two years ago when lead vocalist Arrow de Wilde first met drummer Austin Smith. Shortly thereafter, guitarist Henri Cash and bassist Tim Franco joined the band. The group is known for their squalling riffs, thundering beats and incendiary performances, fronted by de Wilde’s otherworldly magnetism. The band captivated audiences throughout their performances at this year’s Music Festival. The Grulke Prize winner for Developing Non-U.S. Act is Jade Bird. Already a recipient of the Reeperbahn Festival Anchor Award, this London-based songwriter took SXSW by storm, charming all who saw her with her clear voice and fetching songs. When she was barely a teenager, she
16
Jade Bird won the Grulke Prize at SXSW
VIP NEWS >
MARCH 2018
O2 Arena Reports Annual Profits Since 2008 Allan McGowan am@vip-booking.com
The O2 Arena in London has made a
combined
net
profit
of
$203.7m
O2 Arena London
(166m/ÂŁ146.m) since 2002 when sports conglomerate AEG acquired the venue. The facility opened as a theme park to celebrate the new Millennium, but failed to live up to expectations, attracting just over half of its expected visitors during its 12-month lifespan. Having
cost
approximately
$976m
to
construct and $1.4m a month to maintain, the British government opted to sell the venue to AEG in order to save on costs and retrieve some of the funds. AEG turned the facility into a 21,000-seater entertainment venue that now hosts a plethora of events, ranging from music concerts to sports championships. In a further boost, AEG brought O2, a subsidiary of Spanish telecommunications giant TelefĂłnica on board as naming rights partner. This deal was renewed last year until a least 2027, for a cost of around $174m. Citing a report in the Daily Telegraph newspaper, Forbes said such has been the success of the project that the venue has made a profit after tax each year since 2008. In 2017, profit after tax hit a record high, surging 13.3% year-on-year to $46.7m,
17
VIP NEWS >
NAMES & JOBS
MARCH 2018
New Executive Director for Music Finland
TKO hires agent Gabe Apodaca
From VIP-Daily News
From VIP-Daily News
Music Finland’s new Executive Director is Kaisa Rönkkö.
The Kirby Organization (TKO) have announced the addition of Gabriel Apodaca to their family.
Rönkkö has a long directorial career in the Finnish music field, with experience in expert organisation management.
Apodaca began his career as an agent 15 years ago, and will bring acts including 3OH!3 - who will be co-headlining this summer`s
Her current position is in the orchestra department at the Finnish
Vans Warped Tour - and Plague Vendor to the company`s roster.
National Opera and Ballet where she has been responsible for a staff of more than 130 professionals. Furthermore, Rönkkö has led the
“We are excited to have Gabe join our team in Los Angeles,”
Finnish operations at the EU project OperaVision, bringing opera
says Jim Lenz, who heads TKO`s California office. “He has a great
productions to streaming platforms.
energy and attitude that fits right in with our firm as we continue to grow.”
”The Finnish music export continues to grow and Music Finland is in an exceptional place at the moment, so I’m truly excited about my
“He not only brings experience and expertise, but will also help us
upcoming position. We have great international success stories in
expand our roster with broadening styles of music,” says Andrew
many musical genres, which is fascinating for me. The Finnish music
Goodfriend, with Mike Monterulo adding that, “Gabe may be
sector has vast potential, so I’m strongly confident about the future
working in our L.A. office, but we can already feel his contagious
of this field”, says Rönkkö.
spirit in New York.”
Rönkkö will start her position on the 7th of May. Her predecessor
TKO was founded in 2005 and have now offices in New York, Los
Tuomo Tähtinen will start his new post at Fullsteam Agency on the
Angeles, London and Austin. The Roster includes more than 100
5th of March.
names and talents in rock, metal, alternative and pop, Apodaca`s artists will join the TKO ranks of Buckcherry, Anthrax, Blue Oyster Cult, Soul Asylum, Sevendust, Tom Keifer, Hank 3, Billy Squier, Fuel,
Kaisa Rönkkö - photo by Tiia Ohman
Jefferson Starship, Dickey Betts and Drowning Pool, to name just a few.
Gabriel Apodaca
18
VIP NEWS > BUSINESS >
MARCH 2018
MUSIC IN SHARES
Music In Shares Manfred Tari mt@vip-booking.com
CTS Eventim
a financial volume of $500 million (2.5 percent) and senior notes
- A Revenue Billionaire
worth $300 million (5.6 percent). The term time for the convertible notes is 2023, the one for the senior notes is 2026.
CTS Eventim scored highly, reaching for the first time in the company history revenue of 1.034 billion Euros. The company emphasized that
Since the last issue of VIP News the share price melted down from a
in particular FKP Scorpio and “festival-innovations� contributed to
solid $47.83 to $42.50 per share. While total audience came in at a
the development of earnings within the live entertainment segment
record 2.7 million, driving revenue to $134.8m.
of the company. Revenue was up by 24.6 per cent, from a previous 829.9 million Euro to 1.034 billion. That of the Live Entertainment division alone rose from 439.2 to 629.7 million Euro. Nevertheless the Earnings before Interests, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortisation (EBITDA) for this segment went down from 27.2 to 26.1 million Euro, while the Ticketing division remained the profit gainer: from 167.3 in 2016 up to 178.6 million Euro. The company declared recommending at the upcoming annual meeting to pay a dividend of 0.59 cent per share. On February 23 VIP News reported a share price of 42.80 Euro, for the current issue (23 March) it is only 36.88 Euro.
DEAG - Less Revenue, Better Earning Results DEAG announced preliminary results for 2017, reporting revenue of 179 million Euro compared to 199 million Euro one year before. However, the EBIT-result from previously minus 2.1 moved up to 5.1 million Euros. The final business report will be published on March 29, but already the company has declared that it expects a revenue growth of 20 percent and for the earnings 40 percent. The previously reported share price was 2.71 Euro, the current one is 2.63 Euro.
Live Nation - Issues New Bonds Worth $800 Million Despite the reported record revenue of $10.3 billion earlier at the end of February and the usually reported net loss ($6 million or $0.48 per share), the company announced the issue of convertible notes with
19
VIP NEWS > MISC >
MARCH 2018
MEMBER PRESENTATION
This space is dedicated to present some of our clients using VIP-Booking.com. Companies presented here have our best endorsement...
ARTIST AVAILS THE HORRORS Territory: Europe Period: 2018 Agency: Primary Talent International Agent: Steve Backman E-mail: stevebackman@primarytalent.com Homepage: www.thehorrors.co.uk
PHIL RUDD BAND (EX AC/DC) Territory: Europe, Ukraine & Russia Period: May / June 2018 Agency: Fizzion Agent: Ian Smith Phone: +44 7791 699889 E-mail: ian@frusion.co.uk Homepage: www.fizzion.eu/artist.php?id=139
FIREHOUSE Territory: UK, Europe, Asia Period: November / December 2018 Agency: ARM Entertainment Agent: Dana Strutz Phone: 6514838754 E-mail: ds@armentertainment.com Homepage: www.armentertainment.com/firehouse
Mercedes Benz Arena The Mercedes-Benz Arena is a multipurpose indoor arena in Berlin, Germany developed by the Anschutz Entertainment Group. The arena opened in September
CARMEL Territory: Europe Period: 2018 Agency: Artistagency Agent: Bart Quintens Phone: +32 777670 E-mail: bart@artistagency.be Homepage: www.artistagency.be
2008 and hosts over 150 events per year. In 2018 the new 4,400 capacity Berlin Music Hall will open next door to the arena as part of the Mercedes Platz entertainment district. With a capacity of 17,000 people.
SMOKIE Territory: Worldwide Period: 2019 Agency: NOW Music Co Agent: Jason Phone: +44 (0)1484723557 E-mail: jason@now-music.com
PHOENIX Territory: Europe Period: 2018 Agency: Primary Talent International Agent: Peter Elliot E-mail: peter_elliott@primarytalent.com Homepage: www.wearephoenix.com
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 subscribersin over 50 countries.
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