VIP-News Premium - March 2015

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PREMIUM > VOLUME 177 > MARCH 2015

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VIP NEWS >

MARCH 2015

McGowan’s

Musings

The first weekend of this month saw

discussed, if not necessarily resolved, at a

Passport Back To The Bars series. Nobody

another sell out edition of ILMC draw over

very high level in the Conference rooms,

seems sure as to why it is closing down, but

a thousand international live music industry

corridors and bars of the Royal Garden

Guy Garvey of Elbow, who worked at the

delegates to London, for three days of

Hotel. The past was not ignored either,

club before playing some of his earliest gigs

discussion,

drinking,

particularly in a very open session that

there, told the Manchester Evening News,

eating – and quite a lot of shopping I think,

revealed some hilarious stories about the

“Kate’s (owner Kate Mountain) been trying

and oh, did I mention fun…and drinking?

sort of fu*k ups that can and have occurred

to make it work for so long, and closing it

But, seriously, much that is crucial to the

in this often precarious business – if you

is not a decision she arrived at in any way

present and the future of our industry was

happen to run into Michael Hosking of

lightly. She was loathe to shut it for so long

Midas Promotions ask him about finding

because of the sense of duty she felt to

wrestling rings in Singapore, or ask Paul

young bands”. What with essential clubs like

Crockford about finding the right shade

this disappearing, and the BBC cutting back

of green to keep Mick Jagger happy! The

on the amount of live gigs being recorded

session proved that we work in an industry

for national radio, access to promotional

networking,

fun,

that can laugh at itself – thank god!

opportunities for new acts is definitely

COLOPHON >

Anyway, see the event report in this issue.

under threat, and support from the top

VIP-News is published by: VIP-Booking.com 20-22 Wenlock Road London N1 7GU United Kingdom +44 870 755 0092

UK Government and Politicians get a lot of

flow of new talent in the UK. The situation

mention in this issue, not just because we’re

is pretty much the same in other areas of

not far off a General Election, but because

Europe, and it’s good to see clubs in various

the Secondary Ticketing issue takes to the

countries working together on initiatives like

stage again, and because enough people

Liveurope, which was profiled alongside the

are raising the issue of the fate of many small

Music Venues Trust at ILMC 27 - we’ll catch

venues, to make the Culture departments

up with their work in the next issue.

end of the business is vital to sustain the

Managing Director: Ronni Didriksen rd@vip-booking.com General Manager: Peter Briggs pb@vip-booking.com Writer and editorial: Allan McGowan am@vip-booking.com Writer: Manfred Tari mt@vip-booking.com For advertising enquiries please contact: Peter Briggs pb@vip-booking.com +44 870 755 0092

2

realise that showing enough concern could win votes! (See reports in this issue)

I’m preparing to head for Estonia for Tallinn Music Week, always a great event to catch

Talking of small venues, it’s a shame to see

up with what’s going on in other parts of

that The Roadhouse in Manchester is to close

Europe. As you are of course aware, these

down at the end of May. The 200 capacity

are troubled times in certain countries, and

venue has been in operation for 22 years,

I look forward to again hearing President

and has presented acts including Muse, The

Ilves’ opening speech, to learn what his

White Stripes, and Coldplay (well you can’t

view is of the current situation. I’ll report

get it right everytime!). Elbow played a War

back as ever – in the meantime Ladies and

Child gig there last month as part of the

Gentlemen – the News…

VIP NEWS >

MARCH 2015

UK Government U-Turns on Secondary Ticketing Issue Allan McGowan am@vip-booking.com Much as many in the industry would like to

The letter demanded Government action

The amendment to the Consumer Rights

see the ever-contentious issue of secondary

against ticket abuse and mass touting. Iron

Bill tabled by Lord Moynihan under the

ticketing settled, it still raises its hydra-like

Maiden manager Rod Smallwood recently

authority of the Competition and Markets

heads. A recent development, which was

criticised the “…ever-increasing plague of

Authority (CMA) will force resale websites

part of various discussions at ILMC and

‘secondary ticketing’ excess as a blight on

to report any fraud they uncover, and an

elsewhere, has seen a U-turn by the UK

live music and sports events and much to the

independent review will also be set up

Government. After encouraging a policy of

detriment of fans”.

over the summer to study the secondary

self-regulation by the industry ticket touting is

market. Although it is accepted that many

now set to be regulated with new laws, those

Under the new legislation, already passed by

people legitimately sell their tickets on

breaching the new regulations will face fines

the House of Lords, much closer regulation

the secondary market via services such as

of up to £5,000. However the authorities are

will apply to people re-selling tickets to both

Viagogo, Stubhub and Seatwave, these new

still expecting the industry to take the lead

music gigs and sports events in the secondary

measures are reportedly designed to help

in policing the imposition of the new rules;

market. Information on the original cost of

track “suspicious activity”.

if adopted a new amendment will see the

the ticket, the seat number and any venue

venues given the responsibility of raining in

will have to be provided, in order to expose

Secondary Ticketing services have criticised

the excesses of mass industrial scale touting.

touts who have bought up multiple tickets

the regulation saying it would “undermine

Having previously rejected attempts to amend

and allow venues to spot if banned re-sales

a competitive free market”, but Stubhub,

legislation the recent move came from the

are happening. Failure to provide these

Viagogo and Get Me In and Seatwave (both

UK Government and the amendment now

details will be deemed a criminal offence.

owned by Ticketmaster), have agreed to be

stands a much better chance of passing into

Former Sports Minister Lord Moynihan said

more transparent, saying that they would

law. A recent open letter to the Government

the new laws, which will provide greater

make the changes demanded by the CMA.

carried 80 signatures, including those of

transparency for the venues, would help

the managers of One Direction and Arctic

tackle the estimated £1.5bn of fraud in the

As a result consumers will be able to see:

Monkeys, leading booking agents and

secondary market each year.

- The original cost of any ticket - Whether there are entry restrictions and

the Association of Independent Festivals.

Although the new amendment is welcome,

restricted views

it does not go as far as some would have

- Whether multiple bookings refer to seats

liked, and falls short of the recommendations

that are next to each other

made by the All Party Parliamentary Group

- What additional charges are involved

On Ticket Abuse earlier last year, led by

- A contact email address if things go wrong

Conservative MP Mike Weatherley and Labour MP Sharon Hodgson. However,

Nisha

Weatherley commented, “I am pleased

commented, “We also advise buyers to

Arora,

CMA

senior

director

that the Government has recognised the

check carefully before they buy and only

importance of regulation with regard to

use those platforms which give them the

secondary ticketing, which will be to the

information they need.”

benefit of us all. While the new amendment

Iron Maiden manager Rod Smallwood

does not cover every change that we had

The Consumer Rights Bill was passed by

hoped for, it is an important step in the right

parliament last month, but has not yet

direction”.

received royal assent.

3

VIP NEWS >

MARCH 2015

Live Music on BBC to be Reduced Allan McGowan am@vip-booking.com

Live music sessions broadcast on BBC Radio

music industry to “find a more appropriate

on the BBC. The proposal to reduce the

1 are to be dramatically reduced as part of

way to define new music on BBC Radio”.

number of live sessions on Radio 1 from

the BBC Trust Music Radio Service review.

250 to 160 is very concerning and the BBC

The BBC’s governing body has issued a host

The Musicians’ Union has expressed concern

should remember the u-turn it was forced

of recommendations for changes to the

about the news.. Noting the Union’s

to make over 6 Music when it became clear

output of Radio 1, 1Xtra, Radio 2, Radio 3,

continued support for the BBC, and that it

how much the public valued that station.

6 Music and Asian Network.The findings are

will be a vocal supporter of the broadcasting

Without the BBC’s commitment to live

in response to a survey of 2,900 license fee

institution as it negotiates a new charter

music the public would have virtually no

payers carried out at the end of 2014, as

and

next

opportunity to experience it on broadcast

well as input from industry and stakeholder

government, MU General Secretary John

media and the MU believes that Radio 1

organisations.

Smith told reporters: “These findings from

must remain distinct from the offer made

the BBC Trust run the risk of compromising

by commercial broadcasters - namely by

the unique coverage of live music events

maintaining its coverage of live music.”

Live sessions on Radio 1 will go from 250

license

fee

deal

with

the

to 160 each year in order to enable savings, while its quota for coverage of major live events and festivals will reduce from 25 to 10 events a year. Radio 1 will also cover fewer large-scale music events. The station has also been tasked with engaging with the

MU General Secretary John F. Smith

4

VIP NEWS >

MARCH 2015

Toto bass-player Mike Porcaro dies at 59 From VIP-Daily News Mike Porcaro, bass-player of US rock band Toto which had hits with

Also known for the hit Hold the Line, the band sold 35m albums.

Africa and Rosanna, has died at 59 after a long battle with Motor

Toto guitarist Steve Lukather wrote on Facebook that Mike was

neurone disease.

“now at peace”.

Toto keyboardist Steve Porcaro said in a statement that his brother had died peacefully in his sleep at home, surrounded by family.

Motor neurone disease, also known as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), is a rare condition which attacks the nervous system.

Toto, which broke up in 2008, reformed in 2010 to raise money for

As the condition progresses sufferers find basic activities such as

Porcaro and raise awareness of his illness.

walking, speaking and breathing increasingly difficult.

Mike Porcaro

Need to know who is touring Europe?

®

Go online - www.vip-booking.com vip-booking.com

5

VIP NEWS >

MARCH 2015

Live Nation acquires Swedish promoter From VIP-Daily News Live Nation Sweden has acquired a majority

is both exciting and natural that we acquire

stake in Stureplansgruppen Live (SPG Live), a

SPG Live, especially given that many of the

major concert promotor who operates one

biggest artists in this segment internationally

of the country’s most popular festivals in

are from Sweden.”

the Nordic Region, according to Live Nation Entertainment. The interest in SPG Live is

James

part of Live Nation Entertainment’s global

Electronic Music: “As we continue to

strategy to expand and develop within the

grow our electronic business globally,I am

EDM segment (Electronic Dance Music),

delighted that we are bringing SPG into the

and this new relationship will serve as the

Live Nation family. I look forward to working

platform for Live Nation’s growth in the

closely with Anders Boström and Karl Ohlsén

Nordic region.

Pettersson as they look to develop our

Barton,

president,

Live

Nation

business in the region.”

SPG Live is behind many successful events,

lift our business another level while retaining

including Summerburst Festival in Stockholm

what have made our festivals and concerts

Stureplansgruppen Live

and Gothenburg. During its five very

so great.”

SPG Live is a festival and concert promoter

successful years, this festival has consistently

that up until now has been a subsidiary

grown and is now one of the most popular

John Reid, President, Live Nation Europe

of Stureplansgruppen. The company is

festivals in the Nordic region. This year,

Concerts: “Since we own and operate a

responsible for the Summerburst Festival in

Summerburst Festival has confirmed artists

large number of big and successful EDM

Stockholm and Gothenburg, Lights Festival in

such as Avicii, Axwell Ingrosso and Afrojack.

festivals globally — Electric Daisy Carnival,

Stockholm and promotes several concerts in

SPG Live will also promote Swedish superstar

Hard Fest, Holy Ship! and Creamfields — it

Sweden within the EDM segment each year.

DJ Alesso’s first arena show ever in Sweden, as he plays at Ericsson Globe on April 25.

James Barton Vimal

Kovac,

CEO,

Stureplansgruppen:

“Stureplansgruppen’s investment in festivals and concerts have been great fun, successful and profitable. In five years, Summerburst Festival has established itself as the leading festival in Sweden, with over 100,000 visitors in 2014, and we already know that this year’s festival will beat all previous records.”

Anders Boström, festival general manager, SPG Live: “We are incredibly proud of what we have accomplished with SPG Live, and at the same time very happy and excited about what’s about to come. As part of Live Nation and its organization around production, marketing, PR, sponsorship and their long experience of big events, we will be able to

6

VIP NEWS >

MARCH 2015

YOUROPE Launch European Festival Conference From VIP-Daily News

The European festival association YOUROPE announces a new

with running a festival we hope this event will give festival promoters

conference fully dedicated to the interest of festival promoters,

more time to gain the information and contacts they need.’

providing an opportunity to meet, exchange experience, and learn.

The 3 day event will include seminars, workshops and discusThe European Festival Conference will take place from 2nd - 5th

sions covering selected topics including:

December 2015 in the beautiful Gradonna Mountain Resort, Austria; giving participants the time and space to discuss all the aspects of the

- Health & safety organised by the yes group

festival business in a constructive and positive atmosphere.

- Sustainability at festivals organised by the go group - Technical innovation (rfid, cashless payment, apps, websites)

“There is an increasing number of music conferences, export events

- Ticketing (companies, technologies)

and showcase festivals where festival promoters are a target group,

- Broadcasting & streaming rights (internet, tv, radio & technologies)

but none are fully dedicated to the interest of festival promoters” says

- Booking (exclusivities, fees)

Yourope’s Christof Huber. ‘With so many important issues associated

- Yourope standard terms and other legal issues - Insurances - Charity projects - Suppliers for sanitary and other festival related installations

FAKTA:

- Marketing & sponsoring (sponsoring regulations, vip offers, promotion, social media)

About Yourope:

- Food & beverages (concepts, ideas, sustainable food)

Founded in November 1998 – Today representing over 80

eu culture projects co-operations

members from 26 countries. Yourope members are dedicated to improving the European festival scene in terms of:

Yourope already holds regular board and member meetings at various

working conditions; health and safety issues; environmental

European industry events as well as organising yes group or go

awareness; exchange of knowledge and information;

group seminars and workshops, but with so many important issues

promoting the cross-border exchange of live music talent.

associated with running festivals there was never enough time to

The overall aim of the association is to collaborate, share

cover all the key topics.

experiences and to pinpoint areas that would benefit from a joint approach. Having gained respect within the industry

The European Festival Conference aims to address that by offering

and at government level, Yourope also has the power to

an event fully dedicated to the interest of festival promoters giving

lobby for all legal and industry issues relating to the European

participants the time and space to discuss all the aspects of the festival

festival industry on behalf of its members and together with

business in a constructive and positive atmosphere.

other associations in the live music business. Yourope also focuses on other key issues for festivals – such as exchange of

Besides a full conference program which is open for festivals from all

information regarding marketing and sponsoring, contracts,

over the world, there will be outdoor activities, cocktail receptions and

production riders or radio/TV/internet rights and more.

dinners to create a special atmosphere of exchange and experience.

www.yourope.org

The conference program should contain content which is attractive for bookers, health & safety managers, marketing/sponsoring managers etc.

7

ALVVAYS

LIGHTS

THE CROSSROADS OF BUSINESS AND MUSIC

F i d la r

FAITH

THE

ORWELLS

THE JESUS AND MARY CHAIN

NO

MORE

D E AT H CAB FOR CUTIE

30th Anniversary of Psychocandy

THE WATERBOYS

Noel BILLY

Gallagher’s

High Flying Birds

TALENT Kiesza

REGISTER TO ATTEND AT CMW.NET CANADIANMUSICWEEK

CMW_WEEK

CANADIANMUSICWEEK

“We acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada through the Department of Canadian Heritage (Canada Music Fund) and of Canada’s Private Radio Broadcasters.”

VIP NEWS > INDEPTH STORY >

MARCH 2015

Understanding Small Music Venues Allan McGowan am@vip-booking.com Monday 9 March, saw VIP News and others

Music Venue Trust, functioning as music

interested in, and concerned about, the fate

charity organised the first national gathering

of the UK’s small and medium venues, being

of small and medium scale music venues

ushered through security at the Houses

from across the UK under the heading of

of Parliament, Westminster, to attend a

Venues Day 2014. last December 2014.

presentation in the Grand Committee Room,

The

of a research document prepared for the

Performance research was conducted by

Music Venue Trust. The research was carried

in the lead up to and during Venues Day.

out by the Institute of Contemporary Music

Understanding Small Music Venues is a

Performance as part of Venues Day 2014, in

discussion document about how these

association with Independent Venue Week

venues operate, the challenges they face

members of the other parties. Although it

and Southbank Centre, and was funded by

and the role they play. It invites the music

appeared initially that the Conservative

Arts Council England.

industry,

government

Culture Minister, Ed Vaizey MP would be too

Institute

of

cultural

Contemporary

sector,

Music

and brands to respond strategically and

busy to take part, he did in fact turn up to

The research document is a vital element

constructively

voice his support for the aims of the MVT,

in the Music Venues Trust’s major strategic

develop them.

to

protect,

secure

and

he also reacted quite well to one venue

plan to protect, secure and develop UK

representative asking him if he would do this

grassroots music venues to be “the best in

Over 120 venues and 300 delegates took

if his party ever came to power, assuring him

the world”. The fact that Arts Funding was

part in the research project, which depicts a

that he actually was the incumbent Minister

forthcoming was and is important as one of

culturally rich grassroots sector upon which

of Culture! Shortly after Vaizey’s departure

the aims of the Music Venue Trust is to have

a diverse range of stakeholders depend for

for a Vote in the House, there was an

small music venues recognised as cultural

employment, training, social interaction,

unannounced visit from the Labour shadow

centres, this designation would strengthen

community

cultural

minister of Culture, Chris Bryant MP. Earlier

their position, and make it harder to close

sustenance. The report highlights significant

this year the MP had told The Guardian that

down as a result of noise complaints etc, as

challenges (regulation, licensing, public

one of his priorities if he became a minister

so many have been of late.

perception and the rapidly changing urban

would be to encourage fairer funding,

environment), which threaten their survival

encouraging organisations to hire from a

and have combined to have a demoralising

wider variety of backgrounds rather than just

impact on venues, artists and audiences.

“arts graduates from Cambridge”, which

However, the report also highlights that

had led to a well cocumented row with a

that there is will, know-how and ingenuity

certain public school educated James Blunt.

to take positive steps to secure the future

Mr Bryant of course referred to this, and

of grassroots music venues, and concludes

also assured Mark Davyd that if and when

with a call for activism, advocacy, support

the Labour party came to power he could

and above all investment in the network

count on his support. All this must have

so that artists and audiences can enjoy the

been quite heartening, but Mark seemed to

world class music venues the UK deserves.

take it in his stride. So, bot Tory and Labour

engagement

and

support, and then on the way out I ran into

MVT founder and CEO Mark Davyd

During the presentation by MVT founder

the Liberal peer, Lord Tim Clement Jones

and CEO Mark Davyd, it became obvious

who has already proven his support for the

that their work so far has been effective and

smaller venues by introducing and securing

has been noted by the UK Government and

a Bill which eases the Licensing Laws for

9

VIP NEWS > INDEPTH STORY >

MARCH 2015

venues and pubs which presented music.

one central agency that is able to represent

On

March

12

MVT

announced

the

So, in some ways it could be said that the

grassroots venues and defend them at

confirmation of the first Grassroots Investor,

MVT had managed to organise a three party

a national level. Our crisis management

having come to an arrangement with Jack

whip! So, we will see what comes of all this

programme will employ a central legal team,

Daniel’s.

political attention..

acoustics team, a lobbying arm and create a central crisis fund so that collectively we

Michael Boaler, Senior Brand Manager at

Anyway back to the Report itself - Music

do all we can so that music venue closures

Jack Daniel’s commented: “We’re really

Venue Trust Strategic Director Beverley

are halted, national policy is changed, and

proud to be one of the founding members of

Whitrick responded to its conclusions,

this sector’s needs, so clearly expressed

the Music Venue Trust’s Grassroots Investor

saying: “We see the publication of this

in the report, are addressed properly by

programme. Jack Daniel’s has always had a

report as the key moment when the music

cultural strategy and by licensing, insurance

strong affiliation with music and we’ve been

industry, cultural sector, government and

and legislation. In phase two of Grassroots

doing a great deal of work over the past few

brands can seize the opportunity to listen to

Investor, our ambition is to put direct

years supporting iconic small venues such

and learn from venues, artists and audiences

investment into grassroots venues so that

as Southampton’s Joiners, Glasgow’s King

enabling them to respond constructively

UK artists and audiences can enjoy the

Tut’s and Birmingham’s Rainbow because

and strategically to give them the calibre of

venues they deserve. A combination of low

we believe that music is best enjoyed live.

venues the UK needs.

aspiration and severe under investment

We’re in complete agreement that a longer

means we’ve ended up content to describe

term strategy is needed rather than a quick

She also announced a mechanism by

this sector as the “toilet circuit” and accept

fix and we want to help achieve something

which these aims could be achieved:

conditions in them that reflects all that

really significant through this campaign and

“The Grassroots Investor programme, is

description implies. There are examples

support the places where future legends are

a two phased strategic intervention into

from round the world of world class venues

created in any way we can.”

our grassroots music circuit designed in

at this level, and through Grassroots Investor

response to what we’ve learned from the

we aim to work with our partners to match

The Music Venue Trust has recently launched

report. Firstly, we want to urgently create

those standards here in the UK”.

its new website at www.musicvenuetrust.

MVT founder and CEO Mark Davyd, Venues Day 2014.

Photo by MVT, Pat Pope

10

VIP NEWS > INDEPTH STORY >

MARCH 2015

com where audiences and artists can add

our major international music industry and

We have the people with the skills and

their voices to the call to support Grassroots

we have to face facts; despite the incredible

passion ready to run them, supported by

Investor.

passion, dedication and commitment of the

artists and audiences across the country

people running these venues, what we’re

that are calling out for better facilities. With

At ILMC Mark Davyd and Fabien Miclet of the

offering at grassroots level doesn’t meet the

Grassroots Investor, everybody who has an

12 venue co-operative Liveurope platform,

high standards we’ve set elsewhere in UK

interest in this sector can work together to

based in Brussels at the highly respected

music.

maximise impact through strategic, sensible

venue, The Ancienne Belgique, followed up

and sustainable investment. Instead of the

this reference to international venues via a

The UK is a music world leader, punching

piecemeal approach of the past it’s time

double presentation of both organisation’s

vastly above its weight in terms of the impact

to address the whole grassroots circuit

intentions, which included an aim to share

our artists and musicians make across the

and give their work the respect and value it

knowledge

deserves”.

where

globe and generating a turnover of £1.6

possible. Continuing the political emphasis,

and

work

together

billion. Our UK music scene is built on a

this session started with a video featuring

robust ecosystem that starts with a first live

The Music Venue Trust has recently launched

Lord Mayor of London, Boris Johnston

concert in front of as few as ten people on

its new website at www.musicvenu-

pledging his support for the mall venues.

a Tuesday night in Guildford and climaxes

etrust.com where audiences and artists

with 3 nights at Wembley Stadium. This

can add their voices to the call to support

Mark Davyd concluded, “A huge proportion

is the training ground and the entry level

Grassroots Investor.

of the music we export, which generates

experience for our artists, new audiences,

thousands of jobs, develops the artistic

lighting engineers, sound technicians, and

A full copy of Understanding Small

careers of our best writers and musicians,

cultural organisers at all levels. It isn’t good

Music

and is such an important part of the UK’s

enough that we are letting small venues close

from the website, or read online at:

standing on the international cultural stage,

for the sake of good legal representation or

www.musicvenuetrust.com/2015/03/

starts in a grassroots venue. This is the

letting venues fall into disrepair because of

understanding-small-music-venues-a-

research and development department of

lack of available investment.

report-by-the-music-venue-trust/

Venues

can

be

downloaded

Venues Day 2014, Photo by MVT Pat Pope

11

HOW EUROPEAN FESTIVALS AND RADIO STATIONS HELP ACTS TO BUILD A CAREER The European Talent Exchange Programme (ETEP) helps the best European acts to build careers across borders. ETEP is a co-operation between the 100 festival members, European public radio stations (EBU), the international music press and Eurosonic Noorderslag. Since the start of ETEP in 2003 a total of 2294 shows by 810 artists were presented at 90 ETEP festivals in 30 countries (2003-2014).

In previous years acts like Ásgeir, Aurora, Benjamin Clementine, Birth of Joy, Coely, Ewert and the Two Dragons, Hozier, Ibeyi, Jaakko Eino Kalevi, Jungle, Milky Chance, Seinabo Sey, SOAK, Vök and Years & Years played lots of festivals, kick-starting their European careers with help from the ETEP programme.

photo: Dom Moore

ETEP FESTIVALS IN 2015 AUSTRIA: Frequency Festival, Nova Rock, Waves Vienna

LUXEMBOURG: Rock-A-Field

BELGIUM: Cactusfestival, Dour Festival, Les Ardentes, Les Nuits

NORWAY: Bergenfest, Hovefestivalen, Øyafestivalen, Slottsfjel

Botanique, Pukkelpop, Rock Werchter

POLAND: Live Music Festival, Off Festival Katowice, Open’er

CROATIA: INmusic Festival

Festival, Selector Festival

CZECH REPUBLIC: Colours of Ostrava, Rock For People

PORTUGAL: Optimus Primavera Sound, Super Bock Super

DENMARK: NorthSide Festival, Roskilde Festival, Tinderbox

Rock, WestWay Lab Festival

ESTONIA: Tallinn Music Week

REPUBLIC OF MACEDONIA: Taksirat Festival

FAROE ISLANDS (DENMARK): G! Festival

ROMANIA: B’estfest

FINLAND: Ilosaarirock, Provinssi Festival, Ruisrock

SERBIA: Exit Festival

FRANCE: Europavox, Le Printemps de Bourges, Les 3 éléphants,

SLOVAKIA: Pohoda, Waves Bratislava

Les Eurockéennes de Belfort, Les Rencontres Trans Musicales

SLOVENIA: MENT Ljubljana

de Rennes, MaMA Event, Rock en Seine, Vieilles Charrues

SPAIN: Benicàssim Festival, Bizkaia International Music

GERMANY: Berlin Festival, c/o pop Festival, Chiemsee Summer,

Experience, Día de la Música, Primavera Sound

Das Fest, Haldern Pop, Happiness Festival, Highfield, Hurricane

SWEDEN: Bråvalla Festival, Malmöfestivalen, Way Out West

Festival, Melt!, Orange Blossom Special, Reeperbahn Festival,

SWITZERLAND: Bad Bonn Kilbi Festival, Greenfield Festival,

Rocco del Schlacko, Rock Am Ring, Rolling Stone Weekender,

Gurtenfestival, Montreux Jazz Festival, OpenAir St. Gallen,

Southside Festival, Taubertal Festival

Paléo Festival Nyon, Winterthurer Musikfestwochen

GREECE: Rockwave Festival

THE NETHERLANDS: Best Kept Secret Festival, Lowlands,

HUNGARY: Sziget

Parkpop, Pinkpop

ICELAND: Iceland Airwaves

UNITED KINGDOM: Beautiful Days, Bestival, End of the

ITALY: Arezzo Wave Love Festival

Road Festival, Glastonbury, Green Man, Larmer Tree Festival,

IRELAND: Body & Soul Festival

Secret Garden Party, T in the Park, The Great Escape

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USA: Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival

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VIP NEWS > INDEPTH STORY >

MARCH 2015

ILMC 2015 - Between The Lines Manfred Tari mt@vip-booking.com The 27th edition of ILMC was again a success

convention has done, and this year’s edition

ILMC has provided the stage for many

with more than 1.000 delegates from 60

continued the tradition. So, with that in

remarkable milestones that document the

countries. As in previous years the conference

mind it is also no big surprise that ILMC is

evolution of the live music sector and as such

organizers reported a sell out and once again

mirroring the generation change this industry

this edition was a historic milestone. Like

underlined that it is the most international

is currently undergoing. Older delegates

never before it manifested the conversion

live music conference in Europe.

probably have clear memories of the pioneers

from

of this business, before it actually became

towards a corporate industry.

an

entrepreneur

driven

business

Taking the development of this conference

an industry, standing up and clearly and

over the years into consideration, ILMC again

positively venturing their opinions with no

Though the market domination by corporate

produced some remarkably relevant insights

hesitation. Back in the days when the ILMC

concert companies within the live music

for this sector of the music industry. But

once took place in the Dorchester Hotel,

business is still far away from the current

different to previous years these points were

following a presentation by Ticketmaster

situation within the record industry, where

not so much announced and revealed by

the moderator called for questions from the

for instance, the combined market share by

outspoken delegates during the conference.

floor and a delegate loud and clearly asked,

the three remaining major companies Sony,

Instead they were rather delivered as verbal

“Isn’t it true that Ticketmaster is linked with

Warner and Universal Music in terms of the

hints, where subordinated clauses revealed

the Mafia?” to great laughter from 500 or so

US distribution of albums in in 2014 is more

one aspect or another that probably matter

delegates… Or 12 years ago when Ed Bicknell

than 85 percent, or in the music publishing

more for this industry than high ranking

roasted Brian Becker, at that time CEO of

sector..

professionals would officially reveal in public.

the Live Nation forerunner Clear Channel

ILMC has a long history of reflecting the

Entertainment, about his intentions to make

These financial variants are definitely not

overall state of the live music sector, its

more money from car parking at venues than

the case for the live entertainment business.

progress and shape, in a way that no other

on ticket sales, among other things...

Just bear in mind, ILMC is just 27 years young and the corporatisation of the live music sector actually started between 19971998, when SFX Entertainment and DEAG undertook their IPO’s on the stock markets in the US and Germany.

But ILMC wouldn’t be ILMC if it had not again addressed the aspect of the corporatisation of this business within its agenda. Even if the panel “Corporatisation: The Masters Of The Universe” chaired by legal mastermind Ben Challis of Glastonbury Festival proceeded in a reasonably amicable fashion, perhaps due to the absence of someone from Live Nation, it raised a very good consideration

Ben Challis

almost at the end of the session. This was a point that may hopefully lead to ILMC taking

13

VIP NEWS > INDEPTH STORY >

MARCH 2015

on a leading role for the institutionalisation

or CISAC (International Confederation of

national regulations for health & safety or

of this industry, something that it has so far

Authors and Composers Societies).

international taxation issues. Of course, there

successfully refused. While all panellists on

are many more independent companies

this panel convinced with solid arguments

And where did this become obvious? At

or national live music associations working

and considerations it appeared, more or

ILMC! But in truth, this kind of topic had

successfully on behalf of their clients or

less due to the flow of the conversation,

often been raised in the long lasting history

live music products. But also those should

almost coincidence that Rainer Appel of CTS

of this convention. But let’s answer the

be meanwhile adult enough to consider

Eventim mentioned that CTS Eventim and

questions why ILMC should be the incubator

the advantages of cooperating on a wider

DEAG supplied funding for the two German

for such an institution.

scale, rather than just covering no more than

promoter associations BDV and VDKD in

their own business territories. Also the new

order to finance legal experts for the next

First of all the German stock market listed

generation of insiders who are working as

round of negotiations with the copyright

companies CTS Eventim and DEAG are

subordinates within the corporate networks

collection society GEMA regarding new

different to Live Nation, playing only a minor

need to stimulate their superiors in the

tariff rates for concerts. And as typical at

relevant role internationally compare to that

setting up of such an institution.

ILMC, all of a sudden a representative of

of the giant. Perhaps CTS Eventim has more

the UK Concert Promoters Association

going for it with its ticketing arm and its minor

One more final argument while ILMC is

in the audience contributed towards the

stake in FKP Scorpio and their expansion in

the best platform for being the gateway

conversation on stage, stating that the

Europe, but globally and especially in North

for a necessary institutionalisation. Besides

outcome of the consultations with GEMA

America its undoubtedly Live Nation that

highlighting the ongoing corporatisation

are also highly of interest for UK promoters.

leads the ranking of relevance within the

for this industry segment, ILMC has already

international concert industry. Although

proved in the past that it is the hot spot where

A more than remarkable contribution as

strangely, Live Nation never managed to

the internationalisation of this business

it indicated the concerns for a topic that

successfully launch a business operation

becomes visible. This year it featured among

went far beyond the theme for the actual

within the German language market.

others a market focus on Latin America,

panel, “Corporatisation: The Masters Of

for years the panels about formerly entitled

The Universe”. Certainly nobody will deny

“Emerging Markets” are mostly packed and

that the revenues of the entire live music

where else can you meet concert promoters

industry have for some years exceeded

from Asia or Africa?

the revenues of the record industry, but the transition of the live music business

This year’s ILMC was a bit ahead of its

into corporate structures is lagging far

time. The older ones remember when there

behind those of the record industry, the

were only a few ‘nerds’ attending the tech

collection societies or the music publishers.

panel, this year entitled “Jet Packs & Super

No wonder, because the majority of the

Gadgets”. But in recent years the tech panel

big players within the live music sector

has become more and more packed. But

still considers themselves as some sort of

there was one more panel, almost repeating

impresarios. Let’s face it, some of the big

Where do these companies encounter each

an ILMC evergreen, but confirming why

ones that sold their companies to one or

other? At ILMC, definitely not at any other

ILMC since long time at least is already a

other of the corporate concert companies

convention in the US and definitely not

moral institution.

still haven’t realised that as a result they

elsewhere in Europe nor in Asia. Once again,

became officials that manage a branch

in the previous26 years ILMC had probably

On the not so well attended panel the

office.

many good reasons why it refused to serve

“Unconference Session” moderator Gordon

the live music industry as an international

Masson asked why promoters do not admit

institution.

that they have deals with ticket resellers

(Although

some

have

already

bought their companies back – Ed.) But this little response to the comment of

14

going on. Emma Banks of CAA, probably the

Appel about the additional funding towards

But the live music business is undergoing

next concert company that may undertake

BDV and VDKV shows nevertheless that

a historical transition at the same time as

sooner or later an IPO, indicated that she

there is an undeniable requirement for an

many other industries organisations are

knew about such deals but finished off

organisation similar to the IFPI (International

representative at the tables for discussions

her answer with “What was the questions

Federation

about international trade agreements, trans-

please?”

of

Phonographic

Industries)

VIP NEWS >

MARCH 2015

Love Parade - A Legal Catastrophe?

Manfred Tari mt@vip-booking.com The Duisburg disaster, where 21 people were fatally injured and

replied to Still and asked him another 41 questions in order to seek

hundreds of people were injured is without any doubt one of the

some more precise answers. Some of those questions apparently still

biggest tragedies in the history of live entertainment events. But if

haven’t been answered until today.

this wasn’t enough, it now seems to be the case that the tragedy is likely to be drawn out from a legal point of view.

In February 2015 the court added 75 additional questions, asking among others if the police placement could have also led to the

The Süddeutsche Zeitung reported on March 24 that an expert

catastrophe. This is just one aspect that has already caused

report compiled by Professor Keith Still from Buckinghamshire New

astonishment, when Still concluded that none of the involved

University has raised more questions than it answered. The author

police officers can be made legally responsible for perhaps making

was assigned by the prosecution department of the City of Duisburg

mistaken decisions.

to evaluate what lead to the deadly disaster.

But after five years of investigation, the pressure of time is now The newspaper reports that the 20 pages long so-called, “final

being brought to bear. In only five months the case will become

report” that arrived on December 9, 2011 at the prosecution

time-barred and until now only 10 suspected persons, six of whom

department appeared only in note form included many typing errors

are from the city council of Duisburg and four from the promoter

and wasn’t even signed by Still. The prosecution department then

Lopavent may face charges brought by the prosecution department.

Duisburg disaster

15

VIP NEWS > BUSINESS >

MUSIC IN SHARES

MARCH 2015

Music In Shares MAMA & Company ”considering” sale From VIP-Daily News Festival and venue operator MAMA &

2012, backed by Lloyds Development Capi-

led the management buyout before leaving

Company has appointed global business

tal, part of Lloyds Banking Group.

the company last year. He was succeeded

advisors AlixPartners as it mulls its options

at MAMA & Company by Rory Bett previ-

following two unsolicited bids for the firm,

MAMA & Company’s venue portfolio in-

Music Week understands.

cludes The Forum in Kentish Town, Cam-

ously the firm’s commercial director.

den’s The Jazz Cafe and Barfly, The Garage, It is understood the offers are from com-

The Borderline and Hoxton Square Bar and

panies in the music and entertainment sec-

Kitchen, all in London, along with Man-

tors. According to Music Week Rumours

chester Ritz, Birmingham’s The Institute

about the future of the firm have swirled

and Arts Club Liverpool.

for weeks and it is believed staff were

It is also faring well in the festival sector,

informed of the latest development this

with ticket sales for its Lovebox, Wilderness

morning.

and The Great Escape events all said to be ahead of expectations for 2015.

MAMA & Company was subject to a £7.3 million management buyout from HMV in

Former CEO and co-founder Dean James

Rory Bett, CEO, MaMA

SFX reports $131m losses for 2014 From VIP-Daily News Live events conglomerate SFX Entertain-

tomized programs for multi-national flag-

“I could not be more pleased or proud of the

ment has reported losses of $131 million on

ship brands; and, developing Beatport and

people of SFX, and what they have achieved

revenue of $354.4m for 2014.

the Company’s extensive online and digital

as we have now created the foundation we

media assets to begin capitalizing on the

promised our fans and our partners,” add-

The EDM promoter saw pro forma revenue

value of their enormous consumer and pro-

ed Sillerman. “The greatest endorsement

grew 8.2% to $386.2m from $356.7m the

fessional use in future periods.”

a company can enjoy is repeat customers,

previous year, but saw an 18.5% drop in

customers who come more often and enjoy

festival attendance in the fourth quarter.

The company projects to record revenues in

the goods and services we offer at higher

Pro forma festival attendance increased

excess of $500m in 2015, Live events sched-

levels. As evidenced by the guidance we are

1.5% year on year to approximately 2.9 mil-

uled to date have an estimated attendance

providing today, the great people of SFX are

lion, while attendance at events other than

capacity of 6m fans, compared with 4m in

achieving great things.”

festivals increased 19.5% to approximately

2014.

2.4m.

16

Said Robert F.X. Sillerman, chairman and

SFX`s ID&T brand runs festivals such as

CEO of SFX: “Fiscal 2014 served to validate

Belgium`s Tomorrowland, which will also be

our strategic priorities of expanding popular

held in Brazil for the first time in 2015, Tomr-

festivals to new geographies; entering into

rowWorld, Mysteryland and Sensation. SFX

new, large multi-year marketing partner-

also has a 50% stake in the holding com-

ships and rolling out highly successful cus-

pany that controls Rock in Rio.

VIP NEWS > BUSINESS >

MUSIC IN SHARES

MARCH 2015

Music In Shares Manfred Tari mt@vip-booking.com CTS Eventim - Limited price targets:

Live Nation - Almost Maintaining its Share Price Level:

On March 17 NordLB Analysts raised the price target for CTS Even-

No bigger signs for any sort of movement. Since the beginning of

tim shares from 22.4 to 27 Euro and recommended holding the

the year the share price of Live Nation has fluttered around $25.

share whilst concluding that the share price potential is limited.

In January VIP News reported a share price of $25.55, in February

Nevertheless by March 24 the share price had already rushed up

$25.69 and now on March 24 it is $25.43.

to 29.88 Euro, - the last reported share price of the company on February 24 was 27.03 Euro.

SFX Entertainment - An Announcement To Consider:

DEAG - A Share Price Downtick:

The annual results of SFX Entertainment could make early bird investors in this share depressed. But according to media reports

The current environment for shares on German stock markets is

CEO Robert Sillerman is considering an exit strategy, while the

extraordinary. The DAX as the leading stock index climbs to new

company announced the appointment of an independent commit-

record highs, but the share price potential of DEAG compare to

tee to evaluate a proposal for a buy out scheme allowing Sillerman

that of CTS Eventim is somewhat limited, moving down from 7.40

to buy back outstanding shares for $4.75. Since last time the share

to 7.11 Euro.

price recovered from $3.30 up to $4.40.

23 – 26 organiser: reeperbahn Festival Gbr and inferno events Gmbh & Co. KG

SePt.15

haMburG/GerMany

Robert Sillerman

Join our 10th birthday edition! presenting concerts of international newcomers · mUsic relateD art programmes · an inspiring conference with 100 sessions for the music and digital creative industries, 25 international showcases, 50 networking events, award shows, and meetings · 2,000 companies anD organisations from 40 nations · register now!

reeperBahnfestival.com

17

VIP NEWS > MISC >

MARCH 2015

MEMBER PRESENTATION

ARTIST AVAILS 8:58 PAUL HARTNOLL from ORBITAL Territory: World excl USA Period: May 2015 onwards Agency: Value Added Talent Agent: Dan Silver Phone: +44 20 7704 9720 E-mail: dan@vathq.co.uk Homepage: dan@vathq.co.uk

Basement Jaxx Territory: Europe Period: 2015 Agency: Primary Talent International Agent: Peter Eilliot Phone: +44 20 7400 4500 E-mail: peter_elliott@primarytalent.com Homepage: www.primarytalent.com/basement-jaxx/

Five longtime partners joined forces to become Switzerland’s new address for good music. Mainland Music gathers the experience of Christian Gremelmayr (Abart), Derrick Thomson (Cult), Marc Lambelet (Black Lamb), Martin Schrader and Santosh Aerthott (both from Redda) under one banner.

Orquesta Buena Vista Social Club Territory: Scandinavia, Eastern EU, UK, Ireland Period: June - July Agency: Sasa Music Agent: David Flower Phone: +44 20 7359 9232 E-mail: rab@sasa.demon.co.uk Homepage: www.sasamusic.com

Mainland Music is a Concert Promoter, Festival Talent Buyer, Artist Booking Agency and Artist Management.

Rock- and pop-fans in Switzerland can count on our passion and hard work, commitment and love for live music. We have just one single goal: to promote good shows!

Patti Smith Territory: Europe Period: 2015 Agency: Primary Talent International Agent: Andy Woolliscroft Phone: +44 20 7400 4500 E-mail: andy@primarytalent.com Homepage: www.primarytalent.com/patti-smith/

THE ORCHESTRA starring ELO former members Territory: Worldwide Period: 2015 Agency: World Entertainment Associates of America Agent: John Regna - Artist Agent/Manager Phone: +1 407 993 4000 E-mail: jpr@johnregna.com Homepage: www.THEORCHESTRAonline.com

About Our Company VIP-Booking’s core product is the Internet’s oldest and largest­ database­for the European Live Entertainment Industry

Tricky Territory: Europe Period: 2015 Agency: Primary Talent International Agent: Ben Winchester Phone: +44 20 7400 4500 E-mail: ben@primarytalent.com Homepage: www.primarytalent.com/tricky/

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 30 countries.

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

Today VIP-Booking offers a range of tools for the industry­

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– including VIP-News, VIP-Booking, VIP-Book and VIP-Contract.

Please visit vip-booking.com for further information­.

Your comments and suggestions are always appreciated­.

® Patti Smith

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