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APRIL 2018
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VIP NEWS >
APRIL 2018
McGowan’s
Musings
It’s time to go to the pub I think, the sun
in Brighton! But if you can’t make it now
– literally – as they have imposed a ban
is shining, it’s one of the hottest April days
it’s time for the Great Escape from 17-19
on plastic drinking straws, and intend to
on record, and if I get a move on I’m pretty
May and I presume a good few of you are
outlaw single use plastic by 2021. They are
sure there will be a seat available in the
planning to be here for this ever-growing
not the only ones, other major European
garden. You’re all invited to join me here
event. The only problem is that the weather
events are taking the same sort of action, as
often turns nasty in when the event hits
part of the international efforts to save the
town – not always mind you – but quite
planet and its inhabitants and to clean up
often, so I’m taking advantage of a lovely
the oceans. Plastic of another type has also
day while I can….! I’ll be back shortly….
featured in music business news of late, with the announcement that following the
COLOPHON > 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
Right, here I am, suitably refreshed, so
resurgence in popularity of vinyl, we can
what shall we talk about? I’ve had a couple
expect the arrival of High Definition Vinyl,
of trips to Portugal since the last edition
apparently this means we can say goodbye
of the News, and I have returned with
to scratches as we bring our turntables back
the impression that things are stirring in
into play! Of course if you think about it
Western Europe. Portugal presented a
vinyl was always a single use plastic, and
range of acts when they were the guest
album of course…!
country at Eurosonic 2017, and they have been busy since. Earlier this month two
PRS - the UK Performing Rights Society –
conference and showcase events took
reported some staggering returns for 2017
place within two weeks. MIL in Lisbon
– 6.6 trillion performances of music were
featured
from
reported to the society from around the
other Portuguese speaking territories such
world, 53% up on 2016! Public performance
as Brazil and Cape Verde for its second
income grew 8.1% to £198.1m. As well
edition. The fifth Westway Lab Festival in
as strong results from pubs, clubs and the
Guimaraes presented Pro Conferences and
fitness sector (you know music in gyms…),
Talks and featured guest country Austria.
high profile UK tours from Ed Sheeran,
Tomorrow as I write the country celebrates
Adele, who concluded her latest world tour
the Carnation Revolution (Revolução dos
in London, and Little Mix, with one of the
Cravos), also known as the 25th of April,
highest grossing girl group tours in history,
the day military forces took down more
contributed to the result.
acts
and
professionals
than 40 years of dictatorship in 1974. Both events and Portugal itself, if you haven’t
So,– we hope your business is flourishing,
been are well worth a visit!
if not by the highest grosses in history, or maybe not in trillions, but steadily at least
The Association of Independent Festivals
– let us know! In the meantime Ladies and
(AIF) has decided that it’s the last straw
Gentlemen – The News!
VIP NEWS >
APRIL 2018
FKP Scorpio pulls out of Danish Festivals From VIP-Daily News FKP Scorpio Konzertproduktionen GmbH
festival market after FKP Scorpio has sold it`s
has sold its shares in Tinderbox and
shares in the 2 major festivals NorthSide and
NorthSide festivals to Down The Drain
Tinderbox.
Brian Nielsen
Holding ApS. FKP Scorpio will continue to own a “For a long time, we have wanted to
minority share of the company Beatbox
consolidate the festivals under the Down
Entertainment Aps, which continues to
The Drain umbrella, which today serves as
book artists for the festivals. The decision is
the Nordic region`s largest independent
taken in full agreement among the parties.
concert and festival organizer, and we are pleased that it has now fallen into place,”
“We would like to thank the Danish team
says Brian Nielsen (pictured), CEO of Down
for the good cooperation so far and we are
The Drain Group.
pleased to continue working with Mads
Down The Drain Group is the majority
Sørensen and the rest of the Beatbox
owner of NorthSide, Tinderbox, Komos and
The Danish company Down the Drain is
team,” said Folkert Koopmans, CEO of FKP
concert tour company Beatbox as well as
now an independent player in the Danish
Scorpio.
co-owner of the Haven Festival.
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3
VIP NEWS >
APRIL 2018
4th Edition of IFF Conference & Showcase Sells Out Allan McGowan am@vip-booking.com which is focussed, relevant and an important date in the diary of all Yourope members.” IFF takes place around Camden in north London at venues including Fest (formerly Proud
Camden),
Dingwalls,
Camden
Assembly and Lockside Camden. The morning conference sessions features On the 19th April the organisers of the
Speaking
of
International Festival Forum (IFF) announced
between
IFF
festival
IFF Keynote, which last year welcomed
details of the fourth edition, with many of
organisation Yourope, general secretary
Glastonbury’s Michael Eavis. The afternoon
the world’s leading booking agencies and
Christof Huber says: “IFF continues to be
and
festival associations signed up as partners.
a key event for the music festival business,
showcases and networking.
With space at the invitation-only event strictly limited to just 600 delegates, this, as with all previous editions of the London meeting of booking agents and festivals has sold out weeks in advance. “Each year IFF continues to add more and more value to the festival booking process,” says Brian Ahern of partner agency WME Entertainment.
“Both
the
timing
and
attendance make for invaluable face-to-face interactions.” Other agency partners on IFF 2018 include CAA, Coda, Primary Talent, X-ray Touring, United Talent Agency, ITB, ATC Live, MN2S, Pitch & Smith and OTM Touring, most of which will showcase a selection of what they consider to be amongst the best of their future festival headliners. “It’s great to finally be revealing details of IFF 2018,” says ILMC head Greg Parmley. “We expect over 450 festivals represented this year, and with a packed schedule of conference sessions, showcases and networking events, it’s already looking like our strongest edition yet.”
4
the and
ongoing
partnership
European
a mixture of panels, workshops and the
evening
is
dedicated
to
agency
Brian Ahern agent WME
VIP NEWS >
APRIL 2018
Huey Lewis cancels future shows From VIP-Daily News Singer Huey Lewis has cancelled his band`s future shows after
Lewis, best known for his hit Power Of Love from the Back To The
losing most of his hearing.
Future soundtrack, said he had visited a number of clinics “hoping to find an answer” to his symptoms.
The 67-year-old US star said he felt “horrible” and apologised to fans as he revealed that doctors believe he has an inner ear
“The doctors believe I have Meniere`s disease and have agreed that
condition called Meniere`s disease.
I can`t perform until I improve,” he added.
His group, Huey Lewis And The News, have axed all of their
“Therefore the only prudent thing to do is to cancel all future
performances planned for 2018 but the frontman insisted he hopes
shows.
to perform again “one day soon”. “Needless to say, I feel horrible about this and wish to sincerely In a post on Twitter, Lewis said: “Two and a half months ago, just
apologise to all the fans who`ve already bought tickets and were
before a show in Dallas, I lost most of my hearing. Although I can
planning to come see us.
still hear a little, one on one, and on the phone, I can`t hear music well enough to sing. The lower frequencies distort violently making
“I`m going to concentrate on getting better and hope that one day
it impossible to find pitch.”
soon I`ll be able to perform again.”
Huey Lewis
Need to know who is touring Europe?
®
Go online - www.vip-booking.com vip-booking.com
5
VIP NEWS >
APRIL 2018
BREXIT – How Will it Affect Musicians and Touring in Europe? Allan McGowan am@vip-booking.com I’m not a Brexit fan in any way, I thought
still to be resolved plan for a UK exit from
listen to the likes of [prominent Brexiteer]
I’d make that clear straight away, and I
the EU, will affect our business. The plan
Liam Fox, the UK will be booming: we’ll
think that the following quote from a very
for the panel was to get five professionals
have the right to set our own laws, strike
comprehensive article by Howard Goodall,
to pretend that they had returned to the
our own trade deals and have frictionless
is very accurate. “Brexit will deny me, and
present day from the year 2025 to report
trade with the EU. The more pessimistic
all professional musicians, this (present)
on the progress of a completed Brexit.
– and perhaps realistic – view is that we
easy access to 27 other countries, countries
However,
Dugher
won’t get to have our cake and eat it,
which in the world of music are significant
of UK Music admitted that if you asked
and that even if there are solutions on the
and busy employers of musicians”. Goodall
what the Brexit process would “look like
visa side around carnets etc, we’ll still see
is an award-winning composer of choral
at 20.25 [8.25pm], I couldn’t give you an
increased costs for artists and their teams.”
music, stage musicals, film and TV scores,
answer”, summing up the negotiation of
also well known as a lyricist, author,
the UK’s exit from the EU as “the most
Oleg Gaidar of London-based Artist &
music
His
advanced and complex form of public,
Entertainer Visas Global told the room
article, Brexit and Music – Theme and
multidimensional chess we’ve ever seen”
how following the Brexit vote, his entire
Variations
(www.howardgoodall.co.uk)
– It should be borne in mind that Dugher
team was shocked and saddened – as he,
is well worth reading if you’re interested in
is a man with many years’ experience in
and most of his team are from continental
this divisive topic.
parliament and government.
Europe. He indicated that we could be
At ILMC 30 in March, a BREXIT panel put
Annabella Coldrick of the MMF suggested
those experienced in Brazil recently by
forward a variety of views on how this,
two visions of the future situation: “If you
Phil Collins. This, he pointed out was an
historian
and
broadcaster.
moderator
Michael
facing European visa troubles similar to
example of authorities struggling with changes in immigration law. One possible saving grace though could be the two-year Brexit transition period, which should make things easier in the UK. A different point of view was expressed by international service provider eps’s Okan Tombulca (who recently opened a UK office) who felt that there is “too much panicking” at the moment, proposing that “we’re worrying because it’s going to be expensive but we don’t know yet. I think there will be solutions that are affordable for all of us.” He thought that Brexit might, “actually be good for the Continent because UK music is so dominant.” But he conceded that adjustments would be necessary for
ILMC 30
6
live entertainment companies, as he said, “Maybe I can’t do any more back-to-back
VIP NEWS >
APRIL 2018
shows in London and Paris, so I have to take
Artist manager Adam Parsons, speaking
but it’s going to make everything more
a day off, but we already have to do this in
from the floor, said Brexit will add “more
difficult. “In 2025, we’ll have forgotten
other countries.” Unlike many others Okan
costs, more grief and more time” to
about it, but it’s going to be a pain in the
was of the opinion that, “the effect of
touring. “We’re going to get through it,
fucking arse – it really is.”
Brexit will be less that most people think.” Dick Molenaar of the Netherlands’ All Arts Tax Advisers said Brexit is “much more a
Dick Molenaar and Okan Tombulca
UK issue” than a continental one: “When I listen to people in the Netherlands, they say it might be good for the continent, because
UK
music
is
currently
so
dominant,” he explained. When it comes to taxation, it shouldn’t make too much of a difference, he explained, as taxes are a national – not an EU – issue, although VAT could be “problematic” for bands taking merchandise and other VAT-liable goods across borders. Currently, there is an EUwide threshold for VAT that “only the biggest sellers go over”.
K2 agency acquires EGO From VIP-Daily News Booking agency K2 has announced the
The acquisition of EGO, or the Eccentric
Pictured from left:
acquisition of another rival, this time the
Gent Organisation, follows last year’s
Leo Benton, Sharon Richardson, Jim
EGO Agency.
purchase of Factory Music, which similarly
Morewood, Jane Miller, John Jackson,
saw a shift of staff and roster over to K2.
Yerry Stetter.
EGO founder Jim Morewood will move to K2 to become Senior Booking Agent there. His colleague Yerry Stetter will also move over, as will the entire EGO roster of artists, which includes Fear Factory, HIM and Meshuggah. “Yerry and I are delighted to be joining the formidable team at K2”, says Morewood. “We look forward to an exciting future with John [Jackson, K2 founder], having previously worked with him at the now legendary Helter Skelter Agency”. Jackson adds: “I am delighted to be working with Jim again and we all look forward to welcoming Yerry to K2. Their combined skills will further enhance the strengths of K2 as the leading international hard rock booking agency”.
K2 Staff
7
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VIP NEWS > INDEPTH STORY >
APRIL 2018
When Festival Extravaganzas Become Bestsellers Manfred Tari mt@vip-booking.com
Every promoter has experienced the extraordinary wish lists
that would rather come to festivals with their butler instead of
that often make up the rider clauses received from their event
a tour manager.
headliners. Solo-toilets, Thai massages, exclusive champagnes or private gyms are just the tip of the icebergs, promoters have
As will be revealed in this article, this peer group is growing and
to deal with again and again.
even seems to behave better than the odd top star that forgot to bring their therapist (or agent) along to the event.
Of course, according to the tour managers in charge, everything on these riders is absolutely indispensable before these beloved
However, VIP-Arrangements are sometimes not recognised as
pop or rock stars are able to do their well-paid work.
such, but the demand is growing rapidly, as ever it appears that particular festivals in the US have become trendsetters for
But now more and more festival promoters are figuring out
this development.
how to monetize their acquired expertise in the fulfilment of narcissistic on stage extra wishes for nouveau-riche personalities.
We investigate this growing phenomenon with interviews
Packaged as a VIP-arrangement, branded with a fancy name,
on the subject with organisers of European festivals such as
all-inclusive bundles, further spiced up with comfort and other
Roskilde Festival (DK), Lowlands (NL), Balaton Sound (HU),
goodie-items, can be sold to a newly discovered target group
Hurricane and Rock Am Ring (DE):
offers, in other words for companies who
Martin Hjorth Frederiksen
want to give their employees something special. We’ve offered this for a few years, but it doesn’t change anything for the audience. VIP News: Has the demand for such
ROSKILDE: Denmark
tickets increased in recent years?
Martin Hjorth Frederiksen PR Manager
Hjorth Frederiksen: There’s a big interest, and we could definitely sell more luxury
VIP News: Apparently there are no VIP-
items, but we want to stay true to our roots.
Tickets available. for Roskilde Instead Roskilde offers “X TREATMENT TICKETS”
VIP News: The price range offers tickets
and “SPECIAL TREATMENT TICKETS.”
from 330 up to 720 Euro per person.
Since when has Roskilde festival offered
What kind of offers are most requested
these kinds of tickets?
and are the most expensive , also which
the full experience, and others find it better
ones sell out the fastest?
to visit only one day. When an organisation
Martin Hjorth Frederiksen: We want the
brings the staff it’s likely that some of the
festival to be accessible for all, and we
Hjorth Frederiksen: Both the cheaper and
people aren’t used to the festival life and
want the festival to be full of VIP areas and
more expensive options are very popular.
might have enough amazing experiences in
privileges. These Treatment options are B2B
Some companies take their employees for
one day!
9
VIP NEWS > INDEPTH STORY >
APRIL 2018
VIP News: Please describe the average
Hjorth Frederiksen: The X Treatment guests
and the settings of the “X Treatment
customers that prefer more comfort and
only comprise a small amount of the
Lounge”...
services when visiting Roskilde...
130,000 people at the festival. Our Get A Tent, Get A Camp etc. are products that are
Hjorth Frederiksen: The food is the same
Hjorth Frederiksen: As many may expect, it
very popular, and there are more than just a
amazing food that you can get in our
often comes down to age: when you get
few years ago. We have to be able to offer
Food Court; from Michelin-awarded Thai
older, you often go for a little luxury if you
products that make the camping experience
food to insect burgers and everything
can. But we actually have a lot of mature
a bit nicer to those who need that, but we’re
in-between. We really have it all. The X
participants who still camp for a full week –
very aware not to make these areas and
Treatment settings are great places for
it really impresses me!
products take up too much space.
bigger organisations to withdraw in a peaceful area. But we always hope that all
VIP News: What are the capacities for
VIP News: Please elaborate on the special
of our guests will mingle and explore the
this part of Roskilde Festival?
items such as “award-winning food”
festival together.
LOWLANDS: Netherlands Eric van Eerdenburg Festival Director VIP News: Since when have you offered Gllamcamping at Lowlands? Eric van Eerdenburg: We started with about 20 PodPads in 2004. Since 2014 we started to call it Gllamcamp and moved the Gllamcamp much closer to the festival site. Since then it has exploded from 400 to last year 1600 and this year 2100
Eric van Eerdenburg
accommodations. Also the caravan and camper camp is growing fast. From 1100 to 1450 last year and this year we raised the
land for next year for both camper camp
the area....Also foreign visitors that can not
available spots to 2100 too.
and Gllamcamp.
bring camping gear. And people that hate
VIP News: The prices for Gllamping
VIP News: Please describe the average
I guess. The vibe is good and relaxed. Not so
Delluxe ranges from 159 up to 425
customers that prefer more comfort and
loud as the standard camping. More quiet.
Euros per person. What kind of offers
service when visiting your festival...
carrying all that stuff for 4 night camping too
are requested mostly and are the most
10
VIP News: What are the capacities for
expensive ones also those that sell out
Eric van Eerdenburg: It’s a very nice crowd.
the Gllamping Delluxe area, how many
faster than the others?
Real music-loving festival-minded people.
people can you accommodate within
They have a little more money, are not the
this part of Lowlands?
Eric van Eerdenburg: It’s the average priced
youngest, like to hang out late and drink and
ones that are going the fastest. We try to
do not want to leave the festival to go to a
Eric van Eerdenburg:
never sell out and accommodate the fast
hotel. They seek more comfort and would
10000 of the 60000 use camper/caravan
growing demand. This year we expect to
probably think twice about going if it wasn’t
camping and gllamcamp all together this
sell out though. We have secured more
there. Or book a hotel...that is hard to find in
year. It’s a fast growing demand.
We estimate about
VIP NEWS > INDEPTH STORY >
APRIL 2018
VIP News: Please describe the average customers that prefer more comfort and service when visiting Balaton… Füri: We are very pleased that over the years, Balaton Sound has become more of an international festival. Guests arrive from all over Europe, among whom there are plenty of people who choose us in the hope of high quality service. Fortunately, we have received a lot of great feedback from festivalgoers; VIP and regular guests
BALATON SOUND: Hungary
requested and are the most expensive
have both claimed to encounter above-
Kata Füri
ones also those that sell out faster than
average comfort at our festival. We pay
International Communication, PR and Press
the others?
close attention to provide the right hygienic
VIP News: Has the demand for VIP-
Füri: Our VIP campsite is located directly
drinks, as well as green waste collection
offers/arrangements increased in recent
on the waterfront, which is why we call it
that all add to this feeling of comfort. To
years?
Beach camping. This year we wanted to
answer your question, it is difficult to define
infrastructure, a variety of quality food and
have a more transparent and comfortable
these guests. Perhaps some things that
Kata Füri: Since the start of the festival there
system at this location, so instead of the
link them together include their openness
has been a large interest in VIP services at
free camping we offered before, we are
towards gastro culture, enjoying clean and
Balaton Sound. Due to this high demand, we
only selling installed glamping services. Our
comfortable festivals along with searching
have expanded our VIP facilities, every year
wooden houses are very popular, but there
for exclusive programs, such as sunset
including a VIP stand facing the Main Stage,
is also a huge demand for our top of the
sailing excursions on the Balaton.
developing VIP restaurants, creating a ‘Very-
line Flexotel and Popad accommodations.
VIP’ site, etc. We have noticed that there
The latter are located in a separate village
VIP News: What are the capacities of VIP
continues to be a high demand for these
and include bathroom facilities, a reception
t and regular tickets for Balaton Sound?
services, in fact, it is increasing.
and other services. Our VIP guests can enjoy beach activities at the Balaton only a few
Füri: On a daily basis the VIP site welcomes
VIP News: What kind of VIP-Camping-
steps from their accommodation, while the
2,000-3,000 people and around 35,000 at
offers are the ones that are most
festival is only a 1-2 minute walk.
the entire festival.
significantly in recent years. That’s why we
overview of the festival area on top of the
introduced the resorts and thus obviously
newly built second floor at the Hurricane
hit a nerve directly. But we definitely do not
Lounge Tower in a stylish atmosphere.
want a two-tier society at our festivals. We
From the terrace you have a clear view of
simply see the resorts as an additional offer
the Green Stage. There is a shuttle service
for those visitors who want a festival feeling
from the reserved VIP car parking lots to
but do not want to miss a few amenities.
the Platinum Lounge and back. Drinks and
HURRICANE: Germany
food are included, as well as the entrance to
Jasper Barendregt Director Festival Production VIP News: Has demand for VIP tickets
VIP News: What do buyers get for their
the after show parties. Platinum customers
money from these so-called Hurricane
can access their own sanitary facilities and
platinum tickets ...
receive exclusive insights on a backstage
increased over the past few years?
tour (fee: 10). The Platinum tickets are also Barendregt: The Platinum tickets are indeed a
available as day passes if you do not have the
Jasper Barendregt: The demand for more
luxury version in terms of festival experience.
whole weekend. (Per day- ticket 349 Euro,
comfort and special offers has increased
Ticket holders can enjoy having a perfect
festival ticket 549 Euro)
11
VIP NEWS > INDEPTH STORY >
APRIL 2018
Meanwhile, we offer for every taste and
Summer’s Tale the entire camping area is
regarding a certain topic and if we sense
budget choices - reaching from bringing along
dedicated to Grüner Wohnen, but we also
there is a demand for a specific festival, we
your own tent towards the option “green
offer various comfort camping options there.
check if an implementation is possible. It is
living”, normal camping or the “resort”-
It has to be said, that we are looking very
important to us to meet the needs of our
option with pre-built up and equipped tents
closely at market demands when developing
target group and offer tailor made solutions
with real beds. In addition, we will soon also
new products. If we get a lot of requests
according to their interests.
offer our own “Womoparzellen” (parking lots for caravans) with a power supply - so to say
Jasper Barendregt
an allotment at the festival... VIP News: How big is this contingent for this area? Barendregt: We have space for up to 250 plating guests per day. VIP News: What can you say about the demand for VIP-arrangements at other FKP Scorpio festivals? Barendregt: Our visitor surveys have shown that at all of our festivals there is a demand for offers, offering more comfort. We take this into account. At Highfield festival we also offer Grüner Wohnen-camping and within the Searassic Park we offer various options for accommodations in tents. At A
in, comfortable overnight accommodations,
Tombulca:
The
experience
visitors
are
high-quality and free sanitary facilities as well
more relaxed than normal festival visitors.
as paved paths await visitors. The area also
However, they just enjoy a bit more of
has its own lounge, hot tubs, bar, catering
comfort and above all personal contact with
and self-service barbecue stations. From
the service team on the site.
the Experience Area, you’ll head straight to one of the first two pit barriers in front of
VIP News: Do the visitors of the
the stage via a separate, exclusive fast-lane
Experience Camping leave more trash
EPS HOLDING Gmbh: Germany
access. Visitors can also take advantage of
on the site?
Okan Tombulca
other specials such as WiFi access, power
Managing Director
supply, lockers, as well as pavilions and
Tombulca: Waste prevention is part of the
refrigerators. They also receive a festival
concept of Experience Camping. The two-
VIP News: Please describe Experience
goodie bag including a laminated experience
person Easy Tent tent and the larger version,
Camping at Rock am Ring. How many
pass as a souvenir. A personal parking lot is
the Safari Tent, with a capacity of two to
people can be accommodated there?
located next to the camp within walking
four people, are fully equipped with air
distance in a few meters.
mattresses, sleeping bags, camping chairs,
Okan Tombulca: Experience Camping is an
12
tables and night lamps. At the end of the
exclusive camp with a capacity of about
VIP News: Are the Experience visitors
festival, visitors can take home everything
1200 people right next to the Rock Am Ring
more demanding than regular festival
inside the tents as souvenirs. And the ones
main stage. Completely built, ready to move
visitors?
whom booked the Easy-Tent-solution can
VIP NEWS > INDEPTH STORY >
APRIL 2018
even take the tent back home. The other
among others, changing facilities and hair
containers, which they also offer for this
two categories - the Rockotel and the Lodge
dryer stations. The toilets are flush toilets
year’s festival under the name “Moshtel.”
- are a kind of mobile homes / containers
including washbasin with hot water. Both
with full beds, blankets, pillows and covers
systems are cleaned regularly.
that normally get cleaned after the festival. If at the end of the festival visitors leave
VIP News: EPS is one of the leading service
tents on the sites, we donate them to charity
providers of infrastructure equipment
organizations or dispose of
for live events. Which other festivals use
them in an
your service and what services do these
environmentally friendly way.
include? VIP News: The quality of the sanitary facilities obviously plays a big role,
Tombulca: With Experience Camping, we
what models does EPS offer for the high
started four years ago. Meanwhile, we serve
demands in this area?
also the Open Air Frauenfeld, which takes place for the second time in the similar
Tombulca: The Experience visitors expect
style of Experience Camping with a capacity
high quality sanitary facilities on the
of around 350 people and two different
premises. The showers are installed in a
arrangements.. Last year, the Wacken Open
heated large shower cubicle and include,
Air started with the concept of using our
Okan Tombulca
ImagIne if you could go to one website and get aLL the contacts you need for the european Live music Industry?
WeLL you Can! www.vip-booking.com
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VIP NEWS >
APRIL 2018
New name for Amsterdam ArenA From VIP-Daily News At the start of the 2018-2019 football season, the Amsterdam ArenA
‘Johan Cruijff is the greatest football player that Ajax has ever
will officially change its name to the Johan Cruijff ArenA.
produced,’ says Edwin van der Sar, Ajax general manager. ‘Partly thanks to him, Ajax is a big name at home and abroad so it’s nice that
‘It is high time to give Johan Cruijff a worthy tribute and achieve the
the stadium is named after him.’
broadly supported wish Eberhard van der Laan has expressed on behalf of the city,` says Henk Markerink, CEO of Amsterdam ArenA.
Henk Markerink adds, ‘We are happy to be able to give this permanent
The new logo of the Johan Cruijff ArenA will be unveiled on or near
tribute to football legend Johan Cruijff. As a stadium, we are proud to
April 25, the birthday of the legendary footballer.
be able to bear his name. It will resonate globally.’
‘We are pleased with the news and very glad that the stadium will
Amsterdam ArenA is already busy with the many preparations that
actually be called the Johan Cruijff ArenA from next football season
the name change entails. It is a big job because, in the long run,
on,’ the Cruijff family says.
everything must bear the name Johan Cruijff ArenA – from the signs at the entrance, to the flags, even to the uniforms worn by the stewards.
Eric van der Burg, alderman of Sport on behalf of Amsterdam City Council, is extremely pleased with the name change for the ArenA.
Johan Cruijff passed away on March 24, 2016. He was one of the
‘It both honors our greatest football hero and makes a big dream
best footballers ever, known all over the world for his contribution to
come true for Eberhard van der Laan [former mayor of Amsterdam
football as a player, a football coach and as a benefactor, through his
who died October 2017].’
Foundation.
Amsterdam ArenA
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VIP NEWS >
APRIL 2018
Developing Music Cities: By Shain Shapiro, CEO Sound Diplomacy This article was first published in the magazine Cities Today, there is a link to the original at the end of the article. For the first time at a UN World Urban
compounded by the fact that cities around
The
Forum, culture was discussed as a pillar to
the world–from Melbourne to San Francisco,
is nascent and only recently have urban
achieving sustainable development. During
Bogota to Cape Town–are looking at music
thinkers begun to explore the role of music
the the ninth edition of the Forum, held
as a policy tool to attract jobs, drive wealth,
across city governance and within that,
in February in Kuala Lumpur, culture was
increase tourism and importantly, support
sustainability and development. But the
discussed across a few panels and within
sustainable policies.
proof that this is a tool we can no longer
that, the first ever music discussion was held.
scholarship
surrounding
the
term
ignore is prevalent around the world. Music Understanding music in this way is new for
in a number of guises has led to economic
been
cities and governments. The term ‘music
growth,
formalised as a tool to develop, sustain
cities’–a catch-all phrase that explores the
competitiveness for years.
and support good development, promote
role of music in urban policy–is only a few
gender equality, eradicate poverty and
years old. It is driven by the music industry
Austin remains the United States’ fastest
support sustainability. To me, this is a
to compel city governments to support
growing city above one million people. While
watershed
music infrastructure, such as music venues,
there is a substantial academic, banking and
festivals, studios and rehearsal facilities.
tech sector, the city declared itself the ‘live
Music
and
culture
moment
have
for
never
music,
both
as an industry and an art form. This is
development
and
increased
Shain Shapiro
15
VIP NEWS >
APRIL 2018
music capital of the world’ in 1991 and has
every £10 spent on concert tickets in the
become a magnet for creative entrepreneurs
capital’s small-to-medium sized venue stock
and artists. Nashville, the world’s only
(under 1,500 capacity), a further £17 is spent
singularly-branded ‘music city’, has utilised
nearby in restaurants, bars, public transit
this to drive growth in its health sector, now
and minicabs. In New York City, the music
the nation’s biggest per capita. Melbourne
industry supports US$3.4 billion in indirect
has seen its inbound tourism increase as it
economic impact alone.
formalised its music policy within council chambers in 2014, and music tourists to the
When this is strategised into a city’s master
UK as a whole have increased year-on-year,
plan, from the beginning, music can be
since statistics began being tracked in 2015.
built into infrastructure, rather than be
In London alone, music tourism is worth £1
bolted on. A city understands where it’s
billion to the public purse.
best placed, what potential friction points are and how–as an industry–it can drive
introduce the role of music in urban planning
In order to capitalise on this growth, a
growth across a number of sectors. But
and public policy. Every city must have a
city must take formal, structured steps to
this requires measurement, mapping and
music policy to support talent development,
recognise the value of music across urban
expertise, as well as budgets dedicated to
music engagement and quality of life. We
policies and decision making. Only a handful
fostering growth. And this is where cities
will ensure this happens.
of cities have done this around the world–
often fall flat. Commissions are set up
about 100–but the growth is significant. Five
without budgets and music is informalised,
When we started in 2013, we focused on
years ago, this number was in single digits.
turned into a nice-to-have, rather than a
music export - linking artists, businesses and
key economic, cultural and social driver.
experiences across countries, from Colombia
Those seeking greater sustainability and
to Australia.
Music ecosystem assessment
growth are recognising this and formalising music, via a music office and accompanying
Since then we’ve changed a little, but our
strategy.
mission is the same.
practice. The first step, similar to any other
But this has just begun. One hundred cities
Music matters - and its value is increasing
sector, is to map where it is, how much it
is not enough. Once all cities recognise this
everyday. Since we started Sound Diplomacy,
is worth and what the deficiencies are in
revenue generator that has been there all
we have been lucky to work in over 4 0
relation to this. This is what most cities refer
along–music–development will follow. And
countries, set up global leading conferences
to as a music ecosystem assessment, and
we can be sure that at the next World Urban
and delivering strategies that prove the
it provides the baseline to understand the
Forum, music will feature more heavily,
economic, cultural and social value of music
role of music across development, land use
because by then it will become the norm,
around the world. And now we’re proud to
policy, economic growth, regeneration and
rather than the exception.
be the leaders of the music cities movement;
To do this, a process is being mapped across a number of cities to demonstrate best
consequently, sustainability.
and this movement is just beginning. www.cities-today.com/how-music-can-be-
More often, as cities grow and become
used-as-a-pillar-for-development
denser–as is happening the world over–land
friends and conference attendees. We’ve
value increases. Music is a value capture tool, but it does not inherently lead to
been inspired by our clients and friends in
Sound Diplomacy is Five Years Old
immediate economic yield for the land that
countries and cities around the world, from Uganda to Peru, Seoul to Vancouver and
hosts it. Whether it is a venue, a festival or
Shain Shapiro, CEO and founder of Sound
a community space, music is a slow growth
Diplomacy tells VIP News:
prospect. It takes a while for its impact to
everywhere in between. We’ve met amazing agents of change, from
situate itself within a community, create
It’s been five amazing, wild and adventurous
musicians to diplomats, Mayors to venue
critical mass and drive growth. But when a
years. But this is only the beginning.
owners. So thank you for continuing to
venue or festival succeeds, it increases the
16
Thank you to all our clients, partners,
inspire us, and watch this space.
value of everything around it. It captures
We have been lucky to have worked all over
requisite value. In London, for example, for
the world being part of the conversation to
The best is yet to come.
VIP NEWS >
APRIL 2018
Abba announce 2 new songs From VIP-Daily News Abba have announced that they have written and recorded their first
Abba
new songs since they split in 1983. The Swedish four-piece, who had nine No 1 hits in the UK between 1974 and 1980, and who have sold hundreds of millions of records worldwide, announced on Instagram that they had recorded two new songs for a project in which avatars of the band will perform. The band said in a statement: “The decision to go ahead with the exciting Abba avatar tour project had an unexpected consequence. We all felt that, after some 35 years, it could be fun to join forces again and go into the recording studio. So we did. And it was like time had stood still and we had only been away on a short holiday. An extremely joyful experience!”
perform as computer-generated avatars. Ulvaeus said the band had been digitally scanned and “de-aged” to look like they did in 1979,
One of the two new songs that resulted, called I Still Have Faith in
when they performed their third and final tour.
You, will feature in a TV special to air in December. The avatars are then set to tour the world from next year. The statement concluded: “We may have come of age, but the song is new. And it feels good.”
Abba formed in Stockholm in 1972. They comprised two couples: Ulvaeus and Agnetha Fältskog; and Benny Andersson and Anni-Frid
Abba’s Björn Ulvaeus revealed details of the band’s forthcoming
Lyngstad, all of whom had enjoyed musical careers in Sweden. The
project in Brussels earlier this week. The centrepiece is the two-hour
group burst on to the international stage after winning the Eurovision
TV show co-produced by NBC and the BBC, which will see the band
song contest in Brighton in 1974 with their song Waterloo.
Abba 2018
17
VIP NEWS >
NAMES & JOBS
APRIL 2018
New president for European Arenas Association From VIP-Daily News Peter van der Veer was elected President of the European Arenas Association (EAA) during the groups most recent General Meeting, held in Lisbon this month. His election came as Brian Kabatznick of AEG Europe, ended a three-year term as President of the Association. Peter van der Veer (pictured), CEO and co owner of the Dutch event venue Rotterdam Ahoy, has been part of the Association since 2006 and an active Board Member since 2012. Peter said “Our world changes in rapid speed. It requires a new view from us as venues. I am convinced that a platform as EAA is essential
The EAA comprises 35 arena members in 22 European countries to
in sharing ideas, in pulling the strings, in being pro-active on all
share knowledge and create best practice among the industry. In
important and relevant issues in the field of live events. I am honored
2017, its venues saw more than 18.7 million customers attending
to have been chosen as President of this valuable platform.”
2,899 events across the membership.
Peter van der Veer
18
ARTIST APPLICATIONS OPEN MAY 1ST! ESNS: EU
APPLY VIA WWW.ESNS.NL STICHTING EUROSONIC NOORDERSLAG
ESNS: EU creative europe
STICHTING EUROSONIC NOORDERSLAG
VIP NEWS > BUSINESS >
MUSIC IN SHARES
APRIL 2018
Music In Shares Manfred Tari mt@vip-booking.com
CTS Eventim
The ultimate top scorer within Live Nation’s
climbed up $158.40, summing up in market
- Espansione In Italia
salary ranking is Michael Rapino, earning a
capitalisation
of $28.2 billion. Well, the
salary of $2.4 million, rewarded with Bonus
market cap of Live Nation is just only $7.9
CTS Eventim continues its growth strategy in
of $1 million, receiving a Stock Award of
billion.
Italy. The latest take over by the company in
$58.6 million, plus an Option Award worth
the south of Europe has been Vivo Concerti.
$1.7 million, benefitting from a Non-Equity
New in the IPO-pipeline is Tencent Music
Previously CTS Eventim bought the Italian
Incentive Plan Compensation valued with
Entertainment according to a report by the
companies Vertigo, Friends & Partners and
$6.7 million and other compensations
Wallstreet Journal. The company is owned
D’Allessandro e Galli. No information has
declared at $80.211. In total, to be precise
by Tencent Holding and is a streaming giant
been given about the purchase price.
$70,615,760.
in Asia. The estimated value supposed to be
Latest reported share price on March 23 was
Second biggest earner is Joe Berchtold
go on in the second half of the year at the
36.88 Euro, this time on April 23 it is 38.80
with just $28,794,489, while Kathy Willard
NYSE.
Euro.
as Chief Financial Officer only receives $
$25 billion, the intended IPO is supposed to
5,490,583.
The news flow regarding a potential spin of the Universal Music Group by Vivendi
DEAG
Anyhow, meanwhile an article in the New
is organically driven, at least serious news
- A Little Bit Of Down & Up
York Times published on April 1, reported
sources like Reuters reporting earlier this
investigations by the U.S. Department of
months quoted CEO Arnaud de Puyfontaine
No bigger news, but nevertheless a short
Justice concluding in the headline:
“Live
with the statement: “We have started work
term downer in Mid of April for the share
Nation Rules Music Ticketing, Some Say
that will allow us to present the benefits of
price of DEAG. A share price drop on April
With Threats.”
a potential listing of UMG to the supervisory
10 cost investors perhaps a bit of excitement,
The article meanwhile raised the interest be
board.”
when the share went down from one day to
several law firms, aiming for to file a class
another from 2.53 Euro to 2.36 Euro before
action law case against Live Nation. Among
it recovered on April 18, going up to 2.61
others the law firm Vincent Wong wrote
Euro again
In the March issue VIP News
in its announcement about “Investigation
reported a share price of 2.63 Euro, this time
Involving Possible Securities Fraud Violations
it is 2.62 Euro.
by the Board of Directors of Live Nation Entertainment, Inc.” The share price of Live Nation in the
Live Nation
meantime went down from $42.50 to
- Michael Rapino’s Salary Booster
$40.11.
Who would not work for an annual salary of
There is no market than stock market
$70.6 million? The trade paper Digital Music
20
News scored first, when reporting on the
Just for the files, the share at the day of
salary payments for the top-management of
the stock market debut by Spotify at NYSE
Live Nation. Based on SEC-files the magazine
(New York Stock Exchange) peaked shortly
released an article revealing the annual
at $169 before reaching $149, when the
payments for the executives of the company.
closing bell rung. Until April 23the share
Michael Rapino
VIP NEWS > MISC >
APRIL 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
10:15 Entertainment s.r.o. 10:15 Entertainment s.r.o. agency was founded in 2008. Historically it followed the
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
10:15 Promotion agency, the oldest major private concert promotion agency in the Czech Republic. Among the most significant events organized by the 10:15 Entertainment have been the shows of Leonard Cohen, Alicia Keys, Diana Krall, Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds, among others. In 2010 10:15 Entertainment became an exclusive booking agency of the Open Air
CARMEL Territory: Europe Period: 2018 Agency: Artistagency Agent: Bart Quintens Phone: +32 777670 E-mail: bart@artistagency.be Homepage: www.artistagency.be
Festival (powered by O2) in Panenský Týnec, where a number of major acts performed – The Chemical Brothers, Faithless, Fatboy Slim, Kasabian, Amy MacDonald, Leftfield, Interpol, Gorillaz Sound System, Royksopp etc. The agency specializes in concerts of international artists. Our agency´s team has participated in the promotion and organization of over 500 individual concert projects with a participance of more than six hundred international artists and bands. Among the most significant were the concerts of AC/DC, Kylie Minogue, Bob Dylan ,
SMOKIE Territory: Worldwide Period: 2019 Agency: NOW Music Co Agent: Jason Colombick 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
Johnny Cash, Velvet Underground , Luciano Pavarotti, R.E.M., Alanis Morissette, Neil Young or several sold out shows of Harlem Gospel Choir regular tour. One of the most important promotional and production events was a legendary JAM festival with its four consecutive years which regularly took place in Prague´s camping site Džbán and where artists like Bryan Adams, Sinead O´Connor, Erasure, Bjork or Iggy Pop performed, among others.
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We also ensure top custom event implementation, besides our own activities.
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In January 2012 and February 2014 we ensured the programme of a Telefónica company corporate event (5 years together and Arena full of stars) in O2 Arena in Prague for 14,000 people. In the past our team participated in organizing the Bratislava´s Seven festival with Coolio, Philips International Jazz Festival with Van Morrison, or several years of The Ball of Important Persons of ICT, which regularly takes place in Prague´s Žofín and other locations. Our team provides a complete service – from the definition of intent to booking, production, marketing and succesful implementation – for its clients, both artists and
Firehouse
commercial companies.
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