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APRIL 2019
McGowan’s
Well, I just don’t care – I’m going to talk
Since we last spoke I have been in Estonia
Of course in the live music business the
about the weather again! Here in Brighton
for Tallinn Music Week, which was also
effects of sound are omnipresent, either in
today it’s just like a summer’s day, bright
very pleasant weather wise, particularly
a good way by providing the enjoyment of
and sunny and really warm, hot in fact and
considering that I have been there at the
music, or sometimes, when in excess, causing
it’s still only April! So, as I know many of
same time of year when the sea was frozen
hearing damage The UK Court of Appeal
you will be planning a trip here for The
over. Also I’ve recently returned from
ruled that the Royal Opera House in London
Great Escape next month I’ll see if I can hold
Portugal, where the sun shone in Porto,
should lose its appeal against an earlier court
on to this unseasonal climate for you!
Guimarães and Braca – where it rained –
ruling and be held liable for causing a viola
but considering the BBC forecast figured
player to sustain hearing damage. The Royal
it would rain every day, this was a win
Opera House and others maintain that this
situation! The main point of all this waffling
ruling has further implications for the entire
is – apart from attending very impressive
live music industry, and could lead to more
music events, which I’ll tell you about in this
appeals by both musicians and audience
issue – there is without doubt something
claiming compensation for hearing damage
weird going on with the weather. I’m sorry
caused by loud music. Who is most likely to
Mr Trump whether you like it or not, climate
be held responsible – venues, sound crew,
change is a fact!
promoters? It’s not a problem that will just
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
Musings
As we head into the
festival season, who knows what this year’s
go away.
events will have to contend with – hopefully things will go well, but every year it gets
Talking of problems, a seemingly quiet man
harder to predict, as forecasts become
with a small guitar – we’ll mention him
less and less reliable. Anyway, for now I’m
a couple of times in this issue – has been
enjoying the sunshine!
having some domestic problems. The poor chap has been ordered to dismantle a sauna
By the way, you know that feeling you
and take down a pub sign, not things that
get when someone close to you – not
I have ever had to contemplate, but Ed
necessarily like friend or family – but nearby,
Sheeran , as you might have guessed for it
is injured, when they bang their knee for
is he, has had to take these things on, along
instance, that weird empathy when your
with having been refused permission for a
own knee or somewhere else twinges, -no?
church, a pond and no doubt other things
Oh, it’s just me then? Well, it’s just that I
on his Suffolk Estate. And you thought it was
was reading something the other day about
easy to be a successful singer songwriter!
UK act Snapped Ankles, and just the name gave me twinges! Snapped Ankles for god’s
Right, as I’ve now pretty much recovered
sake, has anyone else been affected by the
from the aftermath of last night’s visit
sound of a band’s name? I’d really like to
to Australia House for the Great Escape
know… of course you could ignore me if
reception I’ll get on with things, Ladies and
you wish!
Gentlemen - The News!
VIP NEWS >
APRIL 2019
AEG Buys 50% Stake in Frontier Touring From VIP-Daily News AEG Presents is forming a joint venture
2007, including the Rolling Stones, Leonard
like AEG Presents and the opportunities that
with Michael Gudinski`s Frontier Touring,
Cohen, Taylor Swift’s Red and 1989 Tours,
it can bring to our business. AEG is known
purchasing a 50% stake in the Australian
Celine Dion, Justin Bieber, Rodriguez and
for its iconic assets including The Coachella
promoter.
Shawn Mendes.
Valley Music & Arts Festival, BST Hyde Park
The joint venture will unify their operations
CEO of Frontier Touring, Michael Gudinski,
the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival,
throughout
Festival, Stagecoach Country Music Festival, The
said: “Frontier Touring has been fiercely
as well as such venues as STAPLES Center
Touring’s
independent since its inception in 1979 and
and The O2, amongst others.”
broad regional expertise with AEG Presents’
there is no doubt that we’ve batted well
extensive resources and will continue to
above the average on a global level in recent
Jay Marciano, Chairman and CEO of AEG
grow both companies` presence throughout
years. AEG Presents has had a successful
Presents, said, “Frontier Touring and AEG
the Asia Pacific region.
track record of partnering with independent
Presents share a passion and commitment
partnership
the
two
combines
countries. Frontier
promoters and allowing them to keep their
to delivering the best music experiences to
Established in 1979, Frontier Touring will
entrepreneurial roots while also supporting
artists and fans alike. Michael has built an
continue to operate under its existing name
their growth. This next step is about
incredibly respected organization with a
and be led by founder and CEO Michael
ensuring that Frontier, AEG and our joint
proven track record of success and we are
Gudinski. The company helped to pioneer
venture partners Illusive Presents and Chugg
pleased that he chose to partner with us. We
the Australian music industry and in 2018
Entertainment raise the bar in the Australasian
look forward to working closely with him
was ranked as the music industry’s #3
live market higher than ever before.”
and his talented team to further grow the
promoter globally, according to Billboard.
Frontier Touring brand.” Gudinski continued, “As demand for live
The two independent companies have had
entertainment continues to grow across
In 2018, Frontier enjoyed a phenomenally
a strategic partnership across numerous
Australia and New Zealand, we are incredibly
successful year touring the who’s who of
tours in Australia and New Zealand since
excited to be working with a global entity
the music industry, including tours with Paul McCartney, Celine Dion, Foo Fighters, The Killers, Harry Styles, Sam Smith, Rise Against, and Ed Sheeran, which became Australasia’s biggest tour ever. The new partnership will be effective beginning July 1, 2019. Frontier’s existing joint venture with Matt Gudinski’s Illusive Presents and the recently announced Chugg Entertainment joint venture will continue under the new arrangement including Australia’s largest country music festival CMC Rocks, which will now be operated as part of the new partnership. The joint venture with AEG Presents applies only to Frontier Touring and not the wider Mushroom Group stable
Frontier Touring Founder and CEO Michael Gudinski (left) with Jay Marciano (right), chairman and CEO of AEG Presents
of 25 companies; however, Frontier will continue to remain a part of and utilize the extensive resources of Mushroom Group.
3
VIP NEWS >
APRIL 2019
Conference and Showcase Round Up Allan McGowan am@vip-booking.com I only managed to attend conference/showcases in Estonia and
be attending. Still, it’s difficult for me to miss Fightback - see below
Portugal in the last month, having missed Wide Days in Scotland,
– and of course The Great Escape, as they take place in my home
it also looks as though I will miss worthwhile events in Cologne,
town, and I will be here from May 9-11 to take advantage of the
Liverpool, Cork, Wrexham, and probably there are others I’ve
usual plethora of social, entertaining, and educational happenings.
forgotten – it seems difficult to turn around these days without there
Australia will, for the second time be the guest country for this 14th
being another business gathering that you really think you should
edition of the Great Escape Conference and Festival.
Tallinn Music Week - 11th Edition The organisers of this 11th edition of Tallinn Music Week, Helen
TMW presented free daytime concerts that bring music to the more
Sildna and her crew, intended, apparently, to be more focussed
hidden corners of town.
and compact with this 11th edition which ran from the 25th to the 31st of March. However, maybe an event that sets out to cover the
The TMW conference, entitled “The Impact of Arts on Economy,”
economic benefits of ‘the arts’ is giving itself a lot to cover! But, as
featured 113 speakers from various sectors, of which 64 were men,
has previously been the case, TMW succeeded. It’s hard not to be
and 49 women. The discussions at the conference were centred on
aware of progression each year in Tallinn, as the event and the city
the impact of art as a driver of the economy and the artist’s role to
itself changes and develops.
provoke and to enlighten.
Most of the festival was concentrated in the walkable, compact area
170 artists from 28 countries attended, 75 festival venues, including
of the new creative city district North Tallinn. The main landmarks
18 showcase venues. 22.587 festival visitors, 956 delegates,
being Telliskivi Creative City, the Kalamaja district, Port Noblessner
including 456 international delegates and 100 international
and the new building of the Estonian Academy of Arts (EKA) which
journalists made up the numbers!
hosted the TMW conference and the cross-genre audiovisual showcase EKA ÖÖ. In addition to the music festival in the evenings
The next TMW will take place on 23rd–28th March 2020.
Tallinn Music Week
Tallinn Music Week city stage
4
VIP NEWS >
APRIL 2019
Westway Lab Guimarães, Portugal, is an attractive City of medieval buildings,
take part in Eurosonic’s ETEP network resulting in the Portugal
cobbled streets, and, oh yes, comfortable bars and good restaurants!
country focus in 2017.
And so we’re told, it’s the birthplace of Portugal. Westway Lab is an annual professional conference and showcase festival centrally
This edition featured Canada as guest country, the first country from
located in the City, with talks, panels and shows taking place at the
outside Europe to take part, brought five acts with them, Megan
Centro Cultural Vila Flor.
Nash, Sarah MacDougall, Les Deuxluxes, Tribe Royal, and The East who played alongside other international acts at the four concerts
The main part of the events take place over the four days April
held over two nights.
10-14, but other side events like the international artist residency programme, which sees artists that have not met before jamming
Amongst other elements the conference agenda included the
and writing together, stretch out the event to two weeks. This
topic of festivals. As part of this Berlin Lollapalooza festival director
includes a meeting of 22 major European music export offices to
Fruzsina Szep gave a talk presenting the Take a Stand campaign.
discuss common goals. Westway’s co–founder Nuno Sareivo set up
A while later I had the pleasure to interview her about her career,
the first ever Portuguese showcase festival and conference festival
which included stints as an artist manager, tour manager, diplomat,
– in 2014, with the intention of helping to develop the burgeoning
export office director, creative director of Hungary’s Sziget Festival
independent Portuguese music industry. The export office Why
and even more. The audience were fascinated.
Portugal followed in 2016 to help further these ambitions. Westway Lab’s attraction for international professionals helped Portugal to
There is a lot going on in Portugal, I suggest you visit!
Westway Lab
Need to know who is touring Europe?
®
Go online - www.vip-booking.com vip-booking.com
5
VIP NEWS >
APRIL 2019
LEA Lifetime Achievement Award goes to Wacken founders From VIP-Daily News Being held for the 14th time on the evening
Wacken Open Air in their early 20s. The
his band provided further tried-and-tested
of 1 April, 2019, in the Festhalle in Frankfurt
LEA for their success story spanning three
musical entertainment for the evening.
am Main, the PRG Live Entertainment Award
decades was presented by Matze Knop.
(LEA) has once again proved it deserves its reputation.
Two acts - the ensemble from Bochum`s The spectators in the Festhalle saw a
hit musical “Starlight Express” and NDW
fast-paced show with an elaborate and
icon Nena, whose performance heralded
Awards in 15 categories were presented to
impressive stage set, developed especially
the grand finale - provided a direct
concert and show promoters, managers,
for the evening by Europe`s foremost lighting
musical bridge to the award ceremony: the
agents, and venue operators from German-
designer Jerry Appelt in collaboration with
promotor Wizard Promotions received the
speaking countries – and more than 1,400
bright!. PRG. TV journalist Ingo Nommsen,
LEA trophy for the indoor tour of the year
guests from the worlds of culture, business,
who presented the LEA for the eighth time,
for the “Nichts versäumt” concert tour for
and politics joined in the celebrations.
announced a high-calibre music and show
the Nena`s 40th stage anniversary.
programme on stage. Singing star actor The
award
winners
in
the
Lifetime
Kiefer Sutherland delighted the audience
The German performance of “Starlight
Achievement category were comparatively
with his acoustic trio, as did pop and soul
Express”,
young this year, since Holger Hubner and
singer Stefanie Heinzmann, the swing-
continuously since 1988 at the Bochum
Thomas Jensen laid the foundation for
jazz-electro project DelaDap, and singer-
location, earned Mehr-BB Entertainment
what is now an event empire based around
songwriter Mike Singer. Helmut Zerlett and
the LEA for the show of the year in the year
which
has
been
performed
Wacken founders Thomas Jensen and Holger Hübner with Klaus Meine and Rudolf Schenker
6
VIP NEWS >
APRIL 2019
of its 30th anniversary. But the Dusseldorf-
Wacken Open Air
based company did not have to settle for just one award on the evening: the Mehr! Theater built by Mehr-BB Entertainment in Hamburg was chosen as the Indoor venue / Arena of the Year. The Hamburg-based agency FKP Scorpio Konzertproduktionen received the award for the stadium tour of the year at the LEA 2019 for the “Divide” concert tour by Ed Sheeran. Sheeran has worked with the promoter since his early days as a club act. In the second largest tour category, the Arena Tour of the Year, Semmel Concerts Entertainment was delighted to receive the award for their collaboration with the Kelly Family. Agency boss Dieter Semmelmann made a significant contribution to their live comeback under the name “We Got Love”. The LEA for the Club Tour of the Year this
Selective Artists for their work with the
fittingly hold the top-class LEA gala in one
year went to the promoter Undercover for
artist Lea. Timo Birth, founder of the agency
of the most beautiful event venues of all –
the “Alles ist jetzt Tour” by Bosse.
Kingstar, was chosen as the artist / young
our tradition-steeped Festhalle. It`s a very
talent promoter of the year, while the
special moment when the familiar feeling
Another award winner chosen by the panel
young company Vaddi Concerts, which has
of well-being spreads through the crowd at
of judges was Live Nation in the Promoter
branches in Freiburg and Tubingen, received
a spectacular show and Frankfurt am Main
of the Year category. Unfortunately, the
the LEA for the local promoter of the year.
proves we have a great deal to offer creative
company did not accept the award and didn’t send anyone to take it home.
types from all over the country,” said City The award for the collaboration of the
Councillor Markus Frank, Department of
year was presented again for the first time
Economic Affairs of the City of Frankfurt.
In the Concert of the Year category, the
since 2013, going to Hannover Concerts,
jazzopen promoter Opus, the agency
Aida Cruises, Four Artists Booking, and the
“Around five billion euros are spent annually
MCT,
Astronaut
Meyer Werft shipyard for the spectacular
in Germany on attending music and other
Centre (EAC) accepted the award for a
show at the AIDAnova launch ceremony in
events. As a result, live entertainment
particularly spectacular feat: for Kraftwerk`s
Papenburg with star guest David Guetta.
has recently taken the leading position
and
the
European
performance in Stuttgart, astronaut Dr.
among German entertainment markets,
Alexander Gerst was transmitted live from
The prize awarded by the panel of judges
making it the most widely consumed
space.
also acknowledged the work of the couple
cultural product of all,” reported Prof. Jens
Birgit and Horst Lohmeyer, who have been
Michow, Executive President of the German
I-Motion received the Festival of the Year
sending a clear signal against the Right
Association of the Concert and Event
award for Nature One at the former rocket
in a village in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern
Industry (BDKV) and producer of the award
base Pydna, one of the longest-running
for twelve years with the Grunes Forum
ceremony. “What makes live entertainment
electronic music festivals in the world.
Selbstverwaltung
special is its uniqueness, because, unlike
association
and
the
“Jamel rockt der Förster” festival. Artist / Manager of the Year: an LEA for
canned music or books, the live experience is not reproducible. But promoters are not
the team behind (the artist) Lea Prof. Dieter
“The LEA is at home in our city as a red-
just `booksellers`. They also take on the
Gorny, Chairman of Initiative Musik, was
carpet event and kick-off event for the
role of `book publishers` by bearing the
the speaker for the Artist Manager / Agent
world`s largest music fair. Frankfurt am
ever-increasing sales risk of concerts due
of the Year category. He presented the LEA
Main is full of beacons of live culture and
to rising costs. That it still works so well is
trophy to Johannes Jakob Hofmann and
special venues. So we are honoured to
what we celebrated today.”
7
VIP NEWS >
APRIL 2019
VMS Live’s Steve Forster dies Allan McGowan am@vip-booking.com Everyone at VIP Booking was saddened to hear of the death of the
Steve Forster
Founder and Managing Director of live music company VMS Live, Steve Forster, at the age of 55. A serious car accident last month left him with complications resulting from his injuries from which he failed to recover “Whether you knew Steve from his early days in Newcastle or through the many venues and events he worked with we are sure you will agree that he was a focussed and determined operator”, says VMS Live in a statement. “A man who knew his own mind, and overall a truly unique and talented individual. Steve was respected and influential throughout the industry and has passed on a great deal of knowledge and experience to those around him and for this legacy we can all be eternally grateful”.
leaving to set up VMS Live in 2007. He also ran MAMA’s live music division until 2011.
Steve launched his first live music company, NPS, in 1987, before becoming Operations Director at Wembley Stadium. In 1999 he
Forster’s death follows the death last year of VMS Live consultant Dan
joined the Academy Music Group and oversaw its growth until
Pike who worked on a number of the company’s outdoor events.
Busy Times for Brighton Allan McGowan am@vip-booking.com There is a lot going on in my hometown: even before the arrival of The Great Escape next month; 19 Grassroots Music Venues across the City have united to celebrate two weeks of live music - the event is known as Fightback Brighton, a new spring campaign launched by the Music Venue Trust, taking place from 22nd April – 5th May 2019, aimed at grassroots music venues and promoting Brighton’s emerging and existing musical talent. On last count over 150 shows were confirmed. Fightback is also the name of a bottled beer commissioned by MVT, and marketed to bring funds to the enterprises of the MVT. The event will also present special featured events. Venues taking part include: BEES MOUTH • THE BRUNSWICK • CONCORDE 2 • COWLEY CLUB • EAST STREET TAP • GREEN DOOR STORE • THE HOPE AND RUIN KOMEDIA • LATEST MUSIC BAR • OLD MARKET • PATTERNS • PAV TAV • PRINCE ALBERT • RIALTO THEATRE • THE RICHMOND ROSE HILL • BRIGHTON ROCKS • CROWNS • THE QUADRANT
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VIP NEWS >
APRIL 2019
Ed Sheeran Contributes to Successful DEAG Returns for 2018 Allan McGowan am@vip-booking.com Combined 2018 revenues for DEAG’s two divisions, ‘Live Touring’
played 31 Kilimanjaro Live promoted and/or co-promoted dates in
and ‘Entertainment Services’ in 2018 were 200.2M, up 25% from
2017 (with 21 shows in G-A-S, UK & Ireland) and 47 DEAG dates in
159.8M the previous year, which includes a 40M increase via
2018 (with 37 in G-A-S, UK & Ireland).
Kilimanjaro Live operations and a 16M decrease as a result of the Ed Sheeran: Particular Efforts Aimed at: Protecting Revenues.
Raymond Gubbay deconsolidation.
Educating Fans. Overall the group promoted approx. 4,000 events generating over 5 million ticket sales in 2018. Live Touring was up 23% resulting from
The Ed Sheeran ÷ Stadium Tour Fan Engagement Campaign
strong performances by music and in particular by Ed Sheeran who
coordinated by Kilimanjaro Live, DHP, AEG, FanFair Alliance and Victim of Viagogo was recently nominated in the annual
Ed Sheeran
TicketingBusiness Awards ‘Campaign of the Year’ category. The campaign was designed to protect fans from fraudulent tickets sold in breach of the strict event T&C’s. Exhaustive communications and marketing by the event promoters and support agencies messaged that only authorised primary agencies and officially resold tickets would be valid and allowed entry to the concerts. Kilimanjaro Live worked in conjunction with Victim of Viagogo to assist fans in reclaiming back the inflated cost of tickets bought on Viagogo (with over £300K reclaimed before the beginning of the tour, ultimately saving in excess of £1M in 2018) whilst enabling the sale of new tickets at face value to fans.
Ed Sheeran to Play 850 Seat Venue Allan McGowan am@vip-booking.com Ed Sheeran has announced that he will play a show at London’s
At The Haymarket’ series. His support of Masterclass and his belief
Theatre Royal Haymarket in July in aid of the venue’s Masterclass
in the future of this country’s young talent is truly appreciated”.
theatre education charity. It will also be the first in a new series of music events at the venue under the banner ‘Live At The Haymarket’.
Tickets for the show will be dished out via a ballot and you have until 16 Jun to put your name down on the list.
The show will see Sheeran take a break from his global stadium tour to play for an audience of 850. Announcing the performance, he says: “Masterclass is an important charity and it’s one that I’m proud to be supporting. It’s going to be a special night playing at this iconic venue”. Last year, the Theatre Royal Haymarket was acquired by Access Entertainment, a division of Warner Music owner Access Industries.. Access Industries boss Len Blavatnik says: “It’s wonderful to have the unrivalled talent of Warner Music’s Ed Sheeran to launch our ‘Live
10
London’s Theatre Royal Haymarket
VIP NEWS >
APRIL 2019
New Arena in Dubai named Coca-Cola Arena From VIP-Daily News Dubai Arena has officially been named the
Cola Middle East and North Africa, said,
Coca-Cola Arena, after developer Meraas
“We are proud to be a part of this highly
signed a 10-year deal with the The Coca-
anticipated
Cola Company.
which demonstrates our commitment to
entertainment
destination
the region. The agreement with the US company includes exclusive naming rights for what
“The Cola-Cola Arena will build on Dubai’s
is set to be Dubai’s first and largest indoor,
thriving entertainment industry, positively
multipurpose arena - due to open in June
contributing to the city’s ambitions to become
this year.
a world-leading metropolis. The arena will create another iconic landmark in the city
“We are proud to have a company of such
attracting visitors from across the world.”
worldwide renown as Coca-Cola taking
Murat Ozgel
on the naming rights for the arena in the
The 17,000-seat air-conditioned facility in
long-term,” said Abdulla Al Habbai, Meraas
City Walk will be the largest indoor arena
“We are proud to partner with Meraas and
Group chairman.
of its kind in the Middle East. It will host a
Coca-Cola as we launch the UAE’s first world-
variety of live concerts and sporting events
class, multipurpose indoor arena. We look
all year round when it swings open its doors
forward to working closely together over the
to the public this year.
next 10 years,” said Guy Ngata, AEG Ogden’s
“This
agreement
with
The
Coca-Cola
Company is also a clear demonstration that Meraas’ continued efforts to transform the
chief executive of Coca-Cola Arena.
urban landscape of Dubai and move with the
Day-to-day operations for the venue will be
emirate into the future as a modern, creative,
handled by international venue management
“This naming rights agreement is hugely
culturally and economically diverse place to
company AEG Ogden, who also operate
beneficial for Dubai and Coca-Cola, which
live, work and play are coming to fruition.”
London’s O2 Arena, Staples Centre in Los
are both internationally recognised brands in
Murat Ozgel, general manager of Coca-Cola
Angeles, Mercedes-Benz Arena in Shanghai
their own rights. We are excited to grow our
Middle East and deputy president of Coca-
and Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney.
partnership over the next decade and further establish Dubai as a major destination for
Coca-Cola Arena Dubai
world music tours, sporting competitions, family show and corporate events.” Last Monday, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, enjoyed a tour of the emirate`s new arena, where he reviewed construction progress. Sheikh
Mohammed
said
development
projects such as Coca-Cola Arena are key to the growth of the country as a leading player on the global stage. The arena is a key part of Dubai`s ambitious vision to attract 25 million tourists to the emirate by 2025.
11
VIP NEWS > INDEPTH STORY >
APRIL 2019
Politics and Music Continue to Compare Notes Throughout Europe! Allan McGowan am@vip-booking.com
Whether for better or worse there is no doubt that
Trust) in the UK continue to address consequences
UK and European politicians are taking music, and
linked to urban development and the densification
not just the classical stuff, seriously! In Europe
of cities such as gentrification and raising business
things are happening under the banner of Music
rates, increasing noise complaints, and lack of
Moves Europe – though some are of the opinion
recognition in the cultural public policies leading to
that more should be moving faster, at least there is a
unadapted regulations, cuts or absence of subsidies.
seemingly growing awareness that all over Europe, still just about including the UK, live music venues
In the UK, UK Music and the Music Venues Trust
and clubs are constantly facing challenges that
do seem to be making some headway and the
endanger their activities: Live DMA in the mainland
following report from the All Party Music Group
(if I may still use that term!) and MVT (Music Venues
is encouraging.
100th UK Politician Signs up to All Party Music Group The
influential
All-Party
Parliamentary
Former BBC and ITV chairman Lord Grade
APPG has grown by 270 per cent since the
Group on Music (APPG) is celebrating
took the Westminster group of MPs and
2017 General Election, when the Group
after signing up its 100th senior politician.
peers to the landmark. Membership of the
numbered 27. The activities of the Group provide a key way of connecting politicians with the music business and informing them about the issues facing the industry, and is now one of the largest APPGs in Parliament. The group played a crucial role in getting the “Agent of Change” principle enshrined into planning law to help protect music venues across the UK. Its members also helped win the argument for important copyright changes drawn
All-Party Parliamentary Group on Music
12
up by the European Parliament to help creators and those who invest in the music
VIP NEWS > INDEPTH STORY >
APRIL 2019
industry. The cross-party group, which has been chaired by Conservative MP David Warburton
since
2017,
includes
MPs
from the Conservative Party, Labour, the SNP, Liberal Democrats, the DUP and The Independent Group. Among the APPG’s members are composer and broadcaster Lord Berkeley of Knighton, former
Treasury
Permanent
Secretary
Lord Macpherson of Earl’s Court and 24 former Government ministers. Other APPG members include Labour’s Deputy Leader and Shadow Culture Secretary Tom Watson, former Culture Minister Ed Vaizey, John
David Warburton - Chairman of APPG
Spellar, Shadow Deputy DCMS Secretary Kevin Brennan, Liberal Democrat DCMS
led the successful campaign that resulted
Party Music Group. He is also a staunch
Spokesperson Baroness Bonham-Carter of
in a change to planning law through
defender of the intellectual property rights
Yarnbury, Liberal Democrat Spokesperson
Parliament to introduce the “Agent of
of our creators.
for Digital Economy Lord Clement-Jones
Change” principle to protect under threat
and The Independent Group Spokesperson
music venues. UK Music and its member’s
“It just shows the high regard that politicians
for Home Affairs, Heath, Digital and Culture
organisations have also spearheaded the
from all parties have for the huge importance
Luciana Berger MP.
Love Music campaign to achieve a fair
of the UK music industry, which contributes
financial return from online platforms for
£4.5 billion a year to our economy. The group
creators through the Copyright Directive.
has proved an invaluable forum for the music
UK Music is the umbrella body for the commercial music industry and leads the
industry to highlight its concerns to politicians
sectors engagement with MPs that resulted
UK Music CEO Michael Dugher commented:
and ask for their support on key issues.
in the recent ground-breaking report on
“We’re delighted that Lord Grade with
“I’m confident that this group will go from
live music from the House of Commons
his fantastic track record in the arts and
strength to strength and continue to play an
DCMS Select Committee. In partnership
entertainment industry has become the
invaluable role in contributing to the debate
with the Music Venue Trust, UK Music also
100th
about issues affecting the music industry.”
member
of
Westminster’s
All-
The Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Music, David Warburton said: “The All Party Parliamentary Group for Music reaching 100 members is a significant achievement and a fabulous milestone for the group. And – more than that – it’s a clear indication of the strength of feeling and support across all political parties in Westminster for the creative industries and the UK’s astonishing and hugely successful music industry. “From
fledgling
bands
and
newly
emerging musicians to the giants of the international scene, UK music must have support at the highest levels to maintain both our talent pipeline and world-
Michael Dugher
leading position, so I’m delighted to see that support here in Parliament.
13
VIP NEWS > INDEPTH STORY >
APRIL 2019
Europe Votes Manfred Tari mt@vip-booking.com Elections may be described as the upload
scandal of Cambridge Analytica in reference
filters for democracy. On April 15 the
to the Brexit referendum or the Trump
European Parliament voted in favour of the
election campaign in the US might suggest
“Directive on Copyright in the Digital Single
the profitable momentum that democracy
Market”, and on May 23-26 EU citizens have
provides for these companies, but at the
the option to elect their chosen parties.
end of the day they are just companies not democratic parties.
The
copyright
reform
includes
the
controversial aspect which foresees online
One of the most beloved clients of Google
giants such as Facebook or Youtube choosing
is Viagogo. The way Viagogo ignores even
to deploy upload filters to protect copyright
court decisions illustrates the mind-set of
protected content in the digital age, has
Google very well. When concert promoter
raised awareness and caused concern. In
MCT successfully won a court case filing
particular companies such as Facebook and
an
Google heavily opposed the new copyright
for the resale of tickets for the upcoming
are many good reason to go to vote. Brexit
law in a manner somewhat similar to the
shows of Rammstein in Germany, however,
can be considered to be a good lesson for
responses of populist parties or politicians.
Google still display tickets for Rammstein
the rest of Europe, and the same goes for
on Viagogo with top ranking in its search
the live music industry, as Brexit is a perfect
Perhaps companies like Facebook and Google
results, ignoring the fact, that Viagogo isn’t
example of how a political decision could
think of themselves as also being some sort of
allowed to resell tickets for these shows.
affect their business.
world domination it might be hard for those
With this in mind, citizens have the
Jürgen Klopp, the team manager of FC
companies to accept that this belief is actually
opportunity to vote for the political party of
Liverpool once said: “The EU is not perfect
not the concept of democracy.
their choice, as the principle of democracy
but it was the best idea we had.” In
interim
injunction
against
Viagogo
political parties. Realistically, in terms of online
is that they have the right to control who is
consideration of the European Union there
These Companies utilized the concept of
governing them. In terms of the upcoming
are even two other stories that currently are
democracy rather as a business model. The
elections for the European Parliament there
of interest for the live music industry.
EU Parliament Bans Bots For Secondary Ticketing For a long time now the issue of secondary
became online marketing champions and
impossible to oppose secondary ticketing
ticketing
concert
set new standards for ignoring court cases,
on a legal level. For far too long it has been
industry. Some promoters (and even artists)
breaking consumer and others laws as well
difficult to convince politicians to agree a
collaborate with ticket resale platforms to
as refusing invitations to attend hearings by
proper legal basis, strengthening consumer
gain extra profits, while other promoters
parliamentary committees.
protection and supporting those promoters
has
disturbed
the
(and even artists) have tried for years to reject the resale of their tickets by third parties.
that do not approve of their tickets being The business model of secondary ticketing is
sold via such platforms.
a perfect example of how certain companies
14
Secondary ticketing has evolved technically
managed to convert the model of black
But times are changing. One of the best signs
and businesswise. Companies such as
market practises into an online business.
of how this is proceeding is the European
Viagogo using state of the art technologies,
For many years it almost seemed to be
Parliament including, as part of its “New
VIP NEWS > INDEPTH STORY >
APRIL 2019
Deal For Consumers”, a law stating that “Traders should be prohibited from reselling to consumers, tickets to cultural and sports events that they have acquired by using software such as ‘bots’ enabling them to buy tickets in excess of the technical limits imposed by the primary ticket seller or to bypass any other technical means put in place by the primary seller to ensure accessibility of tickets for all individuals” The leading organisation that lobbied for
VIP News: The EU-Parliament agreed on
its impact on existing laws in their own
such a law is FEAT, the Face-value European
article 50 as part of the “new deal for
country. We don’t expect there to be any
Alliance for Ticketing, representing the
consumers”-basket. Now the council of
resistance from the Council as they reached
interests of European concert promoters.
ministers has to agree on the legislative
an agreement with the Parliament on the
FEAT was officially launched in January.
initiative. Do you expect any opposition
text before it went to vote.
The new law filed as article 50 within the
on the “new deal for consumers” at this
New Deal For Consumers is a legislative
political level?
VIP News: The Obama administration in the US already appointed the so-called
milestone. VIP News asked Katie O’Leary and Sam Shemtob on behalf of FEAT to
FEAT: Initially we faced some resistance
“Bots-Act” in November 2016. Has this
explain in detail about what all this means,
to the ticketing legislation – however, this
legal instrument appeared to be useful
and the current legal situation on the
was not from the Council, but from some
in setting back secondary ticketing in
subject of secondary ticketing.
Member States who were concerned about
the US? FEAT: Since the law passed there have been a couple of actions in the US, but these suggest that the current federal legislation is not particularly useful for consumers. First, in 2017, a group of secondary ticketing companies in New York agreed to pay a $4.2 million settlement to the state after allegations that they had illegally resold tickets, including the use of bots. According to the New York Attorney General’s office, the allegations go back some years and refer to state law. Since then we are aware of only one action, which notably has been businessto-business rather than consumer-related. Ticketmaster alleged that Prestige and Renaissance,
both
secondary
ticketing
companies, had circumvented CAPTCHA technology in order to broker tickets – therefore violating the Digital Millennium Copyright Act as well as anti-scalping laws.
Sam Shemtob
Companies who break the BOTS Act are committing an FTC violation, as opposed to
15
VIP NEWS > INDEPTH STORY >
APRIL 2019
civil or criminal law. And while the BOTS Act
FEAT: We’re reaching out to the wider
does make provision for individual states to
industry to have these conversations, which
take class action suits on behalf of ticket
are still in the early stages.
holders, there appear to be no instances of this so far, so it would seem to be not that
We think it makes sense for copyright
useful from the point of view of consumer
collection societies to support secondary
protection.
ticketing regulation as the money being diverted away from the industry results
VIP News: Still yet the legal framework
in fewer ticket sales overall and profit
enabling promoters to ban secondary
generated off musicians’ work that will not
ticketing
be reflected in their royalties.
varies
in
Europe.
Which
countries are in the lead from your
Katie O’Leary
perspective and what kind of legal instruments appeared to be effective in this context?
VIP News: FEAT represents concert promoters who actually are against
Of course by harvesting tickets, scalpers
secondary ticketing. Do you expect
are denying fans access to events at a fair
more promoters and concert companies
FEAT: Belgium, Denmark and Norway all have
price and creating unfair competition that
to join FEAT now?
strong policies banning resale for profit, and
disadvantages consumers.
Italy and Ireland are following suit. France
FEAT: Yes we do – promoters are sick and
has banned secondary ticketing unless
Regardless, none of this stopped the UK’s
tired of hearing about fans being ripped-off
specifically permitted by the promoter.
current Home Secretary Sajid David just five
to come to one of their shows or denied
years ago (as Culture Secretary) describing
entry because they bought a fake or invalid
While these initiatives are all a step in the
touts as acting like “classic entrepreneurs,
ticket from the secondary market. They want
right direction, there needs to be strong
because they fill a gap in the market that
to fight for better protection for these people
enforcement and harmonisation in order
they have identified”.
Unfortunately, the
and their artists who want their fans to pay
for it to be truly effective. We believe that
industrial scale touting we are seeing
a fair price, while also stopping money from
by closing the legislative gaps between
affects everyone, and it was after UK MP
being diverted away from the industry.
European countries, secondary marketplaces
Nigel Adams encountered the issue trying
will find it increasingly difficult to operate
to purchase tickets to a Green Day concert,
We have also received interest from other
illegally - as countries will be able to unite in
that he worked to amend the Digital
organisations in the area who are keen to
their pursuit of legal action.
Economy Bill to include a ban on bots.
help fight for a fairer and safer secondary
VIP News: The business model of
Everyone knows someone who has suffered
secondary
ticketing market. corresponds
due to touts and whether it’s through
VIP News: Which legal cases against
“neo-liberal”
personal anecdotes, media coverage or the
secondary
market philosophy. For decades many
actions of consumer groups, the message
those you currently consider as most
politicians have been in favour of this
has gotten through to politicians across
meaningful?
kind of policy. Is it very difficult to raise
Europe. Furthermore, there’s been a shift
awareness by politicians to implement
in EU thinking over the last few years
FEAT: There have been a few landmark cases
a law that actually is in favour for
towards recognising and respecting cultural
in the past year. One of the most notable
consumer protection instead of a “free
heritage, so we hope these spurious free-
was by German
market”-policy?
market arguments will increasingly be
BDKV in January, who won a case against
acknowledged as irrelevant where applied
Ticketbande restricting the resale of tickets
to event tickets.
on the site. It ruled that Ticketbande must
with
the
ticketing idea
of
a
FEAT: Event tickets aren’t commodities to be bought and sold according to market
16
ticketing
companies
are
promoters’ association
not facilitate the resale of tickets that are
whims, they are permissions to attend
VIP News: Is FEAT in contact with
priced 25% above face value when the
shows which a huge amount of effort has
copyright collection societies for its
terms of the ticket forbid this. A big win in
gone into creating, and for which the artist
mission as those do not benefit from
the fight against secondary ticketing, this is
and promoter have every right to decide
ticket sales sold on secondary ticketing
another step towards regulating the price
entry price.
platforms?
of tickets on the resale market.
VIP NEWS > INDEPTH STORY >
APRIL 2019
There have also been a few successful
EU responsible for enforcing EU consumer
(CEO, Doctor Music - ES), Kim Worsøe
injunctions against resale sites who have
protection laws. This is really essential in
(Director, ICO - CH), Olivier Darbois
been found facilitating the resale of
tackling secondary ticketing companies and
(Director,
tickets for many times their face value. For
touts who operate across borders and is
- FR), Pascal Van De Velde (Founder,
example, Rammstein obtained a court order
prone to slipping between the cracks.
Greenhouse Talent - BE), Ben Giezenaar
Corida;
President,
Prodiss
(Greenhouse Talent - NL), Christof Huber
stating that Viagogo must not resell tickets for their 2019 German stadium concerts. A
VIP News: What is next on the political
(Managing Director, Incognito - CH),
similar injunction followed for Ed Sheeran’s
agenda of FEAT?
Folkert Koopmans (CEO, FKP Scorpio DE), Peter Aiken (Managing Director,
2019 dates in Germany. FEAT: We are exploring the possibility of
Aiken Promotions - IRE), Philippe Cornu
While it’s great to see actions like these
promoting the issue as part of the European
(Founder, Wild Pony - CH), Vincent Sager
being taken by individual players, the huge
elections and are hoping it may also get
(Managing Director, Opus One; Swiss
amount of effort and expense involved
taken up by the Cultural and Creative
Promoters Association - CH), Karsten
in these cases is concerning. Setting
Industry Intergroup. We are also focussing
Jahnke
a precedent at an EU level will make
on the launch of our consumer survey,
Konzertdirektion GmbH).
rulings like these much easier to come
which will be used to collect information
by, while helping strengthen the actions
on experiences of secondary ticketing from
Other associations and organisations
of enforcement bodies. The framework
consumers across Europe. We’ll be collating
backing the efforts of FEAT are: FanFair
of the EU allows for countries to jointly
the information and using it to inform
Alliance, Prodiss, and European Music
address breaches of law, share knowledge
ongoing discussions with the EU.
Managers’ Alliance.
which is covered by the CPC Network, the
Members of FEAT are: Scumeck Sabottka
For more information on FEAT please check:
network of consumer authorities in the
(CEO, MCT-Agentur - DE), Neo Sala
www.feat-alliance.org
(Founder,
Karsten
Jahnke
and provide mutual assistance - something
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330
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VIP NEWS >
APRIL 2019
Update on Music Moves Europe Allan McGowan am@vip-booking.com
On May 20-21 in Brussels the European
of proposals for the “Co-operation of small
concert halls with a capacity above 400
Commission will hold a so-called “structured
music venues.”
persons, nothing on music media or music
dialogue” forum for stakeholders in the
marketing?
Generally it looks like that
music sector as part of the preparatory
This grant is supposed to finance 13 projects
those in charge of the preparatory action
action proceedings for Music Moves Europe.
dedicated to this subject, specifically aiming
proceeding for Music Moves Europe and
The support programme is supposed to be
for the support of clubs and venues with a
have a very distinctive approach, are the
launched in 2021, while the EU-Commission
capacity of 400 persons.
ones that eventually might benefit from
currently is working on the design and set up of the programme.
such a programme and that are not to be Others are grants for eight “European
considered eligible for funding.
musical co-creation or residencies schemes Earlier on in March the European Commission
for musicians and professionals” (400.000
For the time being, Music Moves Europe in
revealed its plans and budgets for its “Annual
Euro), for the “Health and wellbeing of
its current set up looks like a programme
work programme for the implementation
music creators” (150.000 Euro), for “Music
that is, in terms of becoming a holistic
of the Preparatory action —Music Moves
education and learning” (300.000 Euro)
programme, actually quite far away from
Europe: Boosting European music diversity
and 150.000 Euro for a website and online
being set up to boost “European music
and talent” in 2019.
platform. Another 100.000 Euro will be
diversity and talent.”
spent to hire seven so called “external With an allocated budget of 3 million Euro,
experts” to evaluate “the projects submitted
Perhaps the decision takers for Music Moves
the commission, among others, plans to
under the different calls subject to this
Europe have in mind installing something
supply for a call for the development of a
Preparatory action.”
in 2020 for those parts of the music
support scheme for the “professionalisation
18
sector that haven’t been accounted for in
and training” of “young musicians and
From an industry perspective this catalogue
2019. Perhaps the upcoming “structured
professionals”, 900.000 Euro. For a scheme
of measures seems to lack a few aspects.
dialogue” in the Ancienne Belgique concert
dedicated to “export of European Music”
Nothing is yet dedicated to how festivals
venue in Brussels in May will reveal more
400.000 Euro and 600.000 Euro for a call
should be supported; the same goes for
on this...
R U O TION Y T RA E G IST
! W NO
G E R
ESNS: EU
STICHTING EUROSONIC NOORDERSLAG
ESNS: EU creative europe
VIP NEWS >
NAMES & JOBS
APRIL 2019
Marty Diamond named head of global music at Paradigm From VIP-Daily News Paradigm Talent Agency has named Marty
earned it, along with everyone`s respect at
Diamond founded Little Big Man Booking
Diamond head of global music.
Paradigm.”
in 1994 after stints at booking agency International
Talent
Group,
record
The live music industry veteran, who
“I`m so proud of the team we`ve created
labels Arista and PolyGram, Bill Graham
represents Ed Sheeran, Coldplay and Janelle
here at Paradigm, passionate and artist-
Management, and The Ritz in Manhattan
Monáe,
position
centric to the core,” says Diamond. “It`s an
(now known as Webster Hall). Diamond
previously held by Chip Hooper, who passed
takes
the
leadership
incredibly hard-working and smart group
sold Little Big Man to Paradigm in 2006 and
away in 2016.
of people I get to come to work with every
today serves as a board member of Samburu
day. Paradigm is proof that believing in
Trust as well as the Dean`s Advisory Council
Diamond is taking the reigns of one of live
artists and the art they create, and building
for the University of Delaware`s College of
music`s most powerful breakout agencies,
everything you do around being a tireless
Arts & Sciences. On Sept. 26 in New York,
which Hooper and Paradigm chairman and
advocate for their work, is the best way to
he will receive the City Parks Foundation`s
chief executive Sam Gores built through a
grow careers.”
SummerStage Icon Award.
series of strategic acquistions beginning in 2004 with the purchase of Monterey Penisula Artists. Today, Paradigm`s music division is the third highest-grossing agency in live music, according to Billboard Boxscore, with a deep roster in pop, electronic, country, hip hop, Latin and rock with clients that include Bad Bunny, Billie Eilish, Dave Matthews Band, David Guetta, Imagine Dragons, Kacey Musgraves, Phish and Shawn Mendes. Diamond`s own diverse personal roster includes Halsey, Sigur Rós, Sara Bareilles, Liam Gallagher, Sia, Lorde, Alessia Cara, Bastille, Snow Patrol, Jess Glynne and Vance Joy. Diamond serves on the boards of Paradigm`s international partners, London-based Coda Music Agency and X-ray Touring. “Marty`s passion, his intelligence, and his dedication to building amazing careers for artists has been an inspiration to me and everyone at Paradigm for the last 13 years,” Gores says in a statement. “Leadership is not something you are given, it`s something you earn, and Marty has unquestionably
20
Marty Diamond
VIP NEWS > BUSINESS >
MUSIC IN SHARES
APRIL 2019
Music In Shares Manfred Tari mt@vip-booking.com
CTS Eventim - Gradually Growing
Live Nation - Moderate Share Price Growths
The share price for CTS Eventim on March 25 was 41.38 Euro. By April
With the list of acquisitions of Live Nation getting longer and longer,
25 the shares for this company went up to a price of 44.14 Euro...
the company announced delivery of its business results for the first quarter on May 2nd. Interesting to see how previous purchases will contribute to the overall results of the company. Since the March issue
DEAG - Continuously Growing
of VIP News the share price of Live Nation gained from previously reported $62.95 up to $ 65.82...
From a previously reported 3.95 Euro per share up to 4.50 Euros; notable that the share gained 67 per cent within the last twelve months, nevertheless in terms of market capitalisation of 83 million
Spotify - Hello from Alexa &Apple
Euros still a small company compare to the fact that DEAG reported for the business year a turnover of 200 million euro.
The news that Amazon recently launched its own streaming service via its device Alexa isn’t certainly news that cheers the management of Spotify.
Eventbrite - Victimised by Class Action The news by the Wall Street Journal that Apple in the US has 2 Even if the share price since the previous issue of VIP News moved
million more subscribers to its music streaming service than Spotify
up from $21.27 to $23.05, the number of law firms trying to sue
with 26 million subscribers also doesn’t appear to help Spotify share
Eventbrite is frightening. Well, Class Action cases in the US have, not
holders to relax, additionally backed by the fact that the share price
only since yesterday, developed into a proper industry...
meanwhile came down from $139 to $132.82...
21
VIP NEWS > MISC >
APRIL 2019
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