VIP News Premium - April 2019

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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

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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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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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