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VOLUME 169
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JUNE 2014
McGowan’s
Musings
So – that’s England out of the World Cup
very much in the running, and as for Ronni
the sector is worth $2.5 billion. It now shows
then…who to support now? As far as the VIP
Didriksen, I’m not sure what the situation is
that the live sector accounts for 34,131 em-
team are concerned Peter Briggs is of course
with Denmark. I’m usually able to hedge my
ployees. This is greater than the 20,439 peo-
English, a football fan, and I presume obvious-
bets as I also have Irish citizenship and my
ple employed in film and video as their main
ly devastated at this poor showing; Manfred
parents were born in Scotland, but as neither
job. Apart from these figures being a great en-
Tari, a Dortmund supporter, still has Germany
country qualified it would be a bit pointless
couragement to the live industry everywhere,
to start to shout for either, so it’s all a bit of
LPA’s Evelyn Richardson commented that the
a quandary (another word I rarely get to use,
live performance industry also generated less
so that’s one advantage at least!). There’s a
tangible benefits such as improved social co-
McGowan playing for Australia, but having
hesion, lifestyle improvement, diversity and
never been there I feel little connection – apart
increased creativity, not reflected in economic
from friends such as Alia Dann of ILMC fame
metrics. I find these comments encouraging in
and Chuggi etc of course, so I think I’ll be ex-
many ways, and Simon Jenkins echoed simi-
tremely English and just cheer on the chaps
lar sentiments in an article in The Guardian
that play well!
on June 20, entitled, “In this post-digital age, we still thrill to the power of live.” Amongst
COLOPHON >
Sorry about this deviation into the sports are-
other reassuring things he said, “Most marked
na, but of course there’s an almost symbiotic
is that television and the internet have failed
VIP-News is published by: VIP-Booking 145-157 St John Street London Ec1V 4PW
relationship between football and the music
to replicate the exhilaration of the live event.
biz, you have to be extremely careful about
This was supposed to mean death to concerts,
planning music conference events if they clash
theatres, lectures, football matches, even res-
Managing Director: Ronni Didriksen rd@vip-booking.com
with a big match. Also I see that one of the
taurants. Instead, these activities have fed off
One Direction combo has bought into his lo-
the web, growing and prospering. The money
cal team, Doncaster Rovers (in the North of
is ever more “at the gate”. Digital is an aston-
England), and is listed as a reserve player, now
ishing new means of communication. Yet it
there’s someone following his dreams!
has not satiated the human appetite for mov-
General Manager: Peter Briggs pb@vip-booking.com Writer and editorial: Allan McGowan am@vip-booking.com Writer: Manfred Tari mt@vip-booking.com For advertising enquiries please contact: Peter Briggs pb@vip-booking.com +44 870 755 0092
2
ing, meeting and touching.” Talking of Australia – we were, pay attention!
So, I’ll leave you live industry folk with those
- Live Performance Australia (LPA) has released
thoughts, comforting from both a business,
some interesting figures regarding the eco-
and I’m sure a personal point of view, to see
nomic size and scope of the live performance
you through July when we will be taking a
industry. According to a second study, broader
month off. So whatever you’re doing, good
in scope than the previous issued in 2010,
luck and enjoy! Let us know how things are
and prepared by EY (formerly Ernst & Young)
going, and for now Ladies and Gentlemen –
based on the latest data available, from 2012,
The News!
VIP NEWS >
JUNE 2014
BBC Announce Music Awards Allan McGowan am@vip-booking.com
Chris Evans and Fearne Cotton will host the BBC Music Awards from London’s Earl’s Court
“Today`s the start of something very special for everyone who loves music.” BBC director general Tony Hall
The BBC has announced the launch of the
The new music strategy unveiled by the
BBC Music Awards, as part of a wide-rang-
corporation encompasses TV and radio pro-
ing new musical strategy by the Corpora-
gramming, digital services and provisions to
tion..
support emerging talent including the introduction of classical music to UK primary
Aimed at celebrating the year`s best popular
schools.
music, The awards event will be the BBC`s
“Today`s the start of something very special
biggest musical presentation after Glaston-
for everyone who loves music,” BBC direc-
bury, uniting BBC One, BBC Radio 1 and BBC
tor general Tony Hall said. “BBC Music is
Radio 2 ahead of a live show presented by
a celebration of the brilliant musical talent
Chris Evans and Fearne Cotton. The event
across our country. We`ll be joining up mu-
will take place on 11 December at London`s
sic on television, radio, iPlayer and online
Earls Court.
like never before. There`ll be new shows, new partnerships and whole new ways to
Categories will include British artist of the
enjoy music.”
year and song of the year. A panel of BBC
The wide ranging plans have been wel-
presenters and producers will select the best
comed by many, but are surprising consid-
British artist and international artist awards,
ering recent cut backs and redundancies,
with viewers and listeners choosing the win-
however the new strategy is of course posi-
ning song of the year. The awards will also
tive. There may also be some consternation
feature a host of performances to review
at the offices of the BRIT Awards, although
the year, as well as collaborations between
the BBC are making great efforts to con-
well-known artists and the BBC Orchestra.
vince all interested parties that there will be
BBC Radios 1 and 2 and The One Show will
no conflict – Watch this Space!
offer behind the scenes access to the award ceremony.
3
3
VIP NEWS >
JUNE 2014
Campell and Gaga
Lady Gaga’s Management Joins Live Nation Allan McGowan am@vip-booking.com Live Nation have been adding to their acquisitions again, this time it’s
Lady Gaga split from previous manager Troy Carter and his Atom
Lady Gaga and her manager, Bobby Campbell, who have joined Artist
Factory firm last November, with Campbell, who worked with her at
Nation, the company’s artist management division. Confirming the
Atom Factory, staying with the artist.
agreement, Michael Rapino, president and chief executive officer of
Lady Gaga was obviously in great demand by the world’s leading
Live Nation Entertainment told Billboard.biz, “Lady Gaga is one of the
management companies so Live Nation must be very pleased to add
most iconic and highest-grossing artists of this generation, we have a
her to what is now recognised as the world`s largest management
long-standing relationship with Lady Gaga, dating back to her 2009
organization, with more than 230 artist clients from all genres and
Fame Ball tour, and we look forward to continuing to support Lady
some 16 management companies under its umbrella. Artist Nation
Gaga and her manager Bobby Campbell in their careers.”
also recently signed U2 and Madonna under manager Guy Oseary.
Campbell added, “Lady Gaga and I have had an incredible relationship with Live Nation over the last five years. Their insight, strategic
Live Nation is also producing GaGa’s current artRAVE: The ARTPOP
vision and global power have made them a truly invaluable member
Ball, one of the biggest global tours of the summer, having sold nearly
of our team. I`m ecstatic to be working even more closely with them
800,000 tickets in more than 24 countries across North America, Asia,
in the years to come as we take Lady Gaga`s career to new levels all
Australia and Europe, according to Live Nation.
around the world.”
Need to know who is touring Europe? Go online - www.vip-booking.com vip-booking.com
4
®
COOPERATION OPPORTUNITIES LEADERSHIP INFORMATION STRATEGY INNOVATIONS UNITY MODERNIZATION
September 11-14 Moscow Sokolniki Exhibition and Convention Centre
Early bird registration: www.colisium.org
Free slots available for showcases at the main stage of the biggest music exhibition in Russia
VIP NEWS >
JUNE 2014
Go North
Allan McGowan am@vip-booking.com
I have to say that I always enjoy a trip to
ing the word ‘digital’ again (I threatened to
This was the last Go North – but don’t
Inverness for Go North, not that I don’t en-
put a swear box on the floor with a £1 fine
panic, its just going to change its name, or-
joy the other events that I attend, but Go
for every use of the word in my Publishing
ganisers HIE revealed that next year it’ll be
North, in keeping with the intentions of
panel!), I did learn from Neil Cartwright of
brought to you as XpoNorth. Until then the
founders like Sean Arnold and Iain Hamil-
Million Media’s presentation ‘Where Next
goNORTH Festival Tour kicks off at the end
ton, has managed to remain well attended
– The Future of Digital.’ – that’s £2 in the
of July at Wickerman Festival on the 25th &
but – compact, I suppose is the best word.
box!. Also the showcases are all easy to
26th July. www.gonorthfestival.co.uk
The panels and presentations are attended
access, and they are ‘showcases’, i.e. new
by people who want to listen and to learn –
talent that can surprise you, many of the
Of course it’ll be interesting to see if next
they ask questions! I learnt a lot more about
bigger events feature already known acts,
year’s Highlands and Islands event will take
synchronisation than I knew before from
with people fighting to get in. This year’s
place in an independent country!
this year’s very good panel on the topic,
June 4-5 edition attracted a very high profile
and much as I could do with never hear-
business delegation.
Young Fathers’ Tape Two declared Scottish Album Of The Year Also, while we’re dealing with things Scot-
Clyro, RM Hubbert, Mogwai, Chvrches and
reporters: “On behalf of the SMIA I’d just like
tish, Edinburgh-based hip hoppers Young
Edwyn Collins.
to say how delighted we are for Young Fa-
Fathers won the Scottish Album Of The Year
6
thers. ‘Tape Two’ is an extraordinary album
prize for their album ‘Tape Two’, picked
Stewart Henderson, chair of award organiser
and a deserving winner out of a phenom-
from a shortlist that also included Biffy
the Scottish Music Industry Association told
enally strong shortlist. The SMIA is extreme-
VIP NEWS >
JUNE 2014
Young Fathers receive the Scottish album of the year award for Tape Two at Glasgow’s Barrowlands 1
ly proud to be so closely linked with The
Meanwhile Caroline Parkinson from Creative
Scotland’s talented musicians, of which there
SAY Award - a prestigious and increasingly
Scotland, which provides the £20,000 prize
are many. As a founding partner, we are de-
importantcelebration of Scotland’squite ex-
money, said: “The SAY Award is a fantastic
lighted to support the Awards and congratu-
ceptional musical output”.
way of supporting and raising the profile of
late the winner and all the nominees!”
7
VIP NEWS >
JUNE 2014
Canadian Music Week Allan McGowan am@vip-booking.com
Neill Dixon
1. Afghanistan 2. Australia 3. Austria 4. Belgium 5. Brazil 6. Brussels 7. Canada A clash of dates with The Great Escape, and the fact I had to be in Dresden anyway, meant that we VIP types didn’t make it to Toronto
8. Chile 9. Costa Rica
this year, but ‘Canada’s leading annual enter-
10. Croatia
tainment event dedicated to the expression
11. Denmark
and growth of the country’s music, media and
12. Finland
entertainment industries’, grows steadily and is certainly worth mentioning. Canadian Music Week combines three conferences; a trade exposition; a film festival; a comedy festival; four awards shows and the
13. France
Festival Director Neill Dixon told VIP News, “It
14. Germany
was great, in fact our best year to date. The
15. Hong Kong 16. India
nation’s largest new music festival, over a
17. Ireland
CMW spans a five-day period in May at the
18. Israel
Toronto Marriott Downtown Eaton Centre
19. Japan
Hotel and over 60 downtown Toronto venues.
change of date helped both the conference and the good weather boosted public attendance.” One innovation interested me in particular, as I very much like the ideas of Cities ‘twinning’ to promote their music and creative
20. Netherlands
talent. A special panel discussion highlight-
21. New Zealand
ing the world’s first inter-city musical alliance - between Toronto and another great music
The figures are impressive:
22. Norway
3000 Delegates
23. Peru
Texas - also took place during the three-day
400 Speakers
24. Portugal
Music Summit. Mayoral candidate John Tory
950 bands
25. Singapore
67 venues
26. South Africa
4275 musicians 8 nights of performances 160,000 fans 630 accredited media Countries – 33 (including Canada)
city and of course home of SXSW, Austin,
used CMW’s International Marketplace as a platform to announce his plan to turn Toronto into an internationally recognized music city.
27. Spain
Tory’s vision is based on successful models al-
28. Sweden
ready established by cities like Austin, Texas
29. Switzerland
and includes the establishment of a standalone Music Office and direct communication
30. Taiwan
and feedback from key players in the local
31. United Arab Emirates
music industry.
32. United Kingdom 33. United States of America
CMW will return to Toronto for another week of conferences, awards, film, comedy and music from May 5 to 9, 2015.
8
VIP NEWS >
JUNE 2014
MIDEM
to Change Dates
Allan McGowan am@vip-booking.com
For many years music business professionals flocked to the South of France in January to attend what was for most of those years the industry’s biggest trade event, and hopefully for blue skies and sunshine. But things have changed, numbers have dropped off for Midem, and often the weather seemed to take a turn for the worse. However all is to change, as the event is to
as well as being partially open to the general
Now it seems pretty certain that the sun will
push back 6 months to 5-8 June.
public. We believe the result of the changes
shine, but what of hotel availabilities, and
will be a bigger, more vibrant MIDEM, with
high season prices for what was always the
There will be other changes, MIDEM Director
more participants from more countries. All of
most expensive of events, particularly in the
Bruno Crolot: “MIDEM 2015 will have a new
this and a move to a June date when Cannes
bars? We shall see…
look, new content and a new atmosphere,
is at its best”.
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info@in.stuttgart.de www.in.stuttgart.de
22.11.13 09:09
9
VIP NEWS >
JUNE 2014
Yet Another UK Grassroots Venue Under Threat Allan McGowan am@vip-booking.com
Following our report in last month’s issue of UK
the venue, have put in an application to re-
Also The Music Venue Trust: http://music
venues being threatened with closure by noise
view our license, with the direct intention and
venues.org.uk/ was formed in January of this
complaints from new neighbours, the Boiler-
request that the council revoke our license
year to look at a number of issues facing small
oom Guildford is in the same precarious posi-
with immediate effect. Their message is very
to medium sized venues, the breeding ground
tion as Manchester’s Night & Day, Brighton’s
clear: they want to shut us down. They believe
of UK music. Patrons of the trust include musi-
Blind Tiger, and The Fleece n Southampton.
we are in breach of our license conditions. We
cians from all aspects of the live music scene,
believe we manage the venue to a high stand-
including established stalwarts such as Andy
The Boileroom venue in Guildford faces losing
ard with significant consideration for the local
Dunlop of Travis and David Gedge of the
its licence because a newish neighbour - who
community”.
Wedding Present, Jeremy Pritchard of The Times Breakthrough Artist winners Every-
chose to move into a property next to the performance space - has filed a complaint with
The petition goes on to note that The Boile-
thing Everything and Kerrang Award win-
the local council. More and more venues are
room routinely hosts events for local schools
ners Enter Shikari, alongside rising stars such
in fear of neighbours moving into new resi-
and charities, alongside free community
as Moya and Savages. Musicians are joined
dential developments near their buildings, be-
events and matinees for under eighteens, and
by cross party parliamentary political support,
cause noise complaints to could result in the
has always gone out of its way to abide by
MPs Mike Weatherley (Conservative, Hove)
local authorities shutting them down, even
noise and event management rules, and to
and Kerry McCarthy (Labour, Bristol) and
though these venues were there first.
engage with the locals. So much so venue
Lord Tim Clement Jones (Lib Dem), and by
owner Dominique Frazer was presented with
senior music industry figures such Barry Dick-
The Boileroom have a set up an online peti-
the Trude Adler award from the Noise Abate-
ins (ITB) Geoff Meale (The Agency), Paul
tion, and have stated, “We have put together
ment Society in 2010.
this petition to save our venue, Guildford’s
10
Buck (Coda) and Scott Thomas (XRay). The Trust’s petition has reached 10,000 signa-
only alternative and independent live music
You can sign the petition in support of The
tures and must now receive a formal response
venue. “Our family run venue was opened in
Boileroom here. You can also still sign the sep-
from the Department of the Environment. The
2006, and is managed by a collective of peo-
arate petition calling on Secretary Of State For
Trust is continuing to push for more signatures
ple who believe the venue provides a much
The Environment Owen Paterson to “carry out
to reach the goal of 100,000, when it will be
needed creative space for the local commu-
an urgent review of noise abatement legisla-
called for debate in the House of Commons.
nity; encouraging and supporting local bands
tion” which is threatening grass roots venues
You can view and sign the petition here:
and nurturing upcoming talent. Our fairly new
who enjoy good relations with the vast major-
www.http://qr.net/sign
neighbours, who rent the house adjacent to
ity of their neighbours. here.
14 - 17
januarY 2015
groningen, nl
The
European
music platform The
The
European
music platform
The
European
European
platform
platform
music
Thank you for attending
EUROSONIC NOORDERSLAG EUROSONIC NOORDERSLAG EUROSONIC WORDT GEORGANISEERD NOORDERSLAGWORDT DOOR WORDTGEORGANISEERD GEORGANISEERDDOOR DOOR
Eurosonic Noorderslag 2014
See you next year Early bird registration and act submission open May 1, 2014 Act submission closes September 1, 2014
SPONSOREN
music
Previous edition in numbers Total amount of visitors (sold out) . . . . SPONSOREN SPONSOREN Conference visitors (sold out) . . . . . . . . Nationalities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Acts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Number of stages @ Eurosonic . . . . . . Number of stages @ Noorderslag . . . . Media & journalisten . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . EBU radio stations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ETEP festivals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . International festivals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
38,500 3,275 39 337 36 11 307 30 89 419
VIP NEWS >
JUNE 2014
Pussy Riot activists give speech at Roskilde Festival Anne Frank Alsted aa@vip-booking.com
Roskilde Festival presents two of the former members of Pussy Riot. The women are now iconic figures on the international political stage. Pussy Riot was on everyone’s lips as several of its members were imprisoned after a punk happening in Moscow’s largest church. Today the two former members Nadya Tolokonnikova and Masha Alyokhina have been released from prison, and they are campaigned on freedom of speech, prison reform and human rights worldwide. And soon, also in Denmark. You can meet the two previously imprisoned women, Nadya Tolokonnikova and Masha Alyokhina when they give a speech at Roskilde Festival’s Gloria stage Friday 4 July at 17:30. Roskilde Festival Charity Society has donated DKK 300,000 (EUR 40,000) to the two Russian women’s newly formed NGO called Zona Prava (Zone of Rights). The organisation aims to monitor conditions for prisoners in Russian prisons and focus on the suppression of human rights. Read more at http://roskilde-festival. dk/news/singlenews/pussy-riot-activists-give-speech-at-roskilde-festival2014/#dzjAsBxUdVFZZEhq.99
Pussy Riot
12
VIP NEWS >
JUNE 2014
FKP Scorpio – 3 festivals in 3 countries and 1 anniversary Allan McGowan am@vip-booking.com
Stephan Thanscheidt, MD, and Folkert Koopmans, CEO, of FKP Scorpio
The second weekend of June was a busy but successful time for Hamburg based promoters FKP Scorpio, seeing the Company present
The storms stayed away and 25.000 fans turned up to enjoy perfect
three festivals in three countries, starting with the 10th edition of the
weather conditions in the Netherlands for this year‘s Indian Summer
Greenfield open air in Switzerland on Thursday, June 12th.
festival. A mixed bill of acts including Tom Odell, Lily Allen, Underworld, Chrystal Castles, Invite and
Rock legends Iron Maiden, Linkin Park and Soundgarden helped the
Single & Feestje, kept fans dancing till early morning.
event celebrate its anniversary and 24.000 fans joined the party, ignoring the occasional thunder and rain storms. Stephan Thanscheidt,
An innovation at this year‘s event was the festival wristbands cash-
Managing Director of FKP Scorpio said, “It was a great festival and
less payment system. Stefan Rosenau, Managing Director of YouChip
an amazing atmosphere. I really want to thank the Greenfield visi-
GmbH said, “Our system, the first online and offline system of its
tors and artists for an unforgettable weekend.” Over the past decade
type in the world, is now up and running. Everybody, the audience,
years the Greenfield festival has attracted almost a quarter million
the festival staff and the promoter, were all completely satisfied by
people!
its operation and convinced that this is the way forward. We would
13
VIP NEWS >
JUNE 2014
like to say a big thank you to the whole team and look forward to a prosperous relationship in the future.” The third festival was Northside in the Danish city of Århus, which featured bands like The National, Lana Del Rey, Franz Ferdinand, Arcade Fire and Queens Of The Stone Age, attracted 30.000 people, and sold out in May. A feature of this year’s Northside was a focus on sustainability, with huge efforts being made to both separate and prevent waste. Also, the food on site was mainly organic. Folkert Koopmans, CEO of FKP Scorpio commented, “Three festivals in three countries during one weekend is a logistic challenge and also a strenuous effort for the people involved. With this in mind, looking back and realizing that everything worked out and that we had a successful weekend feels really good. Each of these three festivals has evolved in a very positive way. We were able to optimize some processes and to improve the experience for our guests through the use of new technologies. Now, we will take two days to recover and then we are looking forward to next weekend with the sold out Hurricane and Southside festivals in Germany and the Best Kept Secret in the Netherlands.”
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14
VIP NEWS >
JUNE 2014
133.000 visitors for Hurricane & Southside Manfred Tari mt@vip-booking.com
FKP Scorpio also reported good returns for its sister festivals Hurricane and Southside on June 20 to 22. The combined visitor figures were 133.000 of which 60.000 went to Southside. Both events progressed smoothly without any notable incidents, to the point that the magazine Laut.de reported the biggest risk when attending Southside was sunburn. The Company also announced the extension of the lease contract for the Take-Off Gewerbepark Southside site until 2020. For Hurricane FKP Scorpio launched, among others, a new green initiative called the ‘Hurricane Bicycle Club’ where visitors cycled together to the festival from Hamburg and Bremen The ticket presale for the 2015 editions of events started straight away on Monday, June 23.
Southside
15
VIP NEWS >
JUNE 2014
Waves Vienna Meets Bratislava Music Conference Manfred Tari mt@vip-booking.com
The opening sentence of the announcement regarding the collabo-
October 2 in Vienna, with the second day taking place in Bratislava
ration of Waves Vienna and the Bratislava Music Conference reads:
on October 3.
“The exchange between Eastern and Western Europe will this year be manifest in the choice of location”.
For the first time the Vienna conference will take place in the University Of Music and Performing Arts, alongside the Vienna Music Busi-
This innovation is very interesting; both cities are only 54 km apart
ness Research Days. This conference is quite interesting as it combines
but the definition East/West still seems to indicate a meeting between
the world of science and academics with that of the music business.
two different worlds. Anyhow, Waves Vienna and the Bratislava
Invited speakers among others are Paul Resnikoff of Digital Music
Music Conference are strengthening their collaboration; previously
News (US), Peter Jenner (UK), Keith Harris of PPL (UK), and our own
the cooperation has been primarily focused on the exchange of the
Allan McGowan.
showcase program between the Cities, but for the upcoming edi-
16
tion the conference program will also take place in Bratislava… The
Further information can be found on: http://www.wavesvienna.
conference schedule now sees the conference program starting on
com/en/update/artikel/waves-vienna-bratislava-music-conference-1/
VIP NEWS >
JUNE 2014
Youtube - A Tactical Power Player Manfred Tari mt@vip-booking.com The Google subsidiary Youtube intends to enter the new market for
The answer is simple: a trend that has already manifested itself over
music streaming services. In recent years Youtube became one of the
more than one decade now, basically rising fees and ticket prices!
most important platforms for promoting music and apparently would
The live music business has been compensating artists for their drasti-
like to extend its position in the mar-
cally reduced income from recorded
ket joining other recently established
music for years now. On the one
players such as Spotify, Deezer and
hand promoters, artists and agents
Wimp...
benefited from rising visitor figures and ticket prices. On the other hand
Youtube’s mother ship Google cur-
the question remains what does this
rently has a market cap of $375 bil-
development mean for the live music
lion and is known for delivering im-
industry in the long run?
pressive business results such as the $59.8 billion revenue and net income
The music business is a fast changing
of $12.9 billion reported for 2013.
industry that continues to re-invent
Google does not declare business re-
itself. It is evident that the regular
sults for Youtube within its financial
introduction of new technologies
reports.
has caused significant development, amendments and innovations, from
However, the results itself are certain-
the invention of the Gramophone,
ly satisfyingly for shareholders but may cause exaggerated demands
the shift from shellac to vinyl records to CDs, the rise of radio and TV,
from those who produce and supply the raw material for what ac-
and lately the digital distribution of recorded music via online outlets.
tually makes Youtube popular. In terms of the business agreements with the market suppliers for streaming services, the decision takers
Yes, the live music sector has benefitted and experienced a long last-
at Youtube seem determined not to overpay some of these content
ing boom in recent years. Yes, Youtube reached agreements for its
providers.
new music service with Sony, Warner and Universal Music. But the latest news as reported in the Financial Times on June 17 is that You-
In fact Youtube is already quite well known for holding on to the
tube is “about to begin a mass cull of music videos by artists including
bucks. A bit like Apple or Amazon, Adidas or Burger King, and oth-
Adele and the Arctic Monkeys, after a number of independent record
er usually corporate companies that often attract media awareness
labels refused to sign up to the licensing terms for its new subscrip-
when it comes to allegations of poor working conditions or other
tion service.”
questionable business practices. These reports undoubtedly indicate that Youtube is a tactical power In terms of questionable business practices Youtube is now confront-
player. Using its powerful position to obtain better conditions for its
ed by protests from independent labels who simply do not want to
new service. But while the live music industry currently is only indi-
sign the license agreements proposed by Youtube for its new stream-
rectly affected by these kind of business practices by players such as
ing service. According to the trade organisation WIN (Worldwide
Youtube, it is only a question of time until one of the corporate tech
Independent Network), the contractual demands are considered by
& online giants such as Google, Apple or Facebook will reach out
many labels as, ‘highly unfavourable’, setting out non-negotiable
and launch services such as ticketing systems or media platforms that
terms, undercutting existing rates in the marketplace from partners
perhaps will be as demanding and onerous for the live music sector.
such as Spotify and Deezer. With this in mind, it might be time that particularly the live music It is already well documented that in particular less well known artists
industry sends a signal of solidarity towards those that are already
receive less per year in license fee payments from streaming services
facing the power of Youtube and their business associates. And for
than a busker normally earns per day. But what do these ongoing
those power players within the corporate concert companies it might
developments mean for the live music industry community?
be helpful to bear in mind, that the profit results of Google alone are twice as much as the overall revenue returns of Live Nation...
18
VIP NEWS >
JUNE 2014
An Event Site As Battle Ground Manfred Tari mt@vip-booking.com
For the public the news, just a few days before the festival took place,
made by him in the news magazine Spiegel, claiming that he had the idea
that the current edition of Rock Am Ring is the last one to be held at
for Rock Am Ring and for the brand and that the brand was not owned
Nürburgring came as something of a shock. Though insiders were not so
by the Nürburgring.
surprised, as some told VIP News that MLK.com had already started to search for a new location last year.
The administrators argue that the Rock Am Ring was launched 1985 as a joint project between Mama Concerts of which Lieberberg was a stake-
To cut the story short, from 2015 the Nürburgring event site will have a
holder and the Nürburgring GmbH. Until the recent edition the Nürbur-
new management and owner. The famous motor racing site previously
gring GmbH acted as co-promoter of Rock Am Ring and is party to former
operated by Nürburgring GmbH had already filed for insolvency in July
agreements in 2003 and 2007 that apparently state that the company is
2012. The company was owned by the German district government of
a co-owner of the brand rights for the event.
Rhineland-Palatinate and suffered financial collapse after the political stakeholders failed in their ambitious plan to develop the site in to a tour-
Nürburgring GmbH additionally announced the intention to file an official
ist hot spot. The financial loss for taxpayers is estimated to exceed 500
case against Lieberberg in order to protect its rights to the brand.
million Euros. The official databank of brands by the Deutsche Patent- und Markenamt After a call for bids at the beginning of March 2014, the administrators
reveals that the brand Rock Am Ring is registered twice According to the
declared that car supplier company Capricorn had submitted the success-
rights for brands, they can be registered in various classes. The first regis-
ful tender, committing to a payment of 77 million Euros. However, the
tration of the brand ‘Rock Am Ring’ was filed in October 1993 by MLK in
whole insolvency procedure already was dogged with many legal aspects
the classes 41 and 9 according to the classification of brands defined by
that are still ongoing. The European Commission officially launched an
the so called Nice statutes, and covers the right of the owner of this brand
investigation of Germany regarding the wrongful declaration of 486 mil-
to promote concerts and release records under this name.
lion Euros in subsidies for the site that were in violation of EU regulations. Entangled in this legal mess, Capricorn as the new owner of the site
The second registration was undertaken by the Nürburgring GmbH
started at a very early stage to negotiate with MLK as promoter of Rock
in August 1997. The second entry protects the brand name within the
Am Ring about the lease conditions for the site in 2015. Capricorn then,
Nice-classifications 16, 18, 25, 28, regarding amongst other permissions,
according to media reports, cancelled the lease contract while Marek
the production of print products, photographs, sunshades and walking
Lieberberg complained that Capricorn was asking for a higher profit par-
sticks...
ticipation than he had agreed. At the moment no further news about the future of Rock Am Ring is conThe news that Rock Am Ring won’t continue to be staged at Nürburgring
crete. Lieberberg meanwhile stated in media reports to move the currently
gained massive media attention and gained further interest with the news
unofficially entitled event as Rock Without Ring to a site in Monchenglad-
within the news that Capricorn had teamed up with DEAG in order to
bach or to a airport in Mendig...
develop a successor event in 2015 on the same dates previously planned for Rock Am Ring entitled “Grüne Hölle” (Green Hell).
On June 23 the first hearing of the case by the district court in Koblenz decided that the name Rock Am Ring belongs to both parties. For MLK
And if that wasn’t already enough, on June 12 the administrators of the
the ruling means that Lieberberg is not the sole owner of the brand as
Nürburgring GmbH put out a press release confirming the filing of an in-
he has a partnership under civil code with the Nürnburgring GmbH as a
terim injunction against MLK and Marek Lieberberg regarding statements
co-promoter of the event.
19
VIP NEWS > BUSINESS > JUNE 2014
MUSIC IN SHARES
Music in Shares Manfred Tari mt@vip-booking.com
CTS Eventim
Live Nation
In the last issue VIP News reported a share price for CTS Eventim of
Lady Gaga became a management client of Live Nation while the
41.71 Euro. This time it is 23.18 Euro. Shocking? No, it is just theesult
share price is nevertheless on the rise. On May 23 VIP News reported
of the Company’s previously announced share split with the conversa-
$24.01, this time it is $23.57. However, in the 52 weeks comparison
tion rate of 1:2. At the beginning of the year and with the share split
the gain is like the one of CTS Eventim at 54.9 percent.
in mind, the share stood at 19.75 Euro. In the so-called 52 weeks comparison the share gained a plus of 54.9 percent.
SFX Entertainment
DEAG
Who says Google became evil unless this role within the serious con-
Last time one DEAG share cost 5.66 Euro. In the meantime the share
nies? Besides a share price of $7.02 and the poor results for Q1-2014
gained more than 50 cent and stand now at 6.24 Euro on June 23
as reported in the last issue, this time the share is on its way up. To-
when this report went on to press.
gether with its new secondary ticketing partner Viagogo, who agreed
cert industry is dedicated to questionable secondary ticketing compa-
a sponsorship deal worth $75 million for the next five years the current share price rose to $8.35…
VIP-Magazine: The most In-Depth B2B Magazine for the people of the LIVE Music Industry.
To read the VIP-Magazine or book your advert – go to www.vip-booking.com
20
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VIP NEWS > MISC > JUNE 2014
MEMBER PRESENTATION
ARTIST AVAILS Chloe Charles Territory: Europe Period: September/October Agency: Paperclip Agency / Agent: Hilde Spille Phone: +31 243239322 E-mail: hilde@paperclip-agency.com Homepage: www.paperclip-agency.com
ORBITAL ñ 25th year anniversary tour in 2014 Territory: The World excluding USA Period: May onwards Agency: Value Added Talent / Agent: Dan Silver Phone: +44 207 704 97 20 E-mail: dan@vathq.co.uk Homepage: www.vathq.co.uk
Alan Parsons Live Project Territory: Worldwide Period: 2014 Agency: World Entertainment Associates of America Agent: John Regna - Artist Agent/Manager Phone: +1 407-993-4000 E-mail: JPR@JohnRegna.com Homepage: www.AlanParsonsTourPromo.com
MOJO Concerts was founded in 1968 and since then has become one of the largest and most important entertainment companyís in the Netherlands. The main activity of MOJO Concerts is the organisation of concerts and festivals, artistbookings and the devellopment of new and innovating events. Besides that MOJO Concerts is engaged with the corebusiness resulting in extra activitieslike production, theatre, management and publishing.
About Our Company VIP-Booking’s core product is the Internet’s oldest and largest databasefor the European Live Entertainment Industry
Glasvegas Territory: Europe Period: 2014 Agency: Primary Talent International Agent: Ben Winchester Phone: +44 20 7400 4500 E-mail: ben@primarytalent.com Homepage: www.glasvegas.net
THE ORCHESTRA starring ELO former members Territory: Worldwide Period: 2014-2015 Agency: World Entertainment Associates of America Agent: John Regna - Artist Agent/Manager Phone: +1 407-993-4000 E-mail: jpr@johnregna.com Homepage: www.THEORCHESTRAonline.com
Afro Cuban All Stars Territory: East Europe, Middle East Period: July Agency: Greensmith Agent: Dragan Greensmith E-mail: dragan@greensmithltd.com Homepage: greensmithltd.com/artistprofile/ afro-cuban-all-stars/
www.vip-booking.comdeveloped as a tool for industry professionals. Since it’s launch in the year 2000, we have consistently offered our subscribers the very best in database services and now boast subscribers in over 30 countries. Today VIP-Booking offers a range of tools for the industry– including
MORE ARTIST AVAILS ON: WWW.VIP-BOOKING.COM POST YOUR ARTIST AVAILS ON: WWW.VIP-BOOKING.COM
VIP-News, VIP-Booking, VIP-Book and VIP-Contract. Please visit vip-booking.com for further information. Your comments and suggestions are always appreciated.
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Orbital