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PREMIUM > VOLUME 181 > AUGUST 2015
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VIP NEWS >
AUGUST 2015
McGowan’s
Musings
Well, I hope you didn’t miss us too much in
Closer to home unfortunately, there has
young girls distraught! Still – think of the
July, and that your summer so far has been
been some bad news, there was a terrible
potential of the come back tour! Talking of
sunny and successful!
incident on Saturday Aug 22 at an air show
sad faced fans, when in London’s West End
at Shoreham Airport, just a few miles from
the other day I saw an amazingly long queue
Most of the news that we at VIP have had
Brighton, when a jet failed to complete a
of fashionably dressed teens, and some teen
from the international festivals that we
display manoeuvre and crashed on to a main
pluses, waiting impatiently to get into a shoe
attended (see report in this issue), and those
road. 11 people were killed in the flaming
shop. Apparently they were all fixated on the
that contacted us has been good, and the
wreckage. I have driven that stretch of road
purchase of a pair of Kanye West’s Yeezy
indications are, with of course some events
many times, and that familiarity makes the
Boost trainers! Very many went away feeling
still to take place, that the 2015 season has
horror of it all even more disturbing.
underdressed, and deeply disappointed, but
been good.
Kanye and his crew were no doubt quite Also we were saddened to hear of the
happy!
death from cancer of fellow journalist John
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Gammon who was a respected writer for
So, as we’ve now mentioned people feeling
the live industry trade journal Pollstar. All
happy, I’d like to finish up by stressing how
of us at VIP knew him well and often met
powerful live music can be in cheering you
up with him at various trade events. It had
up. Having been going to gigs since the
been obvious for some time that John was
1960’s I’ve seen quite a few great shows, but
unwell, but he never went into detail about
I saw one of the best gigs I’ve ever seen at
his condition. We send our commiserations
the Paleo Festival (see report in this issue) a
to all of his friends and family. (See more in
few weeks ago, Robert Plant and his band
this issue) Sad also to hear of the passing of
were phenomenal, and it wasn’t just me
veteran artist manager, Jazz Summers, who
that thought this – besides an incredibly
also died of cancer – there’s too much of this!
appreciative audience, other artists from that day’s bill lined up side stage to enjoy the set
So, sorry to kick off our return to your in boxes
– Joan Baez joined Plant for a bit of square
with depressing news, but of course some
dancing, with Patti Smith and her guitarist
times reports like these are unavoidable,
Lenny Kay handclapping. The atmosphere
much as we would like to be able to do
was fantastic and the whole thing was
something about them, that’s life! On a
good for the soul! One last thing, whilst at
lighter note, although many people will be
the EXIT Festival in July I spoke with Lemmy
very upset by the announcement, it appears
after Motorhead’s set, in the course of our
that One Direction are to take a break in
chat I asked him about living in L.A., as a Brit
order to follow up solo projects. So, having
abroad, I wondered if there was anything he
sold 50 million albums, and earning record-
missed – he responded instantly, “Cheese!
breaking amounts on their last tours, they’re
– you just can’t get any good fucking
not actually saying that they’re breaking up,
cheese!” So, on that high point – Ladies and
although the fear of this will leave many
Gentlemen – The News!
VIP NEWS >
AUGUST 2015
UTA buys the Agency Group From VIP-Daily News
In a move to significantly bolster its music
music agency, and we were able to find all
invested in companies including Microsoft,
business, United Talent Agency announced
of those in one place at The Agency Group,
21st Century Fox, Adobe and CB Richard
Thursday that it acquired the Agency Group,
along with a tremendous reservoir of real
Ellis. But unlike those investments, the UTA
the world’s largest independent music
veteran leadership.”
relationship is a personal investment from
agency.
Ubben, who joins the board of directors as TAG founder and president Neil Warnock
a non-voting member and becomes its first
The Agency Group represents some of
(pictured) will become UTA’s head of
non-agency shareholder.
the biggest global touring and live music
worldwide music, filling the vacancy left
artists, including Muse, Paramore and the
by Rob Prinz when he departed for ICM
“It’s not a typical institutional investment
Black Keys. The company has more than 95
Partners in April, while TAG CEO Gavin
that comes along with all kinds of
agents operating out of offices in London,
O’Reilly will leave the company.
restrictions and voting rights,” Zimmer says.
Los Angeles, New York and several other cities.
“This investment is really about bringing a UTA’s acquisition of TAG was financed by a
smart, seasoned investor into the company
new minority investment from Jeffrey Ubben,
to help us consider our future growth. It’s
Adding TAG, which will be combined with
founder and CEO of San Francisco-based
a much more comfortable and organic
UTA’s existing music division, instantly
ValueAct Capital, which has significantly
relationship.”
makes UTA a heavy hitter in the space, with a roster of about 2,000 clients headlined by artists including Muse, The Black Keys, Paramore, Nickelback and Guns N’ Roses
Neil Warnock founder of The Agency Group
and featuring emerging acts including Chris Janson, Action Bronson and G-Eazy, who will all join existing UTA clients including Kanye West, Mariah Carey and Milky Chance. TAG has more than 95 agents across seven offices in London, Los Angeles, Miami, Nashville, New York, Toronto and Malmo, Sweden, which will give UTA a presence beyond L.A. and New York for the first time – yet another major milestone for the agency. “It’s a quantum leap forward for us in the music business,” UTA CEO Jeremy Zimmer tells THR, highlighting TAG’s resources in Nashville and the global and Canadian market as well as in corporate and festival booking. “There are so many different areas of expertise that go into being a top-shelf
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VIP NEWS >
AUGUST 2015
John Gammon passes at 64 From VIP-Daily News John Gammon, Pollstar’s UK/Europe Correspondent over the last
A native and resident of Ely, Cambridgeshire, England, Gammon
two decades, has died. He had been fighting cancer.
studied journalism at Harlow College. That education was put to use when Gammon was recruited by Pollstar to report from the
Gammon covered stories that ranged from the innocuous to
International Live Music Conference on a one-off basis.
the extremely sensitive and was the first to break stories such as Lollapalooza’s entrance into Berlin.
The response to his reportage was so overwhelming that Gammon became Pollstar’s longtime UK and Europe correspondent. His work
He was also very well known by the industry people that attends the
anchored Pollstar’s International News pages until this week. It is
Live Music conferences in Europe where John always was a visible
difficult to encapsulate 15 years of collaboration into a paragraph.
character. The best we can do immediately is say farewell and acknowledge his A press release from Pollstar reads:
contribution to not only the company, but the concert industry as well.
He was passionate in getting to the root of the story, even if it may have ruffled some feathers. Gammon’s background includes a career as an agent as well as managing acts like Katrina & The Waves and Kingmaker, the latter of whom could boast opening acts like Radiohead during its ’90s heyday.
VIP Sales Manager Charlie Presburg, worked with John for many years at Pollstar: As someone who worked with John for many years at Pollstar’s UK office, I was always impressed with his sheer tenacity as a journalist and his ability to get to the core of any news story that he was writing. He was a proper old school journalist who wasn’t afraid to ruffle a few feathers along the way. I shall miss his witty banter and seeing him at the various music conferences he always loved to attend, he will be very sadly missed, RIP John.
John Gammon
Need to know who is touring Europe? Go online - www.vip-booking.com vip-booking.com
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®
VIP NEWS >
AUGUST 2015
First Edition of The IFF Increases Capacity and Sells Out Allan McGowan am@vip-booking.com Having announced a sell out on August
Launched
13th the first edition of the IFF (International
better connecting festival bookers
with
the
intention
of
Festival Forum) has increased its capacity to
and booking agents, IFF features
cope with further demand and has now
a series of unique showcases and
officially sold out. The event organised by
Q&As with agents, and morning
the ILMC and Ruud Berends of Networking
panels and workshops dedicated
Music will now host 400 agents and festival
to the festival business. Partner
bookers. Other additions to the Programme
agencies on the event include The
listed below include a workshop on the use
Agency Group, ATC Live, Coda, ITB, X-ray
of social media presented by Facebook.
Touring, Primary Talent, LPO and Pitch &
The After Hours Programme will now
Smith.
include further showcases to be presented
“The support from the event partners, agencies and founding associations has
at Camden venues, The Lock Tavern, The
Each agency will be showcasing signings
been tremendous, and with over 100
Barfly and Proud.
for the 2016 festival season, while IFF’s
booking agents attending, and over 150
After Hours late night programme will see
festivals represented from as far afield as
The International Festival Forum (IFF) is
additional agencies and export offices also
Australia, Malaysia and the United States,
an invitation-only event aimed at music
showcase artists.
all the elements are in place for a productive
festivals and booking agents, which place
first outing.”
in London from 30 September – 1 October,
“To have sold out before we announced a
2015. IFF takes place across two London
single showcasing artist is testament that
IFF is a partnership between ILMC and Ruud
venues: Proud Camden and historic music
there’s a need for an event with this specific
Berends of Networking Music. Panels at the
venue Dingwalls next door.
focus,” says ILMC head Greg Parmley.
event will include a discussion around life in a ‘post-headliner’ world, a keynote with Isle of Wight Festival’s John Giddings, the
Greg Parmley
role of loyalty and the local promoter, and the top five gripes between festivals and agents. Workshop topics include Facebook for festivals, data & audience insight, and better brand partnerships. Event partners on IFF include FKP Scorpio, Intellitix, Rock-It Cargo, Showsec, Integro Doodson, Megaforce, Showsec, Jack Daniels and Heineken. Association partners are the Association of Independent Festivals (AIF), De Concert!, the International Jazz Festivals Organization
(IJFO)
and
International
Festivals and Events Association (IFEA) Europe. For more information please contact Ben Delger via Ben@ilmc.com or on: +44 203 743 0301
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VIP NEWS >
AUGUST 2015
Jukely Announced As Headline Sponsors For Venues Day 2015 Allan McGowan am@vip-booking.com Music Venue Trust
The last few years have seen a number of
music venues whilst looking at exciting new
(www.musicvenuetrust.com)
high profile venues closing and there are
business models and initiatives that can get
– the charity for the preservation and
fears that it could have a longer term impact
audiences up. Alongside the chance this
improvement of the UK’s network of
on a sector that, as well as giving pleasure
gives to agencies like DCMS, UK Music, BPI,
music venues – announces concert and
to millions of people, is worth around £1.6
ticketing agencies and insurance companies
gig subscription app, Jukely (www.jukely.
billion to the UK’s annual economy.
to get behind the sector, we’re delighted that
com), as the Headline Sponsor for its Venues
Venues Day is attracting partners like Jukely.
Day 2015 event at Ministry of Sound on
Bora Celik, Founder of Jukely, comments:
Bora and his team are bringing something
Tuesday 20 October, in Elephant & Castle,
“We are delighted to support Venues Day
new and exciting to the sector that can have
London.
2015, now a key event in the live music
a genuine impact on the number of people
industry calendar. Everything we do as a
in the room, and these are the sort of ideas
Having been successful in its native US, Jukely
company is geared towards getting people
that will help to create a better future for
is newly-launched in the UK, its stated aim is
out to see live music shows and experience
music venues, audiences and artists. This
to galvanise a new generation of music-lovers
unforgettable nights together, so we want
support from Jukely means we will be able
into attending more gigs than ever before.
to do all we can to help preserve music
to offer subsidised delegate places and
venues – the beating hearts of our live music
travel to grassroots music venue owners and
communities.
promoters across the country who would
Venues Day 2015 focuses exclusively on grassroots music venues and their associated
otherwise be unable to attend, ensuring
industries and services. Earlier this year the
“Furthermore, this partnership will allow
that the whole sector can be part of this
Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, announced
Jukely’s technology to be a force for good
important national event”.
the creation of the capital’s first Music
within the live music scene – enabling people
Venues Taskforce, chaired by Music Venue
to come together and protect the venues
Venues Day 2015 has three key aims:
Trust, which was set up to protect and secure
they love.”
to provide a highly effective marketplace for
the City’s vital network of live music venues.
the best service and industry offers to engage
Venues Day 2015 will provide an opportunity
Mark Davyd, Founder & CEO of Music Venue
with small and medium scale music venues;
to discuss the findings and recommendations
Trust, comments:
to provide a dedicated forum for the sharing
of the Taskforce with industry partners from
of best practice, innovation and leadership,
across the country in order to help support
“The key themes of Venues Day this year are
and; to formalise a nationwide network of
live music venues.
to get core costs down for our grassroots
subscribed grassroots music venues that speak with clarity about their work.
Bora Celik, Founder of Jukely
In addition to facilitating exchange and learning, Venues Day 2015 provides a platform for agencies, management, record labels and artists to directly engage with grassroots music venues and present Q&As, networking opportunities, and new models of working. For more information about Music Venue Trust please contact either Beverley Whitrick beverley@musicvenuetrust.com or Mark Davyd mark@musicvenuetrust.com
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VIP NEWS >
AUGUST 2015
Iconic London Venue The Water Rats Gets a New Lease of Life Allan McGowan am@vip-booking.com The Music Venues Trust and the Mayor of London’s Music Venue Task Force (see above) are obviously pleased to hear that King’s Cross venue The Water Rats has been saved from the uncertainties that beset it of late and will continue to operate. The venue, which was famous for housing Karl Marx in a flat on the upper floors, is to undergo extensive refurbishment, and will eventually offer an all day food service. It is one of London’s best-loved music venues and Bob Dylan and Katy Perry have performed there, Oasis, and The Pogues both played their debut London gigs there. Sally Fox, who ran the Soho nightclub Moonlighting, has taken over the property near King’s Cross from the charitable showbusiness body The Grand Order of Water Rats. Ms Fox said: “We are ecstatic to be running such an iconic venue and are passionate about continuing the live music and comedy nights, as well as introducing a new gastro food offer. This is a match made in heaven and we look forward to carrying on The Grand Order of the Water Rats’ legacy.”
23 – 26 SEPT. 2015 CONFERENCE · SESSIONS · ChRis BaRtON (Shazam) · DiEtRiCh BRüggEmaNN (FIlmmakEr) · mONika EigENspERgER (radIO Fm4 / OrF) · DiEtER gORNy (BuNdESvErBaNd muSIkINduStrIE) · tERRy hall (thE SpEcIalS) · paul hasliNgER (cOmpOSEr) · BRuNO liON (tplm) · hEikO maas (mINIStEr dEr JuStIz uNd Für vErBrauchErSchutz) · paul paCiFiCO (IaO) · Will pagE (SpOtIFy) · maRy RamOs (muSIc SupErvISOr QuENtIN taraNtINO) · pEtER RiEgER (pEtEr rIEgEr kONzErtagENtur) · thORstEN sChäFER-gümBEl (StEllv. Spd-vOrS.) · DavE stEWaRt (muSIcIaN/ENtrEprENEur) · CaROlE tONguE (EurOpEaN cOalItIONS FOr cultural dIvErSIty) · alisON WENham (Impala) · miChaEl tRautmaNN (thJNk) · aNd maNy mOrE · ShOWcaSES · NEtWOrkINg · mEEtINgS · aWardS FEstival · cONcErtS · WIllIam FItzSImmONS · halF mOON ruN · JamES mOrrISON · FraNk cartEr & thE rattlESNakES · FamIly OF thE yEar · mac dEmarcO · OddISEE · SauN & Starr · WEval (lIvE) · gravE plEaSurES · aurOra · lukaS graham · gOgO pENguIN · tOrrES · låpSlEy · hONNE · aNd maNy mOrE · vISual artS · FIlm · SpOkEN WOrd
REEpERBahNFEstival.COm Organiser: Reeperbahn Festival GbR and Inferno Events GmbH & Co. KG
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VIP NEWS > INDEPTH STORY >
AUGUST 2015
Festival Feature Allan McGowan am@vip-booking.com
Much as spring in every year brings a crop of doom laden stories, in the broadsheets particularly, predicting the collapse of the festival market, it never actually seems to happen and the majority of events seem to thrive, with even a few new ones popping up here and there. The uptake of registrations for the International Festival Forum (see below) seems to imply that agents and organisers have no doubt that the future is festivals! As to how many there are – who really knows! Certainly too many for one on-line journal to cover, but here’s a brief round up of the events we VIP people got to visit or communicate with so far this season:
PALEO July 20-26 saw the 40th edition of Switzerland’s Paleo Festival. The
VIP News spoke to Head of Production and Programming, Dany
event ran over 7 days rather than the usual 6, and featured shows
Hassenstein
from Robbie Williams, Kings of Leon, Sting, The Script, Ben Harper, Robert Plant, Joan Baez, Patti Smith, Christine and the Queens,
VIP News: How long have you been involved with the
Johnny Halliday and others.
Festival?
The Festival sold out attracting 35,000 people every day, 10,000
Dany Hassenstein: I’ve been in this job for 7 years, but I’ve worked
seven day passes were sold. 530 media representatives from 240
at Paleo for 15 years – I’m actually one year older than the Festival!
companies attended, alongside 600 professionals from other music companies. 1700 artists appeared, including many from the Far East
VIP News: There’s been quite a lot of rain, and therefore quite
who took part in an Asian focus on the Festival’s world stage.
a lot of mud! Has that caused any problems?
Paleo Festival
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VIP NEWS > INDEPTH STORY >
AUGUST 2015
Hassenstein: No, we typically get a bit of everything over the days of
VIP News: Putting something this size together for a week is
the festival – it’s a world festival and we get world weather!
quite an undertaking, have you had problems with crime or injuries etc.?
VIP News: What were the high points of this edition? Hassenstein: Yes, it’s like building a city! But even so, we’ve only had Hassenstein: The big productions, Robbie Williams and Kings of
58 reported thefts, and fortunately we’ve not had any deaths, or
Leon were great, but my personal highlights were Joan Baez, Patti
births, although we’d be prepared for that! If there was a birth then
Smith and Robert Plant. They all gathered for each other’s shows.
we’ve said the child could have a lifetime membership!
They have history with the Festival, Robert Plant tells stories and is a great personality. He covers such a broad spectrum of music,
We’ve always tried to make sure that the musicians feel like part
he once played the world music stage, and he played the day Amy
of the family, and understand all the work that goes into building
Winehouse died. Joan Baez appeared back in ’82.
Paleo.
EXIT Festival On July 9-12, VIP again visited this remarkable event in Serbia, staged
Exchange Program (ETEP) in 2003 and since then there have been
on the Petrovaradin fortress island in the middle of the Danube.
a total of 2294 shows by 810 European artists from 30 countries
A certain editor was apparently spotted dancing to the music of
presented at the 90 ETEP festivals (2003 - 2014).
Manu Chou! Unfortunately we didn’t make it to Montenegro for the Sea Dance festival that followed on from EXIT on July 15 – 18
CEETEP (Central and Eastern European Talent Exchange Programme)
(maybe next time!) The two events made up this summer’s Exit
is an ETEP sub-programme, together with the 18 CEETEP festivals
Adventure, which resulted in a record-breaking 300,000 visitors to
in the CEE region and selected CEE media partners, Eurosonic
the fortress and to Montenegro’s Jaz beach. EXIT reported the most
Noorderslag and co-organisers Sziget and Exit Festival developed a
well attended night in the event’s history. Continuing the theme of
scheme for the circulation of CEE artists and repertoire in Central
festivals being like towns or cities, with all the processes of urban life
and Eastern Europe at the festivals and in the media. The Program
taking place besides the music, two marriage proposals were made
is coming to an end with acts from the region being featured at
and confirmed at EXIT and Seadance.
Eurosonic in Groningen, Holland, next January.
EXIT also again played host to the annual CEETEP meetings and
We will report on the progress made by the program in the next
workshops. Eurosonic Noorderslag started the European Talent
couple of issues.
From left to right: Michèle Müller (press officer), Daniel Rossellat (president), Dany Hassenstein (booking), Jacques Monnier (vice-president) and Allan McGowan (VIP-News)
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VIP NEWS >
AUGUST 2015
Sziget Festival sets attendance record From VIP-Daily News Sziget Festival Hungary sold out the 2015
the long term is to make sure Sziget’s image
surprises. That’s what we will keep on
event despite increasing its daily capacity to
gets independent from its headliners, as we
focusing on, while we definitely don’t want
90,000.
believe the most important features of the
to be involved in a dangerous competition
event are not necessarily playing on the big
to get overpriced headliners. That’s just not
stages.
our path.
Kasabian and Ellie Goulding. Organisers say
“To keep it simple, we try to give good
“We hope our message gets through to our
441,000 people from 95 countries attended
reasons for fans to come to Sziget. We’re
visitors, as they are the ones who create the
over the course of the event.
still trying hard to get good bands on our
magical vibe of the place we call the Island
stages, but we also try to make sure that
of Freedom.”
Held from 10-17 August, artists included Robbie Williams, Avicii, Kings Of Leon,
“We worked hard to create a festival that
fans choose Sziget because we offer more:
has its own unique identity,” said Sziget’s
a huge adventure, a cultural holiday, an
Next year’s Sziget has been set for August
main organiser Karoly Gerendai. “Our aim in
experience-packed week full of positive
10-17.
Sziget Festival
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VIP NEWS >
AUGUST 2015
45 Years of Roskilde and still going strong! From VIP-Daily News
Roskilde Festival was once again blessed
VIP-News questioned Roskilde’s Head of
announced. How did this affect your
with blistering sunshine as 100.000 ticket
Music & Creation, Anders Wahrén, about
bookings, did you end up fighting over
buyers enjoyed what was indeed another
the success of this year’s event, competition
the same headliners and did you notice
magical event. Headlining acts on the
on the Danish Festival Market and the
a change in ticket sales due to this
Orange Stage included Muse, Pharrel
festival’s future bookings.
competition?
Williams, Ryan Adams, Florence & The
Machine, Kendrick Lamar, Nicki Minaj and
VIP-News: How is your general feeling
Anders Wahrén: I wouldn’t say that it
many more. Following the wide success of
about this year’s festival and how did it
affected us, we strive to make the best
the Rolling Stones show in 2014 the festival
compare to previous years?
possible festival every year, regardless
opted once again for a legendary act in Paul
of what’s going on around us, and we
McCartney who took the stage as the 2nd
Anders Wahrén: This year’s festival went
haven’t changed our ambitions or way of
to last headliner on the last night in front of
really well so my general feeling is very
booking. Roskilde Festival 2015 was sold
a packed audience who were entertained
good and I am very happy with the way the
out extraordinary early this year so the
with a classic repertoire spanning over 5
festival went and how our audience took
only changes we have seen there have
decades including songs from the Beatles
in new initiatives and participated. Every
been from new initiatives from our own
era, Wings and new material. All this ended
year is unique and it’s always difficult to
side. But of course there are a few top
with a magnificent fireworks display and an
compare with previous years. However in
names that will be relevant for all broad
audience of all ages singing Hey Jude for 10
2015 everything – including the things we
festivals of a certain size, or ambitions to
minutes after McCartney had left the stage
can’t plan ourselves such as the weather –
grow, so in a packed European summer,
– quite a moving moment one hastens to
fitted together like a perfect puzzle.
there will be some acts that everybody is
add.
fighting to get.
VIP-News: The introduction of the new
After this year’s success the festival expects
festival Tinderbox which took place
VIP-News: How has the ticket buyer
to be able to donate an impressive 15-18
just a week before Roskilde Festival
demography changed over the past 10
million Danish kronor to charity (approx.
in Odense caused quite a stir in the
years and do you see this as a trend for
2-2.5 million euro).
Danish Music Industry when it was
the future?
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VIP NEWS >
AUGUST 2015
Anders Wahrén: Ten years ago about 50%
VIP-News:
Besides
the
hugely
with legendary acts such as the ones you
of our audience came from outside of
diversified
program
that
Roskilde
mentioned is great – and it is amazing to
Denmark, especially from Sweden, Norway
presents, you’ve put your trust in old
experience how much recognition they
and Germany. That number has decreased
legendary acts such as The Rolling
receive from a young audience as well - so
over the last ten years, so today there are
Stones and Paul McCartney over the
as long as it makes sense in the full lineup
about 15% foreigners attending the festival
past few years which have proved to be
I expect we will continue, but it is not a
and the Swedes are no longer the largest
hugely successful in not just attracting a
“must” for us nor for our audience; we can
group from abroad. That place now belongs
big audience but also bringing together
tell from the ticket sales that it’s the diversity
to the Norwegians. It’s difficult to say how
people from all ages. Is this something
that makes the difference. And I have to say
it will develop – we noticed a small rise
you plan to continue in the future?
that legendary acts can come in other sizes
in international guests the last couple of
than McCartney and Stones.
years and hope that that development will
Anders Wahrén: The important thing for
continue. Other demographics seem stable;
us is to present a diversified program with
VIP-News: How do you see competition
we have a 50/50 gender mix and an average
artists that are both relevant and great live
from domestic festivals and festivals in
age of around 24 years.
performers at the same time. Topping it off
neighboring countries such as Sweden affecting Roskilde in the future and
do you think there will ultimately be casualties in what is a per capita comparatively
crowded
festival
market? Anders Wahrén: I believe you have to look at it in a broader perspective where not just music festivals but the rising number of cultural, arts, food etc. festivals and events in general are affecting and inspiring each other, keeping us on our toes and aware of what is unique about each of us. In that sense competition is not a bad thing – and it’s not a new thing either. Both we, Smukfest and Northside sold out this year so for now at least it seems that the audience for music festivals is there. But there is a risk, I fear, that the development with more music festivals being built from the top with lots of money to invest in headliners in time will challenge the diversity of the market, especially the smaller festivals and new initiatives since that inevitably will make it harder for them to both attract artists and pay them. VIP-News: Have you confirmed any acts for 2016 yet and what would be your dream booking?
Anders Wahren - photo by Julie Hjorth
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Anders Wahrén: Well… let’s just say that we’re working on it and we’ll let you and everyone else know when we have news.
VIP NEWS >
AUGUST 2015
Booming times for
GLP From VIP-Daily News
GLP is currently experiencing a boom with
Charles and Kool & the Gang, there was
many of the acts represented by the agency.
generally a lot more “wheeling & dealing”
The success of the collaboration between
going on in the music business - so GLP
CHIC feat Nile Rodgers with Daft Punk 3
stood out with a strategic outlook.
Years ago was followed by an 80 city world tour (booked by GLP). This paved the way for
Also today we have a very high rate of
a revival for many of the other Funk & Dance
academically trained personnel – and I am
acts represented by GLP (Kool & the Gang,
happy to say that in this spirit the members
Sister Sledge, Earth Wind & Fire Experience
of the GLP family continue to follow the
feat Al McKay etc). Recently GEORGE
principles of flexibility, internal mobility,
CLINTON PARLIAMENT / FUNKADELIC ´s
multi-skilling and retraining.
collaboration with RUDIMENTAL lead to a similar marketing input. Similarly more and
Furthermore we will focus on Show
VIP-News: The market concentration
more Rock acts are teaming up with Funk
Acts. This is currently the fastest growing
and corporatization in Europe is rising.
artists such as KOOL & THE GANG’s tour
department within the GLP family with
Do you consider this development as a
with VAN HALEN and FOREIGNER’s tour
shows such as Peter Pan on Ice, Royal
positive one?
with KID ROCK.
Moscow Ballet and Vivaldianno.
In the light of this success VIP-News asked
Lastly we are focusing on bringing talent to
one of the first industries in the world
CEO Georg Leitner about the company’s
developing markets. We recently had some
that applied globalization. In terms of the
principles, future plans and strategies:
exciting tours in India, the Pacific Islands
corporatization of the live market in Europe
Georg Leitner: The music industry was
(Tahiti, new Caledonia etc.) and Africa. This
– the national promoters, even as part of
VIP-News: How many shows & concerts
is in line with our history – with GLP being
multinational companies in Europe still
is GLP handling per year and what
one of the first international companies to
act highly independently – so in terms of
are your strategic plans for GLP in the
tour artists behind the iron curtain in Europe
people, not much has changed.
future?
in the early eighties. To give you an idea – on the same tour we
Georg Leitner: GLP handles around 800
VIP-News: As one of your company
work with AEG in one territory and Live
shows per year across the globe. Over the
principles you are mentioning on your
Nation in another territory. Right now we
past 35 years GLP has become a strong
website: “Academic striving towards
are in negotiations for one of our show acts
force in the area of Funk / Soul / R&B as
improvements of the methods applied
for a worldwide deal with one multinational
well as Reggae /Dancehall and World Music.
in the industry” What do you mean
promoter.
Strategically we will focus to expand on the
with this policy? VIP-News: In reference to the current
EDM area, especially with a view to further develop musical collaborations between
Georg Leitner: Having studied marketing &
market set up, what are the issues that
some of the top DJs and our Funk/R&B artists.
economics at University – we’ve always had
concern you most?
the goal to deliver a service at the highest We are also looking to expand the area
standards – with a strategic outlook to
Georg Leitner: I am most concerned
of Rock (e.g. next year we celebrate
expand the market potential of our artists.
about the fact that there are too many
FOREIGNER’s 40th anniversary tour – and we
tours pushing into the market (due to
are considering some great collaborations
When we started the company in the early
lack of income from the recorded music
with other Rock acts.
80’s with artists such as James Brown, Ray
side) – and we have come close to an
13
VIP NEWS >
AUGUST 2015
oversaturation. Also we have to find ways
a more active role in the A&R area. At
VIP-News: The relevance of the Live
to focus again on developing tomorrow´s
GLP we have a section dedicated to the
Music Sector within the value chain for
talent. With the decline of the record
development of new show formats as well
music products has risen significantly
companies – the agencies have to take
as new talent.
over the years. Nevertheless, compared to the Record Industry or the Publishing
Georg Leitner
Business the live music sector runs no trade bodies on a European or International level. Do you consider this as a lack of professionalism or just as something the Live Music Sector is not ready for yet? Georg Leitner: There are many issues where we as the most important sector of the industry should act united and have our interests represented on a Pan European scale. These issues reach from harmonizing authors rights companies rates to security, standing strong when you have national tax issues (such as recently in Spain with the drastic increase in VAT on tickets), harmonizing Foreign Entertainment Tax etc. GLP will support any effort in that direction – maybe this can be brought up again at next year’s ILMC?! VIP-News:
What
are
the
next
milestones you’ve set for GLP? Georg
Leitner:
We
are
right
now
developing touring festival concepts (like we did in the past – MASTERS of SOUL, or the Tribute to BOB MARLEY FESTIVAL tour). Last year we had the RTL Chart tour with a 4-act-bill concept including KOOL & THE GANG, CHIC feat Nile Rodgers, SISTER SLEDGE and IMAGINATION. Similar to that we are developing a touring festival that will include some current EDM musicians joining together with some of the classic acts. We will bring to the road what is currently hitting the charts (e.g. co-operations like Nile Rodgers / Daft Punk or George Clinton / Rudimental). I am looking forward to some exciting times ahead!
14
VIP NEWS >
AUGUST 2015
The Meaning Of Live Nation Germany Manfred Tari mt@vip-booking.com Live Nation’s entry to the German market,
In July 2000, shortly after the IPO (Initial
Originally
taking on Marek Lieberberg as CEO and
Public Offering) of CTS Eventim in February
as
Daniel Lieberberg as president came as a
2000 at the Frankfurt Stock Exchange, CTS
companies, which also means that the
surprise for many industry players. The move
Eventim
acquired 51 percent of Marek
MLK companies remain as an asset within
is the second attempt by Live Nation to run a
Lieberberg Konzertagentur (MLK) Holding.
the CTS Eventim network of companies.
subsidiary in Germany following a trial period
The MLK Holding each owned 100 percent
Even more interesting is the fact that the
with German promoter Johannes Wessels as
stakes of MLK GmbH & Co KG and MLK
naming rights of the festival Rock Am Ring
managing director in 2010. It is presumed
Verwaltungs GmbH.
are owned by MLK GmbH & Co KG. Rock
that Live Nation Germany will launch its business activities on January 1, 2016.
the
Marek
Lieberberg
managing
director
operated for
these
Am Ring is one the biggest festivals in By the end of 2003, the Live Nation
Germany and due to its relevance has been
forerunner acquired a 20 percent stake in M.
an important strategic instrument within
Lieberberg had already sold 100 percent of
recfly, LK GmbH & Co KG. Since 2010 CTS
the value chain of MLK and subsequently
his stakes in three companies containing his
Eventim no longer reported concrete figures
for CTS Eventim.
name to to the Medusa Music Group, the
in its business reports from 2011 MLK is
holding under which CTS Eventim bundles
listed as fully consolidated within the annual
In 2014 the trademark rights for Rock
its Live Music activities.
report of the trade register Bundesanzeiger.
Am Ring became a matter of contention
Marek and Andre Lieberberg
15
VIP NEWS >
AUGUST 2015
between MLK and the administrators of
When the announcement for the launch
run, include those events within its port folio
the Nürburgring, the race track where the
of Live Nation Germany was released on
of events. Taking many of these aspects into
festival had taken place since its first edition
August 3, it also included the news that
consideration it looks like Live Nation will
in 1985. Due to difficulties with the new
the new company is suppose to add more
follow a soft launch policy and that it will
owners of the racetrack, MLK moved the
than 700 shows towards concert catalogue
take some time before CTS Eventim has a
festival last year to an airfield in Mendig,
of Live Nation. Bearing in mind that
solid competitor in the live music sector in
very closely located to the Nürburgring.
such a number of shows needs a certain
its own home market.
infrastructure, it is currently not clear with As recently as March 2015 MLK GmbH &
whom Live Nation Germany will work in the
Live Nation and its forerunners, until now
Co KG filed an application to obtain the
future as local promoter.
unlike CTS Eventim, have never been
trademark rights for this festival in various
profitable. The US-company follows a
areas such as merchandising and print
Until now, MLK benefitted from the
strategy like the online retailer Amazon,
products; in June an objection was filed to
network of local promoters that belong
who also never delivered any profits to
this and the application is still pending.
to CTS Eventim. At the moment MLK has
its shareholders. But at least Live Nation
already announced shows and concerts for
delivers impressive revenue figures.
Nevertheless, the main message is that the
2016 including, among others, Motörhead,
departure of Marek and Andre Lieberberg
Halestorm and Tesserac T.
For
opens up wide ranging challenges for CTS
16
CTS
Eventim
the
departure
of
Lieberberg may cause, in the short run , a
Eventim. Currently no official news has
As Live Nation is also involved in the Berlin
potential gap in its revenue results, which
been published as to what the departure
Festival and the first edition of Lollapalooza
of course can be closed as soon as FKP
means for the festival Rock Am Ring.
in
Festival
Scorpio will again be fully consolidated
According to industry players the festival is
Republic due to a joint venture with the
within the company results of CTS Eventim.
supposed to be organized by Lieberberg in
Unternehmensgruppe Hörstmann, it is not
But CTS Eventim is now forced to re-
2016 at least as part of a joint agreement.
clear if Live Nation Germany will, in the long
organize its defense lines.
Berlin
via
its
subsidiary
VIP NEWS >
NAMES & JOBS
AUGUST 2015
Solomon Parker joins Coda Agency From VIP-Daily News
Music Managers Forum seeks new CEO From VIP-Daily News One of the best-known figures of the UK music industry, Jon ‘Webbo’ Webster, is likely to step down as CEO of the Music Managers
From left to right: Claire Horseman, Rob Challice, Solomon Parker, Alex Hardee, Tom Schroder
Forum (MMF). According to job ads, the MMF is seeking a new CEO with ‘strong organisational,
Agent Solomon Parker has left William Morris
building a world class agency. His experience
personal, financial skills for UK trade
Endeavour (WME) to join Coda Agency as a
and reputation in the industry are second to
association with international reach’.
Senior Agent.
none and he will add real value to our overall offering.”
Parker, who will be based in Coda’s London
The trade body requires ‘strong leadership needed in a fast changing dynamic creative
offices, has been at WME since 2007 –
Alex Hardee, Partner at Coda Music Agency
industry’, says ‘trade association experience
before which he ran Concorde International
said, “Solomon Parker’s dad, Louis gave me
welcome’ and adds that ‘IP knowledge is a
Artistes.
my first job. Cris Hearn who recently joined
distinct asset’.
Coda also worked there, the company was He brings with him a roster of acts that
called Concorde.
includes include Take That, The Prodigy,
The annual salary for the role is listed at £50£65k.
Cheryl Cole, Matt Corby, Haelos among
“I think Cris left with Solomon’s dad’s car
others.
and I took a tankful of terrapins. Solomon’s
Webster says that the ad doesn’t necessarily
dad and those early days at Concorde were
mean he’ll definitely be departing his CEO
very influential to my career.
role, and that’s he’s involved in the process
Solomon Parker said, “I am excited to be joining what I consider a fast moving
to find his potential successor.
and dynamic company who, over the last
“It’s great that Solomon, Cris and myself
few years, have garnered a reputation for
are back under one roof, along with Tom
“IF we find someone suitable I will be
breaking acts that is second to none.
Schroeder, James Whitting, Rob Chalice,
gradually handing over and taking a backseat
Nick Matthews, David Exley, and Paul Buck
role,” he said. “Not leaving yet!”
“Between the partners there they have
plus the multitude of younger agents and
created a fantastic culture and following
bookers.
their recent far-reaching partnership with
Webster became CEO of the Music Managers Forum in 2007, after two-and-a-half years as
Paradigm Talent Agency in the U.S. they are
“We represent acts as diverse as Take That,
now perfectly placed to deliver a bespoke
Prodigy, Bastille, Disclosure, Ellie Goulding,
Director Of Independent Services at the BPI.
service to their clients that is second to none.
The Libertines, Jess Glynne, Years & Years ,
Many people will remember the large chunk
John Newman, The xx, Jake Bugg and Emeli
of his career spent at Virgin – first in retail
“Coda put their artists and managers front
Sande. That’s just a short list from the top of
from 1975 and then at Virgin Records from
and centre of everything they do and I’m very
my head – but what it also represents is that
1981, where he played a key role in devising
much looking forward to being a part of it.”
exciting times are ahead of us.
the Now! compilations series.
Claire Horseman, Managing Director of Coda
“Anyway I am not sure where Cris left the car
He was appointed MD of Virgin Records in
Music Agency said, “Bringing someone of
and the terrapins died, proving that agents
1988 under Richard Branson.
Sol’s standing into the Coda team further
are the most durable of the reptile species.”
demonstrates our ambition to continue
17
VIP NEWS > BUSINESS >
MUSIC IN SHARES
AUGUST 2015
Music In Shares Manfred Tari mt@vip-booking.com
CTS Eventim
media company for the purchase and can be
attempt to renew the pioneering success he
- Bonus For Prosecutors
used by Myticket in form of advertisements
once had when he formed the forerunner of
in print, online and TV-commercials. The
Live Nation in 1998.
Klaus Peter Schulenberg has been at the
previous reported share price was 5.63
centre of investigation by the prosecution
Euro, this time it is 6.07 Euro.
department Munich due to the sale of
Sillerman committed on August 14 that he still intends to de-list the company
52.000 tickets for the Football World Cup
Live Nation
by undertaking a buy-back program of
2006 via black market channels or what
- Revenue Up in Q2
shares for the company. The bidding
certain sources within the industry consider
period therefore has been prolonged until
nowadays as secondary ticketing. The
Live Nation opened the reporting season
October 2.
prosecution department suspected a case
for Q2 results while CTS Eventim and DEAG
of bribery and corruption but according to
will follow at the end of this months. In the
On August 15 the company revealed its
media reports the investigations came to a
second quarter Live Nation has been able
business results for the H1 and Q2 -2015. In
halt after Schulenberg apparently agreed
to grow revenue results from $1,665 up
the first six months of this year the revenue
to pay a lump-sum. According to the trade
to $1.765 bn. The results for the operating
went up from $114.9 to $173.2 million. The
magazine Musikmarkt, the prosecutors did
income have been declared at $42.2 million,
reported net loss has been declared with
not reveal how much money Schulenberg
13 percent less than the one of $55.7 million
$89.5 million, slightly better than the net
paid as this would enable third parties to
in Q2-2014.
loss of $91.3 million in H1-2014.
conclude how much Schulenberg is earning. Furthermore the payment is not a fine,
In the first six months of 2015 (H1 - 2015)
therewith Schulenberg can be not regarded
Live Nation generated turnover of $2.886
as previously convicted.
bn compared to $2.793 in H1-2014. The result for operating income in the current
The share price as last time reported on
reported period is $1f8.3 million, last year it
June 22 was 31.74 Euro, on August 25 it
was $43.4 million.
was 32.18 Euro, just one day after stock markets globally faced a turndown due to
Before the summer break, Vip News
difficulties resulting from the turbulences on
reported a share price of $28.73, in the
the Chinese stock exchanges.
meantime the share went down to $23.98.
DEAG
SFX Entertainment
- Evaluation Of A Media Investment
- A Financial Tragedy
DEAG announced a media for equity deal
In the June issue Vip News still reported a
for its ticketing subsidy Myticket. The media
share price of $4.46. Now the share is worth
companies Axel Springer SE and Starwatch
$0.85. In a telephone interview with Forbes
Entertainment GmbH as part of the media
Magazine on August 24, company founder
group ProSiebenSat.1 each receive for media
Robert F.X. Sillerman said: “We don’t have
spending 20 percent on mytic myticket AG.
enough time on this call to talk about the
The media volume is supposed to have a
mistakes I made”, affirming that he takes
value of nine million Euro provided by each
“full responsibility” on the misery of his
19
VIP NEWS > MISC >
AUGUST 2015
MEMBER PRESENTATION
ARTIST AVAILS Dionne Warwick Territory: Worldwide Period: 2016 Agency: World Entertainment Associates of America, Inc. Agent: John Regna Phone: +1 407 993 4000 E-mail: JPR@JohnRegna.com Homepage: www.DionneWarwickTourPromo.com
Sziget festival is the biggest musical and cultural festival in Central Europe–a sevenday multicultural expo offering more than 800 programs on more than 30 venues. Sziget means island in Hungarian and the festival, in addition to being on an island in the heart of Budapest, is an island in the metaphorical sense. Sziget has a unique atmosphere: it is a meeting place, a musical and cultural show, a life-style, an enormous cafe and party place, a place of learning about the world and each other. No matter what style of music you like listening or dancing to, you will find the place of your taste. You can enjoy performances, shows, you can party and dance or just walk around and gaze at the ever-increasing flow of interesting and different people passing by. From the beginning in 1993 until 2001 Sziget’s capacity has grown from 43,000 to over 360,000 over the seven days of the event presenting stars such as Jethro
Noel Gallagher`s High Flying Birds Territory: Europe Period: 2015 Agency: Primary Talent International Agent: Ben Winchester Phone: +44 20 7400 4500 E-mail: ben@primarytalent.com Homepage: www.noelgallagher.com
BANCO DE GAIA Territory: World incl USA Period: May 2015 onwards Agency: Value Added Talent Agent: Dan Silver Phone: +44 20 7704 9720 E-mail: dan@vathq.co.uk Homepage: dan@vathq.co.uk
Tull, Ten Years After, Jefferson Starship, Byrds, Blood, Sweat and Tears, Eric Burdon, Stranglers, Jeff Healey, Clawfinger, Slash, The Bates, Stone Roses, Iggy Pop, The Prodigy, The Levellers, Sonic Youth, Therapy?, Galliano, David Bowie, Apollo 440, Motörhead, Toy Dollz, Rollins Band, Chumbawamba, Faith No More, Foo Fighters, New Model Army, Cardigans, DEUS, Boney M, Shane McGowan, Coolio, Transglobal Underground, Rammstein, Mory Kante, Goldie, Patti Smith, Green Day, Brand
Bo Kaspers Orkester Territory: Worldwide Period: By request Agency: Lifeline Entertainment Agent: Michael Henriksson Phone: + 46 70 632 00 23 E-mail: michael.henriksson@lifeline.se Homepage: www.lifeline.se
New Heavies, Kool and the Gang, Suede, Faithless, Guano Apes, Jovanotti, Baaba Maal, Apocalyptica, The Klezmatics, Liquido, Rachid Taha, Paradise Lost, Asian Dub Foundation, Suzanne Vega, Mambo Kurt, The Bloodhound Gang, Lou Reed, HIM, Bad Religion, Oasis, The King, H Blockx, K”s Choice, Bomfunk MC’s, Noir Desir, Run DMC, Fun-Da-Mental, Morcheeba, Leningrad Cowboys, Frestylers, Incognito, Eagle-Eye Cherry, Ash, Placebo.
About Our Company VIP-Booking’s core product is the Internet’s oldest and largest databasefor the European Live Entertainment Industry www.vip-booking.comdeveloped as a tool for industry professionals. Since it’s launch in the year 2000, we have consistently offered our subscribers the very best in database services and now boast subscribersin over 30 countries.
Alan Parsons Live Project Territory: Worldwide Period: 2016 Agency: World Entertainment Associates of America, Inc. Agent: John Regna Phone: +1 407 993 4000 E-mail: JPR@JohnRegna.com Homepage: www.AlanParsonsMusic.com
Placido Domingo Jr. Territory: World Tour Period: July 2015 - July 2016 Agency: Totalisimo Agent: Manuel Villegas Phone: +34 670 666 023 E-mail: direccion@totalisimo.com Homepage: www.totalisimo.com/en/artists/ placidodomingojr.html
MORE ARTIST AVAILS ON: WWW.VIP-BOOKING.COM POST YOUR ARTIST AVAILS ON: WWW.VIP-BOOKING.COM
Today VIP-Booking offers a range of tools for the industry – including VIP-News, VIP-Booking, VIP-Book and VIP-Contract. Please visit vip-booking.com for further information. Your comments and suggestions are always appreciated.
® Dionne Warwick
vip-booking.com
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