VIP NEWS ANNUAL 2020
Sustainability in The Live Music Industry VIP News presents Green Pages full of inspiration and a Checklist for Sustainability at your event! Read More on Pages 17-25
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6-27 on Pages 2
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JANUARY 2020
McGowan’s VIP Musings Review of 2019
Musings
with show business after all! But, the odd
jumping from the eighth spot in 2017 to
serious comment does have its place, and
claim No 1 in 2018, and he continued to
The Musings that kick off VIP News each
I welcome contributions from all of our
dominate things throughout 2019.
month
have
readers, whenever you feel the urge to
noticed, mainly intended to be light hearted
are,
you
may
hopefully
add to the Musings or the main body of
Come February as I tried to advance my
observations on the current state of our
The News in 2020! So whilst you consider
save the planet credentials I found myself
main subject, i.e. the live music industry.
this, let’s remind ourselves of some of what
being attracted to news of the international
After all I think you’ll agree, a sense of
occupied us in 2019…
waste campaign, “Love Your Tent’ made me
humour is pretty important, we are involved
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
take the re-use instead of discard campaign Back in January we hoped to be looking
seriously, as this is all about behaviour
forward to a great new year, but we were
change and encouraging people to have
still to be plagued by the topic that would
more respect, both for their environment
continue to dominate lives in the UK, from
and themselves. Of course this campaign was
both personal and business points of view,
about interaction with festivals, and ranged
and there wasn’t much about it that was
from social media support right through to full
funny! Brexit, a hateful word for a more
on site activations and artists engagements.
than difficult proposal in many ways, was
Contact: info@loveyourtent.com
one that trade body UK Music described as
UK
government’s
“clueless”
post-
Another serious subject which was returned
Brexit immigration policy, which will be
to throughout the year was the handling of
“devastating” for British music.
and coping with stress and strain. Much as I joked about chasing seagulls for relaxation I
Other topics that would continue to
do take the subject of mental health seriously.
Writer and editorial: Allan McGowan am@vip-booking.com
dominate throughout the year included
Certainly as the industry has become more
Secondary Ticketing, which seemed to be
corporate and complicated and the sums of
Writer: Manfred Tari mt@vip-booking.com
coming into a more controlled space as
money involved increase then all involved in
Artists and promoters seemed to be more
what is undoubtedly a risky business have to
empowered. More and more work is being
be resilient, and it is vital that people know
done to back up the grass roots venues, and
where to turn for support and help.
Journalist: Anne Frank Henriksen ah@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
throughout the year we mused more upon this and the work of The Music Venues Trust.
March of course brings with it ILMC and the
But generally the business kicked off being
31st edition brought in a record number of
successful, particularly at the top end. The
attendants to London’s Royal Garden Hotel,
ten biggest touring artists of 2018 brought
some 1200 people from 60 countries took
in a collective US$2bn+,with all grossing
part from 5-8 March, so I reckon that’s as
more than US$100 million each, in a year
international as you’re likely to get! New
packed with “remarkable box-office feats”,
events added to the Agenda brought in
according to Pollstar’s traditional end-of-year
Production people and a new draft of
ticket sales chart.
young people – yes, I was very aware of the aging process! – to add some balance to
The man with the small guitar Ed Sheeran
the continuing presence of the many long
was by far the biggest tour of the year,
standing regulars.
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VIP NEWS ANNUAL >
JANUARY 2020
Also I, and many others, if the final standing ovation was anything to go by, thought that The Who’s Roger Daltrey delivered a really impressive interview. I have been told that I often display my Englishness (much as I also have an Irish passport, and my parents grew up in Scotland) by referring to the weather in the Musings. Come April and the Spring it was just like a summer’s day, bright and sunny and really warm, hot in fact! I promised to do my best to hold on to this environment for the many of you planning a trip to the
Roger Daltrey interviewed by Ed Bicknell at ILMC
Sussex coast for The Great Escape in May. I was reasonably successful as it happened!
were happy to meet as they strolled past on
We took July off, hoping that you’d all
their way to gigs, parties, and even panels…
manage to get through the summer months without us. In the August edition my March
I had been in Estonia for Tallinn Music Week, which was also warm and sunny,
By June, both the UK and European live
predictions of erratic climactic conditions
considering I’ve been there at the same time
industries pondered the effects that Brexit
were confirmed. Glastonbury was one of
of year when the sea was frozen over. Also I
would have. At the UK Music summer party
the hottest ever. Then unusually high winds
had recently returned from Portugal, where
the organisation’s boss Michael Dughher
had their effect on festivals and other events
the sun shone in Guimarães for Westway
said, “At UK Music we will continue to
and attractions. In the UK large events
Lab. The main point of all this waffling
highlight the need for touring artists and
were cancelled, and In Winchester, at the
was – apart from attending very impressive
musicians to be able to move freely without
Boomtown Fair, dozens of tents were wrecked
music events, which I went on to describe
the kind of cost and bureaucracy that,
overnight after 52 mile an hour winds.
in the April News – there is without doubt
frankly, could make playing across Europe
something weird going on with the weather.
simply not viable for many UK musicians.”
Of course my Easy Jet flight back from Hamburg to Gatwick in September was
I’m sorry Mr Trump whether you like it
I was cheered up though; coming across an
late, but the Reeperbahn Festival was well
or not, climate change is a fact! As we
Oasis in the Desert (sorry!), Liam Gallagher
worth attending. This was the opinion of the
headed into the festival season, who knew
had
(jokingly?) put himself forward for
whole VIP team, and I’m sure many others!
what the 2019 events would have to deal
Prime Minister! Quite frankly, Liam could
As with Great Escape, panels, parties, politics,
with. As it happens the summer had a
be as capable a choice as any of the others
people, producers, how can you pack them
variety of severe conditions to contend with
who have admitted the odd drug dalliance.
all in? However, this is how it is with this and
and certainly every year the conditions get
Liam tweeted, “My name is Liam Gallagher.
other international events and you just have
harder to predict, as forecasts become less
I have four beautiful children, I have dabbled
to learn to be grateful for the extreme hard
and less reliable.
in drugs over the years, I’ve had many
work of organisers and make the most of
number ones, now send me the keys to
what you can fit in.
May brought about another full on edition
Number Ten… Things got busy leading up to the October
of the aforementioned Great Escape - and it required a lot of energy! How many parties can you drop into, how many can you not get to and be told how the ones you missed were
4
Liam Gallagher for Prime Minister?
News; on the 9th London’s Islington Assembly Hall, was full to bursting with representatives of the UK’s clubs and small, grassroots
the best, how many gigs, obviously the best,
venues. Music Venue Trust’s annual national
can you miss because although the delegate
networking event, Venues Day, was again
queues were shorter you didn’t get there
sold
soon enough to gain access, because you
including 200 venue representatives from
were delayed …at a party!? Still you’d see
across the UK. The atmosphere was to say
most of the international delegates that you
the least cheerful, and optimistic, particularly
out,
welcoming
550
delegates,
VIP NEWS ANNUAL >
JANUARY 2020
considering the problems that many UK
hour. Glastonbury 2020, will take place from
the EU, much as ex-MP and chief of UK Music
venues have had over the last few years.
24 to 28 June down home on Worthy Farm
Michael Dugher (now departed) has pointed
in Somerset. This, believe it or not, marks
out to the Tory Government that the value of
50th anniversary of the event.
the UK music industry has topped £5.2 billion.
in Paris at MaMA, where yours truly chaired
Back in the UK in November, life remained
On the optimistic side the latest Pricewater-
a panel on the future growth of small
pretty much dominated by politics, Music
houseCoopers (PwC) figures reveal that the
venues in Europe, discovering that the term
business interactions with politicians included
value of ticket sales for live music events will
grassroots did not mean a lot outside the UK,
Stormzy calling Tory cabinet member Jacob
exceed US$25 billion for the first time in
but reference to small local venues definitely
Rees –Mogg, an “actual piece of shit” after
2023 – with total industry revenues set to
did. Paris is not short of some good venues,
his remarks about the victims of the Grenfell
reach a record $31.5m the same year.
which were of course used to showcase
Tower disaster, and Prime Minister and ex-
international artists at this very successful
Mayor of London Boris Johnson claiming to
Secondary Ticketing will still not go away!
10th anniversary edition of MaMA, which
be a Clash fan, although he mainly listens to
After Viagogo and eBay stunned the industry
attracted
the Rolling Stones? London Calling?
announcing a mega merger last month, but
Discussions about the importance of the future of grassroots venues was also covered
6398
professionals
from
56
nationalities, representing 2398 companies. It get’s bigger!
an inquiry is to be held by the CMA! So here we are in December, saying goodbye to 2019, and hoping that we can
So, let’s stay optimistic, hope you all have a
Talking of things that get bigger, and
expect 2020 vision to kick in over the next
great New Year, and I look forward to more
anniversaries…Glastonbury Festival! More
year! So what can we expect? Brexit still
Musings , and to hearing more from you on
than 2.4 million people registered to get
threatens and newly elected politicians still
how things are with your businesses, and
hold of these oh so desirable tickets. All
don’t seem to have any idea of how badly
your comments on how things are with the
135,000 tickets sold out in just over half an
affected the music business will be by leaving
live industry in general!
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17.12.19 19:46
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European Mergers and Acquisitions From VIP-Daily News
2019 was yet another year of many interesting business mergers and acquisitions. We have gathered some of the most interesting ones that have featured in VIP News over the past six months. Every transaction will probably have an influence on our industry for years to come.
CTS Eventim acquires majority stake in Barracuda Music (December 2019) CTS EVENTIM has acquired 71 percent of shares in the Austrian concert promoter Barracuda Music. Barracuda Music will become part of the EVENTIM LIVE promoter network. Frithjof Pils, Managing Director of EVENTIM LIVE, added: The Barracuda Group is the first point of contact in Austria for countless outstanding local and international artists with an exceptional portfolio of festivals. Ewald Tatar will continue to manage Barracuda`s operations from Vienna: “I look forward to this opportunity to continue Barracuda’s success story in the future with the support of a global player like CTS EVENTIM. Collaborating with the EVENTIM LIVE promoters will help us to offer artists, venues and fans the best possible solutions.”
Ewald Tatar
CTS Eventim acquires Russian Promoter TCI (October 2019) CTS Eventim has entered the Russian live entertainment market through its acquisition of the country’s leading tour and concert promoter, Talent Concert International (TCI). The German ticketing company has bought 51 per cent of the shares of TCI. Klaus-Peter Schulenberg, chief executive of Eventim, said: “TCI complements our portfolio perfectly. The Russian market is very important to a growing number of internationally popular artists – and few companies bring as many acts from abroad to Russia as TCI”. Ed Ratnikov (pictured), chief executive of TCI, added: “Eventim is the best possible partner for continuing TCI’s growth story long-term. Becoming part of a global player opens up additional opportunities for us and the entire Russian market”. Ratnikov and finance director Nikolay Sinitsyn will continue to serve as TCI’s senior management.Together, they also hold the remaining 49 per cent of shares in the company.
Ed Ratnikov
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Live Nation Finland acquires Hög Agency & Promotion’s business (October 2019) Founded in 2016, Hög Agency & Promotion has been a key player
of Hög Agency & Promotion’s business is a key part of this plan. In
in the Finnish market. According to the parties the deal adds further
addition to the acquisition Live Nation Finland has also signed two of
strength and depth to Live Nation Finland’s domestic roster.
Finland’s emerging acts, Kube and SONNY”.
Mikko Varjamo, the Founder and CEO of Hög Agency will continue at Live Nation Finland as an agent, and current employees now work for Live Nation. “After running my own agencies for over nine years, I felt It was time to move forward. This new union with Live Nation will enable the company to operate at a different level and will strengthen our position in Finland’s music scene”. Live Nation Finland’s Managing Director Tomi Saarinen adds: “Our focus is on developing a strong domestic artist roster and the acquisition
FKP Scorpio acquires Swedish Promoter (September 2019) German promoter FKP Scorpio’s Swedish division FKP Scorpio Sverige
According to FKP, the companies will jointly produce and present all
announced the acquisition of Swedish promoter Woah Dad Live.
future events but will continue to operate as independent entities.
Following the acquisition, Woah Dad Live’s execs Niklas Lundell and Joel Borg have joined FKP Scorpio Sverige as shareholders and will
“FKP Scorpio has a stable backbone and a well-organized structure
serve as board members for FKP Scorpio Sverige.
that will be perfect for us now when growing and taking more ground over here. We’ll bring new ideas and many years of experience in the Scandinavian market into our partnership”, said Woah Dad managing director Niklas Lundell. FKP Scorpio executive director adds: “We have been working with Woah Dad Live before and are proud of what we have achieved and accomplished. The expertise in our teams when it comes to the
Niklas Lundell
Joel Borg
Scandinavian market will help us to reach this goal”, FKP Scorpio boss Folkert Koopmans says.
Superstruct invests in Wacken Open Air (August 2019) Superstruct Entertainment has entered into a partnership and invest-
and supported by an experienced team we are confident that together
ment agreement with International Concert Service GmbH (ICS), The
we can continue to expand ICS.”
promoter of Wacken Open Air. Besides W:O:A, ICS also produces and promotes ancillary events such as the Hamburg Metal Dayz, the Wacken Winter Nights, and the Werner Race. Holger Hübner and Thomas Jensen (founders and co-CEOs of ICS) declared: “We will continue providing world-class experiences through our portfolio of live events and now we are able to additionally benefit from a partner with a global network and experience”. James Barton, CEO of Superstruct, said: “We are very excited to join forces with ICS, the global leaders in metal. Led by Holger and Thomas,
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UK Promoter MJR Group sold to TEG (August 2019) Australian entertainment giant TEG is making
Buck comments: “We’ve worked hard to
Going forward, The MJR Group’s operations
its first push into Europe with its biggest ever
scale the business over the last five years and
will be incorporated into TEG’s global
acquisition of UK-based promoter and venue
this next step in our evolution will further
activities, with its U.K. operations to be
operator MJR Group.
strengthen our position in the market.”
renamed TEG UK.
TEG CEO Geoff Jones says MJR is a “great fit” for TEG, recognised as Asia Pacific’s largest diversified entertainment company, and the development goes some way toward the Australian business realising its global ambitions. The MJR Group, he notes, “has strong management talent and a clever live entertainment model to which TEG can add ticketing, analytics and digital capability… (and) brings significant additions to our venue portfolio.” Following the acquisition, The MJR Group’s three partners, Richard Buck, Scott Mesiti and Dan Ickowitz-Seidler, will remain with the TEG group.
Richard Buck, Scott Mesiti and Dan Ickowitz-Seidler
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B2B Views on 2019 & 2020 We asked some live music industry professionals about their views on the most important events that have happened during 2019 and what they expect to be the most significant in 2020.
Name: Xenia Grigat Company: Luger (Denmark) Position: Promoter & Head of International Artists Luger is a bespoke booking agency for local talent and concert promoter for international artists, with offices in Denmark and Sweden. Luger Sweden was established in 1991 and Luger Denmark opened in 2018 with domestic artists, and I joined the team on November 1st 2019 as promoter for international artists.
sprout in 2020. How that will play out, will be interesting to follow in 2020. Q4: What will be the biggest challenge/task for you and your company in 2020? Q1:
Sustainability, mental health and equality.
Setting up shop – I just started promoting
What event in 2019 do you think will
I can’t pick one. There’s a lot of great
international artists at Luger Denmark. There’s
influence the Live Music Industry most
initiatives and focus on these topics, and
so much support from agents, artists and
in years to come?
that’s a great start. But we can’t lose focus
managers which I am grateful for, and I will
and need to make a collective promise across
do my very best to show that gratitude with
Brexit, not sure it’s right calling it an “event”
the industry, to implement in the years and
amazing shows in 2020. I really can’t wait!
(then again), but it will effect touring and the
generations to come. Q5:
music industry in ways we can’t imagine the details of right now. Q2:
Q3:
What artist would you like to see
Business wise do you see any big event
reunited for a tour in 2020 and why?
on the horizon for 2020? (Mergers etc.).
What do you think will be the most
Eurythmics – I would love to see a grand style
important issue for the Live Music
Several European mergers and expansions
production with Annie Lennox and Dave
Industry in 2020?
happened in 2019, which need to settle and
Stewart. It’s time.
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VIP NEWS ANNUAL >
JANUARY 2020
Also, a gap is probably going to occur Name: Michaela Maiterth
between two eras of artists. There is still a
Company: Montreux Jazz Festival
difference between established artists with
Position: Booker
a huge repertoire spanning 40 years and reaching several generations, and younger
Founded in 1967 by Claude Nobs, the Montreux Jazz Festival takes place over 2 weeks
artists. The criteria to arouse the fans’
each summer in Switzerland. More than 250,000 music lovers come to the shores of
interest have changed, marketing strategies
Lake Geneva for concerts of renowned acoustics and numerous free-access events.
have to be much more detailed and targeted. The booking process will thus rely more and
With ambitious programming choices and a savoir-faire forged in the hospitality
more on detailed data.
industry, the Festival offers a haven of peace where time seems to stop. Upcoming talents have less time to create The festival will celebrate its 54th edition from July 3 to 18, 2020
a repertoire that makes them unique, and they might rely on business diversification, even outside the music industry. The democratisation of music through social media and streaming make it perhaps more difficult to stand out and keep the interest of the audience. The artists active on social media are actually doing some of their marketing, PR and gossip themselves. Q3: Business wise do you see any big event on the horizon for 2020? (Mergers etc.) The monopolistic trend will continue. We will for example witness acquisitions of musical catalogues, by companies considering the music business purely as an investment sector. Q4: What will be the biggest challenge/task for you and your company in 2020? We will continue to (try to) put together the best possible program, improve the
Q1:
should be allowed. An example: if ticket
comfort of the public, find innovative ideas
What event in 2019 do you think will
sales are linked with a facial recognition
for the festival site, try to help new artists
influence the Live Music Industry most
system, how will the use of the data retained
get noticed. The most important is to
in years to come?
by private companies be monitored?
diversify our activities and always question
The debate over ownership of catalogue
Q2:
and masters by the artist will still be lively.
What do you think will be the most
Q5:
The role of technology will also be a central
important issue for the Live Music
What artist would you like to see
issue in the next years, with its implications
Industry in 2020?
reunited for a tour in 2020 and why?
production, music distribution, and ticket
As usual, the augmenting of costs in all areas
If an unrealistic wish can be mentioned:
selling as well. An important question that
of the live sector: production, infrastructure,
Led Zeppelin. Reason: iconic, historical rock
will remain is how far intrusion into privacy
fees, security, etc.
reference.
everything, to see if we can do better.
reconsidered
12
in
the
fields
of
show
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JANUARY 2020
Name: Helen Sildna Company: Shiftworks / Tallinn Music Week Position: Founder Among the company’s flagship projects are two transformational festival brands: an internationally renowned annual music industry showcase and conference Tallinn Music Week (TMW), and an urban culture and music festival Station Narva on the border between EU and Russia. Besides promoting music and culture, Shiftworks also helps its clients—companies, organisations and institutions—to achieve their strategic corporate, social and cultural goals. Shiftworks, founded in 2009, uses creative tools to achieve change in society. www.tmw.ee, www.shiftworks.ee
Q1: What event in 2019 do you think will influence the Live Music Industry most in years to come?
Q2:
I think the overall direction is geared towards
What do you think will be the most
a healthier and a more sustainable music
In November 2019 we saw two big touring
important issue for the Live Music
industry that embraces digital transformation
artists make similar announcements:
Industry in 2020?
as an advantage. It is certainly true that
One of the biggest stadium-rock bands in
Starting from 2020 and for many years
other creative sector that has gone through
the world, Coldplay announced they will
to come - I hope this will be Sustainable
such a dramatic transformation due to the
not be touring for the foreseeable future,
Development
digital turn - than music. I think the launch
as they seek to make their concerts less
impact.
together with the film industry, there is no
Goals
and
environmental
environmentally damaging. A week later,
of 5G services in 2020 in combination with the desire for a smaller carbon footprint, will
Robert Del Naja on behalf of Massive
Q3:
soon have a great impact on the live music
Attack said: “The music industry has had
Business wise do you see any big event
business in terms of live streams and digital
a big carbon impact. As a band working
on the horizon for 2020? (Mergers etc.)
experiences. The sports industry is a few
with climate experts, we’re going to try to minimise ours.”
steps ahead of us there already. If we set ourselves goals and targets as an industry in accordance with the United
Q4:
These were two visible announcements
Nations Sustainable Development Goals, it
What will be the biggest challenge/task
that reached global media attention, but
will change our business quite a bit. I think
for you and your company in 2020?
privately, I have heard many artists as well
it is inevitable. Firstly - it is a responsible
as festivals, venues, organizations state the
and sensible thing to do, to put the planet
Firstly - to present these two topics: Music
same. Touring and event production needs
first, but secondly - these are steps that the
Industry 2.0 together with Sustainable
to become much less environmentally
younger generation of our audiences and
Development Goals in music & culture
damaging. It is a conversation that needs
clients will expect us to pay attention to - or
- through an engaging and impactful
to happen together with visible steps for -
they’ll choose another service, who does. Less
programme during Tallinn Music Week 2020
essentially Music Industry 2.0
production of waste that cannot be reused,
(March 25-28) and more broadly - to gear
but also - more equality and accessibility.
my company Shiftworks very clearly towards
The second big announcement is sadly
Topics like gender equality in music have
using music and culture as a tool to make a
that Brexit seems now inevitable. We can
been a much wider discussion already as
positive impact in society. As we launched a
never underestimate the impact that the
initiatives like Keychange or SheSaidSo are
new festival brand Station Narva in 2018 in
UK has had on music culture globally, so -
growing. But also the inclusion of minorities
Narva (a 96% Russian speaking town on the
the closer the collaboration ties will remain,
as well as disadvantaged neighbourhoods
border of EU and Russia), we are also deep in
also in the framework of EU policies and
and people with disabilities. Also topics like
the process of creating better collaboration
funding, the better.
mental health.
opportunities for Russian and European
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VIP NEWS ANNUAL >
JANUARY 2020
creative businesses. I think having healthy
success of new Russian music, and needless
More than longing for reunion tours, I get
working relationships with our neighbours
to say we are proud of the success of Estonian
excited about cross border collaborations
is a key to Europe’s future success. Us here
artists abroad of course. The past decade has
- across genres, genders and cultures.
- being situated between Russia and the
been a game-changer for Estonian music
Sometimes the invisible borders between
Nordics, will do our part no matter where
(applause to Music Estonia as well), surely the
music scenes and genres are even more rigid
politics and diplomacy are at - so cultural
next one will be even more so.
than the ones between countries. It’s more
collaborations and private sector businesses
rewarding to see artists like Hatari go to
can still develop and thrive. We started
Q5:
places like Eurovision in Israel and collaborate
Station Narva specifically for that purpose
What artist would you like to see
with artists like Bashar Murad from Palestine.
and we are excited about the international
reunited for a tour in 2020 and why?
That to me is the power of music.
Name: Artem Gorny Company: Attack Concerts Position: CEO Founded in 1994, Attack Concerts - a booking and promoting agency - is a key part of a group of companies comprised of SkyFox - sound & lights rental company, kassy. ru - a ticketing company and o2TV – Music TV channel. Over the last 25 years, Attack Concerts has grown to become a leader in booking acts of different music styles for private and corporate events, public concerts and festivals in Russia and CIS. We have booked, organised and promoted performances for the following artists: Chris Rea, Geri Halliwell, Scorpions, P!NK, Sarah Brightman, Shakira, Christina Aguilera, Anastacia, Pussycat Dolls, Beyonce, Jessie J, Amy Winehouse, Katy Perry, Rihanna, Craig David, Toni Braxton, Boyz II Men, Lana del Rey, Flo Rida, Pitbull, Duran Duran, Cher, Jamiroquai, Seal, Status Quo, Eros Ramazzotti, Toto Cutugno, Postmodern Jukebox, Lily Allen, Zaz, NCT 127 and many others.
Q4: What will be the biggest challenge/task for you and your company in 2020?
Our endless energy and firm determination helps us to follow through our plans and open up new opportunities for developing and expanding our business.
Next year we want to implement several new projects. They are connected not only with working with new artists and venues, but also with entering new markets. We are
Q1:
Personally for us it is entering new markets
not ready to share all the details right now,
What event in 2019 do you think will
and the implementation of new projects. For
because it is currently under development.
influence the Live Music Industry most
the industry as a whole - further integration
in years to come?
of
modern
technologies
into
business
processes. And, of course, the day-to-day
What artist would you like to see
Difficult to answer. The modern world (and
issues, which are always the same: artists
reunited for a tour in 2020 and why?
the Live Music Industry) is so dynamic and
booking, production, marketing etc.
it is always moving forwards. There have
A lot of them! From Abba and Modern
been many events this year, but it’s hard to
Q3:
Talking to Oasis and Dire Straits! A long-
mention just one.
Business wise do you see any big event
awaited reunion is always good news for
on the horizon for 2020? (Mergers etc.)
both the fan and the promoter. We are
Q2:
14
Q5:
music fans ourselves, so first of all we will
What do you think will be the most
The music industry is constantly evolving.
just be happy to see these artists back on
important issue for the Live Music
Our task is to be ready for any changes and
stage. And, of course, we will think about
Industry in 2020?
accept them as the new rules of the game.
a collaboration.
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Name: Marc Saunders Company: The O2 Position: Programming Manager The O2 is the world’s most popular music, entertainment and leisure venue and has been visited by more than 70 million people since opening in 2007. The arena hosts over 200 events a year and in 2019 welcomed artists including; Drake, Hugh Jackman, Ariana Grande, Cher & Liam Gallagher.
The O2 received the Royal Borough of
digital side to the live music industry
Greenwich Greener Greenwich award and
as we enter the new decade. VR is fast
the sustainability and community award at
growing as a household presence across
the Stadium Business Awards.
various platforms, but as the demand for
Q1:
tickets to the world’s hottest shows grows
What event in 2019 do you think will
At
waste
exponentially, we can envisage that VR
influence the Live Music Industry most
compound,
program,
concerts could soon become a common
in years to come?
ongoing energy reduction projects and on-
occurrence. There are already companies
site Wormery and Eco-Digester are just some
operating business models which utilise
2019 will largely be recognised as the year
of the actions in place that have contributed
virtual reality technology across live music,
that awareness towards the environment
to a 40% reduction in transport to site and
but I feel that this will be the next step that
and climate change became most prevalent.
less than 1% of waste going to landfill per
would truly digitise the live industry.
Individuals like Greta Thunberg have helped
year, and The O2 surpassing its waste, water
pave the way for companies and individuals
and greenhouse gas emissions targets every
Q4:
alike to take a step back and reevaluate the
year since 2010.
What will be the biggest challenge/task
The
O2
a
state-of-the-art
green
cleaning
for you and your company in 2020?
effect their business has on the planet. Q2: I would like to see the music industry
What do you think will be the most
Our biggest commitment is to ensure we
continue to ensure a more sustainable future
important issue for the Live Music
remain consistent in programming the best
in all areas that it operates including touring.
Industry in 2020?
possible content and endeavour to add to
At The O2, we launched our Good Vibes All
the stellar list of artists we already have set
Round initiative earlier this year. It promotes
Grassroot music venues play such an
to perform at The O2 in 2020, such as Billie
the work we do in relation to sustainability,
important role in our industry and sadly
Eilish, Diana Ross, Stormzy & Elton John.
accessibility, charity and community and is
we’re hearing about more and more brilliant
underpinned by The O2 and AEG’s values,
venues closing down. So many of the artists
Q5:
which are shared by employees, fans,
who perform at The O2 started their careers
What artist would you like to see
artists, brand partners and tenants, all which
in grassroots venues and the work the Music
reunited for a tour in 2020 and why?
encourage a shift of focus and behavioural
Venues Trust is doing to protect these venues
change in relation to sustainability goals.
is so vital. We’re really proud to support
We had Cher perform two amazing shows
them and grateful for a positive impact they
at The O2 in October 2019 as part of her
are making.
Here We Go Again, which of course included
In the last 12 months the venue has worked closely with event organisers including ATP
a large selection of ABBA’s greatest hits.
and The BRIT Awards, and partners O2 and
Q3:
Although it’s already been batted away in
Sky, to reduce the environmental impact of
Business wise do you see any big event
the media, Cher’s performances reinforced
events, including removing a wide range of
on the horizon for 2020? (Mergers etc.)
the reality that if ABBA were to come
Single Use Plastics from the venue; these are
together once again, it would undoubtedly
conversations that The O2 plans to continue
Perhaps not necessarily in 2020, but I
be the ultimate reunion (except maybe Oasis
into the future. As a result of these efforts
feel that we will begin to see a more
of course!)
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VIP NEWS ANNUAL >
JANUARY 2020
Sustainability in the Live Music Industry Anne Frank Henriksen ah@vip-booking.com
There are thousands of festivals and other live music events all over the world each year - each one of them making beautiful concerts, moments and memories
Claire O’Neill, A Greener Festival
for the millions of people attending. But while doing so we use nature’s resources. We leave a massive carbon footprint and create plastic pollution. Not to mention the fact that Coldplay won’t go on tour again until they can do it carbon neutrally. So people – y’all need to do something! Whether you’re an agent, a manager, an artist, a supplier of lighting or printing services for posters. Luckily a lot of sustainability work is already being done in the Live Music Industry, but if you’re slightly confused on where to start or you just need more inspiration or maybe even a rider for your next green step, VIP-Booking gives you: THE GREEN PAGES.
Take a leap into a world Let’s take a look at the organization A
currently doing, combining live music and
Greener Festival (AGF), based in the UK:
sustainability, she says:
AGF has had a massive impact on the development towards making events and
“I’m happy to see that the awareness
festivals greener over the past decade.
of sustainable solutions has grown. It’s become more mainstream to consider
A Greener Festival is a non-profit company,
sustainability in planning events now and
to disposal - and the huge importance of
committed to helping events, festivals and
it’s almost everywhere. In a lot of places,
communication and behaviour.”
venues around the world to become more
the festival goers simply demand some kind
sustainable and to reduce environmental
of consciousness about it, but there’s still a
impacts. As pioneers in event sustainability
long way to go. Sustainability is not all about
since its first research in 2005, AGF provide
plastic. Reduction of plastic is a good thing
Claire O’ Neill explains: “We operate in a
certification,
But where to start?
because we obviously want to protect our
macro environment and in order to move
facilitates the exchange of its best practice.
seas and nature in general, but it doesn’t do
people and goods around we are still
Claire O’Neill, Co-Founder and Director
much for the reduction of carbon emissions.
reliant on a transport industry that is heavily
of AGF has been dedicated to this for over
The events need to look at the WHOLE
reliant on fossil fuels. Low carbon modes of
a decade. On the question of how we are
picture, the entire chain from production
transport for heavy vehicles travelling long
training,
expertise,
and
Festival WOOD: A festival legacy that will grow and grow Cheers mate! Are you reading this holding a pint in a plastic cup right now? Scan this QL-code and buy a tree in The Festival Wood. The Festival Woods is a wild forest regeneration initiative from A Greener Festival, an opportunity for the festival community to give something back to the great outdoors that we love to enjoy, to improve biodiversity, reduce risk of floods, and boost a “carbon sink” by generating forests.
17
VIP NEWS ANNUAL >
JANUARY 2020
distances are usually more expensive than
reduce the carbon imprint. We need to try
• If you use temporary power make sure
their fossil fuel counterparts. Governments
things out to know what is working.”
you’ve assessed the efficiencies. This could
need to change this”, Claire O’Neill states.
be a quick win and a cost saver by reducing Claire offers three good pieces of advice:
fuel wastage.
matter of taking a leap and trying something
• Take an AGF assessment! In order to
• Match your material inputs with your
out: “A lot of the progress that’s been done
know where you need to be you need to
waste facilities available! Or much better still
in this area has had a lot of failures along the
know where you are so get assessing and
use reclaimed and reusable materials with a
way – but it’s made us all wiser on how to
get expert advice.
“life after show”.
She emphasizes that it is really “just” a
Supplying power with great success The company Power Logistics has won al-
often the number and size of generators
deployed providing real-time knowledge
most every award worth winning when
required onsite, resulting in greater cost
and data regarding the event’s energy
it comes to sustainable power supply for
efficiencies. The data from power monitoring
usage. This enables Power Logistics to
events and festivals. With sustainable initia-
in 2018 was analyzed and used to specify
deliver clients a % breakdown of their fuel
tives deployed at BST Hyde Park 2019 they
more efficient power systems for 2019.
usage across the site in real-time so event
decreased the festival’s fuel usage by 25% and reduced CO2 emissions by 103 tonnes.
organizers can see exactly how much fuel is This included using generators in a load
being used and where.
demand configuration. It turned out it was A Greener Festival invited the company’s
possible to install a smaller genset in each
In 2018 we used a hybrid system to power
technical operations manager Dan Pratt
of the large generator banks for use during
an accommodation area off-site limiting
to share on their blog how Power Logistics
the build and breakdown period as well as
generator running times by more than half
have managed such an achievement:
overnight running.
and in turn increased efficiencies. Battery systems are set to be the next major phase,
Since 2014, Power Logistics has been
A power monitoring system developed
making battery power a reality for the main
providing a complete project management
in-house by our development team was
stages in the not too distant future.
solution for BST Hyde Park, including the delivery of all site and show power and site lighting requirements. In 2015 the company started to power monitoring and introduced modern LED lighting solutions and went on to introduce HVO fuel at specific areas around the site in 2017. In 2019 the event took a huge leap forward in terms of sustainable initiatives. For the first time, the site was fuelled solely with HVO, this form of renewable diesel is produced from vegetable fats and oils. Supplying an event of this size and scale with 100% renewable fuel is a significant step, not only for BST Hyde Park but for the event industry overall. Power monitoring has proven to have a positive impact on an event’s carbon footprint; reducing fuel consumption and
18
AGF has made this illustration on all the elements you need to consider in making your event more sustainable
VIP NEWS ANNUAL >
JANUARY 2020
VIP-Booking.com And Sustainable Event Solutions present
Pull Out
The Sustainability Checklist for Artists and Event Organizers. Pull out the Checklist and use the Shortcut to make our industry more sustainable! “With the Sustainability Checklist you have a game changer in your
requirements of the customers. The idea to solve this knot with
hand. Use it. It is powerful,” says Stefan Lohmann, German Talent
a Sustainability Rider inspired me. The event industry is known for
Buyer & Booking Agent and very dedicated to the green movement
innovation and extreme creativity. This can be used just as well for
within the music industry. He is the official partner and artist
sustainability as for the wow show effects that we all love so much.”
relations manager of the German Sustainability Award and the man behind the Checklist. “I want to empower and motivate the event industry and the artists to make a sustainable change - now! My Goal is that sustainable events are the standard in our industry. The interesting part of the shortlist is: it works for artists, promoters, festivals, tour companies, venues and all event suppliers, in fact, almost everyone in the event industry. Still, it is especially addressed to event and tour organizers and musicians. These people have the most power to ask their service providers to act in a sustainable way or to choose the best providers who can fulfil the checklist.” To back up the checklist is a full Sustainability Rider, which you can find on Lohmann’s website www.sustainable-event-solutions.de, where he has also gathered all the suppliers you need for a green event. The Rider has been made in cooperation with event and eco-experts, but also with one of Germany’s biggest and most sustainable tech companies, Satis&Fy. That approve, according to Lohmann, the potential of the rider and that it can make a difference if you use it. Marcus Stadler, Eco-Management at Satis&fy says: “I know of no other industry in which sustainability ideas are so difficult to assert as in the event industry. But that doesn’t have to be the case! There are now more environmentally friendly alternatives for all conventional materials and techniques. The high material and energy consumption of events can already be drastically reduced by eco-efficient planning. What is needed for this is a rethinking of the execution, controlled by the environmentally conscious
Stefan Lohmann
19
SustainableEv_Checklist_engl._002_pfad_4Druck.pdf
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22
JANUARY 2020
VIP NEWS ANNUAL >
JANUARY 2020
Award-winning and inspiring green festivals Anne Frank Henriksen ah@vip-booking.com
Windmill, Green Gathering
GREEN GATHERING, UK ering won the UK In December 2019 The Green Gath A Greener Festival Award. ed in bars and Single-use plastics have been bann are vegetarian, the food stalls since 2015, all caterers needs are met by festival is completely off-grid, all 73% of all waste sun, wind, and people and in 2019 generated was recycled.
emphasis that education for sustainability, with the low-impact alternatives. Its focus is life, real of case show a is ering The Green Gath people and passion. nd hedonism’ powered by wind, sun, fun. The festival’s philosophy is ‘beyo education should be hands-on and ts and lifestyle. them to change their outlook, habi e at The Green Gathering inspired danc atten that say ently frequ Festival-goers ering aims to trigger a sense of enjoying the show, The Green Gath and lities nsibi respo tting forge t r. Where many festivals are all abou their lives, and the world, for the bette the mindset and skills to transform with ers al-go festiv p equi to and responsibility
DGTL AMSTERDAM, NL DGTL-Festivals DGTL won the International Green er Festival Award in 2019, presented at ILMC. The International Greener Festival A ward is the highest overall scoring festival, across all festivals that were assessed globally by AGF before the award show in 2019. DGTL is highly aware of its environm ental impacts and has one very clear goal; to become the world’s first circular festival in 2020. One of many green initiatives in 2019 was the use of composting toilets which recycles human waste. Did you know that 90% of what enters the toilets is in fact water? The composting toilets evaporate this and carry it back to the atmo sphe re through a vent system while the small amount of remaining solid material is converted to usefu l soil fertilizer. Besides this, DGTL is reducing cigar ette butts on the ground by introducin g The Litti, an ashtray and lighter in one. They will explore the use of compressed natural gas to generate energy, heat up tents and warehouses, and circulate and ventilate spaces reducing a great amount of CO2-emissions. The artists will be hosted in a circular, ener gy neutral hotel and transported in electric vehicles to and from the festival grounds. In 2018 DGTL moved away from wast them to discover the value of their
e collection tucked away behind the scenes, to a “Resource Street” visib le for all visitors allowing own waste and change the narrative from “waste as a problem” to “reso urces as a solution”
23
VIP NEWS ANNUAL >
JANUARY 2020
Sustainability Across Borders There are several examples of organizations and events working across borders to ensure and develop sustainability. Here are a few of them.
Green Deal Circular Festivals. Photo: Roeland Sjoerd Hoefsloot, ADE
GREEN DEAL CIRCULAR FESTIVALS
year GEI demonstrates the latest solutions
and call for an immediate governmental re-
and
sponse to protect all life on Earth.
technologies
for
practical
event
management, as well as crucial challenges In October 2019 The Green Deal Circular
to be addressed. The conference mixes
“We believe in the power of music to promote
Festivals was launched during ADE GREEN,
practical case studies, discussion panels
the cultural change needed to create a better
Amsterdam.
and presentations from around the world,
future”, it says on musicdeclares.net.
The
participating
festivals
collectively committed to share knowledge
including the International AGF Awards. “We will jointly support one another,
and develop circular solutions that can be put into practice by other festivals worldwide.
CAMPSITE WASTE CHALLENGE
sharing expertise as a collective industry and community. We will speak up and out
They strive for circularity by 2025. The Green Deal is unique; it is the first time that this
In 2018 YOUROPE’s GO Group and A
about the Climate and Ecological Emergency
many international leading festivals are
Greener Festival joined forces and created
and work towards making our businesses
joining forces for such a cause. The festivals
“Campsite Chaos”. Campsite Chaos is a
ecologically sustainable and regenerative”.
participating are: Amsterdam Open Air,
closed group for festival organizers providing
Best Kept Secret, Boardmasters, Body &
a forum for frank and honest discussion of
Soul, Boomtown, Down the Rabbit Hole,
their campsite waste problems. Members
DGTL, Eurosonic-Noorderslag, Into the Great
can share their experiences including their
Wide Open, Lollapalooza Berlin, Lowlands,
successes and failures. The forum is held at
Mañana Mañana, Milkshake, North Sea Jazz,
both the Eurosonic and Green Events and
Roskilde, Shambala, Vierdaagse Feesten, We
Innovation Conferences. Read more about
Love Green and Zwarte Cross.
camp waste at www.agf.com
GREEN EVENTS AND INNOVATIONS CONFERENCE
NO MUSIC ON A DEAD PLANET
Music Declares Emergency encourages everybody in the industry to act.
24
“Keep shouting about the Climate and Music Declares Emergency is a group of more
Ecological Emergency. Take individual actions
GEI takes place every year at ILMC. Drawing
than 2.700 artists, music industry profession-
alongside resolute political engagement.
on the continuous work and observations
als and organizations that stand together to
What that looks like will be as varied as our
by AGF and partners with the Industry, each
declare a Climate and Ecological emergency
community. Individual actions might not add
VIP NEWS ANNUAL >
JANUARY 2020
up to much without systemic change, but they can help pave the way there by modeling the world we want to see and opening up more conversations to make a noise. Don’t feel like you have to do everything at once. As a music community, our collective actions and voices will ring out as one.” In November The German Sustainability Award’s honorary prize went to Simply Red singer Mick Hucknall, who together with Radiohead and other representatives of the music industry, have taken the initiative to Music Declares Emergency. “This earth is the only home we have, and I am saddened when I see the way we humans neglect the welfare of our planet and one another. We all need to consider what we can do to bring about change, particularly governments, industry leaders, and all those in positions of power, in order to secure a better future for our children,” says Hucknall.
MEGAFORCE
Simply Red’s Mick Hucknall receiving the German Sustainability Award from Award founder Stefan Schulze-Hausmann. Photo: Ralf Ruehmeier
‚ ‘ Roll k Roc n sion e v li we it h pas w The Stage Company r e h to g e t
MEGAFORCE Joehlinger Strasse 118 D – 76356 Weingarten
Phone +49 72 44 72 02 0 info@megaforce.de www.megaforce.de
25
VIP NEWS ANNUAL >
JANUARY 2020
VIP Crystal Ball Quiz In the November issue of VIP News we asked the Live Music industry to take a look into the Crystal Ball and predict what will happen in 2020. On the next couple of pages, you will see how they answered.
26
VIP NEWS ANNUAL >
JANUARY 2020
27
VIP NEWS ANNUAL >
JANUARY 2020
Appointments in 2019 From VIP-Daily News
The most important resource for any company and industry is people. When peole become employees they are always on a mission for new adventures. We have gathered 6 interesting appointments from 2019 as featured in VIP News.
Odd Inge Sneve joins All Things Live (December 2019) Former Live nation promoter Odd Inge Sneve
facet of the promoting business,” comments
has joined All Things Live Norway as a senior
All Things Live head promoter Mark Vaughan.
promoter in its Oslo office. Adds Sneve: “Live Nation has been a great According to IQ News Odd Inge Sneve joined
home for a number of years, but it’s time
Live Nation in its production department
for a new challenge. Watching what Peer
and advanced to national promoter: “Odd
Osmundsvaag and Mark have been able
is one of the best guys in the business. But
to achieve in the last few years, firstly as
in addition to being great guy, he is a great
Atomic Soul and now All Things Live, is very
promoter and a proper music person. He’s
impressive, and I’m excited to see how we
been doing this a long time and knows every
can all take things even further together.”
Odd Inge Sneve
Alice Hogg joins ATC Live (December 2019) Alice
Hogg
has
joined
London-based
international agency ATC Live. Alice Hogg joins ATC after 3 years at Live Nation as a Talent buyer, where she worked on European tours for artists including Post Malone, Billie Eilish and Lizzo. “I am absolutely pumped to be returning to agent life and to start the next phase of my career as part of the ATC Live team,” says Hogg. “In my eyes, ATC is one of the best independent agencies out there – a dynamic company with a fantastic culture – and the music is at the heart of everything they do.” ATC Live MD Alex Bruford adds: “We are delighted that Alice chose to join ATC Live. Alice has a proven track record of delivering at the highest level, and her energy, passion and devotion to her artists are closely aligned with our core values at ATC Live. We can’t wait to get started with her.” According to IQ.
Alice Hogg
29
VIP NEWS ANNUAL >
JANUARY 2020
Xenia Grigat joins Luger Denmark (November 2019) Xenia Grigat has joined Luger Denmark and been appointed to head up international artist promotion as the agency expands to include global acts.Live Nation is the parent company. Sarah Sølvsteen, director of Luger Denmark, said: “There are good days and then there are absolutely fabulous days like today, where we can announce the addition of Xenia Grigat to our Danish Luger team. With her sublime taste and love for her artists, Xenia is a
Xenia Grigat
perfect match with Luger Denmark’s philosophy and values.” Grigat said: “I’ve had amazing 12 years working at Beatbox/Down the Drain promoting shows and festivals, but the time is right for me to take the next step in my career. The opportunity to create a new chapter with Luger Denmark and their team is an offer I can’t resist.” Ola Broquist, director of Luger Sweden, said: “In Sweden, we have clearly seen the synergies when working with both Swedish and international artists under the same roof and how it benefits the artists. With the new offerings structure in Denmark, we will
© opderschmelz
collectively be positioned much stronger on the Scandinavia market.“
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TINA DICO
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ZELTIK RED HOT CHILLI PIPERS, CELTIC SOCIAL CLUB, BILLOW WOOD
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FETE DE LA MUSIQUE À DUDELANGE LOTTE, MATHEA, WELLBAD, ALEX HENRY FOSTER, GIIRL, TUYS
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Fiona McAuley
YMU Group Appoints Head Of Digital (November 2019) International artist management company
Watt said: “Fiona joins YMU Group at an
YMU Group has hired Fiona McAuley as
exciting time for the company and will
Head of Digital, UK Music.
lead our thinking on digital strategy across our roster of artists. She is a well-respected
In her new role, McAuley will be tasked with
innovator in her field with a strong track
leading digital strategy across the company’s
record of success. Her experience into this
wide roster of artists, working closely with
increasingly important area will ensure she
digital partners to drive innovative and
becomes a valuable addition to our senior
and to help maximise the opportunities
engaging partnership opportunities.
leadership team.”
available to them is really motivating. I’m
She joins YMU Group from Polydor Records
McAuley added: “YMU Group puts the artist
YMU Group team and to helping innovate
where she devised award-winning digital
at the heart of everything they do and the
and shape the way we move forward in the
marketing campaigns.
opportunity to be part of that philosophy
digital space.”
looking forward to working as part of the
New MD for German agency Four Artists (November 2019) Berlin booking agency Four Artists has
Die Fantastischen Vier and Fitz Braum
company grew under the leadership of
announced that the former managing
founded Four Artists in 1997. Initially
Alex Richter into a large national and
director Alexander Richter has ended his
planned as an extended service for the artists
international company. Four Artists now has
activity after 22 years “at his own request”.
of their former music label Four Music, the
45 employees at its headquarters in Berlin.
His successor Florian Hauss has been a part of Four Artists for 15 years. Hauss began his career first as a tour manager of Die Fantastischen Vier. At Four Artists he successfully established a department for electronic music. In addition to the management, Florian Hauss will in future also take over the booking for Die Fantastischen Vier from the Berlin-based company. Markus Grosse
will
remain
Deputy
Managing
New MD for German agency Four Artist
Director of the Four Artists Booking Agency.
New MD appointed for Sony Music Eastern Europe (October 2019) Sony Music Entertainment has hired
and Eastern Europe focusing on the creative
Maciej Woć as Managing Director, Sony
development and digital performance of
Music Entertainment (SME) Poland and
the company.
Maciej Woć
Eastern Europe. Lieberberg said: “Maciej has a fantastic Reporting to Daniel Lieberberg, President,
entrepreneurial spirit with a track record
Sony Music Entertainment Continental
of successfully tackling the challenges of
Europe and Africa, Woć will be based
today’s rapidly changing industry. He has the
Woć added: “I am thrilled to join the SME
in Warsaw, Poland. Woć founded Muzk
creative energy, A&R capabilities, business
team. After many years as an independent
Management and East Eventz in 2014. He
drive and understanding of digital economics
entrepreneur I feel like I got to know the
will oversee all business activities in Poland
to drive creative solutions.”
market from all perspectives.”
31
VIP NEWS ANNUAL > BUSINESS >
MUSIC IN SHARES
JANUARY 2020
Music In Shares Annual Review 2019 Manfred Tari mt@vip-booking.com
Recap and a look ahead: Bye, Bye Entrepreneurs Retrospectively 2019 appeared to be a good
industry was finally revealed as the hidden
In terms of share price growth, DEAG is
year for CTS Eventim, DEAG, Live Nation and
power player enabling deals and market
doing even better than Live Nation, even if
their shareholders. Also Spotify delivered a
concentration
unseen
both companies can’t be exactly compared,
much bigger gain than most investors could
dimension. Merger and Acquisitions (M&A’s)
a gain of 32 per cent for DEAG shares
expect to make on their savings.
backed by private equity funds (occasionally
exceeds the 23 per cent for those of Live
even pension funds) became the new norm
Nation. Shares of DEAG were trading in
2019 also delivered further interesting news:
(ASM Global, Superstruct, UTA) whilst
December 2018 at 3.38 Euro, those of Live
The revelation of Superstruct, the postponed
takeovers by corporate concert companies
Nation stood at $52.62. Within those twelve
IPO (Initial Public Offering) of WME (William
took care of the leftovers.
months, Live Nation peaked at the end of
in
a
previously
Morris Endeavor), the merger of AEG Facilities
July at $74 whilst dropping in late December
with SMG becoming ASM Global or recently
Basically and finally in 2019 the live music
2018 to $46, its lowest level. The market cap
the news of CAA (Creative Artist Agency)
industry discarded its heritage of being seen
of Live Nation was projected at $13.7 billion,
aiming to borrow $1.15 billion. Not to ignore
as a business driven by entrepreneurs and
whilst that of DEAG’s was at 82.5 million
the merger between UTA and Paradigm.
impresarios. As a result, the live music sector
Euros.
lost its innocence and some of its glamour Need for Improvement
What initially merely read as a collection
as these developments just became the
of some headline news stories, between
new norm, as seen in other industries such
the lines, far more meaningful news was
as agriculture, the food sector or the new
The shares of Eventbrite exhibited a loss of
delivered. At the beginning of a new decade,
media industry.
nearly 36 per cent. The company has been
the music industry and particularly the music
confronted with various ongoing legal
industry entered a new era. The conversion
However, besides the fact that the annual
challenges. In December 2018 the share
process had already begun almost twenty
business reports are not yet released,
price stood at $32.35, a year later it stands
years ago, when music publishing came
information
corporate
at $19.76. In March 2019 this share faced a
into the focus of investment companies. The
concert companies at least presents some
sharp drop, when various law firms accused
number of deals and investments within this
figures. These paint an interesting picture
Eventbrite of apparently making “false
sector was a preview as to what has now
regarding their business performance, or
and/or misleading statements” due to the
finally arrived in the live music industry.
better said, reflecting the expectations and
migration of Ticketfly, which progressed
hopes of share holders in these live music
slower than expected.
Following on from two financial crises (2000
available
from
industry companies. The Other Ones
- “Dot-Com Bubble” / 2008 - just referred to as the “Financial Crisis”), governmental
And The Winner is...
intervention introduced so much money
Spotify is another music company worth
into the market, enabling and enforcing the
The biggest gain in share prices over the last
mentioning. Their share gained 25.2 per
financial industry to invest into whatever
twelve months is CTS Eventim. The share
cent, rising from a one time $120.5 to
business opportunities promised to deliver
of this Company gained a rise in value of
$148.45. Unlike Apple or Amazon where
any sort of profit margins.
65 per cent.
music is only a by-product in the portfolio
Bye, bye Entrepreneurs, Hello Employees
To be precise, since December 2018, it has
of their business activities, music is at least Spotify’s core product.
increased from a share price of 34.50 to 55.15 With all this in mind, 2019 can be seen
Euro by December 16, 2019. The market cap
The same goes for Tencent Music Entertain-
as a turning point, in which the financial
for CTS Eventim is 5.2 million Euros.
ment, serving the Chinese market with music.
33
VIP NEWS ANNUAL > BUSINESS >
MUSIC IN SHARES
JANUARY 2020
Robert F.X. Sillerman
With shares of this company being traded on
being particularly evident to the majority of
what kind investment strategies are of
NYSE (New York Stock Exchange) since De-
those working in this business.
interest for the financial sector?
lost 4.8 per cent, from $12.30 to $11.54. Its
Nevertheless the relevant players operate a
For the moment it seems that all parts of the
highest peak within 52 weeks was $19.97
different twist. Today’s power players are,
live music business could become potential
and the lowest price was $11.27...
among others investment companies such
investment targets, ranging from agencies,
as TPG Capital (CAA), Softbank and Silver
festivals, venues or ticketing companies.
Lake (WME), Onex (ASM Global), Providence
Highly popular are so called “disruptive
Equity (Superstruct) or Investcorp (UTA).
business models“, where technology or
cember 12, 2018, this share has since then
Farewell Robert F.X. Sillerman Whatever may be said about this business
services are changing or replacing former
man, Historically Sillerman will retain the
For the time being, these companies will
value chains. What might be not thinkable
role of being the pioneer and prophet for
act as the game changers, being financially
so far, could easily appear out of the blue,
the corporatisation of the concert business.
able to compete with market leaders such
when for instance booking procedures
His legacy, among others, is linked with the
as CTS Eventim or Live Nation in reference
become modernized by artificial intelligence
creation of SFX Entertainment, which later
to the gradual ongoing process of the
software solutions.
on became Live Nation. He is the one either
corporatisation of the live music sector.
to be praised or criticised for tapping stock
This process is still in its early stages, but
markets as a new financial resource for the
already highly significant for the near
concert industry. Sillerman passed away on
future of this business.
November 24 at the age of 71.
Weather, new environmental or safety regulations
The Experience Economy New Decade - New Era
34
Risks and Challenges
and
changing
consumer
preferences could easily be identified as obvious obstacles for the live music business.
The Economist is a glossy weekly magazine
As a promoter in Eastern Europe recently
2020 seems to be the beginning of a new
for economy and politics and is responsible
mentioned he counted more than twenty
era in the ongoing history of the music
for the term “Experience Economy”, a
private jets used by artists when travelling
industry. There is a completely new set
new buzz word for the live entertainment
to his festivals. Once the names of those
up and a fresh generation of mover and
business. A shiny new wording tailor made
frequent flyers become public, it may have
shakers. Many of these operate from behind
to trigger the lust for even more investments
an affect on ticket sales within those peer
the curtain, driving new deals and spinning
by the financial sector. Whilst the financial
groups that take environmental issues more
the wheels, whilst strangely enough, not
capacities are there, the question remains,
seriously than the owners of SUV’s.
VIP NEWS ANNUAL > BUSINESS >
JANUARY 2020
“Concern is growing about the rising exposure to loudness in recreational settings such as nightclubs, discotheques, pubs, bars, cinemas, concerts, sporting events and even fitness classes, “ is an observation published in the brochure “Make Listening Safe”
MUSIC IN SHARES
EUROPE’S FINEST BLUES EXPERIENCE SINCE 1988
by the WHO (World Health Organisation). The political impact of an institutional organisation by the WHO could be described as somewhat more meaningful than the combined lobby efforts by live music trade bodies. Political challenges are still widely underestimated in the concert business. In comparison to other industries’ awareness for such matters is still very low. The need is therefore obvious, but the majority in the concert industry is still as of yet not ready for joint lobbying activities, a fact that could lead to an unexpected backlash for the still prospering live music sector. Thinking Long Term In an interview with Eric van Eerdenburg on ETEP.nl, the mastermind of Lowlands Festivals in the Netherlands says: “Young fans that are students or job starters just cannot afford to buy a ticket in the near future. Going to a show or festival is going to be more and more an elitist thing I fear. The business side of music runs likes a hyper-capitalistic system.”
THE 33RD INTERNATIONAL NOTODDEN BLUES FESTIVAL, NORWAY
JULY 30 – AUGUST 2, 2020 Artists booked so far include Jimmie Vaughan, Shemkia Copeland, The Proven Ones, Mike Andersen. More to be announced.
It is a statement that hardly needs any further explanation. It speaks for itself and is therefore a serious wake up call for the entire live music community to find and develop solutions that can handle this issue appropriately.
“The business side of music runs likes a hyper-capitalistic system”, says Eric van Eerdenburg. Photo/ Ben Houdijk
Our festival history includes performances by artists like B.B. King, ZZ Top, Ry Cooder, Van Morrison, Bonnie Raitt, Robert Plant, Buddy Guy, George Thorgood & the Destroyers, Gary Moore, John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers, Taj Mahal, Beth Hart, Johnny Winter, Dr. John, The Neville Brothers, Rival Sons, Ray Davies, Paul Rodgers, Steve Winwood, Mick Fleetwood Blues Band, and more.
WWW.BLUESFEST.NO
Phone: +47 35027650 Email: nbf@bluesfest.no
NOTODDEN BLUES FESTIVAL – ALWAYS THE BEST OF PEOPLE AND BLUES
35
STICHTING EUROSONIC NOORDERSLAG
VIP NEWS ANNUAL >
JANUARY 2020
EUROPEAN TRADE FAIR & CONFERENCE
CALENDAR 2020 January Eurosonic Noorderslag : Groningen, The Netherlands · 15-17 January · www.esns.nl
February by:larm : Oslo, Norway · 19-27 February · www.bylarm.no
March ILMC: London, UK - 3-6 March · www.ilmc.com Tallinn Music Week: Tallinn, Estonia · 25-28 March · www.tmw.ee
April c/o pop: Cologne, Germany · 22-26 April · www.c-o-pop.de
May The Great Escape: Brighton, UK · 13-16 May · www.greatescapefestival.com
June MIDEM: Cannes, France · 2-5 June · www.midem.com Primavera Pro: Barcelona, Spain · 3-7 June · www.pro.primaverasound.com
September Plasa Show: London, UK · 6-8 September · www.plasashow.com Waves Vienna: Vienna, Austria · 10-12 September · www.wavesvienna.com Reeperbahn Festival: Hamburg, Germany · 16-19 September · www.reeperbahnfestival.com International Festival Forum: London, UK · 22-24 September · www.iff.rocks
October Music & Media: Tampere, Finland 8-9 October · www.musikkimedia.fi MaMA Event: Paris, France · 14-16 October · www.mama-event.com Amsterdam Dance Event: Amsterdam, The Netherlands · 21-25 October · www.amsterdam-dance-event.nl WOMEX: Tampere, Finland · 21-25 October · www.womex.com BIME Pro: Bilbao, Spain · 28-30 October · www.bime.net
November Sonic Visions: Esch/Alzette, Luxembourg · Dates t.b.a. · www.sonicvisions.lu Monkey Week: Sevilla, Spain · 18-21 November · www.monkeyweek.org
37
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