VIP News Premium October 2020

19

20 14

3

4

VIP NEWS

PREMIUM > VOLUME 238 > OCTOBER 2020

17

8

13

18 7 5 2

VIP NEWS >

OCTOBER 2020

View from the Hills The Mendip Hills in fact near where I live, so

Italy’s citizens are being urged to stay

as Summer seems to have suddenly turned to

home wherever possible and its music

Autumn here in the UK, the general picture

venues are to close for the coming few

out in the live music business is still sadly

weeks, it does paint a gloomy picture.

far from good. Many stories of cancelled or

Charlie Presburg ager - VIP-Book ing.com

Sales Area Man

postponed shows, at least until sometime in

With some parts of the UK either

2021 and for some 2022. My heart goes out

in full or partial lock-down at the start of

some of the major agencies

to those badly affected and to those whose

what looks like a second wave here, there

these last few months. Not diminishing the

businesses may not be able to bounce back

is however still some positivity. Earlier this

importance of the ‘big guns’ in our industry

once normal service is eventually resumed.

month it was revealed that Arts Council

but it is a very welcome sight seeing new

We all know that our beloved industry will

England will be handing out funding

businesses springing up as a direct result of

be the very last allowed to operate once

which will help many music venues and

the current world situation. We are all aware

COVID-19 has finally abated and a vaccine

organizations,

proposed

that when the live business began some 60

found, just when this will be no-one of

257m will be enough to make a long term

plus years ago, it was quite literally a few

course knows.

difference remains to to be seen of course.

Entrepeneurs getting out there and starting

In addition to this, the Government backed

up on their own.

whether

the

Only last week, a new report estimates that

Cultural Recovery Fund will be handing out

up to 170,000 UK live sector jobs will be lost

a financial lifeline to many independent

I know I for one am missing the various

by the end of year due to the worldwide

festivals, much needed at this time and only

conferences we usually attend this time of

pandemic. As I write this, I read that Spain has

last week, the French Government promised

the year, whether it be the IFF, Mama Event

declared a six month state of emergency and

a further €55m to help their live music sector.

or Reeperbahn. Although the physical side of such events cannot be fully replaced

COLOPHON > VIP-News is published by: VIP-Booking.com Enghaven 19 Attrup 8444 Balle Denmark Managing Director: Ronni Didriksen rd@vip-booking.com General Manager: Peter Briggs pb@vip-booking.com Writer and editorial: Allan McGowan am@vip-booking.com Writer: Manfred Tari mt@vip-booking.com For advertising enquiries please contact: Peter Briggs pb@vip-booking.com +46 70 77 60 480 Charlie Presburg cp@vip-booking.com +44 (0) 7980 817496

Although there has of course been a

digitally, I do applaud those teams of people

proliferation of live streaming and live

who have put together what can only be

performances (albeit to empty venues) in the

described as the ‘next best thing’ with

UK these last few months, from Scotland’s

online conferences and it has been great

Biffy Clyro streaming a live show in various

seeing friends and colleagues online these

spaces from Glasgow’s Barrowlands to Nick

last couple of months.

Cave playing an empty Alexandra Palace in North London, the need for live entertainment

Wherever you are when you read this

is needed now more than ever. Last month

piece, I wish you, your families and your

Italian star Elisa played a series of shows in

businesses well and hope of course that this

various squares in Italy, selling over 11.500

current situation is under control as soon

tickets and raising €230,000 for her band

as possible and that we can all get back to

and crew. Back in August (which now feels

some semblance of normality. Our various

a million miles away), I managed to catch

governments speak about the ‘new normal’

the wonderful Magic Numbers in the town

but we all know that there is nothing normal

near where I live. The US based band who

about going to a live show wearing a mask.

are used to playing to thousands of adoring

Unfortunately, for the time being, this is how

fans, played to a socially distanced crowd of

it has to be and we have to deal with it as

around 250 people outdoors, supported by a

best we can, one thing for certain is that

few local artists, it was wonderful to see live

when the tours, gigs and festivals do return,

music once again after so many months.

the demand for live entertainment is going to be bigger than ever and our industry will

One other interesting development has of agencies, most of which have grown out of

2

once again thrive.

course been the evolution of new talent Hold that thought and stay safe!

HOW TO USE

1

Search our Artist data base to find Agent and Manager details:

VIP-Booking.com for Venues/Promoters

2

Fan Use VIP Analytics to measure the interest for the Artist:

3

Check o ur T where th ourdates sectio n to see e Artist is booke d near y ou:

ÂŽ

The No. 1 information resource for the European Live Entertainment Industry vip-booking.com

VIP NEWS >

OCTOBER 2020

Report: 170.000 UK Live sector jobs will be lost From VIP-Daily News

A

new

report

estimates

that

26,000

While grants from the Culture Recovery

that has spun out of what was previously the

permanent jobs in the UK live music industry

Fund have probably saved about 10,000

UK Live Music Group committee within UK

will be lost by the end of the year as the

jobs, the live industry says that it needs

Music. Like UK Music, LIVE is a trade group of

COVID-19 shutdown extends – about half of

much more government support to ensure

trade groups, bringing together organisations

the sector’s full-time workforce.

that its infrastructure and talent base isn’t

that represent concert promoters, festivals,

almost entirely obliterated by the time the

venues, agents, managers and live event

shutdown is over.

production practitioners.

who work full time in live and other music

The bold new stats have been compiled by

The report is published as measures to

industry practitioners for whom live is part

consultants Chris Carey and Tim Chambers

restrict the spread of COVID-19 increase

of their activity and therefore revenue – will

for a report commissioned by LIVE, a new

in many areas of the UK, just as the

also have been wiped out.

trade organisation for the British live industry

original COVID support schemes for both

Meanwhile, a further 144,000 ‘full-time equivalent’ jobs – including both freelancers

employees and freelancers come to an end.

The replacement schemes are problematic for the live industry.

The new schemes assume one of two things: that a company has returned to at least one-third capacity since the original COVID shutdown or that newly increased COVID measures mean a company is forced by law to shut down entirely again. However, for most live companies, technically they are allowed to operate, but social distancing rules mean those operations would be nowhere near a third of usual capacity.

While the £1.57 billion in sector-specific funding provided by the UK government to the cultural and heritage sectors – a significant portion of which was distributed via Arts Council England’s Culture Recovery Fund – has helped to an extent, it won’t stop nearly 170,000 jobs in the live sector

Chris Carey

4

from disappearing. Many companies were ineligible for or unsuccessful in their bids to

VIP NEWS >

OCTOBER 2020

the CRF, and freelancers were not able to

“From the artists on stage to the venues, and

of the first sectors to close and we will be

directly apply.

the many specialist roles and occupations

one of the last to re-open. We are currently

that make live music happen, this research

caught in a catch 22 where we are unable to

In a bid to mitigate the hugely negative

shows clearly that the entire ecosystem is

operate due to government restrictions but

impact on the live sector that is outlined

being decimated”.

are excluded from the Extended Job Support

in this report, the industry wants the UK

Scheme as the furlough comes to an end.

government to offer the extended version of

“The Culture Recovery Fund is a help,

If businesses can’t access that support soon

its new Job Support Scheme to all live music

especially to grassroots music venues”, he

then the majority of our specialist, highly-

businesses, even when technically they are

added. “However, larger companies are

trained workforce will be gone”.

allowed to operate under law.

going to be hit harder and without ongoing government investment in protecting this

Meanwhile,

Other stats in the new report include that

industry, the UK will lose its place as a

freelancers, Andy Lenthall of the Production

76% of live music employees were utilising

cultural leader in live entertainment.

Services Association added: “Those who

the government’s furlough scheme at the end

putting

the

spotlight

on

have often found themselves overlooked

of August – ie one of the key schemes now

Moreover, the skills we lose in this time

and left behind throughout the last six

coming to an end. Plus, while on average

will significantly hinder the sector’s ability

months are the freelancers and self-

UK industries have seen 2020 revenues fall

to recover and return to driving economic

employed – the people up and down the

20% as a result of the pandemic, live music

growth and supplying UK jobs”.

country that we rely on to bring us the live

industry revenues are down 81%, with almost zero income since March.

experiences we love. Things are becoming Formally calling on the government for

increasingly desperate for a great many

more support, Phil Bowdery of the Concert

people in the industry and government

Commenting on the findings of the report,

Promoters Association – one of LIVE’s

needs to recognise that these crucial

co-author Chris Carey said this morning:

member organisations – said: “We were one

individuals need support”.

Tim Chambers

5

VIP NEWS >

OCTOBER 2020

Former Paradigm Agents Launch Arrival Artists From VIP-Daily News Former Paradigm Talent Agency booking agents Ali Hedrick, Erik Selz, John Bongiorno, Karl Morse and Ethan Berlin have teamed up to launch a new agency, Arrival Artists.

The quintet are new joined in the venture by former Billions Corporation COO Matt Yasecko.

The move is the latest in a series of

agency enable the newly-launched agency

to corner the market on one genre; it’s to be a

high-profile personnel changes at the

to curate detailed career strategies for the

home for unique, singular talents that we can

major music booking agencies since the

creators they represent.

champion.” Ethan Berlin also muses, “How

COVID-19 pandemic, which has crippled the concert industry.

can what we do for jam acts inform what we “We want to construct an environment that

do for the progressive jazz acts? And how can

encourages collaboration, crossover and

the progressive jazz acts inform the steps of

Arrival’s roster, which is reflective the agents’

artistic risk-taking among our clients,” said

our developing indie acts? That’s exciting to

experience, includes Khruangbin, Sufjan

Selz. “This is not high-minded, nor a vision

me. In the era of Spotify and playlists, fans

Stevens, BADBADNOTGOOD, Mt. Joy and

with tight guardrails, but rather a practical

are less myopic. As an agent, it’s important

Nubya Garcia to Car Seat Headrest, Andrew

approach to a platform best-suited for the

to be familiar with many different worlds and

Bird, Goose, Chicano Batman, among others.

creators we represent.”

deliver a wide range of opportunity.”

The partners combine their training as

“A diversity of artists yields a diversity of

Jenna Neer, who previously worked at AEG

independent agents and working for a major

opportunities,” adds Yasecko. “Our goal isn’t

Global Touring, joins the team as Director of Marketing while Jess Bumstead from

Arrival Artists

Paradigm boards as an agency associate.

Arrival will have offices in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago and Seattle.

“I think it’s a testament to our personalities and priorities that this group has come together as it has,” said Morse. “There was no concerted campaign to connect the dots. We all came together organically in a time of crisis and decided our personal and professional ethos were aligned, and now I couldn’t be more proud to call my friends my partners. Trust, honesty and hard work are our common values, and to move forward with that shared mindset feels uniquely powerful.”

In addition, Arrival is partnering with ATC Live in Europe to facilitate dynamic global representation for shared acts.

6

VIP NEWS >

OCTOBER 2020

Ed Sheeran agent Jon Ollier to launch new company From VIP-Daily News Ed Sheeran`s longtime agent Jon Ollier is to exit CAA and launch his own company.

Ollier, who will take a number of his clients with him including Sheeran, Anne-Marie and Calum Scott, confirmed the news and said details of his new venture would be revealed in due course after he had completed his handover from CAA. Ollier had been with CAA since 2015, having joined from Free Trade Agency. He began his career at the Helter Skelter Agency.

Ed Sheeran

Sheeran`s 255-show ÷ world tour of 2017-

He adds, “Starting my own company has

live music shutdown in March. Five former

19 became the highest-grossing and most

been a dream of mine and I appreciate

Paradigm booking agents recently joined

well-attended

CAA’s support in this transition.”

forces with former Billions Corporation

of

all-time,

generating

$775.6 million from 8.9 million tickets to surpass U2`s 2009-11 360° tour.

COO Matt Yasecko to launch new agency CAA co-head, Emma Banks told IQ, “Jon

Arrival Artists, which is partnering with ATC

has been a great colleague and friend. We

Live in Europe, weeks after five other ex-

“CAA has been a wonderful experience

wish him the very best as he pursues an

Paradigm agents teamed up to launch new

and one I am incredibly grateful for,” says

entrepreneurial path, and look forward to

US-based talent agency TBA.

Ollier. “It has been an absolute privilege

working with him in his new role.”

working alongside so many outstanding

Sheeran`s manager Stuart Camp also went

people who care deeply about their clients

The agency world has been the subject of

it alone in 2018, departing Rocket Music to

and each other.”

much upheaval since the Covid-19-related

launch Grumpy Old Management.

Jon Ollier

7

VIP NEWS >

OCTOBER 2020

BMG expands into live music in Germany From VIP-Daily News BMG is entering the live music business for

The move means that as well as releasing

a partnership with BMG commenced long

the first time, with a plan to offer artists

recordings and publishing songs BMG

before the coronavirus pandemic, but

a new alternative to the established live

can now offer artists an integrated tour

we are now perfectly set up for when

promotion industry.

promotion and ticketing service.

the market returns. There is a significant opportunity for us working together to offer

The company has signed an agreement

It demonstrates BMG’s commitment to cover

a genuine alternative for artists in Germany

to acquire a majority stake in independent

the entire creative value chain and serve its

and beyond, building on Undercover’s

German live music promotion company and

clients in every area of their careers. However,

established recipe of ‘live entertainment

event agency Undercover GmbH.

like publishing and records at BMG, live will

and artist partnership’.“

remain a strictly opt-in service.

Undercover will form the basis for the

Maximillian Kolb, BMG, Managing Director

development and establishment of a new

Dominique Casimir, BMG, EVP Repertoire

GSA, said, “Artists want partners who

live music and event business unit within

& Marketing Continental Europe, said,

build their business around them rather

BMG in Germany.

“Moving into live is the logical extension of

than the other way around. Above all, this

BMG’s plan to integrate all the services an

means offering the best possible service.

Founder and CEO Michael Schacke and

artist could need under one roof, with the

The German music market has proven to

his team of 30 will remain on board. The

artist brand at the center of it all. Crucially,

be extremely adaptable and is one of the

Braunschweig-based

we have found in Michael Schacke and his

strongest in the world, especially in the live

team a partner who shares our values.”

segment. I am very happy that we have

company,

founded

in 1991, is one of the most successful promoters

in

northern

Germany

with

become the first territory within BMG to be

over 200 concerts and shows held a year.

Undercover CEO Michael Schacke said, “I

able to offer a complete service portfolio to

Undercover also develops and promotes

founded this company in 1991 to be able

artists including live.”

its own formats and acts as an agent

to perform with my band and that’s how

brokering tours and festivals of national and

I became a promoter. This idea has since

The new business unit will also collaborate

international artists throughout Germany,

grown into a nationwide concert agency

with other content divisions of BMG

Austria and Switzerland.

with over 30 employees. Discussions about

shareholder

Bertelsmann

in

Germany

including broadcaster RTL, book publisher Penguin Random House and magazine publisher Gruner + Jahr under the banner of the Bertelsmann Content Alliance.

Dominique Casimir, who is also a board member

of

the

Bertelsmann

Content

Alliance said, “An important part of our job will be, together with the Undercover team, to form a center of excellence for events within the Content Alliance. We look forward to working with the other divisions and together adding even more value to our artists and media brands by creating bespoke live experiences.”

Maximilian Kolb, Michael Schacke and Dominique Casimir

8

The transaction is expected to close by the end of October.

ImagIne if you could go to one website and get aLL the contacts you need for the european Live music Industry?

WeLL you Can! www.vip-booking.com

The No 1 Information Resource For The Live Entertainment Industry Having the right tools for the job is often the key to success. We have developed a range of services to meet the demands of agents, promoters, talent buyers, venue bookers etc.

ÂŽ

145-157 St John Street | London Ec1V 4PW United Kingdom | Phone: +44 (0) 870 755 0092 www.vip-booking.com | vip@vip-booking.com

vip-booking.com

VIP NEWS >

OCTOBER 2020

UTA Elevates 19 Agents to Partner Status From VIP-Daily News

United Talent Agency (UTA) elevated 19 agents and executives to

“These are leaders across our business making substantial

partner status, making it the largest partner class in the agency’s

contributions to the growth, evolution and resilience of our

30-year history. The company’s last partner class was announced in

company,” UTA Co-President David Kramer said in a statement.

January 2019.

“In their talent and leadership, we see the expanding reach of One of the new partners at UTA is Cheryl Paglierani who has been at

UTA’s work on behalf of world-class creators and cultural voices.

the company for over four years, working from its Beverly Hills base,

These individuals are influential leaders not just at UTA but in their

is the only music agent in this partner class.

fields, and our company as a whole will benefit from having their unique and diverse expertise, innovation, and perspectives at the

At UTA, she specialises in hip-hop contemporary clients, working with

partner table.”

the likes of wunderkind R&B singer Kaash Paige and Post Malone,

10

whom she built up from the release of White Iverson in 2016 to a

In 2020, United Talent Agency has named 22 new partners, most

global superstar.

recently appointing Samantha Kirby Yoh as co-head of UTA Music.

The new partners come from 14 divisions including UTA’s motion

More than half of the new partners are women and people of

pictures and TV talent and lit groups, podcasting and emerging

color. Moreover, UTA recently announced the promotion of 35

platforms, news and broadcasting, digital talent, endorsements and

agents and executives across 20 divisions and made the decision

voiceover, fine arts, culture and leadership and alternative TV. The

to significantly raise the pay of all assistants and entry-level

new partner group also includes senior corporate executives in the

employees, making their new hourly rate the highest among the

legal, corporate communications and finance departments.

major talent agencies.

VIP NEWS >

OCTOBER 2020

Berlin based conference Future of Festivals goes digital From VIP-Daily News As so many other conferences have been

and service providers in the industry will

will receive a free ticket for this year’s digital

forced to during the pandemic, this year’s

be more necessary than ever. Alternative

conference. A separate ticket that will only

Future of Festivals will take place as a digital

formats, solutions and security concepts must

be valid for the online event will be available

conference between 13-14 November with

be developed to create a new vision for the

at 19 Euros. A recording of the conference

the physical version now being postponed

future of festivals. Despite its cancellation,

will be accessible to all cardholders for the

until the autumn of 2021.

the organisers of the Future of Festivals

period from November 15 to December 26.

would still like to create a space for this The aim of the conference will be to promote

necessary and urgent dialogue. Therefore,

The 2021 event will take place at Arena

an exchange of ideas within the industry

the core topics will be discussed within the

Berlin between 26-27 November 2021 with

during these difficult times. Announced

framework of a purely digital conference live

plans to expand the exhibition space due to

speakers include Hoger Hûbner (Wacken),

for eight hours on both days from the Berlin

hight demand. Furthermore, the program

Paul

club Gretchen and other venues.

will offer more space for (international)

Van

Dyk

(Vandit),

Janne

Scharf

(Ferropolis) and many more.

showcases and workshops, but also startups The two-day online event will be free of

and innovations.

What future exists for festivals and large-

charge for all FOF 2020 ticket holders.

scale events? What could constitute a safe

Those who have already purchased a ticket

For more info and tickets:

event for the summer season in 2021?

for the Future of Festivals 2021 at 30 Euros

www.futureoffestivals.com/tickets/

Organisers, associations and service providers from the festival and live events industry, as well as 150 exhibitors and 140 speakers and panelists had already confirmed their participation at the Future of Festivals.

Within the framework of the conference, participants

were

invited

to

exchange

views on topics such as the impact of the pandemic on festivals, sponsorship, hygiene, safety precautions, funding opportunities and more. Having rescheduled the date for the live event twice due to the pandemic, Robert Stolt, Managing Director of Future of Festivals GmbH, has pivoted to a digital format in order to keep everyone safe and healthy. The offline edition will take place in autumn of 2021.

“After the enormous efforts by our team and our partners in the last few weeks, it is with a heavy heart that we have to accept that a physical meeting of the festival industry and its players is no longer possible this year,” says Stolt.

Looking at the 2021 event season in particular, a joint dialogue between players

11

VIP NEWS > INDEPTH STORY >

OCTOBER 2020

Digital conferences helped bring us together in September From VIP-Daily News Although you can never replace the social side of attending a physical conference and meeting people in person, 2 online conferences organized in September proved that they could provide some semblance of the real thing with a combination of live panels, networking lounges, speed meetings and showcases which highlighted how important it is for all of us to get together to discuss the problems our industry is facing during the current crisis and to look at new ways of doing business as we move forward, albeit in a digital format.

agencies ITB, UTA, Solo Agency and Paradigm

experienced 140 live concerts, lectures,

and the whole event wound up with a

readings, discussions, films and visual art

First out was IFF - Interactive Festival Forum

cocktail hour which further demonstrated the

exhibitions. 150,000 visitors followed the

(usually known as the International Festival

need for all of us to socialize and have a drink

freely

Forum) which took place on 2-3rd September.

together (not quite the same thing as in the

offer. The fee-based digital programme

Around 650 delegates from 35 countries

real world but as close as we can get under

for international industry visitors was used

attended. The event invited 60 speakers

the circumstances).

by 1,480 registered participants from 37

including Emma Banks, John Giddings,

12

accessible

digital

programme

on

countries with highlights including talks with

Russell Warby, Herman Schueremans, Folkert

This was followed 2 weeks later by the 15th

Federal leader of the Jusos Kevin Kühnert,

Koopmans, Marty Diamond, Marc Geiger,

edition of Reeperbahn Festival Conference

Melanie C. and Lukas Rieger, panels with

Anna Sjölund and many more. 6 hours of

on 16-19th September. Taking place over

industry representatives such as Stephan

evening showcases were hosted by booking

4 days, around 8,000 visitors in 20 venues

Thanscheidt (FKP Scorpio) and Helen Smith.

VIP NEWS > INDEPTH STORY >

OCTOBER 2020

We spoke to Ruud Berends, Co-Founder/Agenda at IFF and Detlef Schwarte, CoManaging Director at Reeperbahn Festival Conference about this year’s events and this is what they had to say:

VIP-News: How’s the overall feedback been from the delegates

Ruud Berends: The real live experience.

that attended the Virtual conference?

VIP-News: What have been the biggest challenges in doing a Ruud Berends: Really positive, our clients were impressed, thanked us

Virtual conference?

and were very happy to see each other again.

Ruud Berends: Learning something we did not want to learn, digital is VIP-News: What was the biggest difference for the delegates

the opposite from live, trying to translate the essence from IFF into a

compared to the “normal” IFF Conference?

digital environment was a real challenge hopefully only for 1 edition.

VIP-News: Do you plan on doing a Virtual conference alongside the physical conference when things get back to normal?

Ruud Berends: On a content level, both conference and act showcases, where it would add value for our clients, yes.

VIP-News: Revenue is an important factor in running a conference, how has it been possible to monetise the Virtual version?

Ruud Berends: Not really, I think it is more about losing less.

VIP-News: Did you receive any support from your government to run this year’s virtual event or to cover the shortfall from the cancelled physical event?

Ruud Berends: No. VIP-News: Do you think the pandemic will have a negative effect on the number of delegates attending your physical conferences in the future or will the desire for people to meet in person prevail?

Ruud Berends: That will strongly depend on how long this will really take. In general, pending on the level of the delegates, I expect some events to have lower attendance for a while.

VIP-News: What was the highlight of this year’s virtual conference for you?

Ruud Berends: How grateful and happy the delegates were, how

Ruud Berends

important it was for people to see each other and know that the business is still there and ready to restart.

13

VIP NEWS > INDEPTH STORY >

OCTOBER 2020

VIP-News: How’s the overall feedback been from the delegates

other personally and the concrete initiation of business remains a

that attended the Virtual conference?

USP of the live format - not to mention the emotional experience of live concerts.

Detlef Schwarte: When things go well, there is little feedback. When things go badly, there is a lot of it. At the first digital conference of the

VIP-News: What have been the biggest challenges in doing a

Reeperbahn Festival there were understandably many complaints due

Virtual conference?

to the server crash in the first hour, for the following three days there were hardly any more. I consider this a great success, because we

Detlef Schwarte: Most important to me was that we had to be

have created a digital conference experience that is second to none.

noticeably positively different from all previous attempts to translate

We have produced and streamed around 70 sessions live and with a

music conferences to the Internet. I realise that others are under

very attractive look. We created a dozen web seminars with up to 50

even greater time pressure to reproduce something on the Internet.

participants* on the platform, presented 30 on-demand lectures and

However, this also meant that the results were not very attractive and

8 digital showcases, which generated a lot of interest in the artists

found little real acceptance among industry representatives. In order

shown there and surprised our partners from Germany and abroad

not to lose the industry at this point, all music conferences need to

in equal measure. I thought it was a pretty strong performance and I

make better digital offerings overall.

am happy that 1500 people from the industry experienced it live and actively online.

VIP-News: Do you plan on doing a Virtual conference alongside the physical conference when things get back to normal?

VIP-News: What was the biggest difference for the delegates compared to the “normal” Reeperbahn Conference?

Detlef Schwarte: In the future, we want to combine the already mentioned strengths of a digital and a live conference. In this respect,

Detlef Schwarte: The comparison is difficult. One should put the

we are trying to learn from the crisis and find the much-mentioned

advantages of the formats to the front. A well-designed digital

opportunity in it. But of course we don’t know how the industry will

conference can communicate topics more broadly and make

develop in the coming months and which offers are really considered

discussions more sustainable, as you can potentially reach a much

suitable. But yes, we have ventured on a path that we will probably

larger network over a longer period of time. Getting to know each

never leave again.

Detlef Schwarte ©MaureenVollmer

14

VIP NEWS > INDEPTH STORY >

OCTOBER 2020

VIP-News: Revenue is an important factor in running a

conferences in the future or will the desire for people to meet

conference, how has it been possible to monetise the Virtual

in person prevail?

version?

Detlef Schwarte: The desire and necessity to meet in person will Detlef Schwarte: We have generated significant revenues from

certainly and hopefully continue. And we want to continue to fulfil

ticketing and marketing digital conference formats such as master

it at the Reeperbahn Festival in the best possible way. And yet it will

classes, showcases and lounges. The performance was not always

take longer until we find our way back to the old level of physical

great in every case, but with the vast majority of our partners, we met

encounters on such occasions. But it will be attainable. And when

their expectations. All in all, I consider the potential for this kind of

we have consistently pursued the aforementioned possibilities of a

business to be great. We just can’t leave it to classic tech platforms.

digital conference and a digital network in equal measure, we will definitely be able to serve the industry better than before.

VIP-News: Did you receive any support from your government to run this year’s virtual event or to cover the shortfall from

VIP-News: What was the highlight of this year’s virtual

the cancelled physical event?

conference for you?

Detlef Schwarte: Yes, we were able to use parts of our funding

Detlef Schwarte: In retrospect, the fact that the digital machine we

for the digital implementation and distribution of our content in

created in just a few weeks essentially worked well was really the

deviation from the original funding purposes. In addition, we have

biggest success. We would like to take this opportunity to thank our

even received additional funding from the City of Hamburg to

team once again! Apart from that, I am pleased that our panel with

enable the best possible digital representation of the festival.

representatives from German politics and the live entertainment industry has led to the formation of a new alliance at the federal

VIP-News: Do you think the pandemic will have a negative

political level to make the consequences of the crisis for the live

effect on the number of delegates attending your physical

entertainment industry more manageable.

15

VIP NEWS > INDEPTH STORY >

OCTOBER 2020

COVID-19 and the Live Industry: How Are we Coping?

It goes without saying that these are challenging times with the Live Music & Events Industry being one of the worst hit by the current coronavirus crisis and with the lockdowns and restrictions on events imposed by governments all over the world.

Although there is some hope on the horizon with many tours already being rescheduled for the Spring 2021 there is still a lot of uncertainty remaining.

We asked 2 professionals from different countries about their current situation and how they are dealing with the problems facing their businesses.

Jason Colombick, Managing Director at N.O.W Co (North of Watford) - UK Now Music is a music management and artist agency company

and further afield; Australia, South Africa etc, we are reliant on what

established in the late eighties based in West Yorkshire.

happens in those countries for reopening to events and speaking to our promoters in those countries things for now are not favourable

The vision was to create a company that could manage artists on a

for anyone.

totally independent basis within the group. We support and nurture

both new and established artistes.

Have you received any financial support from your government and if so, are you still receiving support?

With 28 years of experience, I started out as a sound engineer and then started touring with bands worldwide, I developed the skills

We have been on the furlough Scheme from the UK Government and

in all parts of the entertainment sector, working also as production

my landlord for my office has been kind enough to delay our rent

manager on festivals and Tour Manager.

until January 2021.

5 years ago I took on the role of Managing Director at Now Music and

But there has been a shortfall or loophole for directors of

my past experience has given a complete understanding of exactly

companies, our personal salaries covered by the Government has

what Artists require especially whist on the road with full support.

not been enough.

How is your company coping with the current crisis and how’s

Have you managed to book any gigs for your artists during

the reopening schedule looking in your country?

this period of uncertainty?

Things are tough, we have no events at least until March or April

95% (approx 110 gigs) of all our events from 2020 have been

2021, and doubtful they will go ahead as well.

postponed to 2021 and early 2022, so for the first 6 months of lockdown since March it was full on booking gigs, but now for the

16

As Management and Agent for bands from 70’s and 80’s based in

last 6 weeks things are very slow, however this would be due to a full

the UK – most of the events take place in Europe and Scandinavia

dairy in 2021 and early 2022.

VIP NEWS > INDEPTH STORY >

OCTOBER 2020

Our bands are in demand and Promoters in Scandinavia and Europe are always looking for the 70’s, 80’s nostalgic rock/pop bands for their gigs. However due to the demographics of the bands’ audiences with most people in age 55 plus, we all have a fear that it will take longer for these bands to return.

Have you managed to monetize any live streamed gigs and if so how?

We have not done any live streamed gigs for money, our bands feel that doing a concert online gives away the excitement of being in the live environment for the audience and for themselves. We have done some short-streamed events for Charity.

Do you see live streamed gigs being a revenue stream in the future even when things get back to normal?

Jason Colombick

No, in my opinion live streamed events have become an alternative to keep fans interested, and once things get back to normal people will 100% prefer to go to a gig than sit at home and watch it.

advances plan to give our promoters more flexibility which they feel is a fair deal, it’s about working closely with our partners and making

Are you optimistic that festivals will be able to go ahead as

their money feel safe and secure!

usual next year?

Do you see a sway back to more independent promoters and To answer the question with a question; ”How long is a piece of

agents once the current crisis is over?

string?”

I generally deal only with Independent promoters and agents so I Being glued to media, Government announcements from everywhere

can’t really say a lot about the large global agencies, however I’m

in the world, there is not one country that has straight answers, and

sure the larger companies are struggling a great deal more.

understandably!

However, I think at first once we are back gigging there will be more We hear something one day of a trial show that took place and now

Independent promoters, and the large companies will be back.

going through a second wave of infections with more restrictions in place, so it’s ‘ one step forward and 3 steps backwards’

What long term effects do you think the current crisis will have on the future of the Live Music Industry?

How do you see new technology being introduced to monitor audience safety at future events?

We will certainly be losing some nostalgic bands earlier than expected, I already heard of bands that have decided to retire early.

Already technology is there to monitor audiences behaviour and I would have thought they would be able to add / alter it to monitor a

New up and coming artists will also suffer long term as gigging is

person from the audience body temperature, or people will get a Covid

their main point of gaining an audience and I fear they will be lost

test with an immediate result while standing in line to enter the venue,

and will have to re-invent and restart.

the same way people have a security check when entering venues.

When we are free of Covid, even if takes a few years, everyone will Will promoters continue to pay huge advances in the future,

be back performing live,

or do you see artists/managers/agents taking more of the risk?

I say this coming from a country I experience first-hand, that live I believe it all depends on the Artists’ management how they operate

international music was suppressed for many years and once the

and how they are prepared to operate, I know I have changed the

Government changed the Live music industry thrived literally overnight.

17

VIP NEWS > INDEPTH STORY >

OCTOBER 2020

Mateusz Pawlicki, CEO at Prestige MJM (Poland) Prestige MJM is a professional agency that organizes concerts and festivals with the participation of world-class stars. One of the largest concert agencies not only in Poland, but also in Central and

Mateusz Pawlicki

Eastern Europe.

Over the last 12 years, the Prestige MJM agency has organized

As I mentioned, we did not try. Honestly, we wouldn’t want it to be

142 different events in over 20 Polish cities. Among the artists who

that way. We prefer to pursue our passions through live concerts and,

appeared in our country for the first time at the invitation of Prestige

additionally, benefit from them.

MJM were: Jennifer Lopez, Justin Bieber, Justin Timberlake, BonJovi, Avicii, Michael Buble and Il Divo. World class stars whose concerts in

Are you optimistic that festivals will be able to go ahead as

Poland have been prepared by our agency include: Elton John, Brian

usual next year?

Adams, Rod Stewart, Martin Garrix, Andea Bocelli, David Garret, David Guetta, James Blunt and bands: Guns N ‘Roses, Scorpions,

We strongly believe that, looking at the development of the pandemic

Thirty Seconds to Mars, Motörhead, Linkin Park, Queen. Over a

in Europe, we will be able to start organizing the first events in mid-

million people attended all the events.

2021. Of course, this is the optimistic version.

Prestige MJM organizes not only concerts but also the largest

How do you see new technology being introduced to monitor

events in Poland. From the celebration of the 1050th anniversary

audience safety at future events?

of the Baptism of Poland, through to the musical opening of the PGE Arena Stadium in Gdańsk, a concert marking the occasion of the

We approach it with full understanding. What is more, we believe

canonization of Pope John Paul II, to concerts on the occasion of the

that it is a reasonable and justified solution to which we will certainly

rally for the world’s largest sailing ships ‘Tall Ships Races in Szczecin’.

apply, hopefully in mid-2021.

How is your company coping with the current crisis and how’s

Will promoters continue to pay huge advances in the future or

the reopening schedule looking in your country?

do you see artists/managers/agents taking more of the risk?

Currently the pandemic has surprised us all, but we need to deal with

We are all in the same boat and work for joint success. In the new

it. We are waiting for better times and we are preparing for projects

times, even lower risks will still be huge. I would like the artists’ rates

planned for 2021, if they do not take place, then for 2022.

to be more reasonable and the risks to be shared by both sides.

Have you managed to promote any shows at all during this

Do you see a sway back to more independent promoters and

period of uncertainty?

agents once the current crisis is over?

We have tried several times. However, the situation in Poland is very

Independent promoters take advantage of the situation and agents

unstable and it changed so quickly, so we had to put our ideas aside,

have no choice. So yes, we see such an opportunity. Previously, the

hopefully for not too long.

independent promoter was in a lost position, it was more difficult to make a big event, and the greatest artists finally chose the

Have you managed to monetize any live streamed gigs and

competition. On our part, we will do everything to take advantage

if so how?

of this opportunity.

We have not tried. Two days before the lockdown, we had a James

What long term effects do you think the current crisis will have

Blunt concert held safely. It was a spectacular success for our company

on the future of the Live Music Industry?

and the artist, but since then our hands are tied.

I wish myself and all the promoters in the world that the projects will

18

Do you see live streamed gigs being a revenue stream in the

come back by mid-2021. We all miss live music so much. Of course,

future even when things get back to normal?

time will tell how it will be.

VIP NEWS >

NAMES & JOBS

OCTOBER 2020

FKP Scorpio expand team in Sweden From VIP-Daily News In the midst of the current pandemic, FKP Scorpio Sweden chooses to

“Johanna is well known for her fingertip feeling when it comes to

grow and strengthen the team with the hiring of Johanna Beckman as

setting good programs, something we look forward to developing at

Senior Creative Curator & Promoter.

FKP Scorpio,” says Božo Rasic, Managing Director.

Johanna Beckman has a long experience in the Swedish music industry and has worked here for 17 years. She has worked as a booker,

Johanna Beckman

manager for i.a. Dungen and Jenny Wilsson and has been a concert and festival promoter.

Most recently, she came from work as creative director at Trädgården / Under Bron. Johanna is also known for her work with the development and music booking of the Gagneffestivalen.

In addition, she was also involved in starting up the artist collective Ingrid and is active as an artist booker at By: Larm.

“It feels super exciting to take on this assignment - to have the opportunity to make arrangements and concerts in different sizes, and at the same time be able to use my broad knowledge and fingertip feeling in putting on fun programs. It is brave of FKP Scorpio to dare to invest in this situation and I am extremely triggered by being involved in developing the company,” says Johanna Beckman.

Matt Schwarz joins CTS Eventim From VIP-Daily News Matt Schwarz, former COO and Managing Director of Live Nation GSA will be joining CTS Eventim at the start of next year.

Matt Schwarz

With effect from January 2021, Matt Schwarz will be managing eventimpresents (formerly MLK), the promoter company behind the long-established `Rock am Ring` and `Rock im Park` festivals, and will be responsible for acquiring attractive national and international tours and shows on behalf of Eventim Live, CTS Eventim`s unified promoter network.

Schwarz worked for Live Nation GSA as COO and Managing Director from its establishment in mid-2015 until February 2020. Prior to that, he was heavily involved in the `Rock am Ring` and `Rock im Park` festivals in his capacity as Vice President of MLK.

19

VIP NEWS >

NAMES & JOBS

OCTOBER 2020

Markus Wiking new CEO of United Stage Sweden From VIP-Daily News United Stage is now taking the next step

of trust among artists, an impressive drive

the name United Stage Group - a Nordic live

towards becoming the Nordic region`s largest

and enthusiasm, and is also almost exactly

company for today`s and tomorrow`s stars.

artist company with the announcement of

twenty years younger than me.

The Nordic CEO of United Stage Group is

Markus Wiking as new CEO of United Stage Sweden.

Jimmi Riise.

Markus will be a great asset for us in our continued

construction

of

the

Nordic

Markus Wiking will take up the role of CEO

region`s largest artist company. It will be very

Jimmi Riise,

on 2 November and will be an important key

fun to do United Stage`s continued journey

CEO United Stage Group

figure in United Stage`s expansive strategy.

and investment with him.

I am pleased to welcome Markus and I look forward to our cooperation in the coming

Markus has worked for EMA Telstar and Live Nation in various positions for 21 years, for

Markus Wiking,

years. The combination of the fantastic work

the last 10 years he was responsible for Live

CEO United Stage Sweden

that United Stage has done in Stockholm and Markus` strong leadership, will continue

Nation`s Swedish touring operations and has been a driving force in the development of

I am incredibly humble and happy that I

to show that we are an obvious live company

the company`s A&E operations with shows

have been given the task of leading United

for both national upcoming artists and

and musicals.

Stage into the 2020`s. US is a fantastic

established stars.

company with an agency team that together Over the years, Markus has worked as an

have more experience than any other artist

The pandemic has made it difficult for the

agent for Laleh, Molly Sanden, Magnus

company in Sweden today.

live music industry, but we are investing further and investing in the future. Not

Uggla, Tomas Ledin, Hov1, Norlie & KKV and Linnea Henriksson, to name a few. He started

I have known Anders Larsson for almost 20

only in Stockholm, but through our Nordic

his career in the live industry as early as 1996

years and since 1999 I have stood on the

investment, also in Oslo and Copenhagen.

and has since built himself into a position as

other side and seen what a fantastic job he

one of Sweden`s most important agents with

has done in building up the company.

a great understanding of artist development.

Markus Wiking It will be exciting to stand side by side with Anders and US on the continued journey

Anders Larsson,

with music and the artist in the center.

United Stages founder and chairman of the board United Stage founder and chairman Anders

20

Markus and I have many times talked over

Larsson will of course continue to work with

a glass of wine about how fun it would be

full force and remain operational in the

to work together and finally I have managed

company`s artist operations and all business

to get him to take the step over to United

areas both in Sweden and the rest of the

Stage, also as CEO.

Nordic region.

Markus is without a doubt the person in our

In August 2020, it was announced that the

industry that I have the greatest confidence

three Nordic music agencies United Stage,

in. He has an incredibly large and broad

United Stage Norway and Copenhagen

knowledge of the live industry, a high level

Music will make a strategic merger under

CONNECT GET INSPIRED DISCOVER WITH 4.000 MUSIC PROFESSIONALS

BY 150 PANELS KEYNOTES & SESSIONS

350+ ACTS IN 30+ VENUES OVER THE SPAN OF 4 DAYS

GET YOUR REGISTRATION AT ESNS.NL

VIP NEWS > BUSINESS >

MUSIC IN SHARES

OCTOBER 2020

Music In Shares Manfred Tari mt@vip-booking.com

Amazing: Big Hit Entertainment, the company behind the K-Pop

CTS Eventim - Still Gaining

band BTS undertook an IPO (Initial Public Offering) at the Korean stock exchange and on the first day rose by about 160%. On

On September 25 the shares for CTS Eventim were 41.30 Euro, since

October 15th, the issued share price stood at 135.000 Won (100

then until October 26 the share price increased to 42.50 Euro...

Euro/ $118), the closing price on the same day reached 270.000 Won (200 Euro/ $225.) The market cap of the venture sky rocketed, reaching a peak of 8.7 trillion Won (7,4 Euro billion/ $7.6 billion).

DEAG - Meaningful Downwards

Well, whatever the long term market expectation was supposed

Last time the headline for DEAG shares read “Meaningless

to be, the speculative momentum is another factor. Despite the

Downwards”, as between August and September, the share price

usual compulsory lock up period after an IPO that foresees that

went down from 2.95 Euro to 2.85 Euro but the further decrease

major shareholders have to hold shares for a certain period of time

within four weeks to 2.32 Euro can be described as “Meaningful”...

(i.e.between 3 to 6 months), this has apparently not been the case with Big Hit Entertainment as certain share portions were sold in the aftermath, causing a sharp decline in Big Hit Entertainment’s

Eventbrite - Maintaining the Level

share price.

From $10.69 down to $10.18 is during these times almost The so called equity story for Big Hit Entertainment also proves

positive news...

something else, that music wrapped up as a product can be highly profitable. Different to many other products, the rate of profit margins versus investments are in terms of music products much

Live Nation - Improved Momentum

higher than those of physical products such as cars or vaccines.

Just consider the fact that the expenses for the development and

Previously at $51.25 and now up to $55.63, reads well, let’s see if Live

deployment of a boy band such as BTS are significantly lower than

Nation shares are sustainable to remain above $55...

those of a Tesla or a Mercedes car. However, during these Covid-19 times, not even Big Hit Entertainment can perform the same profit rates as face masks and toilet paper.

Spotify - A Winner Previously up and down here and there but once again another peak: Since last time, Spotify shares have moved up from $231.85 (August - $272.17) to an impressive $283.83...

Tencent - Speculatively Unexciting From $14.71 up to $15.03...

Warner Music - Uninspired From $28.15 to $29.06...

22

VIP NEWS > MISC >

MEMBER PRESENTATION

OCTOBER 2020

This space is dedicated to present some of our clients using VIP-Booking.com.

Companies presented here have our best endorsement...

All Things Live All Things Live is the leading independent live entertainment company in the Nordics. The group was established by the 6 Scandinavian companies in early 2019. Since then, a number of additional live entertainment companies have joined All Things Live.

With offices in Oslo, Stockholm, Malmø, Helsinki, and Copenhagen, All Things Live covers the full spectrum of live entertainment from local music and comedy acts to large scale musical productions, several festivals and stadium concerts with international artists such as The Rolling Stones, Katy Perry and Rammstein. All Things Live also operates the leading comedy venue in Norway.

All Things Live represents around 250 local artists, promotes and produces more than 5,000 events with more than 1.5 million tickets sold annually, and has entered into a number of partnerships with large corporate clients.

About Our Company VIP-Booking’s core product is the largest­database­for 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 subscribers­ in over 50 countries.

®

vip-booking.com

23

HOW TO USE

1

Use VIP Analytics to lo cate where your artist has the most in terest:

VIP-Booking.com for Agents/Managers

2

ues Use our Tour Builder to locate ven or agents within a given area:

3

Find the Talent B uyer and relevant other contact s:

ÂŽ

The No. 1 information resource for the European Live Entertainment Industry vip-booking.com