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PREMIUM > VOLUME 205 > OCTOBER 2017

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OCTOBER 2017

McGowan’s

Musings

Having spent more time than I’d like

the French promoters association, Prodiss,

access to well appointed and subsidised

referring to bad news relating to the live

that a recent report, the Barometre du Live

‘youth’ clubs in Holland allowed UK acts

industry, I’m glad to say that this issue leads

indicated that following the attack on the

to take advantage of this to play these

with good news – hooray we all shout!

Bataclan two years ago (is it really that

venues, often being better paid than in the

I spent most of last week in a warm and

long!) and after a 2016 decline probably

home market, which led to gigs in Belgium,

sunny Paris at the eighth edition of the

caused by the atrocity, live saw a return

Germany etc., and pretty much kicked off

MaMA Event. I ran into some good friends,

to good health in 2017, with 42% of

a European touring circuit for the British

attended some good panels, and saw a

people attending a least one show. Prodiss

business. Now I see that the Netherlands is

couple of very good bands. So what more

stated tht this appeared to be “…a kind

the guest country in both Bime in Bilbao,

could I have asked for, ah yes, the further

of return to normal.” Gig goers reported

and next May’s Great Escape in Brighton.

good news announced at the event by

improved feelings of safety, and that live

At MaMA in Paris I was most impressed by

entertainment offered an ‘antidote’ to an

a Dutch act – The Mysterons - maybe their

atmosphere of crisis. Let’s hope that in

time has come!

France and elsewhere, this continues to

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

2

be the case. There was a drawback for the

I was sad to hear of the death of the

industry in terms of increased security costs,

original Editor of the on-line business

but of course this was a problem faced by

journal Record of the Day, David Balfour.

most markets following terrorist attacks, or

He passed away on the 20th of October,

at least the threat of these.

having

been

diagnosed

with

Motor

Neurone Disease two years ago. I often met However, great as it was to have these

him at Conferences and very much enjoyed

days of sunshine dark clouds do appear to

his company; he certainly knew his business

be gathering as the effects of the Harvey

and was an extremely good writer. We send

Weinstein scandals on the film business

our condolences to his family and friends,

open up similar repercussions within the

and to his colleagues at Record of the Day.

music business in general, with the live

(See article in this issue.)

sector having its share. We’ve even had Tom Jones recalling having to deal with

All being well I shall be busy next month,

unwelcome advances early in his career. It

taking part in Nouvelle Prague, in early

seems that we will be hearing a lot more of

November, then off again to Sonic Visions

this sort of thing in the coming weeks.

in Luxembourg later in the month. I shall report back, as ever. Perhaps I’ll see some

We’re well and truly into Conference and

of you at one or both of these events, if

Showcase season, and our inclusion of

so, please let me know how things are with

news items about Eurosonic Noorderslag in

you and your business, if not mail us with

this issue have made me think about how

your news!

the Dutch music market has grown in the last few years, it is apparently now fifth in

In the meantime, Ladies and Gentlemen –

the world. I recall that in the early 70’s the

The News!

VIP NEWS >

OCTOBER 2017

James Grant Group acquires 10 Management From VIP-Daily News James Grant Group (JGG) has acquired London-based 10 Management.

10

Management

is

Take

That’s

long-term

management company, and is led by founder Jonathan Wild.

The firm has represented Take That since the record-breaking British group reformed in 2006. MBW is told that JGG will now represent both Take That as a band and the solo careers of Gary Barlow, Mark

James Grant Group

Owen and Howard Donald.

The move is James Grant Group’s first major acquisition since it

The Script) and the central James Grant Music operation (Louis

merged with LA-based Deckstar in a deal worth more than $20m

Tomlinson, James Arthur).

back in March. Deckstar, which looks after acts such as Blink 182 and Steve Aoki, continues to be run by company founders Lawrence

In addition to music, James Grant Group represents talent in the

Vavra and Matt Colon under the JGG umbrella.

world of sport and entertainment. The company has around 250 employees across the UK and US and over 1,000 clients. James

In addition to Deckstar, JGG operates two other distinct music

Grant Group is jointly owned by its employees, senior management

management divisions: Hall or Nothing (Manic Street Preachers,

and Metric Capital.

Take That with manager Jonathan Wild

3

Wherever you go, we are there ‌ ... with infrastructure and services!

Get in touch !

GIGS Barriers | Ground Protection | Site Material

info@eps.net | www.eps.net

VIP NEWS >

OCTOBER 2017

Shmuel Zemach passes away From VIP-Daily News Long time Israeli promoter Shmuel Zemach has passed away. He was the first promoter in Israel, and until his death the President of Promoters and Producers association in Israel.

Zemach promoted many artists, amongst others Elton John, Leonard Cohen, Frank Sinatra, Paul Anka, Simon & Garfunkel, the London musical Mamma-Mia (twice), Julio Iglesias, Luciano Pavarotti, Enrique Iglesias, Cliff Richard (3 days ago), the Scorpions, Guns`n Roses, Metallica, Aerosmith and many many more…

Zemach was a very close friend with

Shmuel Zemach

among others Harvey Goldsmith and Marek Lieberberg.

Beginning in the city of Petach Tikva’s (where

producer, impresario, agent and personal

Since its inception, Zemach Productions

he grew up) Municipality Youth Department,

manager of many leading Israeli artists.

has become a multi-functional company

ZEMACH started out organizing events

specializing in the promotion, production,

for various youth organizations. He was

and organization of national events, theater,

appointed a member of the ‘10 Years State of

ballet, folk dancing, art and artists, including

Israel Celebrations Committee’ and became a

many internationally acclaimed performers

representative for the Kibbutzim Movement

of the entertainment world.

Festival, an annual art/entertainment festival taking place in Haifa. In time, ZEMACH was sent by the Prime Minister’s office to the United States in order to acquire further knowledge,

experience

and

expertise

in organizing and coordinating events, exhibitions and sight and sound shows.

ZEMACH was later appointed Adm. Director of the Giora Godik Theater, producer of the musicals: My Fair Lady, West Side Story,

Enrique Iglesias

Fiddler on the Roof, and more. He went on to become an independent promoter,

Yoav Zemach

Need to know who is touring Europe?

®

Go online - www.vip-booking.com vip-booking.com

5

VIP NEWS > INDEPTH STORY >

OCTOBER 2017

CONFERENCE UPDATES

Reeperbahn ’17 Allan McGowan am@vip-booking.com The Reeperbahn Festival again took place last month in Hamburg.

Over the course of four days, over 40,000 visitors, 4,700 of them professional guests from more than 57 nations, took part in the twelfth edition. It was a little late for us to report on this edition in our September issue, and also for medical reasons I was unable to attend, however Peter Briggs of VIP-Booking was there – he tells us: “Reeperbahn has become one of the “must attend” events for us.

This year we were busier than ever with back-to-back meetings from the moment we arrived. Part of the reason for this is the increased number of delegates now attending the event but also because of the huge interest we have received for our new social media statistics. The size of the conference hotel makes it easy to bump

Detlef Schwarte - Reeperbahn Festival Organiser

into everyone you want to meet. Getting the balance right between growing but not getting too big is difficult but Reeperbahn seem to

VIP News asked Detlef about his perceptions of this twelth edition:

have got it just right.”

VIP News: What did you consider to be the highlights of this

Reeperbahn Festival

edition?

Detlef Schwarte: Regarding the conference of the Reeperbahn Festival the most important aspect is the constant recognition that we receive from all parts of the music industry. The numbers of delegates from the live music, recorded music, and the publishing sector are similarly growing from year to year. The keynotes speeches from Melvin Benn, Ole Obermann, Dave Stewart and Hartwig Masuch were all very well attended, indicate the universal definition of Reeperbahn Festival that is unique in Europe and that is additionally underlined by its growing internationality - our delegates came from 56 countries this year. Other highlights were

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VIP NEWS > INDEPTH STORY >

OCTOBER 2017

the second edition of Anchor - the Reeperbahn Festival International

and public audience and was very well accepted in year one. The

Music Award that was awarded to Jade Bird and the several activities

virtual dome that was situated there was home to the premiere

of this year´s partner country Canada, represented by more than 100

of

delegates and 50 contributions to the music and film programme of

the new conference strand about Creative Tech with speakers

the Reeperbahn Festival.

like Eurythmic´s Dave Stewart, Heaven 17´s Martyn Ware or Live

the Martin Kohlstedt performance „Currence“ and also to

Nations´s Lars-Oliver Vogt. Also new or expanded partnerships VIP News: How do you think it compared with previous years?

with companies and organizations like Live Nation, YouTube, KOCCA (Korea Creative Content Agency), Apple Music, or Deezer ,

Detlef Schwarte: Reeperbahn Festival is developing constantly

document Reeperbahn´s increasing appeal that is still based on the

without changing its general familiar character and comfortable

distinctive atmosphere of the place and the good vibe coming from

setting. This year the Festival Village - a new area of thirty thousand

everyone that is involved - artist, delegates, audience, partners and

square metres - offered new venues and services to delegates

team.

Eurosonic Noorderslag Announce 37 New Acts Allan McGowan am@vip-booking.com 37 new acts have been announced for ESNS18, including: Jacob Banks, My Baby, Au/Ra, Scarlet Pleasure, Celeste and more.

Danish Scarlet Pleasure announced for Eurosonic

The festival tickets for Eurosonic Noorderslag will go on sale on Saturday, October 28th at 10:00 CEST. The organisation has announced 37 more acts for the festivals Eurosonic and Noorderslag, which will take place 17, 18, 19 and 20 January 2018 in Groningen, Netherlands.

Eurosonic will take place from Wednesday to Friday, as usual, in the city of Groningen, with the showcase festival featuring emerging artists from all over Europe. Bookers and other music industry

Confirmed for Noorderslag: Figgie (nl), HAEVN (nl), Latifah (nl), MY

representatives attend ESNS to seek new acts to play at clubs and

BABY (nl), Nana Adjoa (nl), Rollàn (nl), Tusky (nl), Waltzburg (nl).

summer festivals around the continent. Earlier editions of ESNS, have seen acts including Mø, Dua Lipa, Hozier, Lost Frequencies and Royal

See full line up here:

Blood established as part of the international music industry. On

www.eurosonic-noorderslag.nl/en/festival/line-up/

Saturday, concert venue De Oosterpoort plays host to the best and most current acts from The Netherlands at the Noorderslag festival.

ESNS is also of course a conference and networking opportunity

Noorderslag is regarded as the best place to check out promising

for professionals from the event and music industries. The B2B side

artists from The Netherlands:

of the event attracts more than 4,000 entertainment professionals from all sections of the industry, including representatives of over

Confirmed for Eurosonic: Ankathie Koi (at), Arcane Roots (gb), Au/

400 European festivals, managers, agents, publishers, labels, tech

Ra (de), Auðn (is), Bad Sounds (gb), Cannibale (fr), Celeste (fr), Coals

companies and event suppliers. Each year, ESNS stages more than

(pl), D/troit (dk), Daniel Brandt & Eternal Something (de), Diron

350 showcases all over the city of Groningen as well as offering a

Animal (pt), Ellis May (dk), Hater (se), Hrtl (cz), IAMJJ (dk), Jacob

comprehensive and focused conference programme of around 150

Banks (gb), Lxandra (fi), Mist (gb), Pale Honey (se), Pardans (dk),

panels and keynotes, and multiple networking opportunities.

Pekko Kappi & K:H:H.L (fi), Scarlet Pleasure (dk), Schnellertollermeier (ch), Seamus Fogarty (ie), Serushio (pt), Superorganism (gb), Vera

The event also hosts annual meetings by music associations, pitch

(dk), Vurro (es), Yungblud (gb).

sessions, networking dinners, parties and dedicated areas featuring

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VIP NEWS > INDEPTH STORY >

OCTOBER 2017

the very latest thinking and technical innovation in the music, media, interactive and production industries. At this year’s edition Denmark will be the ESNS focus country.

ESNS is also home to several awards ceremonies, among them the European Border Breakers Awards, Buma Music Meets Tech Awards, European Festival Awards and the national Dutch Popprijs First Keynote Announced for Eurosonic Scumeck Sabottka (MCT-Agentur, DE) is the first name to be announced for the ESNS (Eurosonic Noorderslag) Conference.

Sabottka has an accomplished career as concert promotor and agent, working with acts like Rammstein, Kraftwerk and The Ramones.

Scumeck Sabottka is a fierce enemy of secondary ticketing and is the founder of ticketing company Tickets.de, which he has since sold. He will feature in a keynote interview by Emma Banks (CAA, UK), the booking agent of (among others) Katy Perry and Arcade Fire.

Scumeck Sabottka announced as Keynote for Eurosonic

ILMC 30 – Dates Announced Allan McGowan am@vip-booking.com The 30th edition of the International Live

30th birthday celebration that evening (more

issue, or even a ready-made session that

Music Conference will take place in London,

on this shortly).

you feel should be making an appearance at

again at The Royal Garden Hotel, from 6-9

ILMC 30, now is the perfect time to get in

March 2018, with the main schedule of

Registration will open in the second week of

meetings, events, and showcases kicking off

November, when full conference information

on Wednesday 7 March.

will be available online, via eNews updates,

The ILMC agenda has always been formed

and in IQ Magazine.

directly by the live music industry, and we

Tuesday 6 March will see the ILMC Production

touch and share your ideas.

rely on input from our members around the

Meeting and Green Events & Innovation

Work has now begun on the ILMC agenda for

world. So, if you have a suggestion, please

Conference take place, as well as a huge

2018, so if there is a particular topic, burning

drop a line to: greg@ilmc.com

ILMC 29 conference

8

VIP NEWS > INDEPTH STORY >

OCTOBER 2017

MaMA 2017 Allan McGowan am@vip-booking.com The eighth edition of the MaMA Festival & Convention took place in Paris from 18 - 20th October 2017. This year, a record number attended three days of networking and concerts. In surprisingly hot and sunny weather!

5,620 industry professionals attended this 2017 edition (5,345 industry professionals in 2016, thus a 5% increase), 30% of which

Obvious trends included: Although the number of players in the live

were from abroad, with 52 different nationalities represented.

music industry is alarming, the sector appears however to be in rude health. Artists are following a more DIY approach, taking control and

2,010 organisations attended (1,953 in 2016, thus a 3% increase) 419

managing their own careers.

different participants (238 in 2016) Numerous international industry leaders (Harvey Goldsmith, Nora 582 press passes were issued (520 in 2016)

Felder, Korda Marshall, Cary Sherman...) and artists (Lomepal, Everything Everything, Superpoze, Wax Tailor, Imogen Heap...)

The ticket office for the general public was booming, with 1-day

attended as part of the conferences, keynotes and debates.

and 3-day passes available: to date, 4,713 public passes were issued (+18%).

Despite a more in-depth programme with fewer headliners, the public appeared more inquisitive than ever as attendance figures saw an

There were 441 different artists scheduled, and more than 180

increase with more than 4,700 passes sold.

concerts and showcases accessible to both the general public and industry professionals alike taking place in 16 different unique venues.

Now in its third year running, MaMA Invent proved successful, affirming the importance of innovation and creativity in both the

Conference Coverage

live music industry and the world of music. Such notions go hand in hand with the digital transformation in the music sector now more

The hottest topics discussed at this year’s Conference, included the

than ever.

concentration of players in the live music industry, where does the artist sit amongst the industry’s concerns, and streaming’s rise to

The publishing world was strongly represented with numerous events

power.

and special topics on offer.

MaMA Festival & Convention

9

VIP NEWS >

OCTOBER 2017

David Balfour Passes Away Manfred Tari mt@vip-booking.com Music industry insider and journalist David

characters in digital music distribution. All of

the 450 miles from London to Glasgow over

Balfour has passed away after having been

us enjoyed his passion for music, his strategic

three days, near to where David lived, to

diagnosed with Motor Neuron Disease two

approach and his perceptive reporting on

raise money for the Motor Neuron Disease

years ago.

the future of music. Our condolences and

charity. £7,500 was pledged.

hugs go out to his family.” - Oke Goettlich, There aren’t that many people like David

founder of finetunes.

The charity measure is still on, if you would

within the music industry, admired for being

like to donate, please go to:

down to earth and polite, accessible, and

“David joined RotD (Record Of The Day)

www.justgiving.com/fundraising/

respected for his solid knowledge about

at the very start. He was already an

london-glasgow-cycle

music and the industry yet still remaining

accomplished journalist, and was just what

over the years retaining a kindly character

I needed. He was full-time for us for over

and attitude.

six years, before becoming part-time while

David Balfour

working with finetunes.

David Balfour worked for the online magazine Record Of The Day since its

The comments I’ve had sent to me echo

beginning fifteen years ago and later

what I knew. Among them “a lovely person”,

on moved to digital distribution service

“great journalist”, “intelligent man” and

Finetunes.

“thoughtful and incisive”. We’ve lost a good man all too young. He leaves a wife,

“We all are struggling for words to express

Jacqueline, and eight year old daughter,

how sad we are about David’s passing.

Roisin. - Paul Scaife, Record Of The Day.

Everyone that worked with him at finetunes will remember not only a colleague but

The picture shows David with Record of the

also a friend. We lost one of the smartest

Day founder Paul Scaife, who had just cycled

Let’s Talk Politics with Michael Bisping Manfred Tari mt@vip-booking.com Since the beginning of the year VIP News

reasons for political populism and the need

entry by an elected populist/right

has run an interview series with music

for increased investments into lobby efforts

wing party on a federal level. Existing

industry representatives about political

in favour for the live music industry.

democratic parties are hardly finding political answers to stop this trend.

developments and their impact on either or sometimes both personal and professional

VIP News: Are the results of the

What are your considerations as to

life.

Bundestag elections in line with your

why

established

expectations?

have

problems

contesting

this

Michael Bisping: Unfortunately they are!

Bisping: Within the last 10 to 15 years

Concerts & Promotion, asking him about

10

in

obviously

development?

For the current issue VIP News approached Michael Bisping, Managing director of A.S.S

parties

the results of the elections for the German

VIP

everywhere

most established parties have concentrated

Bundestag, the difference between Jeremy

else in Western Europe, Germany is

themselves on what they call the political

Corbyn and German politicians

also now facing the parliamentarian

“middle”…voters that stand for a part

and the

News:

As

almost

VIP NEWS >

OCTOBER 2017

of the population, that is economically safe, politically neither right nor left wing, culturally interested and from a background that mainly reflects the same ingredients. None of them paid attention to the increasingly larger part of the population, that starts to lose out. That

that avoids clear answers and leaves

VIP News: In France the promoter

either is frightened by globalization or by

everything open…you can’t see the person

association

immigration and that gets the feeling that

behind the answer anymore, it could be

convince politicians to implement a

their fears simply do not count. The situation

anybody from my point of view; one of the

law against secondary ticketing and

in the US is the perfect example for this.

main reasons why Macron won in France is,

tax break scheme for medium sized

These people simply do not believe in the

that he avoided this sort of language and

promoters, allowing them to write

established parties anymore…for a period

was not part of any established party….

off of losses up to 750.000 Euro per

too long nobody took them seriously. Now

anymore!

year per company or 500.000 Euro

Prodiss

managed

to

per event. It appears that Prodiss has

they vote for people that pretend they do.

VIP News: UK Labour Party leader

proper lobbying strategies and is even

VIP News: The German Social Democrats

Jeremy Corbyn appeared on the main

able to run campaigns. With this in

(as well as the Christian Democrats)

stage at Glastonbury. None of the

mind, how meaningful do you consider

lost significantly. However, there werer

German top politicians ever showed up

the German live music trade bodies in

times when the SPD teamed up with

on a major live music event. Who is to

terms of lobbying?

the culture sector and did much better

blame, top decisions takers in German

than this time. Would you say today’s

politics or German festival promoters

Bisping: I have to admit, that I did not know

top politicians have lost track of quite

who are too frightened to invite

that, but I guess there is a big difference

ordinary society issues, are mainly

politicians to their events?

between the highly subsidized French scene

driven by opinion polls, therefore

, that has a completely different approach

becoming short-sighted and unable to

Bisping: I unfortunately do not know,

to culture than we do, and Germany. But in

mobilize voters as they used to do in

whether any of our leading politicians at

anyway, I guess that our trade bodies are

the past?

all did ask any festival promoter to allow

not there yet, since we still work on uniting

them on stage for a statement, but have

the 2 big associations…hopefully done very

Bisping: Yes…I believe that what people

my doubts. On the other hand…to speak to

soon. I guess only then themes like the one

want more than anything else is the

an extremely emotionalized crowd during a

mentioned can be on their agenda…and

impression of honesty. Most of our

festival is not really what I feel good politics

hopefully will be.

politicians speak in formulistic language,

is…it is a bit populist too, isn’t it?

VIP News: Is the German live music sector

aware

of

how

political

developments may have an impact on their business?

Bisping: No, I don’t think so.

VIP News: Should the German live music sector increase their efforts to expand and widen their political lobbying efforts?

Bisping: Yes. For further information on A.S.S. Concerts

Michael Bisping

& Promotion please check: www.assconcerts.com

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VIP NEWS >

OCTOBER 2017

AEG to Launch New East London Festival Allan McGowan am@vip-booking.com AEG’s Goldenvoice division is best known

performances from Lykke Li, Popcaan and

this is the most exciting new event in the

for its US events, including Coachella

more to be announced. The National will

country”.

festival. But the Company is also now active

play one of the standalone shows on 2 Jun,

in the UK , and has announced the launch

with support from The War On Drugs, Future

John Biggs, the mayor of Tower Hamlets, the

next year of an new ten day festival in East

Islands, Warpaint, The Districts and more.

London borough where Victoria Park sits,

London’s Victoria Park called All Points East.

adds: “The council is pleased to be working

Artists such as The xx and The National will

The National comment: “After a thrilling

with AEG, who were selected following a

play the event.

four sold out shows at the Eventim Apollo

rigorous procurement process, to deliver

in September, we are excited to take over

some exciting events in 2018 which can be

All Points East will be split into several parts,

Victoria Park next summer. We are already

enjoyed by local people, Londoners and

kicking off with a three day music festival

thinking about ways to make this more than

visitors from across the UK”.

running from 25-27 May, followed by a four

just a show”.

day ‘community-focused’ event, and then

12

What local people won’t be able to enjoy,

three standalone outdoor music shows,

Meanwhile, AEG’s Jim King says: “We are

however, is Field Day, the now Global-owned

which might look like another three day

THRILLED to be able to launch this new

festival that has taken place in Victoria Park

music festival but apparently aren’t. All in

festival concept and bring some of the

since it launched in 2007. It has now lost

all, it’s like a slightly confusing, mid-range

world’s most exciting artists to Victoria

its early June slot in the park, because its

version of AEG’s existing Hyde Park festival,

Park. With a new three day music festival

2018 date clashes with The National’s big

British Summer Time.

followed by a programme of midweek

show. Organisers of that one-day festival

events offering open access to the local

announced last week that they would be

The first headliner of the proper music

community all culminating in three huge

“upping sticks” for next year’s edition. A new

festival portion will be The xx, with additional

standalone shows, we’re confident that

site has yet to be announced.

VIP NEWS >

OCTOBER 2017

Sony Music UK to Support Music Venue Trust Allan McGowan am@vip-booking.com Mark Davyd of The Music Venues Trust

Sony Music UK is the first major music

joined the Tale of Two Cities panel at The

industry player to commit to financially

MaMA Conference in Paris, following

supporting Music Venue Trust’s work to

Venues Day 2017 in London, and was able

protect, preserve and improve the nation’s

to share the good news that Sony Music UK

grassroots music venues.

Mark Davyd

had committed to financial support for The Trust with London’s Night Tsar, Amy Lame,

Jason Iley, Chairman and CEO of Sony Music

who was also on the panel and VIP News –

UK said: “Sony is committed to supporting

the following press release gives the details:

and developing artists from grassroots to festival headliners. We recognise the vital

Music Venue Trust’s annual networking

role that grassroots music venues play

event Venues Day 2017 took place on 17

in that journey, providing an essential

October at Ministry of Sound. Attended

platform for artists to be able to take their

Music Venue Trust to protect, secure and

by over 500 delegates, a successful day of

first steps and develop their audiences.

improve them.”

panels, presentations and meetings was

These venues are the heart of our music

rounded off by a :

communities, and we support the work of

The charity hopes that this commitment from Sony will encourage further financial support from the key players in the UK music industry. Grassroots music venues are

the

research

and

development

department of the industry and need to be recognised as such by the companies who reap the rewards of their hard work.

Support for Music Venue Trust is growing and developments such as the enthusiastic involvement of agents from 8 of the UK’s top booking agencies in agent and venue speed networking in ‘The Sandbox’ at Venues Day are extremely positive steps forward. However, the sector continues to face huge challenges and Music Venue Trust is struggling to cope with the demands on its limited resources.

“Post Venues Day MVT will be focusing on strengthening music industry relationships and working with our network of venues, the Music Venues Alliance, to fundraise to take forward priorities identified at the event. We hope to have news of Fightback gigs very soon,” stated Strategic

Jason Iley, CEO of Sony Music UK

Director and Venues Day Producer Beverley Whitrick.

13

VIP NEWS >

OCTOBER 2017

GEMA and German Concert Organisers Conclude Negotiations on Tariffs Allan McGowan am@vip-booking.com

• Organisers’ associations and GEMA agree on permanent payment regulations: • Previous price levels are upheld: • An increase for concerts with up to 2,000 attendants was avoided:

Hamburg / Munich, 19th October 2017: – The three year negotiations

proceedings at the German Patent and Trade Mark Office (DPMA)

between the Bundesverband der Veranstaltungswirtschaft e.V.

in Munich by the two associations of the Concert and Promoters’

(BDV – Federal German Association for the Concert and Promoters

Business and the settlement proposal of the arbitration body.

Business), the Verband der Deutschen Konzertdirektionen e.V. (VDKD – Association of German Artists’ Managers) and GEMA,

On the basis of the award, the concert organisers managed to

the Gesellschaft für musikalisch Aufführungs- und mechanische

successfully stave off the demand for a rise in tariffs by GEMA,

Vervielfältigungsrechte

the

which had established a general tariff payment of 10% on 1st

continuation of their tariff contract for popular music concerts,

(Performing

Rights’

Society),

on

January 2016. This in particular was a core demand of the licensing

which expired at the end of 2014, have been successfully concluded.

agency, along with the corresponding increase of the price for minor events with up to 2,000 attendants.

The organisers’ associations and GEMA signed a new global contract and a tariff agreement. Through them, a new U-K (popular music

The BDV’s president, Professor Jens Michow, believes one significant

and cabaret) tariff comes into force on 1st January 2018, which

achievement of the settlement reached is the fact that permanent

essentially resembles the U-K tariff valid until the end of 2014. It

regulations were finally made: “The new U-K tariff was established

was preceded by intensive negotiations, the initiation of arbitration

as a permanent, global solution. The rate cannot be changed any further in the future without significant modification of the use identity”.

Pascal Funke, the president of VDKD, added that “The arbitration body followed our line of argument, which states that many concerts would not be viable with the huge hike in price demanded

by GEMA, above all smaller concerts for which the financial burden is far higher in comparison to the expected revenue than for larger events. We are pleased about the conservation of the price rates for concerts with up to 2,000 attendants. Like the tariff for work with young musical talents, it takes into account the special cultural and economic significance of this category of event and the commitment involved in the development and promotion of artists who must first capture a share of the market.

In this way a varied, diversified and lively music and concert scene can exist, to which authors and composers also make a significant contribution, of course.”

Pascal Funke, President of VDKD

14

Michow, a lawyer, said, “In terms of the result for the business, our lengthy negotiations with GEMA have more than paid off. The new tariff contract represents a result with which we can, and will, offer

VIP NEWS >

OCTOBER 2017

concert-goers attractive shows in the future, on an economic basis

As previously, they are staggered by the numbers of attendants, and

that makes sense.”

in future will be as follows:

The U-K tariff agreement is valid until 31.12.2021 and is renewed

• Up to 2,000 people – 5.75% of the net revenue

on a yearly basis thereafter unless one of the parties to the contract

• Up to 15,000 people – 7.60 % of the net revenue

terminates it.

• Over 15,000 people – 8.00% of the net revenue

Because the arbitration body followed the line of argument of the

The two professional bodies of the German live entertainment

event organisers regarding the basis of assessment, the rates in the

business combine more than 500 agencies, tour and events’

future will no longer be oriented towards gross revenue including

organisers. In the year 2013 they generated a revenue of around 4

value added tax, but towards net event revenue.

billion Euros, with sales of over 125 million tickets.

First Approval by EU-Parliament for Music Moves Europe Manfred Tari mt@vip-booking.com Music Moves Europe is the title for a new

the EU-Commission considers the option to

support programme for the music sector

develop for a support programme for the

initiated by the European Commission. What

new EU-budget period beginning in 2021,

so far has primarily been a slogan appearing

similarly structured as those existing for the

for many years as the title for panels at

film and audio-visual industries.

various music conferences (or articles in trade magazines) finally cleared the first

In terms of currently existing support

political hurdle in the EU-Parliament.

programmes where the music sector can apply for funding and subsidies on EU or

exception of Prodiss in France) is not the

The news was announced by the unit of

national levels this move implies a

wide

first to come to mind for highly effective

the EU-Commission, responsible for the

ranging paradigm shift. Basically all film

lobbying efforts in support of the sector. In

handling of the current support programme

support

developed,

most cases many of these organisations are

“Creative Europe”, stating that the EU-

offering tailor made solutions for the

primarily understaffed and -financed, and

Parliament had approved first “preparatory

various parts of the film industry. Particularly

do not have the resources to operate like

action”-proceedings

the MEDIA programme as part of Creative

the International Federation of Phonografic

Europe

dedicated

Industries (IFPI) and its network of national

for

the

intended

programme.

schemes

offers

are

specific

well

and

support schemes for film festivals, cinemas,

branches, with bigger offices, employing

This opens up the first steps of a proper

co-production funds and the distribution

lawyers and professional lobbyists.

launch on an administrative level, paving the

of audio visual products, as well as training

way for the institution of further political

measures and even marketing campaigns.

milestones in the near future.

This also explains that even the initiative and the idea for Music Moves Europe has

Until now such sufficient and efficient

mainly been developed internally within the

The current decision by the EU-Parliament

programmes have hardly existed for the

European Commission itself.

allows the EU-Commission, the leaders of

music sector, apart perhaps from a few

this initiative, to launch further hearings and

exceptions in France or to a smaller extent

Nevertheless the EU Commission already

consultations with industry stakeholders,

in the Benelux.

undertook initial steps at the end of

and the financing of measures such as pilot projects.

2015 and in 2016, inviting stakeholders But due to the decision of the EU-Parliament,

to Brussels for hearings or appearing at

Music Moves Europe encourages a political

conferences such as Eurosonic Noorderslag

However, the most interesting aspect that

challenge for the music sector. Particularly

and Reeperbahn Festival promoting the idea

accompanies Music Moves Europe is that

the live music sector (also perhaps with the

of Music Moves Europe.

15

VIP NEWS >

OCTOBER 2017

In particular some of these occasions revealed somewhat peculiar and even

EU Commission

absurd opinions and postulations, as to how such a support programme should be structured. The majority of the readers of VIP News would be surprised, how demanding representatives of the various sectors of the business, such as music education or those speaking on behalf of already well financed events or classical music can be in claiming their primary

these folks also have strong concerns when

Anyhow, the EU-Commission has already

eligibility to receive funding and support.

it comes to programme that eventually

announced the launch of the very first hearings

include economical elements.

as part of the preparatory action proceedings

Not

to

forget

spokespersons

lonely

or

in January in Brussels. Nevertheless, whatever But while Music Moves Europe has taken

goes on in Brussels also requires the backing

who appear to have very different working

one of its very first crucial steps on its way

of national governments and politicians.

experience

entrepreneurs

to deploying a well sorted and designed

With this in mind, Music Moves Europe is a

(promoters) who have lost money when

support programme for the music sector in

very demanding initiative that requires much

investing into music products, whether

the future, it officially now also takes up a

more political effort from all parts of the

these have been concerts, tours or even

role as a political matriculation examination

music sector throughout the EU than has

records. It must be said, that some of

for the entire music sector itself.

ever been undertaken until now.

that

artist

lawyers

organisations

to

for

of

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info@in.stuttgart.de www.in.stuttgart.de

23.11.16 09:58

VIP NEWS >

NAMES & JOBS

OCTOBER 2017

Jeff Craft Retires from X-Ray Touring

Lucy Tallant sets up new company

From VIP-Daily News

From VIP-Daily News

Agent Jeff Craft, one of the co-founders of London-based X-ray

Lucy Tallant, previously part of the management team for major

Touring, has retired.

artists including Rita Ora, Iggy Azalea and BB Diamond, has set up a brand new label and artist development company, XVII Music.

Craft – who launched X-ray with fellow Helter Skelter agents Steve Strange and Ian Huffman, and ITB’s Martin Horne and Scott Thomas,

Tallant, backed by multi million pound private investment, launches

in 2005 – started out as a booker for both Cowbell and Derek Block

the company after leaving FAE Artists where she achieved US

from 1979–84, before joining Fair Warning, which became Helter

Billboard and UK Number 1`s with a raft of multi award winning acts.

Skelter, as an agent in ’84.

Tallant, who was one of Music Week’s prestigious 30 Under 30 in His roster includes Pixies, PJ Harvey, Richard Hawley, Jarvis Cocker

2015 is founder and Head of Artist Development at XVII Music. The

and Elbow.

company has been created with an ethos designed for the modern music industry, to benefit new talent and offer a range of services to

Craft tells industry magazine IQ that he has already retired but “will

artists from management to label deals.

maintain an involvement with X-ray until next spring.

XVII Music currently have a number of development artists signed “Until then I will be overseeing the handover of my roster as and

including Fine Creatures, Goldsmoke, Kyra, Mantras and DJ duo Just

when the acts need to appoint a new agent.”

Kiddin. In addition, Japanese girl group Faky are the first J-Pop group to be signed to a UK label.

X-ray in April became the latest booking agency to enter into a strategic partnership with Paradigm Talent Agency, joining fellow

Lucy Tallant said, “I wanted the new business to operate differently.

UK outfit Coda as the second British partner of the US full-service

There is a lack of people investing in and nurturing fledgling

powerhouse.

talent and the industry is buying into things much later. With this company we can be more agile, take more risks and really help grow independent artists. It just seems like the right time to have an indie

Howard Devoto & Jeff Craft

label and I’m working with investors who love music but importantly have the resource and finance to do this thing properly.”

Lucy Tallant

17

ESNS: EU

THE EUROPEAN MUSIC PLATFORM ESNS: EU creative europe

VIP NEWS > BUSINESS >

OCTOBER 2017

MUSIC IN SHARES

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

CTS Eventim - One Million Euro For A Good Cause and Less Festivals in 2018 CTS Eventim has donated one million Euro towards the German Cancer Research Centre. The money will be used to finance a new professorship at the centre. Besides this honourable donation, CTS Eventim subsidy FKP Scorpio cancels its Bravalla Festival in Sweden and also won’t continue with the festival Chiemsee Summer in 2018.

The event, which is co-promoted with CRP Konzertagentur will be suspended for one year after the festival was hit by a very heavy weather incident.

Surprisingly this news remained uncovered by the usual financial news sources, while interestingly a possible market entry in USticketing market by Amazon receives much more media attention.

On September 26 the share closed at 37.08, on October 25 the closing price was 34.97 Euro.

DEAG - The Return Of Rockavaria Together with Global Concerts DEAG will stage a revamped version of the Rockavaria Festival in Munich in June 2018. The event will be relocated to a new inner city location and feature only 20 instead of 45 acts.

The share price of DEAG since September 26 moved down insignificantly from 2.79 to 2.69 Euro.

Live Nation - Third Quarter Results In Sight Live Nation announced the publication of its business report for Q3-2018 on November 2nd. To stimulate hope and excitement on October 26 the company released a press release about extraordinary successful visitor results for the U2-tour of 2.7 million fans in 51 shows. The share price once month ago was at $42.59 to this time $42.25.

19

VIP NEWS > MISC >

OCTOBER 2017

MEMBER PRESENTATION

ARTIST AVAILS RON SEXSMITH Territory: Europe Period: 2017 Agency: Primary Talent International Agent: Andy Woolliscroft Phone: +44 20 7400 4500 E-mail: andy@primarytalent.com Homepage: www.ronsexsmith.com

Sziget Festival

PHIL RUDD BAND (EX AC/DC) Territory: Europe, Ukraine & Russia Period: May / June 2018 Agency: Fizzion Agent: Ian Smith Phone: +44 77 9169 9889 E-mail: ian@frusion.co.uk Homepage: www.www.fizzion.eu/artist.php?id=139

Sziget festival is the biggest musical and cultural festival in Central Europe–a seven-day multicultural expo offering more than 800 programs on more than 30 venues.

Sziget means island in Hungarian and the festival, in addition to being on an island in the heart of Budapest, is an island in the metaphorical sense. Sziget has a unique atmosphere: it is a meeting place, a musical and cultural show, a life-style, an enormous cafe and party place, a place of learning about the world and each other. No matter what style of music you like listening or dancing to, you will find the place of your taste.

You can enjoy performances, shows, you can party and dance or just walk around and gaze at the ever-increasing flow of interesting and different people passing by.

From the beginning in 1993 until 2001 Sziget’s capacity has grown from 43,000 to over 360,000 over the seven days of the event presenting stars such as Jethro Tull, Ten Years After, Jefferson Starship, Byrds, Blood, Sweat and Tears, Eric Burdon,

RAZORLIGHT Territory: Europe Period: 2017 Agency: Primary Talent International Agent: Ben Winchester Phone: +44 20 7400 4500 E-mail: ben@primarytalent.com Homepage: www.razorlight.co.uk

MAXIMO PARK Territory: Europe Period: 2017 Agency: Primary Talent International Agent: Matt Bates Phone: +44 20 7400 4500 E-mail: matt@primarytalent.com Homepage: www.maximopark.com

DIZZEE RASCAL Territory: Europe Period: 2017 Agency: Primary Talent International Agent: Peter Elliot Phone: +44 20 7400 4500 E-mail: peter_elliott@primarytalent.com Homepage: www.dizzeerascal.co.uk

Stranglers, Jeff Healey, Clawfinger, Slash, The Bates, Stone Roses, Iggy Pop, The Prodigy, The Levellers, Sonic Youth, Therapy?,Galliano, David Bowie, Apollo 440, Motörhead, Toy Dollz, Rollins Band, Chumbawamba, Faith No More, Foo Fighters, New Model Army, Cardigans, DEUS, Boney M, Shane McGowan, Coolio, Transglobal Underground, Rammstein, Mory Kante, Goldie, Patti Smith, Green Day, Brand New Heavies, Kool and the Gang, Suede, Faithless, Guano Apes, Jovanotti,

DJANGO DJANGO Territory: Europe Period: 2017 Agency: Primary Talent International Agent: Andy Duggan Phone: +44 20 7400 4500 E-mail: andyduggan@primarytalent.com Homepage: www.djangodjango.co.uk

Baaba Maal, Apocalyptica, The Klezmatics, Liquido, Rachid Taha, Paradise Lost, Asian Dub Foundation, Suzanne Vega, Mambo Kurt, The Bloodhound Gang, Lou Reed, HIM, Bad Religion, Oasis, The King, H Blockx, Ks Choice, Bomfunk MC’s, Noir Desir, Run DMC, Fun-Da-Mental, Morcheeba, Leningrad Cowboys, Frestylers, Incognito, Eagle-Eye Cherry, Ash, Placebo

MORE ARTIST AVAILS ON: WWW.VIP-BOOKING.COM POST YOUR ARTIST AVAILS ON: WWW.VIP-BOOKING.COM

Ron Sexsmith

®

vip-booking.com

20