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McGowan’s
Musings
On the way to the AIF reception at London’s
much in need of a couple of beers, some
son, are about to return to the fray. I keep
Royal Festival Hall last week I was distracted
pleasant conversation, and the reassurance
thinking, are there any bands left to reform,
and then somewhat traumatised by the
that some people do actually devote their
and sure enough – there’s another one!
World Press Photo Awards display in the
time and effortsto putting together events
foyer. After an excess of images of severed
designed to provide other human beings
A large part of the industry news in 2010,
heads, bloated corpses, shootings and more
with enjoyableand uplifting experiences - so
was taken up with speculation as to whether
death, disaster and mayhem, I was very
thanks AIF!
the powers that be would allow the creation of a live music behemoth as a result of the
COLOPHON > VIP-News is published by: VIP-Booking 145-157 St John Street London Ec1V 4PW 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 +44 870 755 0092
In fact I’ve spent the last week or so in the
union of Live Nation and Ticketmaster, and
company of a lot of festival folk as the UK
the effectsthis would have on the business.
Festival Awards took place in London on
It now looks as though we may see similar
the day after the AIF bash. The Conference
disquietin the recording sector in 2012
took place at The Forum in Kentish Town,
following on from Universal’s purchase of
a venue I used to frequent when it was
EMI. Many think that the newly engorged
known as The Town & Country Club. This
Companywill be in a position to manipulate
was followedby the Awards and Dinner at
the business in ways that will shoulder smaller
the Roundhouse, another venue which took
players aside.
me back to my youth and seeing The Doors
to have a problem with the situation, and
and other legendarybands, plus getting
Universalhas started to make arrangements
involvedin certain things best glossed over,
for regulatory approval, but trade bodies
when the amazing UFO club was resident in
such as Impala are obviously hoping that
this formerlocomotive turning shed. A good
their misgivingswill be recognisedand acted
time was had by all, apart perhaps from two
upon by the European authorities. It should
comedianswho probably wished they’d
be noted that Live Nation Entertainment
stayed at home watching TV, as opposed to
and Universal recently entered into an artist
going down like the proverbial lead balloons!
managementjoint venture, so let’s not assumethat the live industry can watch from
A lot of discussion time at these festival
the sidelines as this all plays out.
events and elsewhere is devoted to new and up and coming talent – or more precisely, the
Still, let’s face it even giants can be
lack of. It seems ‘new’ headliners are actually
vulnerable, at a time when whole countries
old bands and that that reformations are still
are desperatelytrying to sort themselves
providing aging artists with pension funds.
out, perhaps the best thing is to stay alert
The Stone Roses are to grace the festival
and just get on with things, which is exactly
circuit next year, earning themselves a few
what we’ll do… Ladies and Gentlemen – the
million, and apparently most of the original
News!
Van Halen line up with the addition of Eddie’s
2
US regulators don’t appear
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VIP NEWS > INDEPTH STORY > NOVEMBER 2011
London Venue News
Allan McGowan am@vip-booking.com
London’s small and mid sized venues have experienced varying
However there are some grounds for optimism; The Flowerpot started
fortunesin the last couple of years with economic and licensing
up again at The Wheelbarrow on Camden High Street and two new
problemsmaking life very difficult for many.
live music venues open this month: Clashbar a 100-capacityvenue situatedin the basement of one of London’s biggest backpacker
The future of yet another long time fixture of the capital’s music pub
hostels, Clink78 in King’s Cross, launches on November 24. Islington
circuit is now in question with North London gig venue the Bull &
Assembly Hall, was an important venue in London’s post-war years,
Gate coming up for sale, if you’d like to ensure that it continues as
it has recently been refurbished and the main hall will seat up to 170
an important gig you’ll have to find £2.7 million or so. The sale gives
people cabaret-style or 230 people theatre-style, with additional
another signal that things are difficult at the grass roots end of the
seatingis available for another 200 people in the upper circle. It is
live industry. North London has seen several previously long running
now being run by AGMP, whose founder Adrian Gibson has promoted
venues disappear, Kentish Town lost the Tally Ho a few years ago and
concerts in London since 1989.
The Flowerpot more recently, and Kilburn’s Luminaire has now closed down.
The Flowerpot
Need to know who is touring Europe
®
Go online - www.vip-booking.com vip-booking.com
4
VIP NEWS > INDEPTH STORY > NOVEMBER 2011
Festival Feature UK Festival Awards 2011 Winners The Awards were decided through a combination of online fan votes and music industry experts: Best new festival: Wilderness
Best major festival: Glastonbury
Best metropolitan festival: Tramlines
Fans’ favourite festival: Bestival
Best dance event: Creamfields Best overseas festival:
Outlook (Croatia)
Best family festival:
Beautiful Days
The lifetime achievement award:
Best breakthrough artist:
Ed Sheeran
The grass roots festival award: Y-Not Festival
Steve Heap Mrs Casey Music/ Towersey Village Festival
Line-up of the year: Sonisphere
Concession of the year:
Headline performance of the year:
The greener festival award: Shambala Paolo Nutini - Latitude
Anthem of the summer:
Chase and Status - Blind Faith
Agent of the year:
Steve Strange
Promoter of the year:
Secret Productions
Best small festival:
End of the Road
Best medium-sized festival:
Secret Garden Party
The Beat Hotel
Best toilets:
Y-Not Festival
Best sponsor activation:
Capitalize - Bacardi
The extra-festival activity award:
Bearded Kitten
Outstanding contribution to festival production:
The Event Safety Shop
James Drury, Managing Director of
Festival
Awards,
Ltd,
said,
“The Festival Awards is all about recognizingthe hard work everyone in the industry puts in, and sharing the thanks and love from the public for those efforts. Everyone involved not just the winners - should be rightly proud of what they’ve achieved in a year that has been more challenging than others.”
5
VIP NEWS > INDEPTH STORY > NOVEMBER 2011
Conference: It’s an Ill Wind… Rudi Enos
of the 2011 Festival season were of course
the global festival industry this year, drought,
the reports of the fatal disasters caused
floods, storms, will occur more often.” In a
by extreme weather conditions, and not
kenote interview Melvin Benn, MD of Festival
surprisinglyone of the main panels at the
Republic, said, “Perhaps we should now
Conference preceding the 2011 UK Festival
make allowances for and instigate procedures
Awards addressed the unpredictable and
for much worse weather than previously
horrific effects that the elements can have on
anticipated,” he told delegates. “Tents and
the best planned events, called ‘Weather –
stages can be better stabilized and supported.
Or Not’,
The crucial fact that more equipment and time will be needed means the cost will rise
The panel agreed with Rudi Enos (see
but that’s a fraction of the festival takings.”
below)that, “We can make all sorts of allowancesfor the stresses and strains
The ‘Weather’ session was preceded by a very
of structures, but what we can’t always
pertinent speech from Rudi Enos, of Sheffield
make allowances for is the weather.” It
based Rudi Enos Design, one of the senior
was also agreed that it was not only more
designers of portable structures in the event
weather that needed consideration , but
industry. VIP News spoke to him at the event
This year’s edition of the Conference
the increasingnumber of events obvi-
and he has since kindly sent us a transcript of
includedpanels on Social Commerce, on the
ously upped the risks. The Ops Directorof
his speech and given us permission to include
increasingnumber of hats festival promoters
Julie’s Bicycle pointed out from the floor
it in this edition of The News.
have to wear, the competition for sponsorship
that, “It’s what global warming causes that
betweensports and festivals in the year of the
matters, it is getting windier and the violent
Olympics. The outstanding news headlines
and extreme weather events that affected
A Changed World Since the summer of 2011, with the disasters
on the consequence of failure rather than
operated. Not all the fault should be laid at
of the Indiana State Fair, Pukkelpop, 18th
portabilityor cost. Perhapswe should now
the feet of the designer, manufacturer or the
August 2011, Ottawa Blues Fest, July 18th
make allowances for and instigateprocedures
installer. They have all worked in an industry
2011, Flaming Lips at Tulsa Oklahoma,
for much worse weatherthan forecasted. For
where, for example, temporary structures
August8th, 2011, and a concert by Ivete
the purposes of this speech I assume that
designed
Sangalo at Sao Paolo in Brazil on 21st August
large stages are frame tents.
more benign weather patterns in Southern
2011, the event industry has had its own Annus Horribilis. To view this in a rational way, we must accept
(and
perfectly
adequate
for)
Europeare imported into northern countries Tents and stages can be better anchored,
and allowedto be used, partly due to pan
stabilisedand supported without a vast
Europeandesire for conformity. If only the
increasein effort. The simple fact that more
weather could read the regulations.
that historically, event industry temporary equipment and time will be needed means structures have generally had a very good
that costs will rise, but that rise is a fraction
Improved
safety record. But, based upon the summer’s
of a percentage of festival takings. The
implemented . Design strategies that are
tragic events, we have to acceptthat perhaps
industryis moving into a new era with the
both tested and efficient must allow for
it is time to move on and introducehigher
introductionof CDM regulations, it is surely
this and recognise that more severe testing
standards of design, manufacture, installation
time to move on in other areas too.
is required when the structure is capable
and inspection. We need to establisha new paradigm in temporarystructuredesign and
6
testing
regimes
must
be
of accommodatingever larger audiences. Organisers need to provide the correct budget
Anyone who saw 20,000 people in the Radio
installation inspection with an emphasis and timetables to allow safe structuresto be
1, NME tent at Reading this year will see a
>
VIP NEWS > INDEPTH STORY > NOVEMBER 2011 Pukkelpop stage colapse
>
future where festivals can be held which
capacities undreamt of 15 years ago, but
embodythe outdoor nature of the event but
structures which meet or exceed current
give enhanced cover against bad weather.
standards and guidelines. We need to set our
This carries the attendant problem of higher
own ever higher safety standards, we need to
risk.
approach new structure design with humility and a willingness to deliver a structure that if
I have a personal investment in this process; I
installed correctly, simply cannot fail.
do not want to be a designer whose structure has caused a death. I do not want to hear a
This speech should be taken as a clarion
litany of second-guessing and 20:20 vision
call for the whole industry. In the past we
aftera disaster. The festivalorganiserand their
have allowedcommerciality to drive our
team do not want to be put in the position
industry. We can do much better, we have
of this summer’s unfortunateorganisers. We
the knowledge. We really do know how to
should always remember the people who
do this; to ignore the imperatives and the
paid to enjoy a musical experienceand did
challengewill be our industry’s disgrace.
MyMusicMailer.com enables artists to MAIL their music to more than 6.000 venues and agencies worldwide…
not go home. There has been a call for better, more local weather forecasting. While this is possible or desirable, it will not solve the issue. Once a severe weather issue arises, the problem is still there and there may not be time to take appropriate action. We must make our response before the event not afterwards. There is always the solution of removing the public from danger by evacuation but that is not a good solution if the structure is lying on the floor. Severe weather instances can often be over quickly and the event restarted in safety, but not if the structure is unusable. Only advanced design can give the client the comfort of ever larger, more attractive structures, which are not only able to handle
7
VIP NEWS > INDEPTH STORY > NOVEMBER 2011
Festival Stage Collapse Disasters Prompt 2012 Seminar Examining Large Temporary Structures As a project of the Special Structures Lab,
techniques , ground anchors, rigging, lift
to do is let the knowledge ‘trickle down’ into
Rudi Enos (see above) in collaboration
motors and gearing, and the importance
general use at the level of examining officers
with ProfessorAleksandar Pavic, the Head
of erectio n in varying wind and ground
and event safety teams. The seminar will
of the Vibration Engineering Section of
conditions.
providea good start to that process”.
Directorof the Full Scale Dynamics Ltd and
The seminar will highlight the failures that can
Interested parties can register for the seminar
Alan White, a leading structural engineer,
occur when proper design is not completed,
at www.specialstructures.com If you would
have set up a seminar prompted by the
or when field modifications to designs are
like more information about this topic, or to
disastrousstage collapses in 2011.
introduced without a full understanding of
speak with Rudi, Alan or Alex, call Rudi on
the UniversityOf Sheffield and Managing
their implications. This includes unlawful and
0114 257 7755 or email to
The two-day event will take place at the
reckless removal of side guys and structural
seminar@specialstructures.com
Royal Victoria Hotel in Sheffield on the
bracing on tents and stages. For further information please check
28th and 29th March 2012. The seminar will concentrateon the essential ele-
Rudi Enos comments, “The industry is already
ments of design, construction, and installa-
highly regulated in the UK, and does not
tion of temporarystructures. In particular,
require more. The necessary experience and
the seminarwill focus on manufacturing
expertise is already in place. What we need
www.buma-rotterdam-beats.nl
Festival Insurance Being responsible for open-air events that in
have
some cases bring together more people than
entertainment
run
ERPAM,
in
the
Keeping in mind that some festivals and
1989
the
events for 2012 have already been covered,
make up the population of small towns is a
companywith its 25 employees has advised
up to now there are no observable trends in
serious business and as recent incidents have
promoters in Germanyand in other European
the market that require reconsideration of
shown, all sorts of unexpected things can
countries. As a broker ERPAM has the facility
our assumption.
happen. How do festival promoters go about
to select from more than 50 insurance
covering themselves and their charges, the
companiesin order to optimally insure the
Have you had to deal with an increasein
festival goers, artists, crew, equipment etc.,
worldwide risks of its clients by also utilizing
insurance claims from your clients over
in increasingly unpredictable conditions?
global partners located in London and New
the past year, and if so, what kind of
York.
incidentshave resulted in these claims?
sector.
specializing Since
VIP News spoke to Christian Raith, Managing What changes, if any, do you expectin
somewhat special year. On the one hand,
Eberhard, Raith & Partner GmbH www.
insurance fees for promoters in 2012?
there was an increase in notification of claims
erpam.com who has been working in the
– We assume no major changes in the
due to a higher number of event cancellations
insurance industry for more than 20 years.
insurance premiums for the next year.
or abandonment compared to previous
Since 2000 he and Bernhard Eberhard
8
– In terms of claims the year 2011 was a
Director and owner of insurance brokers ,
years; on the other hand, a comparatively
>
VIP NEWS > INDEPTH STORY > NOVEMBER 2011 >
higher individualextent of damage. The
years, thus asking themselves if the outlay
main reasonsbehind that might be the bad
for contingency event cancellation insurance
weather during the summer months, as well
is worth the money. However, immediately
as the increased number of outdoor events.
followingthe case of an uninsured loss
Actually, we notice a year-to-year increase in
you get the answer; if the worst comes to
the number of festivals or open air events.
the worst a cancelled event can mean the financialend for the event organizer. Even
What
between
worse is the fact that not only the promoter
insurancesoffered in the UK for the live
are
the
differences
will suffer from an uninsured loss, but also
entertainmentindustry and those in
other suppliers involved in the event because
Europe?
they will never see any compensation.
– The main differences between insurance offers in the UK and Europe become So, what is an efficient insurance for an obviouswhen looking at the small print,
open-air event in order to protect promoters?
i.e. the conditions . Unfortunately, these
Nothingis easier; you might need a
particular points make it very difficult for
contingencyevent cancellation insurance
the promoters to compare the different
includingappropriate weather insurance
offers, and usually, the differential effect
coverage, which should be individualized to
becomesclear only in the case of a concert
the promoter in order to ensure coverage
cancellationor another claim. Let’s give an
of special risks such as flooding or obscured
example: the premium of an English cover
visibility. Also make sure that the build days
for a festivalcontract seemed to be a good
before the first act steps onto the stage
deal, at least at first glance. However, taking
are included. Moreover, a comprehensive
a closer look at the policy we discovered a
coveragefor other involved trades, such
clause that commits the festival organizer to
as stage building, electronics, tents, etc., is
provide a replacementevent. How should
necessary, and finally never forget to obtain
that be technicallypossible? Therefore, we
liability insurance coverage.
recommendpaying close attention to the fine print and also thoroughdiscussion of
What are the latest trends in terms of the
the different conditions together with your
coverage of damages due to bad weather
insurancepartner. This might help you to
incidents and what kinds of damagesare
avoid unpleasant surprises.
no longer covered?
Many
that
– Until now, the coverage is still unchanged.
Pukkelpop’sinsurance didn’t cover the
promoters
noticed
Of course, there is a natural link between
damagescaused by the bad weather catastrophes like storms and a subsequent incident . In these days what kind of
increase in interest for insuranceproducts
insuranceis neededto protect promoters
following such catastrophes. However, this is
more efficiently?
only of short-term character. In a lot of cases
– Cases involving other festivals prove
it’s often too late to purchase insurance ,
that adequateinsurance coverage can be
especiallycovering
obtainedwithout any difficulties and also
cancellationresulting from damages due to
holds true in the case of a cancellation
weather issues as many insurers requirea
or anotherclaim. You might be aware of
lead time of between 2 to 4 weeks.
contingency
event
some of these positiveexamples. However, some promoters often display a kind of
Did the tragedy at the Love Paradein
gameplayingbehaviour, similar to russian
Duisburg in 2010 impact on the kind
roulette, when considering their insurance
of insurance coverage you have since
requirements. This is especiallythe case if
recommendedto your clients?
they have not experienced any problems for
– Generally speaking there are always >
Christian Raith
9
VIP NEWS > INDEPTH STORY > NOVEMBER 2011 >
customerswho only have obtained insurance
only the costs based on the promise of an
amount, where does it start and where does
coverage because of this tragedy. We
insurance company. So unfortunately, it is still
it end? Neither are there any laws or useful
noticedthat there is a lot of uncertainty,
the price that plays the most important role,
recommendationson this issue. In the case of
especiallyfrom administrative authorities
not the coverage, a bad thing because the
the Love Parade, the negotiations are still in
and promoterswith regards to the necessary
liability is unlimited by law.
process. Therefore, no judgement has been
amount insured. For us, we can tell that there
given so far that determines the commit-
was no need for change of our products The insurance coverage of the Love
ment of the promoters. From our point of
as we have always had a comprehensive
Paradein particular has been intensively
view, the expected number of visitors as well
insurancecoverage as well as sufficient
discussed in the German media. It has
as the type of the event, indoor or outdoor
amounts insured.
been reported many times that an
venue, heavy metal festival or classic event,
insurancecoverageof 7.5 million Euro
should definitely influence the sum insured.
As far as we know the broker of the Love
wasn’t sufficient, what is your point of
However, it lies in the hands of the promoters
Paradecannot be held responsible as in the
view on this?
not only to consider the perfect coverage but
end it’s the promoter who decides on the
– As stated, the promoter decided the
sum insured although he may have been
amount
given different advice, taking into account
importantquestion, what is the right
insured,
and
this
raises
also to be prepared to buy it.
the
Association of Independent Festivals 2011 Report Indie Festivals Contribute £222m to UK Economy
drink and entertainment), they contributed
65% in 2010. In response to the issue
a
of risingticket prices through secondary
staggering
£222
million
to
the
ticketingsites and touts AIF launched The UK economy and £17m to local businesses.
Ticket Trust, an ethical ticket exchange site,
With over 400 festivals having taken place
on the 11th July this year. The Ticket Trust has
in the UK this summer, the total amount of
enjoyed a successful first season trading 365
• Audience Research Shows Festival Goers
revenue generated across the whole festival
tickets to Bestival, End of the Road Festival,
Undeterred by Recession
landscape is projected to hugely exceed that
Creamfield, Belladrum Tartan Heart Festival
• AIF Festivals generate £222m for UK economy
In fact the £461 average spend per capita is
770 worth of tickets being resold with no
• The Ticket Trust enjoyed successful first
part of an overall trend of increased spending
mark up fees.
season exchanging £55,770 of tickets
as festivals weather the recessional storm with
Social media has officially overtaken word
• Social Media drastically increased as a
a durability that other entertainment forms
of mouth as a major source of festival
festival information source.
can only envy. Compared with the overall au-
informationand climbed dramatically since
dience spend of £408 in 2008 or £438.24 last
2008. 57.7% claim social media to be a
The huge value and contribution of UK
year, the festival market looks to grow whilst
majorsource from 34% in 2008 although
festivalsto the British economy has been
other sectors such as nightclubs contract. In
still not beating out the festival’s official
quantified in an overreaching survey of over
a direct comparison of festival vs other enter-
websitewhom the majority of 68.7% claim is
2,400 festivalgoers.
tainment spending, festivals have only been
a source of information. 52.9% currently use
The
10
and Secret Garden Party amounting to £55,
alone,
moderately hit by the downturn as 54.9%
word of mouth and 43.7% of those surveyed
which includeBestival, Womad and End
31
AIF
member
festivals
claimed to have their festival spend hit by the
use communal festival websites.
of the Road Festival, attracted around
recession as opposed to 71.9% who reduced
480,000 people this summer. Spending spending on other forms of entertainment.
Claire O’Neill, co-founder of A Greener
an average £461 per personon festival
Interest in ethical ticket exchange has
Festival and AIF general manager said “In
costs (travel, accommodation , food and
increasedsince last year up to 68% from
the face of what has been a challenging >
VIP NEWS > >
NOVEMBER 2011
few years for many, we are very happy to
With 31 members ranging from Bromley’s
varietyof areas such as security, the environ-
see these positive trends for the continued
Leefest to the 55,000 capacity Bestival in the
ment and beyond, providing a knowledge
steady growth of the Independent Festival
Isle of Wight, AIF enables the promot-
base for festival promoters, as well as cre-
market. Year on year from our audience
ers of some of the UK & Ireland’s most
ating collectivepurchasing and marketing
surveys the impact to the UK economy
innovativeand successful festivals to speak
opportunitiesfor its members.AIF operates
and cultural significance of these events is
with one voice when addressing the wider
as an autonomous division of the Association
confirmed. Deliveringa successful festival is
musicbusinessand government. AIF aims
of Independent Music.
by no means an easy task, and the amazing
to establishbest practice for festivals in a
accomplishments of our members and their teams is outstanding.”
Bestival member of the AIF
About AIF The Association of Independent Festivals is a not for profit body set up in 2008 to represent independent music festivals in the UK and Ireland.Conceived by Bestival promoterRob da Bank and Graphite’s Ben Turner, the association’sfounder membersincluded Bestival , Cornbury Festival, Creamfields , EvolutionFestival, Field Day/Underage, Secret Garden Party, Summer Sundae Weekender and WOMAD. Anzeige_VIPMag_ProSky_X4.pdf
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VIP NEWS >
NOVEMBER 2011
Intellitix Opens UK Office and Announces Key Appointments Allan McGowan am@vip-booking.com
The implementation of Radio Frequency
Intellitix boss Serge Grimaux says: “We gained
Parmley will also be working from the UK
ID (RFID) technology by festivals has seen
an impressive list of festival clients in North
office. A veteran journalist and consultant
substantialgrowth over the 2011 season ,
America this year, and we are now adding
on the international live music industry, this
and looks set to increase dramatically over
an equally impressive list of respectedfigures
summer he set a new Guinness World Record
the 2012 European festival season. In
in the entertainment world to our team. My
for ‘Most festivals visited in 30 days’. Parmley
responseto this growing demand Intellitix,
partner Martin Enault and I will continue to
also retains his role as Director of Content
the global market leader in RFID access
grow the Intellitix platformgloballyto answer
and Media for the International Live Music
controland cashless payment systems, has
the needs of the festivalcommunities , Conference (ILMC).
announced two key appointments and a new
enchancethe patrons’ experienceand be a
UK office to focus on the European festival
generator of new sources of income.”
VIP News spoke to Greg Parmley about his
market in 2012.
new role: Prior to joining Intellitix, Jenner helped grow
Steve Jenner, founder of Virtual Festivals the digital footprint of the Sonisphere festival
This move from journalism to information
who most recently worked as Digital
brand, amassing more than half a million
officer marks quite a move for you, you
Directorat UK promoter Kilimanjaro Live, is
Facebook fans worldwide and over 6 million
must be quite convinced that this is a
confirmedas Also joining Intellitix is Greg
visitors to its website. A self-confessed
product you are prepared to believe in.
Parmley, untilrecently editor of live music
festivalnut, Jenner also established both UK
When did you first become aware of
industry title IQ Magazine, who will oversee
and European Festival Awards and founded
the RFID technology and how did you
global communicationsin his role as Chief
Virtual Festivals.
becomeinvolved with Intellitix?
Information Officer.
– I’ve been writing about cashless payment will
systems and ticketing technology for some
Intellitix
Jenner
revolutionisethe way music festivals are
time now, but it’s only recently that I became
activatedover 1 million Radio Frequency ID
experienced , produced and shared online
aware of how powerful integrating RFID
(RFID) wristbands at festivals in North America
over the next few years. What Serge, Martin
accesscontrol, cashless payment and social
The
appointments
come
after
says:
“RFID
technology
this summer. Sites included Coachella , and their team have accomplished in the US
media could be. Individually these are all
Bonnaroo , Lollapalooza,
OutsideLands,
in such a short time frame is phenomenal
powerful tools for an event promoter, but
AustinCity Limits, Electric Zoo, Moogfest and
and underlines the power of their product
looking ahead to when they’re all on the
Le Festival d’été de Québec. Reports indicate
and their strength of vision. To have the
same wristband or entry device, it becomes
that the company’s RFID accesscontrol opportunityto build on this success and
12
game changing.
systemssecurely sealed the festival sites,
allowmusic festival organisers and fans in
radicallyreduced queues, eradicated fraud,
the UK and Europe to share in the benefits of
You famously entered the Guinness
and withstood all types of weather.
this incredible technological shift is thrilling.
Book of Records by visiting 26 European
We want everyone to be part of it.”
Festivalsby motorbike this summer.
VIP NEWS >
NOVEMBER 2011
Steve Jenner joins Intellitix
business develops. We’re absolutelytalking to various companies about partnershipsas well. Intellitix is a platform – we work with any ticket seller, concessionaire, or any other stakeholder involvedin the event – so we’re very open to discussing possibilitiesthat could be beneficialfor all involved. Can you see a time when all events will operate the systems, or are there still sceptics to be dealt with, and will it be part of your job to convert them? – Technology is undoubtedly going to change the way that fans experience live music, and I firmly believe that we’re one of the companies at the forefront of this. The biggesttask at
Greg Parmley joins Intelltix
the moment is to communicatejust how it can improve the experience. Many live event
Were any of the events that you visited
of ways that the technology will develop,
on your ‘marathon’, using the system - or
particularlyonce NFC phones become more
at least considering future use?
commonplace. NFC and RFID is basically the
– This summer we rolled out Intellitix systems
same technology, so once the chip becomes
in North America. Having just opened a
part of your mobile, it unlocks enormous
EuropeanHQ this month, we’re actively
potential. The basic premise of what we’re
looking to partner with some key European
doing is making connections, between fans,
events for summer 2012.
artists, promoters, brands and more – and the more ways there are to connect, the more
Apart from providing a ‘cashless’ facility,
advantageous it is for everyone involvedin
the data collection aspect is obviously
the festival, tour or event.
an application that interests all involved in the promotion and presentation of
Will Intellitix be setting up regional
events - do you think that there are
officesof your own, or perhaps licensing
futurepossibilities for the technology
the technology?
that are still to be considered or applied?
– We have offices in Montreal and Londonal-
– There are going to be a huge number
ready, and we’ll look to open new officesas the
organisers are going to be naturally sceptical about it, and rightly so – when you’re talking about access control and payment systems at a festival, there’s no option for things to fall over. So the main focus for us right now is to communicate what we’re doing, and let organisers know that we have something that is completely robust and that can pay for itself from year one. For more information go to: www.intellitix.com
Need to know who is touring Europe ®
Go online - www.vip-booking.com vip-booking.com
13
VIP NEWS >
NOVEMBER 2011
SONIC VISIONS 2011 Allan McGowan am@vip-booking.com
This year’s third edition of Luxembourg’s showcaseand
conference
event,
You can’t make use of every possibility that
the important marketsof Germany, France
Sonic
seems to be attractive and promising, you
and Belgium. Agreeingthat networking is
Visions , will ask the question whether we
need to have a precise idea of what you really
essentialin this industry, Sonic Visions offers
should maybemake a short break to take a
want and how you can get there. It’s true,
the opportunityto meet with peers from all
deep breath before we continuerunningafter
no one can provide a master plan, but Sonic
over the world and make new contacts at the
the latest technology drivenopportunities. As
Visionswants to ask the crucialquestions.
two day conference on Friday and Saturday
an artist you need to be in full control of your
25th/26th of November.
project and you need to know the mechanisms
Luxembourg is located in the heart of Europe,
of the musicindustry. Today’s land of plenty
is easily accessible and features a variety of
VIP News will attend and report back in the
seems to become more and more a labyrinth:
cultural influences, directly neighbouring
next issue.
Jules Frutos
Allan McGowan am@vip-booking.com
The 46th edition of midem will be held from
professionals and the generalpublic and will
city of Cannes. Our commitmentto delivering
January 28 to 31 at Palais des Festivalsin
include three major concertsto be held in a
a premium concert experience is underlinedby
Cannes.
dedicatedauditorium. The line-up for these
our partnership with Alias, which has a proven
live shows will include internationalheadliners
track record of producing superbevents and
Indicating the increasing importance of the
as well as up-and-coming talent.
which shares our artistic aspirationsfor the
live sector to this longest established industry
“At a time when the music industry is speak-
midem festival.”
trade event, which previously focused primar-
ing with one voice, it is importantto trans-
Alongside the midem festival, a series of
ily on the publishing and recording sectors will
form words into deeds. Live and recorded smaller concerts, entitled ‘midem off,’ will
be the first midem festival.
music must move forward togetherusing
take place throughout Cannes. A dozen ven-
new models,” said Jules Frutos, Co-Director
ues around town will showcase new talent
This innovation will be staged in partnership
of Alias.
that will complete the programme of midem
with French concert producer Alias.
“The creation of the midem festival, as a key
festival live performances.
French music festivals Les inRocKs Black XS
part of midem 2012’s live music programme,
and Musilac are among Alias’ key annual is a major event for both our clients and the
14
Bruno Crolot, Director Midem
MIDEM ’12 Partners with Alias
events and the company also puts on concerts
general public,” added Bruno Crolot, Direc-
for top international artists such as Adele,
torbarley of Music Markets at Reed MIDEM.
Gossip, Jamiroquai and Muse.
“It fits perfectlywith the new midem that we
The midem festival concerts, which will be
are puttingtogether for 2012 and we are very
produced by Alias, are open to both industry
lucky to have the enthusiastic support of the
More information: www.midem.com
VIP NEWS >
NOVEMBER 2011
BDV To Launch Own Collection Society Manfred Tari mt@vip-booking.com
While Prodiss, the French promoter association
Yet it is the case already that eligible
continues to lobby the French Government for
promoterscan submit royalty requests
legislation in the issue of a promoter’s share
to GVL. With this in mind, what is the
of certain ancillary rights, it appears that in
benefitof the new collection society to be
Germanya law already exists.
foundedby BDV? – GVL is a collection society run by record
Paragraph 81 of the German copyright law
companiesand performing artists, and the
definesthat promoters are eligible to obtain
owners and members of GVL would be the
royalties for a show that has been recorded
licensees of the promoters. To avoid a conflict
and afterwards sold as a download or on
of interest, GVL will not represent the rights
sound and other data carriers or which has
of promoters against record companies and
been broadcast on TV/Radio or streamed on
broadcasters, so we need a separate collection
websites. It is one of the very few opportunities
society for this.
Johannes Ulbricht
for promoters to augment their business modelwhich is primarily only based on ticket
Are there already any payment schemes
similar reactions from record companies or
sales and one off income streams related to
discussed indicating how much promoters
artists?
live events.
should
– No, actually we have the impression that
receive
in
royalties
for
live
recordings?
many record companies understand that it is
In its annual meeting in November in Ber-
– No, we’ll have to negotiate this with the
helpful for the whole industry if there is an
lin,
Licenseesand their professional organisations.
incentive for the promoter to invest into the
the
German
Bundesverband
promoters
association,
long-term success of new acts. There were
Veranstaltungswirtschaft
(BDV) has agreed to launch a collection society
Who will decide on the levels of those
always conflicts between the different rights
of its own. VIP News spoke with Johannes
payment schemes?
holders regarding distribution of income in
Ulbrichtwho is in charge of legal affairs at BDV
– In case the parties can’t work out a deal
the past but the music industry as a whole
about this initiative.
themselves, there would be a mediation
prospered for many years because there were
procedureat the patent and trademark office,
incentives to invest in new talent. Any rights
Do you know the amount of royalties GVL
which is supervising collection societies. If the
holder who only thinks about defending his
(the German equivalent of the UK’s PPL,
mediation procedure fails, the case would go
share in the present environment but not
or Stena Performers in the Netherlands) is
to the high court.
about improving the environment in general is focused on the past not the future.
paying to promoters for the usage of live recordings?
In an opinion survey by the German trade
– As GVL is only representing the promoters
publication Musikwoche regarding the
For further information please check
regardinga very small scope of rights
news of the BDV collection society, more
http://www.bdv-online.com/
(copyrightfees on copying and storage devices
than 37 percent of the readers were of
and hardware like PCs), GVL is not paying any
the opinion that promoters should not
sum worth mentioning yet.
benefit from neighbouring rights on live recordings. Have you already experienced
15
VIP NEWS >
NOVEMBER 2011
Reeperbahn Résumé “The Reeperbahn Festival has developed as the
impressedby the place and the feel (red light,
No. 1 event of the music industry in Germany.”
prostitutes, bars - but without the feel of being
(Bernd Dopp, Warner Music Group, DE)
endangered in any way) c) the audience - the response of the audience
“It’s very close to the perfect club festival. It’s
to the concerts was extraordinary. Never saw
something that puts Hamburg easily to the
the people so enthusiastic as this year.
Detlef Schwarte, director Reeperbahn Campus
top of the current fight for attention and internationalreputation within the German
And how about Reeperbahn Campus?
music scene.” (Jörg Augsburg, Der Freitag, DE)
– Concerning the Campus I was happy to see that the Networking opportunities
“Hamburg can become the Austin of Europe.
worked quite well and every session and
The
enormous
matchmakingwas well attended. This was and
potential .” (Austin Powell, Austin Chronicle,
Reeperbahn
Festival
has
is an importantstep for us. The same with the
US)
showcases, this was the first time we offered these opportunities. Finally we had nine - and
“I think you’ve made the Reeperbahn Campus
most of them worked well. But this is a thing
the most relevant new music event in Germany
that definitely can be improved and extended.
This year’s Reeperhan Festival and Reeperbahn
which is a hell of an achievement.” (Steve
These things prove that there is more and more
Campus events took place in Hamburg from
Mayall, Music Ally, UK)
business being done and the professionals use
September 21-24. These dates somewhat
the Campus as an occasion to make contacts
clashed with the September VIP News going
So, many people have positive things to say
and do business. This was very different two
on-line, and there was so much News in
about Reeperbahn ’11, but are the organiser’s
years ago.
October, we decided to leave it till now to look
happy? It is not advisable to rest on your laurels
back on the results of the events, starting off
as European Conference events, although
One quote I received some days ago from
with comments from some of the attendant
sometimes collaborative, are now in a very
GrahamStairs, President, Shadow Cabinet
professionals:
competitive market with economic pressures
MusicGroup Ltd., in Ontario, Canada, might
having a greater impact on the pockets of
stress this point of view:
“Reeperbahn Festival is a great way for the
professionalsand ‘punters’ alike. We spoke
musicbusiness to catch up at the end of
to Detlef Schwarte, director of Reeperbahn
It’s taken awhile to sort things out after
summer.” (Rob Challice, CODA Music Agency,
Campus.
Reeperbahn , but, now that the smoke has
UK)
cleared, I wanted to thank you and your I know you have visited a lot of the other
colleaguesfor putting together such a great
“In fact a couple of my acts probably wouldn’t
trade events, looking back on Reeperbahn
festival. The shows that the Wilderness of
be touring mainland Europe this autumn if they
’11 how do you think you measured up?
Manitobaplayed were very well received and
hadn’t been able to play Reeperbahn Festival
– Yes, I’ve experienced a lot of other industry
have produced results. Ramona Schmidt of
which highlights it’s growing importance in
events, Spot, Eusosonic, SXSW, Great Escape,
WizardPromotions has agreed to be their
the European touring calendar for developing
ILMC, CMW, Vienna Waves and some others,
bookingagent for Germany, Austria and
acts.” (Steve Zapp, ITB, UK)
and this time it was apparent to me that
Switzerland; Jacco van Lanen of DoubleVee
ReeperbahnFestival’s strength is:
Concertshas agreed to be their booking
“The atmosphere of Reeperbahn sets a perfect
16
agent for the Netherlands and a German label
scene for living and enjoying the rock ‘n’ roll
a) Its really unique setting. Most other events
has made us an offer for licensing the album
dream. The Reeperbahn Festival manages to
pretend that everything is next door, but often
for Germany, Austria and Switzerland. I am
exploit this, making it an event to be reckoned
it isn´t
expectingother commitments for booking
with by fans and industry alike.” (Thomas
b) its atmosphere - quite a few international
agents in other territories. So, you made a
Rhode, Music Export Denmark, DK)
guests who attended the first time were
good first impression on me and I will definitely
VIP NEWS >
NOVEMBER 2011
be telling others that Reeperbahn is an event where you can do business.
items than 2010 and only two instead of
Have you had time to consider particular
three rooms. And we will have to rethink the
plans for the future?
conferenceformat from year to year.
– We will try to develop more formats that presentmusic to professionals and consumers
This is what Reeperbahn wants to be - the gateway to the German market.
Any particular highlights?
and to establish more media channels for
– Well, it might be boring but I still very
artists to present their music. We will extend
Any other thoughts on the Conference?
much enjoy Ray’s Reeperbahn Revues when
networkingand showcase opportunities, and
– It is still very difficult to distinguish from other
professionals , consumers and artists come
try to offer an even better setting of Lounge,
conferences. And the interest in panels etc.
togetherto have an hour of fun. I think this is a
Conference rooms and Hotel to the delegates.
seems to be generally low. So I am fine with
symbol for what makes Reeperbahn so special.
the decision we made to have less programme
Rheinkultur Is History Manfred Tari mt@vip-booking.com
The organizers of free open air event
continue with the event. The City Council of
at such a free event also contributed to their
Rheinkultur have decided to abandon the
Bonn appears to prefer to invest in classical
decision to stop the event. Binge drinking by
event. In a quite comprehensive press release
music events such as the Beethoven Festival
young punters caused more trouble and led
the 8 stakeholders of the RhEINKULTUR
or other so called serious arts. In comparison
to higherrisks and significant extra security
GmbH, declared that the event, which would
the organizers of Rheinkultur only received
outlay in efforts to run the event smoothly
have celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2012,
a subsidy of €80.000 per year while the
and safely.
would not be continued.
Beethoven Festival is given 1.6 million Euro. VIP News will follow up on this news in order
The organizers felt that neither the City
Besides the lack of support by local
to find out if this is definitely the final curtain
Council of Bonn nor local sponsors provided
politiciansand authorities, the promoter also
for Rheinkultur or if local politicians will
enough financial and political backing to
mentionedthat current audience behaviour
undertakea last attempt to save the event.
Rheinkultur
17
VIP NEWS > BUSINESS > NOVEMBER 2011
Live Nation – More Shows But Less Revenue in Q3 also goes for the nine months visitors results which was 35.765.000 in 2010 and this year until the end of September 35.558.000. The ancillary net revenue per attendee rose in Q3 from $16.44 to $17.54. The financial community loves growth stories
But
bullish
Other company segments were, in contrast,
and Michael Rapino, CEO of Live Nation
statements, the current figures reveal, at least
contrasting
with
Rapino’s
able to increase their results: the Q3 revenue
knows well how to cheer the investment in terms of revenue results and an increased
for the ticketing division of Live Nation went
chaps when saying:
“We believe the
number of events a slightly different picture
up 9.9 percent from $261.2 to $287.1
stabilizationof consumer demand for live
for the 3Q, which is nevertheless backed by
million, the division Artist Nation reported a
events will continue into 2012 and, looking
nine months results for 2011.
revenue increase of 9.4 percent from $111.0
ahead, we are increasingly optimistic about our opportunities.”
to $121.4 million, eCommerce went up an In Q3-2011 the overall revenue dropped from
impressive 41.9 percent from $25.8 to $36.6
$1.83 to $1.79bn. The reported revenuefor
million. Also sponsoring revenues went up
Rapino also knows how to increase the
Live Nation’s concert division in Q3 went down
from $69.5 to $72.7 million. For the first
excitementwhen he added: “Given the
7.3 percent, from $1.38 to $1.28bn. Rapino’s
nine months the overall revenue of Live
continuedfan demand for concerts and a
optimism probably refers to the nine-month
Nationwent up 9.7 percent from $3.825.9
growing supply of artists hitting the road,
results, where the figures for the concert divi-
to $4.198.3bn.
we are optimistic about the future growth of
sion reveal a growth of 6.2 percent from $2.6
On September 1st the Live Nation share
the global concert industry. Based on this, we
to $2.8bn. The numberof promoted events
stood at $9.13, on November 18 at $9.06.
believewe are well positioned to generate
in Q3 went up from 4.929 to 5.271 while the
improved returns from our business and
number of totalestimated attendances went
delivershareholder value.”
down from 16.489.000 to 15.561.000. That
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18
VIP NEWS > BUSINESS > NOVEMBER 2011
MUSIC IN SHARES
CTS Eventim – Below Expectations After the acquisitions of Tickercorner in
top artists. The revenue for this part of the
Switzerlandand the See Tickets Germany
companyshrunk 21.6 percent from 253.8
divisionTicket Online came in to full effect,
down to 198.9 million Euros. This also led to
the ticketing revenue rose 22 percent from
significant lower earnings results: the EBITDA
123.9 to 151.1 million Euro. The Earnings
went down 29.6 percent, from 20.8 to 14.7
beforeInterests, Taxes, Depreciation and
million Euros, the EBIT 31.7 percent from
Amortisation (EBITDA) increased from 34.7
19.4 to 13.2 million Euros.
As usual the European market leader for
to 41.0 million Euros, the Earnings before
ticketingobtained reasonable results within
Interests, Taxes (EBIT) only rose 2.5 percent
Nevertheless
its ticketing division but the live entertainment
from 25.1 to 25.8 million Euros. The result
Eventimexpects better earning results than
section of the corporate companyfaced a
in the ticketing division of CTS Eventim is af-
last year for the ongoing business year and
significant revenue decline.
fected by costs for additional legal expenses
refers to the seasonally strong 4th quarter.
in relation with the Live Nation-CTS Eventim
On September 1st the CTS Eventim share
In the third quarter (Q3) 2011 CTS Eventim
case and additional expenses due to staff
stood at 23.50 Euro, on November 18 at
gained revenue of 82.1 million Euros, the
restructuringmeasures going along with the
20.51.
combined revenue for the first nine months
purchase of Ticket Online.
with a publisher in the US on a full time basis
the
management
of
CTS
but whilst still a Writer/Publisher Relations
this year is 345.9 million Euros, in comparison the company gained 372.4 million Euros in the
The live entertainment division is clearly
representativewith performingrights society
same period last year. In particular the ticketing
affectedby the deconsolidation of FKP
SESAC he and SESAC UK Representative
business appeared to be the biggest driving
Scorpiowithin the revenue results and
John Sweeney explainedhow acts can secure
force for the earnings results of the company.
lower numbers of concerts and shows with
US performancefees:
19
11 > MISC > SEPTEMBER 2011 VIP20NEWS VIP NEWS > MISC > NOVEMBER
MEMBER PRESENTATION
Barley Arts Promotion The story of Barley Arts Promotion, leader for the organisation and production of entertainment and music shows, revolves around the figure of Claudio Trotta (b.1957 in Milan) Following his college years passion for the link between “high” and
1) Promotion of international artists in Italy. E.g. STING, PEARL JAM,
pop culture, he starts his career with Radio Montestella, then in 1975
BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN, TOM WAITS, SHAGGY, AEROSMITH, THE
he’s at Canale 96, the very first news radio, organising the first live
CURE, LENNY KRAVITZ, AC-DC, PHIL COLLINS, SLIPKNOT, METALLICA,
shows of his life. In 1979 he graduates at the Civica Scuola di Arte
STEVIEWONDER, RAY CHARLES, BARRY WHITE, EARTH, WIND & FIRE,
Drammatica as music operator, spending a training period at the
VAN MORRISON, B.B. KING, PAGE & PLANT, KISS, IRON MAIDEN, YES,
Teatroalla Scala. The same year he founds BARLEY ARTS PROMOTION
CHEMICAL BROTHERS, DREAM THEATER, PRODIGY, LOREENA MC
(first tour: JOHN MARTYN) whose name is a homage Trotta pays
KENNITT, RAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE, DEFTONES, PAUL WELLER,
to one of his early passions, Anglo-Saxon country and folk. Going
LIMP BIZKIT, DEEP PURPLE, DAVID SYLVIAN, HOOVERPHONIC, DAVID
through some TV experience (TeleRadioMilano 2), he’s involved by
BOWIE, SANTANA, FRANK ZAPPA, LORD OF THE DANCE, SHAOLIN
Lucio Salvini (chairman at Ricordi by that time) in his Country e Folk
MONKS and more.
Label project and becomes the Italian promoter for the artists in the roster. Later on, Salvini will entrust him with Artistic and Marketing
2) Promotion and production of Italian artists in Italy (NEFFA,
Direction of the Blues & Rock Project series at Carosello. As one of his
SOTTOTONO, LITFIBA...)
latest personal side projects, Trotta edited The Milan Music Dictionary (1995), together with Paolo Zenoni. He’s one of the Founders of the
3) Production and co-production and Promotion of Festivals:
following Associations:
MONSTERSOF ROCK, SONORIA, MILANO BLUES FESTIVAL, IRLANDA IN FESTA, LAGHI LOMBARDI IN FESTIVAL, FLEADH, BALKANIKA,
· ASSOMUSICA
MONZA ROCK FESTIVAL, PISTOIA BLUES FESTIVAL, COCA COLA
Italian Association of Producers and Organisers of Live Music
DANCE FESTIVAL…
Entertainment(founded 1996): Board Director from the beginning. · YOUROPE
4) Organisation, production and promotion of Italian artist’s concerts
The European Festival Association (founded 1998): Board Director
and tours abroad (e.g. first international shows of Vasco Rossi, Eros
1998-2001.
Ramazzotti, Sabrina Salerno...)
The company, which has been doing more than 3500 live shows, festivalsand special events since 1979, operates on many levels, e.g.:
MyMusicMailer.com enables artists to MAIL their music About Our Company
to more than 6.000 venues and agencies worldwide… VIP-Booking’s core product is the Internet’s oldest and Today VIP-Booking offers a range of tools for the
largest database for the European Live Entertainment
industry– including VIP-News, VIP-Booking, VIP-Book
Industry www.vip-booking.com developed as a tool for
and VIP-Contract.
Mail your music to the Live Music Industry…
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
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20
MONTHLY FEATURED ARTIST POWERED BY
Ashton Lane
ARTIST AVAILS ORBITAL Territory: WORLD Period: APRIL 2012 ONWARDS Agency: VALUE ADDED TALENT Agent: DAN SILVER Phone: +44 207 704 9720 E-mail: dan@vathq.co.uk Homepage: www.vathq.co.uk
Skid Row Territory: Europe Period: July/August 2012 Agency: ARM Entertainment Agent: Dana Strutz Phone: 1-651-483-8754 E-mail: ds@armentertainment.com Homepage: www.skidrow.com
Blaze Bayley (Wolfsbane,ex-Iron Maiden) Territory: Europe Period: March-April 2012 / Festivals - July - August Agency: Real Media Music Agent: M.Kostrec Phone: +44(0)7526171555 E-mail: miro@realmediamusic.co.uk Homepage: www.blazebayley.net
In late 2010, Esther O’Connor and her band Ashton Lane made their first visit
Firehouse Territory: Europe Period: 1/5/2012-31/5/2012 Agency: ARM Entertainment Agent: Dana Strutz Phone: 1-651-483-8754 E-mail: ds@armentertainment.com Homepage: www.firehousemusic.com
to Nashville after being stateside gigging and getting the gears in motion for the release of their debut album. Prior to this, the band was buried away deep in the recording studio for a few months writing and recording ‘Other Side’. Ashton Lane are: Esther O’Connor (lead vocals), Tim O’Connor (guitar, backing vocals) and James Duffin (lead guitar, backing vocals). Esther O’Connor is the lead singer of her 3-piece band that includesher husbandand brother. They write all their own songs, and sometimeseven co-writewith Dad! (Graeme Duffin from legendary 80’s/90’s band ‘Wet Wet Wet’). Graeme and James also produced this new album “Other Side” Ashton Lane is an internet phenomena, receiving a million. You Tube views of their ‘Tuesday Live Sessions’ in just over a month and growing fast. Last month they also achieved the spot of 18th most viewed musician in
THE DOORS ALIVE - BEST DOORS TRIBUTE ACT IN WORLD Territory: WORLD Period: JANUARY 2012 ONWARDS Agency: VALUE ADDED TALENT Agent: DAN SILVER Phone: +44 207 704 9720 E-mail: dan@vathq.co.uk Homepage: www.vathq.co.uk
Wayne Henderson Territory: Europe/UK Period: January 2012 Agency: Universal Attractions Agent: Nicholas Szatmari Phone: +1.212.582.7575 E-mail: ns@universalattractions.com
MORE ARTIST AVAILS ON: WWW.VIP-BOOKING.COM POST YOUR ARTIST AVAILS ON: WWW.VIP-BOOKING.COM
the UK and 44th most viewed musician on youtube. She has already received support on BBC Radio 2 and on regional radio
Skid Row
nationwidedespite being unsigned. Tom Morton of Radio Scotland describing one of their tracks as “Neil Young meets Beyonce round at Joni Mitchell’s house”, recognising the retro flare that runs through their music and the bands love of a sassy pop hook. Journalists and fans alike recognise that Ashton Lane are trailblazers for new country-pop forging the way ahead in this new musical landscape. Esther’s previous solo albums also received 4 and 5 star reviews in the national and Scottish newspapers.
21