5
7
18 11
VIP NEWS
PREMIUM > VOLUME 173 > NOVEMBER 2014
3
14 9 6
17 19
2
VIP NEWS >
NOVEMBER 2014
McGowan’s
Now I know we’re all aware of the
here’s a tie up that’s hard to beat: Bob
how much they managed to bring in from
increasingly vital bond between artists
Marley, or at least those in control of his
this year’s top grossing world tour. I know
and brands, and that there is usually some
estate, name and likeness, have already
we’ve got a December issue to go before
attempt to at least try and establish some
done deals with clothing, coffee and
the end of the year and we’ll no doubt take
connection, or at least common ground
headphones – ‘earth friendly’ of course,
a look at the top touring acts then, but
between the artist and the product, but
but the latest is surely, almost literally,
considering that for the last couple of years
made in heaven, Bob’s image is now to
we’d been bemoaning the fact that it was
be the flagship for ‘the world’s first global
still the heritage acts that were earning the
cannabis brand’, Marley Natural! Privateer
lion’s share of international box office, and
Holdings, a Seattle-based private equity
there seemed to be no new artists coming
firm will start shipping various concoctions
through, you’ve got to hand it to them.
of ‘the herb’ to areas, and these seem to
You can also tell when we’re getting
be on the increase, where it’s legal to sell,
towards the end of the year when festival
towards the end of 2015. Chief Executive
talk has died down to be replaced with
Brendan Kennedy stated: “We are in a
Conference Communications, the Inbox
state of rapid transformation, some 70%
chimes as ever with reports on the progress
of Americans now live in a state where
of the developing events like Sonic Visions
cannabis in some form is legal. Now there’s
in Luxembourg and Glimps in Ghent,
something I’m very surprised to learn; talk
alongside the major established events, like
about a joint venture! (Sorry I couldn’t
Eurosonic in January, By: Larm in February,
resist it!)
and ILMC and SXSW in March. And there’s
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
2
Musings
more as this wintry season also brings As usual, far too early, ‘It’s beginning to
news of further additions to the calendar
look a lot like Christmas’, you can’t walk
in February, MENT in Ljubljana, Slovenia,
into a shop or cross a station concourse
closely followed by Where’s the Music in
without the usual continual blast of
Norrköping, Sweden. How to fit it all in?!
irritatingly cheerful and highly repetitive
In the meantime, I’m off to Luxembourg
festive songs that will generate another
for Sonic Visions, then to what could be
substantial seasonal stipend in PRS returns
a very cold Beijing, China for Dong Dong
for the likes of Noddy Holder (Slade – for
(yes, I know it sounds like a bell, and that
those of you too young to remember) –
could be a Christmas type reference and
Humbug! I wonder if the members of One
I do actually quite like Christmas really!),
Direction have written their Christmas hit
anyway, as ever, all being well I shall report
yet, but maybe they won’t need to bolster
back..,
their pensions in years to come, considering
So, Ladies and Gentlemen – The News…
VIP NEWS >
NOVEMBER 2014
Michael Eavis Receives Music Industry Trusts Award Allan McGowan am@vip-booking.com
I recently had the pleasure to arrange an on
What was originally known as Pilton Pop
Coldplay sent a message, which said: “Thank
stage interview with Michael Eavis at The
Festival took place in 1970 on Mr Eavis’s
you for the incredible experiences you’ve
MaMA Event in Paris, and as we reported
Somerset farm, he was inspired to stage the
given us and so many others.” Damon Albarn
in a recent issue he was a charming, very
event after visiting a blues festival in Bath
has performed at the Festival with Blur and
down to earth and interesting subject, so I
earlier in the year, which presented Led
Gorillaz, he said: “I’d like to thank you for
was happy to hear that the founder of the
Zeppelin amongst other acts.
your husbandry of the musical health of the
Glastonbury Festival was to receive a Music Industry Trust Award.
British Isles and far further afield.” Many artists who have performed at Glastonbury over the years have paid tribute
This is the 23rd year of The Music Industry
Coldplay, Damon Albarn and Sir Paul
to Mr Eavis. Lily Allen recalled a childhood
Trusts Award, over the years
McCartney were amongst those to pay
visit to Glastonbury with her parents,
it has raised more than £4.5
tribute to 79-year-old
before returning to perform many
million for Nordoff Robbins
Mr. Eavis as he received
years later, she said: “Your festival is
the Award. Eavis said:
literally better than Christmas.
and the BRIT Trust. Previous recipients
of
the
award
“I can’t believe that
include Sir George Martin, Sir
44 years of semi-
Elton John and Bernie Taupin,
controlled chaos has
and Annie Lennox.
led to me receiving this prestigious award.”
3
14/15/16/17 jan 2015 GROnInGEn, nL
The musT-aTTend evenT for everyone in The music indusTry Ben Challis, Glastonbury Festival
REGIstER nOw www.EuROsOnIC-nOORdERsLaG.nL Eurosonic Noorderslag is the key exchange and networking platform for European music, with a proven track record for helping new acts break into the international music scene. Selling out each year Eurosonic Noorderslag attracts over 3,200 delegates, including 400 international festivals. Eurosonic Noorderslag presents showcases by more than 300 acts and a conference programme featuring 150 panels, keynote speakers, interviews, workshops, dinners, pitches, parties and meetings on the latest developments in the international music, media and interactive industry. Eurosonic Noorderslag has been responsible for kick-starting the careers of European acts like Ásgeir, Benjamin Clementine, EUROSONIC NOORDERSLAG WORDTEzra, GEORGANISEERD DOOR Jungle, Kadebostany, SPONSOREN Birth of Joy, Coely, George Hozier, Milky Chance and MØ.
Present your product at the European Production Innovation Conference & Fair (EPIC) and the Buma Music Meets Tech programme. Submit at www.eurosonic-noorderslag.nl.
aGEnda wE 14 jan European Border Breakers awards European Festival awards Eurosonic Festival tH 15 jan Conference: • European Production Innovation Conference & Fair (EPIC) • Buma Music Meets Tech pro • General conference programme Eurosonic Festival FR 16 jan Conference: • European Production Innovation Conference & Fair (EPIC) • Buma Music Meets Tech pro & Awards • General conference programme Eurosonic Festival sa 17 jan Conference: • European Production Innovation Conference & Fair (EPIC) • Buma Music Meets Tech live • Music & Media programme • General conference programme Noorderslag Festival
VIP NEWS >
NOVEMBER 2014
MMF
Statement on Streaming Allan McGowan am@vip-booking.com
VIP News and parent Company VIP-Booking.com as you all know mainly deal with the doings of the live music industry, but following the sector’s ‘promotion’ some years ago to the leading revenue source of the international music business, the industry has had to take note of continuing development in all areas. Although streaming on the face of it is mainly concerned with becoming the method of choice for the distribution and reception of recorded music, live concert recordings will be part of the available catalogue, and the attitudes of artists and managements will have knock on effects for the live busines., therefore the recent statement from the Music Managers Forum is relevant: What a 10 days it’s been for those interested
No longer restricted by physical barriers,
hide how the major music corporations
in the streaming debate. The independent
streaming gives a voice to those that want to
license streaming services and we have grave
label-services
company
be heard and a platform from which to build
concerns that the deals contain stipulations
Kobalt released encouraging figures as to
multi revenue businesses that cross borders.
that both significantly reduce the amount
the economic growth of streaming; Taylor
There are no guarantees of success but the
artists ultimately get attributed and damage
Swift withdrew her catalogue from Spotify
opportunity is there for all that want to give
the growth of the streaming economy. The
while,
it a shot.
real fight is more likely between opacity and
and
perhaps
publishing
contradictorily,
leaving
it on streaming service YouTube; Bono
transparency, and we call on all major music
commented on transparency issues with
Whilst encouraging to see the Kobalt data
corporations to take note and react in the
regard to how big music corporates license
on improving economics for streaming, we
best interest of their artists and shareholders.
streaming services and Spotify published
are disappointed to see Taylor Swift remove
details of a further big increase in users and
her catalogue from Spotify. Her label talked
subscribers.
about not being disrespectful to her fans who purchased the album but we do wonder
For the MMF, these developments provide
about the 15 million Taylor Swift fans who
an opportunity to underline what we stand
are not listening to her music on Spotify or
for and give to our members, together with
those near 20 million fans who have had her
anyone else for that matter, a considered
music ripped from their playlists. Whatever
viewpoint as to how we interpret what is
one thinks of the Spotify free, or more
going on in what often seems a confused
accurately termed ad - supported service,
and difficult space.
we wouldn’t be surprised if this was more about, headlines, badge collecting and
The MMF has always been and continues
economics.
to be a big supporter of streaming services. Few markets are perfect and yes the ‘low
Like his band’s recent release strategy or not,
rate issue’ has conflicted many, but above
Bono hit the nail on the head with regard to
all, streaming services are a fabulous tool
one part of the economic debate that often
that connects artists and creators with fans.
goes untold. Non Disclosure Agreements
Taylor Swift
5
VIP NEWS >
NOVEMBER 2014
Flexible Festival Dates for Foo Fighters Allan McGowan am@vip-booking.com In our last issue I noted that the Belgian Festival Rock Werchter’ s
Rock Werchter 2015 now runs from Thursday 25 June to Sunday 28
decision to change their dates to accommodate a then unknown
June, on the three stages at the Werchter Festival Park in Belgium:
headliner was a new phenomenen, possibly linked to a desperation
the Main Stage, KluB C and The Barn. Over the four days in 2014 the
linked to a lack of headliners. It appears that I was mistaken in my
festival sold-out attracting over 150,000 festival-goers.
assumption as my friend Willem Venema of Double Vee Concerts in Holland pointed out, mailing to say, “You might not have noticed that Pinkpop has moved dates (from their original vast dates) various times in the recent past to accommodate headliners directed by Live Nation associated agents or supporters.” Also the mystery headliners are now named, a Rock Werchter press release states: Foo Fighters are coming by general demand. Every year we collect the wish lists from the friends of the festival and this year Foo Fighters are right at the top. To be sure of landing the band of the moment Rock Werchter is moving its dates forward a week. This is because the band is heading back to the States at the end of June to play a huge concert in front man Dave Grohl’s home base of Washington D.C. on Saturday 4 July. In 2015 Foo Fighters will play Werchter for the third time in their 20 year history. They made their last appearance way back in 2005.
Foo Fighters
6
VIP NEWS >
NOVEMBER 2014
Upcoming Trade Events Allan McGowan am@vip-booking.com
Glimps Festival: Belgium It’s still relatively early days for this showcase festival and conference based in the historic and very attractive City of Ghent, but organisers claim that it is gearing up to its best edition yet, from 11-13 December, and in defence and celebration of the smaller showcase event, that this is an event where you can actually still discover and sign new European talent! Glimps this year has attracted representatives from UK’s CODA Agency, Hungary’s Sziget Festival, Island Records from the UK, label for the likes of Mumford & Sons, SXSW, Germany’s Grönland label and the Haldernpop festival and label. Networking events will be hosted by several key players from the Benelux music industry players such as the Music:LX reception, Nada Bookings Showcase, Peter Verstraelen Agency Showcase and the Toutpartout Showcase. Acts appearing include new artists such as Aloa Input (DE), Blaue Blume (DK) and Natas Loves You (LU) All further details can be found here: www.glimpsgent.be and for the conference part: www.glimpsconference.be
Aloa Input
Need to know who is touring Europe?
®
Go online - www.vip-booking.com vip-booking.com
7
VIP NEWS >
NOVEMBER 2014
Eurosonic Noorderslag Adds 48 Acts from 15 European countries to 2015 Line-Up It appears that Europe has an abundance of new acts on offer, as a result of what is referred to by the Eurosonic Noorderslag organisers as ‘An unprecedented number of highly promising artists.’ the European Music Platform has expanded its line up yet again, with latest additions including Mapei, Mina Tindle, Ninos du Brasil, Spidergawd and Taymir booked to appear in Groningen next year from 14-17 January.
The acts added to the Eu rosonic Noorderslag line up ar Acid Arab (fr) AnnenMayKantereit (de ) Aquilo (uk) Bad Breeding (uk) Black Flower (be) Bombay Show Pig (nl) Bulbul (at) Cairo Liberation Front (nl ) Dakh Daughters (ua) Die Nerven (de) Dolomite Minor (uk) Ella Eyre (uk) FM Laeti (fr) For BDK (se) Gavin James (ie) Gengahr (uk) Go Go Berlin (dk)
GODS (at) Happyness (uk) James Bay (uk) Joana Serrat (es) Joco (de) Jonas Alaska (no) Joy Wellboy (be) JoyCut (it) Klaus Johann Grobe (ch) Låpsley (uk) Le Vasco (fr) Little Dots (be) Mapei (se) Mina Tindle (fr) Mountain bike (be) Mourn (es) Neøv (fi)
Ninos du Brasil (it) Orla Gartland (ie) Oso Leone (es) Palace (uk) Punke (hr) Robbing Millions (be) Sevdaliza (nl) Sisters (ie) Spidergawd (no) Taymir (nl) The Hearing (fi) the Micronaut (de) Tourist LeMC (be) Zentralheizung of Death (Des Todes) (de)
About Eurosonic Noord erslag exchange and networkin g platform for European for helping to break new music, with a proven trac acts on the internation k record al live music scene. A sold-out event for ma Noorderslag attracts ove ny years, Eurosonic r 3,200 professional del egates, including repres entatives of over 400 inte Eurosonic Noorderslag rnational festivals. presents showcases by more than 350 acts alo ngs ide a conference progra panels, keynote speake mme featuring 150 rs, interviews, and works hops, as well as dinner s, pitches, parties and latest developments in meetings covering the the international music, media, production and interactive industries. Eurosonic Noorderslag is the key
Eurosonic Noorderslag has been responsible for kickstarting the careers of European acts like Ásg eir, Benjamin Clementine, Birth of Joy , Coely, Emilie Nicolas, Ewert and the Two Dragons, George Ezr a, Hozier, Jaakko Eino Kal evi, Jungle, Kadebostany, Larry Gus, Mighty Oaks, Milky Cha nce and MØ. Conference registrations can be
ww w.eurosonic-noo
8
obtained through:
rderslag.nl
Eurosonic
e:
VIP NEWS >
NOVEMBER 2014
New Conference Covering Production Innovation to run alongside existing daytime events Eurosonic Noorderslag is launching the European Production
innovation at festivals and venues. The event consists of three
Innovation Conference & Fair (EPIC), a new conference that
days of discussions, presentations of products, ideas and new
runs alongside the existing Eurosonic Noorderslag Conference
ways to implement them at festivals, concerts, and venues, as
schedule, and is entirely focused on innovation at festivals and
well as in the production of events. SummerLabb, which is part
venues. In addition to that, Eurosonic Noorderslag is to continue
of EPIC, is where research institutes, polytechnic universities and
the successful Buma Music Meets Tech programme covering the
sustainability companies give visitors the opportunity to feel,
latest developments in the area of music and technology where
taste and smell (technological) sustainable innovations. EPIC is
start-ups can present their innovations.
the result of a partnership between Yourope, Double 2, VVEM, VNPF and Eurosonic Noorderslag.
EPIC The European Production Innovation Conference & Fair (EPIC)
EPIC takes place from January 15-17, 2015 in De Oosterpoort in
is a new conference stream that runs alongside the existing
Groningen. The price for a three day registration/passepartout for
Eurosonic Noorderslag Conference, and is entirely focused on
EPIC is 45 euros. A day ticket for EPIC costs 25 euros.
Where’s the Music? The latest addition to the European road map of trade events is the premier edition of Where’s The Music? in Norrkoping, in Sweden on February 12-14, 2015. The new event is promoted by FKP Scorpio Sweden and has now announced the first list speakers. Nominated speakers among others are Per Sundin, CEO Universal Music Sweden, Michael Chugg from Australia and Paul Boswell of Free Trade Agency (UK), Claes Olson, a producer and editor of the Swedish trade paper Musikindustrin, Mattias Hansson, CEO and partner of ABBA The Museum, Adam Lewis (Head of Planetary Group) Doug Croy (The Windish Agency), Matt McDonald (Booker CMJ), Joel Borg and Niklas Lundell (Borg & Lundell, Way Out West, Stockholm Music and Art), Helen Sildna (CEO Tallinn Music Week), Petri Lundén, (Artist Manager) and Fruzsina Szép (Berlin Festival/ Lollapalooza Berlin) The registration fees for delegates varies from 3.500 to 4.500 SEK (377/485 Euro) and includes lunch as at ILMC and privileged entrance to showcase program as at Eurosonic. All delegates are granted access to the Where’s the Music? – Festival 12-14 February 2015.
Per Sundin
For the more expensive ticket, delegates receive a guaranteed access to all concerts and conference sessions and an exclusive trade dinner.
Read more about the conference here:
The cheaper tickets include the lunch, but a first come, first served
www.wheresthemusic.se/en/program/
ruling for the concerts and conference.
Delegate pass: www.wheresthemusic.se/en/music/festival-
The conference takes place day time, 13-14 February 2015 at the
tickets/registration/
conference centre Louis De Geer, Norrköping.
For more information: www.fkpscorpio.se
9
VIP NEWS >
NOVEMBER 2014
Open Letter to Yourope from Arezzo Wave Organiser Allan McGowan am@vip-booking.com
facing
or particularly happy, in fact after 28
hazardous waste (all proved to be
problems; founder and organiser Mauro
editions there are many possibilities
unfounded) and so on. Last but not least
Valenti has reached out to his Festival
that Arezzo Wave Love Festival will end.
the refusal of the existing authorization
Italy’s
Arezzo
Wave
Festival
is
and pre-fitted location with a fallback to
industry colleagues, members of Yourope. He copied VIP News on the letter and gave
We are the example of being in a state
another venue only provided only two
us permission to include it in this issue.
that we would like to be different, but
months before the start of the Festival.
unfortunately, at least in our case, things
All this has led to a financial loss and
Dear Yourope friends,
continue to be punitive or indifferent
work-related stress that is no longer
I am writing with great sadness and a
for those who do not have political
sustainable.
request for Arezzo Wave. In fact, after
support or submissions to local and
nearly thirty years of festival, it is in
national politics. Luckily for you these
It will therefore be impossible barring
serious danger of closing.
words in many countries are difficult to
miracles (we have not contacted the
understand and perhaps unrealistic.
Pope yet!) to do the 29th edition of
In 1990 I found myself at the New Music
Arezzo Wave Love Festival. However,
Seminar in New York with Leif Skov
Arezzo Wave was held in Arezzo for
we would like to continue the research
of Roskilde Festival and together we
20 years (until 2006) and saw 200,000
and promotion of Italian music in in our
came up with the idea of connecting
people a year. There were no admission
country, in Europe and in the rest of the
the European festivals in a network
fees for the first 20 years, and the festival
world.
of exchange and support. After many
brought for the first time in Italy and
meetings with various artistic directors
Europe hundreds of unknown artists
Our Foundation (Fondazione Arezzo
the first “Yourope” was born, the
that are famous nowadays. Since 2007, a
Wave Italia) has 3 main purposes: the
logo, the philosophy, common events,
clash with the new local politicians (who
first is Arezzo Wave Love Festival, “the
like Seville Expo in 1992, the pavilion
wished to intervene in the planning,
tip of the iceberg” as the press loves
of
European
in the location management, logistics,
to say. Over the years the festival has
TV Superchannel as Media partner.
incomes, etc.) led us to say no, forcing
brought the name of our city, Arezzo, to
Those were pioneering years. Later
us to travel around Italy through 6
the world.
on Hultsfred Festival, Leysin Festival
different places, distant from each other
in Geneva and other Spanish and
by more than 1000 km, just trying to
The other two aims of FAWI are less
German Festivals joined that project.
survive.
known abroad but not less important:
Switzerland
and
the
After a break in the mid-nineties, there
10
first, the promotion of Italian up-and-
have been a new start with the actual
The latest edition, back in Arezzo, saw
coming bands thanks to an extensive
Federation.
a tremendous battle with committees
presence on the Italian territory, with
all against us, signatures collected
a supervisor in each of the 20 Italian
I am writing you knowing that I am
in parishes (rock = Satan), pro-Nazi
regions (with more than 40,000 groups
talking to many long-term friends of
Associations’ attacks (= rock community
selected in 28 years). Every year we
festivals that I have visited and know
of
immigrants),
organize 100 selections and regional
very well. The reason is not celebratory
petitions for noise impact, abandoned
finals and bands from each region play
drug
addicts
and
VIP NEWS >
NOVEMBER 2014
at Arezzo Wave Love Festival. Only
We therefore ask, if possible, to every
audience, as well as our website and our
Réseau Printemps de Bourges Festival
one of you, members of Yourope, if you
press office will advertise in a visible
performs a similar work, the only
could host at your festival at least one
way the European festivals involved.
difference between us is that our French
band chosen from Arezzo Wave Band
friends receive public and private funds
2015. It is very important to us to know
We have not seen each other this year at
for hundreds of thousands of Euros
if you accept our request by November
Mama, I did not want to take advantage
from the Government, local government
15th 2014 because in December we will
of
and civil society, and obviously this is
launch the contest and since we cannot
attending the event and eventually
absolutely correct. We instead work
guarantee a slot at our festival, like we
choosing a French band, since I could
with our supervisors without a single
used to do, we would like to offer at
not guarantee a slot at Arezzo Wave
Euro of public funds (we only had
least the possibility of playing in Europe
Love Festival 2015. But there will be
4,000 this year from SIAE!) and only
or beyond.
other opportunities to drink a beer
volunteering for more than 20 years.
the
hospitality
of
Fernando,
together and have a chat .. meanwhile
The live shows we organize in Palermo,
The quality of our bands is evidenced
.. I say goodbye to you all and thank you
Milan, Rome, Turin, Florence, etc. are all
by the fact that every year, from a
for your attention.
self-produced and have great costs. In
list of proposals made of both quite
28 years we never had a single meeting
established, and our up-and-coming,
Best Mauro Valenti
with the Government or the Ministry of
bands, Eurosonic has selected the
Culture and Youth Policy. Strange, isn’t
“new proposals “ coming out of Arezzo
VIP News also checked with Christof Huber
it? The third commitment that connects
Wave Band for the last 3 years. Also,
of Yourope as regards publishing this letter
us to the above mentioned is to promote
we always receive great feedback by
as it was addressed to the members of the
Italian bands abroad. We were present
Sonicbids and CMJ Music Marathon in
Association that he heads, he was fine with
at several events, like MIDEM, SXSW,
New York.
this. The Board are of course sympathetic
ILMC, MAMA, Eurosonic, etc., etc. All
to these problems being faced by a founder
shows of our Italian artists (last week
What can we offer you in exchange for
member, and will consider in what ways
we were at CMJ in New York with the
your help? In the more than 100 live
they can assist, such as providing letters of
stunning Mery Fiore) were paid with
shows of selection that we organize,
support to Mauro and Arezzo Wave, but
our assets that were the profits of the
we could advertise your festivals and
further discussions will take place before any
festival of the golden era.
expand your popularity talking to our
decisions are taken.
Mauro Valenti
11
VIP NEWS >
NOVEMBER 2014
School and Shopping Mall Touring Allan McGowan am@vip-booking.com Photos www.schooltouring.com
Back in 1995 UK Agent Steve Andrews (I
in covering a new artist if they’re appearing
his management company discovered the
worked with him when I was at Chrysalis
at a local school and if these additional
band. They are signed to Decca, managed
Agency in the early 70’s) spotted a gap in
promo opportunities can be bolted onto
in the UK by Martin Tibbetts and Steve
the market. He realised that there were
the schools tour they added value without
Strange for Strangeworld Management
many schools around the UK that possessed
increasing the tour budget.
and by Scooter Braun in the USA. Current
good facilities for presenting shows, and
single “Geronimo” is now in the Spotify
more importantly had access to young
Things have moved on a lot since those early
Top 20 Most Streamed Tracks in the World
people who would become tomorrow’s
days and Steve contacted us to give us an
with over 700,000 plays per day!
audiences for live music. He went to work
update, which tells us that School Touring
and after convincing various authorities
is now also working with international
We have now made an agreement with
that this was a sound idea he set up School
artists, and has added Shopping Malls to
Intu Malls so that we can streamline
Touring; the initiative led to artists ranging
its UK circuit:
the process of booking Shopping Malls
from singer-songwriters on independent We are very proud to have played an early
on a much less complicated and less costly
playing in front of kids ranging in age from
part in the growing and continuing success
basis than had been possible before. Intu
7 to 18 and in every major city and region
of
having
own most of the UK’s biggest and most
of the country. In many cases the acts
arranged five Shopping Mall appearances
prestigious shopping malls and this is a
would also play the more traditional venues
for
Legendary
major development for us and one we are
in the evenings. Andrews found that local
Australian promotor Michael Chugg who
delighted to be able to offer. If you would
radio and press are often more interested
signed them to his label in Australia and
like to know more just get in touch.
Photos www.schooltouring.com
12
appearances and offer their Malls to artists
labels to pop-rock bands on major labels
Australian them
band
during
Sheppard August.
VIP NEWS >
NOVEMBER 2014
We’re well into booking school shows for
will be in attendance
next term with a tour for new band Young
to record the whole
Kato – managed by Nick Mander and with
event.
Mark McQuillan and the team at Republic
of Music behind them. They have just come
We all know that
off the Rixton UK dates and will do a two
the most important
week schools tour in Jan/Feb 2015. This
thing for a new artist to do is to connect
the performance element and you have
will further consolidate their fanbase and
with its target audience and build a
a formula for creating real excitement
social network outreach in advance of their
fanbase and School Touring provides a
amongst your target audience. And now
own UK tour in March.
platform to enable an artist to use social
with Shopping Mall tours we can offer an
networks to actually forge “friendships”
additional way to do this.
We have also booked an exclusive school
with their newly-found fans. Internet
appearance for Katherine Jenkins who
marketing campaigns can only achieve a
So if you’re planning to tour your artist
will return to her old school in Neath to
certain amount - a new artist must also
or you want to build a fan-base before
perform as part of the launch for her new
be physically present in the marketplace to
touring, you should consider a School or
album. The album signals a “back to her
trigger the required response. The Q&A,
Shopping Mall tour - either as a stand-
roots” direction for Katherine and nothing
the meet and greet, the chat-session – we
alone activity or as a daytime addition to
could encapsulate that theme more than
programme all these into the school visit
your existing touring plans.
a visit to her old school. As part of her
to set up a real bonding process between
performance there she will sing a song
the artist and the audience member that
For more information:
with the school’s choir and press and TV
nothing else can replicate. Add to this
www.schooltouring.com
ImagIne
if you could go to one website and learn aLL about the european Live music Industry?
WeLL you can! www.vip-booking.com
®
vip-booking.com
145-157 St John Street | London Ec1V 4PWw | United Kingdom Phone: +44 (0) 870 755 0092 | Fax: +44 (0) 870 622 1953 www.vip-booking.com | vip@vip-booking.com
13
VIP NEWS >
NOVEMBER 2014
Pre-Christmas Gift For Concert Venues Manfred Tari mt@vip-booking.com
The budget committee of the German Government has approved
correspondent for culture and media on behalf of the CDU (Christ
an additional grant of 1,5 million Euro to modernize the technical
Democrats). Livekomm already receives funding from Initiative
equipment of concert clubs and venues.
Musik, an organisation dedicated to the support of popular music on a nationwide level, mainly financed by the federal state secretary
The concert association Livekomm developed a new support scheme
for culture and media (BKM).
to provide subsidies for the investment into new digital technologies in smaller and midsized clubs. The new program foresees supplying
In terms of the administration and handling of this program,
around 100 venues with financial aid to purchase new digital sound
Livekomm will now undertake talks with representatives of Intiative
and light as well as DJ equipment.
Musik and BKM. Until now it is a one off measure that is limited to the business year 2015.
The leading political spin-doctor behind this measure is R端diger Kruse, a member of the German Bundestag from Hamburg. Kruse
For further information please check:
has been a member of the budget committee since 2009 and a
www.livemusikkommission.de
R端diger Kruse, member of the German Bundestag
14
VIP NEWS >
NOVEMBER 2014
A Summer’s Tale New German Festival by FKP Scorpio Manfred Tari mt@vip-booking.com
FKP Scorpio apparently knows how to
become the biggest festival promoter in
camping to upper class comfort lodging will
structure a diversified festival portfolio. Unlike
Europe.
be available.
has developed a wide range of various
The newest festival format from FKP
The event will take place in the nature
festival formats within a decade. Besides
Scorpio is entitled ‘A Summer’s Tale’, and
park Lüneburger Heide, close to Bremen,
music festivals such as Bravalla, Hurricane
the concept is very different from all other
Hamburg and Hanover on August 4-8, 2015.
& Southside, Meraluna or Northside, FKP
festival types that the company promotes.
A program has not yet been announced
any other concert company, FKP Scorpio
Scorpio also runs family entertainment
although tickets are already on sale, ranging
format such as the touring dining show
This festival’s strap line is ‘culture, culinary
from 69 Euro for day pass to 199 Euro for
Palazzo, a variety show combined with star
enjoyment and comfort’. Besides music it
a festival pass for one person including
awarded and prominent chefs.
will also feature an art program including
comfortable accommodation. Tickets for
readings, art exhibitions, cinema screenings,
kids aged 6 to 14 years start at 45 Euro per
Of course, not every FKP Scorpio venture
workshops, sport activities from beach
day and 85 Euro for four days. The entrance
was a success. Festivals such as Area4 in
volleyball to yoga, bicycle and canoe tours.
for kids below 6 years is free.
the Ruhr District in Germany or the take
Other festival features will be a distinctive
over of the Hultsfred Festival in Sweden will
food
not continue, but nevertheless and without
organic food and various opportunities for
www.asummerstale.de/en/
any doubts, in recent years FKP Scorpio has
accommodation on the site, ranging from
a-summers-tale.html
program,
primarily
focusing
on
For further information please check:
15
VIP NEWS > INDEPTH STORY >
NOVEMBER 2014
There’s More To it Than Just Wacken... Manfred Tari mt@vip-booking.com It is the most international German festival brand. No other open air event in the country attracts so many people from abroad, even coming from as far as Australia and South America to attend this event. The share of international visitors is usually around 30 percent, and as usual next year’s edition is again already sold out. While ticket sales (except secondary ticketing) aren’t so much of an issue for the organizers of Wacken, VIP News took the chance asking Holger Hübner of ICS Festival Service GmbH about side projects and of course that secondary ticketing issue. Hübner founded Wacken together with Thomas Jensen in 1990, after coming up with the idea the year before. Since then this event has developed into a ‘must attend’ for metal
VIP News: How many people are
Air. The intention was to contain the resale
fans, providing various spin offs such as the
attending the Hamburg Metal Dayz
of Wacken tickets mainly because some
‘Full Metal Cruise’, the Hamburg Metal
(HMD) and foremost, are these mainly
people took advantage of our community
Dayz or social and environmental friendly
people from the business sector or just
and sold the tickets for a lot of money.
activities that sustain the vibe of this unique
normal Metal fans?
We wanted to protect the community. Unfortunately, the German law does not
event. Hübner:
Around 1000 people attended
VIP News: ICS Festival Service GmbH,
the Hamburg Metal Dayz this year. People
the
company
behind
Wacken
support our efforts. And for that reason the personalized tickets were not practicable.
is
from the business as well as Metal fans
organising a Metal convention. Please
enjoyed two days of music, entertainment
VIP News: Wacken is a landmark event
tell us, how you came up with this
and the chance to establish new business
and actually can be quite influential.
project...
connections.
However,
the
French
promoter
association Prodiss lobbied successfully conference
for a strict law against unauthorized
organized the Hamburg Metal Dayz which
program of HMD, there is a scheduled
secondary ticketing. Why is it that a
take place during the Reeperbahn Festival in
debate focusing on the subjects of
similar law hasn’t been introduced in
Hamburg. The Reeperbahn Festival is a great
secondary ticketing market and on
Germany yet?
festival but Heavy Metal was missing in its
the pricing of concerts tickets. Since
repertoire. So we decided to bring Metal
Wacken 2015 is already sold out
Hübner:
to this event. The Hamburg Metal Dayz is
again, what are your experiences in
a fact that France has a different law
not only an indoor festival with great heavy
reference to your efforts to combat the
than Germany in that case, so for French
metal music but offers the visitor a broad
unauthorized resale of Wacken tickets?
companies it is easier to react.
workshops. In addition, people from the
Hübner:
In the last two years we had
VIP News: When it comes to secondary
business come together and network.
personalized tickets for the Wacken Open
ticketing, German promoters are still
Holger Hübner:
Since 2012 we have
VIP
News:
Within
the
I can’t tell you that. But it is
program. We have panels, meet&greets and
16
VIP NEWS > INDEPTH STORY >
NOVEMBER 2014
acting in isolation. Until now the most
you please explain what this case is all
checks in every single case regarding the
successful companies to ban secondary
about?
amount of goods traded every day on their
ticketing are MCT and perhaps ICS Festival
Service.
In
France
platform. The result for us is that we’d have
Prodiss
Hübner: As mentioned, there’s no law in
to fight against every single reseller on eBay
created a coalition with the sport and
Germany regarding personalized tickets,
and, in that case, cannot force platforms to
theatre sector and proactively lobbied
reselling
offering
stop those offers. That means, that there’s
the French Government. Is it just a
personalized tickets or jurisdiction you can
no effective and doable way to avoid those
lack of understanding or rather a lack
rely on. We obtained an interim order against
offers at the moment.
of effort to develop joint strategies to
eBay at the district court in Hamburg to
strike back against companies such as
delete all offers regarding W:O:A tickets in
VIP News: Next year is going to be the
Viagogo or Ticketbande?
2013. We claimed that personalized tickets
25th edition of Wacken. Am I right that
personalized
tickets,
aren’t tradable goods (which is not clearly
your budget for fireworks is bigger than
Hübner: I don’t know why that is. But as
stated in law). But the district court was
the one for the marketing spending?
mentioned in your first question there’s
on our side. That forced eBay to stop those
a different situation in France and they
offers which is the only effective way to
Hübner: A little correction here: This year’s
have laws regarding secondary ticketing
fight against resellers. Then eBay appealed a
festival was the 25th edition of the Wacken
and ticket trading. So it is probably easier
conviction. the whole case was then decided
Open Air and we didn’t have any fireworks.
to fight this fight because you can clearly
by the Higher Regional Court. The Higher
analyse situations and foresee what’s going
Regional Court only make a decision if they
VIP News: How much are you involved
to happen - also from a legal point of view.
accept the conviction. In another lawsuit
in the Wacken Foundation, do you take
You know, we made huge efforts to stop
from a German soccer league team the
the lead within this organisation?
secondary ticketing but if the courts are not
same Higher Regional Court decided that
on your side it is difficult. There’s no law in
ticket personalization does not lead to the
Hübner: My partner Thomas and I initiated
Germany regarding personalized tickets,
fact that those tickets aren’t tradable goods
the Wacken Foundation but we are not
reselling
offering
anymore. In our case the HRC said that even
taking a lead within the foundation. The
personalized tickets or any jurisdiction you
if it WOULD lead to that fact (or IF tickets
foundation has different curators, which
can rely on.
aren’t tradable), further questions would
decide on the applications of the different
personalized
tickets,
have to be examined in every individual case
bands. Nonetheless the Wacken Foundation
VIP News: At the moment you also have
(every ticket offer) and that it cannot be
is really important for us and we try to
legal battle going on with Ebay. Can
expected from eBay to put up with all those
support in every way that we can. VIP News: Can you please elaborate on the activities and the structure of the Wacken Foundation? Hübner: The Wacken Foundation supports Heavy metal and hard rock newcomer bands. We need new, young bands to keep our music alive. As for the structure of the Foundation: The band writes an application for the support they need (i.e. money for their tour, equipment, rent for a rehearsal room) and submit it; this application is then reviewed by the different curators of the Wacken Foundation. One of the trustees is Metal Queen Doro Pesch for example. They then decide if they support the band.
Holger Huebner of ICS Festival Service GmbH
For further information on this festival please check: www.wacken.com
17
VIP NEWS > BUSINESS > NOVEMBER 2014
MUSIC IN SHARES
Music In Shares Manfred Tari mt@vip-booking.com
CTS Eventim - In The Waiting Loop The next CTS Eventim business report is scheduled for November 26. Really big news is currently not the case for the company, certainly
One day later on November 14, DEAG announced that it will launch
not in reference to the ongoing investigations against Klaus Peter
with Myticket.de its own ticketing platform. The company therefore
Schulenburg by the prosecution department Munich. According to
teamed up with ticketing service operator white Label Ecommerce
media reports Schulenberg is allegedly suspected of being involved
GmbH who will supply the required software and technology.
in illegal secondary ticketing sales for the World Cup 2006. The announcement at least caused a reaction from the analysts of Those investigations seem not to be so much of an issue to the US
Hauck & Aufhäuser, who optimistically raised their price target for
company FMR LLC, also known as Fidelity Investments, one of the
the share from 10.50 to 12.00 Euros. Anyhow, currently the share is
biggest investment companies in the world. Fidelity Investments in-
at 6.40, previously VIP News reported 5.95 Euro.
creased its stake in CTS Eventim from 3.0 to 3.05 percent. Since the last issue of VIP News the share went up from 20,42 to 21,92 Euro
SFX Entertainment - The Fascination Of Numbers
on November 20.
The business performance of SFX Entertainment is amazing. For the first nine months of 2014, SFX Entertainment reported revenue of
DEAG - Preparing for 2015
$258.8 million and gross profit of $64.4 million. Compared to last
After some legal re-encounters with Lieberberg concerning whether
year’s figures the revenue tripled with revenue of $86.2 and a gross
MLK is able to obtain the relevant permissions to run Rock Am Ring
profit of $11.3 million.
on the new site at the airport of Mendig, DEAG meanwhile came up with some news that concerns the daily business of the company in
But then there are these other figures entitled as ‘operating loss’
the near future. DEAG announced that it sold its 10 percent stake in
and ‘net loss’. The declared operating loss until September 30 was
Ticketmaster Germany to Ticketmaster NVH Inc. based in the tax ha-
$86 million, the net loss $94.4 million. Last time the reported share
ven Delaware. Besides the sale, DEAG declared that the companies
price was $5.40. This time it is $3.78. The report was published on
agreed a longer lasting distribution deal.
November 14, guess when the share price moved downwards...
Agency Group Continues Expansion Allan McGowan am@vip-booking.com The Agency Group continues it’s rapid
over these past eighteen months, it became
growth having acquired another company
apparent that the time was now optimum for
with the purchase of electronic music-
our companies to finally come together. Kris
focussed US booking agency, Bond Music
and his team have built an extremely well-
Group.
balanced, dynamic roster and this acquisition brings in-house a professional, knowledgea-
Natalia Nas, CEO of The Agency Group’s US
ble and established team that will spearhead
operations stated: “We had been talking
the further development of our electronic/
with Kris [Krajewski, Bond Music Group CEO]
house/dance music division”.
for a while about some form of strategic tie-
18
up. With the major changes that have done
Amongst the artists on Bond’s books are
so much to transform The Agency Group
Moby, Dirty Vegas, Francois K and MNDR.
Natalia Nastaskin, CEO
VIP NEWS > BUSINESS > NOVEMBER 2014
Ticketmaster Buys Seatwave Live Nation’s Ticketmaster has bought some-
Under the new deal, Seatwave will continue
will continue to build consumer confidence
times controversial secondary ticketing firm
to operate separately but as “a Ticketmaster
and satisfaction in our resale marketplaces”.
Seatwave - or, specifically, it’s acquired “op-
company”. According the official statement,
erating assets from Seatwave” - a deal which
this move “builds on Ticketmaster’s success-
And on his side of the fence, Seatwave CEO
will enable the ticketing giant to extend its re-
ful strategy of creating best-in-class, con-
Ajay Chowdhury added: “This is great for
sale business into a number of new European
sumer-friendly resale platforms in the United
Seatwave’s customers. Since our inception
markets, including Germany, Italy and Spain.
Kingdom, Australia and the United States”.
seven years ago we have given fans of live
Live Nation boss Michael Rapino told report-
music, sport, theatre and comedy increased
The live sector has something of a love/hate
ers: “On a global basis we strive to deliver
choice when buying and selling tickets.
relationship with secondary ticketing (aka on-
fans all of their ticket options in a safe and
line touting), of course, though major player
convenient marketplace. The acquisition of
Live Nation/Ticketmaster quietly got into the
Seatwave is accelerating this strategy across
resale game in some countries, arguing that
Europe and we will continue investing in our
it’s better for online touting to be within an
platforms to provide fans the best ticket buy-
environment controlled by and ultimately
ing experience”.
benefiting the music business. Meanwhile Mark Yovich, President of TicketTicketmaster’s US resale platform Tick-
master International, said: “Combining Tick-
etsNow has caused some controversy along
etmaster’s ticketing and technology exper-
the way, though its UK secondary service
tise with Seatwave’s business in additional
Get Me In has generally avoided too much
markets allows us to provide fans with a bet-
criticism, even when secondary ticketing has
ter ticketing experience across Europe, with
been under the spotlight in media and politi-
more ticket options to live events. We deliver
cal circles over here.
quality services in the resale industry, which
Seatwave CEO Ajay Chowdhury
Live Nation Report a 9 percent Rise in Quarterly Revenue Live Nation Entertainment reported a rise
attending one of its events, rose to 22.1 mil-
as their main earnings driver and the best
in revenue of 9 percent and the company
lion from 21.2 million.
means to engage and connect with their fan
expects record sales, adjusted operating income and free cash flow growth this year.
base,” CEO Michael Rapino said Thursday. By segment, Artist Nation, the firm’s management service that boasts clients like Ma-
The company said it is promoting 22 of the
donna, Lady Gaga, Britney Spears and Miley
Top 25 global tours this year, including Jay Z,
Cyrus, saw the largest growth in revenue at
Beyonce, One Direction and Like Bryan. Live
18 percent. Concert revenue grew 11 per-
Nation said revenue was $2.5 billion in the
cent, ticketing grew 8 percent and sponsor-
third quarter, up from $2.3 billion a year ago.
ship and advertising, the smallest segment,
Diluted net income per share rose to 49 cents
grew 4 percent.
Michael Rapino
from 22 cents in the same quarter last year. Shares of Live Nation rose fractionally to The company sold 36.6 million tickets during
$24.86 on Thursday and fell fractionally after
the quarter, down from 37.6 million while
the closing bell.
its total number of concerts worldwide rose 5,157 compared with 5,073. “Fans,” the
“The live business continues to have a ro-
term Live Nation uses to describe a person
bust outlook as artists are reliant on touring
19
VIP NEWS > MISC >
NOVEMBER 2014
MEMBER PRESENTATION
Armin Rahn Agency & Management Founded by Armin Rahn in 1973
ARTIST AVAILS Alan Parsons Live Project Territory: Worldwide Period: 2014 Agency: World Entertainment Associates of America Agent: John Regna - Artist Agent/Manager Phone: +1 407-993-4000 E-mail: JPR@JohnRegna.com Homepage: www.AlanParsonsTourPromo.com
Orquesta Buena Vista Social Club Territory: Scandinavia, Eastern EU, UK, Ireland Period: June-July Agency: Sasa Music Agent: David Flower Phone: +44 20 7359 9232 E-mail: rab@sasa.demon.co.uk Homepage: www.sasamusic.com
ORBITAL ñ 25th year anniversary tour in 2014 Territory: The World excluding USA Period: May onwards Agency: Value Added Talent Agent: Dan Silver Phone: +44 207 704 97 20 E-mail: dan@vathq.co.uk Homepage: www.vathq.co.uk
Tinariwen Territory: Scandinavia, Netherlands, Eastern EU, UK, Ireland Period: May - September 2015 Agency: Sasa Music Agent: George Prince Phone: +44 20 7359 9232 E-mail: george@sasa.demon.co.uk Homepage: www.sasamusic.com
THE ORCHESTRA starring ELO former members Territory: Worldwide Period: 2014-2015 Agency: World Entertainment Associates of America Agent: John Regna - Artist Agent/Manager Phone: +1 407-993-4000 E-mail: jpr@johnregna.com Homepage: www.THEORCHESTRAonline.com
About Our Company VIP-Booking’s core product is the Internet’s oldest and largest databasefor
the
European
Live
Entertainment
Industry
Bo Kaspers Orkester Territory: World wide Period: By request Agency: Lifeline Entertainment Agent: Michael Henriksson E-mail: michael.henriksson@lifeline.se Homepage: www.lifeline.se
www.vip-booking.comdeveloped as a tool for industry professionals. Since it’s launch in the year 2000, we have consistently offered our subscribers the very best in database services and now boast subscribersin over 30 countries.
MORE ARTIST AVAILS ON: WWW.VIP-BOOKING.COM POST YOUR ARTIST AVAILS ON: WWW.VIP-BOOKING.COM
Today VIP-Booking offers a range of tools for the industry– including VIP-News, VIP-Booking, VIP-Book and VIP-Contract. Please visit vip-booking.com for further information. Your comments and suggestions are always appreciated.
® Orquesta Buena Vista Social Club
vip-booking.com
20