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PREMIUM > VOLUME 232 > MARCH 2020
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VIP NEWS >
MARCH 2020
McGowan’s
Musings
Well – what is there to say? I think that
doors, then the next item informs that our
venues and promoters etc are not necessarily
considering the thoroughly confusing state
Foreign Secretary advises all UK citizens not
covered by their insurance.
of things, Bemusings is a more accurate
to travel anywhere in the world! For at least
description of the dreadful conditions in
the next month! I stare out of the window
We wait to see how governments throughout
which we find the live music industry and
and, as I have on a regular basis of late, I
the world proceed with offering assistance
ourselves. Excuse me if there’s little in the
think I must be imagining all of this. Or is
to an industry, which is facing disastrous
way of humorous observations in this edition
it all from an as yet to be published H.G.
economic effects resulting from cancellations
of the Musings and the News, though we’ll
Well’s novel? There is no precedent, nothing
and postponements. Please let us know how
see what we can come up with, and see
to compare, each day the global outbreak
you and your companies are faring. We are
where positive thinking takes us!
of COVID-19 brings more disastrous news
of course all aware that small and grass roots
as the virus spreads. Oh, and what’s that,
venues in particular are suffering, and need
As I write, the radio informs me that the
now Glastonbury joins all the other events
the sort of help that some governments are
Royal Albert Hall, the London venue that
that have been cancelled, or postponed, in
promising, but are still to put into action.
has operated for 150 years is closing its
the case of Glastonbury the land at Worthy Farm will lie fallow for another year.
The VIP team, and probably many of you were at the 32nd edition of the ILMC, which,
COLOPHON > VIP-News is published by: VIP-Booking.com Enghaven 19 Attrup 8444 Balle Denmark Managing Director: Ronni Didriksen rd@vip-booking.com General Manager: Peter Briggs pb@vip-booking.com Writer and editorial: Allan McGowan am@vip-booking.com Writer: Manfred Tari mt@vip-booking.com For advertising enquiries please contact: Peter Briggs pb@vip-booking.com +46 70 77 60 480 Charlie Presburg cp@vip-booking.com +44 (0) 7980 817496
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So, throughout the world, the live music
although 15% of delegates cancelled, went
industry, and other forms of entertainment,
ahead, happening just before the event
theatre, film, sport are brought to a halt, for
faced cancellation, like SXSW and other
an unspecified, but likely long term period.
events. Of course Covid 19 was a main topic
The Governments of different countries have
discussed at all areas of the Conference. We
gone about things in different ways, ranging
include an article on the Production session,
from the fully authoritarian demands for
which of course rearranged the topics to
venues to close, to the ‘advisory’ approach
look at how the business was to consider the
(so far) of the UK Government.
frightening effects of the Pandemic.
Various industry organisations, such as
The live music industry has always been
UK Music, PRS, PSA, AIM and the Music
resilient and will continue to be so during
Venues Trust, in the UK, and Live DMA
this unprecedented crisis. All the business
which represents a number of venues
associations and organisations are working
throughout Europe, have made approaches
together wherever and however possible to
and demands to governments, appealing
protect the interests and the livelihoods of
for support and financial assistance for
musicians, promoters, venue operators etc.
venues and businesses badly affected by
Live music is still available as artists come
close downs resulting from the effects of
together to stage on-line gigs and concerts.
the virus.
We hope that you’re all as well as you can possibly be, and of course we are thinking as
In the UK, the fact that British prime minister
positively as we can that things will improve.
Boris Johnson has advised, rather than
In the meantime Ladies and Gentlemen –
ordered, the closure of venues, means that
from a locked down Brighton, The News…
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MARCH 2020
Festivals stand united across Europe From VIP-Daily News
FESTIVALS STAND UNITED ACROSS EUROPE
Many of the major European festivals have joined forces under the
to ensure the best and safest environment for the festival community.
#FestivalsStandUnited name.
We share experiences and knowledge with each other. We stand united.
The Festivals have sent out an statement to the festival-goers and the industry itself.
Viewed in the light of these facts and with the knowledge that we have, we shall continue monitoring the current global health situation
In a very short space of time, the spread of Coronavirus/COVID-19 has put the whole world in an The statement reads: the following weeks, and together will communicate extraordinary and worrisome situation. A situation throughout that we handle best by not doing whatwe would otherwise seem like the most human thing to do when worlddecisions is against us matter. – getting together. about the any further in this Nevertheless, we all expect Instead, we must now keep our distance to each other. We must take care of our community In a very short space of time, the spread of Coronavirus/COVID-19 to carry through our festivals this summer. We will stand united to by not being together. has put the whole world in an extraordinary and worrisome situation.
make it a safe and sound experience for our participants and the
A situation As thatfestivals we handle by not doing what would means otherwiseto people. outside We world. about taking responsibility for the events– and it’s webest know what community areIt’sbehind events that, if anything,
aremost a celebration and togetherness. Every we stand face to with the seem like the human thingof to life do when the world is against us summer, about taking responsibility forface the industry we’re part of. difference that the community does for the individual and for all people. And we see the importance of music, art and culture in this context.
– getting together.
It’s an industry in which we, as major festivals, are the final part of a
Instead, weAs must now keep our distance eachthe other. We must take food where the smaller players – the artists, the venues, sound festival organisers wetotake current situation verychain seriously. care of our community by not being together.
and light production and many more – are already suffering from the
We are monitoring the situation closely, and we are all, as always, cooperating closely with the As festivals we know what community means to people. We are behind serious situation we are in. They suffer so much that they may not be authorities and the emergency services to ensure the best and safest environment for the festival events that,community. if anything, are a celebration of life and togetherness. recover if theyWe are stand not given the opportunity to be a part of We share experiences and knowledgeable withtoeach other. united. Every summer, we stand face to face with the difference that the
festivals like ours. in the light of and with the knowledge that we have, we shall continue communityViewed does for the individual andthese for all facts people.
monitoring the current global health situation throughout the following weeks, and together we By carrying through our festivals this summer, we can be a crucial part will communicate about any further decisions in this matter. Nevertheless, we all expect to carry And we seethrough the importance of music, art and culture in this context. of the to survival of itthis industry. our festivals this summer. We will stand united make a safe and sound experience for our participants and the outside world. It’s about taking responsibility for the events As festival organisers we take the current situation very seriously. – and it’s taking responsibility forasthe industry of.community, the music, the art and the culture to We are monitoring theabout situation closely, and we are all, always, Wewe’re owe itpart to the cooperating closely with the authorities and the emergency services
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assume responsibility together! It’s an industry in which we, as major festivals, are the final part of a food chain where the smaller players – the artists, the venues, sound and light production and many more – are already suffering from the serious situation we are in. They suffer so much that they may not be able to recover if they are not given the opportunity to be a part of festivals like ours.
VIP NEWS >
MARCH 2020
LiveKomm calls for solidarity From VIP-Daily News
German venue organisation LiveKomm (LiveMusikKommission) founded a Corona crisis team on March 13 to support and save the German club and festival landscape. The small and medium-sized cultural enterprises want to help themselves up to possible measures by the federal and state governments. Club operators and network players from Hamburg, Berlin, Bremen, Bavaria, Brandenburg, North Rhine-Westphalia, Hesse, Saxony, Baden-Württemberg and Lower Saxony are currently involved in
with the Clubcommission Berlin and ClubKombinat Hamburg, is
the crisis team. Together, the first recommendations for action were
also developing a campaign that, in addition to supporting the club
sent to the almost 600 members to prevent club insolvency.
culture, also calls for solidarity across society. Eight percent of the donations are to be distributed to charitable causes. There are also
On the other hand, the crisis team initiated a flash survey in which
numerous solidarity actions by the clubs or by supporters.
more than 250 club operators took part within two days. “The results give a first impression of the effects of the crisis on the club
“The newly established crisis management team will have to deal
area,” says Hamburg. “Already last week, before the nationwide
with the rescue measures over the next few weeks, if not months,”
closings, the predicted damage was over 1.7 million euros.” An
says Axel Ballreich Chairman of Livekomm. “The published
update of the survey is planned for the next few weeks.
recommendations for action are a first step to point out the danger and prevent possible bankruptcy. We would also like to call on the
Numerous club networks nationwide are currently starting donation
public to support the current rescue measures of the networks and
and crowdfunding campaigns to collect short-term resources for
to refrain from reimbursement, especially for tickets from small club
the endangered music venues. The LiveKomm crisis team, together
shows that are now not taking place.”
Axel Ballreich
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VIP NEWS >
MARCH 2020
ILMC 32 - The Game of Live (and beyond) Unlike SXSW, ILMC 2020 went ahead. Unusually the editor of this article did not attend ILMC, potentially worrying about hanging around with the international live music community for some two weeks in London’s Royal Garden Hotel in case of an unexpected lock down as to be seen on various cruise ships these days. However, the 32nd edition of this event as usual deserves coverage. It marks the beginning of a new era and an opportunity to at least catch up with a bit of the moment was to at least have Greg Parmley answer a few questions about ILMC 32 and beyond. But in a time of total business misery at least Parmley generated a little of bit of optimism, touching on terms of artist fees and how the Corona crisis may change the live music business.: Manfred Tari
VIP News asked the ILMC chief what were
Parmley: The situation is still developing
you expect this crisis will affect ticket
his conclusions regarding ILMC 2020?
and extremely fluid. No one in the business
sales and prices in the near future?
could have seen this coming, and we’re all Greg Parmley: It was a good edition. There
on the back foot right now. Fortunately, this
Parmley: Until a month ago you could buy
were a few members who couldn’t attend
business is populated by entrepreneurial
a ticket for almost any show you wanted
due to what was then an emerging issue
problem solvers and individuals used to crisis
to see and go to it. Now, many nations
with the Coronavirus, but for the 1,000
solving. So if any sector will bounce back
are locked down, and that community and
delegates who made it, it was a very unique
fastest, it’s this one.
physicality that comes with live shows is not
vibe... it really felt that the industry had
possible. I think this period of isolation will
pulled together united by a common cause.
VIP News: The Corona crisis will change
end with more demand than ever, and a
It’s crazy to look back at the photos just two
the industry. The social frictions are yet
greater appreciation of how special shows
weeks after and see how much fun and
hard to predict, but it seems more than
and festivals are. But that may well be
closeness there is - it’s so recent but feels like
likely that the social gap will rather be
tempered with a slower economic outlook
a completely different time.
widening than getting smaller. How do
over the coming months as we recover from this period.
VIP News: Some panel speakers and commentators from the floor were of
Greg Parmley
VIP News: Artist fees agreed upon
course disturbed by the threat of Covid
before the ban of public events reflected
19. Like certain comments and postings
the previous overall good situation for
by some industry players on social media
live music events. Would you say that
outlets it seemed as though the economic
the heydays of high fees are gone for
consequences were more relevant for
the time being?
some than the well being of society
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and citizens. Do you get the impression
Parmley: I don’t think so, as it will depend
that in consideration of recent news the
on demand, and I believe there will always
situation in countries such as Italy, among
be demand for great artists. What’s more
others, may have changed?
interesting to me is how the business model
VIP NEWS >
MARCH 2020
will adapt in this period, and what new
ILMC Panel
ideas of products might be adopted long term. We’re already seeing a huge rise in the number of live streams as artists find new ways to stay connected with their audience. That technology is not new, but it adds a whole new layer of potential income to certain shows. Rather than see this period as the business being closed, the bright sparks out there will be using the time to identify new business opportunities. I want to hear from those folks! VIP News: The number of shows of being rescheduled these days is huge.
companies and touts will land up having
about our roles in our local communities?
But how should this work out when
to convert large amounts of tickets
Are we citizens that are playing a part, or
in Autumn 2020 or even next year the
bought previously into toilet paper?
will we simply hibernate for a bit and rely
number of shows and tours will be much higher than usual?
on others? This virus is a reality check for Parmley: Obviously we’re not in an ideal spot
the business. Maybe some of the things
right now, but a lot might come out of this.
that seemed so desperately important
Do you agree that perhaps the only
How will this change our understanding
before won’t be anymore. Perhaps we’ll
positive aspect arising from the Corona
of how teams work, or how offices are
all be a little nicer and a little more human
crisis
organised? What will this period teach us
when this is over.
is
that
secondary
ticketing
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VIP NEWS >
MARCH 2020
A Message from Italy Allan McGowan am@vip-booking.com
Our friend and doyen of Italian promoters Claudio Trotta sent us
All people working at the food shops here in Milano wear a mask all
a message to pass on to all of you VIP readers and others all over
the time.
the world. Then we have a national protocol if we have symptoms like high Claudio writes:
fever, cough, cold: first of all we do not leave home for ANY REASON and isolate from the rest of the people with whom we are living.
A message to all our friends: please read and share it, as it is if you
Find a way to have shopping delivered at home; call the Doctor that
so wish…
we have with our public healthcare system and/or a specific number that the authorities have assigned for just this case. We have been
We are just telling you what’s going on here in Italy; we are proud
informed not to go to hospital emergency room otherwise we risk
that the Italian Government and local authorities all over the Italian
infecting other people. But these are instructions for Italy as they
Regions have chosen, maybe with some initial mistakes but now
made protocol to follow the people at home with symptoms, in order
working together firmly to try to save the lives of our old people.
to check the developmont of the disease.
Those that are suffering most from this disease Over here before the lockdown of the whole country they locked We feel that we want to make you aware of how our safety and
down a small city council very close to Milan called Codogno for 2
health system is operating and what we are being told and prescribed
weeks as they picked up the first spread of the virus - now they don’t
by our government and civil protection:
have any more new cases - no new person is infected, as it happened in China after 2 months of lock down; so this indicates that isolation
- To be isolated as much as you can - do not exit from home except
can work to stop the spread
for emergency health issues and to shop or if you must work outside with no possibility of remote working.
The main difference from any other flu is that this virus has a severe
- While you are shopping or working, keep a distance from anyone
effect on the lungs, and in quite a high percentage results in people
else of at least 1 meter.
being taken to intensive care units for many days - the average is
- Wash your hands frequently during the day and always when you
around 10 days - even if the disease is not so strong in your body
return from shopping or working wash your hands immediately and
it could be necessary to need oxygen support for many days with
use the gel disinfectant (use it also while you are moving around
consequent hospitalization.
shopping or working). - Do not touch your face, your eyes, your mouth, and your nose.
No country in the world required so many intensive care units leading
- If you are immunosuppressed while you are out doing shopping /
to having so many patients causing all the systems of the hospital to
working you can use medical mask.
crash. That’s the reason why we locked down. To protect our health care system, to protect the other patient at the hospital, to protect the doctors and the nurses and to stop the spread, as, for now, it seems the only solution. We unfortunately don’t know the “truth” we are not Doctors - we know nothing but we know that in Codogno near Milano after 2 weeks of isolation they don’t have any new cases of infection... and this is real and important! Please keep in touch and please pay attention.
Claudio Trotta
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Ciao Ciao I vostri amici Italiani
VIP NEWS > INDEPTH STORY >
MARCH 2020
“Don’t Stop Me Now!” The Consequences of Show Cancellations Allan McGowan am@vip-booking.com
Carl Martin has been involved in design, build and, most importantly, the operation of arenas, stadia and various other types of events since joining the SEC complex, in Glasgow, in 1984. Then followed involvement in numerous venues in the UK, Ireland, France, Germany, Malaysia, Hungary, Croatia, Italy, Turkey, Denmark, Malta and Kuwait. He is presently involved with a couple of new projects in Romania and the UK. He has also been sometimes employed as site coordinator for various artists’ tours, such as Sir Paul McCartney, Roger Waters, George Michael, the Ultra Europe Festival, Madonna and others. In 2017, with a local promoter, he oversaw the start of and now organises the Event Production Forum East (EPFE), now going into its fourth year, in Budapest, Hungary. Alongside all of these activities, he has for the past thirteen years, with several others, organised and driven the ILMC
Carl Martin
Carl writes:
Production Meeting (IPM).
come from the production and touring
He was chosen because of his knowledge
management side of the industry, along
and industry experience. He was joined by
Little did anyone know the consequences
with others from venues, promoters, sound
Martin Goebbels, Miller Insurance Services
that would be visited upon us when this
and light suppliers, food and beverage
(UK), who only agreed to sit as a panellist if
panel was decided upon, as part of the
companies, staging services and a myriad of
it was agreed it would be a ‘not insurance’
IPM’s schedule, at the back end of last year.
other disciplines.
discussion, Tim Worton from ASM Global
The ILMC Production Meeting is held, and
(Australia) and, finally, Benjamin Hetzer from
has been for the past thirteen years, the
The programme consists of four main
FKP Scorpio (Germany), who was an early
day before the ILMC (International Live
panels, with chairs and expert panellists
victim of the coronavirus and could only
Music Conference) begins, in the first week
from throughout the world, each subject
join on Skype, his company having stopped
of March.
very relevant to the industry.
international travel.
Typically delegates, this year from over
The last panel of the day was chaired by Okan
Given the interest in this subject not only
twenty five countries throughout the world,
Tombulca of EPS Holding, GMBH (Germany).
were IPM delegates in the audience, but
9
VIP NEWS > INDEPTH STORY > ILMC delegates were also invited. This increased the number of agents, promoters,
MARCH 2020
Martin Goebbels
production and tour personnel. A welcome increase of interested persons. The initial theme of this panel centred on how the various international problems that arise are dealt with. The arrival of the coronavirus put a different light on the panel but Okan suggested dealing with the more frequent problems then to move onto the virus. Tim Worton spoke first and catalogued the
this point deliberately, telling the audience
Martin Goebbels made the point early on
issues that have arisen in the Australasian
(1) there are not enough surveyors to go
that, since the 1st February this year, no
region and in the Far East. Artist illness is
around each event, as some call for, and
British Insurance Company had covered
a perennial problem in his region; no real
(2) it is not their job to be there to check
‘communicable diseases’ (i.e. coronavirus)
explanation can be given for this. More
things. Something else that is constantly
in any policy and he said that probably
devastatingly, as we are all aware, bush fires
agreed upon at IPM sessions. A statement
applied throughout the world. If bands
have been the most prominent problem
that needs to be listened to!
were not covered with cancellation policies
this year for Tim and his people, not only
implemented before this date they would
the fire and destruction but also the smoke
There were stories from the floor about
generated, which have far reaching effects.
collapsing stages, over zealous local authority
He was effusive in his praise for the fire
inspectors in Eastern Europe, of all places, plus
We heard that in Portugal, even at the end
fighters and the amazing job they do.
the opposite all over the place and customs
of February, there were doctors at events
Ironically, the fires were mainly extinguished
delays throughout the developing world.
and hospitals on alert. A tour accountant
by torrential rainstorms, which in their wake
not get cover.
told us of cancellations throughout Italy,
produced major floods. Not really a good
There was one interesting story about an
Switzerland,
time recently.
arena gig in Portugal, which had had a
his comments. Agents said they were
France,
others
reiterated
young audience queuing for days before.
working from day to day; people from
Benjamin Hetzer echoed Tim’s words in
Unfortunately, the band’s singer was killed
logistics companies were basically saying
relation to storms, which have affected
in a road traffic accident shortly before the
they did not know what would happen
many European festivals this year, as
gig. Rather than announce it on the social
next. Interestingly, when Okan asked the
have the Artists illnesses. Conversely, hot
media the band decided the audience
room who had plans for this event there
weather has caused havoc at some festivals.
should be brought into the arena and they
was only one response; Lisa Ryan from
A delegate from the floor, who was involved
would tell them personally, which they did.
EFM Global Logistics, put her hand up
with the Boardmaster festival, praised the
A sad occasion but there was one happy
and outlined her company’s observations
actions of the promoters in cancelling the
man, the merchandiser!
and decisions. There were a lot of worried
festival several days in advance due to a
folk in the room but it was agreed that
forecast for a major storm, thus averting a
Moving onto the subject on most people’s
the ‘Infodemic’ generated by the media
possible disaster.
minds, coronavirus, Okan invited comments
doesn’t help.
and advice from the panellists and the floor.
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Fortunately, this event was insured and
Tim Worton told us that there has obviously
The last comment from the floor was made
costs were covered, but Martin Goebbels
been a massive effect in Australia and the
by Renatas Nacajus, from ISEG, Lithuania,
made the point, not for the first time at
rest of the region; artists are cancelling,
who reminded the floor that this was their
IPM that insurance needs to be sorted out
a statement echoed around the floor by
job, they have to find a way to live with this
before the actual event, not just before or
promoters and agents around the world,
problem and to carry on doing what they are
even during. He emphasised that generally
ticket sales are being delayed and affected.
good at, producing good live music.
claims are covered on the evidence and
There is now a regime of hospital grade
words provided by the promoters. He made
cleaning throughout venues in the region.
This received a very positive reaction...
VIP NEWS >
MARCH 2020
World Touring Exhibitions Allan McGowan am@vip-booking.com Corrado Canonici is CEO of World Touring Exhibitions, a branch of
situation. It was a shame this year that, although I registered, due to
World Concert Artists Ltd, a London-based producer and provider
the coronavirus I decided not to attend the ILMC. I did miss it, Skype
with over 18 years experience in the international entertainment
meetings are not the same!
business. VIP News asked him about the Company’s business. VIP News: You present a wide range of events, how do you source these and how did you first get involved in the world of exhibitions. What were the first shows you worked with and how did you manage to deal with the variety that you are now involved with? Corrado: Our beginnings were mainly as managers and agents of ’70s artists and crossover musicians, so our first involvement was by chance: we were asked to help with a dinosaur’s exhibition and found that it worked well for us. From then on, we initially collaborated with more exhibitions to widen our offer. Meanwhile we were also widening our client list, having found that exhibitions are of interest to a pretty variegated range of institutions; literally from national museums to music promoters. We eventually managed to develop a pretty vast, different and effective list of client contacts as well as a strong roster. We also understood by then what was selling and what wasn’t, so we made an investment and started producing our own exhibitions “with a taste for popular”; our own products seem in fact to be the best-selling ones from our roster, which obviously pleases us. VIP News: How international is your business? Which of your presentations are your leading features?
Corrado Canonici
Corrado: Our exhibitions have toured in territories including UAE, Germany, Italy, Cyprus, Ukraine, UK, Bulgaria, Romania, Bahrain,
VIP News: You often attend the ILMC, although not this year,
Russia, USA, and Spain. The current best sellers are Travelling Bricks
along with other normally regular attendees. Professionals
(made of LEGO® bricks), Interactive Science, 3D Doubt Your Eyes
who do business in the live music industry of course mainly
– all three have interaction at their heart. Space Adventure (NASA-
attend the Conference. However this event also attracts
backed) exceptionally popular too, we’d love to bring it to the UK.
operators like yourself who present major shows that are
Animatronics are still doing very well.
not specifically concerned with live music. How would you describe what you have to offer to international promoters
VIP News: Is there anything in particular that you’d like to tell
and venues?
us about your future plans?
Corrado Canonici: I took part in the ILMC for over 15 years, first as
Corrado: We are working on a very exciting collaboration with a
a music booking agent, then step by step our company went into
UK venue (stay tuned for more!) to start in September 2020; our
exhibitions. We found music promoters to be quite interested in what
exhibitions will be hosted there on a regular basis. A Ukrainian tour
we do, so we continued to attend the ILMC. What we offer is: a
for Monsters Of The Sea, Space Adventure in Greece, and more
civilised way of working (exhibitions do not threaten “not to sing
gigs in the Middle East. Our new exciting digital exhibition is now
tonight”…), edutainment products that are family-oriented hence for
under production. Basically, I need a holiday (although I’m afraid the
a broader audience, and a lower risk level than concerts. Win-win
coronavirus will give all of us that holiday soon!).
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Clementine Bunel, Paradigm Talent Agency
STICHTING EUROSONIC NOORDERSLAG
VIP NEWS >
MARCH 2020
Observations by a Middleman Manfred Tari mt@vip-booking.com
The term “Cutting out the middleman” does not apply to Matthias Grischke and
VIP News: What kind of effects does the
Matthias Grischke
current crisis have on likely structures
his company. In fact the current situation
and modalities of insurances for live
is a worthwhile example of the need and
music events in the future?
relevance of the role provided by such Matthias Grischke: Regardless of the crisis,
people and companies.
which was unforeseeable by anyone, we Grischke is a lawyer and founded Novitas in
assume that the modalities for insurances
November 2002. The company is based in
will change in the future. This will also
Ahrensburg-Schleswig Holstein and has 15
depend crucially on which insurers “survive”
employees. Novitas operates as an insurance
the current scenario in the first place.
broker and is one of the leading agencies
From the insurers’ point of view, the event
in Germany specialising in risk insurance
industry is a “peripheral industry”. The
in the fields of entertainment, media and
coverage of special risks is also always a
sports. As an insurance agency Novitas is a
special case. Whether insurers will continue
well know brand in Germany and beyond
to cover this area in view of the current
as a leading company acting as a service
conditions on the German market may be
provider, enabling agencies, artists and
million Germans in 2017. A global disease
problematic, but at the present time there
promoters to get insurance coverage for
like the Coronavirus with the corresponding
is no way of knowing.
their business activities.
consequences
did
not
appear
in
my
professional past, nor has it has even been
VIP News: What consequences do you
As probably agreed this type of business like
considered by those taking on insurances or
expect the Corona crisis will have in
other industries and businesses has on going
by insurance companies
terms of the live music industry?
companies such as Novitas as a mediator
In this respect, the corona crisis affects
Matthias Grischke: To be honest , I have no
between
needs and risks, explaining why it needs insurance
our daily activities in such a way that -
opinion on this. The vast majority of the
coverage and products provided by various
irrespective of the official orders - we receive
industry will fight for survival. However,
insurance companies.
a motley array of statements from insurance
I assume that concerts and live music
companies, which we only can only evaluate
events will continue to be held in the
With this in mind and when approaching
in an overall view in such a way that it will be
future, because the desire and enjoyment
Grischke for this interview, it instantly
difficult to find adequate insurance cover in
of concert events will be increased rather
became obvious why he and his team are
any case in the future.
than reduced on the part of concert goers.
those
looking
for
However, this presupposes that the current
extremely busy these days. VIP News: What kind of questions does
“health aspects” have subsided and that the
VIP News: How does the Corona crisis
the assured ones have, what are the
enjoyment of events can grow again.
affect your daily business?
answers by the insurance companies? For further information please check:
Matthias Grischke: The corona crisis is not
Matthias
only a crisis, it is a disaster for the industry
basically in line with the corresponding civil
Grischke:
Insurance
cover
is
- and by this I don’t just mean the live music
law and other regulatory provisions. As no
industry , but also the insurance industry.
reliable statements can be made for the
Circumstances have arisen that neither
future, especially regarding to the periods
policyholders nor insurers have even thought
of event restrictions and the type and scope
about before. In the past, there were local
of the event, the answers of the insurance
circumstances, such as Sars or Ebola, or even
companies are as varied as the questions by
a huge wave of influenza, which infected ten
the assured ones.
www.novitas-hamburg.de
13
VIP NEWS >
MARCH 2020
The Chinese Way of Live Manfred Tari mt@vip-booking.com
Eric de Fontenay has been based in Beijing
as Modern Sky’s Stay at Home Strawberry
an rare example of a city which had prioritized
since 2010, having moved his company,
concert series, these were primarily pre-taped
and supported the music sector, and Beijing
Music Dish, founded in 1997, from New York
footage from prior concerts and festivals.
had recently announced plans to support the sector with a view to make the city an
to China. He operates as a booking agent, manager, media publisher and consultant. A
VIP News: Is there any news available as
‘international music capital’ by 2025. But I
typical mix of entrepreneurial activities in a
to when concerts and events are likely to
fear that much of this may be overshadowed
business likes the music sector that requires
start up in China again?
by the hit the economy has taken across the board in the first quarter of 2020 due to
flexibility when working independently. De Fontenay: No news at all. Some venues
Covid-19. The music sector is just not that
In terms of the Corona pandemic China
have been allowed to open in certain cities,
important to the government in the larger
is
restrictions
but these have been for DJ-club format and
scheme of things when the economy is likely
implemented by the Chinese regime include
not live shows. Even when live shows are
to declare its first round of negative growth
self isolation, the banning of public events
eventually permitted, capacity is likely to
since the 70s.
and major restraints in public life in general,
be severely restricted. Optimistically, we’re
now also appear in most other parts of the
hoping for the summer, though most Feb-
VIP News: As a promoter you also put on
world. But China may also be the first country
March tours were rescheduled for the fall.
shows in China. Have you discovered any
ahead.
Governmental
differences between the set up of the
to see the reappearance of live music. VIP News: Most European governments
live music sector in Europe compared to
However, Eric de Fontenay maintains an
are currently considering the launch of
that in China?
outlook that requires him and those in the
support programmes providing financial
live music business to ask themselves what
aid to keep businesses alive. Some of
De Fontenay : I think the appropriate question
the near future means for their business.
these measures are to be dedicated
is whether there are any similarities. China is
to the cultural and music sector. Have
a case on its own for a variety of reasons:
VIP News: What is the current situation
similar measures already been installed
government regulations and its varying
for artists in China in terms of concerts
in China, too?
application across the country; the fact that
and festivals
both the regulations and their enforcement De Fontenay :Europe is very different because
shifts a lot over time, often unexpectedly;
Eric de Fontenay: Since the lockdown of
there are already existing structures to
China’s very different digital eco-system; tour
Wuhan in late January, there have been no
support the cultural and music sectors, often
planning and logistics;... I could write a book
public events or gatherings. While several
at the local, regional and national level. This is
on this subject.
actors quickly turned to webcasting such
practically non-existent in China. Chengdu is VIP News: Is there a difference between
Eric de Fontenay
Chinese and European music fans? De Fontenay : So this is a completely subjective opinion of course, but I find Chinese fans to be more enthusiastic and open to new music and experiences. Many factors could account for this, including the relative youth of the live music sector (only 30+ years old); there are not nearly as many international bands playing China, whether festivals or tours; being relatively disconnected from the global digital conversation because of the blocking of Western social media in China; etc. I should note that this is not just
14
VIP NEWS >
MARCH 2020
my opinion, but is expressed by nearly every
and will contact restaurants in advance on
streaming can be an important complement
band I’ve toured in China.
the route to make sure there are no surprises.
to a live concert, but it can be no substitute.
VIP News: What is your advice in terms
VIP News: Currently the streaming of
VIP
of catering preferences for Western
concerts and events is the only option
installing more hand washbasins in clubs,
artists when hopefully, rather sooner
to enjoy live music. Is this a worthwhile
venues and on festivals sites in order to
than later, playing shows and concerts
substitute able to replace the live music
help bring live music back on track?
in China again?
experience?
News:
Would
you
recommend
De Fontenay: Those venues that have been De Fontenay : As a general rule, I want my
De Fontenay: Absolutely not. I think any sports
allowed to reopen have tried to do everything
artists to feel the true Chinese experience
fan would understand what I mean. Live
to
from the get-go, and it being China, food is
events are not just about watching, it’s about
availability of hand sanitizer, daily disinfecting
front-on-the-list. Of course, we consult with
sharing the experience as a community. And
of the venue, availability of disposable
them well before the tour and generally,
from my perspective, some of the best and
glasses, regular health check of employees...
they have all been open to trusting their tour
most memorable shows are in smaller venues
But I think it will take time before things get
manager and trying local foods. Actually,
where I am very close to the performer. Having
back to normal. As restrictions are slowly
where I’ve been the TM, I’ve made it a point
said that, we actually launched a new video
relaxed here in China, what I’ve noticed is
to introduce them to each local delicacy. The
series during the height of the Covid-19 virus
people opting to go outside and avoid indoor
greater difficulty has been for artists that
in China on our official Wechat subscription
gatherings. People who lived through SARS
require a gluten-free or vegan option as these
channel called LivExp, which stands for “live
in Beijing have told me that it took over a
are not readily available in China outside of 1st
experience”, because we believe that music
year for the live scene to return to what it
tier cities like Beijing, Shanghai & Shenzhen.
was meant to be experienced, not just
had been before. As promoters, we just have
Basically, we make a list of common Chinese
listened too on streaming services. But as the
to face that fact head-on and early, and not
dishes that conform to their requirements
owner of Beijing livehouse DDC explained,
paint feel-good rosy pictures.
reassure
their
potential
audience:
THE HALL DUO IN NECKARPARK
UNIQUE AND DOUBLY GOOD STUTTGART CATCHMENT AREA: MORE THAN 3 MILLION PEOPLE • HANNS-MARTIN-SCHLEYER-HALLE: UP TO 15,500 SPECTATORS • PORSCHE-ARENA: UP TO 7,500 SPECTATORS • 2020: ... SABATON, LA TOYA JACKSON, SLIPKNOT, FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH, MALUMA 11:11, DIMASH KUDAIBERGEN, ROLAND KAISER, BÖHSE ONKELZ, ERIC CLAPTON, PET SHOP BOYS, UDO LINDENBERG, KISS, DEEP PURPLE, DIE TOTEN HOSEN, SIMPLY RED, NIGHTWISH …
Tel. +49 (0) 711/9554-40 Fax +49 (0) 711/9554-500
AZ_in_stutt_VIP_2020_RZ.indd 1
info@in.stuttgart.de www.in.stuttgart.de
17.12.19 19:46
15
VIP NEWS >
MARCH 2020
DEAG reports a successful 2019 From VIP-Daily News
Two further acquisitions originally planned for the fourth quarter of 2019 were postponed until 2020 due to the Brexit issue which was not resolved at that time. Q4 was still strong for DEAG, though. The group generated sales of €62.1 million, a 31% rise compared to the same period of 2018. Deutsche Entertainment AG (DEAG) has reported a successful 2019, despite a drop in revenue and profit.
Q4 revenues thus accounted for 34% of total sales in the financial year 2019. EBITDA for the period was €6.2 million, compared to €4.2
For financial year 2019 as a whole, DEAG’s Group sales amounted
million in the previous year.
to some €199 million before consolidation and €185.2 million after consolidation.
For the current financial year 2020, DEAG had originally aimed for double-digit growth in sales and EBITDA. Due to the Coronavirus
As DEAG informs in its earnings report, “this almost completely
scare, however, it is currently impossible to provide a detailed outlook
compensated for the loss of sales from the deconsolidation of
for the current year for the reporting date.
Raymond Gubbay Ltd. and the significantly reduced number of Ed Sheeran concerts that were held.”
As DEAG informs, “any cancellations of current events and those in advance sales due to force majeure are fully covered by insurance
2019 group revenues declined by about 7% compared to 2018,
(including Covid-19) with one of the largest insurance groups
when DEAG turned over €213 million before, and €200.2 million
worldwide.
after consolidation. “The first events that have incurred losses have already been assessed EBITDA for the full year 2019 amounted to €14.1 million, including
and paid for. For reasons of damage minimisation and in order to take
expenses of around €0.5 million incurred for the preparation and
fan interest into account, DEAG is in intensive contact with the artists
execution of aforementioned acquisitions.
and partners regarding postponement of the events.
DEAG has been on an acquisition spree last year, acquiring a total of
“Currently, more than 600 events have already been almost completely
five businesses between June and December. Those acquisitions have
rescheduled to the coming quarters. Accordingly, a change in the
only been included in the 2019 sales on a pro rata basis.
timing of sales and results is possible in the current financial year.”
Ed Sheeran
16
VIP NEWS >
NAMES & JOBS
MARCH 2020
DEAG appoints Chief Ticketing Officer
Matthias Behrer appointed CEO of Live Nation Sweden
From VIP-Daily News
From VIP-Daily News
Moritz Schwenkow has been appointed chief ticketing officer at
Mattias Behrer has been hired as the new CEO of Live Nation Sweden,
MyTicket owner Deutsche Entertainment AG (DEAG).
effective August 10. He will report to John Reid, President Live Nation Europe-Concerts.
Schwenkow will be responsible for DEAG’s entire ticketing business in the future and will develop synergies between the ticketing platforms
Behrer was previously CEO of media and marketing agency Dentsu
myticket.de, myticket.at, myticket.co.uk and the UK ticketing
Aegis. Prior to that, he spent 10 years at Viacom in several positions
platform Gigantic.com, which was acquired in December 2019.
including Global Marketing Manager for MTV and SVP for Viacom’s youth division in 1 countries across Europe. He is also the author
As CTO, he is also responsible for the expansion into further
of two best-selling business books; Event Marketing and How Cool
European countries and, in the long term, also for the consolidation
Brands Stay Hot.
of all ticketing activities. John Reid, President Live Nation Europe-Concerts, said: “It is Schwenkow, son of DEAG CEO Peter, moves into his new role on 1 April
very gratifying to welcome Mattias to the team. With his broad
2020, following more than 15 years working in live entertainment. He
background as a business leader and with expertise in marketing
is also appointed a member of DEAG’s executive board.
to young target groups, there is no doubt that he will be a strong contribution to Live Nation Sweden.”
Schwenkow said: “I am very much looking forward to working together with my colleagues on the Board. The DEAG Group is
Mattias Behrer added: “I am very happy and humbled, for the task
already excellently positioned internationally in the area of ticketing
of leading Live Nation Sweden’s fantastic team and continuing to
through MyTicket and Gigantic.
develop the experience for fans and partners – before, during and after events. The live music industry is an extremely exciting area
On this strong basis and as a result of increasing digitalisation, we
with great potential and a very interesting business model that
want to continue to grow, provide impulses for other business areas
brings together fans, artists and brands and creates experiences to
and further expand our earnings power in the years to come.”
remember for life.”
Moritz Schwenkow
Thomas Johansson, Chairman Nordic’s Live Nation, added: “We are very much looking forward to welcoming Mattias aboard. His future at Live Nation is bright and he will have an amazing team behind him.”
Mattias Behrer
17
VIP NEWS > BUSINESS >
MUSIC IN SHARES
MARCH 2020
Music In Shares Manfred Tari mt@vip-booking.com
Those figures reported in the February issue of VIP News have a
CTS Eventim - Annual
Meeting Postponed
historic dimension. The same goes for the results as archived in the business year 2019. In February 2020 the share prices of Live Nation
Previously scheduled for May 12, CTS Eventim announced tre-
and CTS Eventim peaked. The same goes for March 2020, but this
scheduling the event. A new date isn’t fixed yet but will be announced
time brutally downwards.
later on.
Totally unexpectedly, the live music business has been confronted with
In reference to the annual performance, this is down ‘only’ 26 per
the grim reality that their ever-growing business model has collapsed
cent. The recent archived annual low has been 25.54, on March 25
within just a few weeks. The near future is uncertain and will remain
the share price recovered up to 37.38 Euro....
so for the time being. It doesn’t need a crystal ball to realise that record results as gained in the business year 2019 certainly won’t be
DEAG - Going with the Flow
easily and quickly regained. Even if the share price of DEAG is much lower in comparison to the The worldwide economic frictions are massive, causing disastrous
biggies, in terms of the ups and downs in these days it is in line
effects, among others, indicating that the social impact of the Corona
with those. However, the annual markdown is only 20 per cent, the
pandemic still can’t be evaluated yet. The current crisis is additionally
ultimate low at 3.00, meanwhile up to 3.62 Euro...
accompanied by a traumatic shock for social life. Even if most of the governments currently planning and working on the launch of
Eventbride - Minus-Leader
programmes and initiatives to provide financial aid for most parts of the economy, can at least be said to ensure that those will create a
Down 64 per cent is even a bit tougher than the price markdowns of
completely different, indeed a new normality.
the shares usually covered by VIP News .The recent lowest share price was $5.80, the previous highest $25, now it is $7.45...
The last few weeks have delivered an on going news flow mirroring how vulnerable the business model of live entertainment is whilst
Live Nation - Upside Down
simultaneously emphasizing the related risks. At least in the case of CTS Eventim analysts from Bankhaus Lampe and Berenberg Bank
The rating agencies Moody’s and S&P venture concerns regarding the
have voiced the assumptions, that the ban on public events will only
credit ratings of Live Nation. Nevertheless at least the share price of
temporarily affect the Company and expect a recovery in 2021.
the company has recovered a bit.
An optimistic scenario Indeed, that hopefully matches with reality. The
The ultimate low was down to $21.7 on March 18, , the highest
current situation in fact rather indicates a domino effect, shaking up the
at $76.60 just in February, the overall annual minus meanwhile is
entire value chain of this industry. Apropos ‘value chain’, perhaps the
41percent resulting from a share price of $42.99 on March 25.
only positive effect the Corona crisis may cause is the effects on Viagogo and like-minded Companies in the near future. Bearing in mind that just
Spotify - Less Affected
in November Viagogo purchased Stubhub from Ebay for $4 billion, the question of how deep the pockets of this company remain.
Streaming works it seems in the time of shut downs: Down only 14 per cent, currently at $129...
Meanwhile now that the Olympic Games have been postponed, it is more than likely that the festival season 2020 also won’t proceed
Tencent - Nevertheless Down
as normal. Taking such aspects into account, a markdown for the second and third quarter is more or less obvious.
18
One year ago on March 4 at $19.42, meanwhile down to $9.94...
VIP NEWS > MISC >
MARCH 2020
MEMBER PRESENTATION
This space is dedicated to present some of our clients using VIP-Booking.com. Companies presented here have our best endorsement...
ARTIST AVAILS BEAUTIFUL BADNESS Territory: Worldwide Period: 2020 - 2021 Agency: A.A. Productions SPRL Agent: Nicolas Gamin Phone: +32 479 528 066 E-mail: nicolas@next-step.be Homepage: www.next-step.be/artist/11-beautiful-badness
KAREN MÉNDEZ Territory: Worldwide Period: 3 years Agency: Be Real Agency Agent: Paul Fourmy Phone: +32 485 365 696 E-mail: paul@bereal.agency Homepage: www.realkeymusic.com
The Mercedes-Benz Arena The Mercedes-Benz Arena opened in September 2008 and holds a capacity of 17.000 people. The arena is promoted by Anschutz Entertainment Group.
OUMAR KONATE Territory: worldwide Period: 2020 Agency: Clermont Music Agent: Chris Nolan Phone: +1 518 755 5089 E-mail: chrisanolan3@clermontmusic.com Homepage: www.clermontmusic.com/oumar-konate/
SAUDADE Territory: Worldwide Period: 2020-2021 Agency: A.A. Productions SPRL Agent: Nicolas Jaumain Phone: +32 479 528 066 E-mail: nicolas@next-step.be Homepage: www.next-step.be/artist/127-saudade
References include: Coldplay, Dolly Parton, Elton John, Iron Maiden, Kylie Minogue MAMADOU KELLY Territory: Worldwide Period: 2020 Agency: Clermont Music Agent: Chris Nolan Phone: +1 518 755 5089 E-mail: chrisanolan3@clermontmusic.com Homepage: www.clermontmusic.com/mamadou-kelly/
P!nk, Paul McCartney and many more...
THE GOLDEN YEARS OF MUSIC TOURS Territory: Worldwide Period: Generally available Agency: Cheyenne Productions Agent: Patrick rocher Phone: +1 928 852 0032 E-mail: cheyenprod@msn.com Homepage: www.thegoldenyearsofmusictours.com
About Our Company VIP-Booking’s core product is the largestdatabasefor the European Live Entertainment Industry www.vip-booking.comdeveloped as a tool for industry professionals. Since it’s launch in the year 2000, we have consistently offered our subscribers the very best in database services and now boast subscribersin over 50 countries.
MORE ARTIST AVAILS ON: WWW.VIP-BOOKING.COM POST YOUR ARTIST AVAILS ON: WWW.VIP-BOOKING.COM
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19
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Use VIP Analytics to lo cate where your artist has the most in terest:
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