TRY T INDUS
N TAINME E ENTER IV L E H E FOR T ESOURC
E N I Z A G A IP-M ATION R
INFORM THE NO1
V
18 EDITION # 016 MARCH 2
CEO
TO LEAVE ROSKILDE FESTIVAL
VIP 18#S
EMMA BANKthSe Year…
READ MORE ON PAGE 5
Read more
on page 16
GET
POT
Agent of
®
m
king.co
vip-boo
V I P NEINWBOSX
IN YOUR NTH FREE EVERY MO AT – SIGN UP ING.COM VIP-BOOK
Allan McGowan am@vip-booking.com
Allan McGowan’s
MUSINGS Here we are then with the first Magazine of 2016. Of course the first shock of the year was the death of David Bowie, and it really is a shock when artists of Bowie’s stature pass on, they begin to be considered immortal. My own memory of him concerned the first ever concert promotion I was involved in, which was in 1969, it took place at The Brighton Dome and featured headliners The
®
Edgar Broughton Band, supported by a long haired (of course!) singer songwriter playing twelve string guitar, strangely I recall that he was introduced as David Jones, although Space Oddity had just become a hit, and he was then known as David Bowie. Having seen the departure of Lemmy to take his place with the rock gods, or wherever he decided to land up late last year, this
vip-booking.com
year is not starting well, besides Bowie, Glenn Frey, co-founder and guitarist of the Eagles has passed on, as has Maurice White,
by his phrase when referring to his method of operation which
founder of Earth, Wind and Fire, they all leave a legacy. Also Dale
concentrated on the now, he said “ We are all moving through
Griffin, original drummer of Mott the Hoople lost his battle with
the corridor of today” – A good line I thought, I did ask about the
illness recently.
T-Shirt rights, but we moved on to more important things like his recent deal with Live Nation. All in all a very interesting interview!
The VIP team were all in rainy and reasonably cold Holland earlier this month for the thirtieth edition of Eurosonic Noorderslag, in
One of the original intentions of Eurosonic’s Peter Smidt with
Groningen. This very attractive University City apparently has the
the ETEP programme was to overthrow the Anglo-American acts
highest average number of young people in the Netherlands, so
stranglehold on the live circuit in Europe, although this hasn’t
I thought I should go and alter the figures a bit by adding a bit
entirely been achieved, great progress has been made. But it’s
of age! Talking of age, much is said about older musicians still
interesting to note that
holding on to the top touring spots; I notice for instance that Sting
informs us that of last year’s highest-grossing worldwide concert
and Peter Gabriel are to tour together – mutual support perhaps?
tours, just four American artists – Garth Brooks, Kenny Chesney,
During the Agent’s panel at Eurosonic Jeff Craft of X-Ray Touring
Foo Fighters and Taylor Swift – place in the top 10 (at ninth, eight,
– tongue in cheek of course, inferred that agents may have to turn
fifth and first, respectively), with the remaining six spots taken up
to euthanasia to clear their rosters of older musicians and acts that
by bands hailing at least partially from the United Kingdom…
Pollstar Pro’s annual year-end report
refuse to go quietly to make room for new talents. The Sunday Times released their list of the top 500 most influential Whether looking back over the development of the business, as
people in the UK at the weekend, and just to show that we move in
we do in this issue’s report on Eurosonic, or looking to future
the right circles, the list included Phil Bowdery of Live Nation who
development as hopefully we do when considering the development
took part in the ‘The International Ticket Figures 2015’ panel at
of new talent through ETEP, the EBBAS (see report in this issue) or
Eurosonic, which I enjoyed moderating, and Emma Banks of CAA
the work of aspiring gents, managers and artists, the main reality
who we shared a table with at The European Festival Awards. Now
is of course the present. During my keynote interview with leading
I only need to become intimate with the other 498 and there’ll be
German promoter Marek Lieberberg at Eurosonic, I was struck
no stopping me achieving fame and fortune in the UK!
#3 VIP-MAGAZINE 18/2016 www.vip-booking.com
06
CONTENTS: VIP-MAGAZINE 18#2016 03
Allan McGowan’s Musings
05
Roskilde Festival CEO announces his departure
06
Progress Reports
10
Russia proposes new Live Industry regulations
12
Promoter Thomas Ovesen Joins Al Ahli Group as CEO of 117 Live
16
European Festival Awards
18
“Where’s the Music’ 2nd Edition
20
Warner sells UK headquarter
22
Women in business
24
British band die in car crash in Sweden
26
Neil Warnock keynote speaker at Midem
27
Artist Avails
12 18
22 VIP-BOOKING.COM The No 1 Information Resource For The Live Entertainment Industry Having the right tools for the job is often the key to success. Through our ongoing communication with key Live Entertainment Industry Professionals, we have developed a range of services to meet the demands of agents, promoters, talent buyers, venue bookers etc. It’s no coincidence that we are now considered to be the No. 1 information provider for this thriving industry. PUBLISHING: VIP-BOOKING.COM | Enghaven 19, Attrup | 8444 Balle | Denmark | Phone +45 21 26 27 10 | Email: vip@vip-booking.com | www.vip-booking.com DIRECTOR: Ronni Didriksen | rd@vip-booking.com GENERAL MANAGER: Peter Briggs | pb@vip-booking.com SALES MANAGER: Charlie Presburg | cp@vip-booking.com AREA MANAGER (GAS): Stefan Gottwald | sg@vip-booking.com WRITER AND EDITORIAL: Allan McGowan | am@vip-booking.com • Manfred Tari | mt@vip-booking.com DISTRIBUTION: 3.000 copies of the magazine are distributed to professionals within the Live Entertainment Industry FREE OF CHARGE LAYOUT: B9 Grafisk Design | Østergårdsparken 27 | DK-8410 Rønde | Phone +45 41289002 ®
PRODUCTION: Grefta Tryk | Markedsgade 41 | DK-8500 Grenaa | Phone +45 8632 2922 | www.grefta.dk
To reserve your ad send an email to vip@vip-booking.com. Read more online www.VIP-BOOKING.COM
#4 VIP-MAGAZINE 18/2016 www.vip-booking.com
vip-booking.com
13297
FRONT COVER: Henrik Rasmussen – Photo by Andreas Houmann
From VIP-Daily News
ROSKILDE FESTIVAL CEO ANNOUNCES HIS DEPARTURE After being in charge of Roskilde Festival for
three
decades,
Henrik
Rasmussen
announced that 2016 will be his last year as CEO of Roskilde Festival Group. - I have made my decision, because I believe that the time is right. Today we have a strong organization and management, we are well on the way with developing our other business areas and we have optimized the festival, so it is well prepared for the future in a competitive market. As said many times, I believe that the last two festivals have been among the very best ever. So I feel confident in passing the leadership on, says Henrik Rasmussen, who has been part of management since 1986 and was the festival`s first full time employee. Henrik Rasmussen will continue in his current role until January 1st 2017, leaving the board plenty of time to find his replacement. Chairman of the board at Roskilde Festival Steen Jørgensen added “Henrik Rasmussen`s decision to stop is a natural step in the development process we have worked on. It is therefore not entirely new for us on the board and we have great understanding and respect for his decision, although it is with some sadness that we have accepted it. Henrik has been in the top management of the Festival group for 3 decades, so one could say that it is the end of an era but it also reflects an organization that is developing, and we fully agree that the organization is Henrik Rasmussen
well prepared for a change, not least thanks to Henrik”
#5 VIP-MAGAZINE 18/2016 www.vip-booking.com
Manfred Tari mt@vip-booking.com
PROGRESS REP As we all know the international live music industry has had it’s share of difficult and distressing events in 2015. At the end of the year we asked some of our readers to let us, and you, know how things have been for them in 2015 and their expectations to 2016: Professor Peter Schwenkow
Highlights in 2016:
tourists, creates jobs, and which clearly
– CEO, DEAG Germany
2016 will be a buoyant touring year with
enriches communities above and beyond the
What were the highlights of your year, and
lots already announced and more breaking
enjoyment live events provide for festival fans.
what are your conclusions regarding the state
through. Exciting times!
of the business in general?
Detlef Schwarte
Highlight of 2015 was surely the start of our
Ben Challis
– Reeperbahn Festival
festivals Rock in Vienna, Rockavaria in Munich
– Charming Music Limited /
What were the highlights of your year, and
and Rock im Revier in Gelsenkirchen.
Glastonbury Festival UK My highlight of the year was enjoying
Please let us know your outlook and
another marvelous Glastonbury Festival, with
expectations for 2016…
Lionel Richie’s Sunday afternoon show, just
The business seems to stay very healthy, as
after Patti Smith and the Dalai Lama, being
Christmas sales have been terrific.
a fantastic performance from a great artiste.
Karsten Jahnke
Overall the live sector remains healthy - and
– Karsten Jahnke Konzertdirektion GmbH
in some ways the real focus in the music
What were the highlights of your year, and
industry has been on the rapid changes
what are your conclusions regarding the state
in the digital sphere - with Spotify, Apple
of the business in general?
Music and Pandora all fighting for market
The Stadtpark season was very successful – 12
share, and behind that, the music publishers,
sold out shows. The amazing long tour with
songwriters and artistes starting to battle
Johannes Oerding. The tour with Michael
with the major record labels for a fairer share
what are your conclusions regarding the state
Wollny, Gregory Porter, Cypress Hill, Kamasi
of the digital pie. But the ongoing onslaught
of the business in general?
Washington.. Wu-Tang Clan.
in the UK on small music venues, from
As promoter of an event that serves all parts
rampant
development,
Ben Challis
one-dimensional
of the music sector, I consider the recent
Please let us know your outlook and
planning laws and, in London at least, a lack
publication of a research study that covers and
expectationsfor 2016…
of support for clubs and small venues from
evaluated for the first time ever market figures
We are happy that THE CURE will be on tour
local authorities, remains a real worry.
for the entire German music market as highly
with us. Herman van Veen will do another
Going forwards, the on going success of the
relevant. I very much hope that this study will
long tour. Al Jarreau & The NDR BIGBAND
festival market has created its own problems:
enable better and more qualified analysis when
will do another tour with us.
secondary ticketing is an ongoing drain on
it comes to comparisons with other segments
Way Back When will happen again!
revenues, and festivals, often operating on
within the creative industries in Germany and
tiny margins, now face the looming problem
perhaps even on a European level.
Rob Hallett
of the avarice the Valuation Office here in the
– Robomagic UK
UK, and a impending review of the UK’s Tariff
Please let us know your outlook and
Highlights 2015:
LP for live events by PRS for Music, adding
expectations for 2016…
Duran Duran album and tour. Grace in the top
to concerns that these and similar moves
From a general point of view the develop
5 future megastar.
will badly damage a sector that attracts
ment of better framework conditions for the
#6 VIP-MAGAZINE 18/2016 www.vip-booking.com
Detlef Sch
PORTS
various parts of the music business remains
Doing the inaugural Music Cities Conventions
a challenging issue for all of us. In particular
in Brighton and Washington DC also
more reliable regulations providing a better
highlights. We appear to have worldwide
protection of copyright protected repertoire on
movement now of good people wanting
a European level, significant improved earnings
to create better cities using music as key
for artists for recorded music, a much better
component, so that’s an exciting development for world wide music eco system. I wouldn’t want to put on festival that was entirely reliant on its line up. Those days have gone! …And Bristol Rovers winning play - offs at Wembley! As for next year I don’t really see anything dramatic happening..Transparency stuff will slowly edge forward. Music cities related stuff will progress - EDM thing has peaked.
Peter Schwenkow
Karsten Jahnke
- Festival market stabilising but growing outside Europe. - Old school festivals that just do bands and burgers dead. - More growth in urban multi venue festivals. - But no more conferences please! - More consolidation in agency world, and possibly in management world. Hilde Spille – Paperclip Agency, Holland My highlights in 2015:
hwarte
Martin Elbourne
Hilde Spille
The European tours for Jill Barber and Chloe Charles. As Compass for Creatives
engagement by politicians in favour of keeping
I
concert clubs and other cultural activities alive.
Empowerment Tools for musicians, with
Last not least I wish that the industry as well as
great reactions from participants to an article
artists will raise their voices, proactively joining
about it in IQ Magazine.
political debates encouraging the improvement
of overall societal issues, ensuring that music
State of the business in general:
gains again a meaningful voice within our
There is a lot of really great talent, developing
society...
it is more and more difficult. Festivals are
introduced
the
online
workshop
5
looking for hypes and well known artists, Martin Elbourne – Glastonbury Festival,
venues are booking less concerts.
The Great Escape, UK
Rob Hallett
Pretty much everything I was involved with sold
Outlook and expectations for 2016:
out. Particularly good TGE and Glastonbury.
I’m
Sat night in Pune (city in India - 5 million
musicians and will introduce them in 2016.
people 2 hours south of Mumbai. Probably
I’m looking forward to a Dutch tour of Sass
fastest growing in India) buzz for nh7 festival
Jordan in January and a European tour for
was amazing !
Matt Epp in January/February.
developing
other
workshops
for
#7 VIP-MAGAZINE 18/2016 www.vip-booking.com
Rob Challice – CODA Agency, UK
winner of the Dutch Rock Contest 2014;
My other highlights, believe it or not,
Highlight of my year?
debut album out now). Bent Knee will tour
involve the various conferences and shows
Seeing Ezra Furman smash it at a sold out
Europe in the summer; Blind Idiot God will
I am privileged to be invited to and speak
London Shepherds Bush Empire. Life affirming
tour Europe in April (3 weeks including
at – this year these included Eurosonic, the
stuff. Rise of the underdog!
Roadburn Festival); the multicultural band
International Live Music Conference (ILMC),
Leeways will play all over The Netherlands
Reeperbahn,
State of business:
again in the festival season (over 150 shows
Forum, Waves Bratislava and Sonic Visions.
Still cannot believe that the industry has not
played even before their debut album was
When I hear other people complaining about
Rob Challice
Rob Berends
Gordon Masson
the
International
Festival
Rense Van Kessel
dealt with leaches like Viagogo and Get Me in.
released) with their irresistible mix of reggae
their jobs, it always reminds me how lucky I
They really are a stain on the business.
and ska, hiphop, funk and rock.
am to be involved in live music – even if it is
Let’s see more Adele/Songkick type ticket
just on the peripheries. But meeting friends,
situations. And if we have to have a discussion
As a Dutch promoter, in 2016 I will present
colleagues and all sorts of creative geniuses
about more dynamic ticketing, fine. No more
(among others) 10cc (six fully seated shows
from every conceivable corner of the world,
ticket “touting” though.
in March; ticket sales are very strong),
who are united by a common love for music,
Buzzcocks, Antilopen Gang.
is wonderful. There’s nothing I love more
Rob Berends
than some random person I have just met
– Paperclip Agency, Holland
The festival season will become even longer,
dragging me off to see a new rap act from
Highlights 2015:
with more festivals, and the venues/clubs-
Bulgaria in a club I’ve never heard of before.
Shows by King Champion Sounds, Buzzcocks,
season will become even shorter, with
Musée Mécanique.
dangerous effects for the livelihood of these
Karsten Schölermann
clubs and venues.
LIVE KOMM – Hamburg, Germany
State of the Business:
What were the highlights of your year?
The business in general is making enough
Gordon Masson
For the first time we got a €1,5 million subsidy
money, but unfortunately only with major
– Editor IQ Magazine, UK
for the ‘Digitalisation’ of Music Clubs” from
artists and major events. The food chain (that
My personal highlight of the year was my
BKM (Bundeskulturministerium). For the first
grows the talent of the future) is even more
trip to Pohoda Festival in Slovakia, which has
time we had a survey letting us know that
under threat. For Bob Sillerman (SFX) 2015 was
become my favourite festival in the calendar
the grassroots venues in Germany raised a
his well-deserved ‘payback time’, showing
– there are always a fascinating bunch of
total of about €221 million in turnover - 2%
that all he ever did to the live music business is
friends, old and new, to hang out with,
of music industries overall - but only 1%
fundamentally flawed.
while Michal Kascak’s team manage to outdo
profit within.
themselves year-on-year with a programme Highlights 2016:
that truly sums up the beauty of music. Where
What are your conclusions regarding the
I’ve recently signed three bands for European
else would you see an Israeli act (Lola Marsh)
state of the business in general?
agency representation: Bent Knee (USA),
on the main stage, followed immediately by
No extra expenses possible without losing
Blind Idiot God (USA), and Leeways (NLD;
Syrian singer Omar Souleyman?!
money.
#8 VIP-MAGAZINE 18/2016 www.vip-booking.com
Please let us know your outlook and
My professional highlight was bringing Little
Scorpions, Anastacia, Marlon Roudette, Ute
expectations for 2016…
Brother Eli to Reeperbahn Festival and seeing
Lemper, Roachford, Yusuf/Cat Stevens, Robin
More Expenses – (After Paris: Extra Security!)
them blow away a crowd that had never
Gibb and many more
will lead to grassroots-clubs closing.
heard of them. The deals the ensued were a bonus. My personal highlight was making it
I founded a new concert series: Festspiele in
Rense Van Kessel
through to the last 16 in the European Squash
concert – which will take place in 2016 for
– Friendly Fire, Holland
Masters Championship, out of a field of 128
the first time as part of the Bad Hersfelder
We had a fantastic year actually.Notable
players from across Europe... ;-)
Festspiele - Artists this year Johannes Oerding and Jan Josef Liefers – Radio Doria – we sold out within few hours. - We already started to look for suitable artists in 2017 and we are also interested to bring international artists to Bad Hersfeld. The location „Stiftsruine“ is amazing and the media reach out is unbelievable. And last but not least I founded a new Orchestra: the Berlin Show Orchestra. This orchestra is young and fresh and is able
Karsten Schölermann
Ville Leppanen
Stefan Lohmann
to create a authentic sound from classical music to David Guetta with the best musicians from Berlin (played for Udo Lindenberg,
Please let us know your outlook and
Sido, Munich Symphonic orchestra …) The
Kensington doing two sold out shows at
expectations for 2016…
premiere show at ‘Tag der Deutschen Einheit’
the Ziggodome (34.000 tickets), we went
Guitar solos will make a long awaited return.
presented and organized by Hessischer
highlight
was
our
domestic
pride
Rundfunk in front of 10.000 people was a
on sale with 3 Ziggodomes for them for 2016 just after this year’s shows and have
Stefan Lohmann – Talent Buyer & Booking
huge success.
already sold 90%! It is fantastic that ‘our
Agent – Hamburg, Germany
Organizer and the special Guests like Jimmy
own’ music is becoming so strong and
Highlights of this year:
Somerville, Howard Jones and Nik Kershaw
such incredible business.
My main business is my work as a talent
were amazed.
buyer / artist relationship manager for event Ville Leppanen
agencies and event organizers, brands and
Also the show at the German Sustainability
– The Animal Farm, London
cultural festivals. I do this for events like
Award was a huge success. Ute Lemper
What were the highlights of your year, and
the German Sustainability Award www.
felt inspired by the orchestra, Marlon loved
what are your conclusions regarding the
nachhaltigkeitspreis.de with artists like Art
especially the strings in the arrangement the
state of the business in general?
Garfunkel, Nelly Furtado, Annie Lennox,
orchestra did for his No1 Hits.
RESERVE YOUR AD NOW FOR THE VIP BOOK 2017 ®
To reserve your ad email: vipbook@vip-booking.com Ads can also be reserved online at www.vip-booking.com
vip-booking.com
#9 VIP-MAGAZINE 18/2016 www.vip-booking.com
From VIP-Daily News
RUSSIA PROPOSES NEW LIVE INDUSTRY REGULATIONS “The creation of a self-regulating organization is a natural step as the live entertainment industry moves towards greater professionalism, Russian legislators have proposed new regulations for the live
Similar professional organizations exist in many countries,” said
entertainment industry, under which a self-monitoring organization
Dmitry Bogachev, head of the company Stage Entertainment,. “And,
of promoters, to be titled Soyuzkontsert, will be formed.
similarly to them, we shouldn`t restrict ourselves to formal regulation of relations with consumers.”
Aimed to improve the sector`s operations generally, the proposed regulations outline greater responsibility for promoters around
According to Bogachev, companies in the live entertainment sector
customer care.
have many common goals and tasks that the new organization could address, such as regulating relations between partners, lobbying
Promoters that have already joined the organizations include SAV
the industry`s interests, competing with cinema and television for
Entertainment, PMI and NCA, while other major players in the sector
customers and tackling contemporary challenges related to security
are expected to join.
issues. The organization also plans to deal with such issues as simplifying the process of obtaining visas for touring foreign artists
Industry insiders say that the organization would make the industry
and resolving taxation issues related to their fees.
more professional and efficient. The proposals include: The regulatory push arrives during a difficult period. An overall – Creating an emergency fund to cover expenses for cancelled shows
economic downturn in the country has hit many promoters,
– Forming a disciplinary commission that will assess professional standards of industry players
hit an all-time low this week against the US dollar and – as foreign
– Liaising with local authorities to avoid
prices are in rubles – promoters assume big risks organizing shows
by most foreign artists.
cancellations of show at their demand
especially those who specialize in booking in foreign artists. The ruble acts` fees are largely negotiated in US dollars and Euros while ticket
Legislators are expected to adopt the new regulations in early 2016.
#10 VIP-MAGAZINE 18/2016 www.vip-booking.com
PROMOTER THOMAS OVESEN On December 1st, Thomas Ovesen, one of the leading live events promoters in the Middle East was announced as CEO of the newly created 117 Live.
JOINS AL AHLI GROUP AS CEO OF 117 LIVE
wholly owned
by
AAHG. The venue, featuring pavilion hosted boxes, suites and terraces will be the only one of its kind in the
117 Live is part of the Al Ahil Holding Group, a Dubai based conglomerate led by
Middle East. Construction will begin in early 2016, dramatically increasing the number of events able to be staged in the region.
Group CEO Mohammed Khammas that has built a large media and entertainment portfolio over the past few years. The appointment
Thomas Ovesen has produced award-winning events across the
of Ovesen to run 117 Live is the next stage of the group’s growing
Middle East, introducing new festivals like RedFestDXB and Blended
media and entertainment empire. Based in Dubai, Thomas will take
to the UAE market and staging shows with superstars like Beyonce,
on this post effective immediately. He will direct all global activity
Shakira and R Kelly. He has promoted shows with Prince and Take
for the division with a focus on live events, from music through to
That and staged sell out Dubai concerts with the likes of J-LO, Justin
comedy. He will also head up plans to expand the new division’s
Bieber, Usher, One Direction, Katy Perry and many more. He has
interests into local and international talent management, venue
helped position Dubai as a regular tour stop for international artists
management and programming.
and bands. VIP News spoke to him about his new position.
AAHG has recently undertaken a huge diversification drive. This has
As far as I’m aware you have some twenty years of experience
included the purchase of social marketing agency The Audience, a
with live events in the Middle East, and you have been very
company that represents some of the most influential social media
open at events like ILMC about the problems facing the
stars in the world. The group controls Singapore-based Universal
markets - why do you think that now is a good time to be
Events that hosts the Asia Pop ComiCon events, which recently
starting up such an ambitious project? You must think that
launched in the Philippines and will soon be rolled out in Korea,
the demand is there.
Singapore, the US and the UAE.
– i don’t necessarily think now is a better time than last year or next year to both set up a large live events focused company and build
Creating spaces to host events will be a key part of the 117 Live
a $40-50 million open air venue, but short of an indoor purpose
strategy. This will begin with the immediate launch of a temporary
built arena it is the game changer we need to develop the local live
20,000 capacity greenfield site. 2017 will see the launch of a new
events busines. So it is a matter of getting our hands on more of the
state of the art 25,000 capacity open air Amphitheatre in Dubai,
live events value chain to derive a better profit margin from what in
#12 VIP-MAGAZINE 18/2016 www.vip-booking.com
Allan McGowan am@vip-booking.com
many cases is currently a loss making exercise. Through increased
culture events and entertainment parks with talents across our target
volume and frequency of live events we can save show costs that
markets. So understanding who are the relevant talents in such
can help finance the increase in business volume and hopefully
markets and for our target audience members, combined with the
also help us bring down the very high show ticket prices here
ability to maximise the appearance and the booking fees for talent
in the Middle East.
plus owning some of the upsides from the exposure our group can offer all parties i think it is only natural that we get involved with
Once al ahli group had agreed to under write not only the
development, management and representation of talents from
venue build but also the set up of a live events division
grassroots level and up.
able to both program the venue and produce live events in the key Middle East, Asian and Americas markets it was
Whether we develop our own set up, partner with local and
an obvious choice to move my live team across to what is
international agencies and management companies or a mix of
117live.
all will be decided as we have discussions with a range of parties in the coming months. As we are ready to invest and add value
Having access to the right venues always seemed to
to the business utilising the varous group outfits i think we could
be difficult in the area. Will these plans to do something
be a great partner or incubator for existing businesses or serious
about this make a big difference? – ours will be a great addition to a Dubai market with no purpose
competitor to outfits not currently able to offer a multi facetted service or/and multi market approach.
built venues bigger than a few thousand capacity and with a location that is dead centre of the uae hopefully making it the
What are you most looking forward to developing and
preferred venue for local annual events and touring artists from
hopefully achieving with 117 live - what are your priorities for
2017 and onward.
2016? – first we need to get the shows i have been
As we will also launch a temporary 20,000 greenfield venue from
working on for the past months rolled out
march 2016 we will be able to slowly ramp up the volume of
and with my long time live team members
events staged here. By doing so we will hopefully not only convince
onboard i look forward to some well
current event organisers to move their events to our venue, but also
organised and successful 2016 Dubai
encourage new promoters to stage events as we lower the bar of
concerts – we also need to continue
entry to an industry currently challenged by absence of venues, top
the expansion of the Asia pop comi
line taxation and the excessive artist fees being offered by marketing
con events after the 2015 manila
or government underwritten events and leisure venues.
launch by our group and besides the small (;-) task of launching the
Do you think that you can assure international touring acts (as
temp 20,000 cap venue followed
much as anyone can, anywhere these days!) That you can offer
by the 25,000 2017 state of the art
secure shows in these difficult times?
amphitheatre we have to support the
– seems to me that times are perhaps even more difficult for my
growth of other group verticals and indeed
colleagues in paris and elsewhere than here with me, and whilst it
acquisition of new group partners so 2016 will not
would be foolish not to constantly assess security levels i don’t think
be a quite year but one full of activities and opportunities. Back t o
Dubai here in the Middle East or my new Asia markets in general are
live events in the Dubai and Asia markets i would like to see a major
more exposed to security risks than any major city in the western
comedy commitment resulting n regional tours of Middle East and
world so as Dubai and key cities in Asia represent both perfect stop
Asia as well as some key live music events staged in Asia.
over options and gateways to large, young fan communities and new tour markets i am comfortable that as long as we can manage to
is there anything you’d like to add?
bring down costs per events we can keep attracting touring talents
– 117live is a build on, yet a major expansion of what i have created
also in increased numbers.
at arab media group as done events and i will continue also booking and producing the redfestdxb festival i launched there as well as
You are considering working on the development of local
provide talent bookings for my old employer. But having assets like
artists. Is there a lot of talent to be developed?
a dubai venue and in-house partners like the audience available will
– With sister companies like the audience and rethink, regional
represent the major change not only for me and my team but for
comicon events etc we are exposed to new entertainment trends
the live entertainment industry we will hopefully become a great
and social media based talents as well as the need to provide pop
part of in the Middle East, Asia and the Americas.
#13 VIP-MAGAZINE 18/2016 www.vip-booking.com
B R E A K
E V E R Y
“The Greatest Touring TINA Tribute Show...”
R U L E “Crowds On Their Feet Every Night...”
GFD Promotions Proudly Presents
T H E
R O C K T H E
L E G E N D
M U S I C A L
For bookings contact:
M i c h a e l @ g f d p ro m o t i o n s . c o m | + 3 5 3 8 6 8 5 0 8 3 4 1 | w w w. g f d p ro m o t i o n s . c o m
Meet Michael Durkan at ILMC from the 3rd to the 6th March
Co Production between GFD, INBOX & RESET PROCDUCTION.
THE BEE GEES MUSICAL GFD Promotions Proudly Presents
LIVE MUSIC FROM THE ITALIAN BEE GEES With Blue Weaver For bookings contact: & Dennis Bryon Michael@gfdpromotions.com | +353868508341 | www.gfdpromotions.com Meet Michael Durkan at ILMC from the 3rd to the 6th March
Seeking to create partnerships with promoters globally for all of our High Quality Productions.
Meet Michael Durkan at ILMC from the 3rd to the 6th March
Allan McGowan am@vip-booking.com
The 7th edition of the European Festival Awards took place on the openingnight of Eurosonic, presented by Glastonbury lawyerBen Challis and IQ Magazine Editor Gordon Masson the winners were:
Agent of the Year Emma Banks (CAA) #16 VIP-MAGAZINE 18/2016 www.vip-booking.com
Best Major Festival Untold Festival
Newcomerof the Year Hozier
Best MediumSized Festival Telekom Volt Festival
Best Headliner The Prodigy
Best Small Festival Happiness Festival Best New Festival Lollapalooza Berlin
Best Line Up Sziget Artists’FavouriteFestival Rock Werchter
Best Indoor Festival Les Transardentes
Promoter of the Year Horstmann Unternehmensgruppe
Festival Anthem of the Year Major Lazer – Lean On
Agent of the Year Emma Banks (CAA)
Green Operations Award Tollwood Festival Yes Group H&S Innoation Award Das Fest Excellence and Passion Award Chris Kemp Lifetime Achievement Award Jean-Louis Brossard and Beatrice Macé (Trans-Musicale Festival:France)
#17 VIP-MAGAZINE 18/2016 www.vip-booking.com
Allan McGowan am@vip-booking.com
2ND EDITION
Adrian Lux, Agent Blå, Albin Lee Meldau, Ali Khamis, Ana Diaz, Anti Pony, Apollo 5, Avec Sans (UK), Baby In Vain (
Chain Wallet (NO), Cilia, Dajana, Death Team, Den Svenska Björnstammen, Djurparken, Drivvedsfolket, Emil Berg,
Culture, Great Garb, Grimner, Hanna Leess (US), Ida Long, Ikhana, Imperial State Electric, Iron Lamb, Jakob Karlberg Lost Society (FIN), Luntgatan Girls, Maasai, Maj Monet, Mares, Markus Hägg, Maria Andersson, Maria
Michel Dida, Miriam Bryant, Model Aeroplanes (UK), Mwuana, Nadja Evelina, Natali Felicia, Nicole Sa
FESTIVAL LINEUP
Parham, Parker Lewis, Parker Lewis, Postaal (FR/UK), Psykofant, Riwen, Sabina Ddumba, Sa’ra Char
Tensta Gospel Choir, Tellavision (GER), The Magnettes, Titiyo, The Unguided, This Is Head, Traktor
The VIP team travels took us to the very attractive city of Norrköping in South-East Sweden for the second edition of “Where’s the Music’ which took place from February 11-13. The Conference and City Festival event is organized by the Stockholm office of FKP Scorpio, whose stated aim and focus for the festival was to, “…create a space for new bands to showcase themselves for both the public and the music industry.” This edition attracted 4702 festival visitors to see 120 acts across ten venues, with all the shows on the Thursday night selling out. The organisers stated, “We believe firmly in the bands that played at all festival venues, and it is great to see that the audience has found the festival’s core. This year, festival audiences really explored the all bands on ten stages located across the city with no more than a ten minute walk from each venue..” 471 international delegates attended 17 panels, workshops and speeches in the Louis De Geer Concert & Congress Hall. Amongst the featured speakers were, award winning US music supervisor Mary Ramos, Diana Rodriguez of Criteria Entertainment, the first woman to lead a Latin label in the US, and music industry veteran Carl LeightonPope, agent for acts such as Michael Bouble and Brian Adams. The well attended panels covered, synchronization, streaming, touring in the Nordics, ticketing and other topics. Project Manager Jonas Fläckerud told VIP News, “We took a really big step of setting up a February, winter conference event and showcase
#18 VIP-MAGAZINE 18/2016 www.vip-booking.com
festival in Sweden, and so we are very happy to have delegates from
Of course one tragic event which many are now
both Colombia and Mumbai present! All the panels were extremely
well aware of involving UK band, Viola Beach,
professional and we are really on our way towards being an important
who had played at the Dynamo venue on the
platform in the future of the music business both in the region and
Friday night overshadowed this otherwise suc-
internationally.
cessful and happy event. The organisers and all attending ‘Where’s the Music” were of course
It has truly been a weekend dedicated to new music, new knowledge
thoroughly shocked by the dreadful news, and
and new friendship. I’d love to do a sequel next weekend. But as we
all thoughts and commiserations went out to
all know ”time is the new luxury” and we all got family and relatives
the devastated families and friends. No doubt
that also needs us and even more places to visit. So thanks to everyone
future events will honour their memory.
for coming, let’s do this again in 2017!”
(DK), Black Temple, Blaue Blume (DK), Billie the Vision & the Dancer, CHANCVN, Charlie Cunningham (UK), Chinah,
, Emil Jensen, Emilie Ramirez (DK), En Drös Poeter, Erik Lundin, Erik Rapp, Girls Names (UK), Gnucci, Grand Theft
g, Jordan Klassen (CAN), Julia Adams, Karakou, Katohjärta, Khoe, Kriget, Lindi Ortega, Little Jinder, Livet på faktura, Hazell, Martin Rubashov, Mass Murder Agenda, Matriarkatet, Mavrick, Maxida Märak, Mayka, Melina Borglowe,
abouné, Nightbird (FI), Night Lovell (CAN), Norde, Nüme, Okay Kaya (NO), Oskar Syk, Pale Honey, Panda Da Panda,
rismata, Sebjak, Skander, Slaughter Beach (DK), Sigala (UK), S!VAS (DK), Sudakistan, Syster Björk, Teen Daze (CAN),
r, Tussilago, Unge Ferrari (NO) Venior (FI), Very Addictive, Viagra Boys, Vidar, Vigiland, Viola Beach (UK), Vånna Inget
Always a good idea! GIGS Barricades by eps We offer a wide variety of rental equipment and services for concerts, festivals and further productions. Where ever you go we are there. Get in touch! info@eps.net | www.eps.net
North America Los Angeles, Chicago, New York america@eps.net
South America Rio de Janeiro, São Paolo brasil@eps.net
Australia Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth australia@eps.net
Europe Cologne, Munich, Berlin, Udine, Copenhagen, Winterthur, Wrocław europe@eps.net
#19 VIP-MAGAZINE 18/2016 www.vip-booking.com
From VIP-Daily News
Warner sells UK headquarter
Warner/Chappell UK has sold its office in Kensington, London to John Lyon’s Charity for £22.6m. The deal, which delivers a 3.6% yield, also sees the major publisher lease back the property for another 15 years, with a break option after a decade. According to Property Week, the rent will cost Warner/ Chappell £790,000 a year, which equates to £49 ($71)/sq ft. The premises, 46 Kensington Court, is a former electricity generating station, which was originally constructed in the 1880s and the building went through a major refurbishment in January 2015 that has enabled the company to consolidate its London operations from across six buildings to three. “Off the current rental base, we consider that the investment offers excellent prospects for growth over the medium to longer term,” said Ross Owen, Cluttons’ head of investment and fund management, which advised John Lyon’s Charity. Warner/Chappell UK is headed up by MD Richard Manners.
LUXEMBOURG PREMIUM CONCERT VENUE AND PROMOTER
Main Hall cap. 6 500 Rockhal Box cap. 4 000 Club cap. 1 100 The Floor cap. 250
On the road again?
BERLIN
PARIS
booking@rockhal.lu Venue information: info@rockhal.lu Phone: +352 24 555 - 1 • www.rockhal.lu Booking contact:
BRUSSELS
AMSTERDAM
LONDON
COLOGNE
DUBLIN
ROCKHAL_163x115.5_Ann2013.indd 1
#20 VIP-MAGAZINE 18/2016 www.vip-booking.com
02/12/2014 17:29
A LEADING INDEPENDENT CONCERT PROMOTER IN FINLAND Animals & Frieds, Arcade fire, Baseballs, BB King, Ben Miller Band, Billy Idol, Black Star Riders, Bo Kaspers Orkester, Bon Jovi, Boney M, Bryan Adams, Carmen Souza, Cecilia Bartoli, Cesaria Evora, Chigago Blues, Cliff Richard & Shadows, Grace Jones, Deep Purple, Diego El Cigala, Dionne Warwick, Dream Theater, Eclipse, Femi Kuti, Fran Perea, Gary Moore, Gregorian, Gypsy Queens & Kings, Heaven and Hell, Helmut Lotti, Ian Andersson, Ian Hunter, Jean Michel Jarre, Jefferson Starship, Jerry Lee Lewis, Joan Armtrading, Johnny Winter, Jorn,Jose Feliciano, Joyce DiDonato, Kings of Salsa, Lady Gaga, Leonard Cohen, Linkin Park, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Mahala Rai Banda, Manhattan Transfer, Måns Zelmerlöw, Mötley Crüe, Nazareth, Neil Young, Omara Portuondo, Over the Rainbow, Patricia Kaas, Paul Potts, Rival Sons, Roberta Flack, Roxette, Roxy Music, Scooter, Scorpions, Status Quo, Steve Lukather, Stevie Wonder, Suzanne Vega, Take 6, The Blues Brothers Band, The Count basie Orchestra, The Duke Ellington Orchestra, The Moody Blues, Thriller Live, Uriah Heep, Wailers, Whitesnake, Wilko Johnson Band, Youssou N´Dour, ZZ Top...
juha.hytti@eastwaylive.fi Tel. +358 400 408 423 #21 VIP-MAGAZINE 18/2016 www.vip-booking.com
WOMEN IN BUSINESS
Allan McGowan am@vip-booking.com
The oft-discussed subject of women in the music business has stepped up noticeably in the past couple of years, in Scandinavia conference organisers, such as those of Sweden’s Where’s the Music have been encouraged and are doing their best present
panels
that
to
feature
50% women to men. Also the balance of male to female acts has been challenged. At last week’s Eurosonic conference in Groningen, a panel called Male Agents, Female Assistants drew a large audience to discuss the dearth of women at high-level positions in the live sector. Julia Gudzent from the Melt festival in Germany chaired the session, with panelists Participants included Norwegian agent Anita Halmøy Wisløff, Polish booker Anna Kopaniarz, UK agency partner Isla Angus, and the head of press for Danish festival Northside, John Fogde (Maybe too few men on the panel?). Wisløff made the point that many believe women get hired because of experience and men get hired because of potential, the problem being that you can’t get experience if you can’t get hired! Wisløff stated that the attitudes of some festivals are improving, saying that the Øya festival in Oslo increased female acts on its bill from 10 per cent to 35 per cent in a year. The shows in Groningen it must be said seemed to have
many female and female-fronted acts. Possible solutions referred to included quotas and accepting invitations to speak at conferences; I agree with this I have often asked women to join panels and been turned down, although this is I think changing. The main point agreed by all was that the continued raising of the issue was vital.
#22 #22 VIPVIP-MAGAZINE 18/2016 www.vip-booking.com
MAGAZINE 18/2016 www.vipbooking.com
Featured Artists Coalition appoint more women to the board There is some improvement in some organisations
future of our industry and I completely and whole
though as shown by the announcement that both
heartedly believe a revolution is upon us.”
Imogen Heap and Katie Melua have been added to
Melua said; “It’s great to be joining the FAC board, the
the board of directors of the artist rights organisation,
music industry has long been needing an organisation
Featured Artists Coalition, They join Sandie Shaw, Ed
like this. In my introduction to the FAC I can see that
O’Brien, Nick Mason, Annie Lennox, Fran Healy and
there is so much experienced knowledge and care
Kate Nash among others on the artist-only board.
in this community, which is there to be shared. If a
Heap said; “It’s fantastic to be invited in to help shape
young artist doesn’t know where to find an impartial
the bright future of our music industry with the FAC
support system, the FAC can provide the advice and
gang and hopefully add to their great work! It’s the
education that can greatly benefit them and the long
first time in a long time I’ve been positive about the
term creative work also.”
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 • 2016: … ELLIE GOULDING, UNhEILIG, DAvID GUETTA, ScOOTEr, ScOrpIONS, SArAh cONNOr, mAckLEmOrE & rYAN LEwIS, kISS, SUNrISE AvENUE, rOD STEwArT, ZUcchErO, ThE cUrE, DAvID GArrETT, DIE fANTASTISchEN vIEr …
Tel. +49 (0) 711/9554-40 Fax +49 (0) 711/9554-500
AZ_in_stutt_VIPmag_2016_RZ.indd 1
info@in.stuttgart.de www.in.stuttgart.de
30.11.15 16:56
#23 VIP-MAGAZINE 18/2016 www.vip-booking.com
From VIP-Daily News
British band die in car crash in Sweden The four members of British indie band Viola Beach and their
The band put out their second single, Boys That Sing, on Jan 22 on
manager have died in a car crash in Sweden after playing at Swedish
Communion Records, and was in Sweden to perform at the Where’s
music festival Where is the Music?
the Music? festival in Norrköping on Friday night. It was their first
Kris Leonard, River Reeves, Tomas Lowe and Jack Dakin and manager
overseas gig.
Craig Tarry were killed when their car plunged more than 25m from a highway bridge into a canal. The incident happened in the early
The bridge, at a junction between the E4 and the E20 motorways, in
hours of Saturday near Stockholm.
the Sodertalje area, 18 miles from Stockholm, has a middle section that rises directly upwards without tilting, leaving a gap that the
The band were part of the line-up for Swedish music festival Where
Nissan Qashqai drove into, Swedish police said. A barrier, 50m before
is the Music? on Friday and were due to play a gig in Guildford in
the opening, has flashing lights and signs warning there is a bridge
Surrey on Saturday. Folkert Koopmans, CEO of FKP Scorpio, which
opening, the officer handling the case said.
arranged the festival in Norrköping, said: “It is horrible, a huge tragedy. I saw them playing on Friday night and it was actually the
Inspector Martin Bergholm said: “For some reason, the car drove
first time they played outside of the UK. They were really excited
through the barriers and crashed down into the canal.”
about it. My thoughts are with their families and friends.”
#24 VIP-MAGAZINE 18/2016 www.vip-booking.com
THE LivE EXPERiENCE:
RHEiNENERgiEsTadioN CoLogNE.
The Tennessee Whiskey brand Jack Daniel’s has launched an initiative
playingthe small venue circuit is how you learn your trade. From
supporting some of the UK’s independent small venues. Jack Daniel’s
a fan’s point of view it’s about those real memorable moments,
will team up with venues across the country to host regular events
discovering‘that band’ playing to a handful of people before going
featuring both up and coming talent and established acts.
on to headline Glastonbury years later.”
THis is WHERE THE MUsiC’s aT. It is third time Jack Daniel’s up-weighted its music budgets and it now
“That’s why we think it’s important to support and put a spotlightn on
represents 30% of the whiskey brand’s total spend on marketing.
these places by creating an initiative dedicated to smaller, independent
Jack Daniel’s senior brand manager, Michael Boaler, says:
live music venues as part of our music plan – we really hope that our
“Independentvenues such as the Southampton Joiners and the
Jack Rocks nights help the venues to continue the great work they’re
BrightonJoker are essential to every new band’s development,
doing whilst discovering some top notch new bands along the way.”
More information at www.koelnersportstaetten.de or on +49 (0)221 i 71616-150.
From VIP-Daily News
NEIL WARNOCK
KEYNOTE SPEAKER AT MIDEM Midem has announced the first trio of keynote names confirmed
sessions with industry mentors and networking opportunities with
for the 2016 conference programme.
key players from the international Midem community.
Neil Warnock, head of music worldwide at United Talent Agency;
This year’s five conference tracks – Midem Keynotes, Copyright
Gao Xiaosong, chairman of China’s Alibaba Music Group; and
Summit, Legal Summit, Label Summer Camp and Innovation
award-winning music supervisor at Saturday Music, Mary Ramos,
Factory – will feature all the hot topics impacting the industry,
will all be participating in keynote Q&A interviews to give Midem
from copyright reforms in both the US and Europe, to monetisation
audiences the benefit of their insight into where the industry is
strategies for labels and right-holders, digital marketing, innovation
headed.
and new trends.
From his position as head of music worldwide at UTA, Neil Warnock
Organised by Reed MIDEM, the Midem tradeshow takes place in
will speak on the evolving role of the agent. Warnock was formerly
Cannes, France from June 3-6, 2016.
worldwide president and founder of The Agency Group. His career spans five decades, during which he has represented some of history’s most influential musical talent including the Rolling Stones, Pink Floyd, Johnny Cash, Simon & Garfunkel, Michael Jackson and Dolly Parton. UTA recently acquired The Agency Group to form UTA Music. The keynote announcement follows news that the call for entries is open for the second edition of the Midem Artist Accelerator (MAA) - the programme to fast-track budding musical talent into the global spotlight. The Midem Artist Accelerator aims to identify and develop emerging talent as well as support managers, labels, agents and publishers seeking to grow their artists’ profiles on the international stage. The 12 upcoming artists selected by the prestigious 2016 Artistic Committee will get to play live at Midem, and will benefit from a tailored professional programme onsite, including entry to selected conferences, coaching
#26 VIP-MAGAZINE 18/2016 www.vip-booking.com
ARTIST AVAILS
Michael Bolton
See/Add more Artist Avails at VIP-Booking.com
Lara Conley Territory: UK based, worldwide Period: 08-01-2016 - 01-11-2016 Agency: Ragged Moon Agent: Niks Patel Phone: +44 (0) 1453 569770 E-mail: niks@raggedmoon.co.uk Homepage: wwwlaraconley.co.uk
Árstíðir
BANCO DE GAIA Territory: World incl. USA Period: May 2015 onwards Agency: Value Added Talent Agent: Dan Silver Phone: +44 2077049720 E-mail: dan@vathq.co.uk www.vathq.co.uk
ALPHAVILLE Territory: Europe & around Period: January 2016 onwards rest of the year Agency: Georg Leitner Productions GmbH Agent: Georg Leitner Phone: + 431 914 86 15 E-mail: gleitner@glp.at Homepage: www.glp.at
MICHAEL BOLTON Territory: Europe & around Period: before / after August 27th & upon request Agency: Georg Leitner Productions GmbH Agent: Georg Leitner Phone: + 431 914 86 15 E-mail: gleitner@glp.at Homepage: www.glp.at
50 CENT & G-UNIT Territory: Europe & around Period: summer festivals & upon request Agency: Georg Leitner Productions GmbH Agent: Georg Leitner Phone: + 431 914 86 15 E-mail: gleitner@glp.at Homepage: www.glp.at
Chris Thompson (Ex-Manfred Mann’s Earth Band) Territory: World Period: available all year on request Agency: Live Concept Entertainment GmbH Agent: Michael Widmann Phone: +49-7203-9219180 E-mail: info@live-concept.de Homepage: www.christhompson-central.com
PAUL HARTNOLL (ORBITAL) Territory: WORLD EXCL USA Period: SPRING 2016 ONWARDS Agency: VALUE ADDED TALENT Agent: DAN SILVER Phone: +44 2077049720 E-mail: dan@vathq.co.uk Homepage: www.vathq.co.uk
Árstíðir Territory: Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Denmark Period: April-May 2016 Agency: Nivalis / Agent: Maria Chelnokova Phone: +79169227376 E-mail: booking@arstidir.com Homepage: arstidir.com
BLIND CHANNEL (FIN) Territory: Europe Period: 2016 Agency: The Damager Agent: Toni Tˆrrˆnen Phone: +358 400 592 152 E-mail: info@thedamager.com Homepage: thedamager.com/?page_id=1720
The ”Original” Blues Brothers Band Territory: Europe Period: on request,May-August 2016 Agency: Basitours Agent: Peter Basler Phone: +41 79 7692393 E-mail: office@basitours.com Homepage: http://www.basitours.com/artist/original_ blues_brothers_band
Need to know who is touring Europe? Go online - www.vip-booking.com
®
vip-booking.com
#27 VIP-MAGAZINE 18/2016 www.vip-booking.com
ONE NAME - THREE OPPORTUNITIES
TO PROMOTE YOUR SHOWS IN SWITZERLAND
IN THE PAST 24 YEARS, WE HAVE PROMOTED OVER 3’000 SHOWS ALL OVER SWITZERLAND livemusic.ch
METROPOLE THEATRE 2’000 capacity. In the heart of Switzerland. Exclusive management. sallemetropole.ch
SION SOUS LES ÉTOILES A Four-day festival enjoyed by over 60,000 people at the foot of the Swiss Alps. sionsouslesetoiles.ch
In Switzerland, we don’t only have chocolate, watches and banks.
We also have Live Music Production, the leader in the french part of Switzerland for 24 years.
Please contact : Michael Drieberg, managing director - m.drieberg@livemusic.ch