VIP Magazine March 2016

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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

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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

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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.

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#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

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E V E R Y

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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.

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#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.”

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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

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