6
17
10 4
VIP NEWS
PREMIUM > VOLUME 177 > MARCH 2015
5 13 18
3 2
VIP NEWS >
MARCH 2015
McGowan’s
Musings
The first weekend of this month saw
discussed, if not necessarily resolved, at a
Passport Back To The Bars series. Nobody
another sell out edition of ILMC draw over
very high level in the Conference rooms,
seems sure as to why it is closing down, but
a thousand international live music industry
corridors and bars of the Royal Garden
Guy Garvey of Elbow, who worked at the
delegates to London, for three days of
Hotel. The past was not ignored either,
club before playing some of his earliest gigs
discussion,
drinking,
particularly in a very open session that
there, told the Manchester Evening News,
eating – and quite a lot of shopping I think,
revealed some hilarious stories about the
“Kate’s (owner Kate Mountain) been trying
and oh, did I mention fun…and drinking?
sort of fu*k ups that can and have occurred
to make it work for so long, and closing it
But, seriously, much that is crucial to the
in this often precarious business – if you
is not a decision she arrived at in any way
present and the future of our industry was
happen to run into Michael Hosking of
lightly. She was loathe to shut it for so long
Midas Promotions ask him about finding
because of the sense of duty she felt to
wrestling rings in Singapore, or ask Paul
young bands”. What with essential clubs like
Crockford about finding the right shade
this disappearing, and the BBC cutting back
of green to keep Mick Jagger happy! The
on the amount of live gigs being recorded
session proved that we work in an industry
for national radio, access to promotional
networking,
fun,
that can laugh at itself – thank god!
opportunities for new acts is definitely
COLOPHON >
Anyway, see the event report in this issue.
under threat, and support from the top
VIP-News is published by: VIP-Booking.com 20-22 Wenlock Road London N1 7GU United Kingdom +44 870 755 0092
UK Government and Politicians get a lot of
flow of new talent in the UK. The situation
mention in this issue, not just because we’re
is pretty much the same in other areas of
not far off a General Election, but because
Europe, and it’s good to see clubs in various
the Secondary Ticketing issue takes to the
countries working together on initiatives like
stage again, and because enough people
Liveurope, which was profiled alongside the
are raising the issue of the fate of many small
Music Venues Trust at ILMC 27 - we’ll catch
venues, to make the Culture departments
up with their work in the next issue.
end of the business is vital to sustain the
Managing Director: Ronni Didriksen rd@vip-booking.com General Manager: Peter Briggs pb@vip-booking.com Writer and editorial: Allan McGowan am@vip-booking.com Writer: Manfred Tari mt@vip-booking.com For advertising enquiries please contact: Peter Briggs pb@vip-booking.com +44 870 755 0092
2
realise that showing enough concern could win votes! (See reports in this issue)
I’m preparing to head for Estonia for Tallinn Music Week, always a great event to catch
Talking of small venues, it’s a shame to see
up with what’s going on in other parts of
that The Roadhouse in Manchester is to close
Europe. As you are of course aware, these
down at the end of May. The 200 capacity
are troubled times in certain countries, and
venue has been in operation for 22 years,
I look forward to again hearing President
and has presented acts including Muse, The
Ilves’ opening speech, to learn what his
White Stripes, and Coldplay (well you can’t
view is of the current situation. I’ll report
get it right everytime!). Elbow played a War
back as ever – in the meantime Ladies and
Child gig there last month as part of the
Gentlemen – the News…
VIP NEWS >
MARCH 2015
UK Government U-Turns on Secondary Ticketing Issue Allan McGowan am@vip-booking.com Much as many in the industry would like to
The letter demanded Government action
The amendment to the Consumer Rights
see the ever-contentious issue of secondary
against ticket abuse and mass touting. Iron
Bill tabled by Lord Moynihan under the
ticketing settled, it still raises its hydra-like
Maiden manager Rod Smallwood recently
authority of the Competition and Markets
heads. A recent development, which was
criticised the “…ever-increasing plague of
Authority (CMA) will force resale websites
part of various discussions at ILMC and
‘secondary ticketing’ excess as a blight on
to report any fraud they uncover, and an
elsewhere, has seen a U-turn by the UK
live music and sports events and much to the
independent review will also be set up
Government. After encouraging a policy of
detriment of fans”.
over the summer to study the secondary
self-regulation by the industry ticket touting is
market. Although it is accepted that many
now set to be regulated with new laws, those
Under the new legislation, already passed by
people legitimately sell their tickets on
breaching the new regulations will face fines
the House of Lords, much closer regulation
the secondary market via services such as
of up to £5,000. However the authorities are
will apply to people re-selling tickets to both
Viagogo, Stubhub and Seatwave, these new
still expecting the industry to take the lead
music gigs and sports events in the secondary
measures are reportedly designed to help
in policing the imposition of the new rules;
market. Information on the original cost of
track “suspicious activity”.
if adopted a new amendment will see the
the ticket, the seat number and any venue
venues given the responsibility of raining in
will have to be provided, in order to expose
Secondary Ticketing services have criticised
the excesses of mass industrial scale touting.
touts who have bought up multiple tickets
the regulation saying it would “undermine
Having previously rejected attempts to amend
and allow venues to spot if banned re-sales
a competitive free market”, but Stubhub,
legislation the recent move came from the
are happening. Failure to provide these
Viagogo and Get Me In and Seatwave (both
UK Government and the amendment now
details will be deemed a criminal offence.
owned by Ticketmaster), have agreed to be
stands a much better chance of passing into
Former Sports Minister Lord Moynihan said
more transparent, saying that they would
law. A recent open letter to the Government
the new laws, which will provide greater
make the changes demanded by the CMA.
carried 80 signatures, including those of
transparency for the venues, would help
the managers of One Direction and Arctic
tackle the estimated £1.5bn of fraud in the
As a result consumers will be able to see:
Monkeys, leading booking agents and
secondary market each year.
- The original cost of any ticket - Whether there are entry restrictions and
the Association of Independent Festivals. Although the new amendment is welcome,
restricted views
it does not go as far as some would have
- Whether multiple bookings refer to seats
liked, and falls short of the recommendations
that are next to each other
made by the All Party Parliamentary Group
- What additional charges are involved
On Ticket Abuse earlier last year, led by
- A contact email address if things go wrong
Conservative MP Mike Weatherley and Labour MP Sharon Hodgson. However,
Nisha
Weatherley commented, “I am pleased
commented, “We also advise buyers to
Arora,
CMA
senior
director
that the Government has recognised the
check carefully before they buy and only
importance of regulation with regard to
use those platforms which give them the
secondary ticketing, which will be to the
information they need.”
benefit of us all. While the new amendment
Iron Maiden manager Rod Smallwood
does not cover every change that we had
The Consumer Rights Bill was passed by
hoped for, it is an important step in the right
parliament last month, but has not yet
direction”.
received royal assent.
3
VIP NEWS >
MARCH 2015
Live Music on BBC to be Reduced Allan McGowan am@vip-booking.com
Live music sessions broadcast on BBC Radio
music industry to “find a more appropriate
on the BBC. The proposal to reduce the
1 are to be dramatically reduced as part of
way to define new music on BBC Radio”.
number of live sessions on Radio 1 from
the BBC Trust Music Radio Service review.
250 to 160 is very concerning and the BBC
The BBC’s governing body has issued a host
The Musicians’ Union has expressed concern
should remember the u-turn it was forced
of recommendations for changes to the
about the news.. Noting the Union’s
to make over 6 Music when it became clear
output of Radio 1, 1Xtra, Radio 2, Radio 3,
continued support for the BBC, and that it
how much the public valued that station.
6 Music and Asian Network.The findings are
will be a vocal supporter of the broadcasting
Without the BBC’s commitment to live
in response to a survey of 2,900 license fee
institution as it negotiates a new charter
music the public would have virtually no
payers carried out at the end of 2014, as
and
next
opportunity to experience it on broadcast
well as input from industry and stakeholder
government, MU General Secretary John
media and the MU believes that Radio 1
organisations.
Smith told reporters: “These findings from
must remain distinct from the offer made
the BBC Trust run the risk of compromising
by commercial broadcasters - namely by
the unique coverage of live music events
maintaining its coverage of live music.”
Live sessions on Radio 1 will go from 250
license
fee
deal
with
the
to 160 each year in order to enable savings, while its quota for coverage of major live events and festivals will reduce from 25 to 10 events a year. Radio 1 will also cover fewer large-scale music events. The station has also been tasked with engaging with the
MU General Secretary John F. Smith
4
VIP NEWS >
MARCH 2015
Toto bass-player Mike Porcaro dies at 59 From VIP-Daily News Mike Porcaro, bass-player of US rock band Toto which had hits with
Also known for the hit Hold the Line, the band sold 35m albums.
Africa and Rosanna, has died at 59 after a long battle with Motor
Toto guitarist Steve Lukather wrote on Facebook that Mike was
neurone disease.
“now at peace”.
Toto keyboardist Steve Porcaro said in a statement that his brother had died peacefully in his sleep at home, surrounded by family.
Motor neurone disease, also known as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), is a rare condition which attacks the nervous system.
Toto, which broke up in 2008, reformed in 2010 to raise money for
As the condition progresses sufferers find basic activities such as
Porcaro and raise awareness of his illness.
walking, speaking and breathing increasingly difficult.
Mike Porcaro
Need to know who is touring Europe?
®
Go online - www.vip-booking.com vip-booking.com
5
VIP NEWS >
MARCH 2015
Live Nation acquires Swedish promoter From VIP-Daily News Live Nation Sweden has acquired a majority
is both exciting and natural that we acquire
stake in Stureplansgruppen Live (SPG Live), a
SPG Live, especially given that many of the
major concert promotor who operates one
biggest artists in this segment internationally
of the country’s most popular festivals in
are from Sweden.”
the Nordic Region, according to Live Nation Entertainment. The interest in SPG Live is
James
part of Live Nation Entertainment’s global
Electronic Music: “As we continue to
strategy to expand and develop within the
grow our electronic business globally,I am
EDM segment (Electronic Dance Music),
delighted that we are bringing SPG into the
and this new relationship will serve as the
Live Nation family. I look forward to working
platform for Live Nation’s growth in the
closely with Anders Boström and Karl Ohlsén
Nordic region.
Pettersson as they look to develop our
Barton,
president,
Live
Nation
business in the region.” SPG Live is behind many successful events,
lift our business another level while retaining
including Summerburst Festival in Stockholm
what have made our festivals and concerts
Stureplansgruppen Live
and Gothenburg. During its five very
so great.”
SPG Live is a festival and concert promoter
successful years, this festival has consistently
that up until now has been a subsidiary
grown and is now one of the most popular
John Reid, President, Live Nation Europe
of Stureplansgruppen. The company is
festivals in the Nordic region. This year,
Concerts: “Since we own and operate a
responsible for the Summerburst Festival in
Summerburst Festival has confirmed artists
large number of big and successful EDM
Stockholm and Gothenburg, Lights Festival in
such as Avicii, Axwell Ingrosso and Afrojack.
festivals globally — Electric Daisy Carnival,
Stockholm and promotes several concerts in
SPG Live will also promote Swedish superstar
Hard Fest, Holy Ship! and Creamfields — it
Sweden within the EDM segment each year.
DJ Alesso’s first arena show ever in Sweden, as he plays at Ericsson Globe on April 25.
James Barton Vimal
Kovac,
CEO,
Stureplansgruppen:
“Stureplansgruppen’s investment in festivals and concerts have been great fun, successful and profitable. In five years, Summerburst Festival has established itself as the leading festival in Sweden, with over 100,000 visitors in 2014, and we already know that this year’s festival will beat all previous records.” Anders Boström, festival general manager, SPG Live: “We are incredibly proud of what we have accomplished with SPG Live, and at the same time very happy and excited about what’s about to come. As part of Live Nation and its organization around production, marketing, PR, sponsorship and their long experience of big events, we will be able to
6
VIP NEWS >
MARCH 2015
YOUROPE Launch European Festival Conference From VIP-Daily News
The European festival association YOUROPE announces a new
with running a festival we hope this event will give festival promoters
conference fully dedicated to the interest of festival promoters,
more time to gain the information and contacts they need.’
providing an opportunity to meet, exchange experience, and learn. The 3 day event will include seminars, workshops and discusThe European Festival Conference will take place from 2nd - 5th
sions covering selected topics including:
December 2015 in the beautiful Gradonna Mountain Resort, Austria; giving participants the time and space to discuss all the aspects of the
- Health & safety organised by the yes group
festival business in a constructive and positive atmosphere.
- Sustainability at festivals organised by the go group - Technical innovation (rfid, cashless payment, apps, websites)
“There is an increasing number of music conferences, export events
- Ticketing (companies, technologies)
and showcase festivals where festival promoters are a target group,
- Broadcasting & streaming rights (internet, tv, radio & technologies)
but none are fully dedicated to the interest of festival promoters” says
- Booking (exclusivities, fees)
Yourope’s Christof Huber. ‘With so many important issues associated
- Yourope standard terms and other legal issues - Insurances - Charity projects - Suppliers for sanitary and other festival related installations
FAKTA:
- Marketing & sponsoring (sponsoring regulations, vip offers, promotion, social media)
About Yourope:
- Food & beverages (concepts, ideas, sustainable food)
Founded in November 1998 – Today representing over 80
eu culture projects co-operations
members from 26 countries. Yourope members are dedicated to improving the European festival scene in terms of:
Yourope already holds regular board and member meetings at various
working conditions; health and safety issues; environmental
European industry events as well as organising yes group or go
awareness; exchange of knowledge and information;
group seminars and workshops, but with so many important issues
promoting the cross-border exchange of live music talent.
associated with running festivals there was never enough time to
The overall aim of the association is to collaborate, share
cover all the key topics.
experiences and to pinpoint areas that would benefit from a joint approach. Having gained respect within the industry
The European Festival Conference aims to address that by offering
and at government level, Yourope also has the power to
an event fully dedicated to the interest of festival promoters giving
lobby for all legal and industry issues relating to the European
participants the time and space to discuss all the aspects of the festival
festival industry on behalf of its members and together with
business in a constructive and positive atmosphere.
other associations in the live music business. Yourope also focuses on other key issues for festivals – such as exchange of
Besides a full conference program which is open for festivals from all
information regarding marketing and sponsoring, contracts,
over the world, there will be outdoor activities, cocktail receptions and
production riders or radio/TV/internet rights and more.
dinners to create a special atmosphere of exchange and experience.
www.yourope.org
The conference program should contain content which is attractive for bookers, health & safety managers, marketing/sponsoring managers etc.
7
ALVVAYS
LIGHTS
THE CROSSROADS OF BUSINESS AND MUSIC
F i d la r
FAITH
THE
ORWELLS
THE JESUS AND MARY CHAIN
NO
MORE
D E AT H CAB FOR CUTIE
30th Anniversary of Psychocandy
THE WATERBOYS
Noel BILLY
Gallagher’s
High Flying Birds
TALENT Kiesza
REGISTER TO ATTEND AT CMW.NET CANADIANMUSICWEEK
CMW_WEEK
CANADIANMUSICWEEK
“We acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada through the Department of Canadian Heritage (Canada Music Fund) and of Canada’s Private Radio Broadcasters.”
VIP NEWS > INDEPTH STORY >
MARCH 2015
Understanding Small Music Venues Allan McGowan am@vip-booking.com Monday 9 March, saw VIP News and others
Music Venue Trust, functioning as music
interested in, and concerned about, the fate
charity organised the first national gathering
of the UK’s small and medium venues, being
of small and medium scale music venues
ushered through security at the Houses
from across the UK under the heading of
of Parliament, Westminster, to attend a
Venues Day 2014. last December 2014.
presentation in the Grand Committee Room,
The
of a research document prepared for the
Performance research was conducted by
Music Venue Trust. The research was carried
in the lead up to and during Venues Day.
out by the Institute of Contemporary Music
Understanding Small Music Venues is a
Performance as part of Venues Day 2014, in
discussion document about how these
association with Independent Venue Week
venues operate, the challenges they face
members of the other parties. Although it
and Southbank Centre, and was funded by
and the role they play. It invites the music
appeared initially that the Conservative
Arts Council England.
industry,
government
Culture Minister, Ed Vaizey MP would be too
Institute
of
cultural
Contemporary
sector,
Music
and brands to respond strategically and
busy to take part, he did in fact turn up to
The research document is a vital element
constructively
voice his support for the aims of the MVT,
in the Music Venues Trust’s major strategic
develop them.
to
protect,
secure
and
he also reacted quite well to one venue
plan to protect, secure and develop UK
representative asking him if he would do this
grassroots music venues to be “the best in
Over 120 venues and 300 delegates took
if his party ever came to power, assuring him
the world”. The fact that Arts Funding was
part in the research project, which depicts a
that he actually was the incumbent Minister
forthcoming was and is important as one of
culturally rich grassroots sector upon which
of Culture! Shortly after Vaizey’s departure
the aims of the Music Venue Trust is to have
a diverse range of stakeholders depend for
for a Vote in the House, there was an
small music venues recognised as cultural
employment, training, social interaction,
unannounced visit from the Labour shadow
centres, this designation would strengthen
community
cultural
minister of Culture, Chris Bryant MP. Earlier
their position, and make it harder to close
sustenance. The report highlights significant
this year the MP had told The Guardian that
down as a result of noise complaints etc, as
challenges (regulation, licensing, public
one of his priorities if he became a minister
so many have been of late.
perception and the rapidly changing urban
would be to encourage fairer funding,
environment), which threaten their survival
encouraging organisations to hire from a
and have combined to have a demoralising
wider variety of backgrounds rather than just
impact on venues, artists and audiences.
“arts graduates from Cambridge”, which
However, the report also highlights that
had led to a well cocumented row with a
that there is will, know-how and ingenuity
certain public school educated James Blunt.
to take positive steps to secure the future
Mr Bryant of course referred to this, and
of grassroots music venues, and concludes
also assured Mark Davyd that if and when
with a call for activism, advocacy, support
the Labour party came to power he could
and above all investment in the network
count on his support. All this must have
so that artists and audiences can enjoy the
been quite heartening, but Mark seemed to
world class music venues the UK deserves.
take it in his stride. So, bot Tory and Labour
engagement
and
support, and then on the way out I ran into
MVT founder and CEO Mark Davyd
During the presentation by MVT founder
the Liberal peer, Lord Tim Clement Jones
and CEO Mark Davyd, it became obvious
who has already proven his support for the
that their work so far has been effective and
smaller venues by introducing and securing
has been noted by the UK Government and
a Bill which eases the Licensing Laws for
9
VIP NEWS > INDEPTH STORY >
MARCH 2015
venues and pubs which presented music.
one central agency that is able to represent
On
March
12
MVT
announced
the
So, in some ways it could be said that the
grassroots venues and defend them at
confirmation of the first Grassroots Investor,
MVT had managed to organise a three party
a national level. Our crisis management
having come to an arrangement with Jack
whip! So, we will see what comes of all this
programme will employ a central legal team,
Daniel’s.
political attention..
acoustics team, a lobbying arm and create a central crisis fund so that collectively we
Michael Boaler, Senior Brand Manager at
Anyway back to the Report itself - Music
do all we can so that music venue closures
Jack Daniel’s commented: “We’re really
Venue Trust Strategic Director Beverley
are halted, national policy is changed, and
proud to be one of the founding members of
Whitrick responded to its conclusions,
this sector’s needs, so clearly expressed
the Music Venue Trust’s Grassroots Investor
saying: “We see the publication of this
in the report, are addressed properly by
programme. Jack Daniel’s has always had a
report as the key moment when the music
cultural strategy and by licensing, insurance
strong affiliation with music and we’ve been
industry, cultural sector, government and
and legislation. In phase two of Grassroots
doing a great deal of work over the past few
brands can seize the opportunity to listen to
Investor, our ambition is to put direct
years supporting iconic small venues such
and learn from venues, artists and audiences
investment into grassroots venues so that
as Southampton’s Joiners, Glasgow’s King
enabling them to respond constructively
UK artists and audiences can enjoy the
Tut’s and Birmingham’s Rainbow because
and strategically to give them the calibre of
venues they deserve. A combination of low
we believe that music is best enjoyed live.
venues the UK needs.
aspiration and severe under investment
We’re in complete agreement that a longer
means we’ve ended up content to describe
term strategy is needed rather than a quick
She also announced a mechanism by
this sector as the “toilet circuit” and accept
fix and we want to help achieve something
which these aims could be achieved:
conditions in them that reflects all that
really significant through this campaign and
“The Grassroots Investor programme, is
description implies. There are examples
support the places where future legends are
a two phased strategic intervention into
from round the world of world class venues
created in any way we can.”
our grassroots music circuit designed in
at this level, and through Grassroots Investor
response to what we’ve learned from the
we aim to work with our partners to match
The Music Venue Trust has recently launched
report. Firstly, we want to urgently create
those standards here in the UK”.
its new website at www.musicvenuetrust.
MVT founder and CEO Mark Davyd, Venues Day 2014. Photo by MVT, Pat Pope
10
VIP NEWS > INDEPTH STORY >
MARCH 2015
com where audiences and artists can add
our major international music industry and
We have the people with the skills and
their voices to the call to support Grassroots
we have to face facts; despite the incredible
passion ready to run them, supported by
Investor.
passion, dedication and commitment of the
artists and audiences across the country
people running these venues, what we’re
that are calling out for better facilities. With
At ILMC Mark Davyd and Fabien Miclet of the
offering at grassroots level doesn’t meet the
Grassroots Investor, everybody who has an
12 venue co-operative Liveurope platform,
high standards we’ve set elsewhere in UK
interest in this sector can work together to
based in Brussels at the highly respected
music.
maximise impact through strategic, sensible
venue, The Ancienne Belgique, followed up
and sustainable investment. Instead of the
this reference to international venues via a
The UK is a music world leader, punching
piecemeal approach of the past it’s time
double presentation of both organisation’s
vastly above its weight in terms of the impact
to address the whole grassroots circuit
intentions, which included an aim to share
our artists and musicians make across the
and give their work the respect and value it
knowledge
deserves”.
where
globe and generating a turnover of £1.6
possible. Continuing the political emphasis,
and
work
together
billion. Our UK music scene is built on a
this session started with a video featuring
robust ecosystem that starts with a first live
The Music Venue Trust has recently launched
Lord Mayor of London, Boris Johnston
concert in front of as few as ten people on
its new website at www.musicvenu-
pledging his support for the mall venues.
a Tuesday night in Guildford and climaxes
etrust.com where audiences and artists
with 3 nights at Wembley Stadium. This
can add their voices to the call to support
Mark Davyd concluded, “A huge proportion
is the training ground and the entry level
Grassroots Investor.
of the music we export, which generates
experience for our artists, new audiences,
thousands of jobs, develops the artistic
lighting engineers, sound technicians, and
A full copy of Understanding Small
careers of our best writers and musicians,
cultural organisers at all levels. It isn’t good
Music
and is such an important part of the UK’s
enough that we are letting small venues close
from the website, or read online at:
standing on the international cultural stage,
for the sake of good legal representation or
www.musicvenuetrust.com/2015/03/
starts in a grassroots venue. This is the
letting venues fall into disrepair because of
understanding-small-music-venues-a-
research and development department of
lack of available investment.
report-by-the-music-venue-trust/
Venues
can
be
downloaded
Venues Day 2014, Photo by MVT Pat Pope
11
HOW EUROPEAN FESTIVALS AND RADIO STATIONS HELP ACTS TO BUILD A CAREER The European Talent Exchange Programme (ETEP) helps the best European acts to build careers across borders. ETEP is a co-operation between the 100 festival members, European public radio stations (EBU), the international music press and Eurosonic Noorderslag. Since the start of ETEP in 2003 a total of 2294 shows by 810 artists were presented at 90 ETEP festivals in 30 countries (2003-2014). In previous years acts like Ásgeir, Aurora, Benjamin Clementine, Birth of Joy, Coely, Ewert and the Two Dragons, Hozier, Ibeyi, Jaakko Eino Kalevi, Jungle, Milky Chance, Seinabo Sey, SOAK, Vök and Years & Years played lots of festivals, kick-starting their European careers with help from the ETEP programme.
photo: Dom Moore
ETEP FESTIVALS IN 2015 AUSTRIA: Frequency Festival, Nova Rock, Waves Vienna
LUXEMBOURG: Rock-A-Field
BELGIUM: Cactusfestival, Dour Festival, Les Ardentes, Les Nuits
NORWAY: Bergenfest, Hovefestivalen, Øyafestivalen, Slottsfjel
Botanique, Pukkelpop, Rock Werchter
POLAND: Live Music Festival, Off Festival Katowice, Open’er
CROATIA: INmusic Festival
Festival, Selector Festival
CZECH REPUBLIC: Colours of Ostrava, Rock For People
PORTUGAL: Optimus Primavera Sound, Super Bock Super
DENMARK: NorthSide Festival, Roskilde Festival, Tinderbox
Rock, WestWay Lab Festival
ESTONIA: Tallinn Music Week
REPUBLIC OF MACEDONIA: Taksirat Festival
FAROE ISLANDS (DENMARK): G! Festival
ROMANIA: B’estfest
FINLAND: Ilosaarirock, Provinssi Festival, Ruisrock
SERBIA: Exit Festival
FRANCE: Europavox, Le Printemps de Bourges, Les 3 éléphants,
SLOVAKIA: Pohoda, Waves Bratislava
Les Eurockéennes de Belfort, Les Rencontres Trans Musicales
SLOVENIA: MENT Ljubljana
de Rennes, MaMA Event, Rock en Seine, Vieilles Charrues
SPAIN: Benicàssim Festival, Bizkaia International Music
GERMANY: Berlin Festival, c/o pop Festival, Chiemsee Summer,
Experience, Día de la Música, Primavera Sound
Das Fest, Haldern Pop, Happiness Festival, Highfield, Hurricane
SWEDEN: Bråvalla Festival, Malmöfestivalen, Way Out West
Festival, Melt!, Orange Blossom Special, Reeperbahn Festival,
SWITZERLAND: Bad Bonn Kilbi Festival, Greenfield Festival,
Rocco del Schlacko, Rock Am Ring, Rolling Stone Weekender,
Gurtenfestival, Montreux Jazz Festival, OpenAir St. Gallen,
Southside Festival, Taubertal Festival
Paléo Festival Nyon, Winterthurer Musikfestwochen
GREECE: Rockwave Festival
THE NETHERLANDS: Best Kept Secret Festival, Lowlands,
HUNGARY: Sziget
Parkpop, Pinkpop
ICELAND: Iceland Airwaves
UNITED KINGDOM: Beautiful Days, Bestival, End of the
ITALY: Arezzo Wave Love Festival
Road Festival, Glastonbury, Green Man, Larmer Tree Festival,
IRELAND: Body & Soul Festival
Secret Garden Party, T in the Park, The Great Escape
LATVIA: Positivus Festival
USA: Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival
LITHUANIA: Vilnius Music Week
MORE INFO
WWW.ETEP.NL
VIP NEWS > INDEPTH STORY >
MARCH 2015
ILMC 2015 - Between The Lines Manfred Tari mt@vip-booking.com The 27th edition of ILMC was again a success
convention has done, and this year’s edition
ILMC has provided the stage for many
with more than 1.000 delegates from 60
continued the tradition. So, with that in
remarkable milestones that document the
countries. As in previous years the conference
mind it is also no big surprise that ILMC is
evolution of the live music sector and as such
organizers reported a sell out and once again
mirroring the generation change this industry
this edition was a historic milestone. Like
underlined that it is the most international
is currently undergoing. Older delegates
never before it manifested the conversion
live music conference in Europe.
probably have clear memories of the pioneers
from
of this business, before it actually became
towards a corporate industry.
an
entrepreneur
driven
business
Taking the development of this conference
an industry, standing up and clearly and
over the years into consideration, ILMC again
positively venturing their opinions with no
Though the market domination by corporate
produced some remarkably relevant insights
hesitation. Back in the days when the ILMC
concert companies within the live music
for this sector of the music industry. But
once took place in the Dorchester Hotel,
business is still far away from the current
different to previous years these points were
following a presentation by Ticketmaster
situation within the record industry, where
not so much announced and revealed by
the moderator called for questions from the
for instance, the combined market share by
outspoken delegates during the conference.
floor and a delegate loud and clearly asked,
the three remaining major companies Sony,
Instead they were rather delivered as verbal
“Isn’t it true that Ticketmaster is linked with
Warner and Universal Music in terms of the
hints, where subordinated clauses revealed
the Mafia?” to great laughter from 500 or so
US distribution of albums in in 2014 is more
one aspect or another that probably matter
delegates… Or 12 years ago when Ed Bicknell
than 85 percent, or in the music publishing
more for this industry than high ranking
roasted Brian Becker, at that time CEO of
sector..
professionals would officially reveal in public.
the Live Nation forerunner Clear Channel
ILMC has a long history of reflecting the
Entertainment, about his intentions to make
These financial variants are definitely not
overall state of the live music sector, its
more money from car parking at venues than
the case for the live entertainment business.
progress and shape, in a way that no other
on ticket sales, among other things...
Just bear in mind, ILMC is just 27 years young and the corporatisation of the live music sector actually started between 19971998, when SFX Entertainment and DEAG undertook their IPO’s on the stock markets in the US and Germany. But ILMC wouldn’t be ILMC if it had not again addressed the aspect of the corporatisation of this business within its agenda. Even if the panel “Corporatisation: The Masters Of The Universe” chaired by legal mastermind Ben Challis of Glastonbury Festival proceeded in a reasonably amicable fashion, perhaps due to the absence of someone from Live Nation, it raised a very good consideration
Ben Challis
almost at the end of the session. This was a point that may hopefully lead to ILMC taking
13
VIP NEWS > INDEPTH STORY >
MARCH 2015
on a leading role for the institutionalisation
or CISAC (International Confederation of
national regulations for health & safety or
of this industry, something that it has so far
Authors and Composers Societies).
international taxation issues. Of course, there
successfully refused. While all panellists on
are many more independent companies
this panel convinced with solid arguments
And where did this become obvious? At
or national live music associations working
and considerations it appeared, more or
ILMC! But in truth, this kind of topic had
successfully on behalf of their clients or
less due to the flow of the conversation,
often been raised in the long lasting history
live music products. But also those should
almost coincidence that Rainer Appel of CTS
of this convention. But let’s answer the
be meanwhile adult enough to consider
Eventim mentioned that CTS Eventim and
questions why ILMC should be the incubator
the advantages of cooperating on a wider
DEAG supplied funding for the two German
for such an institution.
scale, rather than just covering no more than
promoter associations BDV and VDKD in
their own business territories. Also the new
order to finance legal experts for the next
First of all the German stock market listed
generation of insiders who are working as
round of negotiations with the copyright
companies CTS Eventim and DEAG are
subordinates within the corporate networks
collection society GEMA regarding new
different to Live Nation, playing only a minor
need to stimulate their superiors in the
tariff rates for concerts. And as typical at
relevant role internationally compare to that
setting up of such an institution.
ILMC, all of a sudden a representative of
of the giant. Perhaps CTS Eventim has more
the UK Concert Promoters Association
going for it with its ticketing arm and its minor
One more final argument while ILMC is
in the audience contributed towards the
stake in FKP Scorpio and their expansion in
the best platform for being the gateway
conversation on stage, stating that the
Europe, but globally and especially in North
for a necessary institutionalisation. Besides
outcome of the consultations with GEMA
America its undoubtedly Live Nation that
highlighting the ongoing corporatisation
are also highly of interest for UK promoters.
leads the ranking of relevance within the
for this industry segment, ILMC has already
international concert industry. Although
proved in the past that it is the hot spot where
A more than remarkable contribution as
strangely, Live Nation never managed to
the internationalisation of this business
it indicated the concerns for a topic that
successfully launch a business operation
becomes visible. This year it featured among
went far beyond the theme for the actual
within the German language market.
others a market focus on Latin America,
panel, “Corporatisation: The Masters Of
for years the panels about formerly entitled
The Universe”. Certainly nobody will deny
“Emerging Markets” are mostly packed and
that the revenues of the entire live music
where else can you meet concert promoters
industry have for some years exceeded
from Asia or Africa?
the revenues of the record industry, but the transition of the live music business
This year’s ILMC was a bit ahead of its
into corporate structures is lagging far
time. The older ones remember when there
behind those of the record industry, the
were only a few ‘nerds’ attending the tech
collection societies or the music publishers.
panel, this year entitled “Jet Packs & Super
No wonder, because the majority of the
Gadgets”. But in recent years the tech panel
big players within the live music sector
has become more and more packed. But
still considers themselves as some sort of
there was one more panel, almost repeating
impresarios. Let’s face it, some of the big
Where do these companies encounter each
an ILMC evergreen, but confirming why
ones that sold their companies to one or
other? At ILMC, definitely not at any other
ILMC since long time at least is already a
other of the corporate concert companies
convention in the US and definitely not
moral institution.
still haven’t realised that as a result they
elsewhere in Europe nor in Asia. Once again,
became officials that manage a branch
in the previous26 years ILMC had probably
On the not so well attended panel the
office.
many good reasons why it refused to serve
“Unconference Session” moderator Gordon
the live music industry as an international
Masson asked why promoters do not admit
institution.
that they have deals with ticket resellers
(Although
some
have
already
bought their companies back – Ed.) But this little response to the comment of
14
going on. Emma Banks of CAA, probably the
Appel about the additional funding towards
But the live music business is undergoing
next concert company that may undertake
BDV and VDKV shows nevertheless that
a historical transition at the same time as
sooner or later an IPO, indicated that she
there is an undeniable requirement for an
many other industries organisations are
knew about such deals but finished off
organisation similar to the IFPI (International
representative at the tables for discussions
her answer with “What was the questions
Federation
about international trade agreements, trans-
please?”
of
Phonographic
Industries)
VIP NEWS >
MARCH 2015
Love Parade - A Legal Catastrophe? Manfred Tari mt@vip-booking.com The Duisburg disaster, where 21 people were fatally injured and
replied to Still and asked him another 41 questions in order to seek
hundreds of people were injured is without any doubt one of the
some more precise answers. Some of those questions apparently still
biggest tragedies in the history of live entertainment events. But if
haven’t been answered until today.
this wasn’t enough, it now seems to be the case that the tragedy is likely to be drawn out from a legal point of view.
In February 2015 the court added 75 additional questions, asking among others if the police placement could have also led to the
The Süddeutsche Zeitung reported on March 24 that an expert
catastrophe. This is just one aspect that has already caused
report compiled by Professor Keith Still from Buckinghamshire New
astonishment, when Still concluded that none of the involved
University has raised more questions than it answered. The author
police officers can be made legally responsible for perhaps making
was assigned by the prosecution department of the City of Duisburg
mistaken decisions.
to evaluate what lead to the deadly disaster. But after five years of investigation, the pressure of time is now The newspaper reports that the 20 pages long so-called, “final
being brought to bear. In only five months the case will become
report” that arrived on December 9, 2011 at the prosecution
time-barred and until now only 10 suspected persons, six of whom
department appeared only in note form included many typing errors
are from the city council of Duisburg and four from the promoter
and wasn’t even signed by Still. The prosecution department then
Lopavent may face charges brought by the prosecution department.
Duisburg disaster
15
VIP NEWS > BUSINESS >
MUSIC IN SHARES
MARCH 2015
Music In Shares MAMA & Company ”considering” sale From VIP-Daily News Festival and venue operator MAMA &
2012, backed by Lloyds Development Capi-
led the management buyout before leaving
Company has appointed global business
tal, part of Lloyds Banking Group.
the company last year. He was succeeded
advisors AlixPartners as it mulls its options
at MAMA & Company by Rory Bett previ-
following two unsolicited bids for the firm,
MAMA & Company’s venue portfolio in-
Music Week understands.
cludes The Forum in Kentish Town, Cam-
ously the firm’s commercial director.
den’s The Jazz Cafe and Barfly, The Garage, It is understood the offers are from com-
The Borderline and Hoxton Square Bar and
panies in the music and entertainment sec-
Kitchen, all in London, along with Man-
tors. According to Music Week Rumours
chester Ritz, Birmingham’s The Institute
about the future of the firm have swirled
and Arts Club Liverpool.
for weeks and it is believed staff were
It is also faring well in the festival sector,
informed of the latest development this
with ticket sales for its Lovebox, Wilderness
morning.
and The Great Escape events all said to be ahead of expectations for 2015.
MAMA & Company was subject to a £7.3 million management buyout from HMV in
Former CEO and co-founder Dean James
Rory Bett, CEO, MaMA
SFX reports $131m losses for 2014 From VIP-Daily News Live events conglomerate SFX Entertain-
tomized programs for multi-national flag-
“I could not be more pleased or proud of the
ment has reported losses of $131 million on
ship brands; and, developing Beatport and
people of SFX, and what they have achieved
revenue of $354.4m for 2014.
the Company’s extensive online and digital
as we have now created the foundation we
media assets to begin capitalizing on the
promised our fans and our partners,” add-
The EDM promoter saw pro forma revenue
value of their enormous consumer and pro-
ed Sillerman. “The greatest endorsement
grew 8.2% to $386.2m from $356.7m the
fessional use in future periods.”
a company can enjoy is repeat customers,
previous year, but saw an 18.5% drop in
customers who come more often and enjoy
festival attendance in the fourth quarter.
The company projects to record revenues in
the goods and services we offer at higher
Pro forma festival attendance increased
excess of $500m in 2015, Live events sched-
levels. As evidenced by the guidance we are
1.5% year on year to approximately 2.9 mil-
uled to date have an estimated attendance
providing today, the great people of SFX are
lion, while attendance at events other than
capacity of 6m fans, compared with 4m in
achieving great things.”
festivals increased 19.5% to approximately
2014.
2.4m.
16
Said Robert F.X. Sillerman, chairman and
SFX`s ID&T brand runs festivals such as
CEO of SFX: “Fiscal 2014 served to validate
Belgium`s Tomorrowland, which will also be
our strategic priorities of expanding popular
held in Brazil for the first time in 2015, Tomr-
festivals to new geographies; entering into
rowWorld, Mysteryland and Sensation. SFX
new, large multi-year marketing partner-
also has a 50% stake in the holding com-
ships and rolling out highly successful cus-
pany that controls Rock in Rio.
VIP NEWS > BUSINESS >
MUSIC IN SHARES
MARCH 2015
Music In Shares Manfred Tari mt@vip-booking.com CTS Eventim - Limited price targets:
Live Nation - Almost Maintaining its Share Price Level:
On March 17 NordLB Analysts raised the price target for CTS Even-
No bigger signs for any sort of movement. Since the beginning of
tim shares from 22.4 to 27 Euro and recommended holding the
the year the share price of Live Nation has fluttered around $25.
share whilst concluding that the share price potential is limited.
In January VIP News reported a share price of $25.55, in February
Nevertheless by March 24 the share price had already rushed up
$25.69 and now on March 24 it is $25.43.
to 29.88 Euro, - the last reported share price of the company on February 24 was 27.03 Euro.
SFX Entertainment - An Announcement To Consider:
DEAG - A Share Price Downtick:
The annual results of SFX Entertainment could make early bird investors in this share depressed. But according to media reports
The current environment for shares on German stock markets is
CEO Robert Sillerman is considering an exit strategy, while the
extraordinary. The DAX as the leading stock index climbs to new
company announced the appointment of an independent commit-
record highs, but the share price potential of DEAG compare to
tee to evaluate a proposal for a buy out scheme allowing Sillerman
that of CTS Eventim is somewhat limited, moving down from 7.40
to buy back outstanding shares for $4.75. Since last time the share
to 7.11 Euro.
price recovered from $3.30 up to $4.40.
23 – 26 organiser: reeperbahn Festival Gbr and inferno events Gmbh & Co. KG
SePt.15
haMburG/GerMany
Robert Sillerman
Join our 10th birthday edition! presenting concerts of international newcomers · mUsic relateD art programmes · an inspiring conference with 100 sessions for the music and digital creative industries, 25 international showcases, 50 networking events, award shows, and meetings · 2,000 companies anD organisations from 40 nations · register now!
reeperBahnfestival.com
17
VIP NEWS > MISC >
MARCH 2015
MEMBER PRESENTATION
ARTIST AVAILS 8:58 PAUL HARTNOLL from ORBITAL Territory: World excl USA Period: May 2015 onwards Agency: Value Added Talent Agent: Dan Silver Phone: +44 20 7704 9720 E-mail: dan@vathq.co.uk Homepage: dan@vathq.co.uk
Basement Jaxx Territory: Europe Period: 2015 Agency: Primary Talent International Agent: Peter Eilliot Phone: +44 20 7400 4500 E-mail: peter_elliott@primarytalent.com Homepage: www.primarytalent.com/basement-jaxx/
Five longtime partners joined forces to become Switzerland’s new address for good music. Mainland Music gathers the experience of Christian Gremelmayr (Abart), Derrick Thomson (Cult), Marc Lambelet (Black Lamb), Martin Schrader and Santosh Aerthott (both from Redda) under one banner.
Orquesta Buena Vista Social Club Territory: Scandinavia, Eastern EU, UK, Ireland Period: June - July Agency: Sasa Music Agent: David Flower Phone: +44 20 7359 9232 E-mail: rab@sasa.demon.co.uk Homepage: www.sasamusic.com
Mainland Music is a Concert Promoter, Festival Talent Buyer, Artist Booking Agency and Artist Management. Rock- and pop-fans in Switzerland can count on our passion and hard work, commitment and love for live music. We have just one single goal: to promote good shows!
Patti Smith Territory: Europe Period: 2015 Agency: Primary Talent International Agent: Andy Woolliscroft Phone: +44 20 7400 4500 E-mail: andy@primarytalent.com Homepage: www.primarytalent.com/patti-smith/
THE ORCHESTRA starring ELO former members Territory: Worldwide Period: 2015 Agency: World Entertainment Associates of America Agent: John Regna - Artist Agent/Manager Phone: +1 407 993 4000 E-mail: jpr@johnregna.com Homepage: www.THEORCHESTRAonline.com
About Our Company VIP-Booking’s core product is the Internet’s oldest and largest databasefor the European Live Entertainment Industry
Tricky Territory: Europe Period: 2015 Agency: Primary Talent International Agent: Ben Winchester Phone: +44 20 7400 4500 E-mail: ben@primarytalent.com Homepage: www.primarytalent.com/tricky/
www.vip-booking.comdeveloped as a tool for industry professionals. Since it’s launch in the year 2000, we have consistently offered our subscribers the very best in database services and now boast subscribersin over 30 countries.
MORE ARTIST AVAILS ON: WWW.VIP-BOOKING.COM
Today VIP-Booking offers a range of tools for the industry
POST YOUR ARTIST AVAILS ON: WWW.VIP-BOOKING.COM
– including VIP-News, VIP-Booking, VIP-Book and VIP-Contract. Please visit vip-booking.com for further information. Your comments and suggestions are always appreciated.
® Patti Smith
vip-booking.com
18