VIP News Premium - April 2018

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VIP NEWS

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VOLUME 210

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APRIL 2018

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APRIL 2018

McGowan’s

Musings

It’s time to go to the pub I think, the sun

in Brighton! But if you can’t make it now

– literally – as they have imposed a ban

is shining, it’s one of the hottest April days

it’s time for the Great Escape from 17-19

on plastic drinking straws, and intend to

on record, and if I get a move on I’m pretty

May and I presume a good few of you are

outlaw single use plastic by 2021. They are

sure there will be a seat available in the

planning to be here for this ever-growing

not the only ones, other major European

garden. You’re all invited to join me here

event. The only problem is that the weather

events are taking the same sort of action, as

often turns nasty in when the event hits

part of the international efforts to save the

town – not always mind you – but quite

planet and its inhabitants and to clean up

often, so I’m taking advantage of a lovely

the oceans. Plastic of another type has also

day while I can….! I’ll be back shortly….

featured in music business news of late, with the announcement that following the

COLOPHON > VIP-News is published by: VIP-Booking.com Enghaven 19 Attrup 8444 Balle Denmark Managing Director: Ronni Didriksen rd@vip-booking.com General Manager: Peter Briggs pb@vip-booking.com Writer and editorial: Allan McGowan am@vip-booking.com Writer: Manfred Tari mt@vip-booking.com For advertising enquiries please contact: Peter Briggs pb@vip-booking.com +46 70 77 60 480 Charlie Presburg cp@vip-booking.com +44 (0) 7980 817496

2

Right, here I am, suitably refreshed, so

resurgence in popularity of vinyl, we can

what shall we talk about? I’ve had a couple

expect the arrival of High Definition Vinyl,

of trips to Portugal since the last edition

apparently this means we can say goodbye

of the News, and I have returned with

to scratches as we bring our turntables back

the impression that things are stirring in

into play! Of course if you think about it

Western Europe. Portugal presented a

vinyl was always a single use plastic, and

range of acts when they were the guest

album of course…!

country at Eurosonic 2017, and they have been busy since. Earlier this month two

PRS - the UK Performing Rights Society –

conference and showcase events took

reported some staggering returns for 2017

place within two weeks. MIL in Lisbon

– 6.6 trillion performances of music were

featured

from

reported to the society from around the

other Portuguese speaking territories such

world, 53% up on 2016! Public performance

as Brazil and Cape Verde for its second

income grew 8.1% to £198.1m. As well

edition. The fifth Westway Lab Festival in

as strong results from pubs, clubs and the

Guimaraes presented Pro Conferences and

fitness sector (you know music in gyms…),

Talks and featured guest country Austria.

high profile UK tours from Ed Sheeran,

Tomorrow as I write the country celebrates

Adele, who concluded her latest world tour

the Carnation Revolution (Revolução dos

in London, and Little Mix, with one of the

Cravos), also known as the 25th of April,

highest grossing girl group tours in history,

the day military forces took down more

contributed to the result.

acts

and

professionals

than 40 years of dictatorship in 1974. Both events and Portugal itself, if you haven’t

So,– we hope your business is flourishing,

been are well worth a visit!

if not by the highest grosses in history, or maybe not in trillions, but steadily at least

The Association of Independent Festivals

– let us know! In the meantime Ladies and

(AIF) has decided that it’s the last straw

Gentlemen – The News!

VIP NEWS >

APRIL 2018

FKP Scorpio pulls out of Danish Festivals From VIP-Daily News FKP Scorpio Konzertproduktionen GmbH

festival market after FKP Scorpio has sold it`s

has sold its shares in Tinderbox and

shares in the 2 major festivals NorthSide and

NorthSide festivals to Down The Drain

Tinderbox.

Brian Nielsen

Holding ApS. FKP Scorpio will continue to own a “For a long time, we have wanted to

minority share of the company Beatbox

consolidate the festivals under the Down

Entertainment Aps, which continues to

The Drain umbrella, which today serves as

book artists for the festivals. The decision is

the Nordic region`s largest independent

taken in full agreement among the parties.

concert and festival organizer, and we are pleased that it has now fallen into place,”

“We would like to thank the Danish team

says Brian Nielsen (pictured), CEO of Down

for the good cooperation so far and we are

The Drain Group.

pleased to continue working with Mads

Down The Drain Group is the majority

Sørensen and the rest of the Beatbox

owner of NorthSide, Tinderbox, Komos and

The Danish company Down the Drain is

team,” said Folkert Koopmans, CEO of FKP

concert tour company Beatbox as well as

now an independent player in the Danish

Scorpio.

co-owner of the Haven Festival.

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3

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APRIL 2018

4th Edition of IFF Conference & Showcase Sells Out Allan McGowan am@vip-booking.com which is focussed, relevant and an important date in the diary of all Yourope members.”

IFF takes place around Camden in north London at venues including Fest (formerly Proud

Camden),

Dingwalls,

Camden

Assembly and Lockside Camden.

The morning conference sessions features On the 19th April the organisers of the

Speaking

of

International Festival Forum (IFF) announced

between

IFF

festival

IFF Keynote, which last year welcomed

details of the fourth edition, with many of

organisation Yourope, general secretary

Glastonbury’s Michael Eavis. The afternoon

the world’s leading booking agencies and

Christof Huber says: “IFF continues to be

and

festival associations signed up as partners.

a key event for the music festival business,

showcases and networking.

With space at the invitation-only event strictly limited to just 600 delegates, this, as with all previous editions of the London meeting of booking agents and festivals has sold out weeks in advance.

“Each year IFF continues to add more and more value to the festival booking process,” says Brian Ahern of partner agency WME Entertainment.

“Both

the

timing

and

attendance make for invaluable face-to-face interactions.”

Other agency partners on IFF 2018 include CAA, Coda, Primary Talent, X-ray Touring, United Talent Agency, ITB, ATC Live, MN2S, Pitch & Smith and OTM Touring, most of which will showcase a selection of what they consider to be amongst the best of their future festival headliners.

“It’s great to finally be revealing details of IFF 2018,” says ILMC head Greg Parmley.

“We expect over 450 festivals represented this year, and with a packed schedule of conference sessions, showcases and networking events, it’s already looking like our strongest edition yet.”

4

the and

ongoing

partnership

European

a mixture of panels, workshops and the

evening

is

dedicated

to

agency

Brian Ahern agent WME

VIP NEWS >

APRIL 2018

Huey Lewis cancels future shows From VIP-Daily News Singer Huey Lewis has cancelled his band`s future shows after

Lewis, best known for his hit Power Of Love from the Back To The

losing most of his hearing.

Future soundtrack, said he had visited a number of clinics “hoping to find an answer” to his symptoms.

The 67-year-old US star said he felt “horrible” and apologised to fans as he revealed that doctors believe he has an inner ear

“The doctors believe I have Meniere`s disease and have agreed that

condition called Meniere`s disease.

I can`t perform until I improve,” he added.

His group, Huey Lewis And The News, have axed all of their

“Therefore the only prudent thing to do is to cancel all future

performances planned for 2018 but the frontman insisted he hopes

shows.

to perform again “one day soon”.

“Needless to say, I feel horrible about this and wish to sincerely In a post on Twitter, Lewis said: “Two and a half months ago, just

apologise to all the fans who`ve already bought tickets and were

before a show in Dallas, I lost most of my hearing. Although I can

planning to come see us.

still hear a little, one on one, and on the phone, I can`t hear music well enough to sing. The lower frequencies distort violently making

“I`m going to concentrate on getting better and hope that one day

it impossible to find pitch.”

soon I`ll be able to perform again.”

Huey Lewis

Need to know who is touring Europe?

®

Go online - www.vip-booking.com vip-booking.com

5

VIP NEWS >

APRIL 2018

BREXIT – How Will it Affect Musicians and Touring in Europe?

Allan McGowan am@vip-booking.com I’m not a Brexit fan in any way, I thought

still to be resolved plan for a UK exit from

listen to the likes of [prominent Brexiteer]

I’d make that clear straight away, and I

the EU, will affect our business. The plan

Liam Fox, the UK will be booming: we’ll

think that the following quote from a very

for the panel was to get five professionals

have the right to set our own laws, strike

comprehensive article by Howard Goodall,

to pretend that they had returned to the

our own trade deals and have frictionless

is very accurate. “Brexit will deny me, and

present day from the year 2025 to report

trade with the EU. The more pessimistic

all professional musicians, this (present)

on the progress of a completed Brexit.

– and perhaps realistic – view is that we

easy access to 27 other countries, countries

However,

Dugher

won’t get to have our cake and eat it,

which in the world of music are significant

of UK Music admitted that if you asked

and that even if there are solutions on the

and busy employers of musicians”. Goodall

what the Brexit process would “look like

visa side around carnets etc, we’ll still see

is an award-winning composer of choral

at 20.25 [8.25pm], I couldn’t give you an

increased costs for artists and their teams.”

music, stage musicals, film and TV scores,

answer”, summing up the negotiation of

also well known as a lyricist, author,

the UK’s exit from the EU as “the most

Oleg Gaidar of London-based Artist &

music

His

advanced and complex form of public,

Entertainer Visas Global told the room

article, Brexit and Music – Theme and

multidimensional chess we’ve ever seen”

how following the Brexit vote, his entire

Variations

(www.howardgoodall.co.uk)

– It should be borne in mind that Dugher

team was shocked and saddened – as he,

is well worth reading if you’re interested in

is a man with many years’ experience in

and most of his team are from continental

this divisive topic.

parliament and government.

Europe. He indicated that we could be

At ILMC 30 in March, a BREXIT panel put

Annabella Coldrick of the MMF suggested

those experienced in Brazil recently by

forward a variety of views on how this,

two visions of the future situation: “If you

Phil Collins. This, he pointed out was an

historian

and

broadcaster.

moderator

Michael

facing European visa troubles similar to

example of authorities struggling with changes in immigration law. One possible saving grace though could be the two-year Brexit transition period, which should make things easier in the UK. A different point of view was expressed by international service provider eps’s Okan Tombulca (who recently opened a UK office) who felt that there is “too much panicking” at the moment, proposing that “we’re worrying because it’s going to be expensive but we don’t know yet. I think there will be solutions that are affordable for all of us.” He thought that Brexit might, “actually be good for the Continent because UK music is so dominant.” But he conceded that adjustments would be necessary for

ILMC 30

6

live entertainment companies, as he said, “Maybe I can’t do any more back-to-back

VIP NEWS >

APRIL 2018

shows in London and Paris, so I have to take

Artist manager Adam Parsons, speaking

but it’s going to make everything more

a day off, but we already have to do this in

from the floor, said Brexit will add “more

difficult. “In 2025, we’ll have forgotten

other countries.” Unlike many others Okan

costs, more grief and more time” to

about it, but it’s going to be a pain in the

was of the opinion that, “the effect of

touring. “We’re going to get through it,

fucking arse – it really is.”

Brexit will be less that most people think.”

Dick Molenaar of the Netherlands’ All Arts Tax Advisers said Brexit is “much more a

Dick Molenaar and Okan Tombulca

UK issue” than a continental one: “When I listen to people in the Netherlands, they say it might be good for the continent, because

UK

music

is

currently

so

dominant,” he explained. When it comes to taxation, it shouldn’t make too much of a difference, he explained, as taxes are a national – not an EU – issue, although VAT could be “problematic” for bands taking merchandise and other VAT-liable goods across borders. Currently, there is an EUwide threshold for VAT that “only the biggest sellers go over”.

K2 agency acquires EGO From VIP-Daily News Booking agency K2 has announced the

The acquisition of EGO, or the Eccentric

Pictured from left:

acquisition of another rival, this time the

Gent Organisation, follows last year’s

Leo Benton, Sharon Richardson, Jim

EGO Agency.

purchase of Factory Music, which similarly

Morewood, Jane Miller, John Jackson,

saw a shift of staff and roster over to K2.

Yerry Stetter.

EGO founder Jim Morewood will move to K2 to become Senior Booking Agent there. His colleague Yerry Stetter will also move over, as will the entire EGO roster of artists, which includes Fear Factory, HIM and Meshuggah.

“Yerry and I are delighted to be joining the formidable team at K2”, says Morewood.

“We look forward to an exciting future with John [Jackson, K2 founder], having previously worked with him at the now legendary Helter Skelter Agency”.

Jackson adds: “I am delighted to be working with Jim again and we all look forward to welcoming Yerry to K2. Their combined skills will further enhance the strengths of K2 as the leading international hard rock booking agency”.

K2 Staff

7

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VIP NEWS > INDEPTH STORY >

APRIL 2018

When Festival Extravaganzas Become Bestsellers Manfred Tari mt@vip-booking.com

Every promoter has experienced the extraordinary wish lists

that would rather come to festivals with their butler instead of

that often make up the rider clauses received from their event

a tour manager.

headliners. Solo-toilets, Thai massages, exclusive champagnes or private gyms are just the tip of the icebergs, promoters have

As will be revealed in this article, this peer group is growing and

to deal with again and again.

even seems to behave better than the odd top star that forgot to bring their therapist (or agent) along to the event.

Of course, according to the tour managers in charge, everything on these riders is absolutely indispensable before these beloved

However, VIP-Arrangements are sometimes not recognised as

pop or rock stars are able to do their well-paid work.

such, but the demand is growing rapidly, as ever it appears that particular festivals in the US have become trendsetters for

But now more and more festival promoters are figuring out

this development.

how to monetize their acquired expertise in the fulfilment of narcissistic on stage extra wishes for nouveau-riche personalities.

We investigate this growing phenomenon with interviews

Packaged as a VIP-arrangement, branded with a fancy name,

on the subject with organisers of European festivals such as

all-inclusive bundles, further spiced up with comfort and other

Roskilde Festival (DK), Lowlands (NL), Balaton Sound (HU),

goodie-items, can be sold to a newly discovered target group

Hurricane and Rock Am Ring (DE):

offers, in other words for companies who

Martin Hjorth Frederiksen

want to give their employees something special. We’ve offered this for a few years, but it doesn’t change anything for the audience.

VIP News: Has the demand for such

ROSKILDE: Denmark

tickets increased in recent years?

Martin Hjorth Frederiksen PR Manager

Hjorth Frederiksen: There’s a big interest, and we could definitely sell more luxury

VIP News: Apparently there are no VIP-

items, but we want to stay true to our roots.

Tickets available. for Roskilde Instead Roskilde offers “X TREATMENT TICKETS”

VIP News: The price range offers tickets

and “SPECIAL TREATMENT TICKETS.”

from 330 up to 720 Euro per person.

Since when has Roskilde festival offered

What kind of offers are most requested

these kinds of tickets?

and are the most expensive , also which

the full experience, and others find it better

ones sell out the fastest?

to visit only one day. When an organisation

Martin Hjorth Frederiksen: We want the

brings the staff it’s likely that some of the

festival to be accessible for all, and we

Hjorth Frederiksen: Both the cheaper and

people aren’t used to the festival life and

want the festival to be full of VIP areas and

more expensive options are very popular.

might have enough amazing experiences in

privileges. These Treatment options are B2B

Some companies take their employees for

one day!

9

VIP NEWS > INDEPTH STORY >

APRIL 2018

VIP News: Please describe the average

Hjorth Frederiksen: The X Treatment guests

and the settings of the “X Treatment

customers that prefer more comfort and

only comprise a small amount of the

Lounge”...

services when visiting Roskilde...

130,000 people at the festival. Our Get A Tent, Get A Camp etc. are products that are

Hjorth Frederiksen: The food is the same

Hjorth Frederiksen: As many may expect, it

very popular, and there are more than just a

amazing food that you can get in our

often comes down to age: when you get

few years ago. We have to be able to offer

Food Court; from Michelin-awarded Thai

older, you often go for a little luxury if you

products that make the camping experience

food to insect burgers and everything

can. But we actually have a lot of mature

a bit nicer to those who need that, but we’re

in-between. We really have it all. The X

participants who still camp for a full week –

very aware not to make these areas and

Treatment settings are great places for

it really impresses me!

products take up too much space.

bigger organisations to withdraw in a peaceful area. But we always hope that all

VIP News: What are the capacities for

VIP News: Please elaborate on the special

of our guests will mingle and explore the

this part of Roskilde Festival?

items such as “award-winning food”

festival together.

LOWLANDS: Netherlands Eric van Eerdenburg Festival Director VIP News: Since when have you offered Gllamcamping at Lowlands?

Eric van Eerdenburg: We started with about 20 PodPads in 2004. Since 2014 we started to call it Gllamcamp and moved the Gllamcamp much closer to the festival site. Since then it has exploded from 400 to last year 1600 and this year 2100

Eric van Eerdenburg

accommodations. Also the caravan and camper camp is growing fast. From 1100 to 1450 last year and this year we raised the

land for next year for both camper camp

the area....Also foreign visitors that can not

available spots to 2100 too.

and Gllamcamp.

bring camping gear. And people that hate

VIP News: The prices for Gllamping

VIP News: Please describe the average

I guess. The vibe is good and relaxed. Not so

Delluxe ranges from 159 up to 425

customers that prefer more comfort and

loud as the standard camping. More quiet.

Euros per person. What kind of offers

service when visiting your festival...

carrying all that stuff for 4 night camping too

are requested mostly and are the most

10

VIP News: What are the capacities for

expensive ones also those that sell out

Eric van Eerdenburg: It’s a very nice crowd.

the Gllamping Delluxe area, how many

faster than the others?

Real music-loving festival-minded people.

people can you accommodate within

They have a little more money, are not the

this part of Lowlands?

Eric van Eerdenburg: It’s the average priced

youngest, like to hang out late and drink and

ones that are going the fastest. We try to

do not want to leave the festival to go to a

Eric van Eerdenburg:

never sell out and accommodate the fast

hotel. They seek more comfort and would

10000 of the 60000 use camper/caravan

growing demand. This year we expect to

probably think twice about going if it wasn’t

camping and gllamcamp all together this

sell out though. We have secured more

there. Or book a hotel...that is hard to find in

year. It’s a fast growing demand.

We estimate about

VIP NEWS > INDEPTH STORY >

APRIL 2018

VIP News: Please describe the average customers that prefer more comfort and service when visiting Balaton…

Füri: We are very pleased that over the years, Balaton Sound has become more of an international festival. Guests arrive from all over Europe, among whom there are plenty of people who choose us in the hope of high quality service. Fortunately, we have received a lot of great feedback from festivalgoers; VIP and regular guests

BALATON SOUND: Hungary

requested and are the most expensive

have both claimed to encounter above-

Kata Füri

ones also those that sell out faster than

average comfort at our festival. We pay

International Communication, PR and Press

the others?

close attention to provide the right hygienic

VIP News: Has the demand for VIP-

Füri: Our VIP campsite is located directly

drinks, as well as green waste collection

offers/arrangements increased in recent

on the waterfront, which is why we call it

that all add to this feeling of comfort. To

years?

Beach camping. This year we wanted to

answer your question, it is difficult to define

infrastructure, a variety of quality food and

have a more transparent and comfortable

these guests. Perhaps some things that

Kata Füri: Since the start of the festival there

system at this location, so instead of the

link them together include their openness

has been a large interest in VIP services at

free camping we offered before, we are

towards gastro culture, enjoying clean and

Balaton Sound. Due to this high demand, we

only selling installed glamping services. Our

comfortable festivals along with searching

have expanded our VIP facilities, every year

wooden houses are very popular, but there

for exclusive programs, such as sunset

including a VIP stand facing the Main Stage,

is also a huge demand for our top of the

sailing excursions on the Balaton.

developing VIP restaurants, creating a ‘Very-

line Flexotel and Popad accommodations.

VIP’ site, etc. We have noticed that there

The latter are located in a separate village

VIP News: What are the capacities of VIP

continues to be a high demand for these

and include bathroom facilities, a reception

t and regular tickets for Balaton Sound?

services, in fact, it is increasing.

and other services. Our VIP guests can enjoy beach activities at the Balaton only a few

Füri: On a daily basis the VIP site welcomes

VIP News: What kind of VIP-Camping-

steps from their accommodation, while the

2,000-3,000 people and around 35,000 at

offers are the ones that are most

festival is only a 1-2 minute walk.

the entire festival.

significantly in recent years. That’s why we

overview of the festival area on top of the

introduced the resorts and thus obviously

newly built second floor at the Hurricane

hit a nerve directly. But we definitely do not

Lounge Tower in a stylish atmosphere.

want a two-tier society at our festivals. We

From the terrace you have a clear view of

simply see the resorts as an additional offer

the Green Stage. There is a shuttle service

for those visitors who want a festival feeling

from the reserved VIP car parking lots to

but do not want to miss a few amenities.

the Platinum Lounge and back. Drinks and

HURRICANE: Germany

food are included, as well as the entrance to

Jasper Barendregt Director Festival Production VIP News: Has demand for VIP tickets

VIP News: What do buyers get for their

the after show parties. Platinum customers

money from these so-called Hurricane

can access their own sanitary facilities and

platinum tickets ...

receive exclusive insights on a backstage

increased over the past few years?

tour (fee: 10). The Platinum tickets are also Barendregt: The Platinum tickets are indeed a

available as day passes if you do not have the

Jasper Barendregt: The demand for more

luxury version in terms of festival experience.

whole weekend. (Per day- ticket 349 Euro,

comfort and special offers has increased

Ticket holders can enjoy having a perfect

festival ticket 549 Euro)

11

VIP NEWS > INDEPTH STORY >

APRIL 2018

Meanwhile, we offer for every taste and

Summer’s Tale the entire camping area is

regarding a certain topic and if we sense

budget choices - reaching from bringing along

dedicated to Grüner Wohnen, but we also

there is a demand for a specific festival, we

your own tent towards the option “green

offer various comfort camping options there.

check if an implementation is possible. It is

living”, normal camping or the “resort”-

It has to be said, that we are looking very

important to us to meet the needs of our

option with pre-built up and equipped tents

closely at market demands when developing

target group and offer tailor made solutions

with real beds. In addition, we will soon also

new products. If we get a lot of requests

according to their interests.

offer our own “Womoparzellen” (parking lots for caravans) with a power supply - so to say

Jasper Barendregt

an allotment at the festival...

VIP News: How big is this contingent for this area?

Barendregt: We have space for up to 250 plating guests per day.

VIP News: What can you say about the demand for VIP-arrangements at other FKP Scorpio festivals?

Barendregt: Our visitor surveys have shown that at all of our festivals there is a demand for offers, offering more comfort. We take this into account. At Highfield festival we also offer Grüner Wohnen-camping and within the Searassic Park we offer various options for accommodations in tents. At A

in, comfortable overnight accommodations,

Tombulca:

The

experience

visitors

are

high-quality and free sanitary facilities as well

more relaxed than normal festival visitors.

as paved paths await visitors. The area also

However, they just enjoy a bit more of

has its own lounge, hot tubs, bar, catering

comfort and above all personal contact with

and self-service barbecue stations. From

the service team on the site.

the Experience Area, you’ll head straight to one of the first two pit barriers in front of

VIP News: Do the visitors of the

the stage via a separate, exclusive fast-lane

Experience Camping leave more trash

EPS HOLDING Gmbh: Germany

access. Visitors can also take advantage of

on the site?

Okan Tombulca

other specials such as WiFi access, power

Managing Director

supply, lockers, as well as pavilions and

Tombulca: Waste prevention is part of the

refrigerators. They also receive a festival

concept of Experience Camping. The two-

VIP News: Please describe Experience

goodie bag including a laminated experience

person Easy Tent tent and the larger version,

Camping at Rock am Ring. How many

pass as a souvenir. A personal parking lot is

the Safari Tent, with a capacity of two to

people can be accommodated there?

located next to the camp within walking

four people, are fully equipped with air

distance in a few meters.

mattresses, sleeping bags, camping chairs,

Okan Tombulca: Experience Camping is an

12

tables and night lamps. At the end of the

exclusive camp with a capacity of about

VIP News: Are the Experience visitors

festival, visitors can take home everything

1200 people right next to the Rock Am Ring

more demanding than regular festival

inside the tents as souvenirs. And the ones

main stage. Completely built, ready to move

visitors?

whom booked the Easy-Tent-solution can

VIP NEWS > INDEPTH STORY >

APRIL 2018

even take the tent back home. The other

among others, changing facilities and hair

containers, which they also offer for this

two categories - the Rockotel and the Lodge

dryer stations. The toilets are flush toilets

year’s festival under the name “Moshtel.”

- are a kind of mobile homes / containers

including washbasin with hot water. Both

with full beds, blankets, pillows and covers

systems are cleaned regularly.

that normally get cleaned after the festival.

If at the end of the festival visitors leave

VIP News: EPS is one of the leading service

tents on the sites, we donate them to charity

providers of infrastructure equipment

organizations or dispose of

for live events. Which other festivals use

them in an

your service and what services do these

environmentally friendly way.

include?

VIP News: The quality of the sanitary facilities obviously plays a big role,

Tombulca: With Experience Camping, we

what models does EPS offer for the high

started four years ago. Meanwhile, we serve

demands in this area?

also the Open Air Frauenfeld, which takes place for the second time in the similar

Tombulca: The Experience visitors expect

style of Experience Camping with a capacity

high quality sanitary facilities on the

of around 350 people and two different

premises. The showers are installed in a

arrangements.. Last year, the Wacken Open

heated large shower cubicle and include,

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13

VIP NEWS >

APRIL 2018

New name for Amsterdam ArenA From VIP-Daily News At the start of the 2018-2019 football season, the Amsterdam ArenA

‘Johan Cruijff is the greatest football player that Ajax has ever

will officially change its name to the Johan Cruijff ArenA.

produced,’ says Edwin van der Sar, Ajax general manager. ‘Partly thanks to him, Ajax is a big name at home and abroad so it’s nice that

‘It is high time to give Johan Cruijff a worthy tribute and achieve the

the stadium is named after him.’

broadly supported wish Eberhard van der Laan has expressed on behalf of the city,` says Henk Markerink, CEO of Amsterdam ArenA.

Henk Markerink adds, ‘We are happy to be able to give this permanent

The new logo of the Johan Cruijff ArenA will be unveiled on or near

tribute to football legend Johan Cruijff. As a stadium, we are proud to

April 25, the birthday of the legendary footballer.

be able to bear his name. It will resonate globally.’

‘We are pleased with the news and very glad that the stadium will

Amsterdam ArenA is already busy with the many preparations that

actually be called the Johan Cruijff ArenA from next football season

the name change entails. It is a big job because, in the long run,

on,’ the Cruijff family says.

everything must bear the name Johan Cruijff ArenA – from the signs at the entrance, to the flags, even to the uniforms worn by the stewards.

Eric van der Burg, alderman of Sport on behalf of Amsterdam City Council, is extremely pleased with the name change for the ArenA.

Johan Cruijff passed away on March 24, 2016. He was one of the

‘It both honors our greatest football hero and makes a big dream

best footballers ever, known all over the world for his contribution to

come true for Eberhard van der Laan [former mayor of Amsterdam

football as a player, a football coach and as a benefactor, through his

who died October 2017].’

Foundation.

Amsterdam ArenA

14

VIP NEWS >

APRIL 2018

Developing Music Cities:

By Shain Shapiro, CEO Sound Diplomacy This article was first published in the magazine Cities Today, there is a link to the original at the end of the article.

For the first time at a UN World Urban

compounded by the fact that cities around

The

Forum, culture was discussed as a pillar to

the world–from Melbourne to San Francisco,

is nascent and only recently have urban

achieving sustainable development. During

Bogota to Cape Town–are looking at music

thinkers begun to explore the role of music

the the ninth edition of the Forum, held

as a policy tool to attract jobs, drive wealth,

across city governance and within that,

in February in Kuala Lumpur, culture was

increase tourism and importantly, support

sustainability and development. But the

discussed across a few panels and within

sustainable policies.

proof that this is a tool we can no longer

that, the first ever music discussion was held.

scholarship

surrounding

the

term

ignore is prevalent around the world. Music Understanding music in this way is new for

in a number of guises has led to economic

been

cities and governments. The term ‘music

growth,

formalised as a tool to develop, sustain

cities’–a catch-all phrase that explores the

competitiveness for years.

and support good development, promote

role of music in urban policy–is only a few

gender equality, eradicate poverty and

years old. It is driven by the music industry

Austin remains the United States’ fastest

support sustainability. To me, this is a

to compel city governments to support

growing city above one million people. While

watershed

music infrastructure, such as music venues,

there is a substantial academic, banking and

festivals, studios and rehearsal facilities.

tech sector, the city declared itself the ‘live

Music

and

culture

moment

have

for

never

music,

both

as an industry and an art form. This is

development

and

increased

Shain Shapiro

15

VIP NEWS >

APRIL 2018

music capital of the world’ in 1991 and has

every £10 spent on concert tickets in the

become a magnet for creative entrepreneurs

capital’s small-to-medium sized venue stock

and artists. Nashville, the world’s only

(under 1,500 capacity), a further £17 is spent

singularly-branded ‘music city’, has utilised

nearby in restaurants, bars, public transit

this to drive growth in its health sector, now

and minicabs. In New York City, the music

the nation’s biggest per capita. Melbourne

industry supports US$3.4 billion in indirect

has seen its inbound tourism increase as it

economic impact alone.

formalised its music policy within council chambers in 2014, and music tourists to the

When this is strategised into a city’s master

UK as a whole have increased year-on-year,

plan, from the beginning, music can be

since statistics began being tracked in 2015.

built into infrastructure, rather than be

In London alone, music tourism is worth £1

bolted on. A city understands where it’s

billion to the public purse.

best placed, what potential friction points are and how–as an industry–it can drive

introduce the role of music in urban planning

In order to capitalise on this growth, a

growth across a number of sectors. But

and public policy. Every city must have a

city must take formal, structured steps to

this requires measurement, mapping and

music policy to support talent development,

recognise the value of music across urban

expertise, as well as budgets dedicated to

music engagement and quality of life. We

policies and decision making. Only a handful

fostering growth. And this is where cities

will ensure this happens.

of cities have done this around the world–

often fall flat. Commissions are set up

about 100–but the growth is significant. Five

without budgets and music is informalised,

When we started in 2013, we focused on

years ago, this number was in single digits.

turned into a nice-to-have, rather than a

music export - linking artists, businesses and

key economic, cultural and social driver.

experiences across countries, from Colombia

Those seeking greater sustainability and

to Australia.

Music ecosystem assessment

growth are recognising this and formalising music, via a music office and accompanying

Since then we’ve changed a little, but our

strategy.

mission is the same.

practice. The first step, similar to any other

But this has just begun. One hundred cities

Music matters - and its value is increasing

sector, is to map where it is, how much it

is not enough. Once all cities recognise this

everyday. Since we started Sound Diplomacy,

is worth and what the deficiencies are in

revenue generator that has been there all

we have been lucky to work in over 4​ 0

relation to this. This is what most cities refer

along–music–development will follow. And

countries, set up global leading conferences

to as a music ecosystem assessment, and

we can be sure that at the next World Urban

and delivering strategies that prove the

it provides the baseline to understand the

Forum, music will feature more heavily,

economic, cultural and social value of music

role of music across development, land use

because by then it will become the norm,

around the world. And now we’re proud to

policy, economic growth, regeneration and

rather than the exception.

be the leaders of the music cities movement;

To do this, a process is being mapped across a number of cities to demonstrate best

consequently, sustainability.

and this movement is just beginning. www.cities-today.com/how-music-can-be-

More often, as cities grow and become

used-as-a-pillar-for-development

denser–as is happening the world over–land

friends and conference attendees. We’ve

value increases. Music is a value capture tool, but it does not inherently lead to

been inspired by our clients and friends in

Sound Diplomacy is Five Years Old

immediate economic yield for the land that

countries and cities around the world, from Uganda to Peru, Seoul to Vancouver and

hosts it. Whether it is a venue, a festival or

Shain Shapiro, CEO and founder of Sound

a community space, music is a slow growth

Diplomacy tells VIP News:

prospect. It takes a while for its impact to

everywhere in between.

We’ve met amazing agents of change, from

situate itself within a community, create

It’s been five amazing, wild and adventurous

musicians to diplomats, Mayors to venue

critical mass and drive growth. But when a

years. But this is only the beginning.

owners. So thank you for continuing to

venue or festival succeeds, it increases the

16

Thank you to all our clients, partners,

inspire us, and watch this space.

value of everything around it. It captures

We have been lucky to have worked all over

requisite value. In London, for example, for

the world being part of the conversation to

The best is yet to come.

VIP NEWS >

APRIL 2018

Abba announce 2 new songs From VIP-Daily News Abba have announced that they have written and recorded their first

Abba

new songs since they split in 1983.

The Swedish four-piece, who had nine No 1 hits in the UK between 1974 and 1980, and who have sold hundreds of millions of records worldwide, announced on Instagram that they had recorded two new songs for a project in which avatars of the band will perform.

The band said in a statement: “The decision to go ahead with the exciting Abba avatar tour project had an unexpected consequence.

We all felt that, after some 35 years, it could be fun to join forces again and go into the recording studio. So we did. And it was like time had stood still and we had only been away on a short holiday.

An extremely joyful experience!”

perform as computer-generated avatars. Ulvaeus said the band had been digitally scanned and “de-aged” to look like they did in 1979,

One of the two new songs that resulted, called I Still Have Faith in

when they performed their third and final tour.

You, will feature in a TV special to air in December.

The avatars are then set to tour the world from next year.

The statement concluded: “We may have come of age, but the song is new. And it feels good.”

Abba formed in Stockholm in 1972. They comprised two couples: Ulvaeus and Agnetha Fältskog; and Benny Andersson and Anni-Frid

Abba’s Björn Ulvaeus revealed details of the band’s forthcoming

Lyngstad, all of whom had enjoyed musical careers in Sweden. The

project in Brussels earlier this week. The centrepiece is the two-hour

group burst on to the international stage after winning the Eurovision

TV show co-produced by NBC and the BBC, which will see the band

song contest in Brighton in 1974 with their song Waterloo.

Abba 2018

17

VIP NEWS >

NAMES & JOBS

APRIL 2018

New president for European Arenas Association From VIP-Daily News Peter van der Veer was elected President of the European Arenas Association (EAA) during the groups most recent General Meeting, held in Lisbon this month.

His election came as Brian Kabatznick of AEG Europe, ended a three-year term as President of the Association.

Peter van der Veer (pictured), CEO and co owner of the Dutch event venue Rotterdam Ahoy, has been part of the Association since 2006 and an active Board Member since 2012.

Peter said “Our world changes in rapid speed. It requires a new view from us as venues. I am convinced that a platform as EAA is essential

The EAA comprises 35 arena members in 22 European countries to

in sharing ideas, in pulling the strings, in being pro-active on all

share knowledge and create best practice among the industry. In

important and relevant issues in the field of live events. I am honored

2017, its venues saw more than 18.7 million customers attending

to have been chosen as President of this valuable platform.”

2,899 events across the membership.

Peter van der Veer

18

ARTIST APPLICATIONS OPEN MAY 1ST! ESNS: EU

APPLY VIA WWW.ESNS.NL STICHTING EUROSONIC NOORDERSLAG

ESNS: EU creative europe

STICHTING EUROSONIC NOORDERSLAG

VIP NEWS > BUSINESS >

MUSIC IN SHARES

APRIL 2018

Music In Shares Manfred Tari mt@vip-booking.com

CTS Eventim

The ultimate top scorer within Live Nation’s

climbed up $158.40, summing up in market

- Espansione In Italia

salary ranking is Michael Rapino, earning a

capitalisation

of $28.2 billion. Well, the

salary of $2.4 million, rewarded with Bonus

market cap of Live Nation is just only $7.9

CTS Eventim continues its growth strategy in

of $1 million, receiving a Stock Award of

billion.

Italy. The latest take over by the company in

$58.6 million, plus an Option Award worth

the south of Europe has been Vivo Concerti.

$1.7 million, benefitting from a Non-Equity

New in the IPO-pipeline is Tencent Music

Previously CTS Eventim bought the Italian

Incentive Plan Compensation valued with

Entertainment according to a report by the

companies Vertigo, Friends & Partners and

$6.7 million and other compensations

Wallstreet Journal. The company is owned

D’Allessandro e Galli. No information has

declared at $80.211. In total, to be precise

by Tencent Holding and is a streaming giant

been given about the purchase price.

$70,615,760.

in Asia. The estimated value supposed to be

Latest reported share price on March 23 was

Second biggest earner is Joe Berchtold

go on in the second half of the year at the

36.88 Euro, this time on April 23 it is 38.80

with just $28,794,489, while Kathy Willard

NYSE.

Euro.

as Chief Financial Officer only receives $

$25 billion, the intended IPO is supposed to

5,490,583.

The news flow regarding a potential spin of the Universal Music Group by Vivendi

DEAG

Anyhow, meanwhile an article in the New

is organically driven, at least serious news

- A Little Bit Of Down & Up

York Times published on April 1, reported

sources like Reuters reporting earlier this

investigations by the U.S. Department of

months quoted CEO Arnaud de Puyfontaine

No bigger news, but nevertheless a short

Justice concluding in the headline:

“Live

with the statement: “We have started work

term downer in Mid of April for the share

Nation Rules Music Ticketing, Some Say

that will allow us to present the benefits of

price of DEAG. A share price drop on April

With Threats.”

a potential listing of UMG to the supervisory

10 cost investors perhaps a bit of excitement,

The article meanwhile raised the interest be

board.”

when the share went down from one day to

several law firms, aiming for to file a class

another from 2.53 Euro to 2.36 Euro before

action law case against Live Nation. Among

it recovered on April 18, going up to 2.61

others the law firm Vincent Wong wrote

Euro again

In the March issue VIP News

in its announcement about “Investigation

reported a share price of 2.63 Euro, this time

Involving Possible Securities Fraud Violations

it is 2.62 Euro.

by the Board of Directors of Live Nation Entertainment, Inc.” The share price of Live Nation in the

Live Nation

meantime went down from $42.50 to

- Michael Rapino’s Salary Booster

$40.11.

Who would not work for an annual salary of

There is no market than stock market

$70.6 million? The trade paper Digital Music

20

News scored first, when reporting on the

Just for the files, the share at the day of

salary payments for the top-management of

the stock market debut by Spotify at NYSE

Live Nation. Based on SEC-files the magazine

(New York Stock Exchange) peaked shortly

released an article revealing the annual

at $169 before reaching $149, when the

payments for the executives of the company.

closing bell rung. Until April 23the share

Michael Rapino

VIP NEWS > MISC >

APRIL 2018

MEMBER PRESENTATION

This space is dedicated to present some of our clients using VIP-Booking.com. Companies presented here have our best endorsement...

ARTIST AVAILS THE HORRORS Territory: Europe Period: 2018 Agency: Primary Talent International Agent: Steve Backman E-mail: stevebackman@primarytalent.com Homepage: www.thehorrors.co.uk

PHIL RUDD BAND (EX AC/DC) Territory: Europe, Ukraine & Russia Period: May / June 2018 Agency: Fizzion Agent: Ian Smith Phone: +44 7791 699889 E-mail: ian@frusion.co.uk Homepage: www.fizzion.eu/artist.php?id=139

10:15 Entertainment s.r.o.

10:15 Entertainment s.r.o. agency was founded in 2008. Historically it followed the

FIREHOUSE Territory: UK, Europe, Asia Period: November / December 2018 Agency: ARM Entertainment Agent: Dana Strutz Phone: 6514838754 E-mail: ds@armentertainment.com Homepage: www.armentertainment.com/firehouse

10:15 Promotion agency, the oldest major private concert promotion agency in the Czech Republic.

Among the most significant events organized by the 10:15 Entertainment have been the shows of Leonard Cohen, Alicia Keys, Diana Krall, Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds, among others.

In 2010 10:15 Entertainment became an exclusive booking agency of the Open Air

CARMEL Territory: Europe Period: 2018 Agency: Artistagency Agent: Bart Quintens Phone: +32 777670 E-mail: bart@artistagency.be Homepage: www.artistagency.be

Festival (powered by O2) in Panenský Týnec, where a number of major acts performed – The Chemical Brothers, Faithless, Fatboy Slim, Kasabian, Amy MacDonald, Leftfield, Interpol, Gorillaz Sound System, Royksopp etc.

The agency specializes in concerts of international artists.

Our agency´s team has participated in the promotion and organization of over 500 individual concert projects with a participance of more than six hundred international artists and bands.

Among the most significant were the concerts of AC/DC, Kylie Minogue, Bob Dylan ,

SMOKIE Territory: Worldwide Period: 2019 Agency: NOW Music Co Agent: Jason Colombick Phone: +44 (0)1484723557 E-mail: jason@now-music.com

PHOENIX Territory: Europe Period: 2018 Agency: Primary Talent International Agent: Peter Elliot E-mail: peter_elliott@primarytalent.com Homepage: www.wearephoenix.com

Johnny Cash, Velvet Underground , Luciano Pavarotti, R.E.M., Alanis Morissette, Neil Young or several sold out shows of Harlem Gospel Choir regular tour.

One of the most important promotional and production events was a legendary JAM festival with its four consecutive years which regularly took place in Prague´s camping site Džbán and where artists like Bryan Adams, Sinead O´Connor, Erasure, Bjork or Iggy Pop performed, among others.

MORE ARTIST AVAILS ON: WWW.VIP-BOOKING.COM

We also ensure top custom event implementation, besides our own activities.

POST YOUR ARTIST AVAILS ON: WWW.VIP-BOOKING.COM

In January 2012 and February 2014 we ensured the programme of a Telefónica company corporate event (5 years together and Arena full of stars) in O2 Arena in Prague for 14,000 people.

In the past our team participated in organizing the Bratislava´s Seven festival with Coolio, Philips International Jazz Festival with Van Morrison, or several years of The Ball of Important Persons of ICT, which regularly takes place in Prague´s Žofín and other locations.

Our team provides a complete service – from the definition of intent to booking, production, marketing and succesful implementation – for its clients, both artists and

Firehouse

commercial companies.

21