VIP News Premium - May 2017

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VOLUME 201

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MAY 2017

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MAY 2017

McGowan’s

Musings

Again we start one of these Newsletters

injured, and for what? All at VIP send their

I’m afraid that these Musings are dominated

with bad news, very bad news; we’ve known

heartfelt condolences to the family and

by bad news, and I am very saddened to

for some time now, particularly following

friends of all those affected. Our thoughts

have to report the death of a very good

the Bataclan, Paris, attack in November ’15,

are also with the artist and her musicians,

friend and colleague, Alia Dann Swift. Alia

that the live music industry has been under

management and crew and all of the venue

was the producer of the ILMC for many

threat - and that terrorist attacks were more

staff, who must of course be devastated.

years, as well as being a highly respected

than likely, with venues particularly at risk,

manager of many other events and tours.

but when the seemingly inevitable happens

With certain deranged people claiming

She was a true professional and a great

it was still a severe shock when the bomb

this atrocity as some sort of ‘victory’, we

person. She died of cancer at home in

attack took place last night, May 22cnd,

can unfortunately be pretty sure that these

Melbourne, Australia. Our commiserations

at the Manchester Arena. The targeting

maniacs will be lining up ‘soft targets’ like

go to her husband Steve Swift, and her

of the Ariana Grande show, certain to

concerts, festivals for their next murderous

family and many, many, friends.

attract young people, children actually, was

attacks. Obviously plans are being made to

particularly shocking. 22 deaths, so far, 59

step up security wherever possible, some

There have of course also, thank goodness,

gigs have been cancelled or postponed,

been some good moments of late; I visited

following advice from the Government’s

the great city of Cork (in Ireland of course!)

services, who raised the terrorism threat

for the first edition of Music Cork, and my

levels to critical, suspecting that another

home town Brighton (I’ve mentioned that

attack was in the planning. Others, including

a couple of times I think…) was descended

a Simple Minds show in Manchester on May

upon by music industry people and festival

23rd went ahead in a spirit of defiance and

goers from all over the world for the 12th

tribute.

edition of The Great Escape. A good time

COLOPHON >

was had at both events (see reports in 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

2

On BBC Radio 4 this morning, May 24,

this issue), even though it rained heavily

Manchester musician Peter Hook of Joy

for a couple of days in Brighton. When

Division, who was also connected with

we return for the next issue, I will report

famous Manchester venue The Hacienda,

back from Portugal on the first ever Lisbon

and who’s 18 year old daughter was at the

International Music Network, MIL, and from

concert, emphasised how important it was

Expo North in Inverness, Scotland.

for musicians to take responsibility for their audiences and to make sure that their music

I shall take care, as I hope will all of you;

was always based on freedom.

let us hope that with the Festival Season imminent, everything goes ahead as safely

As the new chief executive of UK Music,

as possible! Let’s also hope that everyone

Michael Dugher stated, “ Music has the

helps the safety situation by complying with

power to bring people together and is so

all the the security measures that organisers

often a celebration of peace and love. We

and authorities may have to implement.

will not let terrorism and the politics of violence, hatred and division conquer that

Meanwhile, Ladies and Gentlemen – The

spirit”

News!

VIP NEWS >

MAY 2017

Pemberton Festival bankrupt From VIP-Daily News Canada’s

Pemberton

Music

Festival

July, with Chance The Rapper, a Tribe Called

has cancelled their 2017 event due to

Quest, and Muse as headliners. That won’t

bankruptcy. The festival was scheduled for

be happening. The festival itself has gone

July 13th-16th in Pemberton, BC.

bankrupt, and tickets will not be refunded.

The festival was supposed to feature

According to The Globe And Mail, tickets

performances by high-profile acts like

for this year’s festival started at $369, and

Chance The Rapper, Muse, A Tribe Called

buyers are now attempting to cancel their

says, “Really it’s just driven by fewer ticket

Quest, Major Lazer, Run The Jewels, and

credit-card

promoters

sales than they had hoped to achieve and

more.

Huka Entertainment had only sold 18,200,

operating costs that had continued to

compared to 38,000 last year.

rise, partially a result of the exchange rate

payments.

Event

The Pemberton Festival has been coming

as well.” The event owes $2.5 million to

to British Columbia every year since 2014,

Ernst & Young’s Kevin Brennan, who is

creditors, which means ticket buyers could

and this year’s edition was set to go down in

overseeing the bankruptcy proceedings,

have a hell of a time getting their refunds.

The 12th Great Escape From VIP-Daily News Two days of heavy rain ( I got very wet

and the ‘slave metal’ of Switzerland’s Zeal

At this year’s very informal, and quite

queuing for my free raclet!) didn’t prevent

and Ardor, (I saw them twice!).

raucous YMCA’s (Yearly Music Conference

450

highly

impressive

shows

taking

Awards) it was good to see the organisers

place in, over forty Brighton venues for

Like many of these events, there were

of Palestine Music Expo (PME), Martin

this 12th edition of The Great Escape,

many, many parties, to the extent that

Goldschmidt (Who featured in our political

which

festivalgoers

the conference agenda, as happens with

spot in the last issue) and Mahmood Jrere,

and delegates. This year also saw a new

SXSW and others, presented some very

win the Best New Event Award.

partnership with BBC Music.

good

attracted

20,000

panels,

and

although

anybody

serious about their business could learn a

The Great Escape Festival Manager Kevin

There were, it has to be said, some

lot from all of them, I feel often they had

Moore commented: “What an amazing

remarkable shows from some great acts,

to compete with the drinks, the food,

three days it’s been; we’ve seen incredible

including Slaves, Kano, Rag ‘N’ Bone Man,

and of course the reason for these events

performances of every imaginable genre of

amongst others. I was particularly taken by

,the networking. The UTA party at The

music and a staggering range of different

the fantastic harmonies of Norway’s Sigrid,

Grand Hotel was a particularly fine ‘bash’,

spaces and contexts, we’ve launched a

although very crowded.

thrilling new partnership with the BBC that’s been really well-received, produced

The Great Escape

The Great Escape started life 12 years ago

some brilliant musical moments and added

as a conference and showcase event, and

an extra layer of buzz to the festival, and

although the panels and discussions are

we’ve put on spotlight shows by two artists

extremely well handled by CMU (see the

who grew up within an hour’s drive of

top five visa mistakes article in this issue)

Brighton in Slaves and Rag’N’Bone man,

the ever growing event is in essence a

and another from Kano who’s re-shaping

city festival concentrating on the best

his entire genre. It’s been incredible and

emerging,

we’re already planning even bigger and

talent.

and

emerged,

international

better stuff for next year.”

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VIP NEWS >

MAY 2017

The First ‘Music Cork’ Allan McGowan am@vip-booking.com

I may have mentioned before that I hold two passports, UK and Irish

Shane Dunne: Jim Lawless, manager of The Coronas and Fan Club,

(hedging my bets on this bloody Brexit business!) My Irish persona

lawyer Willie Ryan, Alexis Vokos of Delphi Records in London and

was interested to hear that Music Cork was taking place in Ireland’s

venue owner Ger Keily, (Old Oak and Cypress Avenue). We had all

second biggest City on May 10-12, so I went…

attended other events like Eurosonic and The Great Escape, and were aware of the lack of something in Ireland.We talked about if for

The showcases took place in 5 venues, and the all important

a couple of years, then last September, October we decided to do it.

networking was taken care of by a pub crawl, taking in 14 hostelries, a fine idea I thought!

VIP-News: Why did you decide on Cork?

Having mentioned in the previous article about The Great Escape the

Shane Dunne: The size of the city, near to the airport, the convenience

difficulties that some events have in pulling people into the panels,

of a number of venues all close by, plus the city authorities were very

I was impressed by the fact that each session, featuring high-level

receptive, and contributed a bit of funding.

panellists, was attended by around 150 very involved delegates.

Considering the total attendance was 200 odd, that’s quite an

VIP-News: Did you get any other support?

uptake! The sessions were concluded by a keynote interview with the President of Island Records, the very entertaining and open,

Shane Dunne: Yes, from IMRO, and the labels, Sony and Universal

Darcus Beese.

who were very helpful in getting in people for the panels.

VIP-News spoke to one of the organisers, Shane Dunne, a promoter

VIP-News: How have the reactions been?

and producer of the Indiependence Festival.

Shane Dunne: Very positive from both delegates and panellists, like VIP-News: Who are the organisers, and who came up with

Ric Salmon from ATC and others. We’re looking forward to next

the idea?

year!

Shane Dunne - Indiependence Festival

4

VIP NEWS >

MAY 2017

Former ILMC producer Alia Dann Swift passes From VIP-Daily News ILMC’s longtime producer, Alia Dann Swift, passed away Tuesday

history, she stepped up to take on the job of making it work at a

at her home in Melbourne, Australia. Alia was diagnosed with an

time when the organisation behind the event had fallen apart and I

aggressive cancer in early April and had spent the last few weeks

had almost given up hope of finding a way to continue.

being cared for by her husband, Steve. She was 57.

“Alia pretty well single-handedly redesigned the way ILMC was “She was the best,” says CAA’s Emma Banks. “A beautiful human

put together, and became a major driving force in steering the

being, a great friend, a smart and an inspiring woman.”

conference towards the status that it now occupies. She was quite literally the mother of the conference, and every single one of us owes her a debt.

“I will miss Alia’s super-human organisational skills, her almost limitless patience, her way of gently keeping me in check, her unfathomable sense of humour – and her disturbing ability to look glamorous in a cow costume. But overall I will miss having that wonderful, caring person in my life – one of the best friends and allies I have ever known.”

Emma Banks

David Garcia at DEAG adds: “She was the first person I ever spoke to at an ILMC many, many years ago. She encouraged me back

Prior to joining the International Live Music Conference (ILMC) as

then, not to be intimidated by all the experienced professionals

producer in 2000, Alia had worked in a variety of production roles,

and to speak up. It’s advice I have followed all those years and will

including tour management, production coordinator and artist

now forever be linked to the memory of this beautiful soul. I am

liaison for artists including Paul McCartney, David Gilmour, Sparks,

very sad.”

UB40, M People, Peter Gabriel and REM. ILMC is inviting friends and colleagues to contribute to a permanent Alia was part of the team that brought Roger Waters and David

page on the ILMC.com website. If you would like to submit a few

Gilmour together for Live 8 in 2005, and she played in a key role in

words, memories or thoughts, please email greg@ilmc.com.

the inception of Lord of the Dance, a touring production that went on to tour successfully worldwide for nearly two decades.

“Alia was renowned for her warmth, her tireless support of those around her, a perennial sense of humour and a no-nonsense approach,” says ILMC head Greg Parmley. “She was a widely loved and respected figure in the touring world who will be deeply and entirely missed.”

Her role at ILMC was instrumental in both managing and growing the conference, and her tenure also saw the launch of IQ Magazine and the ILMC Production Meeting (IPM). She produced ILMC until 2014, and consulted on the event in 2015.

“Without Alia there would be no ILMC now,” says ILMC founder Martin Hopewell. “A handful of years into the conference’s long

Alia Dann & Allan McGowan

5

VIP NEWS > INDEPTH STORY >

MAY 2017

When Live Events Result in Catastrophe Manfred Tari mt@vip-booking.com Love Parade, Bataclan, Manchester, in terms of fatalities all have been outstanding disasters in the history of live music events. They have all revealed that the live music business is beset with new challenges which it previously never had to consider. Following the deaths at Roskilde Festival in 2000 and Love Parade in 2010 the entire industry had to respond appropriately, increasing and revamping their health & safety concepts and regulations. Now the latest tragedies in France and the UK have shown that the industry must even widen its considerations regarding the aspects of care taking as a result of the mental pressures and affects on victims, observers and security staff.

Let’s face the sad developments those mentioned examples have caused when dealing with what must be faced up to when a live event turns into traumatic experience. This is a complete new challenge the live music industry must unfortunately take into consideration alongside new security standards.

For an expert view on this new challenge, VIP-News approached The Royal College of Psychiatrists asking how promoters and others can and should go about dealing with an emergency situation with which they have never previously been confronted.

Neil Greenberg, Professor of Defence Mental Health at the Royal College of Psychiatrists has been so kind as to answer our questions arising out of the challenges when live events turn into worst case scenarios until now not confronted by the live music industry .

Greenberg is an academic psychiatrist, specialised in the understanding

and

management

of

psychological

trauma,

occupational mental ill-health and post traumatic stress disorder.

Neil Greenberg

VIP-News: Unfortunately there have been various fatal incidents and accidents on live music or sport events

in recent years. Please explain what psychiatrists and

After a major incident, the role for mental health professionals is

other experienced stress counselors can and will do in an

to support organisational leaders to deal with the mental health

emergency resulting at a mass event?

of their teams in a pragmatic and evidence based way. Such approaches should include improving social support (colleagues,

Neil Greenberg: In the immediate aftermath of a major incident

friends, family) and ensuring that people who are distressed are

there is no role for psychological debriefing or immediate ‘trauma

not further traumatised as they recover from the first incident.

counselling’. Such approaches have been shown not only to be

In very rare cases of panic or extreme distress, a mental health

ineffective but they also may cause further psychological harm.

professional may be able to provide clinical care but they should be

There is lots of good evidence on these findings published across

cautious about not over-medicalising ‘normal distress’ which has

the globe.

been shown to be counterproductive.

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VIP NEWS > INDEPTH STORY >

MAY 2017

VIP-News: After tragic events such as Love Parade or the

idea and provides an organisation with a systematised evidence

terror attack on the concert venue Bataclan in Paris, safety

based response to traumatic incidents.

measures and standards aimed at safety at live events have already been significantly improved. However, would you

VIP-News: In the case of an emergency at a live event, how

say that mental issues resulting from an emergency case

should promoters handle such situations in terms of how

need to gain more attention from promoters and public

to communicate with the audience during and after an

services or is the level of consideration by public services at

incident?

least for mental care already sufficient?

Greenberg: Honestly, and signposting people to support options Greenberg: I think that whilst the emergency is ongoing, and

offered by the statutory agencies like the local healthcare services.

in the immediate aftermath, promoters of big events need to remain calm and issue only evidence based advice. Suggesting for

VIP-News: Would you recommend that promoters should

instance that all those affected will be given trauma counselling

ask for professional assistance, supporting their team on

is inappropriate, will set up an unrealistic expectation and indeed

hotlines and related communication issues?

may lead to further harm. The provision of good, evidence based simple advisory information for people affected about: a: normal

Greenberg: Yes…this is the sort of role that trauma-aware mental

psychological responses to the incident; b. self-care and c. where

health professionals should be able to advise on. However, many

to seek additional information and support is a good idea.

mental health professionals are not in fact very aware of traumatic stress responses so choose the professional carefully.

VIP-News: To my knowledge the issue of mental care taking in a worst case scenario at an event is for the majority of

VIP-News: How is the issue of mental care taking considered

concert promoters until now not widely considered. Are

within the planning and preparation of large scale events

there any considerations or perhaps even guidelines as to

such as Olympic Games or Football tournaments and what

how promoters should or could prepare themselves for such

can promoters of smaller events learn from this?

situations?

Greenberg: Not sure…you’ll have to ask those that plan large scale Greenberg: For their staff I would recommend the UKPTS

events…suspect mental health is not thought about too much.

guidelines as a starting point - see: www.ukpts.co.uk/site/assets/ UKPTS-Guidance-Document-120614.pdf

VIP-News: When looking at the websites of festivals and concert promoters there are occasional news and statements

VIP-News: What are your recommendations for promoters

referring to what happened in Manchester. Nevertheless, the

to train and to educate their staff on how to handle extreme

majority of promoters have not mentioned or commented

situations at events?

on this. However, would you say it is better not to inform the audience and fans about increased safety measures at

Greenberg: See above link. We know that training managers about

their events or is an open communication strategy more

how to take pragmatic and mental health aware actions in the

appropriate these days?

aftermath of traumatic incidents is important. This is especially so for junior managers of teams which are involved in the traumatic

Greenberg: I would be open and honest. If you provide people

incident (directly or as a responder). There is also good evidence

with good information they can make an informed choice. Also, if

that having an established peer support network in place (such

you wish those at an event to follow a safety plan in the case of a

as TRiM – trauma risk management – see http://www.kcl.ac.uk/

major incident then you need to make the plan simple and ideally

kcmhr/publications/assetfiles/2015/Whybrow2015.pdf) is a good

let them know what it is before the incident happens.

Need to know who is touring Europe?

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

8

®

VIP NEWS >

MAY 2017

AEG to operate Friends Arena in Sweden From VIP-Daily News AEG has entered into a multi-year agreement to manage the biggest stadium in the Nordics,

Bob Newman

Stockholm’s 75,000-capacity Friends Arena.

“We are honoured to support Friends Arena, an elite venue that complements our other facilities in the marketplace,” comments Bob Newman, president of

Located in Solna, in Stockholm county around

AEG Facilities. “Its location in a growing

five miles north of the city, Friends Arena is

and vibrant office, residential and retail

home to the Swedish national football team

environment has created a unique, world-

and All-Swedish league club AIK, and hosts a

class destination.”

regular programme of concerts, family shows and other live events.

Arenabolaget i Solna board member Klaus Friends Arena becomes the sixth AEG-

Hansen adds: “In AEG, with its extensive

It is owned by Arenabolaget in Solna, a

operated venue in Stockholm, joining

international network and experience,

joint venture between the Swedish Football

Tele2Arena (30,000-cap.), Söderstadion

we’ve found a partner with an excellent

Association and property company Fabege.

(13,000-cap.), Ericsson Globe (16,000-

reputation with whom we can continue to

“Friends Arena [is] an elite venue that

cap.), the Hovet (9,300-cap.) ice-hockey

develop the events experience at Friends

complements our other facilities in the

stadium and the Annexet (3,700-cap.)

Arena while positioning the Stockholm

marketplace”

conference and events centre.

region internationally.”

Sabaton at Friend Arena Stockholm

9

VIP NEWS >

MAY 2017

The Top Five Visa Mistakes Allan McGowan am@vip-booking.com

Many acts hoping to play the US, and other territories requiring Visas, have been disappointed by being turned away because of problems with their visa applications; many acts heading for SXSW this year weren’t allowed in to play their booked showcases. As part of the BPI-supported CMU Insights Export Conference at this year’s Great Escape, the founder of entertainment industry visa and immigration services company Viva La Visa, Andy Corrigan, presented a session on the top five visa mistakes commonly made by musicians prior to travelling to perform internationally.

Our friends at CMU completemusicupdate.com who put together the Great Escape conference sessions arranged this session. Chris Cooke of CMU has kindly allowed us to include these interesting and important details in this issue.

The top five visa mistakes made by

Sometimes artists will look online and see

“this person has been invited to perform at

musicians:

information about different visas that says

this private showcase - allow them to enter”,

this element of the process takes this many

and the authorities usually did. But this

As part of the BPI-supported CMU Insights

days, this element this many days, and then

year that didn’t always work, and we saw

Export Conference at this year’s Great

they add that together and assume that’s all

people’s ESTAs being revoked, sometimes

Escape, the founder of entertainment

the time they need.

mid-flight, or before they travelled.

company Viva La Visa, vivalavisa.co.uk

But that doesn’t take into account the delays

This raises the question, what visa do you

Andy Corrigan, presented a session on the

which can often occur. And people routinely

need for the US? Our conclusion at the

top five visa mistakes commonly made by

underestimate the time needed at the top

moment is that you should always get a

musicians before heading out to perform

end, before anything is submitted, getting

work visa to be on the safe side. That applies

internationally.

all the information and documentation

to whatever type of performances you’re

together for a visa. Things take longer than

doing. Remember, the previous system was

Here are Corrigan’s top five tips to greatly

you expect, and rush jobs end up costing

based on an opinion rather than an edict

reduce the chances of your artists being

more.

from the American government, and it

industry visa and immigration services

refused entry as they go global.

1

doesn’t seem to work now.

2

The ultimate decision over whether or not

Don’t get the wrong visa

Don’t leave it too late

you are allowed into the country to play is down to the official you meet on the border.

This was the issue that caused problems

If they think you’re coming in to work and

The most common problem we encounter

around SXSW this year. There used to be

you’re on a visitor’s visa, they will Google you

is artists simply not allowing sufficient time

an opinion, in part communicated by SXSW

and see if you have any dates booked. If they

to properly process all the visas they need.

itself, that people coming from overseas to

refuse you entry, you get turned around and

It’s difficult, we know, because while the

only play official showcases didn’t require a

sent home, plus you’ll find it more difficult

bigger artists plan their tours a long time

work visa, and could travel into the US on

in the future to get a visa. And you won’t be

in advance, for smaller artists offers can

either an ESTA or a visitor’s visa.

able to travel on an ESTA again.

problems we have to tackle is a lack of

This had mainly worked for the last four

Other territories have different categories of

planning on the artist’s side.

years. SXSW produced a letter that said,

visa as well.

come in late in the day. But one of the major

10

VIP NEWS >

MAY 2017

China does, and these are slightly grey

inadmissible because of the criminal record,

Typically, we’ll have clients who come to

areas. The norm is to go in on business visas,

but in US visa law there’s what’s known as

us for a whole world tour. At the moment

rather than work visas, because things are

a waiver.

we’re doing Ed Sheeran, and they came to

still in a state of flux in China. But you still

So, for every conviction there’s a direct

us before the start of the tour to talk about

have to know what your visa entitles you to

waiver to counter it, to say that you can

immigration and visas for the next two

do, in case you’re questioned. In India, if you

be admitted. That process takes longer -

years. We had a meeting and talked through

apply for a media visa - or anything that’s

typically six months for the State Department

figures, in the same way they would for

perceived to be a media visa - it will get held

to adjudicate - though once you’ve done

their sound supplier, and lighting, staging...

up an extra two weeks, so often people

it the first time, in theory subsequent visa

all the other tour supplies. It’s a cost, like

travel to India on business visas.

applications should be quicker.

every other tour cost.

Basically, you need to be really clear on what you’re going to be doing when you are in any one country and what your visa allows

It can be made cheaper if you allow more

4

Don’t forget that rules can

time. But to be honest, American work visas

change

are expensive for a new emerging act. It’s

you to do.

3

Don’t lie on the form

going to be at least £3000 or £4000 by Rules change, and one of our jobs as a

the time you get to the US, and that’s a

visa company is to keep up to date with

significant amount of money. But that’s the

all the changes in both the rules and any

way it is. The UK music industry is lobbying

interpretations of those rules. And it’s not

to try to change it - the Musicians’ Union

easy, because the relevant authorities don’t

and ourselves and other organisations are

This mainly applies to America as well. In

necessarily have PR departments - they

trying to get it more cost effective - but at

American immigration law, they set great

don’t always tell you everything.

the moment we’re stuck with it, and it’s not

store by misrepresentation.

a very high priority for the US government.

For instance, there has been a change for

An artist’s touring contract might state

If you’re ineligible to enter the US for

UK passport holders travelling to Canada, in

that all immigration costs are borne by the

some reason - say, because of a criminal

that they’ve now introduced an ESTA-type

promoter. Particularly if you’re going to, say,

record - it can be a grey area, because

system - an electronic visa. You fill in a form

South Korea, that would probably be the

it depends on whether the crime that

online, and one of the questions on the

case, or Australia for something one-off.

you’ve committed is sufficiently serious.

form is ‘have you committed any offences?’,

But America, not so much, because trips to

However, misrepresentation - lying - is a

so you have the same situation as America.

the US tend to be longer and you tend to be

very clear cut offence. And so they can say,

If you put ‘no’ and they find out that you

contracting with more than one promoter,

if you misrepresent anything on any visa

have, then you’ll be thrown out. If you

and probably many. So sometimes it works

application, then you’re inadmissible. It’s

put ‘yes’, then you’ll be inadmissible to

to put immigration costs in the promoter

really simple. And it happens a lot.

Canada and you’ll require a waiver, which

contract, sometimes it doesn’t, but it is

takes several weeks. That potentially puts

definitely worth considering.

We know from practical experience that

people who haven’t had problems playing

when people are questioned at the border,

in Canada in the past into a situation where

so...

they’re much more likely to be looked kindly

now they will.

completemusicupdate.com vivalavisa.co.uk

upon if they answer truthfully and appear to be open. And we always advise applicants that when they go for their visa interview at the US embassy to be as open and

5

Don’t forget to budget for visa costs

straightforward and honest as they possibly can be, and appear to be so too.

You can do most visa processing by yourself, but generally people find it helpful to use

If you have any criminal convictions, there’s

an expert. In terms of budgeting, I think it’s

a process you need to go through, by

good to speak to a visa company early on,

which you get a UK police certificate which

and a good one should give you an idea of

outlines your convictions. You take that with

how to budget for your entire immigration

you to the visa interview. They’ll say you’re

costs.

11

Eurosonic Noorderslag is the non-profit, European acts only, showcase festival and conference in Europe. Our mission statement is simple: getting results for European acts.

To get results Eurosonic Noorderslag cooperates with over 100 Festivals in the European Talent Exchange Programme (ETEP). Festivals are invited to attend Eurosonic and to book the performing acts they want for their festival. In this way, a circulation of ETEP acts across the continent is stimulated.

Over the last 14 years, ETEP has realized a total of 3091 shows by 1082 artists from a mere 31 countries at 100 ETEP festivals: proving to be the most successful project to get music to travel across the European continent.

Here is the amazing list of the 2017 ETEP festivals.

Arezzo Wave Love Festival (IT), ARTmania Festival (RO), Bad Bonn Kilbi Festival (CH), Beautiful Days (GB), Best Kept Secret (NL), Bilbao BBK Festival (ES), Bizkaia International Music Experience (ES), Body & Soul Festival (IE), Bråvalla Festival (SE), c/o Festival Cologne (DE), Cactusfestival (BE), Chiemsee Summer (DE), Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival (US), Colours of Ostrava (CZ), Das Fest (DE), Dour Festival (BE), Down The Rabbit Hole (NL), End of the Road Festival (GB), Europavox (FR), Exit Festival (RS), Festival Number 6 (GB), Frequency Festival (AT), G! Festival (DK), Galapagai (LT), Glastonbury (GB), Green Man (GB), Greenfield Festival (CH), Gurtenfestival (CH), Haldern Pop (DE), Happiness Festival (DE), Highfield (DE), Home Festival (IT), Hurricane Festival (DE), Iceland Airwaves (IS), Ilosaarirock (FI), INmusic Festival (HR), Juicy Beats (DE), Krakow Live Festival (PL), Larmer Tree Festival (GB), Le Printemps de Bourges (FR), Les 3 Éléphants (FR), Les Ardentes (BE), Les Eurockéennes de Belfort (FR), Les Nuits de Botanique (BE), Les Recontres Trans Musicales de Rennes (FR), Linecheck Music Meeting & Festival (IT), Lollapalooza Berlin (BE), Lowlands (NL), Maifeld Derby Mannheim (DE), MaMA Event (FR), Melt! (DE), MENT Ljubljana (SI), Milhoés de Festa (PT), Montreux Jazz Festival (CH), NorthSide Festival (DK), Nova Rock (AT), Off Festival Katowice (PL), Open’er Festival (PL), OpenAir St. Gallen (CH), Orange Blossom Special (DE), Orange Warsaw Festival (PL), Øyafestivalen (NO), Paléo Festival Nyon (CH), Parkpop (NL), Pinkpop (NL), Pohoda (SK), Positivus Festival (LV), Primavera Sound (ES), Provinssi Festival (FI), Pukkelpop (BE), Reeperbahn Festival (DE), Rocco del Schlacko (DE), Rock am Ring (DE), Rock en Seine (FR), Rock for People (CZ), Rock in Rio (PT), Rock Werchter (BE), Rock-a-Field (LU), Rockwave Festival (GR), Rolling Stone Weekender (DE), Roskilde (DK), Ruisrock (FI), Siren Festival (IT), Slottsfjell (NO), Southside Festival (DE), Spring Break Showcase Festival & Conference (PL), Super Bock Super Rock (PT), Szene Open Air (AT), Sziget (HU), T in the Park (GB), Taksirat Festival (MK), Tallinn Music Week (EE), Taubertal Festival (DE), The Great Escape (GB), The Secret Garden Party (GB), Tinderbox (DK), United Islands of Prague (CZ), Vida Festival (ES), Vieilles Charrues (FR), Waves Vienna (AT), Way Out West (SE), WestWay Lab Festival (PT), What’s Next in Music (LT), Winterthurer Musikfestwochen (CH), Ypsigrock (IT) and Zurich Openair (CH).

GET CONNECTED AND FOLLOW OR JOIN OUR EFFORTS MAININ PARTNERS SPREADING THE BEST AND CURRENT EUROPEAN MUSIC! Go to ETEP.NL for more information or come out and attend Eurosonic Noorderslag on 17-20 January, 2018.

VIP NEWS >

MAY 2017

Let’s Talk Politics with Audrey Guerre of Live DMA Manfred Tari mt@vip-booking.com For this issue of our series Let’s Talk Politics,

VIP-News: According to media reports

Audrey Guerre: I don’t like to put things

VIP-News

Guerre,

Emmanuel Macron is a passionate

into boxes, especially in music, and I

Managing Director of the live music

piano player, even being nicknamed

know for sure that it is possible to enjoy

association Live DMA, an European network

the “Mozart of the Elysée.” However,

both

of 17 live music associations in 13 countries,

musicians devoted to classical music

albums. Still, it is true that the French

representing more than 2.500 music venues

have played the same old compositions

political class tends to remain in it’s own

and festivals. Guerre has served since 2014

for more than 300 years. Can those

community. Emmanuel Macron, as well

as a coordinator of Live DMA, taking care of

fans who rather like popular music

as many of his collaborators, comes from

the organisation’s relationship management

expect someone like Macron that to do

political sciences schools and ENA. It surely

with policy makers, institutions and other

something new and meaningful for the

reproduces a certain culture in power. Yet,

European networks.

support of the music sector?

French cultural policies rely on the Ministry

of Culture and competent departments

approached

Audrey

Mozart’s

Requiem

and

Gojira’s

with whom music associations (such as our members FEDELIMA or Culture BarBars) have built a trusting relationship and prove that it possible to work in concert. In spite of that, we must maintain vigilance, especially regarding the labour law and the risks related to the ‘Uberisation’ of our sector or the withdrawal of the State to the market. Emmanuel Macron is open to trade agreements such as CETA or TAFTA while the cultural sector thinks it is a huge risk for our economic diversity.

VIP-News: How much are conservative and nationalistic tendencies in French politics a threat for concert clubs and venues?

Audrey: I recognize that French cultural policies can be seen as constraining in some cases, but this is done to preserve a kind of vision - culture is not simply merchandise which I think is really important. Nowadays, cities and local authorities are the main funders for culture while culture is not one of their compulsory jurisdictions. It can be seen as an opportunity for some of the clubs and venues, but it also creates a regional competition and more inequalities.

Audrey Guerre -Live DMA

In this way, the State must not give up its responsibility in terms of regulation to

13

VIP NEWS >

MAY 2017

ensure a dense territorial coverage. It is also

VIP-News: In the past it was the former

practises, and a very wide audience – has a

a way to recognise the cultural and social

culture minister Jack Lang who paved

lot of cards to play in this dynamic.

value of the music venues in their daily

the way for still existing initiatives

activities, from a perspective of general

such as Fetes De La Musique or Bureau

VIP-News:

interest.

Export De La Musique. But unlike

Europe Politicians and officials still

today’s

have

generation

of

politicians,

very

everywhere

conservative

in

mindset

VIP-News: France is one of the very

Lang was not known for needing

when it comes to the support of music.

few countries in Europe that has

studies

convince

In terms of culture politics they have

already installed support programmes

him to launch these projects. Are

no problems in providing substantial

for popular music, in the late eighties/

politicians nowadays more focused on

funding for the film sector and so called

nineties. Would you say that culture

bureaucratic proceedings instead of

high culture such as for opera houses

politics in France is more progressive

being innovative and progressive?

or museums. However popular music

and

surveys

to

than in the rest of Europe?

matters for many people in the society

Audrey: I would say that it is much easier

and especially for younger people,

Audrey: Several Live DMA members look at

to be innovative when there is everything

what do you think, is this due to a lack

the French situation with some envy, but

left to be done! Today, we must re-balance

of understanding or of interest?

French music policies remain one model

and reinvent the cultural policies, therefore

among the others. The structure of the

sectorial observation and understanding is

Audrey: In France, it is often said that we

music sector in Europe, because it started

absolutely necessary. In terms of efficiency,

like to create boxes for everything: this

at different periods, has led to different

the challenge then is to organise the

would create an elitist highly subsidised

issues and different levels of recognition

information to get a clear strategy and

kind of music and the rest would be

by the public authorities. Everywhere, the

maybe simplify the administration.

commercial music owned by profitable

inception of Live DMA members, which

14

a

Almost

companies. The problem is that we do not

are regional or national associations of

French policy makers also need to affirm

fit in any of those boxes, but it is easier to

music venues and festivals, has been a

new positions. “Cultural rights[1]” must

switch us from one to another whenever

driving force to professionalise the sector

be at the core of our cultural policies. The

it suits the best. Live DMA music venues &

and develop adapted policies. France

“democratisation” was not as successful

festivals are programming an interbreeding

has the chance to have good live music

as expected; it was supposed to bring

of music genres, from a small (50) to large

equipment and music venues can develop

arts and culture to a larger audience, but

(1000+) audience capacity, and 64% are

a wide range of activities, such as rehearsal

the mistake was to consider that it exists

non-profit

rooms for young bands or community work

as a legitimate culture vs. an uneducated

foundations…). Of the 36% of companies

activities, with less profitability pressures.

crowd. Cultural Rights bring the idea that

left, most of them actually get no profit

But the error would be to think that French

we must recognize all kinds of culture; and

from the concert activity, as on average,

venues are at the top and that the process

give them access to the same means so

ticket incomes do not cover the venue’s

is achieved. There are always counterparts,

that each one of us can blossom through

programme costs (which represent 30% of

and French music venues can learn as much

the culture of its choice. The popular

its overall costs). This is why we started to

from each other than the rest of their

music sector - by gathering a large range

call ourselves the independents, and why

European peers.

of artistic diversity, professional & amateur

we are fighting to raise interest about our

organisations

(associations,

VIP NEWS >

MAY 2017

realities, through data and hard facts (with

Nordic countries, and even take part in

live music sector need new and better

The Survey), and the development of a

some of our member’s activities, while their

regulation so that the gap between

strong communication strategy.

installation is much more contentious in

small

France. I absolutely think that official bodies

smaller than in the record industry?

VIP-News:

Almost

big

companies

become

in

must affirm their regulatory responsibility,

Europe we see a significant market

and I also think we must allow this debate

Audrey: Yes, we need to think about

concentration

within our network to understand the

a global redistribution system, where

of the live music sector. Market and

different

members,

the main distributors can fund artistic

competition authorities hardly take

especially in France, are making music,

creation and invest in grassroots venues,

these developments under scrutiny.

not profit out of music. We are definitely

where almost all bands start their career.

From Live DMA point of view, do

not working on the same scale as those

However, Live Nation already started to

you wish that responsible official

corporations and this is what makes the

buy small clubs and use this opportunity

bodies should intervene to stop these

debate more political than economic.

to proclaim their diversity. Diversity seems

and

everywhere

and

corporatisation

cases.

Live

DMA

tendencies or come up with proper

to be a nice catchall term, so we must

countermeasures that provide better

VIP-News: Live Nation like every other

question it, not in artistic terms only, but

and

transnational corporate company is

to prove how economic diversity is an

hardly paying any income tax. Small

essential prerequisite to maintain cultural

stronger

support

for

smaller

companies or organisations?

music venues or concert companies

and artistic diversity. This is why Live DMA

Audrey: Market concentration is a globalised

instead invest in the development

network is based on an ethic charter,

issue but there are different positions in our

of talents, but do not benefit in the

where artistic and economic diversity, as

European network regarding this topic. Big

same way from the success of artists

well as political co-construction are the

corporations are well established in several

once they become bigger. Does the

main pillars.

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23.11.16 09:58

15

VIP NEWS >

MAY 2017

Where Does Music Stand Pre and Post Election in the Political Manifestos Allan McGowan am@vip-booking.com As many will be aware, we have a General

Mark Davyd, CEO of MVT said: “Grassroots

Election coming up in the UK, on June 8

Music Venues are vital incubators of talent,

to be precise. With Brexit bearing down

the ignition system of a global industry that

upon us and many uncertainties about how

is worth £4.1billion to the UK economy.

the winners (although it’s fairly inevitable

In 2016, UK artists accounted for 7 of the

that Mrs May will get in….) will deal with

year’s top-10 best-selling artist albums in

the support, or otherwise, of culture, and

the world. If we want future UK musicians

particularly from our point of view, music.

to continue to produce that music for us, they, and the technicians, crew, promoters,

At The Great Escape, representatives of four

Read the UK Music Manifesto here.

of the parties accepted an invitation to tell

security who work with them, deserve world-class Grassroots Music Venues to

us where and how, if at all, music featured

MVT Strategic Director Beverley Whitrick

create, develop and grow that music. We’ve

in their manifestos. The invitations were

then responded with the specific detailed

been researching, discussing and debating

extended by The Music Venues Trust, who

proposals from MVT that focus on the

what’s happened to our Grassroots Music

have published their own manifesto for

needs of Grassroots Music Venues. The

Venue touring circuit for the last three years.

Music Venues.

Trust says it’s Time for Action on Grassroots

It’s time for action. We are laying out three

Music Venues. The Manifesto contains three

deliverable, achievable, and sensible actions

The event commenced with a presentation

commitments MVT is asking prospective

a future government can take to support

by Tom Kiehl of UK Music, the umbrella

MPs to make as part of their election

them to achieve their full potential. We

body for the commercial music industry,

campaigns.

want every prospective MP to read those

of the UK Music Manifesto (there’s a lot

commitments and pledge to support them”

of these about!), produced for the 2017

1. Reform Cultural Funding - Invest in GMV

Party representatives including Baroness

General Election on behalf of the whole

Infrastructure

Maggie

music industry, focusing on the main

2. Take Action to Increase and Reward

(Conservatives), Lord Tim Clement-Jones

priorities to enable the sector to thrive.

Private Investment

(Lib Dem) and Amelia Womack (Green) then

3. Cut Red Tape and Reduce Costs

discussed their responses to the Manifestos,

Jones

(Labour),

Joe

Miller

The manifesto is aimed at all political parties

in a panel moderated by Phil Nelson of

contesting the June 8 election and sets out a

BIMM. The party representatives have by

five-point plan to build the right framework

now, hopefully passed on the information

for the industry in the coming years as the

to their relevant colleagues – we wait to

next Government leads Brexit negotiations

hear how this will be integrated into the

and plans for a future beyond the EU.

next government’s approaches to music.

UK Music wants to ensure the continued prosperity of the music sector, which contributes £4.1 billion to the economy and employs almost 120,000 people by calling for action in the following fields: • International Action • Regional Development • Intellectual Property • Skills and Education • Finance and Investment

16

Beverley Whitrick

Mark Davyd

VIP NEWS >

NAMES & JOBS

MAY 2017

Jon Webster has stepped down as Music

appointment to the MMF two years later.

Managers Forum (MMF) president in order

Explaining his decision, Jon said: ‘This

to pursue a number of external projects.

process began in 2015 when I told the board

New President at Entertainment Agents’ Association

I wanted to stop being CEO.

From VIP-Daily News

after working as chief executive officer

‘All organisations need change to evolve

The UK’s Agents’ Association has a new

(CEO) of the organisation for eight years.

and my involvement was coming to an end.

President and a new name. The new

During his tenure, he led an overhaul of the

Annabella Coldrick was recruited as CEO

President

MMF to ensure it could represent the latest

and has proved to be the exact person that

of Sheffield-based The Act Store. The

generation of artist managers and deal with

we needed to take the MMF forward in an

new name is the Entertainment Agents’

the challenges of the digital era. Starting his

increasingly policy led environment. I am

Association, which is actually its old name,

career as a record shop assistant, Jon spent

very proud of what we have achieved in the

with the word ‘entertainment’ returning

the bulk of his time at Virgin – joining as sales

last 10 years although there is still much to

to reflect the trade body’s representation

manager in 1981, and eventually becoming

do particularly in the area of transparency

of “reputable agents from all walks of the

managing director in 1988. During that

and fairness for artists and managers.’

entertainment industry”.

He continued: ‘I am not retiring but want

The rebrand also comes amidst plans to

to concentrate on writing my memoir

increase the profile of the trade group for

Striking out on his own in 1992, he worked

about my time at Virgin before taking a

booking agents, both in political circles and

closely with acts including Genesis, Peter

long hard look at the world and deciding

within the music community. According to

Gabriel, UB40, Mike & The Mechanics, Baby

what lies ahead. I am very happy to leave

IQ, new President Tomlinson says: “This is an

Bird, Die Toten Hosen and Erasure, as well as

the MMF in the capable hands of the team

exciting time to take on the role of president

founding the Mercury Music Prize.

and the board. I will try to be available if

as we focus on moving the Entertainment

a temporary extra pair of hands is ever

Agents’ Association forward to play a

He joined the BPI as director of Independent

needed as the MMF holds a significant

more visible role in lobbying government,

Member Services in 2005, before his

place in my heart.’

identifying new entertainment trends and

Webster steps down as MMF President From VIP-Daily News

“Webbo” took up the role in January 2016

is

Neil

Tomlinson,

director

period, he was instrumental in devising the Now! That’s What I Call Music brand.

anticipating any potential barriers to trade

Jon Webster

for the benefit of our members”.

Neil Tomlinson

17

VIP NEWS > BUSINESS >

MUSIC IN SHARES

MAY 2017

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

to spend the money fon the acquisition of a UK company and to

Q1 2017 - Above Expectations

finance its growth strategy. The shares can be traded from May 26 having previously been placed in the period from May 5 to 22.

CTS Eventim delivers more than solid figures for 1st quarter of 2017. With the revenue up 27 per cent from 163.2 to 207.4 million

The “watered” share price decreased from previously 3.15 to 2.53

Euro, the company reported growth in both its business segments,

Euro.

Ticketing and Live Entertainment. Very the growth rate for its Live Entertainment division appears impressive, with the reported revenue moving up from previously 79.6 to 116.3 million Euro, a plus

Live Nation

of 46.2 per cent.

Q1 Results And News Flow Lift Share Price

The ticketing arm of the Company increased its revenue by 9.2 per

Revenue up from $1.2 billion in Q1-2016 to $1.4 billion in Q1-2017

cent, from 84.8 to 92.6 million Euro. The Earnings Before Taxes,

is backing the positive trend for the company’s share price: From

Interests, Depreciation and Amortisation went up from 38.8 to 45.7

$31.64 on April 24 up to $34.20 this time.

million Euros.

Additionally Live Nation created some news flow with spectacular From the last reported share price of 37.13 on April 24, by May 26

deals such as the one with Jay Z, supposed to provide the artists a

the share went up to 37.23 Euro.

payment of $200 million for a ten year period The Manchester terror attack on the concert of Live Nation artist

DEAG

Arianne Grande only caused a slip of one per cent on the day after

New Shares Deliver Cash

the event. However, analysts who in their research reports covered the latest Q1 results of CTS Eventim included an advice that the

18

DEAG reported that it issued 2 million new shares, providing the

risk of terror attacks can affect share prices of corporate concert

company with additional capital of 4.9 million Euros. DEAG intends

companies in the future.

VIP NEWS > MISC >

MEMBER PRESENTATION

MAY 2017

discount at the Hotel of Ice and the Brukenthal Palace.

We created a brand that we want to

ARTIST AVAILS DIZZEE RASCAL Territory: Europe Period: 2017 Agency: Primary Talent International Agent: Peter Elliot Phone: +44 20 7400 4500 E-mail: peter_elliott@primarytalent.com Homepage: www.dizzeerascal.co.uk

develop, a name which people to hear, so we guarantee sustained activity for a long-term. We don’t hide, we work transparently and with respect German Quality Entertainment, a

for the artist and spectator, partner,

Romanian event company, launched in

collaborator, also trying to solve in a

the summer of 2014 by the well known

short time, the issues it may appear.

German businessman and entrepreneur

We put at your disposal the phone

born in Romania, Christian Thomas

number of the Communication Office,

Raetscher, who has an experience in

which will solve the situations. It is not

this activity for over 25 years.

easy, but we find the strength to move

ABBA MANIA Territory: Worldwide Period: On demand Agency: Richard Walter Productions Agent: Jean-Hugues Feugeas Phone: +33 432 600 599 E-mail: jh@rwprod.net Homepage: www.rwprod.org/en/artistes/abba-mania.html

BLONDE REDHEAD Territory: Europe Period: July - August 2017 Agency: Ponderosa Music and Art Agent: Giuseppe Ponti E-mail: giuseppe@ponderosa.it

forward through the music.

German Quality Entertainment aimed from the beginning to have as a

Music represents the engine that

main objective the first class live

put in motion this great industry

performances! Therefore, we provide

that everyone of us at some moment

German quality for viewers, the most

will enjoy!

impeccable

sound

with

PHIL RUDD BAND (EX AC/DC) Territory: Europe Period: April to June 2017 inclusive Agency: Fizzion and Frusion Agent: Ian Smith Phone: +44 77 9169 9889 E-mail: ian@frusion.co.uk Homepage: www.fizzion.eu/artist.php?id=139

equipment

brought from the most prestigious

A company that promotes the quality

sound companies in Munich. We have

and not quantity, gathering around

a team of professionals who manage

a premium audience and sustaining

with spectators, a department that has

the

assumed crisis management during the

educational

concerts. And as we very well know, the

remaining the real passion!

Romanian

tourism

programs,

abroad but

in

music

well-done things cannot been achieved being isolated, we are looking for and we

In some cases, the link between German

are open to collaborations with trustfull

Quality Entertainment and foreign artists

partners, offering mutual support, along

which Christian Raetscher has now in its

with partners that we want to work on

portfolio are very closely connected to

a long-term basis.

Romania: Sandra, ex-wife of well-known

MAXIMO PARK Territory: Europe Period: 2017 Agency: Primary Talent International Agent: Matt Bates Phone: +44 20 7400 4500 E-mail: matt@primarytalent.com Homepage: www.maximopark.com

DIE KRUPPS Territory: Europe exl. Germany Period: September 2017 Agency: IBD / Agent: Sabine Waltz Phone: +49 8202 9049870 E-mail: sabine@ibdbooking.de Homepage: www.die-krupps.de

Romanian composer Michael Cretu, Ticket prices have been designed for

BZN, Schoenbrunn Palace Orchestra etc.

all types of employees, so any music lovers who wants to come to our shows

The story will continue along with

may purchase a ticket in advance. Also,

our artists and spectators!

any holder of the German Quality Entertainment

ticket

has

a

50%

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

Thank you very much! Enjoy the music!

®

Blonde Redhead vip-booking.com

19