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PREMIUM > VOLUME 193 > SEPTEMBER 2016
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VIP NEWS >
SEPTEMBER 2016
McGowan’s
Musings
It’s been a pretty full on Indian Summer
objections the event moved to Trepptower
So, that’s how we spend an Autumn month
– I’m not complaining! - September for
Park, and Fruszina Szep and her team
in pursuit of things that you readers should
many of us music business types. Berlin was
deserve our congratulations on presenting a
get to know about – tiring, but fulfilling,
the first port of call for a highly enjoyable
highly successful festival event, overcoming
I think you’ll agree! And it doesn’t stop
visit to the second edition of Lolapalooza;
all the odds. Wasn’t I just saying in last
there; this week sees the second sold-
with last year’s Tempelhof Airport site
month’s edition what enterprising people
out edition of the International Festival
having been reallocated to house refugees,
many of these festival organisers are?
Forum bring a mass of agents and festival
the organisers were presented with the
organisers and bands to Camden Town in
problem of finding a new site capable
Unlike, I must say, the management of
North London. Then it’s only a few ever
of accommodating 70,000 people a day
Southern Rail, who seem incapable of
shortening days till this year’s 7th edition
attracted by the likes of Radiohead, Kings
running
of the MaMA event in Paris. www.mama-
of Leon and others. In the face of many
Brighton, and other areas of the South
trains
between
London
and
event.com.
Coast, meaning that I couldn’t make it to
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
2
Grosvenor House for the Live & Ticketing
There certainly seems to be no let up in the
Summit with MMF & Songkick – I was
number of trade events, and attendance
complaining! I did make it to London
seems to continue to grow for most of
though for Musexpo – the first UK edition
them. You should have seen the size of
of the annual L.A. event in the UK for six
the queue for raclette (hot cheese!) at the
years. Presented in cooperation with Music
Swiss Music Export reception!) It’s true
Week the standard of panels and panellists
to say that they’ve become an industry
was very high; though the number of
in themselves, and the greatest threat to
delegates
showcases
some seems to be that they become victims
at the legendary 100 Club were well
of their own success. A lot of people cite
attended. Next stop back to Germany for
SXSW as an event that has just become too
another successful Reeperbahn Festival,
big, but the giant still pulls in the numbers,
with numbers again up on last year, with
which indicates that if long-term delegates
the organisers Inferno Events thanking
are dropping out then the shortfall is
38,000 fans including 4,400 international
presumably made up of completely new
delegates from 40 nations for attending.
delegates, which is in theory good for
All of the VIP-Booking team were on duty
the business. Also, I do tend to see, and
in Hamburg, with only one of the worst
like to see the ‘family’, those international
Indian meals we’ve ever had putting a bit
professionals that appear on a regular basis
of a dampener on things – although in the
at the main events – that doesn’t seem to
end even this one-off mini-disaster had
change – so, I guess I’ll see you in Paris?
was
down,
the
to be laughed off! Reeperbahn tickets for September 20 -23 are already on sale at an
But in the meantime, Ladies and Gentlemen,
early bird rate of €124 plus VAT.
The News!
VIP NEWS >
SEPTEMBER 2016
Industry veterans launch new UK Promoter From VIP-Daily News Crosstown Concerts has launched in the UK
salaries by purchasing concert tickets, and
and providing fans with better–than–ever
by long-time promoters Paul Hutton, Conal
for too long they have not been treated
live experiences.”
Dodds and Fraser Duffin, the company has
with the respect they deserve.
set up offices in London and Bristol, and
Crosstown Concerts already has a number
has already put on its first show: Massive
“One of the key areas we will be tackling
of shows lined up across the UK, with acts
Attack’s homecoming sell-out on the
is secondary ticketing, which has a huge
such as the Pixies, Kano, Seasick Steve,
Bristol Downs on 3 September.
negative impact on the UK live music
M83, PJ Harvey, Super Furry Animals,
scene. We are committed to tackling the
Savages, Explosions in the Sky and Billy
problems surrounding the resale of tickets
Talent.
Crosstown has partnered with independent ticketing and concert discovery platform Songkick as part of its launch. Songkick will be the primary ticketing and technology partner across all Crosstown events. Hutton
celebrated
the
launch
in
a
statement, while also referencing the ongoing problems with secondary ticketing sites, which have been headline news in the music and live industry since last year’s Waterson report was published. “The most important people to us are the general public,” he said. “They pay our
Crosstown Concerts founders Paul, Conal and Fraser
New name for famous Dutch venue From VIP-Daily News From 2017 the famous Amsterdam venue Heineken Music Hall will
The internationally famous Heineken Music Hall opened its doors
change name to AFAS Live.
in 2001. The location is also known for its Hardstyle events such as Radical Redemption: The One Man Army, X-Qlusive B-Front and I Am
The software company will take over the popular venue after 15 years,
Hardstyle. The venue welcomes 600.000 visitors anually and the hall
because the company sees potential in the concert location. The
is able to accommodate 6.000 visitors.
company will shift its focus more towards the business market next to the concerts and events. The front of the location will get a new look and the corporate identity will be visible. Heineken will remain
Heineken Music Hall will change name in 2017
the brewer of the venue. The software company didn’t want to call the new location ‘AFAS Music Hall’, because they think that the words ‘Music Hall’ focus too much on music. The location is suited for more than only concerts and events. AFAS already sponsors other organisations like AZ & the circus theater in Scheveningen.
3
VIP NEWS >
SEPTEMBER 2016
CTS Eventim to operate venue in Copenhagen From VIP-Daily News Nordisk Film and CTS Eventim will operate
sporting events, conferences, shows and
design and construction will give the many
the iconic Danish venue K.B. Hallen when it
cultural events. With a capacity of up to
guests a great experience.
is rebuilt in 2018.
4,900, the new K.B. Hallen will offer a very flexible setup.
K.B. Hallen will re-establish itself as the
The recently formed joint-venture between Nordisk Film and German CTS Eventim will
leading culture and sports venue in the
”With its unique history and excellent
operate the venue. Eventim is the leading
Copenhagen area for both local and
location, K.B. Hallen is a strong brand and a
ticketing services provider and concert
international events.
venue with great potential. The new multi-
promoter in Europe, and already operates
purpose arena is perfect in size and will have
a number of iconic venues throughout
Radiohead, The Strokes, Katy Perry, The
state-of-the-art facilities, which can be used
Europa, e.g. Apollo in London, Waldbuehne
Rolling Stones, The Beatles, Laurel and
in many different ways.”, says CTS Eventim
in Berlin and Lanxess Arena in Cologne. The
Hardy, Bjørn Borg and Winston Churchill are
Senior Vice President, Rainer Appel.
parties have signed a 10 year agreement
just a few examples of the many artists and
with traditional sports club Kjobenhavns
personalities that have made K.B. Hallen an
“The new K.B.Hallen will match promoters’
Boldklub (K.B.) securing strong long term
iconic venue throughout the years.
and bookers’ needs perfectly as there is a
cooperation.
strong demand for a venue of this calibre A fire destroyed the original K.B. Hallen,
in the Copenhagen area,” adds director in
”For more than 70 years K.B. Hallen was
designed by Hans Hansen, in 2011. The
Nordisk Film, Asger Flygare Bech-Thomsen.
a cultural, musical, political and sporting
new arena, designed by Christensen & Co., is expected to be completed by the
The new K.B. Hallen will have excellent
Nordisk Film we have a strong local
end of 2018. After completion, it will once
access to public transportation – the
partner and with Eventim we get unique
again be the leading venue for cultural and
municipal plan for the area includes a
international expertise. At the same time,
sporting events in the Copenhagen area.
direct footpath to K.B. Hallen from the
KB will have an opportunity to use the
Nordisk Film and German CTS Eventim will
neighbouring train station of the same
venue as a sport training facility too” says
be operating K.B. Hallen as a modern multi-
name. The venue itself can be individually
Kjobenhavn Boldklub’s chairman of the
purpose arena with room for concerts, fairs,
tailored to fit an event, and its modern
board, Niels-Christian Holmstrøm.
K.B. Hallen will open in 2017
4
venue in the Copenhagen area. With
VIP NEWS >
SEPTEMBER 2016
Ticketmaster launches Seatwave in Sweden and Finland From VIP-Daily News This
latest
expansion
will
establish
Ticketmaster’s
resale
marketplaces in 16 markets including the Ticketmaster Resale platform in Australia, GET ME IN! brand in the United Kingdom, and TM+ and TicketsNow marketplaces in North America.
Ticketmaster has announced the launch of its industry-leading ticket resale marketplace Seatwave in Finland and Sweden. Seatwave, which was acquired by Ticketmaster in 2014, provides a platform for fans to sell tickets and a safe purchase option for events that might otherwise be sold out. Mark Yovich, President, Ticketmaster International said: “As the demand for resale tickets grows globally, the launch of Seatwave in Finland and Sweden enables us to provide more fans with the safest and most secure resale platform available.”
Mark Yovich
Mojo CEO steps down after nine months From VIP-Daily News Mojo Concerts’ CEO, Wilbert Mutsaers, has stepped down after less than nine months according to IQ Magazine. Mutsaers’s took the helmet of the Live Nation company last November, two weeks after the departure of former CEO Dick van Zuylen. According to IQ the decision was made mutually with “respect and harmony” and cited a “difference of opinion on the future of the company” as the reason for the split. Mojo also tells IQ the company is not currently seeking a replacement for Mutsaers, with his duties taken up by former CEOs Leon Ramakers and John Mulder. Mojo Concerts is the Netherlands’ largest touring and festival promoter owned by Live Nation.
6
Wilber Mutsaers
VIP NEWS >
SEPTEMBER 2016
Breakthrough Artist Manager Short List Revealed Allan McGowan am@vip-booking.com Jonathan Dickins will receive the Manager
Epworth as well as a host of developing and
of the Year Award at The Troxy on
successful creators.
They are:
November 24th. MMF Chief Executive Annabella Coldrick Adele’s 25 was released in November 2015,
said “I watched the campaign for 25
debuted at No.1 in 25 countries around the
unfold before joining the MMF. The voice
world smashing records for first week sales
of the artist shone through an impressive
and has sold in excess of 20 million copies
subtle, yet precise, global campaign that
to date. The ‘Hello’ video was the quickest
put the music first. Management is about
video ever to reach 100 million views on
sharing an artists’ vision and delivering
YouTube. Awards have been heaped upon
it and Jonathan delivered the last part of
awards and the live tour is just about to
the trilogy with exemplary skill. We are so
pause in the US after 107 dates worldwide.
pleased that he has accepted the Manager of the Year Award”
director
of
September
Eight
- Niko Michault, Jack Savoretti - Sam Stubbings, NAO/Mura Masa - Tobe Onwuka, Stormzy - Martha Kinn, Years & Years - Johnny Pinchard & Dan Bearman, Snakehips - Claire Southwick, Spring King - Steve Ambler & Matt Johnson, Oh Wonder
Jonathan Dickins is the founder and managing
- Amy Morgan, Glass Animals
management
teams
have
been
Management and the artist manager of
shortlisted for the Breakthrough Manager
multiple Grammy Award, Oscar and Golden
of the Year Award. Managers today
The winner will be announced on the night.
Globe winning artist Adele Adkins who he
are
disparate
The Artist and Manager Awards will
has managed from the start. September
entrepreneurial strategies for a wide range
take place at the Troxy on Thursday
now has a roster of 16 artists including
of artists and achieving success all over the
24th November 2016 and will again be
producer (and Adele collaborator) Paul
world.
supported by DICE
developing
increasingly
Jonathan Dickins
7
VIP NEWS >
SEPTEMBER 2016
A Difficult Summer? Allan McGowan am@vip-booking.com The predominance of the live sector of the music industry still maintains, but the release of UK Music’s annual Measuring Music
London city mayor Sadiq Khan
report 2016 indicates a drop of 2% in the value of the sector. Not an enormous amount you might think, but we have been used to receiving news of steady increases and this comes at a time of significant problems in various areas of live; the ongoing troubles of the grass roots venues, the never ending saga of secondary ticketing, (see reports in this issue), and the much talked about closure, following deaths from drug related incidents, of London club Fabric, with the Police being accused of being overly heavy – handed in insisting on closing the venue down.
Grass Roots Venues: London Mayor to Introduce Principle to Protect Venues: There is some good news for venues in London, City mayor Sadiq Khan has pledged to introduce the ‘agent of change’ principle
This rule, if and when introduced, would mean that when new
in the capital to help protect cultural venues from the licensing
residences are built near a venue, the responsibility to protect
nightmares that can result from property developers erecting new
against noise affecting the new properties would fall to the
residential properties alongside their buildings.
developer, rather than the venue. The lack of protection such as this has endangered numerous UK venues in recent years, such as The Night & Day Cafe in Manchester and Ministry Of Sound in London. Khan actually announced his plans to introduce the agent of change principle following the recent threat of closure of London’s Curzon cinemas due to offices above being converted into flats. “I intend to protect venues like the Curzon Mayfair by introducing an ‘agent of change’ rule into the next London Plan”, wrote Khan on Facebook. “Developers would be responsible for ensuring their new developments don’t threaten the future of existing venues. That would mean developers building flats near existing venues
The Night & Day Cafe, Manchester
will need to ensure that residents are not unduly affected by sound from the venue, and that may include paying for soundproofing”
Need to know who is touring Europe? Go online - www.vip-booking.com vip-booking.com
8
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12/13/14 OCT. 2016
120 CONCERTS PARIS - PIGALLE / MONTMARTRE
THE GATEWAY TO THE FRENCH MUSIC MARKET
3 DAYS OF INTERNATIONAL NETWORKING 50 KEYNOTES AND PANELS 15 VENUES 4600 PROFESSIONALS 250 SPEAKERS M@MA INVENT : THE INNOVATION AREA MORE INFOS AND PASSES : WWW.MAMAFESTIVAL.COM
VIP NEWS >
SEPTEMBER 2016
Music Venue Trust Announces FIGHTBACK Allan McGowan am@vip-booking.com
In continuance of their efforts to stop music venue closures across the country threatening the future of live music National charity Music Venue Trust has announced two projects; the first is a one-off evening of music, entitled FIGHTBACK in a bid to raise vital funds, and the second will present initiatives concerned with the themes of Bringing Down Venue Costs, Building Up Venues at Venues Day 2016:
FIGHTBACK invites music fans to gather
Mark Davyd of MVT explained: “We’re
at The Roundhouse in London on Tuesday
announcing an event which has no artists
18th October for a gig, which so far has
booked and no infrastructure confirmed
arranged no artists, bands, sound engineers
because this is urgent. What’s happening
or even lighting. MVT has launched an
to our music venues is an emergency,
appeal for headline and support artists to
which should concern every music fan,
come forward to support the event. Sound
every musician, and everybody working in
venues, is seeking to raise vital funds for
engineers, lighting technicians and backline
the music industry in the UK. As of 9am
its new nationwide initiative ‘Emergency
suppliers are also urged to contact the
this morning (September 19) we genuinely
Response’ which aims to directly stop
charity to share their expertise and make
don’t know who is playing. It might be me
music venue closures by tackling the number
FIGHTBACK happen.
with a ukulele and a bass drum tied to my
one root cause - the cost and complexity of
back, or it might be the biggest artist in the
legal advice and expert opinion on planning,
Ticket booking for FIGHTBACK opened
world. We’re asking music fans from across
development, noise and licensing issues.
on
the
London to please join us for just one night
Roundhouse website, with initial early-bird
Monday
to say loudly and clearly that we’ve all had
By filling in a simple online form, venues
tickets on sale for just £10. As artists are
enough of music venue closures and we
will be able to access the very best advice
confirmed, the ticket price will increase.
aren’t going to put up with it any more. We
from the UK’s leading experts on licensing,
hope musicians and music fans will believe
acoustics, noise, legal and tenancy issues
that’s a cause worth joining. If it turns out
with a guaranteed response in 72 hours.
someone who believed in that cause paid
Initial advice from the service will be free to
£10 to hear me whistle the national anthem
all Grassroots Music Venues in the UK which
and rant about the importance of venues
alone could save a venue £2,000 - £5,000.
for half an hour, then the cause will still be
worth it. And if you buy a ticket on Monday
Davyd said: “Too often, venues are going
for £10 and it ends up being stuffed full of
to the wall because they don’t get the
Brit Award winners and the people around
best advice they can as early as they can.
you paid £100, then lucky you”.
Developers and local authorities have got
deep pockets to pay for the best legal
The charity, which works to protect, secure
advice; venues need somebody in their
and improve the UK’s grassroots music
corner and that’s what we’re going to do.”
Mark Davyd
10
19
September
from
VIP NEWS >
SEPTEMBER 2016
Bringing Down Venue Costs, Building Up Venue Reputation Music Venue Trust has announced its series
across three years of work that tickets
of sessions at Venues Day 2016 aiming
in these venues should be exempt from
to give venues the information and direct
VAT. A method to do that already exists,
practical advice they need to drive down
deliberately created by the Treasury to
costs, increase audiences and improve
support cultural institutions and activities,
relationships with their key partners.
but music venues aren’t set up to take advantage of it. In this series of panels, we
Localism & Community is a series of six
are going to explain how to recognise and
panels featuring MPs, Councillors, Lawyers,
utilise such opportunities”.
Tax and Rate specialists, and a wide range
and advice on how being perceived that
of examples of best practice which will
MVT has gathered together experts from
way opens up access to rate relief, local and
encourage venues to restructure, relaunch
across a range of areas including licensing,
national grants.”
and re-examine how they manage key
planning,
partnerships.
structures, ticketing, grant funding and
Localism and Community will take place
politics.
across six panels at The Roundhouse on
noise,
rates,
VAT,
company
Beverley Whitrick of MVT explains: “One of
Tuesday 18 October as part of Venues Day
the key things we’ve noticed impacting on
“We’re aiming to make a big difference to
2016. Panellists already confirmed include:
the economic and political stability of music
how venues structure themselves, but also
Feargal Sharkey, Thangam Debbonaire MP,
venues is a failure to pick up on existing
how others see them,” continues Whitrick.
Cllr Jonathan Cooke (LB Wandsworth),
opportunities which are fully used by arts
“Your local music venue is a cultural and
Rebecca Walker (Sheffield Leadmill), Lohan
centres, theatres, museums, libraries and
social hub. We are going to give them
Presencer (Ministry of Sound), Vic Galloway
other parts of the cultural sector. On VAT,
advice on how to engage with local councils
(BBC Radio Sotland), Vanessa Reed (PRS for
for example, it’s been a running suggestion
to make sure they are perceived that way,
Music Foundation), Richard Robinson (Help Musicians UK), Eamonn Forde (Journalist), Jane Beese (Roundhouse), Nick Wright (Altus
RatesRecovery),
Mal
Campbell
(Hebden Bridge Trades Club), Guto Brychan (Clwb Ifor Bach). A full line up of the panellists, discussions, topics and opportunities for Venues Day is being released in the next two weeks. Venues Day 2016 is a one-day event, running from 10.30am - 6pm. General delegate passes are on sale now from: www.ticketweb.co.uk/event/245561 Venue representatives can apply for a free pass by emailing: beverley@musicvenuetrust.com Further event details are available from the
Beverley Whitrick
MVT website: www.musicvenuetrust.com
11
VIP NEWS >
SEPTEMBER 2016
Ticketing – Still Problematic Allan McGowan am@vip-booking.com business to continue to innovate to ensure our artists’ tickets reach their intended audience at the right price. We all know that
MP Sharon Hodgson to Put Pressure on UK Government re Secondary Ticketing:
this is a huge challenge. We are operating within a dysfunctional market, where the
MP
abuse of unregulated ticket resale websites
pressure on the UK Government concerning
FanFair Alliance and the Music Managers
is out of control. However, while we wait
secondary ticketing following fears that the
Forum (MMF) have published a guide to
for Government to act, it is essential that
issues raised by the Waterson Review would
help managers minimise the touting and
managers and music businesses develop
be ignored.
resale of their artists’ tickets on secondary
ticketing strategies that aim to disrupt the
ticketing websites.
touts and help fans. This guide marks a first
Professor Michael Waterson made a series
step towards that goal.”
of recommendations and called for greater
The guide, available as a free download from www.fanfairalliance.org,
Sharon
Hodgson
intends
to
put
enforcement of the Consumer Rights Act
offers
Measures advised in the guide include
2015 in his review of the resale sector,
Ten Tips To Beat The Touts, as well as case
applying tighter terms and conditions to
published in late May.
studies from leading managers and music
control transferability of tickets, such as
industry professionals - including Adam
printing names on tickets, ensuring fans
Four months later, with delays blamed
Tudhope
Pawson
have clear information about those terms at
on the EU referendum and the following
(Young Turks), Alex Bruford (ATC Live),
the point of sale and offering a face value
governmental disarray he is yet to receive
Angus Baskerville (13 Artists) and Richard
resale or reallocation option for ticket-
a response from Westminster. “I am
Jones (Key Music Management). It will be
buyers who are genuinely unable to attend
expecting a response, but I am concerned
circulated by the MMF to its 500 manager
an event
it will be pushed into the long grass,” said
(Everybody’s),
Caius
members.
Waterson. FanFair has also announced that a raft
The launch follows the Live & TIcketing
of leading ticketing services and direct-
Labour MP Hodgson, who is co-chair of
Summit at London’s Grosvenor House
to-consumer businesses have signed its
the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG)
Hotel, organised with Songkick and the
Declaration including Active Ticketing, DICE,
on ticket abuse, told Music Week: “The
MMF, which was attended by some of the
Music Glue, Pledge Music, Scarlet Mist,
government have sat on their hands for
UK’s leading music managers and booking
Songkick, Twickets and WeGotTickets.
too long in responding to the Waterson
agents. (But not your Editor, due to the joys of Southern Rail!) MP Sharon Hodgson also addressed the Summit , see below. Speaking at the launch, Mumford & Sons manager Adam Tudhope, co-founder of the FanFair Alliance, the recently-launched campaign against industrial-scale online ticket touting, described the guide as a “first step” towards pooling industry knowledge to fight back against touts and develop proconsumer ticketing strategies. He said: “When we launched FanFair in July of this year, we encouraged managers, agents, promoters and others in the live music
12
MP Sharon Hodgson
VIP NEWS >
SEPTEMBER 2016
Review, and it’s time that they got round to
responding
and
implementing
the
Meanwhile, the Competition and Markets
Rob Hallett
Authority is expected to publish the findings
recommendations set out in the review,
of its compliance review into the four largest
especially an investigation by the police and
secondary ticketing websites, by the end of
trading standards and the identification of
the year.
power-sellers.”
Two Leading Promoters Call on the Live Industry to Embrace Dynamic Pricing for Shows:
Hodgson wrote to new culture secretary Karen Bradley in August to reiterate the need for action. “I received a response saying that she is carefully considering the review’s
Speaking
recommendations and has offered to meet
at
last
week’s
MUSEXPO
Europe at the Millennium Hotel in Mayfair
with myself and other representatives from
of those people. I don’t think you will ever
London, Live Nation’s president of touring,
the Ticket Abuse APPG,” said Hodgson.
eliminate it, but you will reduce it.”
international, Phil Bowdery and Robomagic CEO Rob Hallett referred to dynamic
University Of Warwick-based economist
Ignition Management’s Marcus Russell, who
pricing during the live panel at this week’s
Waterson suggested the live sector was
represents Noel Gallagher, among others,
MUSEXPO Europe conference.
“leaving money on the table” in its pricing
responded: “You’re not trying to maximise
of concerts by seeking to attract a particular
your income there and then, you’re trying to
Bowdery said, “We’re under priced in the
audience.
actually develop a career. I think this is one
front of the house and that’s evident because
of the huge misunderstandings, certainly in
of all the prices you see on the internet [on
“If you do leave money on the table then
Westminster, as to what the market price of
resale sites],” said Bowdery. “We have
there are going to be people who will try
a ticket is and the fact that we’re all insane
to look at it and, same argument as with
and pick it up - and those are the people
by charging other than the market price.
airlines, it’s dynamic - dynamic pricing is
in the secondary market. You therefore
On the contrary, we’re in the business of
something that we all really need to get into
have to take action to reduce the influence
creating long-time careers for our artists.”
to make it work, otherwise someone else is taking that revenue. We’re [taking the] risk
Phil Bowdery
for the band and that revenue’s walking out the door.” Rob Hallet referred to experimenting with dynamic ticketing during Bon Jovi’s 2013 UK stadium tour, in his former position as AEG Live’s president of international touring. “We had £25 [tickets] in the upper tier and up to £150 in the golden circle,” he said. “I think [dynamic pricing] has to come in, I think it’s important. Hotels do it, airlines do it. We need to encourage people to buy quickly and we need to make a bigger differential between the front of the house and the back of the house. That would also negate a lot of the secondary ticketing as well because once the price has been reached for the front of the house, people won’t pay much more, and you need to fill the back of the house. It makes sense on a number of levels if it’s done right. It won’t work on every act, but it worked with Bon Jovi.”
13
VIP NEWS > INDEPTH STORY >
SEPTEMBER 2016
Euro-Egos vs. Europe Manfred Tari mt@vip-booking.com Comment by VIP-News writer Manfred Tari Europe is an endangered concept. Almost all
However there are elections scheduled
over Europe Euro-scepticism is growing and
in France and Germany in 2017 and one
BREXIT appears to be just a starting point
in Austria later on this year. All of these
with more euro-exits to follow.
three elections will have an impact on the
Despite
the fact that the music sector benefitted
European issue in general.
from much that the European Union has introduced, provided for its member states,
At the current edition of Reeperbahn
such as the Schengen agreement, most
Festival the topic of the implemented made
European
to measure European Commission support
music associations still remain
quiet.
programme for the music sector appeared on the conference agenda. When talking
Only
the
festival
association
Yourope
released a mission statement earlier
with the French promoter Bernhard Batzen
this
from Azimuth, he commented on how long
year in favour for Europe and in the light of
the industry has been waiting for such an
BREXIT, the PR-activities by UK trade bodies
initiative. But he also says “Hopefully it is
giving a statement to vote in for Europe are
not too late.”
At Reeperbahn-Festival a spokesman of the
perfect example of how little this industry really seems to care the European Union.
Manfred Tari - VIP News
European Commission declared that the In fact Batzen expresses a serious concern.
EU-Commission intends to host a European
The idea for a music programme seems to
Music Forum at Midem in 2017. Apart from
The best example are the websites of the
be promising, but it is already too often
the questionable relevance of Midem, which
BPI (British Phonographic Industries), that
contradicted by personal and political
suffered significant decline in recent years,
of the Association of Independent Festivals
power playing. In summary it just seem
this decision reflects just how difficult it is
(AIF) or that of UK Music. At least the BPI
to mirror the current situation of Europe,
to deliver a practical driven policy to raise
put out a press release on June 3, stating
where European politicians and people
awareness and support for this European
that” UK Labels Back ‘Remain’ in an BPI
have extreme difficulty in agreeing on
project in favour of the European idea.
Survey.” The overall music association UK
serious issues such as the handling of the
Music as well as AIF did not issue even one
refugee-crisis, migration policy or the
The live music community, the current cash
press release before the public voting on
widening social-gap. Also the loss of legal
cow and most relevant driver for jobs and
June 23 touching on the subject of BREXIT.
achievements such as the freedom of
prosperity in the European music community
press in Hungary or Poland are proof, that
is almost anywhere else than at Midem. At
The Brits are now out anyway and still yet it
there are national governments in Europe
the beginning of the festival season it is
is far too early, to predict what this means
that would rather follow policies closer to
already obvious that this peer group simply
for the music sector in the UK in the future.
Ankara than to Brussels.
won’t be able to be in Cannes in June 2017. So the claim of organising a European Music
Bernhard Batzen
Forum is already in doubt before it kicks off. At this year’s Midem, Martine Reicherts, Director-General for Education and Culture (DG EAC) at the European Commission delivered a keynote speech as part of the sub-conference “Music Moves Europe” hosted by the European Commission within the conference programme of Midem. Among other comments she said “Artists
14
VIP NEWS > INDEPTH STORY >
SEPTEMBER 2016
As Entrepreneurs” seemed to be from her
close to Reicherts, explaining to her that
circle to feed the overall needs of the
point of view an interesting aspect to be
her passion for “Artists As Entrepreneurs”
European music sector.
considered in the new programme.
is almost as realistic and in line with the conditions of the music sector as suggesting
While the initiative of the EU-commission is
In July 2016 the artist Marsen Jules published
a distinctive policy of “Consumers As
a significant milestone, there still is a huge
an open letter, declaring among other
Lawyers” for European citizens.
workload waiting to be undertaken to bring
things: “I recently decided to reduce my
this programme on the road. To get rid of
efforts in being a ‘musician’ to a minimum
Reicherts is a graduate lawyer and may be
the Euro-Ego’s is nearly impossible. Yes,
for an indefinite period of time.” He
able to understand this comparison, but
the first drafts are totally missing a holistic
explained: “Getting the music to a market,
whosoever are her consultants apparently
approach. Yes, the gap between the ones
which I recently discovered feels totally
have either a lack of knowledge of the
with commercial driven interests and the
unnatural and unsatisfying for me. Even if I´m
music industry or have a hidden agenda, to
ones from the culture and educational
a good PR-consultant for others, it doesn´t
convince Reicherts to put on an extensive
sector is huge.
feel good and authentic to work on this
support-programme to educate artists as
for myself. This is not a general statement
entrepreneurs.
It will take serious efforts to create
about the music industry, but a personal
something good for the European music
decision. Also it has to do with the fact, that
But these randomly chosen examples also
community, but the biggest challenge is
after creating music, which happens very
show that the number of music industry
that that the European music community
fast and intuitively in my case, there is a lot
professionals waving their flags in Brussels
has to learn to collaborate and to make
of organizational work afterwards. Work
in
comprises in favour for Europe and not only
that makes me feel unauthentic, that puts
ridiculously low. When once being in touch
me under pressure and which also doesn´t
with someone in Brussels, I recall asking
produce many results.”
the person how these kind of questionable
The European Commission instead has to
comparison
to
other
industries
is
just for themselves.
decisions came about, he replied: “They
learn to develop structures that suit a sector,
As neither the highest EU-representatives
can’t hear you if you’re too far…” (away
because the music sector is the gateway
Jean Claude Junker nor Martin Schulz have
from Brussels).
to European music fans, a target group
ever been spotted at Wacken Open Air or at
that until today has far too often being
Tomorrowland, it could be taken for granted
As the editor of this article was been
neglected. Europe obviously needs more
that Reicherts has never bought a record
part of the very first consultations for
fans and the music sector can be a perfect
or promoted a concert with Marsen Jules.
the development of the new support
mediator for this overall task.
In reference to the open letter by Jules,
programme,
currently there just seem to be nobody
became obvious. Far too often some of
But just bear in mind, the music sector
the people who joined the workshops of
unfortunately can’t rely on it artists. The
the EU-commission to find out more about
majority of artists are just like politicians.
the needs of the music sector, tended to
Perfect examples therefore are U2 or the
demand that the new programme should be
Rolling Stones, trying like Apple to pay
designed to serve their very own nterests.
hardly any taxes, using tax havens and legal
something
else
quickly
loop-holes for their own benefit very similar The hearings mainly took place in the
to the likes Neelie Kroes, a former EU-
Ancienne Belgique venue and the results of
commissioner, who due to the Bahamas-
the consultations have since been published
Leaks became known for having an off-
as the “AB Music Working Group Report.”
shore account and company registered at
Some of the results read very well, but there
the Caribbean island.
are also projects and proposals that just reveal that some of the attendees rather
For further information please check:
see their mission as being spin doctors for
Link to the “AB Music Working Group
their own projects, hoping to access the
Report”
funding-pipeline of fortune for isolated
Marsen Jules
funding-schemes that have no interactive
Videocast of the Music Moves Europe
momentum to be integrated within the
conference at Midem 2016
15
VIP NEWS >
SEPTEMBER 2016
ETEP: summer festivals round-up Allan McGowan am@vip-booking.com This year, Norwegian singer-songwriter Aurora, UK act Blossoms, and the Danish/Finnish electronic band Liima are some of the biggest winners of this year’ s European Talent Exchange Programme (ETEP). Spring Break Showcase Festival & Conference are the newest members of the ETEP programme:
Aurora
Aurora NO 11 Blossoms UK 9 Liima DK 8 Nothing but Thieves UK 7 Mura Masa UK 7 Stormzy UK 6 My Baby NL 6 SOOM T UK 6 Lost Frequencies BE 5 Have You Ever Seen The Jane Fonda Aerobics VHS? FI 5 Fakear FR 5
Results The results presented include 385 confirmed shows by 144 artists from 27 different European countries. A total of 2690 shows by
Liima
972 European artists from 30 countries have taken place at the 100 ETEP festivals (2003 - 2015). These are the top scoring countries with their top scoring ETEP act:
Aurora NO 123 Blossoms UK 11 Liima DK/FI 8 Have you ever seen the Jane Fonda Aerobic VHS? F I6 The Academic IE 6 Fews SE 6 Amber Arcades NL 6 Lost Frequencies BE 5 Jain FR 5 Sara Hartman DE 5 View all results at the ET
16
About ETEP ETEP is an initiative of Eurosonic Noorderslag to stimulate the circulation of European repertoire on festivals, on radio and across the media in Europe. You can listen to all booked ETEP acts in our ETEP Spotify
EP website
Playlist.
VIP NEWS >
NAMES & JOBS
SEPTEMBER 2016
Chrysalis Records hires John Dyer as new MD
O2 Arena London names John Langford VP and GM
From VIP-Daily News
From VIP-Daily News
Last month John Dyer left Domino Records after 11 years with the
John Langford has been named VP and General Manager of AEG’s
label. Now he has landed a new job as MD for Chrysalis Records.
The O2 arena in London after spending three years at The Scottish Exhibition and Conference Centre in Glasgow.
He will be charged with the day to day running, creative and strategic direction of the label.
Langford replaces Rebecca Kane, who quit AEG to become MD of Really Useful Theatres earlier this year.
Prior to his tenure at Domino, Dyer was GM of [PIAS] Recordings UK and also worked for Mute Records as their Marketing Manager.
As Director of Live Entertainment at The Scottish Exhibition and Conference Centre, Langford’s leadership was pivotal in transforming
Jeremy Lascelles, CEO Chrysalis Records said, “John’s track record
The SSE Hydro arena.
speaks for itself. He has worked for many of the leading independent labels and in his recent spell at Domino, a company we much admire,
During his tenure, the venue significantly added to group profitably
he has worked with and helped to break some of the most exciting,
and economic impact for the City of Glasgow.
important British bands of the last decade. Prior to the SECC, Langford spent seven years as Chief Operating “He will be a huge asset here at Chrysalis Records and is an indication
Officer at Africa concert promoter BIG Concerts International.
of the ambitions we have for the label.” He has previously held senior management roles in the commercial John Dyer, MD Chrysalis Records said, “It had to be a very special
radio industry.
company and challenge for me to make a move and taking on the MD position at Chrysalis fulfills both those criteria.
Leading the team at The O2 from November 1st, Langford will be responsible for the overall operational management, commercial
Chrysalis Records was acquired from Warner Music Group in 2016
delivery, event booking and content creation at the London venue as
in a deal led by Blue Raincoat Music’s Jeremy Lascelles and Robin
well as setting the vision and strategy.
Millar CBE. Reporting directly to AEG Europe’s SVP Facilities, Richard Krezwick, The agreement saw the co-founder and original owner of Chrysalis
he takes over as the venue approaches its tenth birthday in 2017.
Chris Wright CBE, reunited with the legendary label as Non Executive Chairman.
John Langford John Dyer
17
VIP NEWS > BUSINESS >
MUSIC IN SHARES
SEPTEMBER 2016
Music In Shares Manfred Tari mt@vip-booking.com
CTS Eventim
DEAG
- The Under Pressure Phase
- No Gain Insight Yet
For more than a decade CTS Eventim was a warrantor for growth
The DEAG share maintains its low price level. As the previously
and prosperity. Unlike Live Nation, CTS Eventim continuously
reported share price was 2.54 Euro on September 27 it was at
delivered profits and dividends to its shareholders. CTS Eventim is
2.60 Euro. Finance-Magazine.de meanwhile reported that the
likely to expected to do so also in the future, but perhaps a little bit
chances of a claim filed against the new owners of the racing-
less than in the past.
site Nürburgring for a compensation of 10 million Euro seems to offer very limited chances of success. The new owner of the
A lawsuit filed by the consumer watchdogs of the Verbraucherzentrale
Capricorn Nürburgring (CNG) is a Russian oligarch, who apparently
NRW might by one of the reasons for this situation. The district court
may just liquidate CNG. are according to the magazine regarding
Bremen decided in favour of the consumer rights organisation, that
the chances of an ongoing case with the insurance company
the 2.50 Euro service fees levied by CTS Eventim on print at home
Gothaer Versicherungen about 7.5 million Euro are little bit better.
tickets as well as on its premium postal service of 29.90 Euro are
Apparently in this case a successful outcome seems to be more
not permissible. As soon as the verdict became public, the share
likely than with the oligarch.
price plunged to 29.44. The share price meanwhile slightly recovered to 30.42 Euro, but long time investors before 2016 can mainly remember only that this share was a solid growth gainer.
Live Nation - Slow But Steady Gain
The reported share price of 31.19 Euro reported in the August issue is the only indicator that this share lost within one year 5.6 percent on
From $26.84 previously, rising within one month to $27.44. On July
its value. However, CTS Eventim shareholders have no reason for panic
1 the closing price was still at $23.52 but since then the Live Nation
sales. Perhaps they need just a little bit more patience in the future.
share is on its way up.
Capricorn Nürburgring
19
VIP NEWS > MISC >
SEPTEMBER 2016
MEMBER PRESENTATION
ARTIST AVAILS JOHN CALE Territory: Europe Period: 2016 Agency: Primary Talent International Agent: Andy Woolilscroft Phone: +44 20 7400 4500 E-mail: andy@primarytalent.com Homepage: www.john-cale.com
PATRICIA KAAS 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/patricia-kaas.html
Stefan Lohman - Talent Buyer for Corporate Events and Festivals - Speaker at the Reeperbahn Festival Conference - Live Entertainment Concepts for events of all sizes - Aritst relations manager for German Sustainability Award - Founder of the Berlin Show Orchestra – works with Schiller, Howard Jones, Jimmy Somerville, Ute Lemper .....
TRICKY Territory: Europe Period: 2016 Agency: Primary Talent International Agent: Ben Winchester Phone: +44 20 7400 4500 E-mail: ben@primarytalent.com Homepage: www.trickysite.com
- Green Ticketing - work several ticketing companies and looking for getting them all - Founder of the sutainable Event Solutions Network – helping event organizers and touring artists to bring down theier CO2 Footprint and compensate the rest of it with certificated projects all over the world. Climate neutral events our partner network works for:
THE WOMBATS Territory: Europe Period: 2016 Agency: Primary Talent International Agent: Matt Bates Phone: +44 20 7400 4500 E-mail: matt@primarytalent.com Homepage: www.thewombats.co.uk
PRG Live Entertainment Award, German Sustainability Award, Fifa World LAIBACH Territory: Europe Period: May Agency: IBD Agent: Sabine Waltz Phone: +49 8202 9049870 E-mail: sabine@ibdbooking.de Homepage: www.laibach.org
Championship, G7 Meeting, Fantastischen 4, Schiller ....
About Our Company VIP-Booking’s core product is the Internet’s oldest and largest databasefor the European Live Entertainment Industry www.vip-booking.comdeveloped as a tool for industry professionals. Since it’s launch in the year 2000, we have consistently offered our subscribers the very best in database services and now boast subscribersin over 30 countries. Today VIP-Booking offers a range of tools for the industry – including VIP-News, VIP-Booking, VIP-Book and VIP-Contract.
SPECTOR Territory: Europe Period: 2016 Agency: Primary Talent International Agent: Matt Bates Phone: +44 20 7400 4500 E-mail: matt@primarytalent.com Homepage: www.spector.co.uk
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