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VIP NEWS
PREMIUM > VOLUME 184 > NOVEMBER 2015
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VIP NEWS >
NOVEMBER 2015
McGowan’s
Musings
There’s no getting away from it, there’s
fire at the Colectiv Club in Bucharest, on
how ISIS – or whatever we are supposed to
little chance that this edition of the
Friday October 30th and of course at least
call them, see audiences gathering to enjoy
Musings will contain much in the way of
129 people killed and around 350 injured
live music then every club show, concert or
light hearted observations. It’s not been a
after a series of terror attacks in the French
festival anywhere must be a target which is
good time for the world of live music – in
capital on another black Friday, November
a very dangerous and frightening scenario.
fact the past month must be one of the
13, with music venue Le Bataclan being the
But in full realization of this Dominique
worst ever, with 60 or more people dead,
worst hit, with 89 civilians murdered and
Revert the manager of the Bataclan has
and many more injured as a result of the
more injured by ISIS gunmen at an Eagles
responded in determined fashion stating,
Of Death Metal gig.
“It will reopen, no question about it. Hearts will be heavy for a few months,
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We have often spoken about the threat of
a few years. But we will reopen. We will
terrorism to venues and to the live music
not surrender. Other Paris clubs have
business in general at conferences like
made similar statements, and messages
ILMC and others, and of course there have
of support from artists and the industry
been knock on effects from bombings and
in general have flowed in from all over
shootings in many Cities but, as Bono of
the world (see article below). The main
U2 commented, this was, “…the first direct
message being that ‘the show must go on’,
attack” on music. This was the nightmare
and these killers must not be allowed to
scenario, gunmen with no respect for
interfere with our right to gather together
human life entering a crowded venue and
to enjoy music and celebrate the benefits
opening up with automatic weapons, firing
this brings to our enjoyment of life!
indiscriminately on an audience of innocent people.
Doormen
alone
cannot
stop
course
all
at
Vip
support
this
determination and our thoughts and
the time police are alerted it is too late to
support are with the friends and families
stop the carnage. However all that can be
of all affected by this dreadful attack,
done must be considered and implemented
and similar atrocities wherever they are
and Live Nation and other promoters plus
perpetrated.
venues
everywhere
have
announced
the stepping up of security at all of their
Now, of course we should all stay vigilant,
upcoming shows.
and take every chance we can to express our opposition to this totally unacceptable
The
killers
describing
justified
their
concert-goers
actions as
by
extremism, but mainly lets all do all we
‘idolaters
can to get back to business- Ladies and
gathered in a party of perversity’, if this is
2
Of
determined armed killers like this and by
Gentlemen – The News….!
VIP NEWS >
NOVEMBER 2015
Paris Clubs Defiant Allan McGowan am@vip-booking.com In tribute to all who died and were inured
that we stand for on a daily basis. Music,
le Faust, Glaz’art, Gibus, Java, Mercredi
as a result of the terrorist attacks on
dancing, sharing, getting together, the
Production, La Machine du Moulin Rouge,
November 13 Paris`s clubs have issued a joint
social bond, and diversity are values that we
Queen, Rex Club, Social Club, Showcase,
statement entitled `Dance more than ever`,
represent and that, obviously, were targeted
Virgo, Wanderlust, Weather Festival, Yoyo
determining to reopen all the venues as an
for destruction by these terrorists. This
and Zig Zag Club.
act of defiance to deny the expectations
will not work. Today we mourn the loss
and intentions of the perpetrators of the
of our friends and all the victims. But we
atrocity that music promoters, artists and
will not accept that we should live in fear.
audiences would be “living with fear”.
This is why we have unanimously decided
U2 were due to play two Paris shows to
to reopen our venues as soon as possible.
30,000 people on the nights after the attack
In the statement the clubs pay tribute to
Some will open as soon as Wednesday,
but the City imposed a 2 day ban on shows,
all the victims of the attacks including their
some next week or the weekend after next,
so these and other concerts were cancelled;
colleagues and friends who died over the
with reinforced security measures, and with
the band laid flowers at a memorial near the
weekend. They outline plans to reopen in
the goal to thrill our public more than ever.
scene of the Bataclan on the evening after
the coming days.
Nothing and nobody will prevent Paris from
the massacre. Bono told DJ Dave Fanning of
dancing.”
Irish radio station 2FM, “Our first thoughts
The statement reads: “It is the family of
Support from the Music Community:
at this point are with the Eagles of Death
Paris`s night life that was targeted by these
The list of signatories include A la Folie
Metal fans,” Condemning the attacks by
attacks, as well as a certain approach to life
Paris, Badaboum, Batofar, Concrete, Djoon,
so-called Islamic State terrorists, he went
U2 outside Bataclan Paris
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VIP NEWS >
NOVEMBER 2015
on: “This really is the first direct hit on
all for enjoying ourselves. ISIS is a death
music we’ve had in this so called war on
cult and we who believe in life must go
terror. We know that they don’t like music.
on enjoying ourselves in defiance of their
This and the cold-blooded aspect of last
provocations.”
night attacks are what are really upsetting because it means it could have been any
The reaction from musicians around the
of us,” He maintained that Islamic State
world has of course reflected the horror
does not represent Muslims, saying, “These
that we all feel; There are of course many
people have robbed their own religion and
who have friends in Paris and who have
run off with their own version that has
performed at the Bataclan venue over
nothing to do with Islam. Extremism is an
the years. Among those who delivered
October of this year as a celebration of life
illness in the world now”, he continued:
messages
Pharrell
and music”, he wrote. “The concept being
“They don’t like music, we know that. But
Williams, Justin Bieber, Jared Leto, AC/DC,
that, as our world tour drew to a close this
I think music is very important and has a
Sam Smith, Snoop Dogg, Justin Timberlake
week, we wanted to share our love of both
role to play in showing these people we
and more.
with you in return for everything you have
are
Taylor
Swift,
wouldn’t allow them to stop us living our lives how we want.”
Le Bataclan
given us. Now, there is a new, hopeful The Foo Fighters have released a new EP
intention that, even in the smallest way,
called ‘Saint Cecilia’ as a free download,
perhaps these songs can bring a little light
U2 was originally scheduled to play the
with Dave Grohl using the release to pay
into this sometimes dark world. To remind
Accorhotels Arena Nov. 14-15. Those shows
tribute to the victims of the attacks in Paris
us that music is life, and that hope and
will now take place Dec. 6-7.
earlier this month. A statement from Grohl
healing go hand in hand with song. That
explained that the band had planned to put
much can never be taken away”.
Singer Billy Bragg, known for his strong
out the new release to mark the end of their
political and idealistic views, said, “This was
world tour. But that had all changed when
Singer Benjamin Clementine, won the 2015
an abhorrent attack on anyone who goes
the final dates of said tour were cancelled
Mercury music prize for his debut album, At
to a bar, or to a restaurant, to a gig or to
following the attacks. He stated,”The Saint
Least For Now, and dedicated the Award to
a game. The fundamentalists would kill us
Cecilia EP was put into motion back in
the victims of the Paris terror attacks.
Sonic Visions ’15 Allan McGowan am@vip-booking.com I was on my way to Luxembourg for Sonic Visions but had to cancel and return home due to a family bereavement. However organiser Sam Reinard told me how things went and how Paris events affected this edition of the now firmly established conference and showcase event. “The conference was very well attended. Unfortunately our French guests and delegates left on Saturday and the general atmosphere turned a bit dark with the terrible events in Paris. Some of our guests knew people who worked at Bataclan that night… We were all quite shocked. However this year’s edition of the conference attracted more than 300 delegates from Luxembourg and all over Europe. 4 keynote speakers and 50 panelists from 20 different countries discussed and exchanged ideas about today’s music industry challenges and topics.
4
Sonic Visions took place at Rockhal
VIP NEWS >
NOVEMBER 2015
Joybringer Concerts Celebrates 45th Anniversary From VIP-Daily News 45 years in any industry is quite an
VIP-News: 45 Years in the Live Music
achievement but to survive in the Live Music
Business. Are you still enjoying it and
Industry for so long is something worthy of
if so why?
a medal or two. Dragan Nikitovic, the man behind Joybringer Concerts - now with
Dragan: This business keeps us all young
offices in Germany, France and Luxembourg
and I love my job the same way now as I did
European market because they might not
- started promoting shows with local bands
on the very first day.
even have been released here yet…
then has gone on to promote major acts
VIP-News: Where there is pleasure,
VIP-News: In the seventies and eighties
such as Fleetwood Mac, Kraftwerk, Pink
there is sometimes also pain. Which
you ran two concert venues and in
Floyd, AC/DC, Santana, Joe Cocker, Dire
stage riders come into your mind in
those days you were also one of the
Straits, Rolling Stones, Elton John, Bryan
terms of the ones you enjoyed the
biggest local promoters in the South-
Adams, Meatloaf, Deep Purple and many,
most and which ones caused you a
West of Germany while later on you
many more. To do all this and still remain a
headache?
started to put on tours and concerts in
at the age of 16 back in 1968 and since
Eastern Europe. With this in mind, how
nice person with a great sense of humour adds another level to this achievement.
Dragan: The riders have changed completely
many times have you re-invented your
Anyone who knows Dragan personally will
over the years. Up until now, I have always
business model in your long-lasting
know that he has an abundance of stories
been able to meet all requests and fulfill
history in the live music business?
to tell from his career in this industry,
all wishes. The only thing that gets on my
some of which we’ll share with you in the
nerves is hip-hop stars asking for video
Dragan: These venues, my clubs, were only
following interview and some that we’ll
games that they absolutely must have but
running beside the larger scale concerts.
keep to ourselves ;-)
that we might not be able to find on the
Although I have to say that even back then, I always liked smaller concerts in clubs better than big shows in arenas. So for me, there hasn’t really been any big changes in my job. VIP-News: How did you come to start putting on shows in Eastern Europe? Dragan: Well, the competition just got steeper and steeper. Just take the small town of Saarbrücken as an example, where I live: Saarbrücken has a population of around 180.000 and there are 6 promoters fighting against each other. So I thought it might be wise to check out Eastern Europe. I started with James Brown in Russia in 1999. Then I did shows in Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan and the entire Balkans. Of course, it was a
Dragan 1970
Dragan 2015
great advantage for me to understand the languages there to be able to negotiate
5
VIP NEWS >
NOVEMBER 2015
directly with people. In 2006, we were the
Dragan: As for what the East could learn
we are able to put on large scale shows.
first ones to start in Albania, and since then,
from the West, I’d say that the East should
We get help from our business partners.
we have been and still are (thank God!) the
read the stage riders more carefully and
Some of the concerts we’ve done in the
only ones to be successful.
then also follow them.
Balkans were Deep Purple, Def Leppard, Whitesnake, Zucchero, James Blunt, Akon
VIP-News: What can the Western music
VIP-News:
industry community learn from the one
artists demand the same fees for shows
in Eastern Europe?
in Eastern Europe as they do in Western
VIP-News:
Europe. How is it possible to finance
marketing managers from potential
such fees in those areas where ticket
sponsors in Western Europe to try
prices are much lower?
working as trainees in Eastern Europe?
much more enthusiastic and euphoric than
Dragan: In the Balkans, for example, this
Dragan: No. Because then we wouldn’t find
in the West. This holds true for my business
is only possible with the help of sponsors.
any more sponsors in the East either!
partners as well as for the audiences of the
In Albania and Bosnia, where people make
concerts. This kind of pure excitement does
200 to 250 USD per month, tickets can only
VIP-News: Which people and artists
not really exist anymore in the West.
cost 5 to 10 USD! But it’s also much easier
have you enjoyed working with over
to find large companies over there that are
the years and of the ones you’ve just
willing to sponsor a concert. So, that’s why
recently met which ones would you like
Dragan:
I’ve been out and about and
around in the “wild” East for 15 years now
Many
popular
Western
and quite a few more. Would
you
recommend
and I have to say that people there are still
VIP-News: And the other way around?
to work with in the future? Dragan: There ain’t nothing like the greats: Joe Cocker, Santana, Simple Minds, Muddy Waters, B.B. King, Elton John and Al Jarreau, they were the nicest guys. I have worked with them a lot and over many years. The older artists, the ones that really know their craft, were always kind and friendly. The newer artists, maybe the ones that just had their first hit, the ones that just have a single in the charts, and mostly the hip-hop stars, are often pretty arrogant and think that the whole world revolves around them. VIP-News: What is on your agenda for your next 45 years in the music business? Dragan: I will stay in this very same business
Simple Minds
for as long as I possibly can and as long as I am healthy.
Need to know who is touring Europe? Go online - www.vip-booking.com vip-booking.com
6
®
VIP NEWS >
NOVEMBER 2015
of FKP Scorpio Manfred Tari mt@vip-booking.com November 2015 saw FKP Scorpio celebrate
away from the corporate vibe that certain
most recently Austria. In Switzerland it
its 25th company anniversary, with 85
sources currently like to present.
is apparently a mix between age groups,
more staff on board in Germany alone.
but well, does age really matters, when in
Unike any other German promoter, Folkert
FKP Scorpio filled and still fills a gap in
certain markets FKP Scorpio even competes
Koopmans took the European concert
today’s
with a global player such as Live Nation?
business to a new level.
business
environment.
Often
Yes, of course
enough Folkert Koopmans has confessed
there are the likes of Peter Schwenkow and
in public interviews that the expansion
Again unlike the way many companies
Klaus Peter Schulenberg, but over the years
strategy for his company in the beginning
operate in the industry today, FKP Scorpio
they appear to have taken on the roles of
was really a result of reacting to available
maintains a history of reliance on long
CEO’s, spending much of their time keeping
opportunities, however this has somewhat
lasting business relationships: MCT, Koko &
investors happy, rather than just being very
changed and the business strategy is not
DTK, Four Artists or KKT just to name some
distinctive concert promoters.
only a matter of reaction. It’s particularly
of those in Germany, and there are many,
interesting to see where, who and what
many more all over Europe.
Well ‘just’ does not really fulfil the
FKP Scorpio considers eligible to fit into
description of what Koopmans and his team
the company profile. Besides some middle
Describing
has achieved over the years, now organising
aged folks in Denmark, its predominately
impresario would not really fit, as he has
all these festivals and most recently setting
fresh young fellows, although not too
modernized this term. Unlike many of his
up of all these international branches, this
young
old
forerunners, Koopmans collaborates and is
is what makes FKP Scorpio different from
enough to develop and run business
not at all considered as somebody motivated
almost every other concert company in
activities in a responsible manner and
by an overwhelmingly large ego. He has
Europe and beyond. Although FKP Scorpio
establish a position in markets such as
evolved to be an up-to-date mastermind
is associated with CTS Eventim, it is still far
the Netherlands, Sweden, Finland
for the on going generation-change in this
and
already
businesswise
or
Folkert
Koopmans
as
an
industry, recognised for a proven ability to spot upcoming and new artists in the same way as he does new business projects or talents. Yes, he is also a power player but quite exceptional in his ability to admit mistakes. As an entrepreneur he can almost be considered as ‘old-fashioned’, as besides money, he also invests in confidence and trust. All this in times, where marketing and market power often means more than products or persons. With all this mind, VIP-News congratulates
Folkert Koopmans and VIP News Editor Allan McGowan
8
Folkert Koopmans and his company mates on the first 25 years and wish them all all the best for the next 25 years...
VIP NEWS >
NOVEMBER 2015
A Temporary Come Back For Ramakers At Mojo Concerts Manfred Tari mt@vip-booking.com Earlier this month the news that long time director Dick van Zuijlen was leaving the Live Nation subsidy Mojo Concerts in the Netherlands was surprising. As the radio station 3voor12 reports, the departure of van Zuijlen after 21 years in the company came out of the blue for everyone. A spokesperson of Mojo Concerts told the station that the split is the consequence of differences between him and Leon Ramakers, the former director and current consultant of Mojo and other companies, about business development and objectives, and the inception of cashless payment systems at concerts and events. Ramakers will oversee the management of the company until the end of the year. In mid November Mojo Concerts confirmed that Wilbert Mutsaers has been appointed as the new director. Mutsaers previously worked for Mojo Concerts from 1995 to 1999 and in the meantime for Sony Records and Universal Music before moving on in 2009 to the radio station 3FM, where he served as a station manager until recently. Speculations that the departure of van Zuijlen have anything to do with that the current edition of the Lowlands festival failing to sell out as it has for many years previously, or that Down The Rabbit Hole festival is still in the investing phase, have not been confirmed.
Leon Ramaker
Wilbert Mutsaers new appointed CEO of MOJO Concerts
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VIP NEWS >
NOVEMBER 2015
Viva Con Aqua Receives Next Economy Award Manfred Tari mt@vip-booking.com The non-profit organisation Viva Con Aqua,
26 & 27 in Düsseldorf. For the event a
actively supported and run by around
highly prominent line up of speakers is
4.000 volunteers receives the first Next
announced, alongside a minority of players
Economy Award as part of the German
actually involved in projects considered
Sustainable Day. The core activity of the
as sustainable or actually recognised for
organisation is the sale of water, profits are
policy-measures
used to invest in the development of water
sustainability. The majority of the speakers
infrastructure projects in Africa and Asia.
are high ranked officials and representatives
Viva Con Aqua is highly credited within the
from political parties and administrative
music and festival sector. Besides the sale
organisations or companies such as Henkel,
of water, volunteers work on festivals and
which certainly is a highly profitable multi-
concerts, collecting deposits and donations
billion company but well, probably only as
from concert goers.
sustainable as a global corporate chemical
regarding this very much upper class event
company can be...
and the award for Viva Con Aqua.
the congress of the German Sustainable Day
VIP-News asked well known live music
Holger Jan Schmidt, Organizer of the
(GSD), which will take place on November
sector protagonists about their opinion
conference
that
seriously
support
The award ceremony is embedded within GreenEvents
Europe:
“I
think the German Sustainability Award
Jacob Bilabel
is a good thing. It’s got a huge network behind the initiative, strong partners and a very prominent jury. For me the spotlight on sustainability for the whole process and the ceremony is at least as important as the winners themselves. And the jury seem to make good decisions as the honorary prize going to Viva Con Agua is a brilliant choice!” Jacob Bilabel, Founder of the Green Music Initiative: “Awards can be an efficient way of directing attention to pioneers, trailblazers and bold innovators, but with the challenges growing on a daily basis, and the sheer numbers getting more and more surreal to attain, I personally think we should rather start actually changing our business procedures and daily lifestyles than only giving away another award. We do have too many awards and too little action. Let’s put all our resources, all our brain time and all our budget into creating a better world for all of us instead of another red carpet event. Even if this has a green one...”
10
VIP NEWS >
NOVEMBER 2015
ILMC 28 Dates Announced Manfred Tari mt@vip-booking.com Organisers of the International Live Music Conference (ILMC) have announced a series of updates to the world’s leading global concert and festival business event, which launches its 28th edition today. ILMC returns from 3-6 March 2016, powering-up into the world of classic video arcade games as a backdrop. New initiatives include an expansion of the live music showcase programme (details to be announced shortly), a new private networking area in ILMC’s very own off-site pub, and development of the workshop programme
to our regular mix of panels, meetings and events, and it might be
launched in 2015 with tech-focused educational sessions.
the strongest ILMC programme we’ve ever had”.
In addition, the ILMC Production Meeting (IPM) moves to a new
A number of industry events now orbit ILMC including the ILMC
venue to cope with increased demand; a new Association Summit
Production Meeting, and the Green Events and Innovations
sees the leading live music bodies from around the world congregate
conference, which both take place on 3 March 2015. In addition,
in London; and the Bursary Scheme for young executive talent
the Arthur Awards, the live music industry’s equivalent of the Oscars,
expands.
are presented at The Savoy Hotel on 5 March.
“Last year’s edition introduced a whole new schedule and increased
ILMC 28 takes place at the Royal Garden Hotel in Kensington,
our panels and workshops by 50%, while this year we’re widening
London. Event partners include Live Nation, AEG, Intellitix, Showsec,
the scope to focus on increased networking, showcases and
Star Events Group, Malaysia Major Events, Istanbul Entertainment
information exchange” says ILMC head Greg Parmley. “Add this lot
Group, Feld Entertainment, Dot Tickets and many more.
IPM – ILMC Production Meeting 2016 Edition Announced Manfred Tari mt@vip-booking.com Applications are now being accepted for
The new Production Notes sessions will
IPM takes place at the Copthorne Tara Hotel
the ILMC Production Meeting’s (IPM’s)
run in between IPM’s four main conference
in West London on 3 March. Maintaining
new ‘Production Notes’ sessions. IPM will
sessions throughout the day. Applications
the event’s close links with the International
present a series of case studies, initiatives,
are now being accepted for the sessions,
Live Music Conference, the IPM Closing
new technology and product presentations
with a closing date of 22 January 2016.
Party takes place at the nearby Royal Garden
during the one-day event on 3 March 2016.
Interested parties wishing to host one of the
Hotel, where ILMC begins the following day.
presentations should email ipm@ilmc.com The sessions are announced as organisers
to apply.
reveal that the ninth edition of the IPM will move to a new venue to cope with increased
“The idea is to present the most innovative
delegate demand. The move allows a 20%
ideas, initiatives and new products in the
increase in delegate, to accommodate 250
global production business in a quick-fire,
of the world’s most renowned production
digestible format,” says ILMC head Greg
managers; sound and lighting engineers;
Parmley. “Moving to a new venue this year
venue personnel; suppliers and promoters’
allows us to present these great ideas, to
representatives.
more invited delegates than ever.”
Greg Parmley
11
BE A PART OF THE NEW
SWEDISH MUSIC WONDER IN NORRKÖPING, SWEDEN GET YOUR TICKETS AND LEARN MORE AT WHERESTHEMUSIC.SE
VIP NEWS > INDEPTH STORY >
NOVEMBER 2015
Industry figures comment on UK Secondary Ticketing Review Allan McGowan am@vip-booking.com The public consultation on the new review of the secondary ticketing
The recent consumer magazine, Which? report on online touting –
market by the Department Of Culture, Media & Sport closed on
pointed out that ticket buyers were spending money on tickets have
November 20th, and various industry figures are making their views
already cancelled by promoters having seen them on a resale site
known.
(reselling usually breaches the ticket’s terms and conditions), or in some cases, which never even existed in the first place.
Promoter Harvey Goldsmith, famous for Live Aid and other legendary shows is a long time opponent of the whole idea of
Paul Reed of the Association Of Independent Festivals told ‘Front
secondary ticketing. Talking on BBC Radio 4’s ‘Front Row’ recently,
Row. “ We had an event this year where 27 people bought tickets
he reaffirmed his opposition to the practice, calling secondary
on a secondary platform. They showed up at the festival and the
ticketing websites a “national disgrace”
secondary ticketing platform had essentially facilitated the sale of a piece of paper. It wasn’t worth anything. The secondary
The review was announced last month; some market regulation
platforms weren’t contactable, they weren’t accountable. But
had been introduced as part of the Consumer Rights Act at the
these tickets were fraudulent”. Ticketmaster claims it’s Get Me In
end of the last parliament. It was expected that review of consumer
and Seatwave sites have safeguards that make incidents of fraud
protection measures was to follow the act becoming law.
like quite rare.
Goldsmith talked of £182 tickets for recent O2 Arena shows, were
Former manager and founder of primary ticketing service Dice,
selling for £3000 on resale sites. He and others are pushing for the
Phil Hutcheon comments, “We don’t want to stop people reselling
government to pass a law which says you cannot sell a ticket for
tickets. There’s lots of situations where fans can’t make a show and
more than 10% of its face value.
want to pass the tickets on to another fan. Our thing is that, when someone is buying dozens or thousands of tickets and reselling them
Another problem with the secondary market, of course - and one of
and distorting the market, that’s a real issue. And they can get away
the issues highlighted in that
with it because no one knows who’s doing it”.
Harvey Goldsmith
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VIP NEWS > INDEPTH STORY >
NOVEMBER 2015
Although the Consumer Rights Act added new rules ordering that
As the deadline arrived on Friday for submissions to the review the
information about tickets being resold online be displayed, the
boss of direct-to-fan firm Music Glue, Mark Meharry, submitted
government legislators did not make it compulsory for secondary
his view, arguing that the boom in touts, who resell tickets to in-
sites to reveal the identity of the seller, which some think should be
demand events online at highly marked up prices, is hindering the
the case. There is a chance that re-sellers on an industrial scale may
process that new artists, and their managers, employ to build profile
well be revealed as music industry insiders.
and demand.
The Music Managers Forum The Music Managers Forum has demanded
We demand far greater transparency in the
to be reinstated. To falsely state a name as
greater transparency from the “out of
secondary ticketing process.”
a seller is fraud and many of the businesses
control” secondary ticketing market ahead
and individuals currently engaged in the
of the Government’s review into the sector.
Earlier this year the House of Commons
secondary
The body, which represents more than
backed
reluctant to expose themselves to that
500 artist managers in the UK, submitted
secondary ticketing sellers more closely,
its response ahead of the November 20
requiring online resellers to provide details
deadline.
such as the face value of the ticket, the seat
“The second provision is that promoters,
revised
legislation to
regulate
ticketing
market
would
be
illegality.
number and any applicable restrictions, but
artists and managers should have the right to
An open letter has also been drafted by
this has been dismissed as “ineffective” by
choose the ticket retailer that works best for
its manager members and the acts they
the MMF.
them. Currently, many venues have exclusive
represent: Hit & Run’s Tony Smith (Genesis
arrangements with a specific ticketing
and Phil Collins), Modest Management’s
platform, thus insisting that promoters have
Richard
Olly
to use that ticketing platform. If the artist,
Murs, Little Mix, 5 Seconds of Summer)
manager and promoter could choose their
Everybody’s Management’s Adam Tudhope
own ethical primary ticketing platform they
(Mumford & Sons, Laura Marling) and
could take control of the ticket itinerary
Ian McAndrew, of Wildlife Entertainment
which would stop secondary ticketing
(Arctic Monkeys and Royal Blood).
altogether, save for bona fide ticket sales for
Griffiths
(One
Direction,
unwanted tickets from fans which could be The
MMF’s
submission
states:
“The
sold at face value or less.”
secondary ticketing market for high demand and medium demand music concerts,
“The amendments to the Consumer Rights
The MMF added: “In conclusion, we ask
festivals and events is basically out of
Act which came in to force on May 27
the Government for strong regulation
control.
have been ineffective and are being largely
and enforcement in regard to secondary
ignored due to a lack of enforcement,” it
ticketing. We accept that fans should be
“The two end players in these events
states. “Also the provision in the consumer
allowed to resell unwanted tickets but that
are artists and the fans. Both are being
contracts regulations that if a seller is
it should be conducted through ethical
unreasonably
the
a business they must clearly inform the
secondary ticketing platforms such as Dice
unregulated way the secondary ticketing
consumer, is very rarely adhered to. Fans are
and Twickets wherein tickets are resold at
market
often completely unaware of the true face
face value or less. The current situation is
value of a ticket on offer.
devastating the live music business and
is
exploited currently
due
to
operating,
with
sometimes huge financial gain going to intermediaries who do not re-invest such
14
urgent regulation is required.”
gains back in to the creative industries. The
“There are two provisions that would make
police have stated that these intermediaries
a huge difference. The first is that the
The
are often linked to organised crime.
seller of a ticket must be identified to the
announced economist Professor Michael
Government
has
previously
buyer. We understand that this was in the
Waterson as chairman of the upcoming
“It is becoming almost impossible for artists
proposed amendments to the CRA but was
review, which will report its findings
and managers to control their ticket inventory.
withdrawn at the last moment. This needs
before May 26 next year
VIP NEWS > INDEPTH STORY >
NOVEMBER 2015
STAR Appoints Former MP Adrian Sanders as New Chairman Allan McGowan am@vip-booking.com The Society of Ticket Agents and Retailers
Ticket Abuse. He is also Vice-President of
(STAR) has announced the appointment of
the League Against Cruel Sports, President
Adrian Sanders as its new Chairman. Sanders
of the International Diabetes Federations
takes over from Tom Wright CBE, Chief
Parliamentarians Diabetes Global Network
Executive of Age UK, who recently retired as
and was recently appointed Vice-President
Chairman of STAR following twelve years in
of
the role.
Foundation UK.
Hailed earlier this year by Queen guitarist
His appointment comes in advance of STAR’s
Brian May as “one of the few candidates
campaign on 24th November to increase
who will act decently, transparently and
customer awareness about how to buy
accountably”, Sanders held the Parliamentary
tickets safely and avoid fraud. Every year,
seat for his home town of Torbay for 18 years
many thousands of customers attempt to
one day, 24 November, helping ensure that
until May 2015, serving as a Party Spokesman
buy tickets from websites that have every
consumers know where they can buy tickets
on Housing, Tourism and Local Government
intention of taking money and no intention
with confidence.
and as a Deputy Chief Whip.
of delivering tickets.
Speaking
He was a member of several Select
In June alone this year Action Fraud
Sanders said, “As a ticket buyer myself, I am
Committees including the Culture, Media
announced receiving 533 reports of ticket
delighted to have been asked to play a part
& Sport Select Committee for eight years,
fraud relating to gigs, concerts and sporting
in protecting people from ticket fraud and to
covering their enquiries into ticketing and
events. This level of fraud is unacceptable and
the positive promotion of good practice and
phone hacking. He was also a member
STAR’s campaign aims to get the safe ticket
high standards to the general public in the
of the All Party Parliamentary Group on
buying message to millions of customers in
ticket industry. Our awareness campaign on
the
Juvenile
Diabetes
Research
Adrian Sanders new chairman for STAR
of
his
appointment,
Adrian
24 November will help spread information about buying safely from STAR members to millions of ticket buyers across the country. It’s an important step in helping consumers know how to avoid fraud.” Jonathan Brown, Chief Executive of STAR added, “We are enormously pleased that Adrian has agreed to support the work of STAR by joining us as Chairman. Adrian brings with him a great deal of experience in the political arena and he is already a great advocate for STAR’s work. We will work together to help ensure customers are able to feel confident whenever they buy tickets and particularly to provide them with clear advice to help them avoid illegal scam websites. The STAR Council and our members look forward
Palladium Theatre - photo by Inty Malcolm
very much to working under Adrian’s chairmanship.”
15
VIP NEWS > INDEPTH STORY >
NOVEMBER 2015
Public Awareness Campaign to Combat Ticket Fraud Allan McGowan am@vip-booking.com
Aims to raise public awareness of the STAR kitemark
The initiative is backed by the Concert Promoters
Association
(CPA),
National
Arenas Association (NAA), and the Society On
November
and
of London Theatre, as well as ticket agents,
British
performers, venues and others within the
entertainment industry joined forces on a
entertainment industry. Other supporters
new public awareness campaign to help
include Action Fraud, Metropolitan Police
Rob Edwards, Managing Director, Eventim
combat ticket fraud. The #lookfortheSTAR
and City of London Police.
UK Ltd added: “This level of ticket fraud
anti-fraud
shows that as an industry we have to come
individuals
24
organizations across
campaign
the
coincides
with
exclusive new figures released by national
Websites
including
together to help ticket buyers avoid ticket
body Action Fraud revealing nearly 1.3
Ticketmaster, See Tickets, TicketWeb, ATG
sellers who deliberately set out to defraud
million pounds was reportedly lost through
Tickets, The Ticket Factory, Eventim and
them. We are a proud member of STAR and
entertainment and sport ticket fraud in the
Ticketline, as well as theatre and concert
believe the best advice for customers is to
six months to the end of October 2015.
venues across the country, are today featuring
only buy tickets from companies that display
the
‘homepage’
the STAR kitemark, a symbol of trust that
of
STAR
campaign,
members
including
that
takeovers, putting the #lookfortheSTAR
shows the company has signed up to the
represents a median loss of over 200
message in front of hundreds of thousands
STAR Code of Practice.”
pounds per individual case. Notably, this
of customers as they log on to buy tickets.
is the first time ever that stats have been
STAR members and other supporters are
made available for just entertainment
Detective Chief Inspector Andy Fyfe, City of
taking part in a Twitter campaign, with
and sport ticket fraud, providing a much
London Police/Action Fraud, said: “Buying
members also promoting the campaign in
more accurate view of fraud in the sector
tickets for major entertainment events takes
their own e-newsletters, increasing the reach
compared to past figures which have
a lot of planning and organisation and can
by millions.
included areas such as airline tickets
cost a lot of money. So when people discover
or holidays. A high number of these
they have fallen victim to a fraud – be it
The Society of Ticket Agents and Retailers
reports relate to two companies, Circle
through purchasing tickets that either don’t
(STAR) is the self-regulatory body for the
Tickets and GetSporting.com, and cover
exist or turn out to be counterfeit – it can be
entertainment ticket industry. Charged with
such events as Taylor Swift, Ed Sheeran,
a devastating experience. The key to making
promoting excellent service and improving
AC/DC, Fleetwood Mac, Foo Fighters, One
sure you don’t fall victim to this crime is to
standards
Direction and the Rugby World Cup, as well
only use authorised sellers and if you have
industry, STAR members work to a strict
as the key festival season.
any doubts about the website check out the
Code of Practice and a dispute conciliation
reviews online. And when it comes to making
service operates to help customers resolve
Led by the Society of Ticket Agents &
a purchase always use a payment card and
outstanding complaints.
Retailers (STAR), the wider #lookfortheSTAR
never transfer the funds directly into another
campaign comes ahead of the peak
bank account.”
The Society’s many members include all the
Christmas ticket-buying period, and aims
UK’s major authorised ticket agents as well
to help reduce fraud by educating and
Adrian Sanders, Chairman of STAR said: “As
as arenas, theatres, producers and promoters
encouraging customers to always look for
well as cheating the consumer, every case
throughout London and the UK. Between
STAR’s kitemark when buying tickets. This
of fraud damages the reputation of Britain’s
them, members of STAR sell more than 30
identifies members of STAR, who must
vital entertainment and sporting industries.
million tickets a year.
sign up to a strict Code of Practice, and
Buying tickets from a STAR kitemarked seller
guarantees that the ticket is from a reliable
will give consumers the confidence that their
Membership of STAR can be recognised by
source, much like buying a holiday through
purchase comes with certain guarantees that
the use of the STAR kitemark and a full list of
an ABTA or ATOL registered travel agent.
protect their rights.”
members is available at www.star.org.uk
With
16
from
2885
reports
registered,
across
the
entertainment
VIP NEWS >
NAMES & JOBS
NOVEMBER 2015
APA promotes agent John Pantle to VP
Agent Cara Lewis leaves CAA
From VIP-Daily News
From VIP-Daily News
APA has promoted agent John Pantle to vice president in the concerts department.
Agent Cara Lewis is leaving talent agency CAA according to New York Post.
Pantle’s clients include Public Enemy and Run-D.M.C. as well as Mexican artists Café Tacuba, Natalie Lafourcade and Molotov. He also represents Hatsune Miku,
The New York-based Lewis joined the firm in 2012
the J-pop hologram “vocaloid” that has become a bona fide sensation in Japan
after a 23-year run at rival William Morris Endeavor.
and other international markets.
She has represented the likes of Kanye West, who left CAA for UTA in March, Eminem, Tupac Shakur and
Pantle, who has been with APA since 2009 and works out of the agency’s Beverly
Public Enemy. Her more recent signings include Iggy
Hills offices, also puts together and implements the nationwide tours and events for
Azalea, MAGIC!, Waka Flocka, Rita Ora and Pusha-T.
corporate sponsors including AT&T, Coors, Energizer, Honda, Jack Daniels, Levi’s, Magnavox, Proctor & Gamble, Rockstar Energy Drink, Sprint and Volkswagen.
A source told NY Post that CAA ousted Lewis on Thursday after negotiations to renew her contract
“John is an integral part of our team who has done a tremendous job expanding
became a nightmare.
and servicing our roster of artists and live-experience events,” APA president and CEO Jim Gosnell said in a statement.
“She overplayed her hand,” the source said, adding Lewis wasn’t well-liked at CAA. It was a far cry from
“His dedication, track record and passion speak volumes and I’m very pleased to
how the firm first felt when it lured her from a 23-
acknowledge his hard work and success with this promotion.”
year reign at WME in 2012.
Pantle’s career began in 1999 as a talent buyer at the Los Angeles House of
“They pulled out the red carpet . . . CAA thought
Blues, later becoming head of development for the HOB Club Network, where he
they were getting this cool, hip music chick, and that
oversaw direct booking, industry relations and talent procurement for more than
was not the case. She created more enemies than
2,500 events for clients that included Disney and Microsoft. At the same time, his
they wanted. She’s ‘The Devil Wears Prada’ times
John Pantle Presents promoted and presented shows for Beck, No Doubt, Sublime,
10,” said a music insider.
Korn and The Goo Goo Dolls, among other acts. Another source said of Lewis’ legendary behaviour The 2002 Salt Lake City Winter Olympics also tapped his banner to create three
toward assistants, “She would always make them
concert venues and book artists that included The Neville Brothers, Sergio Mendes,
cry, and those kids were so terrified . . . they wouldn’t
Foo Fighters, Cheap Trick, Cake, Pennywise, Sheryl Crow, Smash Mouth and
even leave their desks to use the restroom. If they
Modest Mouse.
missed one of her phone calls, forget about it!” Starting in 2004, Pantle worked
Her clients include Eminem, Pitbull and newcomer
for The Agency Group and then for
Travis Scott. Kanye West dropped Lewis for UTA
UTA for three years. In addition to
in March. Her ouster comes in the midst of a war
developing national and international
between LA talent shops.
tours for their respective artist clients, he
John Pantle
corporate
“Every agent is calling to sign her clients,” said an
sponsors including Coors, Budweiser,
also
worked
with
insider. CAA had no comment. Lewis was traveling
Nokia, McDonald’s, Microsoft and
and could not be reached. But an employee at the
Sprint (at TAG) as well as Coors,
talent agency told us they “hadn’t seen anyone cry”
Televisa and Verizon (at UTA).
in the last few weeks.
17
VIP NEWS > BUSINESS >
MUSIC IN SHARES
NOVEMBER 2015
Music In Shares Manfred Tari mt@vip-booking.com
CTS Eventim
to $25.24 which means the share has almost returned to the share
- Hard To Please
price level of $25.35 where it was on October 15...
Sometimes it is surprising how hard it is to please share holders. The German financial paper Handelsblatt filed CTS Eventim on
SFX Entertainment
November 23 under ‘flop’ as the share dropped from 36.63 the day
- “Going Forward”
before to 35.60 Euro, a minus of two per cent. However, since the last issue of VIP-News with a reported share price of 34.55 Euro on
Was it likely to be expected that Robert F.X Sillerman again withdrew
October 22 it is still two per cent better...
his purchase offer? An almost meaningless question when taking the business results for the first nine months of 2015 into consideration. The results are: A reported revenue of $306.4 million with direct
EAG
costs of $250.9 million resulting in a gross profit of $55.4 million,(...)
- The Pressure Is Rising
which is swallowed by a net loss of $144 million!
Last time headline was “DEAG - The Pressure Succeeds”, this time
The share price meanwhile slipped down to $0.30, perhaps due in
it is even worse. The share price dropped down from 4.20 to 3.66
part to Sillermans’ statement, when he stated: “While our financial
Euro.
performance was impacted by external factors, we are making several significant changes this quarter to address the lower than anticipated operating results. Additionally, although fourth quarter
Live Nation
results are expected to benefit from insurance settlements and
- “Up Side Down and Round....
the finalization of a new marketing agreement, the 2015 full year financial results will not meet our prior expectations. Going forward,
…And Round” sung Diana Ross ages ago. For a long time the same
and notwithstanding the on-going sales process, our teams remain
goes for the Live Nation share, from $26.01 last time currently down
focused on operations.”
Robert F. X. Sillerman
18
VIP NEWS > MISC >
NOVEMBER 2015
MEMBER PRESENTATION
The story of Barley Arts Promotion The story of Barley Arts Promotion, leader for the organisation and production of entertainment and music shows, revolves around the figure of Claudio Trotta (b.1957 in Milan) Following his college years passion for the link between “high” and pop culture, he starts his career with Radio Montestella, then in 1975 he’s at Canale 96, the very first news radio, organising the first live shows of his life. In 1979 he graduates at the Civica Scuola di Arte Drammatica as music operator, spending a training period at the Teatro alla Scala. The same year he founds BARLEY ARTS PROMOTION (first tour: JOHN MARTYN) whose name is a homage Trotta pays to one of his early passions, Anglo-Saxon country and folk. Going through some TV experience (TeleRadioMilano 2), he’s involved by Lucio Salvini (chairman at Ricordi by that time) in his Country e Folk Label project and becomes the Italian promoter for the artists in the roster. Later
ARTIST AVAILS BANCO DE GAIA Territory: World incl. USA Period: March 2016 onwards Agency: Value Added Talent Agent: Dan Silver Phone: +44 20 7704 9720 E-mail: dan@vathq.co.uk Homepage: www.vathq.co.uk
BLIND CHANNEL (FIN) Territory: Europe Period: 2016 Agency: The Damager Agent: Toni Törrönen Phone: +358 400 592 152 E-mail: info@thedamager.com Homepage: thedamager.com/?page_id=1720
Basement Jaxx Territory: Europe Period: 2015 Agency: Primary Talent International Agent: Peter Eilliot Phone: +44 20 7400 4500 E-mail: peter_elliott@primarytalent.com Homepage: www.primarytalent.com/basement-jaxx/
on, Salvini will entrust him with Artistic and Marketing Direction of the Blues & Rock Project series at Carosello. As one of his latest personal side projects, Trotta edited The Milan Music Dictionary (1995), together with Paolo Zenoni. He’s one of the Founders of the following Associations: - ASSOMUSICA: Italian Association of Producers and Organisers of Live Music Entertainment (founded 1996): Board Director from the beginning. - YOUROPE: The European Festival Association (founded 1998): Board Director 1998-2001. The company, which has been doing more than 3500 live shows, festivals and special events since 1979, operates on many levels, e.g.: 1) Promotion of international artists in Italy. E.g. STING, PEARL JAM, BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN, TOM WAITS, SHAGGY, AEROSMITH, THE CURE, LENNY KRAVITZ, AC-DC, PHIL COLLINS, SLIPKNOT, METALLICA, STEVIE WONDER, RAY CHARLES,
BARRY WHITE, EARTH, WIND & FIRE, VAN MORRISON, B.B. KING, PAGE & PLANT,
KISS, IRON MAIDEN, YES, CHEMICAL BROTHERS, DREAM THEATER, PRODIGY,
LOREENA MC KENNITT, RAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE, DEFTONES, PAUL WELLER,
LIMP BIZKIT, DEEP PURPLE, DAVID SYLVIAN, HOOVERPHONIC, DAVID BOWIE, SANTANA, FRANK ZAPPA, LORD OF THE DANCE, SHAOLIN MONKS and more. 2) Promotion and production of Italian artists in Italy (NEFFA, SOTTOTONO, LITFIBA...) 3) Production and co-production and Promotion of Festivals: MONSTERS OF ROCK, SONORIA, MILANO BLUES FESTIVAL, IRLANDA IN FESTA, LAGHI LOMBARDI IN FESTIVAL, FLEADH, BALKANIKA, MONZA ROCK FESTIVAL, PISTOIA BLUES
Chris Thompson (Ex-Manfred Mann¥s Earth Band) Territory: World Period: Available all year on request Agency: Live Concept Entertainment GmbH Agent: Michael Widmann Phone: +49 7203 9219180 E-mail: info@live-concept.de Homepage: www.christhompson-central.com
The”Original”Blues Brothers Band Territory: Europe Period: On request, May - August 2016 Agency: Basitours Agent: Peter Basler Phone: +41 79 7692393 E-mail: office@basitours.com Homepage: www.basitours.com/artist/original_blues_ brothers_band
IRON BUTTERFLY Territory: All International Period: Spring - Summer 2016 Agency: Cheyenne Productions Agent: Patrick rocher Phone: +1 928 852 00 32 E-mail: cheyenprod@msn.com Homepage: www.ironbutterflyband.com
MORE ARTIST AVAILS ON: WWW.VIP-BOOKING.COM POST YOUR ARTIST AVAILS ON: WWW.VIP-BOOKING.COM
FESTIVAL, COCA COLA DANCE FESTIVAL… 4) Organisation, production and promotion of Italian artist’s concerts and tours abroad (e.g. first international shows of Vasco Rossi, Eros Ramazzotti, Sabrina Salerno...)
20
Basement Jaxx