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VIP NEWS
PREMIUM > VOLUME 195 > NOVEMBER 2016
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VIP NEWS >
NOVEMBER 2016
McGowan’s
So, Trump it is then…who’d have thought it?
I recently attended the excellent Nouvelle
anymore is that music has lost its vanguard
Apart from a good few million US Citizens of
Prague event, and took part in a panel called
role in youth culture. In the 20th century, if
course; but then again Brexit?.... who’d have
‘Can Guitars Save Democracy’; I was aware
you wanted to know what your generation
thought it, apart from a good few million
that the Eastern European members of the
was thinking, you would listen to music and
UK citizens of course! Has the world actually
panel were worried by the very real possibility
read the music press, because it was the
gone crazy, or am I, and quite a few others,
that they could be facing an interference in
only medium available to young people.
just condemned to be forever batting for
the freedom of their countries which goes
When I was 19 and felt angry, I had to learn
the losing side? There’s definitely a political
beyond reciprocal trade agreements etc.
to play guitar, write songs, and do gigs; that
emphasis in this edition (see Manfred Tari’s
The exit of the UK from the European Union
was the only opportunity to have my voice
interview with Eric van Eerdenburg)
could be seen as abandonment, and the
heard. Now if you’re 19 and you’re angry,
voting in of a US President who has publicly
you can do everything from stir up a Twitter-
declared admiration for a certain strongman
storm to make a film and edit it on your
who overlooks some of their borders, which
iPhone. So music no longer has that role
also does not inspire feelings of security!
that has everybody’s attention. I think the
Whether or not guitars or the people that
responses to Trump are still predominantly
play them can make any difference to
going to come from musicians from the
possible incursions remains to be seen,
20th century, if you’re looking for guys with
but apart from hastily identified discussion
guitars and singer/songwriters and people
points regarding the re-introduction of
like that…..”
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
Musings
carnets, visas and other complications for international touring there seems to be
Politicians in Italy and the UK are, some
little to be done – for now! The days of the
might say, finally, taking further interest
writing of protest songs and the promotion
in the live music business and committing
of events like Rock Against Racism and Live
to further investigation into the secondary
Aid seem to have gone quiet – for now…
ticketing market, and action against the
But, as President Ilves of Estonia was wont
practices of the companies that operate in
to state in his opening speeches at Tallinn
it. Also the Mayor of London, Sadiq Kahn
Music Week, there is a power to rock and
has celebrated the re-opening of the Fabric
roll that should be retained and applied!
nightclub, and vowed to help preserve London’s night life.
One musician closely identified with political music in the U.K. for the last 33 years, Billy
So – probably time to get off the soap box
Bragg, commented in Billboard
“One of
and hand over to other things relevant to
my theories about why there isn’t so much
our business, so Ladies and Gentlemen –
political pop from young guitar bands
The News!
VIP NEWS >
NOVEMBER 2016
T in the Park festival ‘to take a break’ From VIP-Daily News Scotland`s largest music festival, T in the Park, is to take a break next year, its organisers have confirmed. DF Concerts said it needed to “take stock” and that the two years since the festival moved to Strathallan from Balado “have had their challenges.” The promoter said “continued restrictions” had
had
a
“negative
impact”
on
festivalgoers. It added that the limitations placed on their fans` experience were “too great”. The organisers said: “We now need to take stock and take a year out to try to resolve the issues so that we can once again deliver the kind of camping festival you are used to and deserve.”
Hamilton in Lanarkshire, before it moved to
year at Strathallan in 2015 was plagued
Balado in Perth and Kinross. Over 17 years
by traffic problems, leading to organisers
Scotland`s largest music festival has been
it grew to a three-day festival attracting
implementing a transport plan for this
held every year since 1994, when Rage
225,000 people, including 70,000 campers.
summer`s event. Two teenagers died at this
Against the Machine and Primal Scream
year`s festival in separate incidents, while
were the headline acts. The first three
In 2015 the festival moved to Strathallan
witnesses reported fights and illicit drug use
years took place at Strathclyde Park, near
Castle in Perthshire. The festival`s first
in the campsite area.
Positive Action to be taken by High Level Authorities Against Secondary Ticketing Allan McGowan am@vip-booking.com Following Italian culture minister Dario
the ticketing market in order to regulate the
session, Annabella Coldrick, CEO of The
Franceschini’s recent declaration that he
UK’s secondary ticketing market, following a
Music Managers Forum (MMF), and Ian
would seek to make online ticket touting
hearing on online ticket touting before the
McAndrew (Wildlife Entertainment), and
illegal in Italy (See below), British Members of
Culture, Media & Sport Select Committee
musician You Me At Six’s Josh Franceschi.
Parliament have recommended investigation
in Parliament, on November 15th. One MP
Secondary ticketing businesses and live music
of “far-ranging and disturbing factors” in the
stated, “The time has come when we have
experts also appeared to discuss the state of
ticketing market. After many years of taking
to do something.”
the UK’s ticket resale market.
that the music industry put its own house in
The members of the Committee heard
Following
order MP’s are to recommend investigation
evidence from supporters of the FanFair
published an announcement, committing
of “far-ranging and disturbing factors” in
Alliance, represented by witnesses at the
to
no further action other than recommending
further
the
session,
action
the
including:
Committee a
“fuller
3
VIP NEWS >
NOVEMBER 2016
investigation” of the whole area of ticketing:
The Secretary of State is holding a round table
a potential HMRC investigation into the
on this area at the end of the month. We will
revenues of known touts: tabling an
decide how best to take the issues forward
amendment at Report Stage of the Digital
once we know the outcome of this and in
Economy Bill to ban the misuse of ‘bots’.
light of the conclusion of a Competition and Marketing Authority investigation, expected
Their full statement runs as follows:
shortly, into whether ticket companies are complying with the law. In the meantime,
The Culture, Media and Sport Committee
we will be writing to the Secretary of State
held a one-off evidence session yesterday
urging her to study the evidence given to
online ticket touts and the industrial abuse
into the ticketing markets as the Committee
us about the under-reporting of income by
of this market, as well as an amendment to
was aware of the distortion of the ticketing
known touts and to raise this with HMRC as
the Digital Economy Bill to ban the misuse
markets caused by the use of technology
an area which warrants their investigation.
of bots.”
(bots and software) to ‘harvest’ large
The one area of unanimity among our
numbers of tickets as soon as they went
witnesses was that some good might be
Following the session several MPs declared a
on general sale—thus restricting availability
done by the banning of the use of bots. We
willingness to work with the industry to bring
to fans and pushing up prices of any tickets
intend to table an amendment on Report
an end to large-scale ticket touting.
available for re-sale.
Stage of the Digital Economy Bill later this
Andrew Bingham said: “I sat on the all-party
month to effect this.
group with Sharon [Hodgson MP] in the last
The evidence session, however, has shed
parliament, and I took the view then that this
a light on much more far-ranging and
FanFair issued the following
market is working and we should leave well
disturbing factors in the market, including
in response:
alone, but I have to say things have evolved
clear indications of too close relationships
[…] and the time has come when we have
between those selling tickets on the primary
“This is fantastic news for all UK music fans
to do something.” However he did warn
market and sellers on the secondary market.
and those who have campaigned so long
against acting “too hastily”. Colne Valley MP
Witnesses’
satisfactory
for action. Yesterday, the dysfunctional
Jason McCartney suggested “naming and
answers to the Committee’s questions
market and bad practices of the Big Four
shaming” promoters and venues complicit
about where companies’ main profits are
secondary ticketing websites were laid bare
in the transfer of inventory from the primary
made, the possibility of even Chinese walls
before members of the Culture, Media &
to the secondary market, calling them “the
between parts of the same company, and the
Sport Committee. We anticipate that a fuller
villains in this”.
willingness of the ticket selling companies to
investigation of this market will lead to much-
even try to identify, let alone bar, large-scale
needed reform.
failure
to
give
ticket touts and fraudulent sellers have led us
So, it would appear that the secondary ticket companies, have reason to feel somewhat
to conclude that a fuller investigation of the
“The FanFair Alliance fully supports further
anxious about the outcome of all this scrutiny
whole area of ticketing is needed.
actions into the fraudulent activities of
– as they say, watch this space!
Josh Franceschi, Ian McAndrew and Annabella Coldrick
4
MP
THE EUROPEAN MUSIC PLATFORM
VIP NEWS >
NOVEMBER 2016
Secondary Ticket Scandal Hits Italian Concert Industry Manfred Tari mt@vip-booking.com Whistle-blowers and media reports have led to official investigations of Live Nation Italy and Vivo Concerti, two of the biggest concert promoters in Italy. Two recent TVreports aired on November 8 and November 15 resulted in November 16 searches by the Guardia di Finanza of the offices of Live Nation Italy and Vivo Concerti. The TV-magazine Le Iene on TV 1Mediaset
exclusive contracts with most Italian concert
When Roberto De Luca, CEO of Live Nation
reported on extensive business associations
promoters. However, a TV-reporter, trying
Italy was confronted with those findings in
between
websites
to purchase tickets for Coldplay on October
an interview, he responded amongst other
and the two concert promoters. Following
secondary
ticketing
7 for a concert in Milan in July 2017 on the
explanations, that he had to share these
statements in the TV-report by an anonymous
Ticketone website, showed that all tickets
received extra profits with artists, among
whistle-blower, describing in detail internal
had been sold within less than 30 minutes.
others. This statement lead to many popular
deals between concert promoters and
Italian artists who work with Live Nation,
secondary ticketing platforms, managing
Simultaneously tickets for this show went
including Tiziano Ferro, Vasco Rossi and
directors of Live Nation and the ticketing
on sale at the secondary ticketing portal
Marco Mengoni, denied knowing about, or
portal Ticketone have been confronted with
Viagogo with a surcharge of up to 500 per
benefiting from, such business practices.
copies of various invoices, apparently proving
cent and more. Within the report it has also
that direct payments between concert
been said that besides selling large ticket
Earlier this year in April, the independent
promoter and secondary ticketing websites
allocations upfront to Ticketone l, various
concert promoter Barley Arts filed a charge
were taking place.
prominent promoters sold tickets directly
against unknown persons regarding fraud
to secondary ticketing platforms. While
and impersonation crimes relating to the
Tickets in Italy, as in France have the legal
those tickets are sold for the face value, it
unauthorized resale of tickets for the
status of financial certificates. Ticketone,
is supposed that the promoter receives a
concerts of Bruce Springsteen in 2016.
a subsidy of CTS Eventim, is the official
return of up to 90 per cent from the income
Barley Arts has been proactive in the fight
primary ticketing source in Italy and has
generated on the surcharges.
against the resale of tickets for some years and has now resigned from its membership
Roberto De Luca Live Nation Italy
in
Assomusica,
the
Italian
promoter
association. When consumer watch dogs ventured concerns regarding the sale of tickets for the upcoming Coldplay concert, Dario Franceschini, the Italian Minister of Culture responded, saying he intends to appeal to
the
Italian
parliament
to
institute
proceedings outlawing the unauthorised resale of tickets. The new law foresees fines ranging from 30.000 to 180.000 Euro. Meanwhile Live Nation Italy and Vivo Concerti have been suspended from membership of Assomusica.
6
VIP NEWS >
NOVEMBER 2016
Live Nation acquires majority stake in Sweden Rock Festival From VIP-Daily News Live Nation Sweden has acquired a majority
the very best conditions to further develop
stake in Sweden Rock Festival - one of
our festival for the future.”
Sweden`s most successful and longest running festivals.
Same operations and spirit The change in ownership will not affect
Martin
at
the way the festival is being operated. The
Sweden Rock Festival, continues: “The live
Forssman,
Head
Promotor
company and the festival will be run by the
According to a statement the acquisition is
entertainment industry is moving more
same staff and management, and in the
a part of Live Nation`s long-term investment
and more towards few, large companies
same manner.
strategy of building a stronger festival platform
booking artists for shows in many countries
and Sweden Rock gets a strong international
and during long periods of time. In that
Both the festival and its headquarters
owner, which enables the festival to advance
environment, a cooperation with Live
will remain in Sölvesborg. The musical
its position in the market even further.
Nation is the ultimate way forward for us.”
orientation will stay the same, and the
Live Nation Sweden and Sweden Rock
Thomas Johansson, Chairman International
booking the artists, now with assistance
Festival have been discussing possible forms
Music, Live Nation: “Sweden Rock has
from the team at Live Nation.
of collaboration in the last period. Today
done a fantastic job and has been one of
the companies can reveal that Live Nation
Sweden`s best and most loved festivals
Dates for coming festivals stand firm; the
has acquired a majority of the Sweden Rock
over many years, so we are very happy and
festival will - as usual - take place during
Festival shares.
excited to be able to work with them and
four days in June, two weekends before
evolve the festival even further.”
midsummer - which for 2017 means June
current
“We are very pleased to have realized this
promoter
team
will
continue
7-10th.
deal”, explains Mats Natvig, CEO of Sweden
Carl Pernow, President, Live Nation Nordic:
Rock Festival. “For many years, we have
“I am proud to add Sweden Rock to our
Aerosmith is the first band that has been
continuously developed the content, service
already strong festival portfolio. The way the
announced for Sweden Rock Festival 2017.
and security at Sweden Rock Festival.
team behind Sweden Rock has developed
On November 24th more bands will be
Joining forces with Live Nation will give us
the festival is impressive.”
announced and tickets go on sale.
7
VIP NEWS >
NOVEMBER 2016
PRS International Showcase Fund to be opened to Scottish acts through Creative Scotland partnership Allan McGowan am@vip-booking.com The
PRS
For
Music
Foundation
has
allow us to do so at an increased level. We
announced Creative Scotland as a new
firmly believe that Scottish musicians deserve
partner on its International Showcase Fund.
to stand shoulder to shoulder with the best
The hook up provides Scottish acts with the
the world has to offer, and that our up-and-
opportunity to apply for funding to perform
coming acts will be the stars of the future.
internationally, as artists in England and
The International Showcase Fund is the key
Wales already do.
that will open doors to a wealth of industry platforms at some of the biggest festivals and
“I am delighted that Creative Scotland will be partnering with us and the existing partners
Vanessa Reed
on the International Showcase Fund”, says
8
music events on the calendar”. The International Showcase Fund was first
PRS For Music Foundation chief exec Vanessa
Creative Scotland’s Head Of Music Alan
launched in 2013, and a PRS For Music
Reed “This additional investment means
Morrison adds: “Connecting Scottish talent to
Foundation report earlier this year found
that we can now open this fund to talented
the wider world is one of Creative Scotland’s
that artists who had benefitted from it had
Scottish artists who are looking to access a
main ambitions, and this new partnership
generated £8.90 in additional revenues for
new oversees territory for the first time”.
with the International Showcase Fund will
every £1 in funding they received.
VIP NEWS >
NOVEMBER 2016
Sonic Visions – Most Successful Edition Allan McGowan am@vip-booking.com The fifth edition of Luxembourg’s Sonic
Sonic Visions 2016 Credit Noah Fohl
Visions appears to have been the most successful so far. 435 delegates attended the conference and showcase event staged in the spectacular environs of the no longer operative steel works and blast furnaces and the Rockhal venue in the aptly named Avenue du Rock’n’Roll in Esch/Alzette. The Red Hot Chilli Peppers played in the main venue separately from Sonic Visions on the first night of the event, but the showcases still drew full crowds to the steel works venues.
Sonic Visions 2016 Photo by Jannica Honey
I have attended Sonic Visions since the first edition and watched the surroundings and the event grow. The event is an initiative of Rockhal and Rocklab. Organiser Sam Reinard told me, “ This most successful edition was aimed at concentrating on making the event a more useful set up for more local bands and people working in the business.” Mainly German and French acts from across the Luxembourg have performed in the showcases over the years. Sam Continued, “As the Luxembourg business has developed we are now able to invite local people to talk on all topics, alongside international visitors; building bridges to create a well functioning market by creating local content and discussing international points of view.” Rockhal is a member of the Live Europe association of venues, and Venue director Olivier Toth, works alongside Rocklab throughout
the
year
providing
music
production, workshops, management and other training events. Sonic Visions also presented the VCA’s – the Video Clip Awards, showcasing and rewarding the most innovative music videos, ‘Made in Luxembourg’. I really enjoyed Sonic Visions, even though I did walk into a glass panel!
9
VIP NEWS >
NOVEMBER 2016
London Gets it’s First Night Czar Allan McGowan am@vip-booking.com I suppose the title Night Mayor could sound
underground train service) and Mayor Sadiq
Farringdon] and the threats facing other
too much like a bad dream, so Night Czar
Khan’s commitment to protect iconic venues
venues across the capital show why Amy
it is, Amsterdam has one, and now so does
across the city, I’m confident that I can
will be a much-needed ambassador for the
London. Comedian and broadcaster Amy
inspire a positive change in the way people
city after dark.”
Lamé has become the Enlish capital’s first
think about the night-time economy.”
night czar, tcharged with the responsibility
The new Night Czar will work closely with
of with overseeing the establishment of a
Mayor Khan said: “I’m absolutely delighted
the police, Transport for London and the
thriving 24-hour city.
to announce the appointment of London’s
Night Time Commission, a collection of local
first-ever night czar. The recent closure
planning and licensing authorities, club and
of the world-famous nightclub Fabric [in
venue owners.
A naturalised Brit, though born in the US, Ms Lamé has stated that one of her first concerns involved guarding against the closure of nightclubs and music venues. The 45 year old performer said: “It’s a privilege to be London’s very first night czar. I can’t wait to hit the streets and have loads of ideas of what I can do for revellers, nighttime workers, businesses and stakeholders. For too long, the capital’s nighttime industry has been under pressure — music venues and nightclubs in particular are closing at an alarming rate. With the advent of the Night Tube, (the late night
Mayor Khan and Amy Lamé
‘Subsidy Santa Claus’ Cheers German Music Sector Manfred Tari mt@vip-booking.com The German Government will provide a
cultural politics when compared to most
Livekomm will now run a programme for
subsidy of 8.2 million Euros for the support
other cultural sectors in Germany, it is at
music clubs to invest into new digital light
of popular music in Germany in 2017.
least an attempt to move things forward a
and sound equipment, while the Applause-
Various
bit more than in the past.
Award rewards music clubs for their
organisations
and
companies
will be allocated significant amounts for
10
ambitious booking policy. Initiative Music, is
the support of projects and programmes
Allocations include 2 million Euro for
a federal organisation supplying grants for
dedicated to music.
Reeperbahn Festival, 500.000 each for c/o
artists and music infrastructure. The money
pop in Cologne and for Pop-Kultur in Berlin,
for the rehearsal rooms will be administered
Politically a nice gesture, at least when
1 million Euros for Livekomm, the music
by the Deutsche Rockmusik foundation.
considered within the total budget of 660
venues organisation , 1.5 million Euro for
million Euro the German Government will
the venue award Applause, 1.5 million Euro
It could be said that the entire allocation is
additionally spend for culture in Germany.
for Initiative Musik, 1.1 million for rehearsal
not based on an entirely holistic approach,
Nevertheless, even if the popular music
rooms and 600.000 Euro for a programme
but at least the 8.2 million Euro total amount
sector
supporting concerts in train stations.
is certainly better than nothing.
is
somewhat
neglected
within
VIP NEWS > INDEPTH STORY >
NOVEMBER 2016
Let’s Talk Politics - Eric van Eerdenburg Manfred Tari mt@vip-booking.com For many years the live music business
so long. In the last issue, VIP News asked
about
seemed to be immune most of the recent
Greg Parmley of ILMC about Brexit and
regarding the current political climate...
crises. Sure, the major financial problems
Europe, and it appears that it is still too
of 1999/2000 and again in 2008 caused
early to say what the political outcomes will
VIP News: There was a time when artists
economic problems for the sector, but
mean for the live music industry. However,
were proactive and ventured their
somehow,
contraction
it becomes more and more clear, the live
opinions
and consolidation business restored and
music community is very likely, more than
and social issues via campaigns such
recouped.
ever before, to be affected by current
as Rock The Vote, Rock Against Racism,
amendments of political preferences in the
and charity events like Live Aid or Farm
society in Europe and elsewhere.
Aid, are events like these, and even
despite
market
But times are changing and political failures
his
concerns
on
and
political
expectations
developments
the writing and performing of protest
of the past are causing knock-on situations that could seriously harm the comfort zone
VIP News asked Eric van Eerdenburg, director
that the live music business has enjoyed for
of the Lowlands Festival in the Netherlands
songs now just things of the past? Eric Van Eerdenburg: No, they are not a
Eric van Eerdenburg - Photo by J.Schlomoff
thing of the past. There will be more social unrest and there will be a soundtrack that supports it. It has been like that in the past and it will be like that in the future. Trump’s statements may be the catalyst for a movement like Black Lives Matter. It looks like the US is going to have a government made up of sexist, racist & xenophobic hardliners, I do not expect them to change the suppressive slavery 2.0 imprisonment system and it’s going to be very explosive if the new regime responds to social unrest with more suppression and violence. Also the people that voted Trump may be very disappointed. He and his newly appointed advisors are the living proof of the anarchic-capitalism that created the ‘forgotten, or left behind people’ in society in the first place. Large percentages of the voters in Poland, Russia, France, Holland, Turkey, and Hungary seem to support the same type of populism nowadays. VIP News: Do you expect that the current political climate (Brexit, Trump,
11
VIP NEWS > INDEPTH STORY >
NOVEMBER 2016
Hungary, Poland, Turkey) will have an
When PVV was part of the Liberal/ Christian
impact on the live music business?
Democrat government some years ago they cut on subsidies big time. It will happen
Eric Van Eerdenburg: I was tour managing
again I’m sure. The populists want to polarise
before European borders opened. Big time
people. Culture unites people, and you see
bureaucracy for UK touring may be back.
cultures merge & blend particularly through pop music.
A country like Turkey that stops freedom
of speech, stops foreign journalists at the
VIP News: In the US several prominent
border and puts journalists, politicians and
music artists made political statements
judges in jail is likely to condemn culture that
in support of Hilary Clinton. Are you
expresses opinions in a way that they do not
aware of any popular Dutch artists that
wish to hear. I would not be surprised if we
have declared support for a party or a
work, do not speak the language, mothers
hear of Turkish examples soon where the
politician?
with young children and no work, people
current government will stop artists entering
The Lowlands Festival
facing discrimination when applying for jobs,
the country. Already a lot of US & European
Eric Van Eerdenburg: Apart from a nationwide
etc. Not all of the people ‘left behind’ are
acts have cancelled shows in Turkey.
known singer called Gordon who will express
populist voters. And not all of the populist
his support for the liberals whenever he can,
voters are ‘left behind’ I’m convinced.
We all know what happened to Pussy Riot
I’m not aware of any direct support from an
in Russia. The gay community in Russia
artist for a political party or politician.
is subject to implicit state supported
We do grant a limited amount of requests from institutions that do great (social) work
discrimination and violence. If I were an
VIP News: Should festival promoters,
with young people and can’t afford to come
openly gay artist I would be scared to go and
like artists, use their events to address
to the festival. All together that is no more
play for my Russian audience, that’s if the
political issues?
than 100 tickets a year though. We do
audience were not too scared to come out to the show already.
not run special programmes for it. We get Eric Van Eerdenburg: As a festival I think
letters and emails from youth prisons, or
we should not support one political party
family replacement homes. Also last wishes
VIP News: In March 2017 general
or ideology but we do address political and
of terminally ill people. When it sounds
elections
the
social issues. We have a political/ social issue
genuine and/or there is help able to handle
will
Netherlands.
take
place
What
are
in
your
programme at Lowlands. We strive to have
it well, we reward it and support it from the
expectations/concerns regarding the
all opinions represented. Politicians of all
festival side.
likely results and how these may affect
ideologies have been speakers and debated
your event?
at the festival. Even the PVV populist Geert
VIP News: Does the new political
Wilders has taken part in a political debate on
situation have an impact on bookings
Eric Van Eerdenburg: If the populists win
stage. We have cooperation’s with Amnesty
for Lowlands, such as for instance,
and find enough partners to form a coalition
International, Greenpeace and Oxfam.
booking an artist from Turkey who lives in exile now?
to govern the country, this will have a big negative impact on the subsidised cultural
VIP News: In reference to many political
sector in Holland. They look at culture as
comments it has been ventured that
an elitist, left wing hobby. They will cut
populist parties are gaining votes from
back subsidies. The club circuit is subsidised.
the so-called ‘left behind’ people. In
VIP News: Would you say that politicians
Rehearsal studios and music schools are
terms of the Lowlands-Festival, do you
could learn something from the political
subsidised. This will affect the development
supply free tickets to people who cannot
preferences of the audience at your
of new Dutch acts if they are in the
afford to buy tickets for your festival?
festival?
Eric Van Eerdenburg: The type of people
Eric Van Eerdenburg: In general politicians
Promoters might be facing a lot of
that are ‘left behind’ in Holland are mostly
can learn from any contact with voters.
counteraction and bureaucracy to get our
older people with inadequate pensions,
There is a young, intelligent, highly educated
licenses. The populists have proven to be
people that are chronically ill, have high
crowd at LL. Of course they can pick things
rancorous whenever they can.
care needs, low education/no work, 50+/no
up here.
Eric Van Eerdenburg: So far it did not.
government long enough.
12
VIP NEWS >
NOVEMBER 2016
Changes Announced for 29th Edition of ILMC Allan McGowan am@vip-booking.com Organisers of the International Live Music
Awards – the live music industry’s equivalent
Conference (ILMC) have launched the 29th
of the Oscars – will be presented during a
edition, announcing some changes from
Gala Dinner at new venue 8Northumberland
previous years and some innovations. The
on Thursday 8 March.
most significant difference is a move to a new mid week format; also networking spaces are
Other events to orbit the main conference
to be expanded and several additional new
include the ILMC Production Meeting and
elements are to be added.
Green Events & Innovations Conference week format. “We’ve used the opportunity
which both take place on Tuesday 7 March.
One ILMC tradition will remain constant , the
to expand the number of panels and
conference adopts a different theme each
workshops we can run, add more events, and
ILMC takes place at the Royal Garden Hotel in
year, and from 7-10 March 2017 isinviting
revamp the networking areas in the hotel to
Kensington, London. Event partners include
delegates to head to London, for a murder
allow for more private meeting space,” says
Live Nation, Ticketmaster, CTS Eventim,
mystery-styled event, in which the industry’s
conference head Greg Parmley.
Amazon Tickets, Universe, Intellitix, Malaysia
biggest topics go under the magnifying glass during four days of intense investigation.
Major Events, Feld Entertainment, Showsec, Having sold out in advance for over a decade,
.Tickets and Buma Cultuur.
ILMC hosts over 1,000 delegates comprised The change of dates comes after a poll of
of booking agents, promoters, festival
The new website, which calls on all live music
all ILMC members earlier this year showed
organisers, venue operators and related
investigators to head to the scene of the
overwhelming support for moving to a mid
professionals. Within the schedule, the Arthur
crime, is live here.
Tenth ILMC Production Meeting Launched Allan McGowan am@vip-booking.com Organisers of the ILMC Production Meeting
closer to ILMC, expanding the amount of
Supporters of IPM include eps, Megaforce,
(IPM) have launched the 10th anniversary
conference space and having far greater
EFM Event Logistics and Star Events. Full
edition of the annual event for the world’s
networking opportunities than ever, it’s a
event information, including registration, is
leading
sound
revamped format for our tenth anniversary,”
online here.
and lighting engineers; venue personnel;
says ILMC head Greg Parmley. “Welcoming
suppliers and promoters’ representatives.
delegates from over 30 countries, IPM has
production
managers;
always been a focussed event for leaders IPM 10 moves back to the Royal Garden
in the international production community,
Hotel in a new conference space that allows
and the forthcoming event looks to be our
for an increased number of delegates,
most exciting yet.”
while networking and conference breaks are shared with delegates from the Green
IPM takes place on Tuesday 7 March 2017,
Events & Innovations conference. Over 400
mixing a full day of conference panels, a
delegates are expected across both events.
series of Production Notes presentations of the latest innovation and initiatives in
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“By bringing IPM back into its spiritual
the space, a five-star lunch, breaks and a
home at the Royal Garden Hotel to be
closing party.
Greg Parmley
VIP NEWS >
NAMES & JOBS
NOVEMBER 2016
New CEO appointed for Royal Albert Hall From VIP-Daily News The Royal Albert Hall has appointed Craig Hassall as its new chief executive. Hassall, currently CEO of Opera Australia, succeeds Chris Cotton, who retires in March. Craig Hassall has worked in the performing arts for over 28 years and has a long-standing association with the Hall through several previous roles. Prior to Opera Australia, he worked in London for almost nine years, firstly as CEO of English National Ballet, the national touring ballet company of the UK. Following this, he was COO of Raymond Gubbay Ltd, responsible for
Royal Albert Hall
new business and collaborative ventures in the commercial field of classical music, opera and ballet, primarily at the Royal Albert Hall.
Announcing the appointment, the Hall’s president, Jon Moynihan
He also consulted on cultural aspects of the London 2012 Olympic
OBE, said: “As we look towards the Hall’s 150th anniversary, we are
Games.
setting an ambitious plan for our future and I’m delighted that Craig will be joining us to lead the team to define and deliver that vision.
“It has been a privilege to work in the performing arts for my entire
My thanks go to Chris Cotton whose great leadership over the last
career. To now be offered the opportunity to manage one of the
seven years has ensured that the Hall has grown dramatically both in
most iconic venues in the world surpasses everything,” said Hassall.
shows and financial performance over his successful tenure.”
Craig Hassal
15
VIP NEWS > BUSINESS >
MUSIC IN SHARES
NOVEMBER 2016
Music In Shares Manfred Tari mt@vip-booking.com
CTS Eventim
DEAG
- Despite Solid Figures Share Price Rollercoaster
- Hopes For Recovery
Even if CTS Eventim managed the departure of the team behind
Up from 2.50 to 2.99 Euro within just one month, but still no
MLK.com without suffering a substantial revenue loss, it was not
information on the line up for Rockavaria 2017, while Toten Hosen
to expected in the days before CTS Eventim reported its business
has been confirmed to headline Rock in Vienna.
results for Q3 on November 22, that the share price of the company would come under pressure.
Live Nation In fact CTS Eventim has been able to almost maintain with 576.2
- Sweden Rock Sails Under A New Banner
million Euro (577.5 - Q3 2015) its same revenue result. In the key segment Ticketing CTS Eventim could still report growth. The
Live Nation acquired the majority share of the metal festival Sweden
revenue increased from 215.3 to 240.3 million Euro, the revenue for
Rock. No information has been given on the purchase price, but
the Live Entertainment division instead went down from 366.4 to
with The Island Festival, Popaganda, Stockholm Music & Arts,
340.3 million Euro. However, at the beginning of the year the CTS
Summerburst and Way Out West. Live Nation Sweden now operates
Eventim expected a turnover decrease for this part of the company
six festivals in the country.
of 30 percent instead of only 7.1 percent as the current result show. The share price rose from $27.38 up to $27.70 and does not really But in the days shortly before the figures were announced, the share
need to be commented on.
price faced downturns. On October 25 the share price was 32.87 Euro, on November 23 it is 29.90 Euro.
Way Out West festival
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VIP NEWS > MISC >
NOVEMBER 2016
MEMBER PRESENTATION
GLP
ARTIST AVAILS MUSICAL YOUTH Territory: UK / Europe Period: March - September 2017 Agency: SAS Agent: Steve Hughes Phone: +44 77 7925 7295 E-mail: steve@sas-ents.com Homepage: sas-ents.com
GLP´s foundation was laid in 1977, when George Leitner started his first promoting company, promoting and manifesting Punk and alternative concerts in Austria and developing marketing concepts for the industry (banks etc), which was instrumental in providing a solid financial foundation for the trials and experiments to come. In the early 80`s, Carl W. Urasch teamed up with George Leitner and devoted his life to run the promoters part of the company while George Leitner moved on to agenting and focused more on the international opportunities to expand the company into an European agency for, in the beginning, mainly African American artists. The cooperation with Multimedia (Laszlo Hegedus) proved to be extremely effective in opening the gate into the “Eastern Block countries”.1985 Jack Bart, the agent and manager of “James Brown” gave GLP the first opportunity to progress towards an international agency. Sal Michaels (Pyramid Productions),
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
PHIL RUDD BAND (EX AC/DC) Territory: Europe Period: April to June 2017 inclusive Agency: Fizzion and Frusion Agent: Ian Smith Phone: +44 77 9169 9889 E-mail: ian@frusion.co.uk Homepage: www.fizzion.eu/artist.php?id=139
Dick Allen (William Morris) to name just a few US partners have been instrumental in giving GLP the chance to further develop the concept of “Artist Marketing “ throughout Europe, the Near East, Africa and, eventually, the Far East and Asia. Ray Charles, Gloria Gaynor, Kool&the Gang, James Brown, Grace Jones, George Clinton Parliament/Funkadelic.. to mention just a few – tour the world through
MAXIMO PARK Territory: Europe Period: 2017 Agency: Primary Talent International Agent: Matt Bates Phone: +44 20 7400 4500 E-mail: matt@primarytalent.com Homepage: www.thewombats.co.uk
GLP. As the latest “add on” GLP signed Sean Paul (No.5 on Billboard!) and Third World ! The company is also known for the successful “Festival Productions” such as “Tribute to Bob Marley” (which sold out Arenas across Europe and Japan), Hot Soul Night etc. In November yet another production titled “THAT”S SOUL” will hit the Arena circuit (containing 6 of the biggest names in Soul!)
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.
ANDREW STRONG Territory: Europe Period: October 2016 - December 2017 Agency: AMA Music Agency Ltd. Agent: Mark Downing Phone: +353 862 504 795 E-mail: mark@amamusicagency.ie Homepage: www.amamusicagency.ie/andrew-strong/
UNCLE LUCIUS Territory: Europe - UK festivals Period: June - August 2017 Agency: SAS Agent: Steve Hughes Phone:+44 77 7925 7295 E-mail: steve@sas-ents.com Homepage: uncleluciusmusic.com
MORE ARTIST AVAILS ON: WWW.VIP-BOOKING.COM POST YOUR ARTIST AVAILS ON: WWW.VIP-BOOKING.COM
Please visit vip-booking.com for further information. Your comments and suggestions are always appreciated.
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Uncle Luciues vip-booking.com
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