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VIP NEWS
PREMIUM > VOLUME 185 > DECEMBER 2015
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VIP NEWS >
DECEMBER 2015
McGowan’s
Musings
So here we are with the last News of 2015,
next year, and as ever we invite you all to
box office records and acts like Ed Sheeran
an eventful year with, as we mentioned
keep us informed on your activities so that
and Nicki Minaj following up. The figures
in the last edition, some terrible events
we can spread your news…
also show that the US is not completely
besetting the world of live music. But there
ruling the roost as 11 of the top 25 top
were good things of course and maybe we
Overall 2015 has been an extremely good
performing acts this year are from other
can concentrate more on those in this pre-
year for the live industry; the ever reliable US
countries. However the two top promoters
Christmas edition, hopefully a time of good
publication Billboard has just released highly
are US Companies with global offices, Live
will to all men and women and their friends
impressive and improved figures for the year
Nation dominates the touring market and
and families in all sectors of the business
in al sectors of live, and talks of, “… the
the European Festivals, and is on a par with
which keeps us all busy! We’ve asked a
vibrant power of community that has driven
the overall second placed AEG Live as far as
few of our readers to let us know how their
the concert industry since its inception, and
operating US Festivals. Live Nation called its
year’s went, and what they have in mind for
has now re-invigorated it into an estimated
earnings report for Q3, the biggest quarter
$20 billion global juggernaut in the digital
for live music, the “biggest quarter revenue
age.” The inference is, I’m sure you’ll all be
in the history of the company,” up 10%
glad to hear, that people, of all ages, still
year-over-year with over 24 million fans
have an appetite for the live experience,
attending its shows.
and still wish to spend time sharing an
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2
experience in the company of others, no
So, with international touring moving into
matter how many more digital pastimes and
more and more emerging and expanding
communications become available.
markets the top end of the business is experiencing its most successful phase for
Interesting to see that the biggest selling
quite some years, perhaps even ever!
concert of the year was again by a ‘heritage’ act, with the surviving, and presumably
Of course we’re aware that many of you are
gratefully alive, members of The Grateful
operating at the top end of the market, but
Dead with Phish’s Trey Anastasio taking the
with small to medium clubs for instance this
guitar spot left vacant by the sadly deceased
has been a year that has, as we’ve reported
Jerry Garcia, staging two ‘Fare Thee Well’
in recent issues, seen great efforts being put
50th anniversary concerts. The shows in
into supporting the ‘grass-roots’, by helping
Chicago and California grossed $52 million!
small venues to survive. Also, as I discovered in Brussels a few days ago, the European
But although a lot of other ‘old-timers’,
Commission are looking at ways that music
including The Stones, U2, Paul McCartney,
can benefit more from existing and future
AC/DC, Madonna etc were on the road and
Culture Funds. Of course we cannot take
more than ‘doing the business’, the worries
anything for granted, but there seems to be
about new acts coming through seem to
grounds for optimism in 2016. So, Ladies
have been put to rest, for now, with the likes
and Gentlemen have a great holiday break,
of Taylor Swift and One Direction breaking
and here’s The News!
VIP NEWS >
DECEMBER 2015
Russia propose new Live Industry regulations Allan McGowan am@vip-booking.com
Russian legislators have proposed new regulations for the live
Similar professional organizations exist in many countries,” said
entertainment industry, under which a self-monitoring organization
Dmitry Bogachev, head of the company Stage Entertainment to
of promoters, to be titled Soyuzkontsert, will be formed.
Billboard,. “And, similarly to them, we shouldn`t restrict ourselves to formal regulation of relations with consumers.”
Aimed to improve the sector`s operations generally, the proposed regulations outline greater responsibility for promoters around
According to Bogachev, companies in the live entertainment sector
customer care.
have many common goals and tasks that the new organization could address, such as regulating relations between partners, lobbying
Promoters that have already joined the organizations include SAV
the industry`s interests, competing with cinema and television for
Entertainment, PMI and NCA, while other major players in the sector
customers and tackling contemporary challenges related to security
are expected to join.
issues. The organization also plans to deal with such issues as simplifying the process of obtaining visas for touring foreign artists
Industry insiders say that the organization would make the industry
and resolving taxation issues related to their fees.
more professional and efficient. The proposals include: The regulatory push arrives during a difficult period. An overall • Creating an emergency fund to cover expenses for cancelled shows
economic downturn in the country has hit many promoters, especially
• Forming a disciplinary commission that will assess professional
those who specialize in booking in foreign artists. The ruble hit an
standards of industry players
all-time low this week against the US dollar and -- as foreign acts`
• Liaising with local authorities to avoid cancellations of show at their
fees are largely negotiated in US dollars and Euros while ticket prices
demand
are in rubles -- promoters assume big risks organizing shows by most foreign artists.
“The creation of a self-regulating organization is a natural step as the live entertainment industry moves towards greater professionalism,
Legislators are expected to adopt the new regulations in early 2016.
Need to know who is touring Europe?
®
Go online - www.vip-booking.com vip-booking.com
3
VIP NEWS >
DECEMBER 2015
Roskilde Festival donates one million DKK to Christmas charities Allan McGowan am@vip-booking.com 135,000 people took part in Roskilde Festival 2015, celebrating
for 300 young refugees. The Red Cross Youth-driven organisation
music, art, community and much more. All profits from the summer
Spilopperne have received funds for Christmas activities for children
celebration are now being donated to social and cultural charities.
at 15 different crisis centres for women.
For many people, December in general and Christmas in particular are
Other organisations are bringing people together for town square
reasons to celebrate. For some, however, there is less reason to rejoice,
parties, inviting homeless to the cinema, out for dinner and much
and these are the people that many charities try to reach out to.
more.
Roskilde Festival has donated 1,150,000 DKK to help ten different
The 1,150,000 DKK have been donated to the following Danish
organisations with these important efforts during the otherwise
organisations:
festive holidays. Røde Kors (Asylcenter Avnstrup) Christmas donations for lonely children
Foreningen Grønlandske Børn Spilopperne (Ungdommens Røde Kors)
These organisations are actively working on improving the standards
Kofoeds Kælder
of life for marginalised groups of society, and this Christmas most of
INSP!
the donations are dedicated to lonely and socially isolated children
Fundamentet
and young people.
Frelsens Hær Børnenes Kontor
Red Cross have teamed up with Avnstrup Asylcenter (refugee camp
Kafe Klaus
Avnstrup) to organise an evening of festivities with food and music
Mødrehjælpen
Roskilde Festival
4
VIP NEWS >
DECEMBER 2015
PRS for Music Foundation Announces Latest Momentum Music funded Artists Allan McGowan am@vip-booking.com PRS for Music Foundation, Arts Council England and Spotify have
strong results: for those who have completed their project , £1 from
announced the next round of artists to receive Momentum Music
Momentum is generating £7.46 for the music industry. I’m looking
funding.
forward to seeing the latest artists benefit from Momentum and get to that next stage of their careers.”
The list includes Eagulls from Leeds, Bristol’s Rozi Plain, and lyrics and Manchester’s Grime MC Bugzy Malone; full list is:
Darren Henley, Chief Executive of Arts Council England said; “Our creative industries are now generating 1 in 20 new jobs and
Anna Meredith – Developing live and touring
fuelling economic growth. Arts Council England’s investment in
Big Narstie – Mixing, mastering, promotions and marketing
cultivating the next generation of talent in this country through
Bugzy Malone – Recording and promotions of new work
programmes like Momentum is already paying real dividends. It’s
Clock Opera – Recording, mixing and promotions for the 2nd album
incredibly important that we continue to bring the creativity of
EAGULLS – Touring and promotion
performers, producers and songwriters to the fore.”
Fyfe – Recording, marketing and promotions of 2nd album Get Inuit – Recording and marketing
Bryan Johnson, Director, Artist Services of Spotify said:
Holly Macve – Recording, mixing and mastering
“Congratulations to the twelve artists who will benefit from this
Ibibio Sound Machine – Recording
latest round of Momentum funding. We look forward to assisting
Rozi Plain – Touring
all artists involved in building their profiles and audience on Spotify
Steve Mason – Touring
and to help surface their music to our 75 million plus active users.”
Swifta Beater – Produce, record and market debut album These supported artists will also benefit from Momentum’s digital Momentum funded Swifta Beater said:
partner, Spotify and its reward package which contains exciting
“I’m so over the moon to be selected by PRS Foundation and Arts
promotional opportunities and gives the artists a closer working
Council England as one of the Momentum Music Funded artists.
relationship with the Spotify team. Benefits include access to tools,
Momentum is one of the few schemes that provides the much
features and best practices that will enable them to connect with
needed support to make things possible for talented musicians
Spotify’s 75 million active users across 58 markets globally. You can
that struggle financially and help them create music, promote their
follow and listen to the official Momentum Spotify playlist here.
projects and embark on tours. This funding will really enable me to take my career to the next level and I’m proud to have been selected
Managed by PRS for Music Foundation, the Momentum Music fund
to carry the torch for the Midland’s Grime scene.”
awards grants of £5,000-£15,000 using funding from Arts Council England. For a full rundown of all the artists supported so far see:
Vanessa Reed, Executive Director of PRS for Music Foundation said:
www.prsformusicfoundation.com/Funding/Momentum-
“Congratulations
Music-Fund/Momentum-Artists/Latest-Artists/
to
all
the
songwriters and bands who’ve
Vanessa Reed, Executive Director of PRS for Music Foundation
6
been supported following the
The next deadline for applications to the Momentum Music Fund
latest deadline for Momentum
is 26th January 2016 via the PRS for Music Foundation website.
Music Funding. It’s thanks
We are particularly interested in receiving more applications from
to the huge array of talent in
outside of London:
this country that each round of funding continues to be so
www.prsformusicfoundation.com/Funding/Momentum-
competitive and to generate such
Music-Fund
VIP NEWS >
DECEMBER 2015
Promoter Thomas Ovesen Joins Al Ahli Group as CEO of 117 Live Allan McGowan am@vip-booking.com On December 1st, Thomas Ovesen, one
with the immediate launch of a temporary
air venue, but short of an indoor purpose
of the leading live events promoter in the
20,000 capacity greenfield site. 2017 will
built arena it is the game changer we need
Middle East was announced) as CEO of the
see the launch of a new state of the art
to develop the local live events busines. So it
newly created 117 Live.
25,000 capacity open air Amphitheatre in
is a matter of getting our hands on more of
Dubai, wholly owned by AAHG. The venue,
the live events value chain to derive a better
featuring pavilion hosted boxes, suites and
profit margin from what in many cases is
terraces will be the only one of its kind in the
currently a loss making exercise. Through
Middle East. Construction will begin in early
increased volume and frequency of live
2016, dramatically increasing the number of
events we can save show costs that can help
events able to be staged in the region.
finance the increase in business volume and hopefully also help us bring down the very high show ticket prices here in the middle
117 Live is part of the Al Ahil Holding
Thomas Ovesen has produced award-
Group, a Dubai based conglomerate led
winning events across the Middle
by Group CEO Mohammed Khammas that
East, introducing new festivals like
Once al ahli group had agreed to under
has built a large media and entertainment
RedFestDXB
the
write not only the venue build but also the
portfolio over the past few years. The
UAE market and staging shows with
set up of a live events division able to both
appointment of Ovesen to run 117 Live is
superstars like Beyonce, Shakira and
program the venue and produce live events
the next stage of the group’s growing media
R Kelly. He has promoted shows with
in the key middle east, asian and americas
and entertainment empire. Based in Dubai,
Prince and Take That and staged sell out
markets it was an obvious choice to move
Thomas will take on this post effective
Dubai concerts with the likes of J-LO,
my live team across to what is 117live.
immediately. He will direct all global activity
Justin Bieber, Usher, One Direction,
for the division with a focus on live events,
Katy Perry and many more. He has
VIP news: having access to the right
from music through to comedy. He will also
helped position Dubai as a regular tour
venues always seemed to be difficult
head up plans to expand the new division’s
stop for international artists and bands.
in the area. Will these plans to do
interests into local and international talent
VIP News spoke to him about his new
something about this make a big
management, venue management and
position.
difference?
and
Blended
to
east.
programming. AAHG has recently undertaken a huge
VIP News: As far as I’m aware you have
diversification drive. This has included the
some twenty years of experience with
purchase of social marketing agency The
live events in the Middle East, and you
Audience, a company that represents some
have been very open at events like
of the most influential social media stars in
ILMC about the problems facing the
the world. The group controls Singapore-
markets - why do you think that now
based Universal Events that hosts the
is a good time to be starting up such an
Asia Pop ComiCon events, which recently
ambitious project? You must think that
launched in the Philippines and will soon be
the demand is there.
rolled out in Korea, Singapore, the US and the UAE.
Thomas ovesen: i don’t necessarily think now is a better time than last year or next year
Creating spaces to host events will be a key
to both set up a large live events focused
part of the 117 Live strategy. This will begin
company and build a $40-50 million open
7
VIP NEWS >
DECEMBER 2015
Ovesen: ours will be a great addition to a
entertainment trends and social media
rolled out and with my long time live team
dubai market with no purpose built venues
based talents as well as the need to provide
members onboard i look forward to some
bigger than a few thousand capacity and
pop culture events and entertainment parks
well organised and successful 2016 dubai
with a location that is dead centre of the uae
with talents across our target markets.
concerts – we also need to continue the
hopefully making it the preferred venue for
So understanding who are the relevant
expansion of the asia pop comi con events
local annual events and touring artists from
talents in such markets and for our target
after the 2015 manila launch by our group
2017 and onward.
audience members, combined with the
and besides the small (;-) task of launching
ability to maximise the appearance and the
the temp 20,000 cap venue followed by the
As we will also launch a temporary 20,000
booking fees for talent plus owning some
25,000 2017 state of the art amphitheatre
greenfield venue from march 2016 we will be
of the upsides from the exposure our group
we have to support the growth of other
able to slowly ramp up the volume of events
can offer all parties i think it is only natural
group verticals and indeed acquisition of
staged here. By doing so we will hopefully
that we get involved with development,
new group partners so 2016 will not be
not only convince current event organisers
management and representation of talents
a quite year but one full of activities and
to move their events to our venue, but also
from grassroots level and up.
opportunities. Back to live events in the dubai
encourage new promoters to stage events
and asia markets i would like to see a major
as we lower the bar of entry to an industry
Whether we develop our own set up,
comedy commitment resulting n regional
currently challenged by absence of venues,
partner with local and international agencies
tours of middle east and asia as well as some
top line taxation and the excessive artist fees
and management companies or a mix of all
key live music events staged in asia.
being offered by marketing or government
will be decided as we have discussions with
underwritten events and leisure venues.
a range of parties in the coming months.
VIP-news: is there anything you’d like
As we are ready to invest and add value
to add?
VIP news: do you think that you can
to the business utilising the varous group
assure international touring acts (as
outfits i think we could be a great partner or
Ovesen: 117live is a build on, yet a major
much as anyone can, anywhere these
incubator for existing businesses or serious
expansion of what i have created at arab
days!) That you can offer secure shows
competitor to outfits not currently able to
media group as done events and i will
in these difficult times?
offer a multi facetted service or/and multi
continue also booking and producing the
market approach.
redfestdxb festival i launched there as
Ovesen: seems to me that times are perhaps
well as provide talent bookings for my old
even more difficult for my colleagues in
VIP-news: What are you most looking
employer. But having assets like a dubai
paris and elsewhere than here with me, and
forward to developing and hopefully
venue and in-house partners like the
whilst it would be foolish not to constantly
achieving with 117 live - what are your
audience available will represent the major
assess security levels i don’t think dubai here
priorities for 2016?
change not only for me and my team but
in the middle east or my new asia markets in
for the live entertainment industry we will
general are more exposed to security risks
Ovesen: first we need to get the shows i
hopefully become a great part of in the
than any major city in the western world so
have been working on for the past months
middle east, asia and the americas.
as dubai and key cities in asia represent both perfect stop over options and gateways to large, young fan communities and new tour markets i am comfortable that as long as we can manage to bring down costs per events we can keep attracting touring talents also in increased numbers. VIP-news: you are considering working on the development of local artists. Is there a lot of talent to be developed? Ovesen: With sister companies like the audience and rethink, regional comicon events etc we are exposed to new
8
Thomas Ovesen
13/ 14/ 15/ 16 JAN 2016
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VIP NEWS >
DECEMBER 2015
European Festival Conference Manfred Tari mt@vip-booking.com Surrounded by mountains, lit up by sunshine
essentials in a different manner. Instead of
The know - how transfer was guaranteed
and full of some the best conference foods
focusing on the line up of panel and session
upfront and in most cases successfully
ever served at a music industry conference
topics, it is rather interesting to report on
delivered. The real added value for attendees
in Europe, thus went the first edition of the
the vibe and charm of this trade event,
followed on smoothly, when hospitality
European Festival Conference (EFC) in Kals
that due to its location alone, the four star
stimulated a very polite overall environment,
in Austria on December 2.-5.
health resort Gradonna at the entrance of
a sort of family affair thing, where nobody
the national park Großglockner, appeared
needed
to be different.
Everybody was accessible, nobody needed
The set up for this conference is different. Just getting up early enough to catch up
to
fear
appearing
irrelevant.
to fill out a form beforehand to permit
with the first conference topics starting on
The subjects for the conference programme
shaking hands with an industry power
paper on day one at 9:30 and on day two
were well chosen to serve the interests of
player.
even
earlier at 9:00 present a challenge
the main target group anyway. With this in
even for experienced convention goers. In
mind it is more relevant to write about the
There were several highlights, but VIP News
fact these early appointments were operated
productive output and the results achieved
leaves it to Yourope, the organisation behind
with an understandable humanie delay of
by this agenda setting. The EFC is primarily
EFC to reveal the most essential results this
15 to 20 minutes, but due to a pretty packed
designed to approach festival promoters
conference gained. But off course some of
conference agenda this wasn’t allowed to
and to supply those within an unusually
those need to be mentioned upfront. For
last longer, in order to meet the organisers
smart environment with a massive input
instance the fact that various power players
quality criteria of the “just in time”-mode.
of inspiration and information. Of course,
from the marketing departments of various
EFC also addresses and attract players
European music festivals worked out a series
But as this conference is a bit different,
that operate service festivals, ranging from
of strategy papers could be considered as
it makes sense to report on the main
production experts to service providers.
mind blowing. Highly progressive, spiked
The EFC conference Family
10
VIP NEWS >
DECEMBER 2015
with up to date findings in terms of modern
attending festival promoters to list these.
their artistic programme, the soft value of
marketing measures. Even more surprisingly
Cornelius is highly in favour of operating
being credible in the future.
those marketing folks apparently get in
businesses or ventures in line with CSR-
to the mood for networking, being open
standards (Corporate Social Responsibility)
There are already festival promoters working
minded enough to also develop new ideas
and expressively asked promoters to
in line with the philosophy of Cornelius and
for collaboration.
communicate those, when saying: “One
more gradually starting to adopt some of
click tells all about your festival, make your
these aspects. But it is also known, that
product talk, make your festival talk”
there are still other players in the live music
Another meaningful stimulator of this almost unique profile of EFC appeared in
industry, that do not care so much about
the person of Robin Cornelius, the founder
Cornelius follows a very dedicated mission
of the clothing company Switcher, who was
and delivers convincing arguments as to
one of the first entrepreneurs in Europe,
why CSR-standards are and will become
Cornelius was certainly a well chosen
launching , in 1981, a textile company fully
more
future.
side kick, also ideally backing trends and
dedicated to a company policy observing
When Cornelius refer to the clothing
movements within Yourope to put the
strict environmental and social standards. In
industry saying that a “garment that is
currently not so well appreciated European
his keynote speech Cornelius explained the
not traceable will not be sold in a couple
idea on the agenda of this organisation.
motives and personal guidelines that matter
of years” his expectation might seem
to him, and how and why he operates a fair
at first very optimistic. Nevertheless his
But let’s leaves this to Yourope, to reveal
and sustainable business.
recommendations tfor festival promoters
more at Eurosonic Noorderslag in January as
important
in
the
near
these soft values at all.
to be smart in marketing, never to lie, to
towhat they have in mind to work out this
He expressed clearly the relevance of
be transparent in communication and that
topic in 2016. EFC at least already appeared
so called soft values considering social,
fun is necessary to convince people are very
as a very worthwhile event, bringing on
environmental, transparency and health
worthwhile considerations, helping music
new ideas and findings on how to operate
&
festivals to sustain, and maintain ,alongside
festivals smarter and more up to date...
safety
issues
and
recommended
Robin Cornelius keynote speaker at EFC
11
VIP NEWS >
DECEMBER 2015
A Call for Europe Manfred Tari mt@vip-booking.com
Nothing is set yet and nothing is agreed. One of the first public
the current state of the ongoing activities. In June 2016 a European
mentions of this topic came at the Reeperbahn Festival Conference
Music Summit will be staged at Midem in Cannes. Also ILMC might
in September, when at the end of the panel “Why Do We Need An
became the host for an initiative that in particular will have the
International Federation For Live Music Industry (IFLI) “ a member of
potential to widen eyes for the live music sector.
the European Commission stood up and declared official sources in Brussels were considering the launch of a support programme for
Historically various previous missions such as the European Music
the European music sector.
Office (EMO) in Brussels and the launch for an umbrella organisation named European Live Music Forum did not pay off., though EMO
Not surprisingly, hardly anybody took notice of this remarkable
particularly had lobbied intensively in Brussels and elsewhere for the
comment. In fact first proceedings for such an attempt are already
development of proper support scheme for the music sector.
underway. At the music conference Medimex at the end of October, the Italian promoters association Assomusica put on a panel entitled
While in the past politicians and officials on almost every level did not
“European Live Music Network”, followed by the European Festival
show any interest in supporting the development of a programme
Conference with a panel under the headline “A New Festival Agenda
in favour for music, it also has been the inability of the music sector
For Europe”.
to successfully undertake sufficient lobby efforts to motivate public authorities to initiate such support programmes as they already exist
In fact the signs are real and the European Commission are
for the film industry for decades.
undertaking first hearings and consultations to evaluate the opportunities to launch such a programme. If and “IF” written
Far too often, especially in the music sector extremely big egos,
on this occasion in capital letters, if such a programme will be
driven by a very short sighted interests prevented the successful
developed, this would mean a milestone for the entire music sector,
launch of such a initiative. Besides external political obstacles
even affecting policy developments widely on national levels in ways
that can be neither controlled or impaired by the music sector, it
previously not available.
is also now in the responsibility of the music sector, to avoid the same mistakes that have been made in the past. It is going to a be
12
This efforts to get this mission working are a bit different than
very interesting challenge for all involved parties, to ally and to tie
for instance the ones for TTIP (Transatlantic Trade and Investment
loose ends together, but it is the most promising and pretty much
Partnership). Already at the upcoming edition of Eurosonic
unexpected opportunity for a long time to obtain and to develop
Noorderslag a spokesman of the European Commission will explain
such a programme for the music sector.
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VIP NEWS > INDEPTH STORY >
DECEMBER 2015
Progress Reports Allan McGowan am@vip-booking.com and Manfred Tari mt@vip-booking.com As we all know the international live music
The business seems to stay very healthy, as
2015 Highlights:
industry has had it’s share of difficult and
Christmas sales are terrific.
Duran Duran album and tour. Grace in the top 5 future megastar.
distressing events in 2015, but, as mentioned in the Musings we hope that many of our readers have had some good fortune and
Karsten Jahnke
2016:
that the rest of this year continues to be
Karsten Jahnke Konzertdirektion GmbH
2016 will be a buoyant touring year with
successful for those who have done well, and
lots already announced and more breaking
that in general everything improves for all!
through. Exciting times!
We asked some of our readers to let us,
Ben Challis
and you, know how things have been for them and their Companies by responding briefly to a couple of questions:
Karsten Jahnke
Charming Music Limited / Glastonbury Festival UK
What were the highlights of your
My highlght of the year was enjoying
Professor Peter Schwenkow
year, and what are your conclusions
another marvelous Glastonbury Festival,
CEO, DEAG Germany
regarding the state of the business in
with Lionel Richie’s Sunday afternoon
general?
show, just after Patti Smith and the Dalai Lama, being a fantastic performance from
The Stadtpark season was very successful
a great artiste.
– 12 sold out shows. The amazing long tour with Johannes Oerding. The tour with
Overall the live sector remains healthy -
Michael Wollny, Gregory Porter, Cypress
and in some ways the real focus in the
Hill, Kamasi Washington.. Wu-Tang Clan.
music industry has been on the rapid changes in the digital sphere - with Spotify,
Please let us know your outlook and
Apple Music and Pandora all fighting for
expectations for 2016….
market share, and behind that, the music publishers, songwriters and artistes starting
Peter Schwenkow
We are happy that THE CURE will be on tour
to battle with the major record labels for
with us. Herman van Veen will do another
a fairer share of the digital pie. But the
long tour. Al Jarreau & The NDR BIGBAND
ongoing onslaught in the UK on small music
will do another tour with us.
venues, from rampant development, onedimensional planning laws and, in London
Way Back When will happen again!
at least, a lack of support for clubs and small
What were the highlights of your
venues from local authorities, remains a real
year, and what are your conclusions
worry.
regarding the state of the business in
Rob Hallett
general?
Robomagic UK
Going forwards, the on going success of the festival market has created its own problems:
Highlight of 2015 was surely the start of
secondary ticketing is an ongoing drain on
our festivals Rock in Vienna, Rockavaria in
revenues, and festivals, often operating on
Munich and Rock im Revier in Gelsenkirchen.
tiny margins, now face the looming problem of the avarice the Valuation Office here in
Please let us know your outlook and expectations for 2016….
14
Rob Hallett
the UK, and a impending review of the UK’s Tariff LP for live events by PRS for Music,
VIP NEWS > INDEPTH STORY >
DECEMBER 2015
adding to concerns that these and similar
that the industry as well as artists will raise
As for next year I don’t really see anything
moves will badly damage a sector that
their voices, proactively joining political
dramatic happening..Transparency stuff will
attracts tourists, creates jobs, and which
debates encouraging the improvement of
slowly edge forward. Music cities related
clearly enriches communities above and
overall societal issues, ensuring that music
stuff will progress. EDM thing has peaked.
beyond the enjoyment live events provide
gains again a meaningful voice within our
Festival market stabilising but growing
for festival fans
society...
outside Europe. Old school festivals that just do bands and burgers dead.
Detlef Schwarte
Martin Elbourne
More growth in urban multi venue festivals.
Reeperbahn Festival
Glastonbury Festival, The Great Escape - UK
But no more conferences please! More consolidation in agency world, and possibly in management world.
Hilde Spille Paperclip Agency – Holland
Detlef Schwarte
What were the highlights of your year, and what are your conclusions regarding the state of the business in general? As promoter of an event that serves all parts of the music sector, I consider the recent publication of a research study that covers
Martin Elbourne
and evaluated for the first time ever market
Hilde Spille
figures for the entire German music market
Pretty much everything I was involved
as highly relevant. I very much hope that this
with sold out. Particularly good TGE and
study will enable better and more qualified
Glastonbury. Sat night in Pune (city in India
My highlights in 2015:
analysis when it comes to comparisons
- 5 million people 2 hours south of Mumbai.
The European tours for Jill Barber and
with other segments within the creative
Probably fastest growing in India) buzz for
Chloe Charles. As Compass for Creatives
industries in Germany and perhaps even on
nh7 festival was amazing !
I
a European level.
introduced
the
online
workshop
5
Empowerment Tools for musicians, with Doing
the
inaugural
Music
Cities
Please let us know your outlook and
Conventions in Brighton and Washington
expectations for 2016….
DC also highlights. We appear to have
great reactions from participants to an article about it in IQ Magazine.
worldwide movement now of good people
State of the business in general:
From a general point of view the development
wanting to create better cities using music
There is a lot of really great talent, developing
of better framework conditions for the
as key component, so that’s an exciting
it is more and more difficult. Festivals are
various parts of the music business remains
development for world wide music eco
looking for hypes and well known artists,
a challenging issue for all of us. In particular
system.
venues are booking less concerts.
more reliable regulations providing a better
protection of copyright protected repertoire
I wouldn’t want to put on festival that was
Outlook and expectations for 2016:
on a European level, significant improved
entirely reliant on its line up. Those days
I’m
earnings for artists for recorded music, a
have gone!
musicians and will introduce them in 2016.
much better engagement by politicians in
developing
other
workshops
for
I’m looking forward to a Dutch tour of Sass
favour of keeping concert clubs and other
…And Bristol Rovers winning play - offs at
Jordan in January and a European tour for
cultural activities alive. Last not least I wish
Wembley!
Matt Epp in January/February.
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VIP NEWS > INDEPTH STORY >
DECEMBER 2015
Rob Challice
artists and major events. The food chain
My personal highlight of the year was my
CODA Agency – UK
(that grows the talent of the future) is even
trip to Pohoda Festival in Slovakia, which
more under threat. For Bob Sillerman (SFX)
has become my favourite festival in the
2015 was his well-deserved ‘payback time’,
calendar – there are always a fascinating
showing that all he ever did to the live music
bunch of friends, old and new, to hang out
business is fundamentally flawed.
with, while Michal Kascak’s team manage
Ben Challis
to outdo themselves year-on-year with a 2016: I’ve
recently
programme that truly sums up the beauty signed
three
bands
for
of music. Where else would you see an
European agency representation: Bent Knee
Israeli act (Lola Marsh) on the main stage,
(USA), Blind Idiot God (USA), and Leeways
followed immediately by Syrian singer Omar
(NLD; winner of the Dutch Rock Contest
Souleyman?!
Highlight of my year?
2014; debut album out now). Bent Knee will
Seeing Ezra Furman smash it at a sold out
tour Europe in the summer; Blind Idiot God
My other highlights, believe it or not,
London Shepherds Bush Empire.
will tour Europe in April (3 weeks including
involve the various conferences and shows
Life affirming stuff. Rise of the underdog!
Roadburn Festival); the multicultural band
I am privileged to be invited to and speak
Leeways will play all over The Netherlands
at – this year these included Eurosonic, the
State of business:
again in the festival season (over 150 shows
International Live Music Conference (ILMC),
Still cannot believe that the industry has not
played even before their debut album was
Reeperbahn,
dealt with leaches like Viagogo and Get Me
released) with their irresistible mix of reggae
Forum, Waves Bratislava and Sonic Visions.
in. They really are a stain on the business.
and ska, hiphop, funk and rock.
When I hear other people complaining about
Let’s
type
As a Dutch promoter, in 2016 I will present
am to be involved in live music – even if it is
ticket situations. And if we have to have a
(among others) 10cc (six fully seated shows
just on the peripheries. But meeting friends,
discussion about more dynamic ticketing,
in March; ticket sales are very strong),
colleagues and all sorts of creative geniuses
fine. No more ticket “touting” though.
Buzzcocks, Antilopen Gang.
from every conceivable corner of the world,
the
International
Festival
their jobs, it always reminds me how lucky I see
more
Adele/Songkick
who are united by a common love for music, The festival season will become even longer,
is wonderful. There’s nothing I love more
Rob Berends
with more festivals, and the venues/clubs-
than some random person I have just met
Paperclip Agency – Holland
season will become even shorter, with
dragging me off to see a new rap act from
dangerous effects for the livelihood of these
Bulgaria in a club I’ve never heard of before.
clubs and venues.
Karsten Schölermann Gordon Masson
LIVE KOMM – Hamburg, Germany
Editor IQ Magazine – UK
Rob Berends
Highlights 2015: Shows
by
King
Champion
Karsten Schölermann
Sounds,
Buzzcocks, Musée Mécanique. What were the highlights of your year?
State of the Business: The business in general is making enough money, but unfortunately only with major
16
Gordon Masson
For the first time we got a 1,5 million subsidy for the ‘Digitalisation’ of Music Clubs” from
VIP NEWS > INDEPTH STORY >
DECEMBER 2015
BKM (Bundeskulturministerium). For the first
Ville Leppanen
Ute Lemper, Roachford, Yusuf/Cat Stevens,
time we had a survey letting us know that
The Animal Farm – London
Robin Gibb and many more.
the grassroots venues in Germany raised a total of about 221 million in turnover - 2%
I founded a new concert series: Festspiele in
of music industries overall - but only 1%
concert – which will take place in 2016 for
profit within.
the first time as part of the Bad Hersfelder Festspiele - Artists this year Johannes
What are your conclusions regarding
Oerding and Jan Josef Liefers – Radio
the state of the business in general?
Doria – we sold out within few hours. - We already started to look for suitable artists
No extra expenses possible without losing
in 2017 and we are also interested to bring
money.
international artists to Bad Hersfeld. The location „Stiftsruine“ is amazing and the
Please let us know your outlook and expectations for 2016….
Ville Leppanen
media reach out is unbelievable. And last but not least I founded a new
More Expenses – (After Paris: Extra Security
What were the highlights of your
!) will lead to grassroots-clubs closing.
year, and what are your conclusions
Orchestra: the Berlin Show Orchestra.
regarding the state of the business in
This orchestra is young and fresh and is
general?
able to create a authentic sound from
Rense Van Kessel
classical music to David Guetta with the
Friendly Fire – Holland
My professional highlight was bringing
best musicians from Berlin (played for
Little Brother Eli to Reeperbahn Festival and
Udo Lindenberg, Sido, Munich Symphonic
seeing them blow away a crowd that had
orchestra …) The premiere show at ‘Tag der
never heard of them. The deals the ensued
Deutschen Einheit’ presented and organized
were a bonus. My personal highlight was
by Hessischer Rundfunk in front of 10.000
making it through to the last 16 in the
people was a huge success.
European Squash Masters Championship, out of a field of 128 players from across
Organizer and the special Guests like Jimmy
Europe... ;-)
Somerville, Howard Jones and Nik Kershaw were amazed.
Please let us know your outlook and expectations for 2016….
Also the show at the German Sustainability Award was a huge success. Ute Lemper
Guitar solos will make a long awaited return.
felt inspired by the orchestra, Marlon loved especially the strings in the arrangement the orchestra did for his No1 Hits.
Stefan Lohmann Rense Van Kessel
Talent Buyer & Booking Agent – Hamburg, Germany
We had a fantastic year actually. Notable
Highlights of this year:
highlight
pride
My main business is my work as a talent
Kensington doing two sold out shows at
buyer / artist relationship manager for event
the Ziggodome (34.000 tickets), we went
agencies and event organizers, brands and
on sale with 3 Ziggodomes for them for
cultural festivals. I do this for events like
2016 just after this year’s shows and have
the German Sustainability Award www.
already sold 90%! It is fantastic that ‘our
nachhaltigkeitspreis.de with artists like Art
own’ music is becoming so strong and such
Garfunkel, Nelly Furtado, Annie Lennox,
incredible business.
Scorpions, Anastacia, Marlon Roudette,
was
our
domestic
Stefan Lohman
17
VIP NEWS >
NAMES & JOBS
DECEMBER 2015
Homer and Leighton-Pope rumoured to AEG From VIP-Daily News Steve Homer and Toby Leighton-Pope both senior promoters at the
The development comes during a turbulent few months for Live
UK operation of Live Nation have left the organisation and are now
Nation, which appointed Irish promoter Denis Desmond as non-
rumoured to be heading to rival AEG Live.
executive chairman of its UK operations.
Steve Homer and Toby Leighton-Pope have exited the company
Desmond formed the LN-Gaiety Holdings Ltd joint-venture with
last week. The duo are well-known faces on the worldwide live
Live Nation in 2004 and runs Ireland`s MCD Productions, the
music business circuit.
company behind festivals such as Oxegen.
While neither side has commented on the matter, numerous
Live Nation’s long-serving chief operating officer John Probyn left
sources have indicated the long-serving pair will resurface at AEG
the company earlier this year to take up a role with new family
following a period of gardening leave.
event The Sports Show.
Homer, Live Nation’s VP of music, promoted the Wireless Festival,
The firm acquired venue and festival operator MAMA & Company
among other events, while Leighton-Pope was the firm’s VP of
in August but recently offloaded Hoxton Square Bar & Kitchen to
promotions and was the promoter of the Calling Festival.
bar and events operator Mothership Group.
Steve Homer Toby Leighton-Pope
19
VIP NEWS > BUSINESS >
MUSIC IN SHARES
DECEMBER 2015
Music In Shares Manfred Tari mt@vip-booking.com
Time again for a round up on the yearly performance of the share
DEAG
price of corporate concert companies within live music industry.
- A Year To Remember
CTS Eventim
From a long time investors point of view only positive:. One year
- A Share Price Power Booster
ago the share price was at 6.75 Euro, this time it is 4.06 Euro. Within this period the share lost 41 per cent of its former value and
Guess what, one year ago on December 16, 2014 the price for CTS
the latest news concerning the outcome of a case filed by DEAG
Eventim share was 23.19 Euro! Now on December 16, 2015 its 34.03
against the new operator of the NĂźrburgring for compensation
Euro.
worth 1.8 million Euro is, according to media reports supposed to be limited.
Yes, CTS Eventim faced some not so nice risks in the meantime, one of the biggest threats has been very long lasting investigations
Nevertheless DEAG already announced Iron Maiden as one of its
against the CEO Klaus Peter Schulenberg regarding suspected
headliners for their festivals Rock Im Revier and Rockavaria. These
bribery and sale of tickets for the World Cup 2006 on the black
two new festivals caused DEAG in 2015 significant losses, Iron
market. Anyhow, the prosecution department of the higher
Maiden will also perform at Rock In Vienna 2016. The current
regional court Munich closed the files in August after Schulenberg
market capitalisation is 67.72 million Euro.
paid an unknown sum and is not being considered for a criminal record.
Live Nation - Status Quo
Still outstanding are the results of an ongoing investigation by the German Cartel Office regarding the unfair use of market power by
One year ago $24.84, this time $25.20. Surprised? Yes and no. Live
CTS Eventim. Besides this there furthermore is a case filed against
Nation is a cash flow machine and even if latest business reports for
the company regarding overpriced payment charges for the pre-sale
Q3-2015 earnings, the best the company reported since its IPO five
of tickets for the AC/DC-shows in Germany by consumer watch dogs
years ago, at the end of each business year regular net losses are
in Bremen.
reported.
Okay, the departure of Marek and Andre Lieberberg to set up
The current market cap a solid figure at $5 billion...
a German branch of Live Nation probably is also bit awkward, but would you care, if you like Schulenberg were listed in Forbes
SFX Entertainment
magazine on place 1250 of billionaires ranking with an estimated
- Could Be Bargain...
fortune of 1.65 bn Euro ($1.84 bn)? If there weren’t the debts. The current market cap is just $33 million,
20
The current market capitalisation of CTS Eventim is 3.2 bn Euro and
the share price $0.33 and managed to lose within one year 91.7
within one year the share gained a plus of more than 44 percent.
percent of its former value....
VIP NEWS > MISC >
DECEMBER 2015
MEMBER PRESENTATION
ARTIST AVAILS MY BABY Territory: World incl. USA and Canada Period: From March 2016 Agency: Value Added Talent Agent: Dan Silver Phone: +44 20 7704 9720 E-mail: dan@vathq.co.uk Homepage: www.vathq.co.uk
50 CENT & G-UNIT Territory: Europe & around Period: Summer festivals & upon request Agency: Georg Leitner Productions GmbH Agent: Georg Leitner Phone: +431 914 86 15 E-mail: gleitner@glp.at Homepage: www.glp.at
Bulgarian Live Music Presentation Bulgarian Live Music is a company, which started its activity only a few years ago, but has already become well-known for organizing music events in Bulgaria. A good
Árstíðir Territory: Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Denmark Period: April - May 2016 Agency: Nivalis Agent: Maria Chelnokova Phone: +79 169 227 376 E-mail: booking@arstidir.com Homepage: arstidir.com
example for the professional qualities of Bulgarian Live Music is the successful events in which world famous artists from all genres had taken part. ROCK/METAL The company organizes and manages the biggest rock festival in Bulgaria – Kavarna Rock During the three day edition of the festival in 2012 the audience heard the energetic Dio Disciples, Glenn Hughes, Michael Schenker, BTR, Commanda 5, Stryper, Dokken, Big Noize & Sebastian Bach, D2 & Dicho, Lizzy Borden, Kamelot, Rhapsody of fire, Renegat And Ahat. Last summer “Kaliakra” stadium in Kavarna city gathered more than 20 000 fans of the legendary bands Deep Purple, Accept, Doro Pesch, Alisa, Analgin, Aria, Thunder and Cherno Feredje. The festival went on for 2 days and gained popularity and positive response from the Bulgarian fans as well as from those from other countries. On the 28th and 29th of June 2014 as a tradition at Kavarna Rock guests will be legendary artists like Europe, Helloween, Sabaton, Krokus, Gotthard, Pretty Maids,
ALPHAVILLE Territory: Europe & around Period: January 2016 onwards rest of the year Agency: Georg Leitner Productions GmbH Agent: Georg Leitner Phone: +431 914 86 15 E-mail: gleitner@glp.at Homepage: www.glp.at
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
MICHAEL BOLTON Territory: Europe & around Period: Before / after August 27th & upon request Agency: Georg Leitner Productions GmbH Agent: Georg Leitner Phone: +431 914 86 15 E-mail: gleitner@glp.at Homepage: www.glp.at
Jon Uli Roth и Jorn. The ambition of Bulgarian Live music to support young artists is followed by the challenge Black Sea Battle of the Bands 2014 – a contest for young rock musicians from the Black sea region.
MORE ARTIST AVAILS ON: WWW.VIP-BOOKING.COM
BALKAN/FOLKLORE
POST YOUR ARTIST AVAILS ON: WWW.VIP-BOOKING.COM
The genre variety of events was supplemented with “The Great Balkan Outplay” which was held on 15th of October 2013. Some of the biggest orchestras from Serbia, Romania and Bulgaria took part in it. Representatives of Bulgaria were the clarinet’s genius Ivo Papazov – Ibryama and “Trakia” orchestra, well-known world wide with their improvisations and Bulgarian folklore. The Serbian musicians Boban and Marko Markovich and their orchestra, consisting of 13 people, took part in the event, too. Their music is can be heard in Emir Kusturica’s movies “Underground” and “Arizona Dream”. In the outplay were included the Romanians from “Fanfare Ciocărlia” ( “Lark orchestra”), known as the fastest brass band in the world – the orchestra became popular because of the high-energy sound, complex rhythms and
Árstíðir
high-speed clarinet, trumpet and saxophone solos.
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