5 13 3 6
9
VIP NEWS
PREMIUM > VOLUME 196 > DECEMBER 2016
8
10 16 20 11 14
17 4
2
VIP NEWS >
DECEMBER 2016
McGowan’s
Musings
Can this really be the last Musings, and of
this edition in such a sombre tone, we will
learn from, to collaborate with, to support to
course News, of the year! And what a year –
refer to things good and optimistic later I
be inspired and enlightened by”. Well said I
Trump, Brexit, Boris, you couldn’t write this
promise, particularly with comments from
thought.
stuff, it’s all been ‘fract and friction’! Also
some VIP-News ‘regulars’ who tell us about
we’ve had too many great artists, Bowie,
some high points of this closing year.
Prince, Cohen, Lemmy, George Michael
Another good and quite reassuring comment for those despairing about the number of
etc. shuffling off this mortal coil this year,
Getting back to everyone’s favourite blonde
venue closures in the capital (if she can follow
the latest being Greg Lake of King Crimson
– Donald, Boris Johnson or Madonna? - I
through on it) was made by London’s new
and Emerson Lake and Palmer. Hopefully
hear you cry….it seems that Trump, yes, it
Night Czar, Amy Lamé, after being shown
there will be no more before the end of
is he, is having problems finding an act to
round a new building in London’s Denmark
December, but I suppose that we just have
jolly up his presidential inauguration. Who’d
Street, indicated that she aims to ensure
to accept that this once young business of
have thought it, surely the cream of the rock
that nightclubs and music venues remain in
popular music, is like everything else, aging,
business would be falling over each other
place across London, stating, “I don’t want
and is as susceptible to illness, particularly
for the gig? But no, someone said Elton was
clubbing pushed out to the edges. I want
cancer, as anybody else. Sorry to kick off
up for it, but he really isn’t, though Garth
clubs, pubs, and live music venues right in the
Brooks may be up for it, and Kanye West did
heart of everything. Right across London.”
go for a chat with Donald, but hasn’t said
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
he’ll play. Still I’m sure everything will be
I was supposed to be heading to London on
‘hunky- dory’, because his Communications
the day that I write this, for a much looked
Director Boris Epshteyn told ABC News: “No
forward to Christmas dinner with the fine
struggle whatsoever. We have world-class
people at IQ Magazine and the ILMC, but
talent, world-class entertainers reaching
the train drivers who operate the Southern
out to us offering their help, offering their
train routes between London and the South
services so no struggle, whatsoever”. So
of England, including Brighton of course,
that’s alright then…
decided to go on strike, much as the system very rarely runs efficiently anyway, thus
As for one of the other blondes – not Boris –
making it pretty much impossible to get to the
Madonna won the Billboard Woman of the
big city, denying me dinner, good company,
Year Award, she concluded her acceptance
and bowling - I’m not best pleased! Still I
speech (unlike Mr. Zimmerman she turned up
shall be in Helsinki over Christmas and then
to pick it up…) with the following, “Women
the delights of Groningen in Holland beckon
have been so oppressed for so long they
for mid January, as they will for many for the
believe what men have to say about them.
2017 edition of Eurosonic Noorderslag. So all
They believe they have to back a man to get
of us at VIP hope that all of you that celebrate
the job done. And there are some very good
it enjoy Christmas, and those that don’t have
men worth backing, but not because they’re
a great holiday anyway, and that hopefully
men - because they’re worthy. As women,
we all have a happy and safe New Year!
we have to start appreciating our own worth and each other’s worth. Seek out strong
In the meantime Ladies and Gentlemen – The
women to befriend, to align yourself with, to
News!
VIP NEWS >
DECEMBER 2016
George Michael dies at home at age 53 From VIP-Daily News Singer George Michael has died at his home at the age
Writing on Twitter and referring to Michael as “Yog”, a
of 53.
nickname for “Yours Only George”, he added: “Me, his loved ones, his friends, the world of music, the world at
The star, who launched his career with Wham! in the
large. 4ever loved. A xx”
1980s and had huge success as a solo performer, “passed away peacefully” on Christmas Day in Goring, Oxfordshire,
On Instagram, Sir Elton John posted a photograph of
his publicist said.
himself with Michael, writing: “I am in deep shock. I have lost a beloved friend - the kindest, most generous soul and
Thames Valley Police say they are treating the death as
a brilliant artist. My heart goes out to his family and all of
unexplained but there were no suspicious circumstances.
his fans.”
Former Wham! bandmate Andrew Ridgeley said he was “heartbroken at the loss of my beloved friend”.
George Michael dies at 53
3
ESNS: EU
ESNS: EU creative europe
VIP NEWS >
DECEMBER 2016
Live Nation in joint venture with Pascal Négre Allan McGowan am@vip-booking.com
Pascal Négre
on all levels from recorded music to live,
with Live Nation France, a family of great
with a focus on digital marketing.
professionals with worldwide expertise.”
Based in Paris, Pascal Nègre (pictured), one
Angelo Gopée, Live Nation France Chief
of the most prominent figures in the French
Executive, said: “It is a pleasure to welcome
music business, will lead the company along
Pascal in a joint venture that is both exciting
with an experienced team of specialists
and ambitious. His vision is in perfect
across
harmony with what we`ve been doing at
marketing,
design,
digital
and
branding.
Live Nation for the past seven years.”
Live Nation, today announced the launch
Pascal Nègre, CEO of #NP said: “#NP`s
John Reid, President, Live Nation Europe -
of #NP, a new artist management company
mission is to ensure the artist is at the very
Concerts, said: “The artist is at the core of
in France, in partnership with Pascal Nègre
core of the game in this new digital age.
what we do, and together with Pascal we
who will act as the new company`s CEO.
Our specialist team will be with the artist
will be able to expand this focus in ways
every step of the way with the advice and
we`ve always wanted to. The experience
#NP is an artist management company with
services they need to allow them to do what
Pascal brings to the table is unsurpassed,
the primary purpose of servicing the artist
they do best. I`m delighted to join forces
and we welcome him with open arms.”
Finnish Award to Nightwish’s management From VIP-Daily News Music Finland granted this year’s Finnish
The intent behind this award is to create
Till Dawn They Count Management’s duties
Music Export Award for Till Dawn They
attention to the important work done by
include overall managing operations, which
Count Management Ltd, which has helped
music export companies, and also promote
traditionally includes contract negotiations,
Nightwish to become one of the greatest
these active and growing enterprises. The
designing
success stories of all time in Finnish heavy
award was initiated by Music Finland, who
streams, as well as international tour and
metal.
also gathered the jury together. The award
album strategies. The company is rewarded
and
implementing
revenue
winner receives their own signboard on the
above all, for the success of the most recent
The Finnish Music Export Award was
outer wall of the famed rock club Tavastia
Nightwish album Endless Forms Most
awarded
in Helsinki.
Beautiful and subsequent world tour.
to
Till
Dawn
They
Count
Management Ltd, whose best known client is Nightwish. The award was handed
The award-winning company, Till Dawn
by Chancelor Jari Gustafsson (Ministry of
They Count Management was founded by
Employment and the Economy) in Helsinki
longtime Nightwish partners Ewo Pohjola
today.
and Toni Peiju, when its predecessor King Foo Entertainment ceased operations in
The Finnish Music Export Award, established
2014. Till Dawn They Count Management
by Music Finland last year, is a recognition
has helped build Nightwish to be one of the
given to a Finnish music company that has
biggest global metal music success stories
successfully developed and expanded its
from Finland. The company`s artist list also
international operations and has shown
includes another major Finnish metal band,
pioneering spirit in exporting Finnish music.
Sonata Arctica.
Till Dawn They Count Management Photo by Katri Naukkarinen
5
VIP NEWS >
DECEMBER 2016
Rock am Ring returns to Nürburgring in 2017 From VIP-Daily News
Rock am Ring
efficiency is being questioned in the long term by immense specific requirements. Constantly extended environmental protection requirements for nature conservation, species and water protection now required further investments in millions, without guaranteeing a long-term licensing, stated the organizers. According to their assessment, similar conditions would be the knockout criterion for most European festivals. At the same time, it was pointed out that in the previous years in Mendig, all environmental requirements were met one hundred percent.
The organizers and Venue operators have agreed on a return of the
That is why the event returned to the Nürburgring, which was
festival to its original location.
approved as a venue with clear, manageable conditions. According to the organizers, the venue operators have made a convincing
It is about making the biggest German festival sustainable in the long
attempt to return to acceptable conditions.
term and therefore the decision is inevitable, says Marek Lieberberg concert agency and Live Nation in a joint statement.
40,000 three-day tickets have been sold so far for Rock Am Ring 2017, which are now valid for the Nürburgring. The various special
The airfield Mendig, where the event took place in the last two years,
offers like Rock`n`Roll-Camping, Experience and Caravan Camping
was no longer durable. Despite record visitor numbers, economic
are maintained and implemented on preferred areas.
Unauthorised Agents offering Dire Straits From VIP-Daily News Unauthorised agents have been offering Dire Straits and Mark Knopfler shows to unsuspecting promoters across worldwide. A spokesman for Knopfler has issued a warning to promoters following a flurry of cases in South America recently - and stressed there are no plans for any Dire Straits` shows. “There are no plans whatsoever for Dire Straits shows, and any Mark Knopfler shows should be booked only through Brent Smith at William Morris for North America, and Andrew Zweck at Sensible Events for the rest of the world,” said a statement issued on behalf of the singer. Last year, con artists attempted to dupe promoters by posing as representatives of Aerosmith and Pearl Jam in a fake email scam.
6
Mark Knopfler
VIP NEWS >
DECEMBER 2016
Norwegian Live sector up 4 percent From VIP-Daily News The Norwegian music industry grows to an
Export income
It’s worth noting that revenue from ad-
all time high since 2012 when the annual reviews began.
supported streams are not included in this The report shows that 6 percent of total
report.
revenue comes from export revenue, the The Norwegian music industry was worth
same share as previous three years. Export
Vinyl had yet a massive year, with sales
NOK 3.727.000.000 ($440.262.716) in
income has increased in sync with the
making
2015. Up 5 percent from 2014.
general revenue.
compared with 2014. Vinyl sales itself grew
Music in Numbers was released December
Export
12th. The report aims to show data which
375.000.000 ($44.297.965) in 2015.
physical
increase
48
percent
69 percent from 2014, due to more titles revenues
was
worth
NOK
says something about the industry’s size and
available and a general higher demand. Norwegian music (music published on
how it develops over time. To calculate the
Note: Export revenue is only generated
Norwegian labels) had a market share of 26
size and worth of the industry, the report
from what directly can be traced to a
percent, up from 22 percent in 2014.
has collected revenue statistics from three
Norwegian company. Deals Norwegian
main categories; copyright revenue, revenue
artists and industry professionals have
Export stood for 5 percent of revenue in
from recorded music (physical and digital),
with foreign companies are not included.
recorded music, the same share as the year
and concerts and performance revenue.
Concert statistics is made up of artist fees,
before. That equals to 46MNOK ($M5,4) in
and not ticket sales. Sale of merchandise is
2015.
The live sector makes up the biggest portion
also not included.
of total revenue, accounting for 52 percent ($227.622.000),
while
recorded
music
Export is defined as “income generated
Income from the live sector
and copyrights each make up 24 percent
in markets outside Norway by companies registered in Norway”.
($107.852.000 for copyright revenue and
Total income from concerts in 2015 was
$104.312.000 for recorded music).
NOK 1.929.000.000 ($227.868.736). This
Export generated income from recorded
marks a year on year increase of 4 percent.
music is up 22 percent year on year. Since
Streaming has yet to reach its peak, growing
The amount is generated from tickets sales
2012, when the yearly tracking begun, export
10 percent from 2014 to 2015. Streaming’s
in Norway and artist fees from concerts
income from recorded music has doubled.
continued impact on the industry economy
outside of Norway.
Income from copyrights
alone accounts for a year on year growth of recorded music sales of 5%.
Export income from concerts equaled MNOK 114 ($M13.7), a drop of 6 percent
The report finds that copyrights income
2015’s numbers marks an all time high
year on year. The report suggests fall in
contributed MNOK 914 in 2015 ($M107.97),
since the yearly tracking began in 2012.
artist fees as the reason for the decrease
up 2 percent year on year. Export income
The numbers reverse the negative growth
from 2014.
stands for 9 percent of the total, equal to
between 2013 and 2014, where revenues were down about 1 percent.
MNOK 80 ($M9.45).
Income from recorded music Export income is defined as revenue Total revenue for recorded music stood
transferred to Norwegian rights holders by
at 884MNOK in 2015 ($M104.4), an
foreign collective societies. A year on year
impressive 9 percent increase from 2014.
comparison shows an increase of 17 percent from 2014.
Digital, and mostly streaming was the
2015:
NOK 3.727.000.000
driving factor to the increase. Streaming
Income from sync deals which are not done
2014:
NOK 3.564.000.000
revenue was up 10% year on year. The
directly between copyright holders and/or
2013:
NOK 3.598.000.000
growth makes up for the 44 percent
publishers based in Norway are not included
2012:
NOK 3.072.000.000
decrease in downloads.
in these numbers.
7
VIP NEWS >
DECEMBER 2016
Eurosonic – Noorderslag 31st Edition Allan McGowan am@vip-booking.com
The 31st edition of Eurosonic Noorderslag, widely recognized as the Platform for European music will, as usual, take place in the Dutch University city of Groningen from January 11 – 15. The event sells out each year, attracting over 4,000 professional delegates, including representatives of over 400 international festivals. More than 350 acts showcase, and the conference program covers developments in the international music, media, production and interactive industries The event also hosts the European Festival Awards, The European Border Breakers Awards and The European Talent Exchange Programme – ETEP.
The idea is simple, but very effective and its development with the steady rising number of participating festivals and booked shows of European talent is proof that ETEP is one of the best and valuable initiatives to promote European live music. We are proud to be a part of it.
ETEP This
thirty
first
edition
of
2003 ETEP resulted in 53 shows being played
by 23 acts from 8 countries at 23 festivals in
Christof Huber General Secretary - Yourope
Eurosonic
13 countries. Total figures for 2016 are 404
Noorderslag again plays host to the European
shows by 148 acts from 27 countries at 99
Talent Exchange Programme, ETEP, for the
festivals in 31 countries. I think ETEP has become an important
fifteenth year! For the first few editions this unique initiative instituted to showcase and
Recent Comments on ETEP:
exchange platform that cannot be ignored by artists or promoters in Europe. The unique
exchange talent between the neighbouring European
states
required
repeated
Christof Huber
explanation. Now, agents, managers, festival
quality of acts and events participating is what makes the programme’s success.
promoters, music export offices etc, are well aware of what can be achieved by accessing
Dany Hassenstein
the festival and media opportunities made
Paleo Festival Nyon - Switzerland
available to acts showcasing at Eurosonic, and efforts to take part in ETEP are very much part of the early year planning and
ETEP raised awareness that there is good
scheduling for artist careers throughout the
quality music from other countries than just
European music industry.
music of Anglo American origin. In Europe, in UK and USA it raised pride within the
8
The programme has been responsible for
Yourope
(the
European
festivals
European music scene that different cultural
kick-starting the careers of many well known
organisation) was a part of ETEP since the
influences, different cross-overs are a good
European acts, and the following figures give
beginning and nowadays, we are very
thing and that we have to tour/promote
some idea of how things have grown: In
active as a co-organizer of the program.
these acts as festival and tour promoters.
VIP NEWS >
DECEMBER 2016
something important. They actually take
Conrad Murray
acts on their roster if they can get it that is.
Manager of Blossoms - SJM (UK)
Eric Van Eerdenburg Lowlands Festival - Mojo Concerts
We are very happy with the support of ETEP.
Netherlands
We feel they have contributed to our success by giving their trust in us, they can convince the festival partners we were talking to, to
Eric Van Eerdenburg
ETEP is a wonderful platform for artists
book us. They are giving this extra push in a
– Otherkin & Soak are recent examples of
natural way, so we will keep our credibility
artists we have had in the programme who
and at the same time raise our chances of
have benefitted greatly, both achieving
playing.
We shouldn’t just look for talent from the
extensive European festival touring as a
UK, America and some exceptional world
result.
Steijn Koeijvoets
music from Africa and far away exotic
Manager, My Baby - Netherlands
countries: It also happens here, right under
Alex Bruford
our noses!
Partner ATC Live Agency - UK
It also played a role in raising the level of professionalism of European managers and
Eurosonic was a great experience and
agents, tour managers, tour productions &
adventure for us. It was our first proper
creative music production. aI think it also
live experience out of our comfort zone
put the UK agency world on their toes. They
of playing packed venues in the UK and,
come and watch the talent that is being
after playing in front of the biggest and
presented with different eyes than 10 years
best promoters and agents from across the
ago. 10 to 15 years ago they did not watch
globe, we’re still reaping the benefits in live
at all, now they are afraid they might miss
venues across the world.
Steijn Koeijvoets
Eurosonic somehow does it better So that’s it really – oh, what’s that? Some of
Ok then, just for you: Each year Eurosonic
talented European artists are guaranteed
you were actually quite young when ETEP
Noorderslag, which is broadcasted by
to play at one or more major summer
started and you’re not sure exactly how it
several EBU radio stations, selects the most
festivals attracting thousands of music
works?
current and promising European artists to
lovers and with the support of radio and
play the festival.
other media, managers, promoters and agents resulting in an audience numbering
ETEP brings together over a hundred of
in the millions. This guarantees maximum
the leading European festivals, along with
exposure and offers a perfect opportunity
radio and other media encouraging them
for
to ‘exchange’ these artists. ETEP festival
industry to establish and promote their
bookers select foreign artists from the
artists throughout Europe.
management
and
the
recording
line-up of Eurosonic Noorderslag, and
Folkert Koopmans
guarantee confirmed slots at their festival.
So that’s it, not that it’s always been
Radio stations support the selected acts
easy; as with many aspects of the music
with airplay. Written media support the
industry, maintaining adequate funding
acts in national press. Both radio and print
from various areas including the European
media offer national exposure to these
Commission along with awareness of the
selected groups. In this way these selected
aims of ETEP and associated initiatives is
9
VIP NEWS >
DECEMBER 2016
still a fulltime job for founder Peter Smidt
Each year a different country is highlighted
made in Portugal and other new music
and Ruud Berends (you might notice that
in order to showcase the diversity of musical
markets, introducing the wealth of musical
the years have been kind to them, and they
talent across Europe.
genres currently made in Portugal to a much
look pretty much as they did fifteen years
wider audience.”
ago!). Though they are both more than
Countries that have been showcased at
happy that this idealistic and ambitious
previous editions include France, Germany,
Sais Nuno Saraiva
initiative has progressed and developed
Italy,
WHY Portugal
over fifteen years there are no intentions
Netherlands, Ireland, Finland, Austria and
to become complacent. The introduction
Iceland.
Sweden,
Belgium,
Norway,
The
of supporting projects like the EBBA’s and CEETEP have helped to expand the
Portugal is this year’s featured country, so
aspirations and intentions of the thinking
let’s finish with a comment on what they
behind ETEP. New projects may already be
hope to achieve from Eurosonic and ETEP…
in the planning for the future… “Being
focus
country
at
Eurosonic
Folkert Koopmans
Noorderslag 2017 is the best opportunity
Director FKP Scorpio
to bridge the gap between the new music
The European Border Breakers Awards
On 11 January 2017, the 14th Awards go to Alan Walker (no), Jaakko Eino Kalevi (fi), Namika (de), Hinds (es), Filous (at), Jain (fr), Dua Lipa (gb), Era Istrefi (al), Natalie La Rose (nl) and Walking on Cars (ie). Every year, 10 European artists receive an EBBA to recognise their success in countries other than their own. This success is measured by: Airplay, sales, live performances in Europe and position in the European Border Breakers Charts. EBBA celebrate new and border-breaking artists who create today and tomorrow’s music from Adele (United Kingdom) to Christine & the Queens (France), the EBBA winners represent some of the standout European sounds of recent years. Other previous winners include Stromae, Gabriel Rios, Hozier, Of Monsters and Men, Mumford & Sons, Aurora, Disclosure, John Newman, C2C, Tokio Hotel, The Script, Years and Years, Robin Schulz, Carnival Youth, MØ and Selah Sue.
10
Jaakko Eino Kalevi is the Finnish EBBA winner
VIP NEWS > INDEPTH STORY >
DECEMBER 2016
Highlights of 2016 and the State of the Business for 2017 Allan McGowan am@vip-booking.com & Manfred Tari mt@vip-booking.com
Manfred Tari and Allan McGowan invited several VIP ‘Regulars’ to respond to the following questions: What were the highlights of your year, and what are your conclusions regarding the state of the business in general? Please let us know your outlook and expectations for 2017....
Volker may
Greg Parmley
Ivana Dragila
Volker May
of weather issues for many festivals. Overall it
Managing Partner FZW Event GmbH
was a satisfying year. 2017 looks like a much
Dortmund, Germany
busier year with again a lot of great tours like
Greg Parmley
Guns N’ Roses, Depeche Mode, Coldplay,
MD International Live Music Conference
One of our highlights was SCOTT BRADLEY
Phil Collins, AIDA with Placido Domingo and
(ILMC) and International Festival Forum
AND THE POSTMODERN JUKEBOX. A sold
Robbie Williams. And in addition a lot of new
(IFF) London
out show which nobody expected, amazing
festivals like Lollapalooza Paris, Download at
entertainment and a very gentle tour
a new site in Paris, Wireless in Germany and
production and crew.
many others...
and streaming services increasingly starting
As far as it concerns 2017 I am very optimistic.
The biggest challenge for 2017 currently is
to sell tickets on their platforms, tickets will
We already announced the first sold out
the compressed period in which most tours
go where the fans are. And the landscape
shows in spring and have once again only a
and festivals will take place. The weather
will begin a seismic shift. Secondary will
few days left without a booking.
problems at festivals are influencing the
2017 will be the year of the ticket. With Amazon Tickets making a big play in live,
continue to be a talking point in many
promoters in terms of having material on
markets, and the brighter spotlight on the
standby but only paying for it if it’s needed.
relationships between the industry and
Ivana Dragila
We will test in 2017 a new floor cover, which
this controversial cousin will drive greater
Online Marketing eps holding Gmbh
we developed this year in some countries.
transparency. The boundaries between
Krailling, Germany.
This product currently is the most effective
‘primary’ and ‘secondary’ will continue to
product for pitch cover. In addition we
blur, as more income is driven back to the
2016 was an ambivalent year: On one side
developed a lot of special barricade pieces
industry, out of the hands of those who
great tours with Beyoncé, Coldplay, Rihanna
for many tours like Robbie Williams, Adele
contribute nothing to it.
and many others, and on the other side a lot
or Take That.
11
VIP NEWS > INDEPTH STORY >
DECEMBER 2016
The Outlook for 2017 looks great. One of the big Highlights will be our 40th anniversary tour of FOREIGNER.1977 was also the year when I put on my very first shows in Austria – i.e. 2017 also marks GLP´s 40th anniversary ! Also the GLP headquarter in Vienna will be extended – so we are creating a complete new office in our building with 200 ms2 – to
Karsten Jahnke
Georg Leitner
include a Chill out zone – and creative area for our team.:-)
Karsten Jahnke
run of three dates for KOOL & THE GANG
So yes – I thank the universe for a great 2016
MD Karsten Jahnke Konzertdirektion GmbH
in Africa (in Mozambique, Uganda & Kenya)
and look forward to an ever so vibrant 2017.
Hamburg, Germany.
Some of the members of KOOL & THE GANG
We had a lot of highlights this year: 1. The
had grave concerns about going to Africa
best season in our lovely open air venue in
(security as well as organizational issues).
the Stadtpark. 2. A sold out tour with our
Having lived in Zambia & South Africa as
old friends THE CURE. 3. The incredible
a teenager, I was always passionate about
success of Johannes Oerding. 4. A sold out
Africa. So I used all the persuasion and
European tour with AL JARREAU & The
arguments to convince the guys to accept
NDR Big Band presents The Duke Ellington
the dates – and eventually (after going back
Songbook. 5. More than 100 concerts
and forth quite a few times) they agreed to
within Germany with HERMAN VAN VEEN.
go for it.
6. the success of our new singer/songwriter Max Giesinger. 7. The success of the tour
From day one till the finish of the tour – it
with Lukas Rieger.
turned out that everything worked out
Beverley Whitrick
incredibly smoothly. Not only had the In 2017 we will present, together with
shows been sold out - the organization
Beverley Whitrick
Scorpio, The ELBJAZZ FESTIVAL on 2nd
(production, transport, hotels etc. ) was
Strategic Director - Music Venue Trust
and 3rd of June in the Hamburg harbour –
absolutely impeccable. They guys loved
London
Blohm & Voss – and in the Elbphilharmonie.
the tour! In times when we hear so much
To present within my Jazz Nights series the
negative news from this burdened continent
Music Venue Trust had an early highlight
following top jazz stars like Michael Wollny
(corruption, famine, migration etc.) – this
when we, in partnership with UK Music
and Vincent Peirani (January/February )–
tour shed a ray of hope – and showed what
and Musicians’ Union, achieved a change
Branford Marsalis fest. Kurt Elling (March/
people in Africa are capable of. Yes – that
in English law to help protect grassroots
April) – Pat Metheny Quartet (October). And
was a most wonderful highlight for our
music venues from redevelopment: from 6
to continue the successful tours of Johannes
2016 season !
April 2016, local planning authorities have
Oerding, Max Giesinger and Lukas Rieger.
12
to consider noise impacts on new residents Some of the other highlights where the
from existing businesses under an amended
European tour of SEAN PAUL (where we got
permitted development right (i.e. you
Georg Leitner
lucky again when SEAN PAUL´s song with
cannot build near a music venue without
MD Georg Leitner Productions GmbH
SIA hit the charts just prior to our extensive
mitigating the potential noise within your
Vienna - Austria
European tour) .
own plans).
KOOL & THE GANG in Africa proved to be
Also our GEORGE CLINTON PARLIAMENT /
Other highlights included:
the biggest personal highlight for 2016!
FUNKADELIC tours in Asia & Europe proved
• The contribution of small venues to the
Early in 2016 I managed to put together a
that the act is vibrant as ever !
economy being measured for the first time
VIP NEWS > INDEPTH STORY >
DECEMBER 2016
in UK Music’s research, published in Wish
Besides the festivals and family live projects
prosperity of our industry. In any case,
You Were Here 2016.
in 2017, we will promote tours and concerts
Sziget seems to be in a strong position due
• Venues Day 2016 with 500 delegates
of international stars like Aerosmith, Bryan
to the fact that our program structure is a
in only its 3rd year, followed by mini
Ferry, Chris de Burgh, Deep Purple, Iron
lot more diversified compared to many of
festival Fightback, both on 18 October , at
Maiden, Kiss, Man Doki Soulmates, Tokio
our competitors.
Roundhouse, London.
Hotel and many more. In addition, we are
• Receiving both an endorsement and a
happy to present Volbeat in Switzerland,
We believe we have to keep the values of
donation from Sir Paul McCartney for our
Rainbow, Craig David, The 1975 and many
the festival, so no big changes planned, only
work.
others in the United Kingdom as well as
fine-tuning our existing structures. We are
Amon Amarth or Royal Republic in Austria.
celebrating the 25th edition of the event, so
We still have a lot of work to do to protect
These concerts as well as unique events like
we hope for a strong year sales-wise, just
and improve the UK’s grassroots music
the first classical open air concert of Anna
like 2016. Sziget, as a company is looking
venues but support and awareness are
Netrebko and Yusif Eyvazov in Berlin mean
into new opportunities, also negotiating
building and we are optimistic that we will
we are looking forward to a great next
with potential partners abroad to co-
achieve more in 2017.
season!
organize festivals.
Prof. Peter Schwenkow CEO DEAG Deutsche Entertainment AG We are looking back on a great year with a broad variety in the field of live entertainment.
In
particular,
we
have
successfully established a series of new rock festivals, notably ROCKAVARIA in Munich, Sonisphere in Switzerland and Rock in Vienna in Austria. In the past year we focused especially on the segment of
Andras Berta
Detlef Schwarte
family live entertainment, too, which may be considered the most increasing area in
Andras Berta
Detlef Schwarte
the live business these days. Our beacon
Sziget Festival, Hungary
Inferno Events/ Reeperbahn Festival
projects here are Disney On Ice in Germany
Hamburg, Germany
and Austria, Marvel Universe Live, Christmas
2016 was a great year for Sziget festival.
wonderlands like Christmas at Kew and
With almost half a million visitors we broke
Christmas at Blenheim in the United
all previous records regarding sold tickets.
Kingdom and Christmas Garden Berlin in
We also managed to further improve
The positive response from the industry and
Germany and TINI’s live tour, the upcoming
the international status of the festival,
media to the first Anchor Award ceremony
Disney world star.
welcoming fans from over 100 countries.
at Reeperbahn Festival was a highlight of
Some of our major markets, like UK or
the year 2016 for sure – as was the entire
France saw big improvements, while others
show and its winner Albin Lee Meldau.
maintained last year’s performance. Being
Another was the cross-party decision of the
a mid-August festival in the Eastern part of
German committee on budgets to provide
the continent means it’s still a big challenge
noticeably
to get the headliners we need, while we also
for the popular music sector in Germany.
realize that artist fees are getting higher and
This kind of structural support becomes
higher each year. We still don’t think it’s a
even more important as the business in
healthy structure, having too many festivals
general is still shaped by monopolization
biding for not enough potential headliners
and the growing power of investor driven
and thus creating rocketing prices, so
entities, which pursue targets that differ
we have our concerns for the long-term
fundamentally from the interests of e.g.
Peter Schwenkow
New year, same questions… ;o)
increased
financial
support
13
VIP NEWS > INDEPTH STORY >
DECEMBER 2016
independent music companies, traditional
and Joss Stone for playing Istanbul just after
personal highlight was making the British
music venues or the artist as such.
the failed coup.
Open Squash Masters final.
Artists and their representatives still fight
The state of the business in the countries we
I predict a welcome return to chord based
for appropriate revenue models. Publishers
work in is damn hard. Our clients are not
song writing in 2017.
(in Germany) struggle for their subject
making money, we are not making money,
matter. The shut downs of live music venues
and the political situation is somewhere
remains a painful trend all over Europe.
between awful and bad in many of these
With regards to weather and terror threads
countries. Most of us are in survival mode
organizers of festivals find themselves in a
that is not a lot of fun as it means we have
situation of survival of the fittest. All that
no choice but to be cautious about any risky
happens in a socio-political environment
business (and it’s all risky of course…). Fairy
that urgently needs more cultural diversity,
godmothers are welcome to get in touch.
more space for the young to develop talent and more interference of the mostly open
As things stand, we expect to still be here at
minded people that work with and for
the end of next year and we have enough
music. The elections in Netherlands, France
work scheduled for me to feel cautiously
or Germany might make it even harder for
optimistic that at least it won’t be a bad
Arndt Scheffler
us all to continue as before.
year. We’ve developed our connections
Managing Director I CEO
with German promoters and I hope that
White Label eCommerce GmbH
continues, though I don’t expect to move to
Hamburg, Germany
Nick Hobbs
Berlin just yet. More than that is hard to say
Charmenko, Turkey
as I broke my crystal ball years ago.
Arndt Scheffler
One of our favorite highlights of the year is definitely to accompany some of our
Highlights:
Summer
Well
festival
in
clients through the digital transformation
Bucharest, Rammstein in Moscow and
process. It takes a lot of courage to leave
Wroclaw; Muse in Athens and Bucharest.
some of the old, well known paths behind
Our Damien Rice and Agnes Obel dates - 2
to break new ground. And whereas the idea
artists that bucked the trend for us, and my
of selling tickets directly is not exactly new,
own UK gigs for Serious and at the Afekt
opening up a presale by selling your own
Festival in Tallinn. Respect to Damien Rice
tickets only in your own shop and online doesn’t necessarily come naturally. Although the world is changing rapidly and the concentration process of the industry cannot be stopped, there are plenty of opportunities for ambitious entrepreneurs.
Ville Leppanen
In terms of ticketing I would like to emphasize that the trend of data driven ecommerce and
Ville Leppanen
therefore online ticket sales will continue.
The Animal Farm
It is only consequent to focus on providing
London, UK
the tools and support needed to control and push your own sales through your own ticket
Nick Hobbs
14
The highlight of my year, of artists other
shop. This starts by being able to control
than ours, was discovering that the chord
allocations, content, reports and processes at
progression in Drake’s Hotline Bling is really
any time and ends by having full insight ito
good, almost old fashioned. Of our artists,
the direct effects of marketing campaigns.
I would highlight the international major
In 2017 we will enter the next phase of the
label interest in Ben Thorpe, whose chord
disruption of the ticketing business, whether
progressions I hope you will hear anon. My
we like it or not.
VIP NEWS >
DECEMBER 2016
5.2 Million Euro Versus One Homeless Ticket Seller Manfred Tari mt@vip-booking.com A Story regarding Social Ticketing versus Secondary Ticketing.
Konzerthaus Dortmund
December is usually the time for Christmas fairy tales, but perhaps in December 2016 not all of the stories have that fairy element. There are simply too many questionable things going on these days and the following is an example... On November 18 US-band Radical Faces played in the Konzerthaus Dortmund. Actually quite a good concert, well attended and a band having fun on stage while playing songs about “Rivers in the Dust”, depressions and other personal experiences. The singer Ben Cooper even opened up the concert apologizing for the US electing Donald
them to be nice and friendly to journalists, we also informed them that
Trump 10 days before. In fact, the social competence of Donald Trump
Popkomm would provide free tickets for homeless people.
has somehow become a role model for today’s western society or what is left of it. In reference to this an incident witnessed prior to the
We kindly asked them to allow for one of these ticketholders to try
concert seems to reflect these tendencies.
and sell their tickets or to grant them access to a show if they wanted. In order to ensure the success of this special briefing, all security staff
Shortly before the concert started a homeless person tried to sell
involved were provided with free drinks and sausages at the barbecue.
a ticket for the concert. There were only a very few people left in front of the venue and the ticket seller tried to monetize the ticket
When telling the security guard of the Konzerthaus Dortmund that I
with a dynamic pricing sales strategy. From the beginning onwards
disagreed with how he handled the situation it quickly became clear
the chances of re-selling the ticket was ridiculously low and the sales
that times have changed since the nineties. Apart from the fact that
potential became even less when one of the venue security guards
the security guy remained formally friendly and polite when arguing
advised the homeless ticket seller to move two meters away from the
with the homeless ticket seller, it once more proved that security
location.
guards are not social workers.
We all know it is not easy to impress homeless people. With this in
In fact concerning the security briefing by the management of the
mind, the security guard warned that he would call up the regulatory
Konzerthaus Dortmund, when talking to the security guard it also
authorities asking for official support for dismissing the homeless
became evident that this incident with a homeless person was not
ticket seller, who was also apparently begging for money, with a
the first of its kind. It is also well known that current politicians have
misdemeanour conviction. The homeless person and the security
a great passion for classical music. They provide the public funding
guard obviously knew how this game is played, with the would
keeping such venues and orchestras alive; in this case it is 5.2 million
be ticket seller quickly leaving the spot when the security guard
Euros per year.
undertook an attempt to call the auxiliary police. Beside that it is Christmas, the questions remain, why does the While watching the whole scenario, the author of this article
management of the Konzerthaus Dortmund besides placing
remembered a social initiative observed when working way back in
advertisements in Bodo, the local homeless magazine, not allow the
the nineties for the music convention Popkomm in Cologne. Whilst in
security guards to provide homeless people with a free cup of coffee
charge of the extensive concert programme of this event, a few tickets
at the backstage entrance of the venue around the corner? It is just a
were collected for each show and provided to homeless organisations.
nice gesture and it would help their security guards to improve their
Popkomm in those days was also a hot spot for media people. Each
professional relations with homeless persons. Well finally, it seems
year we arranged a barbecue for all the security guards working in
that with a subsidy of 5.2 million Euro per year, a small budget for a
clubs and concert locations during the festival at which we reminded
cup of coffee here and there might be affordable, doesn’t it?
15
VIP NEWS >
DECEMBER 2016
Where’s the Music?
Sweden returns for the third year Manfred Tari mt@vip-booking.com For the third year in a row, Where’s the Music? is coming back to Norrköping with a showcase festival and music conference. For three days, professionals and music lovers gather in central Norrköping to experience the latest music from Sweden and abroad. The aim is to discover new music and the stars of tomorrow first. The conference will be held at the Louis De Geer venue and will feature panelists such as Carlos López Casany from Indiemono, Angus Baskerville from 13 Artists, Jan Gradvall and many more. This year’s panels will touch on topics including playlisting, digital trends and the future of festivals. There will be introductions to Sweden’s hottest management, RMH, and their work with the Nordic countries and plenty of chances to meet other delegates from around the world. On Friday and Saturday, the festival is taking place at some of Norrköping’s coolest clubs and venues and over 100 Swedish and international acts will be performing. This year the festival and conference kicks off with an opening night at the old amateur-theatre-turned nightclub, Arbis, on Thursday night. The evening will include a tribute to Viola Beach, networking opportunities and showcases.
CONFIRMED SPEAKERS:
CONFIRMED ACTS:
Angus Baskerville (13 Artists, UK) | Adam Börjesson (Jubel,
Magnus Carlson | Erik Lundin | Tomas Andersson Wij &
SWE) | Ankit Desai (Universal Music, SWE) | Anna Gullstrand
Norrköpings Ungdomskör | Albert af Ekenstam | Apocalypse
(Fröjd Agency, SWE) | Annika Forsberg (Skavlan, SWE) |
Orchestra | ARY (NO) | Ben Hobbs (GB) | Black Metal Raccoons
Atena Banisaid (TEN Music Group, SWE) | Carlos López
(FI) | Boys | Broder John | Clientèle (FI/EE) | Dear Reader (ZA)
Casany (Indiemono/Sony Music, ESP) | Cindy Kramer (BMG
| Dust Bowl Jokies | Elin Rigby | Ellen Sundberg | Flora Cash |
Scandinavia, SWE) | Daggan Stamenkovic (Phonofile, SWE) |
Frida Sundemo | Joakim Gissberg | Hater | Haux (US) | HAVET
Fruzsina Szep (Lollapolooza Berlin, DE) | Guna Zučika (Every
| Hov1 | IDER (GB) | Into The Ark (GB) | JÁNA | JOHNNYSWIM
Little Thing, LV) | Helen Sildna (Tallin Music Week, EE) | Ida
(US) | JOSIN (DE) | Julia Clara | Kaliffa | Keya | KNASH | L.A.
Redig (Strang Duck Records, SWE) | Jan Gradvall (Dagens
Salami (GB) | Leo Stannard (GB) | Leslie Tay | Lewis Watson
Industri, SWE) | Jenny Ericsson (United Screens, SWE) | Jessica
(GB) | Magic Potion | Nightmen | Rein | Richard Smitt | Sandro
Strassman (Colombia Records, USA) | Jessica Westin (United
Cavazza | Sarah Klang | ShitKid | Siv Jakobsen (NO) | Slowgold
Screens, SWE) | Jill Hollywood (Each Beach Management, UK) |
| State Of Sound | Stilla Havet | Stina Velocette | SödraSidan |
Lucie Watson (Platoon, UK) | Maya-Blue Gamble (Glastonbury
THEA | Tjuvjakt | Toi Let | The Presolar Sands | TOMM¥ A$H
Festival, UK) | Nanna Lindhardt Hansen (Deezer, DK) | Niclas
(EE) | Wyvern Lingo (IE) | Zero Zero | Ängie
Lagerstam (Putte I Parken, SWE) | Nina Rung (Krimonolog, SWE) | Ruth Barlow (Beggars Group, UK)
16
Angus Baskerville is amongst the confirmed speakers for Where’s the Music 2017
VIP NEWS >
NAMES & JOBS
DECEMBER 2016
New management team for Mojo
Three new Agents for ATC Live
From VIP-Daily News
From VIP-Daily News
John Mulder is back at the helmet of Dutch promoter Mojo. Together with Ruben Brouwer he will take over the running of Mojo from January 1st. 2017, following the surprise resignation in September of former CEO Wilbert Mutsaers. Brouwer has been at Mojo since 2008, initially as a lawyer, then as part of its management team. John Mulder (pictured) left Mojo in 2011 to start his own promotion business, but had remained involved with the company on a freelance basis. Leon Ramakers, founder of Mojo will now serve as a consultant
UK booking agency ATC Live has made three new hires.
and a booker of major international acts. He says: “With this duo, Mojo’s management has the right mix of business, strategic and
Isla Angus and Sarah Besnard join from Earth Agency, bringing with
operational knowledge and skills. I am very confident that Mojo is
them a roster that includes Sleaford Mods, Austra, Dan Deacon,
in good hands.”
Cass McCombs and Girl Band, while Sinan Ors, formerly at UTA, brings electronic artists Romare, Daedelus and Clap Clap!. “All three,” says managing director Alex Bruford, “share the same artist-focused and creative approach as ATC Live, and we are delighted to welcome their artists alongside our growing roster, [which] includes Mac DeMarco, Julia Jacklin, Whitney, Shura, Shame, The Lumineers, Passenger and Benjamin Clementine.”
John Mulder
Ruben Brouwer
The London-based agency hired Clemence Renaut, Roxane Dumoulin and Chris Meredith in January.
Isla Angus
17
Conference & showcase festival See the best up and coming Swedish and international acts and meet fellow industry professionals in the most welcoming and intimate environment in the nordics Read more and book your tickets: wheresthemusic.se/en
VIP NEWS > BUSINESS >
MUSIC IN SHARES
DECEMBER 2016
Music In Shares Manfred Tari mt@vip-booking.com
The year’s end review of the Music In Shares section at VIP-News
to press it is 29.31 Euro. Nevertheless, CTS Eventim with a market
is dedicated purely to the performance figures of the remaining
capitalisation of 2.787 billion Euros remains a true blue chip among
corporate concert companies at stock markets.
our corporate concert companies.
This year’s summary turns out to be different to previous years. Both
DEAG even lost 30 per cent of its share price value, from a previous
CTS Eventim and DEAG delivered a loss in the annual comparison.
4.32 down to 2.88 Euros. The market cap therewith melted down
CTS Eventim for many years in a row only delivered a share price
to 47.74 million Euros and it looks like it will take a bit of time before
growth. But 2016 is different, minus 15,09 per cent compared to
DEAG will recover.
last year. Live Nation instead gained, from $24.97 one year ago to $27.13 On November 17, 2015 the share price of CTS Eventim had been
this time. The market cap is up $5.43 billion; this year’s share price
34.43 Euro, on November 16 when this issue of VIP-News went
peak was $29.04 while the lowest one recorded was $18.77.
THE HALL DUO IN NECKARPARK
UNIQUE AND DOUBLY GOOD
STUTTGART CATCHMENT AREA: MORE THAN 3 MILLION PEOPLE • HANNS-MARTIN-SCHLEYER-HALLE: UP TO 15,500 SPECTATORS • PORSCHE-ARENA: UP TO 7,500 SPECTATORS • 2017: … CESAR MILAN, LINDSEY STIRLING, SARAH CONNOR, STING, TINI - VIOLETTA, JOE BONAMASSA, DJ BOBO, PHILIPP POISEL, UDO LINDENBERG, DEEP PURPLE, WESTERNHAGEN, CIRQUE DU SOLEIL, MANOWAR, XAVIER NAIDOO …
Tel. +49 (0) 711/9554-40 Fax +49 (0) 711/9554-500
AZ_in_stutt_VIPmag_2017_RZ.indd 1
info@in.stuttgart.de www.in.stuttgart.de
23.11.16 09:58
19
VIP NEWS > MISC >
DECEMBER 2016
MEMBER PRESENTATION
Rock-It Cargo
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
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
What do Bruce Springsteen, Mumford & Sons, Lady Gaga, Boeing, APR Energy,
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
Cirque du Soleil, the NFL, Christies and major trade shows have in common? They all use Rock-It Cargo® to handle their most critical freight logistics. Rock-It Cargo is a world-class company in the specialty freight forwarding and logistics industry. With over 200 employees in 17 offices across the US and around the world, Rock-It is prepared to handle all your international, time-sensitive, fragile
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
and complicated freight moves. Originally specializing in entertainment and live events, Rock-It has expanded its business into many industries that need the same special care and personal attention that the music industry has depended on for thirty five years
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.
®
Andrew Strong vip-booking.com
20