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VIP NEWS
PREMIUM > VOLUME 237 > SEPTEMBER 2020
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VIP NEWS >
SEPTEMBER 2020
McGowan’s
Musings
Well, whatever opening line I had intended
paragraph of a great article by Ed Barker in
to open this month’s brief musings on coping
The Guardian which I recommend we should
with Covid and looking at the future of live,
all read - including hopefully members of a
has certainly been knocked sideways by the
Government that needs shaking up! …”
quote from Michael Kill, CEO of the UK’s
So let’s not decimate an entire industry, or
Night Time Industries Association.
expect – unfairly and shortsightedly – that musicians and live entertainers can survive
COLOPHON > VIP-News is published by: VIP-Booking.com Enghaven 19 Attrup 8444 Balle Denmark
on their own when they’re told they can’t
to hearing the announcement of the details
go to work. Otherwise we will needlessly
of the Chancellor’s Winter Economy Plan.
create thousands of job losses, rack up the
Difficult to beat that as a headline! But
welfare bill unnecessarily, and undermine
Michael’s observation was followed up by
generations of potential talent. Let’s support
equally disturbed comments from all sectors
musicians and venues today because they
of the live industry, the majority of which
will be instrumental tomorrow, not only in
cannot see how the introduction of a 10pm
getting our country back on its feet again,
curfew, and the Job Protection Scheme can
but in reminding us what life is supposed to
possibly improve a worsening situation for all
be about.” ….
workers and businesses in the sector. Tough times are getting tougher!
Managing Director: Ronni Didriksen rd@vip-booking.com
The Government claim that the Scheme will save thousands of jobs, but as Mark Davyd
Sorry to be so UK-centric, but that’s where
General Manager: Peter Briggs pb@vip-booking.com
of the Music Venues Trust commented, “Over
I’m living, but hopefully not quarantined - at
2 million people work in the night time
present anyway. Wherever you’re based you
economy, and the Job Protection Scheme has
will no doubt all have your take on how this
done nothing at all to protect their jobs. The
dreadful situation is being handled - let us
government has acted illogically and without
know what you think!
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 Charlie Presburg cp@vip-booking.com +44 (0) 7980 817496
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“Shock, Horror and Despair!” was his reaction
reason to make those jobs insecure and unsustainable by imposing a curfew that all
So yet again not much to add in a humorous
the available evidence tells us will not reduce
vein, made worse I’m afraid by the news of
the infection rate of Coronavirus. Because
the death of a very fine man, Danish music
Coronavirus does not own a watch.”
journalist, photographer and radio host Jan Sneum has passed away. I met Jan many
Some very telling observations and comments
times at various international events and
are being made by desperately worried
it was always a pleasure and a privilege to
members of the music industry, this is the last
spend time with him…. RIP
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SEPTEMBER 2020
London’s Dingwalls to re-open as The PowerHaus From VIP-Daily News Seventy-three year old music promoter Vince Power has announced
building a typical practice by businesses during the Victorian era. The
that the iconic Camden Market music venue formerly known as
paint is still visible to this day, and was in fact given a fresh coat a
Dingwall’s will reopen as The PowerHaus.
few years back.
Power confirms that due to copyright problems with the name
And why The PowerHaus? “It used to be the name of one of my
Dingwall’s, the name will no longer be able to be used.
venues in Islington which ran from 1989 until 1995”, says Power. And some of us may even be old enough to remember a gig or three
That’s a shame as in the 1970s and 80s Dingwall’s was about as hip
there.
as Camden got. The 500-capacity spot opened as Dingwall’s Dance Hall in 1973 and hosted gigs from the likes of The Clash and The Sex
You can’t argue with the pedigree, either. “We had artists such as
Pistols.
Radiohead in 1992, Stone Roses in 1989, Dinosaur Junior, Primal Scream, Blur, Cranberries, Pulp and Flaming Lips.
In the 1990s it became known for the jazz dance club Talkin Loud and Saying Something, run by Gilles Peterson and Patrick Forge. And
“I hope to continue in this tradition and have artists of this calibre at
then in the noughties and beyond it played host to bands and artists
The PowerHaus Camden which has been refurbished and is nearly
from Noel Gallagher and Coldplay to Ellie Goulding and George Ezra.
ready to open. It’s not all about the name but I’m sad the name Dingwall’s cannot be used as I have some great memories associated
And as for the quirky name? Why, the original owner of the building,
with it. But we are looking to the future and the future is bright. The
T.E. Dingwall, had his name painted on to the outside wall of the
PowerHaus will probably be the best venue in Camden.”
Vince Power rename Dingwalls
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VIP NEWS >
SEPTEMBER 2020
Roskilde Festival fires every third employee From VIP-Daily News As a direct consequence of the corona crisis, legendary Danish Roskilde Festival has had to cut hard in the organization. 17 employees have been fired, and in total the organization has become about a third smaller as a result of redundancies and job vacancies that have not been extended, according to a press release. “We are helped by the government`s support package for events in connection with the festival that should have been this summer. But the overall non-profit enterprise is affected financially, and the other help packages cannot help us through to a sufficient degree. Since
“That is why today we have unfortunately been forced to carry out an
the closure earlier this year, we have focused on reducing the cost
organizational adjustment, where 17 employees have lost their jobs.
of job vacancies that have expired. But it is now clear that it is not
It is very unfortunate. “
enough, ”says CEO of the Roskilde Festival group, Signe Lopdrup (pictured), and continues:
The cut in the organization does not mean that Roskilde Festival will not be able to be implemented in 2021, states Signe Lopdrup. “We maintain a small organization that can lead us through the coming time, and which can still both carry out tasks for our partners and - across employees and volunteers - continue the work with Roskilde Festival in 2021. A large part of the festival is already planned for next summer and is ready to be picked up. So the effort that needs to be made right now is especially about, together with others, investigating how it can again be possible to gather many people safely in this difficult and unpredictable corona time” says the director. Roskilde Festival group is a non-profit company and the collective name for the Association Roskilde Festival, which is responsible for the event Roskilde Festival, the Roskilde Festival Foundation and the foundatio`s subsidiary Roskilde Kulturservice A / S. The focal point of the non-profit business is the development and execution of Roskilde Festival. In addition, the Roskilde Festival group is behind a number of activities, which are based on the knowledge and competencies acquired through the work with the festival, and which are put into play in other contexts, where the organization helps with advice, event security, gastronomy, experience design, project management and logistics. Since 1972, Roskilde Festival group has generated around 411 million Danish Kroner which is used for non-profit purposes in
Signe Lopdrup
addition to the earnings that associations and partners have every year at the festival.
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VIP NEWS >
SEPTEMBER 2020
Former WME, Paradigm Agents Launch Mint Talent Group From VIP-Daily News Former Paradigm agents Patrick McAuliff and Phil Egenthal and exWilliam Morris Endeavor agent C. J. Strock have combined to launch Mint Talent Agency. Founding agents also include Mary Allen and Cassie Siegel, formerly of Madison House, Michael Morris and Ryan Owens, also from Paradigm, former WME agent Peter Wiederlight and Logan Handelsman, most recently with CAA. Mint as a booking agency and entertainment company says it aims at “career longevity” for artists by securing film, TV and brand endorsement deals in the near term. That comes as the live events business eyes a return to scale in 2021 at the earliest as public health officials continue to rule out large-scale gatherings amid the
McAuliff added, “The goal of Mint is to bring together great agents
COVID-19 pandemic.
with amazing rosters so that both can thrive at a home that values the associate, agent and artist like family.” Egenthal added, “At
“As a forward thinking company and in line with its full service agency
Mint, we are building a foundation that supports both Artists and
model, Mint will maximize client opportunities in brand partnerships,
Agents growth for the entirety of their careers’… all the while
private and corporate booking, as well as voice-over, TV and film,”
carving out charitable and benevolent causes to support and
the new agency said in a statement.
empower with our efforts.”
Strock said, “I am thrilled that we have built a new business based on
Mint`s artist roster includes Allman Brothers Band, Taj Mahal,
positive core human values for all parties involved in the Mint Family.
Blackberry Smoke, Stephen Marley, Brian McKnight, Steel Pulse,
I am very proud of my partners, employees, and top to bottom across
CloZee, Trevor Hall, Erasure, George Porter Jr., Mavis Staples, Rising
the Music client roster and Sports properties. Let’s go!”
Appalachia and Stick Figure.
Patrick McAuliff
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C.J. Strock
Phil Egenthal
VIP NEWS >
SEPTEMBER 2020
ESNS 2021 will be both physical and digital From VIP-Daily News The Dutch conference and showcase festival ESNS (Eurosonic Noorderslag) will go ahead as live as possible in 2021. Taking place in Groningen from 13 to 16 January 2021, ESNS is one of the key exchange and networking platform for European music, European artists, international music industry, production and interactive professionals, companies and organisations. The consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic for the music sector have been disastrous. The worldwide shutdown of almost every live event means an unprecedented blow for everyone working in this sector.
ever. While ESNS previously highlighted a focus country every year, for its upcoming edition ESNS chose to focus on all of Europe.
Creative director Robert Meijerink (pictured): “There’s all the more reason to get together again in Groningen in January 2021 and to
This modified edition gives ESNS the opportunity to once again offer
review and anticipate the future. It is precisely these uncertain times that
emerging European talent to take centre stage at Eurosonic with the
call for an opportunity to open the dialogue, to support and inspire, to
presentation of the Music Moves Europe Talent Awards on Friday and
learn from each other and ultimately to regain trust for hopeful times
Dutch talent will perform at Noorderslag, the traditional barometer of
ahead. Last but not least, ESNS wants to organise an event that does
Dutch pop music. The conference provides extended networking and
justice to its mission; stimulating and promoting the circulation of new
business opportunities where delegates engage in dialogue to discuss
European music. The necessity has never been so great.”
the state of the industry and how to deal with the current crisis. Both the festival and the conference are organised with the safety of
ESNS 2021 will be preceded by the European Music Week; a digital
visitors, delegates and artists as the highest priority. In addition, ESNS
platform in which a large number of partners join forces to promote
provides sufficient and safe facilities for the international media that
(new) European music and give the European live music sector center
travel to Groningen to report on ESNS 2021.
stage. With this, ESNS and its partners want to make a constructive contribution to a new future for European pop music.
ESNS director Dago Houben said: “The music sector has been hit hard. But we feel strengthened by the hundreds of music professionals
In many ways, the 35th edition will be different from previous
from home and abroad who have still bought a registration for
years. The current restrictions to contain the pandemic require the
ESNS 2021 in recent months, despite the restrictions imposed by the
necessary adjustments for the physical edition, but this edition is
pandemic. We feel that as a call from the sector. In addition, we
widely supported in a digital form, both for the conference and the
receive tremendous support from a large number of partners, not to
showcase festival. Either way, the focus on Europe is greater than
mention the authorities who indirectly supported us to let us do what we are good at; stimulate the circulation of European music. This extra support gives us the opportunity to drastically reduce the price of our event to make it as accessible as possible for everyone. We are developing an accessible digital edition for people who are not yet allowed to, or who are otherwise not able to travel.” The ESNS team is working hard on the festival and the conference program to adhere to all applicable guidelines. Details will become clear in the coming month and will be announced
Robert Meijerink
as soon as possible. ESNS is giving a substantial discount on conference tickets for the 2021 edition.
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ALL THE MUSIC INDUSTRY GATHERED ! 3 days of panels and concerts Paris, Pigalle - Montmartre
Program & delegate pass on www.mamafestival.com
#alltogetheragain
VIP NEWS > INDEPTH STORY >
SEPTEMBER 2020
COVID-19 and the Live Industry: How Are we Coping? It goes without saying that these are challenging times with the Live Music & Events Industry being one of the worst hit by the current coronavirus crisis and with the lockdowns and restrictions on events imposed by governments all over the world. Although there is some hope on the horizon with many tours already being rescheduled for the autumn there is still a lot of uncertainty remaining. We asked 4 professionals from different countries about their current situation and how they are dealing with the problems facing their businesses.
Diana Grodberg Co-founder, Live People Agency, representing international pop, rock, crossover artists, shows, orchestras and theatre productions globally How is your company coping with the current crisis and how’s
logic. We need to get back to work instead of charity to keep us
the reopening schedule looking in your country?
“a little alive”.
Like everyone else in the Live Music business I guess. So far we had
Have you managed to book any gigs for your artists during
to reschedule spring events to the winter, now we are rescheduling
this period of uncertainty?
them again together with other events (over 50 shows) into 2021 without certainty that they will not need to be postponed even
I am receiving inquiries and offers, but they are mostly for 2022.
further. As our agency’s artists tour internationally our operations depend on the global “chessboard”.
Have you managed to monetise any live streamed gigs and if
so how?
Have you received any financial support from your government and if so are you still receiving support?
That is not part of our operations.
We received small amounts for salaries. Better than nothing, but
Do you see live streamed gigs being a revenue stream in the
financial support alone is not the solution. Governments in various
future even when things get back to normal?
countries started to allocate funds to Live Music industry, while at the same time they extend restrictions on business operation. It’s
Live streamed gigs will become a trend within its niche. But I don’t
either hypocrisy or an inability to strategise a rational, clear and
think that live events can be replaced by streaming or VR technologies.
consistent plan for a return to normal. What difference is there
By nature we are social creatures, we are tribal, it’s in our DNA. We
between a fully packed plane or a bar, versus a venue when it
need to be part of something, to feel the joy of sharing emotions and
comes to the spread of the virus? This is ridiculous and has no
experiences, as at live events.
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VIP NEWS > INDEPTH STORY >
SEPTEMBER 2020
Are you optimistic that festivals will be able to go ahead as usual next year?
Diana Grodberg
This will largely depend on government actions all over Europe e.g. some countries have recently announced an extension of the ban on major events until the end of this year despite a previously announced period of early November. Is this the last ban? If it wasn’t for that, I would be very optimistic e.g. Roskilde Festival sold out for 2021 while the world was still paralysed by quarantine. How do you see new technology being introduced to monitor audience safety at future events? If it helps lift the ban and bring events back to life, I’m for it. On the other hand, we don’t know how audiences will react to such regulations. Will promoters continue to pay huge advances in the future or do you see artists/managers/agents taking more of the risk? Time will tell. There are different risk factors such as the territory or the credibility of your partner. Some require a specific approach and a set of rules if you want to have successful show. Do you see a sway back to more independent promoters and agents once the current crisis is over?
I see 2020 as the black hole of the entertainment business, that voids many years of efforts. The latest PwC research shows that
As with any crisis, this one will lead to market restructuring, a shift of
money generated by Live Music has fallen by 64%. They forecast
powers and new players coming to the stage.
that live music will rebound in 2021 and in 2022 and will show significant growth compared to 2019. I am quite sceptical about
What long term effects do you think the current crisis will have
2021, but I strongly believe that 2022 will be the year when we all
on the future of the Live Music Industry?
will enjoy the results.
Jurek Owsiak Promoter, Pol’and’Rock Festival (Poland) How is your company coping with the current crisis and how’s
Have you managed to promote any shows at all during this
the reopening schedule looking in your country?
period of uncertainty?
Apart from being a successful festival organiser, we are also a medical
We held an online edition of Pol’and’Rock Festival, with three days
charity, so we geared our work towards a COVID-19 response. Poland
of concerts in front of a limited audience in the studio broadcast on
relaxed some of the lockdown rules for the summer. Cultural events
the internet. We broadcasted for over 72 hours straight, with archive
can take place under strict health & safety regulations including face
footage and live shows and talks.
masks and social distancing. Have you managed to monetise any live streamed gigs and if Have you received any financial support from your government
so how?
and if so are you still receiving support? Our Festival is a non-profit event focused on community and ideals We did not get any financial support from the government.
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rather than financial profit. We rely on our sponsors for support.
VIP NEWS > INDEPTH STORY >
SEPTEMBER 2020
Do you see live streamed gigs being a revenue stream in the future even when things get back to normal? Concert streams will not be able to replace the live festival or concert experience, however, it’s worth considering keeping streaming options to attract even wider audiences in the future. Are you optimistic that festivals will be able to go ahead as usual next year? It isn’t easy to assume anything at this point. We do hope we will meet to listen to music at summer festivals next summer.
Do you see a sway back to more independent promoters and agents once the current crisis is over?
How do you see new technology being introduced to monitor audience safety at future events?
We hope that the music business will become more diverse, and will allow for the rise of independent agencies and promoters.
Leaps in technology can help us ensure the safety of participants and musicians.
What long term effects do you think the current crisis will have on the future of the Live Music Industry?
Will promoters continue to pay huge advances in the future or do you see artists/managers/agents taking more of the risk?
Apart from causing substantial financial losses and jobs and venues in peril, the crisis has shown how important the role of live music in our
We think that the live music market will change, and will require
society is and how much it is missed. Promoters and audiences found
a more open-minded and adventurous approach. Nothing is set in
ways to keep the music playing and returning to normal might see a
stone anymore.
surge of demand for performances and concerts.
Jerzy Owsiak, Promoter of Pol’and’Rock
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VIP NEWS > INDEPTH STORY >
SEPTEMBER 2020
Lana Pahič Booking Agent at Perpetuum Jazzile Booking (Slovenia) How is your company coping with the current crisis and how’s
Have you managed to monetize any live streamed gigs and if
the reopening schedule looking in your country?
so how?
Unfortunately the situation is not great as the whole music sector in
No as we are a vocal ‘a capella’ group and live shows are our thing.
Slovenia is on hold (we have some concerts but the rule is no more
We did 1 Corona zoom video to cheer up our fans.
than 500 people and everyone needs to be seated and separated by up to 1.5 meters. Also, dancing is not allowed and the artist on stage
Do you see live streamed gigs being a revenue stream in the
needs to be 8 meters away from the audience. The next 3-4 months
future even when things get back to normal?
are not looking positive either with more lockdowns happening and we are facing a second Corona wave at the moment.
To be honest, no, for me, the only real show is the live show as the
artist can connect with the audience, there are a lot of emotions.
Have you received any financial support from your government
Streaming all is very synthetic and not honest, I am not a fan at all.
and if so are you still receiving support?
Are you optimistic that festivals will be able to go ahead as
Yes we did and we are also waiting on another financial package of
usual next year?
support, we will know more about this soon.
Yes, I am, fingers crossed that festivals 2021 will be back to normal
Have you managed to book any gigs for your artists during
as people can’t wait to once again live their lives as before & dance.
this period of uncertainty?
How do you see new technology being introduced to monitor
Yes, I am preparing a 2021 European tour and we also booked a few
audience safety at future events?
local gigs for 2021 but we will see if we will be able to do it. Almost everything from 2020 is moved on 2021 or 2022.
I was not able to see until now any new technologies as nothing is
happening. I am not sure how we can do more in comparison to
Lana Pahič
what we are doing now with safety, which is the no.1 priority with or without Coronavirus. Will promoters continue to pay huge advances in the future or do you see artists/managers/agents taking more of the risk? I think that is an internal decision of every artist / agent. I will continue to work in a way that my artist is safe in case of postponements / cancellations.Advances are the most important filters we have but also it depends on the location, the Promotor and previous experiences. Do you see a sway back to more independent promoters and agents once the current crisis is over? We will need to adapt for sure and work even harder. What long term effects do you think the current crisis will have on the future of the Live Music Industry? Less gigs, more rules and a lot more stress. Let’s hope that is not true.
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VIP NEWS > INDEPTH STORY >
SEPTEMBER 2020
Riki Huhtala CEO at RH-Entertainment Oy (Finland) How is your company coping with the current crisis and how’s
We were able to do six festivals with certain restrictions, which was
the reopening schedule looking in your country?
a good thing. We also managed to prevent infections. Now we are booking the summer and fall of 2021.
We have been forced to run down almost all our operations and
this way we have been able to cut our costs. At the moment we are
Have you managed to monetize any live streamed gigs and if
working on spring and summer 2021. It is our strong belief that we
so how?
are able to pull that through, at least in some measures.
No We haven’t done those at all.
Have you received any financial support from your government and if so are you still receiving support?
Do you see live streamed gigs being a revenue stream in the future even when things get back to normal?
We haven’t got a decision on that yet. In Finland, the government has not been very helpful, especially compared to the restaurant business
Maybe, If someone manages to make them attractive enough, maybe
for example, which was supported by specific legislation.
internationally. Now it seems that the market in Finland is quite small.
Have you managed to promote any shows at all during this
Are you optimistic that festivals will be able to go ahead as
period of uncertainty?
usual next year? I believe that at least some can be arranged, with restrictions maybe. How do you see new technology being introduced to monitor audience safety at future events? I believe that new innovations and new technology will enhance the safety for all of us. I also think that we have learnt from Covid 19 and can use that knowledge and experience also in the future. Will promoters continue to pay huge advances in the future or do you see artists/managers/agents taking more of the risk? I hope that the risk will be more on the artist/agent side in the future, but time will tell. Do you see a sway back to more independent promoters and agents once the current crisis is over? Yes I do, but in my opinion the change had already started before this crisis. What long term effects do you think the current crisis will have on the future of the Live Music Industry? Difficult question. Will the world go back to how it was formerly I don’t think so. The crisis will affect our industry for a long time, but
Riki Huhtala
our industry is full of imaginative people, so I believe in the future. Time will tell...
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VIP NEWS >
NAMES & JOBS
SEPTEMBER 2020
Samantha Kirby Yoh Announced as Co-Head of UTA Music From VIP-Daily News UTA announced today that music industry powerhouse Samantha
department and a roster of stellar clients, including Bjork, Rosalia,
Kirby Yoh has been named co-head of UTA Music, joining David
LCD Soundsystem, Florence & the Machine, FKA twigs, Grimes,
Zedeck in overseeing the company’s worldwide music operations.
Alicia Keys, James Blake, MIA, Moses Sumney, Channel Tres, Banks, St Vincent, Massive Attack and The Chemical Brothers. She was
“Sam and David see eye-to-eye on how to build a great music
known for expanding their businesses into new areas of media and
business and will be strong partners in leading UTA Music,” said UTA
creative brand partnerships. Prior to that, Kirby Yoh was an agent
CEO Jeremy Zimmer. “We have long admired Sam’s success working
at Evolution Talent.
with unique and powerful artists, and we’re thrilled she has chosen to join us. Under their leadership, UTA Music will continue to bring
Samantha Kirby Yoh said “I am excited to join UTA as they continue
innovative ideas, unparalleled service and collaboration into the
to build out their music department to meet, protect and amplify
lives of artists.”
the creativity of the artists they represent. UTA is at the vanguard of investing and sourcing incredibly innovative opportunities for
Kirby Yoh most recently served as Head of East Coast Music at
their artists. Additionally, I’ve watched with great respect as UTA
WME where she was responsible for overseeing the New York music
moves clearly with their intentions to better our music community,
Samantha Kirby Yoh
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VIP NEWS >
SEPTEMBER 2020
becoming leaders in diversity, equity and inclusion. I look forward to partnering with David Zedeck, a friend for more than 20 years and
NAMES & JOBS
UTA Music
one of the most talented agents and leaders in music. I’m thrilled to get to work.” Beyond her role as one of the industry’s most influential agents, Kirby Yoh is a leader in diversity and inclusion. She’s a Founding Member of “She Is The Music” which focuses on increasing the number of women working in the global music industry, and sits on the advisory board of the Annenberg Inclusion Initiative, which works to increase diversity in the entertainment industry. She also co-founded “Noise for Now,” which connects performers to organizations fighting for reproductive rights. “There are few agents in music more inventive, collaborative or dynamic than Sam and I’m excited she’s agreed to join UTA,” said
16
Zedeck. “We’ve been colleagues and friends for over two decades
tremendously. She’ll bring a unique perspective and outstanding
and there’s no one I’d rather share the responsibility of running
taste to the role, and I look forward to a partnership focused on
our music business with. She’s someone I admire and respect
continuing to build UTA Music into the industry leader.”
VIP NEWS >
NAMES & JOBS
SEPTEMBER 2020
Pinkpop founder Jan Smeets steps down From VIP-Daily News Jan Smeets, better known as `Mister Pinkpop`,
festival and, in collaboration with MOJO, the
thought. Since 1990 we have even been in
has decided to step down from his position as
company that has been responsible for the
the Great Guinness Book of Records.
festival director of the Dutch festival.
programming since 1986, will determine the
In 1970, the then 25-year-old Smeets
future of the festival. Smeets will continue to
While at the beginning of this year, during my
assist the Pinkpop team as an advisor.
75th birthday, I prepared for the 51st edition of Pinkpop, this year it remained very quiet
organized the first edition of the now most famous and longest-running open-air pop
The first edition of Pinkpop festival was
at Megaland. I have always shouted `Pinkpop
festival in the Netherlands, together with
organized in Geleen on Monday 18 May
will always go on`, but I could never have
several partners. With Smeets at the helm,
1970. That turned out to be a great success
imagined a pandemic like this. But it is the
the festival celebrated its 50th edition in
and in the years that followed, Smeets and
way it is. There were no festivals this year. So
2019. Unfortunately, the 2020 festival had
his team expanded the festival into what
no Pinkpop either.
to cancelled like so many other events due to
it is today: the most famous pop festival in
the coronavirus situation.
the Netherlands with 50 editions, almost 2.8
Corona has also played tricks on me. Because
million unique visitors and performances by
of this, in combination with other health
Ever since Mister Pinkpop passed retirement
the biggest bands in the world such as The
complaints, I have taken the time to think
age, the question has always been how
Rolling Stones, Metallica, Paul McCartney,
about the future. Partly because of this, I
long he would want to continue. Until the
Bruce Springsteen and many others.
have decided it is time to hand over the baton. My permanent team will continue
50th edition it was unthinkable for Jan to stop. However, with time freed up because
A statement from Jan Smeets on the
with the organization of the Pinkpop festival
of Covid-19 and the fact that he has been
Pinkpop site reads:
and will, in collaboration with MOJO, the company that has been responsible for the
struggling with health issues in recent years, he has now decided to step back in order to
Lovely people,
built up with the festival.
programming since 1986, will ensure the festival for the future.
be able to enjoy his free time and what he has Last year, in 2019, we celebrated the 50th edition of our Pinkpop festival together.
I am very proud of all the 2.8 million visitors,
His permanent team, consisting of among
What started in 1970 with a few friends has
crew, suppliers, sponsors, partners, artists,
others, Niek Murray, Sierk Janssen and Tirsa
grown into the most famous festival in the
viewers at home and all Pinkpop babies.
Creusen, will continue to organize the Pinkpop
Netherlands over the years. Who would have
Without you I could never have turned my hobby into my job.
Jan Smeets
I have every confidence in my regular team and even though I am taking a step back they are still far from getting rid of me, haha. Pinkpop remains Pinkpop. Be nice to each other, keep lubricating yourself, drink enough water, do not light fires and walk outside. I would love to see you all at the 51st edition of Pinkpop. Until then! Jan Smeets, `Mister Pinkpop`
17
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VIP NEWS >
NAMES & JOBS
SEPTEMBER 2020
Music Agent Pete Nash Joins ICM Partners From VIP-Daily News ICM Partners and Primary Talent International
The hiring of Nash continues the bolstering
Morissette, D’Angelo, Duran Duran, Eric
(PTI), their London based Music Agency,
of ICM Partners International music division
Church, Tegan and Sara, Vince Staples &
have hired highly respected International
in 2020 which started with the partnership
more. Prior to WME he ran his own NYC-
music agent Pete Nash, it was announced
with PTI this March and includes the hiring
based independent agency. Nash also spent
today by Rob Prinz, Head of Worldwide
of former WME agent Simon Clarkson last
17 years as a Director of London-based
Concerts at ICM Partners and Matt Bates,
month.
Nash, like Clarkson, will work
powerhouse international agency Helter
Head of International at PTI/ICM. Nash will
closely with PTI in London and comes to
Skelter, representing artists like Alicia Keys,
be based in ICM’s New York office and
ICM from WME.
Stevie Wonder, Wynton Marsalis, Blondie,
brings with him an impressive client roster
The Fall and Suede.
that includes Kings of Leon, Pet Shop
Nash previously spent almost nine years at
Boys, Regina Spektor, Steve Winwood,
WME, where in addition to his own roster,
ROB PRINZ QUOTE
The Struts and Travis.
he worked with such artists as Alanis
“I have known Pete since early in both our careers and have shared many amazing
Pete Nash
artists. He is a tremendous addition to our already formidable International team, a great agent representing some legendary clients. I am extremely happy to call him my colleague now for the first time.” said Rob Prinz. MATT BATES QUOTE “I was trying to book acts off Pete long before I was ever an agent, so to be finally be able to work alongside him is a privilege. His experience in the international market is second to none; his roster of incredible clients speaks for themselves. I couldn’t wish for a more perfect addition on our team to help navigate the new exciting music landscape that we are entering into,” said Matt Bates. PETE NASH QUOTE “Very excited to join an agency that is in growth mode,” said Pete Nash. “The moves they have made to bolster their International footprint was the catalyst for me to make this move. Looking forward to working closely with Rob Prinz and Matt Bates, who are longtime friends, and the teams at ICM and Primary.”
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VIP NEWS > BUSINESS >
MUSIC IN SHARES
SEPTEMBER 2020
Music In Shares Manfred Tari mt@vip-booking.com
For almost two decades the live music sector has been the biggest
CTS Eventim - Marginal Improvement
income gainer in the music industry. The heydays of the record industry seem to be something of the past, having been fiercely hit
With a share price of 40.30 Euro as reported on August 17, the
by technology-driven developments and the disruptive momentum
September 25 figure is a bit better at 41.30 Euro...
of digitalization and innovation, live music however has continued to prosper, at least until 2019.
DEAG - A Trivial Decrease It is now clear however that Covid-19 will become the ultimate game changer, putting the record industry back into the driving seat
Last time 2.95 Euro, this time down to 2.85 Euro...
and for the time being at least, live music shares into quarantine. Business-wise there is currently no light at the end of the Corona-
Eventbrite - A Meaningless Increase
tunnel for concert companies. Daily business foresees another round of re-scheduling tours and concerts, hassling around with
Up from $10.31 to $10.69‌
insurance companies, the re-definition of deals and of their terms and conditions or tough management decisions about the lay off of staff and/or other cost cutting measures. It is still far too early to say,
Live Nation - Uncertain and Undetermined
when and how the process of recovery might occur. At least when looking at share prices, there seems to be some hope embedded,
The previously reported share price of $57.29 had surprising but
let’s wait and see how long this momentum will last.
temporary momentum, the current figure of $51.25 gives a different impression...
Spotify - Volatility as a Benchmark When Spotify shares reached a price of $272.17 as previously reported it already set a strong signal. However, this was apparently not as solid as it seemed, the current share price has now fallen to $231.85‌
Tencent - Speculatively Unpolitical Investors and politics are usually an unlikely combination. Nevertheless during times of political tensions, the combination of both can at least be an issue: Down from $16.07 to $14.71...
Warner Music - Share Prices On Hold From $ 28.84 down to $28.15...
20
VIP NEWS > MISC >
MEMBER PRESENTATION
SEPTEMBER 2020
This space is dedicated to present some of our clients using VIP-Booking.com. Companies presented here have our best endorsement...
Langelandsfestival Langelandsfestival is one of the larger festivals in Denmark, with approximately 25.000 attendees every summer in week 30 (late July), from all corners of Denmark. You’ll find two main stages and two smaller stages, where around 70 artists play throughout the 8 day festival. Since Langelandsfestival was established in 1991, it has become a regular part of the summer holiday for thousands of guests - and in 2021 the festival celebrates its 30th anniversary. The festival started as a small garden party, but has since developed into a modern festival, with several stages and beautiful stage shows, theme bars, street food stalls, good facilities, 15,000 m2 children’s area with lots of activities and much more. Langelandsfestival is no longer just a garden party, but a festival for the modern family whatever that looks like. Langelandsfestival offers great times for the children, their parents, and the ones in between, with everything
Since Langelandsfestival was established in 1991 many Danish and
from quiet family areas till theme bars partying until late at night.
international acts have been presented – like Lukas Graham, Earth, Wind & Fire, Craig David, Rick Astley, Mike Oldfield, B. B. King, Gloria
The festival is located at the beautiful island Langeland in the
Gaynor, TOTO, 10CC, Boney M, Simple Minds, Shakin’ Stevens,
southern part of central Denmark, which means that visitors from
Europe, Kim Wilde, Lisa Ekdahl, Santana, Boyzone, Rasmus Seebach,
all over the country take the trip to the festival every year.
Nik & Jay, Thomas Helmig, Kashmir, TV2, D-A-D and many more.
About Our Company VIP-Booking’s core product is the largestdatabasefor 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 subscribers in over 50 countries.
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