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VIP- News›› ›› premium Vol. 124 APRIL 2010

McGowan’s Musings: Peter Kelly ruled that Prince had commit- ted to perform in Dublin’s 82,300-seat Firstly, I hope that you’re all located where Croke Park in June 2008, but withdrew you wish to be – home, office, the country without explanation just days beforehand, you usually live in, and if you can’t make after 55,000 tickets were sold. Prince (51) it back I hope you’re extending your time did not testify at the hearing. The artist’s on a sunny beach somewhere! Iceland has agency, William Morris, was absolved of li- not had a good time of it of late, what with ability, agent Marc Geiger testified that he financial meltdown and rising debts; this is rarely spoke to Prince directly and found not the sort of new export that they need him one of his toughest clients to under- – we said ‘cash, not ash!’ you can hear the stand or nail down – surely not? When told creditors cry. But this is a serious situation, Allan McGowan that MCD owner Denis Desmond was on and obviously our business is badly af- the warpath, Prince apparently said, “Tell fected, with many acts unable to be in the ever decreasing profit margins, more and the cat to chill. We will work something right place at the right time to fulfill tour- more health and safety obligations and re- out.” Good for Denis! However Prince is ing commitments. Please let us know if strictions, lack of support from other sec- a remarkable performer, so we hope he you have had problems, as we’d like to get tors of the business – particularly record makes his only three concerts this summer. a more definite picture of the true situa- companies, and increasing financial and On the 4th of July, he is playing at Roskilde tion. Certainly it has reminded us all in the rider demands from greedy artists. It’s (DK), on the 9th in Arras (FR), and on the UK that we live on an island, and seaborne a hard life and you’d wonder why many 10th of July he is closing off his short stay and tunnel travel has its limitations. At the continue with such an arduous profes- in Europe with a concert at Werchter’s Fes- time of writing I’m due to fly to Norway in sion, apart from the glamour of it all! But tival Park ten days time (see Bergenfest story in this there is some truth in all of this, so there issue) and I’m very aware that what at first is some justifiable satisfaction that Prince This will be my last Musings before the UK appeared to be a 2 or 3 day inconvenience may now be referred to as the Artist Cur- General Election on May 6th, so the next now seems to have no accurate estimate rently Known As the Bloke that had to pay issue may be written from a country with of a return to normal. the Irish Promoter $3 Million. On March 26, a totally new Government. The attitudes a Dublin judge ordered the U.S. pop singer and approaches of those in power will be If you listen to the talk at events such as to pay $2.95 million to Irish concert pro- very relevant to the future of the creative the ILMC, promoters are an increasingly moters MCD Productions Ltd for canceling industries, of which the music industry, put-upon sector of commercial society; a 2008 concert at the last minute. Justice including of course the live industry, is a

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very important sector, from both trade and cultural points of view. The ‘Poli- MU, MMF tics of Live’ panel at ILMC 22 in March and FAC to focused on the importance of lobbying for the support required to ensure Collaborate the future health of our industry. The Allan McGowan [email protected] upshot of the discussion was that the live music industry falls behind many Right, try and make a recognisable other sectors of the creative industries word from the above acronyms! Well, in fighting its own corner, for instance, if you can’t it’s still worth noting that, of all the sectors of the music industry, The Musician’s Union, Featured Artists live is the only one not represented Coalition and Music Managers Forum within UK Music (see story in this issue) – have announced close collaboration a voluntary working party of concerned on areas of common interest. professionals has set about examining ways to improve this situation – both in Both the MU and MMF are affiliated the UK and mainland Europe. Without with UK Music, as are the BPI (British doubt the live industry was shaped and Phonographic Industries) and the Mu- built by individual entrepreneurs, mav- sic Publishers Association, but there ericks basically, and the resourcefulness have been, and doubtless will be, and inventiveness of characters like this occasional disagreements between should remain at the core of how things creators and corporates, so collusion are done, but we are now a mature in- amongst the creatives seems to make dustry and we should learn lessons from sense. the way film, television, theatre and other sectors have gone about establishing This alliance will see support from the their economic and cultural importance. FAC and MMF to the Music Supported If you have anything to say about our Here campaign led by the MU. This relationships with national and regional aims to encourage and enable musi- government please let us know. cians to engage directly with their fanbase on copyright issues, assum- After all, it’s a good time to get active ing that artists may be better placed – travel’s off the agenda for a few days to persuade music fans that the legal – weeks, months? Still, hopefully every process of buying or listening to music Colophon ›› cloud – even when composed of ash - online is the right route to take, than has a silver lining! a perceived authoritarian industry VIP-News is published by: initiative. Under this same banner is VIP-Booking 26 York Street Ladies and Gentlemen – the News! another supported campaign called London W1U 6pZ ‘Artist As Retailer’, aimed at persuad- ing record companies to automatically Managing Director: Ronni Didriksen concede the right to artists to directly [email protected] sell their own recordings via their own websites and social network profiles, General Manager: Peter Briggs and to be recognised in the same way [email protected] as retailers, enjoying the retailer cut of the download fee in addition to the Writer and editorial: Allan McGowan royalty they are due under their record [email protected] contract. This could apparently see a five-fold increase in an artist’s income Writer: Manfred Tari from a download, [email protected] The Musicians’ Union’s Assistant Gen- For advertising enquiries pls. contact Peter Briggs [email protected] eral Secretary Horace Trubridge is re- or +44 870 755 0092 ported as saying, “Our three organisa- tions basically share the same agendas, Lay-out: Pekaye Graphics, Phuket – Thailand in as much as we are about looking after [email protected] creators and performers. We want to

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deal with the big issues that we think are sation has a lot to bring to the coalition. ed featured artists, and their interests and wrong with the industry. In terms of putting All this lays the groundwork for a powerful those of musicians of all types need to be the artists directly in contact with the fans, collaboration. Coming together in this way more aligned”. and cutting out all of the people in between, has never happened before and has largely I don’t have any doubt that Music Support- been brought on by the narrowing of the ed Here will become a kind of vanguard, gap between artist and fan; a change that in what will become the industry norm in brings lots of opportunity for all those who years to come”. support and represent artists”.

FAC’s Membership & Development Direc- MMF CEO Jon Webster added: “The MMF tor Matthew Brown added: “The MMF, the is delighted to be working more closely with FAC and the MU represent the interests of the FAC and the MU on items of common artists right across the board. Each organi- interest. Managers have always represent- Jon Webster

UK Music Calls for Cabinet Committee for Creative Industries Allan McGowan [email protected]

The music industry contributes enor- of new talent in the December issue of VIP- people still look at music and think it is not mously to the UK economy and UK Music, News, commenting on the Live Music Bill a proper grown-up profession and that has the umbrella group, which represents UK, introduced to parliament by Lib Dem Lord got to change because ironically what some labels, artists and managers is making sure Tim Clement-Jones, who also took part people in the world of finance might dismiss that this UK Government, and whichever in the ‘Politics of Live’ panel at ILMC 22. as nothing more than a couple of kids mak- party is in power after the May 6 election, Although the Bill received support from ing noise in the back of a pub on a Friday are kept aware of the fact. some quarters in parliament, its failure to night, when they grow up to be big boys and get support from the government meant girls, the contribution and the impact that Feargal Sharkey, the former Undertones it was unlikely to ever become law and it they will have on the rest of society is just – frontman and now UK Music chief execu- seemed doomed when parliament packed if not more – significant as some bloke with tive states that Britain has the chance over- up for the election. However, the Liberal a double first from Cambridge working for a take America as the world’s biggest music Democrats have now included some key merchant bank in the City of London.” producer over the next decade, but gov- points from the Bill in their election mani- ernment help is needed to attain this goal. festo, indicating that they are confirming UK Music is calling for the government to that this is an issue they will continue to form a ‘creative industries cabinet com- lobby on once the next parliament and mittee’ to bring the various and numer- government are in place. A Music Week ar- ous departments responsible for Britain’s ticle reports that the Lib Dems manifesto creative industries together with entre- says: “We will reintroduce the rule allowing preneurs and executives, to then report two performers of unamplified music in any directly to the prime minister. licensed premises without the need for an entertainment licence, allow licensed venues In UK Music’s recently issued manifesto, for up to 200 people to host live music with- Liberating Creativity, the organisation out the need for an entertainment licence, lobbies for easier access to finance and ex- and remove the requirement for schools and tension of copyright from 50 to 70 years, hospitals to apply for a licence”. The Labour amongst other issues. Party manifesto refers briefly to amend- ments and The Conservative’s not at all. As far as live music is concerned the call is for looser venue licensing so pubs and UK Music argues that the success of ven- small clubs can give the next generation ues such as the O2 and Glastonbury – of artists a chance to perform. Liberal which contributes an estimated £35m to Democrat MP, Don Foster voiced his and the local economy each year – can only be his party’s concerns about the restrictions sustained with a thriving grassroots live of the licensing laws on the development music scene. Feargal Sharkey said, “I think Feargal Sharkey

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New Conference & Showcase Event Planned for Paris Allan McGowan [email protected]

The organizers of the long established Concerts with a French and international Clubbing and private after parties will be French Festival ‘Printemps Le Bourges’ line-up will be open to both professionals hosted at La Machine du Moulin Rouge, and plan to develop the trade event intro- and punters at La Cigale, La Boule Noire, the Elysée Montmartre venue will house duced at the 2009 festival. A new MaMA Les 3 Baudets, Le Divan du Monde, Le Cen- the international Pro Village. MaMA will headquarters was announced at this tre Musical Fleury Goutte d’Or – Barbara feature face to face and targeted meetings, month’s edition of the festival, this will and La Machine du Moulin Rouge. thematic lunches and an online commu- be in Paris, based in Pigale and Moulin nity exchange between music industries Rouge area, and the first edition of this Acoustic gigs will also be presented in vari- professionals, plus seminars, conferences, major addition to the conference show- ous bars in the 18th arrondissement talks, workshops, and speed-meetings. case event calendar will take place on October 15 & 16, 2010. Watch this space for more news.

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DTEP Allan McGowan [email protected]

Support Programme for Netherlands DTEP is an important content of NL-RUHR, Pop Music at German festivals during the joint platform for more than 150 Dutch RUHR.2010 in the Metropole Ruhr: cultural events during RUHR.2010. The management of the programme was di- The list of artists from the Netherlands rected by MusicXport.nl, the joint initiative prominent in the music business is wide - of BUMA Cultuur, Muziek Centrum Neder- from Herman van Veen to Herman Brood land, and EuroSonic Noorderslag. season promoters of small and big festi- to Within Temptation, from 2 Unlimited to vals will present Dutch acts from different DJ Tiesto. In almost all genres of pop music DTEP also supports the festivals in the music styles in North Rhine-Westphalia. there are music and acts from the Nether- Metropole Ruhr, offering festival organis- lands claiming international success. ers from the district financial support as For example, Armin van Buuren and 7 well as accompanying promotion if they more Dutch dj-acts will appear in Dort- Also, since the mid of the 1970s, the Neth- book DTEP Dutch artists, bands and djs mund at the Mayday Festival on April 30, erlands has focused on cultural policy re- for their events. So not only the festivals Dutch hard rock band The Devil’s Blood lated aspects regarding the supporting of and Dutch acts benefit from this scheme will play at the RockHard festival at the pop music. Building on these aspects and but also, indirectly, the German and Dutch Gelsenkirchen Amphitheater, 21 – 23 May, with a view to the occasion of the Europe- concert agencies, labels and publishers. and the Ruhrpott Rodeo in Hünxe has con- an culture capital year RUHR.2010, the sup- firmed the Reggae Ska Punk band YaYa port programme Dutch Talent Exchange The organisers of the programme for the The Cat for Whitsunday. Program (DTEP), a cutting-edge initiative festivals in the Metropole Ruhr are free to to support popular music and the music choose which acts and djs from the Neth- More bands for festivals including Bochum business in the Netherlands and Germany erlands they want to book for their event. Total, Zeltfestival Ruhr, Juicy Beats etc. will was instigated. Throughout the whole summer festival soon be announced.

FKP Scorpio operates new Open Air Area for Hamburg & Launches New Concert Series Allan McGowan [email protected]

“Hamburger Kultursommer” is the title for touring schedules of popular acts and art- an attractive outdoor gastronomy that of- a concert series, which will be located at ists. The area furthermore benefits from the fers a wide range of quality food. It is one the Trabrennbahn Bahrenfeld, a trotting fact that punters already know the site due of our targets that concertgoers should ar- horse racing track in Hamburg. The con- to former concerts held there.” rive hours before the concert actually takes certs will be hosted in a 20.000 sq m area place. Therefore we will open the doors as named ‘Luruper Bogen’, which is separated For the development of the site FKP Scor- early as possible so that they can meet with from the racing track. While in recent years pio teams up with Winrace, a company their friends in the beer garden or sunbathe shows with Robbie Williams and Peter Fox specialized in horse race betting. FKP Scor- on the site. In the long term perspective it took place using the entire race track, this pio now have the exclusive rights to pro- might be possible to have several open air is no longer possible as since the complex mote shows and concerts at the Trabren- stages on the site so that during the sum- was modernized it will host nothing other nbahn Bahrenfeld. In order to improve the mer season different acts will perform at the than horse races. The area is closely locat- facilities on the site for open-air events, a same time, like at events such as the Toll- ed to the O2 Arena and is able to accom- six-digit figure will be invested. wut-Festival in Munich or the Zeltfestival in modate between 5.000 to 15.000 visitors. Freiburg.” Currently the deal is contracted The grand opening for the site and the to last until the summer season 2012. In a press release Folkert Koopmans, MD newly launched ‘Hamburger Kultursom- of FKP Scorpio commented: “With the new mer’ will be with a show from Blink 182 location Hamburg will finally have a new on August 24, Unheilig on August 27, Clas- attractive medium sized open air site that sic Rock Festival with Ten Years After and can accommodate up to 15.000 visitors and Jethro Tull as headliners and Xavier Naidoo is able to compete with locations such as on August 30. Koopmans furthermore an- Wulheide in Berlin or the Tanzbrunnen in nounced: “We would like to offer more Cologne. This leads to better chances that than just the concert experience. From the Hamburg will now appear more often in beginning onwards this year we will have FKP Scorpio

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c/o Pop Adds Creative Business to Convention Allan McGowan [email protected]

One of the most important women in the field of media and entertainment, Cristiana Falcone Sorrell, Senior Advisor to the Execu- tive Chairman at the World Economic Forum in Geneva, is to give a keynote interview on at the C’n’B – Creative Business Convention to take place in Cologne on 24/25 June. The C’n’B is taking place as part of the c/o pop festival for the first time this year and is the first cross-sector platform in Europe for the creative industry as a whole.

Sorrell’s talk will open the Convention on Thursday 24 June. On the two following days (international participants from the various sectors of the creative industry will discuss topics such as sus- tainability, new business models, and how to turn failure into an opportunity.

Cristiana Falcone Sorrell has led the World Economic Forum’s Me- dia, Entertainment and Information Community in Geneva and New York since 2004. At the C’n’B, Falcone Sorrell will report on the state of the creative industry worldwide. Her address will focus on both the increasing influence of digitalisation and the ne- cessity of creating new networks to gain access to new partners and target groups in different creative sectors. Cristiana Falcone Sorrell

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Rejection (?) and Success in China – Dylan off - Ólafur Arnalds On Allan McGowan [email protected]

Since Bjork’s well documented outburst application from the Dylan tour promoters China, throngs of adoring fans requesting against Chinese policies towards Thailand to stage concerts in the country. Some Chi- his autograph after each concert greeted and the difficulties acts such as Oasis faced, nese industry commentators add that it’s the 23-year-old Mosfellsbær native. it has been assumed that the Chinese gov- not the first time promoters in the region ernment has adopted a shall we say, ‘un- have used alleged government interven- The tour was organised by China-based helpful’, approach to Western artists wish- tion as an excuse for cancelling tours that promoter Split Works in association with ing to appear in the country. Recently it turn out not to be commercially viable, The Planetary Group, who have brought was announced that permission had been which, if true, is of course not at all helpful a wide range of artists to China includ- refused for Bob Dylan to play two as part to those in the West trying to develop and ing Sonic Youth from the USA and Jose of a tour - which also included dates in Tai- improve relationships with authorities, Gonzalez from Sweden. The Ólafur Arnalds wan, South Korea, Hong Kong and Japan. promoters and audiences. tour was undertaken as part of Split Works’ Chinese officials had so it was said, blocked annual Jue Festival, the largest arts and plans for the singer songwriter to perform On the other hand - Iceland’s Ólafur Arnalds music festival in China, which included 72 in Beijing and Shanghai. However there is has played a sold out 8-City China tour’. events in 2010 alone. some speculation that the tour’s Taiwan- Earlier this month the neo-classical com- based promoter had actually axed the tour poser and multi-instrumentalist playing to The tour was a groundbreaking partner- because of financial problems rather than packed houses in Beijing, Shanghai, Hong ship between Split Works, Planetary Group political setbacks. Kong, Taipei, Qingdao, Wuhan, Tianjin and and US-based artist-promoter matchmak- Hangzhou. Apparently, (showing that not ing service Sonicbids to arrange an all- Now China’s Ministry Of Culture has issued all recent exports from Iceland are undesir- expenses paid, 8-city tour for one artist. a statement saying they never received an able!) although it was his first time visiting There were no barriers to entry – anyone from anywhere in the world could apply.

Split Works selected Ólafur Arnald from the applicants. “Our years of experience in the China market made it clear to us that Ólafur had the potential to be a mas- sive success here,” said Abby Lavin of Split Works. “His modern take on classical com- position make him a wonderful fit for contemporary China.”

»It’s so exciting to be able to bring new music to [China] and to see how much the people here appreciate what we do« - Robert Raths

“It’s so exciting to be able to bring new music to [China] and to see how much the people here appreciate what we do,” said Rob- ert Raths of Erased Tapes records. “Our time in China has been great, and we made friends wherever we went.”

“This tour was our most ambitious one yet. After 15 tours of China, we were excited to add in Hong Kong and Taiwan – and could not have been more thrilled with the results”, said Adam Lewis, Co-Founder of The Planetary Group. Olafur Arnalds

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Liverpool Sound City Adds Events Allan McGowan [email protected]

This year’s 19th – 22nd May edition of Liv- Ian McCulloch of Echo & the Bunnymen top management companies, Mark Jones erpool Sound City 2010 extends its 2010 fame will play a rare intimate gig in the from record label Wall of Sound, Geoff agenda beyond music; the festival will also grand setting of St George’s Concert Room. Meall - The Agency Group who looks after play host to premiere movie screenings, He will also be joining the legendary Sey- acts including Muse, Doves, Paramore etc. photography exhibitions and a full music mour Stein in conversation for a Keynote Julian Wall, Director Independent Mem- conference. address at the Liverpool Sound City Music ber Services and International Events Business Conference at The Hilton Hotel for British Recorded Music Industry (BPI) on Wed 19th and Thu 20th May. UK, Brent Grulke, creative director, South by South West USA, Alicen Schneider – In 1966 Stein founded Sire Productions NBC Universal USA, and others to be an- which led to the formation of Sire Records nounced. the label under which he signed pioneer artists such as The Ramones, Talking New additions to the music line up pre- Heads,The Pretenders, Madonna, Depeche sented over 35 Liverpool stages include Mode, The Smiths and Echo & The Bunney- Jim Jones Revue on Wednesday 19 May at men. the Zanzibar and The Phenomenal Hand- clap Band at Masque Theatre on 20th May. Also appearing at this year’s conference The Liverpool Sound City line-up also in- are Brandon Young and Tim Riley - Ac- cludes Gil Scott-Heron, Paloma Faith, Del- tiVision Games USA, the major player in phic, The Maccabees, Afrika Bambaataa, the gaming industry responsible for the The Fall, Speech Debelle, Wild Beasts, hugely successful title Guitar Hero, Ber- Field Music, Los Campesinos, The Black- nard Resnick, one of the business brains out, Wave Machines, The Sunshine Un- behind Lady GaGa, Patrik Larsson - Head- derground, Hot Club de Paris, Ian McNabb lock Management one of Scandinavia’s and Chilly Gonzalez. Liverpool Sound City

Color Line Arena Becomes O2 World Hamburg Manfred Tari [email protected]

The O2 World Universe gets a fifth satellite. in a press release as saying: “This part- I am delighted about our new partner as nership will strengthen the entertainment together we are able to generate signifi- The Anschutz Entertainment Group, a position of Hamburg significantly. The O2 cant added values for our visitors and for subsidiary of the Anschutz Corporation World in Hamburg will expand its position promoters.” have expanded their partnership with as a central point for entertainment and O2 Germany, re-branding the Color Line sport in Hamburg as well as in the region. www.o2world-hamburg.de Arena, O2 World Hamburg in a marketing deal scheduled for 10 years.

The O2 Germany belongs to the Spanish telco-company Telfonica, which just recently bought the local telco-company HanseNet and its nationwide brand Alice. The first show in the new branded arena will be Lady Gaga on May 10. As part of the agreement the arena will offer O2 cus- tomers special features such as a so called ‘blue lane’ for an easy access to concerts and events, upgraded ‘blue seats’ and special reservations for sold out shows.

Uwe Frommhold, the managing director for O2 World Hamburg was quoted (from left) Uwe Frommhold, René Schuster and Detlef Kornett

VIP-BOOKING.COM oningen thursday EUROSONIC downtown Gr the Netherlands 13 oningen EUROSONIC downtown Gr the Netherlands friday VIP- News - April 2010 14 t oninge n Gr EuroSonic noordErSlag saturda y NOORDERSLAG De Oosterpoor THE EUROPEAN MUSIC CONFERENCE 15 oningen AND SHOWCASE FESTIVAL JANUARY

WWW.EUROSONIC-NOORDERSLAG.NL oningen 2011 oningen thursday EUROSONIC downtown Gr the Netherlands thursday EUROSONIC downtown Gr the Netherlands oningen

13 thursday EUROSONIC 13downtown Gr the Netherlands oningen the Netherlands thursday EUROSONIC downtown Gr

13 oningen EUROSONIC downtown Gr the Netherlands friday 13 14 oningen oningen t EUROSONIC downtown Gr the Netherlands friday EUROSONIC downtown Gr the Netherlands oninge n FACTSHEET 2010 2009 2008 2007 friday EUROSONIC downtown Gr the Netherlands saturda y NOORDERSLAG De Oosterpoor Gr Total number of visits 18.000 18.000 15.500 15.050 friday Nationalities present 34 34 35 29 14 ProfessionalTHE EUROPEAN participants MUSIC CONFERENCE2.800 2.650 2.48715 2.200 ArtistsAND performing SHOWCASE FESTIVAL259 265 237 JANUAR221 Y 1414 Radio stations present 24 22 23 24 internationalWWW.EUROSONIC-NOORDERSLAG.NL festivals present 237 123 76 201169 t ETEP participant festivals 59 59 59 54 t

Number of stages @ EuroSonic 31 32 29 25 t Number of stages @ Noorderslag 10 9 9 8 Number of European journalists present 193 140 138 65

We would like to thank everybody for attending the 2010 edition, Registration and artists submission is open from may 1st 2010 oninge n

we do look forward to welcome you at the 2011 one! onwards on www.euroSonic-noorderslag.nl, oninge n saturda y NOORDERSLAG De Oosterpoor Gr saturda y NOORDERSLAG De Oosterpoor Gr

Deadline for artist submission is September 1st, 2010 oninge n saturda y NOORDERSLAG De Oosterpoor Gr THE EUROPEAN EUROPEAN MUSIC MUSIC CONFERENCE CONFERENCE 15 ANDTHE SHOWCASE EUROPEAN FESTIV MUSICAL CONFERENCEJANUAR Y 15 15JANUARY WWWANDAND.EUROSONIC-NOORDERSLAG.NL SHOWCASESHOWCASE FESTIV FESTIVALAL 2011 JANUARY WWWWWW.EUROSONIC-NOORDERSLAG.NL.EUROSONIC-NOORDERSLAG.NL 20112011

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Live Nation Launches Concert Business in Australia Allan McGowan [email protected]

Well, it was only a matter of time really; our own presence and further monetise our ing announcements will follow shortly. Live Live Nation has announced the launch of global tours in this particularly strong and Nation already has an existing presence in its concert promotion business in Austral- growing live music market. After working Australia and New Zealand through Tick- ia, the world’s 7th largest music market. closely with two of Australia’s most highly etmaster, which has been operating suc- regarded promoters in Paul Dainty and cessfully in these markets for more than 20 Luke Hede, currently the Vice President of Michael Coppel respectively, both Luke and years. International Booking for Live Nation Asia, Roger have vast experience and knowledge based in Hong Kong, has been named Vice in the local market and we are thrilled to President of Promotions – Pacific Rim. In have them leading our Australian launch.” addition, Live Nation has appointed Roger Field, formerly of Michael Coppel Presents, Live Nation’s presence in the Pacific Rim as Vice President of Promotions – Australia already includes offices in Hong Kong, and New Zealand. Roger and Luke will Singapore and Shanghai. Luke Hede will work with Live Nation’s Global and Inter- continue to book international concerts national Touring teams to bring Live Na- for these offices with Mr. Hung Tik, based tion tours to Australia, New Zealand and in Hong Kong, remaining Senior Vice Presi- the rest of the Pacific Rim, as well as book- dent responsible for booking local artists. ing local dates across the region. Live Nation also has a joint venture in Bei- jing with Gehua Group, which is run by Mr. Alan Ridgeway, CEO of Live Nation Interna- Wei Ming, who has recently been appoint- tional, commented, “Over the last decade, ed General Manager of the joint venture Live Nation has been involved with some of which promotes international and local the most successful tours throughout Aus- artist shows booked by Luke, Hung Tik and tralia and New Zealand, including: U2, The Wei Ming. Rolling Stones, David Bowie, Prince, Nick- elback, The Police, and many others. We Live Nation Australia will be based in Mel- now feel that the time is right to establish bourne and it is expected that further staff- Paul Dainty

Having the right tools for the job is often the key to success. Through our ongoing communication with key Live Entertainment Industry Professionals, we have developed a range of services to meet the demands of agents, promoters, talent buyers, venue bookers etc. It’s no coincidence that we are now considered to be the No. 1 information provider for this thriving industry.

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??????????? ????????????????????? ?????????? ???? ??????????????? ???????????????? ????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????? ????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????? ??????????????? ?????????????????? ?? ???????? ??????? ?? ???????? ????????????? ????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????? ?????????????? ?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????? ???????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????? ??????????????????? ??????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????? ?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????? ??????? ??????????????????????? ???? ???? ???? ?????????? ??????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????? ?????????????? ???????????????????? ????? ???? ??????? ?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????? ?????? ???? ??????????? ???? ????????????????? ??????????? ???????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????? ?????????? ?????????????????????? ???????????????????????? ?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????? ???? ??????? ????? ?????????? ?????? ??????????????? ??????? ?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????? ????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????? ????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????? ?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????? ???????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????? ???????????????????? ????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????? ????????????????????????????????????????????????????????? ?????????? ??????? ?????? ???? ???? ????????????????? ?????????? ??????????????????????????????????????????????????????? ?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????? ????? ???? ???????????????????????????????????????????????? ???????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????? ????? ??????????????????????????????? ??????????? ????????? ????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????? ????????????????????????????????????????????????????????? ?????????????? ?????????????????? ?????????? ???????????????? ??????????????????????????????????????????????????????? ??????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????? ??????????? ?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????? ??????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????? ????????????????????????????????????????? ??????????????????? ??????????????????????????????

VIP-Booking.com The VIP-Book VIP-News VIP-Booking.com is now the most widely used online The ultimate print directory for the Eu- Written by our highly merited journalists, Al- information service for the European Live Entertainment ropean Entertainment Industry, packed lan McGowan and Manfred Tari, with over 50 Industry with subscribers in over 25 countries. Using the latest with contacts and easy to use. An es- years of experience between them in the En- technology and state of the art tools, the service provides in- sential reference book for every oﬃ ce tertainment Industry, VIP-News brings the lat- depth information streamlining the day-to-day operations of providing basic contact information est news and views directly to your computer industry professionals, saving both time and money. and a solid overview. keeping you up to date at all times.

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Germany’s Live Entertainment Awards (LEA) Allan McGowan [email protected]

Germanys Live Entertainment Award (LEA) The German Chancellor Dr. Andrea Mer- producer Jens Michow, President of the celebrated its 5th anniversary on 15th kel honoured this fifth anniversary with a Federal German association for the enter- of April in the new O2 World Hamburg written greeting, read by LEA inventor and tainment industry. (former Color Line Arena). Following an alliance with the world’s largest event technology supplier PRG (Production Resource Group), LEA recently changed its name to Here are the results and the winners of PRG LEA: PRG LEA. Arena-Tournee of the Year The German live entertainment industry Pink (Funhouse Tour) – Peter Rieger Konzertagentur, Köln celebrated itself in a three and a half-hour Show of the Year gala which was attended by show busi- Apassionata – EquiArte, Berlin ness celebrities and artists, such as for Pe-

ter Maffay, The Scorpions, Scooter, Chris- Festival of the Year (presented by PRG) tina Stürmer, Roger Cicero, soul singer Joy Melt! – Melt! GmbH & Co. KG Denalane, the musicians of Silbermondas well as other VIPs from culture, sports and Club-Tournee of the Year (presented by Ströer Deutsche Städte Medien GmbH) media. Bonaparte – Melt! Booking

The jury of PRG LEA, consisting of music Concert of the Year „Heimspiel“ 20 Jahre Fantastische Vier auf dem Cannstatter Wasen in Stuttgart journalists, radio programme executives –Musikwirtschaft.de and cultural managers, evaluated more

than 500 concerts and shows in 2009. The Artistmanagement of the Year 15 categories of the Award include; the Markus Bruns (Brunetti Management Berlin) – Peter Fox tour promoter, the concert, the manager, the agent and the location of the year. Artist Agent of the Year DEAG Classics, Berlin – David Garrett German Initiative Music, the funding agency set up by the German federal gov- Tour-Promoter of the Year Marek Lieberberg Konzertagentur, Frankfurt/M. ernment to promote the music industry

in Germany, awarded € 20.000,00 to Ber- Local-Promoter of the Year lin’s ‘O 36’ the LEA winner in the ‘music Semmel Concerts, Bayreuth/Berlin/Chemnitz club of the year’ category. The other two nominees received a further €2.500 each. Location of the Year Tour Promoter of the year was - as in the Dresdner Elbufer – PAN Veranstaltungslogistik und Kulturgastronomie, Dres- years before, Marek Lieberberg of MLK. den The award for the lifetime achievement was granted to Germanys media-giant Club of the Year – The „Club-Award“ of Initiative Musik SO36 Berlin – Sub Opus 36 Hans R. Beierlein, developer of many fa-

mous artists such as Udo Jürgens, creator Award of the Jury of formats for music TV programmes and FKP Scorpio – Festivals ‘Rolling Stone Weekender’ and ‘Plage Noir’ founder of Germanys business magazine Musikmarkt. Young Talent Support of the Year (presented by Veltins-Arena)

Support-Team of Philipp Poisel: Ralf Schröter (Management), Konzertagentur Peter Rieger, Grönland-Label, Ferryhouse Productions, Musicmonster (Produk- tion), Musikpromotion Eberhard Pacak.

New Style Event of the Year Boese & Friends – Die Atzen Tour 2009

Lifetime Achievement Hans R. Beierlein

Scooter

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WE:LIVE to Curate Live Conference Day at The Great Escape 2010 Allan McGowan [email protected]

we:LIVE, the association for independent the opportunity to put names to faces, and Elsewhere in The Great Escape’s confer- venue owners and promoters, which was to also discuss new business opportunities ence programme, once again the music launched last year will present a day at The with colleagues. As well as being a social business fest will be teaming up with the Great Escape in Brighton (my home town event, we:LIVE recognises the need for dis- Brighton Festival - the programmed arts as you may be aware – Ed.). The plan is cussion and debate on the current issues festival that takes place in the seaside city for this day to bring together indie venue facing our industry today”. throughout May. Those joint events will owners and gig promoters we:LIVE aims include some chatter with and from mu- to “promote and facilitate the sharing of we:LIVE will also be presenting training sic writers Nick Kent, John Niven and John knowledge and expertise through direct modules from the Award for Music Pro- Harris, led by The Observer’s Garry Mulhol- resources as well as implementing best moters (Level 2) (see below) and hope that land. business practices and promoting the as many promoters and venue owners standing and interests of [indie players] in will take up the opportunity to test their the music industry at large”. knowledge, and hopefully learn something new about their industry. we:LIVE’s chair and founder Dominique Czopor told CMU: “we:LIVE is excited to be The Live Day on Saturday May 15 will also curating the Live day at TGE this year. As include two panels dealing with new meth- well as the benefits of sharing knowledge ods of promoting, - ‘The Next Stage’, and and expertise, working with TGE offers in- money raising, ‘Where’s the Fun in Fund- dependent promoters and venue owners ing?’, chaired by a certain VIP-News Editor. Dominique Czopor

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New UK Music Promoter Qualification (AMP) Devised by BIIAB Allan McGowan [email protected]

The BIIAB (the awarding body of the Brit- pact of stimulating the entertainments To date, just under twenty centres have ish Institute of Innkeeping) Award for and leisure economy. The BIIAB AMP, signed up and been given the thumbs up Music Promoters (AMP) is said to be the has received widespread support from to deliver it. For more information or to first qualification of its kind to be devised, candidates involved in the pilot, includ- find a training centre, visit: written and developed specifically for ing names such as BBC Radio 1 Xtra, Inc www.biiab.org music promoters. The aptly nicknamed Group and Global Radio. ‘AMP’ qualification purports to give any- VIP-News is not aware, although we have one wishing to put on a music event an Aspects addressed within the course are: asked around, of promoters who have excellent grounding in all the aspects advised on the content of these cours- they will need to consider any music * Importance of early engagement with es, and is not sure who will be teaching genre. stakeholders. them. Generally promoters in the UK have been sceptical about ‘recognised qualifi- Domnique Czopor, Founder of inde- • Project management tools and tech- cations’, and worry that local authorities, pendent venue and promoter network niques. police etc, may begin to insist, particular- WE:Live, who has been involved with • Financial management ly in pubs and clubs which are members development of the AMP, said: “This is ex- • Marketing/Promotional Mix. of The British Institute of Innkeepers, on actly what the industry needs and I’ve been • Risk Assessment promoters holding one of these qualifica- really impressed with the way the steering • Environmental impacts/waste man- tions as some sort of guarantee of expe- committee have taken a rounded approach agement rience and quality, in the same way that to the role of a music event organiser. No • Management of noise. they would expect the licensee to hold stone has been left unturned and the course • Transport management the sort of qualifications that BIIAB cur- will ensure the music promoters of tomor- • Licensing Act 2003. rently oversee, even though the live in- row are savvy, well-informed and aware of • Door policy. dustry in general has not fully backed the their legal responsibilities.” • Evaluation of a promotion. scheme. Still, this is aimed at grass-roots and small venue promoters and attempts The creators of the qualification say that it The qualification is supported by a work- to improve the industry should not be is aimed at improving the standard, qual- book, which acts as a “how to” guide for dismissed, We remain open minded and ity and legacy of promoters and events, future use by candidates. The course will will watch developments, we will also be which in, in turn, will increase custom- be delivered throughout the country by attending the AMP launch at London club ers’ confidence and have a positive im- a network of approved training centres. Cargo on May 27 and will report back!

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AIF New ‘Twin’ Independent Festivals Initiative – Bergenfest 1st Event Allan McGowan [email protected]

As long as the northern skies are volcanic ash free on April 30th, I will be flying to Norway for the 18th Bergenfest. The Fes- tival takes place in 10 venues around the City, ranging from small clubs to theatres and concert halls, and this edition features Lou Reed, The Proclaimers, The New York Dolls, Hypnotic Brass Ensemble, Thomas Dybdahl, Femi Kuti and many others.

One of my main reasons for attending Festivals that have already been part- Twin Town relationships are traditionally is that this will be the first of the newly nered under the scheme include: formed to promote cultural and commer- ‘twinned’ festivals. On the 1st March 2010, cial ties between towns and regions. It felt The Association of Independent Festivals, a • Bestival, Isle Of Wight & Melt like the idea could easily be applied to like- not for profit body set up in 2008 to repre- Ferropolis, Germany minded independent festivals. sent independent music festivals in the UK • Big Session Festival and Ireland launched a new initiative, AIF Leicester & Tønder Festival, Denmark When I pitched it to Rob Da bank and Ben Twin Festivals: A Cultural Exchange, which • Field Day Turner (fellow AIF board members) they partners the UK’s leading independent London & Øya Festival, Norway embraced it straight away, the idea really festivals with their counterparts abroad. • Glade Festival communicates itself immediately. Once This is the second year that The Associa- Winchester & Symbiosis Gathering, the AIF board started discussing the idea tion of Independent Festivals has looked California, USA it was obvious that there was huge poten- to build links with non-UK festivalgoers • Summer Sundae Weekender tial developing various initiatives between and follows 2009’s successful partnership Leicester & Bergenfest, Norway twinned festivals. We subsequently devel- with VisitBritain. (See end of article). • Standon Calling oped a series of logos that have a visual Hertfordshire & Calvi On The Rocks, impact; these incorporate the respective Based on the twin towns concept, festi- Corsica, France twinned festivals. vals will be paired with likeminded and • Nozstock Festival similarly structured festivals from coun- Herefordshire & Italia Wave Love Festival, Frank Nes: My colleagues and I had loosely tries from around the world. Participating Livorno, Italy discussed setting up a new open air festi- festivals will help promote their twin’s • Eden Sessions val in Bergen at the time of Summer Sun- festival locally, and be encouraged to Cornwall & Airwaves, Reykjavík, Iceland dae-ish, ie in August, and looked at setting take part in artist exchanges and talent up a partnership with a UK or Scandina- discussions to help co-ordinate bookings The idea is certainly novel and the pros- vian festival. When Rob contacted me re of international artists and stimulate con- pects are quite intriguing, VIP-News spoke the twin festival idea it was quite funny as I versations with local music authorities for to agent and festival organiser Rob Chal- was about to call him to discuss a partner- investment. lice, the originator of the concept and ship of some kind with Summer Sundae. Frank Nes, who have twinned their events, So, yes, I was immediately keen, to put it As part of the initiative all festivals involved Summer Sundae Weekender, Leicester & mildly. The concept was indeed welcomed will be obliged to include links on their Bergenfest, Norway. by my colleagues and myself. It is such a website to their twin’s site, and include the great idea. twinned names on flyers, marketing ma- VIP-News: How did this idea come about terials and in their PR campaigns to local in the first place, and when? Also was the VIP-News: Did certain twinnings seem ob- media, and help market their international concept immediately welcomed and un- vious, or was it a matter of putting togeth- twin through their media channels once derstood on your first approaches to the er the first events to respond? I see there (although maybe this may have to wait un- festivals? is one US twinning, how was that decided til their own event has sold out?) upon, also are any of the twinnings based Rob Challice: I can’t remember where on existing twin City arrangements? In addition to this each festival will ‘ex- I was driving, but the idea came to me change’ a minimum of 10 pairs of tickets when I passed one of those ‘twin-town’ Challice: Essentially the onus is on the in- with their twin to be given away via com- signs and thought it would be great to dividual AIF festivals to find suitable twins. petitions and promotions. set up a similar ‘twin-festival’ concept. With the two Leicester based festivals I

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am involved in, Summer Sundae Week- Frank Nes: I have known Rob since the time; we’re not going to be able to achieve ender and Big Session Festival, I wanted to mid 90’s and he also represent acts from everything in the first year. ‘twin’ with two events that are based on Bergen (Kings of Convenience), thus his a similar ethos. Bergenfest, Norway and knowledge of Bergen and Bergenfest is Nes: We have involved the regional tourist Tonder Festival, Denmark are both city very good. Bergenfest is an indoor, club/ board from day one on this and we look based events that are very rooted in their venue-based festival, but we share a lot forward to being able to help each other respective areas. Everybody involved in when it comes to musical taste - program- out on developing new ideas. Bergen as a these events (organisers, the audience, ming a broad palette of artists and genres. tourist destination is very strong, being the the staff, the volunteers etc) have a very Otherwise we have a strong focus on qual- main access point for tourists exploring the strong sense of ownership that helps de- ity and love for what we do and I think this fjords and mountains. Also Bergen has a fine the events. applies to both festivals’ basic ideas of strong cultural history with names like Ole how to run an event. Bull and Edvard Grieg as strong identity I’ve travelled to Bergenfest and Tonder bearers and important for tourism. Festival numerous times and found the VIP-News: This is flagged as a cultural experience of these events and the re- exchange, and these elements are obvi- With contemporary acts like Kings of Con- spective cities inspirational. I know, for ous - as far as you know have local and venience, sondre Lerche, Datarock, Mag- example, that when Oysterband and I first national -authorities become involved in net, Casiokids and Röyksopp either hailing talked to Richard Haswell at Leicester De the initiative? Certainly there also seems from or being located in Bergen it is a lot Montfort Hall about starting Big Session, to be an obvious opening with trade and to build on in establishing Bergen as a des- Tonder Festival was a big reference point economics, initially for tourism interests tination for a different kind of target and for us. Tonder has a very strong identity and perhaps in other areas, has his aspect age group. Not to forget the strong Metal both with international folk acts and in been - or will it be - exploited? music history in Bergen. A lot of individual its region (Jutland, Denmark and North travellers visit Bergen to explore the tracks Germany) I knew if Oysterband were go- Challice: We are encouraging the twin fes- of famed (and infamous) Bergen acts like ing to be directly associated with a festival tivals to do ticket swaps and invite media Immortal, Gorgoroth, Enslaved and Bur- they would want it to contain a bit of the from one country to another. Local press zum/Varg Vikernes. The metal travellers Tonder magic. in Bergen and Leicester have already given are actually so great in numbers, a finan- coverage to the initiative for the festivals cial paper aptly named them ‘blackpack- With regards to Summer Sundae and Ber- I am involved in. It goes without saying ers’ when analysing travels to Bergen. Ad- genfest, the key reason for me wanting to that festivals often give their audiences ditionally one of my collegues, Pytten, is twin the events is the organiser Frank Nes a cultural window to the world outside the main producer of many of these acts and his team. They’ve put Bergen on the their region. With Bergenfest and Summer and his recording studio is located in the map as a destination for acts touring in- Sundae we are going to ‘swap’ volunteers. same building as our offices, thus we have ternationally. Frank has great taste in mu- We’re also sending a couple of journalists our fair share of people in black knocking sic and he’s always coming up with new over to Bergen to write about the city. I on our door during the year wanting to ideas. see these ‘twinned’ links developing over see his studios... There are a lot of avenues to build on and the regional tourist board is keen to be part of it using the contemporary music scene to increase tourism to Bergen.

VIP-News: There is mention of artist exchanges - will this involve events in the twinning locations at times other than the festivals themselves - club dates etc? Could this be an expansion of the Ja Ja Club idea (Nordic acts appear regularly at this club night in London), and the Oya Festival’s London club initiative?

Challice: We will announce a Bergen band for Summer Sundae. Some of the best Scandinavian bands originate from Ber- gen, Kings of Convenience etc.

Nes: I think this can be a great way of making artist exchanges and this is something Frank Nes

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we have a strong focus on. Historically Ber- they should email Claire O’Neill, AIF or- geners have always looked west to the UK ganiser: [email protected] for inspiration, much more so than looking eastwards towards Oslo or Sweden Other participating Festival Promoters (heaven forbid...). Thus, Bergen-based acts also had positive views on the initiative: have a sound that I think UK punters and buyers easily can relate to. Then there’s the Stefan Lehmkuhl - Melt, Germany: I’m en- Vikings, of course … a lot of Norwegian thusiastic about the idea of the cultural ex- blood in UK genes... change between European festivals. Espe- cially when it comes to independent and VIP-News: Will all the mutual promotion- very individual open-air events it’s going al activities be agreed on and handled to be an exciting and creative process, as through discussions between the twinned I’m convinced we’re all on the same page events, or will there be someone, an AIF music wise. representative perhaps, operating an overview, and advising? Edouard Rostand - Clavi On The Rocks, Corsica: It is an honour for Calvi On the Challice: It’s between the twinned festi- Rocks to partner up with Standon Calling. vals to work out what is best. AIF supply We share same values and artistic views. the Twinned Logo and some suggestions We are both small festivals and want to on how the respective partnerships can keep it innovative and open-minded. This work. The AIF board will assess how it de- twinning will start with cross promotion velops in the first year and see if we need on our networks this year. to give more hands on advice. Nick Ladd - Glade Festival, Winchester: Nes: This is something which I take for We are really pleased to be twinned with granted will be explored and it will be vital Symbiosis in California.... the premier elec- for the success of the twin festival initiative. tronic music experience stateside. It’s what the San Francisco 60’s scene has evolved VIP-News: It’s still early days of course, but into, an amazing international gathering are there already more ideas for the devel- created by people with true spirit and it opment of the initiative? reflects the Glades commitment to cutting edge music, incredible site art, non-com- mercialisation and shanty vibes. »There’s a lot of interesting festivals involved and as far as I can see it, we all share a In 2009 AIF negotiated to become part of a common interest in £1.8 million marketing initiative organised GREAT music« by VisitBritain. The European Value Cam- - Frank Nes paign, ran across 18 key European countries, and was aimed at the 25-35 age group. Using the slogan “See More For Less”, VisitBritain Nes: It’s early days, indeed. Let’s do this sea- focused on the benefits offered by the weak son, sit down and get the broader perspec- pound and Britain’s relatively compact land tive of things. Then we can move ahead and area. The campaign included press adver- develop this into a strong and long lasting tising, direct mail, a web micro site and pr unit. There’s a lot of interesting festivals in- support and as part of the deal AIF members volved and as far as I can see it, we all share offered overseas visitors a 20% discount on a common interest in GREAT music. That festival tickets purchased through the Visit- should always be the basis and I think we Britain site. The inclusion of AIF in the scheme are on to something good with this whole was recognition of the value of Britain’s inde- set-up. AIF’s initiative is very good. pendent festivals as cultural assets, and as an enticement to tourists who may wish to Challice: Yes, there are still AIF members extend their stay and explore the country from the UK who have not landed an inter- further. national twin yet. If potential international festivals want to get further information www.aiforg.com

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Business News Manfred Tari [email protected]

Swiss Music Promoter Association Reports Record Breaking Year

Best business year ever for concert pro- year before, the number of tickets sold Nevertheless Swiss promoters ventured moters in the Switzerland. rose from 2.630.648 to 2.793.742. The aver- concerns about having to cope with high- age ticket price increased from 82.40 CHF er expenses for artists and higher spend- The Swiss Music Promoters Association (57.50 Euro) to 84.20 CHF (58.70 Euro). ing for additional staff requirements (SMPA) has released its business report for for safety and environmental rules. The 2009 and reported an increase for all key The biggest gain of the reported key figures organisation furthermore fears an at- figure sectors. The organisation’s associ- was the turnover. The overall revenue in- tempt by the consumer organisation SKS ated companies jointly returned a turno- cluding income from sponsoring, catering (Stiftung für Konsumentenschutz) and a ver of about 250 million Swiss Francs (174 and ticket sales rose from 230.455.386 (160 high ranked politician to appeal for a law million Euros). The total number of con- million Euro) to 250.327.349 CHF (174 million enforcing personalized tickets in order certs, events and festivals promoted in- Euro), a plus of 8.6 percent. The number of to prevent dynamic pricing for concert creased by 4.1 percent from 1002 to 1043 promoted artists rose from 2.246 to 2.308. tickets. shows. The visitor figures for all shows The 24 member companies employ 185 was 4.564.335 compared to 4.526.925 the people (176 in 2008) as fulltime staff. In reference to this the SMPA concludes that the current ticket system does not support such a function and that it will lead to more cost intensive efforts for door control. The complete report is available at the website www.smpa.ch in French and German.

CTS Eventim Pays Out Highest Dividend

The German concert market leader has (Earnings before Interest and Taxes) went furthermore declared that it expects to announced that it will pay shareholders a up from 50.3 million to 71.3 million Euros, raise revenue and earnings results in 2010. dividend of 0.83 Euro per share. the EBITDA (Earnings before Interest and Taxes, Depreciation and Amortisation) Since the beginning of the year the share Backed by record-breaking results in the from 57.8 million to 80 million Euros. As increased from 34.2 to 39.0 Euro. Neither business year 2009, CTS Eventim will dis- Net Result CTS Eventim reported 39.9 mil- the news that Live Nation has opened a tribute 19.9 million Euros amongst its lion compared with 29.2 million Euro in German office or that Live Nation intend shareholders. The company reported that 2008. to end business relations with CTS Even- it had been able to increase results in all tim for the ticketing business in the US had business sectors. In 2009 CTS Eventim The outlook for 2010 includes plans to pro- a negative impact on the share. CTS Even- gained revenue of 466,7 million Euros, an ceed with the growth policy of its online- tim currently has a market capitalisation of increase of about 15.4 percent compared ticketing and the expansion of the compa- 945,6 million Euro and net debts of about with 404.4 million Euro in 2008. The EBIT ny into foreign markets. The management 98.4 million Euro.

Deutsche Entertainment Back on the Profit Track

DEAG has also been able to increase its EBIT went up from minus 3.1 million to and Klassik Radio, among others. In particu- business results. 7.9 million Euro, the EBITDA grew from lar DEAG expanded its business with classi- 3.7 million to 6.4 million Euro and the net cal music concerts and shows featuring art- The live music stock market pioneer DEAG result turned from a minus of 11.1 million ists such as Jessye Norman, Anna Netrebko, delivered business results in line with Euro into plus of 0.5 million Euros. Philippe Jaroussky and David Garrett. expectations. After the company had to compensate for the departure of Crea- DEAG-CEO Peter Schwenkow extended Nevertheless since January the DEAG tive Talent and music pool earlier in 2009, his contract until 2015. Unlike CTS Eventim share price went down from 2.20 to 1.85 DEAG managed to restructure its compa- DEAG intents to expand its business by fol- Euro. The company currently has a market ny portfolio. The revenue rose from 109.5 lowing a 360 degrees business strategy, capitalisation of 34.15 million euro and million in 2008 to 116.7 million Euro, the setting up joint ventures with Sony Music net debts of 11.2 million Euro.

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Live Nation Looking for Money artist avails ›› The merger is done, now it appears that Live Nation needs financial backing to re-organise it debts. Admiral T The world’s biggest concert promoter has announced that it intends to issue Territory: Worldwide Period: 2010-2011 a $250million bond in order to re-finance some of its outstanding debts. At Agency: CARAMBA Spectacles the end of 2009 Live Nation and Ticketmaster had combined debts of about Agent: Clotaire $1.552 billion. Live Nation and the purchaser will negotiate the bond condi- Phone: +33 1 4218 1718 tions individually. Preferred buyers are institutional investors. Currently the E-mail: [email protected] Homepage: www.caramba.fr share of Live Nation is at $15.15 and the company has a market capitalisation of $1.008 billion. Unfortunately U2 and Madonna can’t be considered as insti- Lady GaGa tutional investors, can they? Territory: Europe Period: Spring 2010 onwards Agency: William Morris Endeavor Ent. PRESS RELEASE: Agent: David Levy Phone: +44 20 7534 6800 LOS ANGELES, April 19, 2010 – Live Nation Entertainment, Inc. (“Live Nation”) E-mail: [email protected] (NYSE: LYV) today announced that it intends to offer, subject to market and Homepage: www.ladygaga.com other conditions, $250 million aggregate principal amount of senior notes Christelle (“Notes”). The Notes will be offered in a private placement in the United States Territory: Worldwide to qualified institutional buyers pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Period: 2010 Act of 1933 and to non-U.S. persons outside the United States pursuant to Agency: McGann Music Agent: Don McGann Regulation S under the Securities Act. The offering price, interest rate and Phone: +1 702 927 0100 other terms will be determined by negotiations between Live Nation and the E-mail: [email protected] initial purchasers. The Notes will be unsecured. Live Nation intends to use the Homepage: www.christellemusic.com net proceeds from the offering along with borrowings under a new senior Fischer-Z secured credit facility to repay in full the borrowings under its existing credit Territory: Europe facility and the credit facilities of its wholly-owned subsidiary, Ticketmaster Period: 01/07/2010 - 31/12/2010 Entertainment LLC, convert existing preferred stock of one of its subsidiaries Agency: Artist Agency Agent: Bart Quintens into the right to receive a cash payment and pay related fees and expenses. Phone: +32 1677 7670 The completion of the offering of the Notes is conditioned upon our entering E-mail: [email protected] into the new credit facility. Homepage: www.artistagency.be

Sass Jordan This press release is being issued pursuant to Rule 135c under the Securities Territory: Europe Act and does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy Period: November 2010 securities. Any offer of the securities will be made only by means of a private Agency: Paperclip Agency offering memorandum. The Notes have not been registered under the Securi- Agent: Hilde Spille Phone: +31 24 323 9322 ties Act or the securities laws of any other jurisdiction and may not be offered E-mail: [email protected] or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption Homepage: www.paperclip-agency.com from registration requirements.Forward-Looking StatementsThis press release contains forward-looking statements regarding Live Nation’s intention Sweet Territory: Worldwide to issue the Notes and its intended use of the resulting proceeds. There is no Period: Generally available assurance that Live Nation will successfully complete the proposed offering Agency: ABS Agency or use the proceeds as presently intended. Investors should not place undue Agent: Nigel Kerr Phone: +44 208 399 3474 reliance on forward-looking statements as predictions of future results. Live E-mail: [email protected] Nation undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking Homepage: www.thesweet-now.com statements to reflect developments or information obtained after the date of this press release.

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VIP-BOOKING.COM VIP- News News - August - April 2005 2010

notice board ››

Another new service in the improved and redesigned VIP-News is the Notice-board, which is available for all readers. Reader’s messages will be posted on the Notice-board as a free service, passing on announcements, job postings, buying and selling notices, inquiries or alike. Announcements should be emailed to [email protected]

Edge Performance raises more than £32m Biggest offer yet takes total raised to £88m

Wednesday 21 April 2010: Entertainment ”Too many great businesses in the entertain- industry investment and advisory group ment industry struggle for want of the invest- Edge has announced that its specialist en- ment they need to grow,” said Glick. “Edge’s tertainment funds the Edge Performance success in raising funds for the sector will al- VCT (EPVCT) and the Edge Performance EIS low us to play an increasing role in helping fund together raised £32.1m in their latest good executives reach their potential.” fundraising round, nearly three times last year’s total. EPVCT originally set out to offer 10m shares but in February 2010 increased this to 20m It makes the 2009/2010 fundraising round and then subsequently to 30m. sario Harvey Goldsmith, former Sony Mu- Edge’s most successful yet and brings the sic business affairs head Alasdair George, total raised by Edge since it launched four Edge benefited from the increased popu- VCT pioneer Gordon Power, Elton John years ago to £88m. larity of VCT investments this year, said manager Frank Presland, former Emap and Glick, but it also increased its market HMV Group chairman Sir Robin Miller and This success further consolidates Edge’s share. superstar DJ Pete Tong. lead as the UK’s biggest manager of specialist investment funds in live music and “Key to our success has been the timely, “Access to the best people is a key advantage events, and also catapults EPVCT into sec- above target, return in June last year of cash in a people business like entertainment,“ ond-place in the overall UK VCT fundrais- to holders of EPVCT’s original 2006 Ordinary said Glick. “We believe that our background ing rankings for this year. share issue,” he said. “When we started out, in the entertainment business not only gives investors had long believed that the enter- us access to better opportunities, but also The announcement comes just two weeks tainment business was too risky a business enables us to evaluate them better than our after music industry lobbying group UK to countenance. By leveraging our industry competitors. This year’s fundraising success Music, headed by former Undertone Fear- knowledge and targeting our investment on suggests the investment community agrees gal Sharkey, highlighted access to finance executives with a real track record we believe with us.” as one of the UK music industry’s greatest we have gone a long way towards reshaping challenges. that perception.” Companies in which Edge Performance VCT has invested have promoted more than 200 The Edge Performance funds now have Edge’s reputation has been built on the live concerts in total since December 2006 £32m more to invest in the music, live quality of an executive team which in- featuring artists ranging from Kanye West events and entertainment industry, says cludes not just renowned music industry to Backstreet Boys, Eric Clapton and recent Edge Group founder David Glick. dealmaker Glick himself, but also impre- Grammy Award winner Jeff Beck.

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VIP-BOOKING.COM VIP- News - April 2010

readers page ››

Speak out - participate in the debate. The VIP-News Reader’s-page is open for letters and contributions from readers. Consider the VIP-News Reader’s-page, as your “speaker’s corner” towards professionals in the entertainment industry all over Europe. The purpose of the Reader’s-page is to encourage more interaction and to allow our readers to voice their opinions about the many aspects of our industry. Contributions should be emailed to [email protected].

Red Entertainment Agency

Red Entertainment Agency is proud to announce the Worldwide Exclusive rep- 10,000 Maniacs resentation of one of the most critically

acclaimed bands of the last three decades These Are The Days 10,000 MANIACS #1 Billboard Alternative, #34 AC

Trouble Me #3 Billboard Alternative, #7 AC, #20 Mainstream

Because The Night #11 Billboard Hot 100, #7 Alternative, #9 AC

Carlos Keyes More Than This Red Entertainment Agency #25 US Billboard Hot 100 Email: [email protected]

Tel: +1-212-563-7575 Candy Everybody Wants Fax: +1-212-563-9393 #5 Billboard Alternative

What’s The Matter Here #9 Billboard Alternative

Like The Weather #37 Billboard Mainstream

Please contact Carlos Keyes for available dates. See website for roster: Red Entertainment Agency

VIP-BOOKING.COM VIP- News - April 2010

Member presentation ››

In this section we offer members of VIP-Booking.com some space to present their company to VIP-News readers. If you would also like to present your company please contact Peter Briggs at [email protected]

König-Pilsener-ARENA - SMG Entertainment Deutschland GmbH

The König-Pilsener-ARENA is a multi-functional venue, offering a drive-time. The arena offers great accessibility with 12 motorway superb setting for a variety of sports events, theatrical presenta- junctions, more than 10,000 free parking spaces, bus and tram ter- tions, ice-skating and concerts. Flexible configurations provide minals immediately outside the venues. room for audiences ranging from 800 to 13,000 who enjoy family shows such as Disney on Ice, sports including handball matches, musicals like Grease, and concerts from rock and pop icons and orchestras alike.

Since its opening in 1996, the Kõnig-Pilsener-ARENA has earned a reputation as one of the most sophisticated venues in Europe, offering excellent operational facilities and an unforgettable experience for all its visitors. The König-Pilsener-ARENA meets the latest standards in engineering, architecture and security.

Its central location, at the heart of one of Europe’s largest con- urbations, the Ruhr area, means the Arena is easily accessible by road, rail and air for the 15 million people living within an hour’s König-Pilsener-ARENA

About Our Company

VIP-Booking’s core product is the Internet’s oldest and largest data- Today VIP-Booking offers a range of tools for the industry – inclu- base for the European Live Entertainment Industry www.vip-book- ding VIP-News, VIP-Booking, VIP-Book and VIP-Contract. ing.com developed as a tool for industry professionals. Since it’s launch in the year 2000, we have consistently offered our subscrib- Please visit vip-booking.com for further information. ers the very best in database services and now boast subscribers in over 30 countries. Your comments and suggestions are always appreciated.

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