5

13 3

6 9

VIPNEWS PREMIUM > VOLUME 196 > DECEMBER 2016 8 10

16 20

11 14

174 2 VIPNEWS > DECEMBER 2016

McGowan’s Musings

Can this really be the last Musings, and of this edition in such a sombre tone, we will learn from, to collaborate with, to support to course News, of the year! And what a year – refer to things good and optimistic later I be inspired and enlightened by”. Well said I Trump, Brexit, Boris, you couldn’t write this promise, particularly with comments from thought. stuff, it’s all been ‘fract and friction’! Also some VIP-News ‘regulars’ who tell us about we’ve had too many great artists, Bowie, some high points of this closing year. Another good and quite reassuring comment Prince, Cohen, Lemmy, George Michael for those despairing about the number of etc. shuffling off this mortal coil this year, Getting back to everyone’s favourite blonde venue closures in the capital (if she can follow the latest being Greg Lake of King Crimson – Donald, Boris Johnson or Madonna? - I through on it) was made by London’s new and Emerson Lake and Palmer. Hopefully hear you cry….it seems that Trump, yes, it Night Czar, Amy Lamé, after being shown there will be no more before the end of is he, is having problems finding an act to round a new building in London’s Denmark December, but I suppose that we just have jolly up his presidential inauguration. Who’d Street, indicated that she aims to ensure to accept that this once young business of have thought it, surely the cream of the rock that nightclubs and music venues remain in popular music, is like everything else, aging, business would be falling over each other place across London, stating, “I don’t want and is as susceptible to illness, particularly for the gig? But no, someone said Elton was clubbing pushed out to the edges. I want cancer, as anybody else. Sorry to kick off up for it, but he really isn’t, though Garth clubs, pubs, and live music venues right in the Brooks may be up for it, and Kanye West did heart of everything. Right across London.” go for a chat with Donald, but hasn’t said he’ll play. Still I’m sure everything will be I was supposed to be heading to London on ‘hunky- dory’, because his Communications the day that I write this, for a much looked Director Boris Epshteyn told ABC News: “No forward to Christmas dinner with the fine struggle whatsoever. We have world-class people at IQ Magazine and the ILMC, but COLOPHON > talent, world-class entertainers reaching the train drivers who operate the Southern out to us offering their help, offering their train routes between London and the South VIP-News is published by: services so no struggle, whatsoever”. So of England, including Brighton of course, VIP-Booking.com Enghaven 19 that’s alright then… decided to go on strike, much as the system Attrup 8444 Balle Denmark very rarely runs efficiently anyway, thus

Managing Director: As for one of the other blondes – not Boris – making it pretty much impossible to get to the Ronni Didriksen Madonna won the Billboard Woman of the big city, denying me dinner, good company, [email protected] Year Award, she concluded her acceptance and bowling - I’m not best pleased! Still I General Manager: Peter Briggs speech (unlike Mr. Zimmerman she turned up shall be in Helsinki over Christmas and then [email protected] to pick it up…) with the following, “Women the delights of Groningen in Holland beckon Writer and editorial: have been so oppressed for so long they for mid January, as they will for many for the Allan McGowan [email protected] believe what men have to say about them. 2017 edition of Eurosonic Noorderslag. So all

Writer: They believe they have to back a man to get of us at VIP hope that all of you that celebrate Manfred Tari the job done. And there are some very good it enjoy Christmas, and those that don’t have [email protected] men worth backing, but not because they’re a great holiday anyway, and that hopefully For advertising enquiries please contact: men - because they’re worthy. As women, we all have a happy and safe New Year! Peter Briggs [email protected] we have to start appreciating our own worth +46 70 77 60 480 and each other’s worth. Seek out strong In the meantime Ladies and Gentlemen – The women to befriend, to align yourself with, to News! 2 VIPNEWS > DECEMBER 2016

George Michael dies at home at age 53 From VIP-Daily News

Singer George Michael has died at his home at the age Writing on Twitter and referring to Michael as “Yog”, a of 53. nickname for “Yours Only George”, he added: “Me, his loved ones, his friends, the world of music, the world at The star, who launched his career with Wham! in the large. 4ever loved. A xx” 1980s and had huge success as a solo performer, “passed away peacefully” on Christmas Day in Goring, Oxfordshire, On Instagram, Sir Elton John posted a photograph of his publicist said. himself with Michael, writing: “I am in deep shock. I have lost a beloved friend - the kindest, most generous soul and Thames Valley Police say they are treating the death as a brilliant artist. My heart goes out to his family and all of unexplained but there were no suspicious circumstances. his fans.”

Former Wham! bandmate Andrew Ridgeley said he was “heartbroken at the loss of my beloved friend”.

George Michael dies at 53

3 ESNS: EU

ESNS: EU creative europe VIPNEWS > DECEMBER 2016 Live Nation in joint venture with Pascal Négre Allan McGowan [email protected]

on all levels from recorded music to live, with Live Nation France, a family of great with a focus on digital marketing. professionals with worldwide expertise.”

Based in Paris, Pascal Nègre (pictured), one Angelo Gopée, Live Nation France Chief of the most prominent figures in the French Executive, said: “It is a pleasure to welcome music business, will lead the company along Pascal in a joint venture that is both exciting with an experienced team of specialists and ambitious. His vision is in perfect across marketing, design, digital and harmony with what we`ve been doing at Pascal Négre branding. Live Nation for the past seven years.”

Live Nation, today announced the launch Pascal Nègre, CEO of #NP said: “#NP`s John Reid, President, Live Nation Europe - of #NP, a new artist management company mission is to ensure the artist is at the very , said: “The artist is at the core of in France, in partnership with Pascal Nègre core of the game in this new digital age. what we do, and together with Pascal we who will act as the new company`s CEO. Our specialist team will be with the artist will be able to expand this focus in ways every step of the way with the advice and we`ve always wanted to. The experience #NP is an artist management company with services they need to allow them to do what Pascal brings to the table is unsurpassed, the primary purpose of servicing the artist they do best. I`m delighted to join forces and we welcome him with open arms.”

Finnish Award to Nightwish’s management From VIP-Daily News

Music granted this year’s Finnish The intent behind this award is to create Till Dawn They Count Management’s duties Music Export Award for Till Dawn They attention to the important work done by include overall managing operations, which Count Management Ltd, which has helped music export companies, and also promote traditionally includes contract negotiations, Nightwish to become one of the greatest these active and growing enterprises. The designing and implementing revenue success stories of all time in Finnish heavy award was initiated by Music Finland, who streams, as well as international tour and metal. also gathered the jury together. The award strategies. The company is rewarded winner receives their own signboard on the above all, for the success of the most recent The Finnish Music Export Award was outer wall of the famed rock club Tavastia Nightwish album Endless Forms Most awarded to Till Dawn They Count in Helsinki. Beautiful and subsequent world tour. Management Ltd, whose best known client is Nightwish. The award was handed The award-winning company, Till Dawn by Chancelor Jari Gustafsson (Ministry of They Count Management was founded by Employment and the Economy) in Helsinki longtime Nightwish partners Ewo Pohjola today. and Toni Peiju, when its predecessor King Foo Entertainment ceased operations in The Finnish Music Export Award, established 2014. Till Dawn They Count Management by Music Finland last year, is a recognition has helped build Nightwish to be one of the given to a Finnish music company that has biggest global metal music success stories successfully developed and expanded its from Finland. The company`s artist list also Till Dawn They Count Management international operations and has shown includes another major Finnish metal band, Photo by Katri Naukkarinen pioneering spirit in exporting Finnish music. Sonata Arctica. 5 VIPNEWS > DECEMBER 2016 Rock am Ring returns to Nürburgring in 2017 From VIP-Daily News

efficiency is being questioned in the long term by immense specific Rock am Ring requirements. Constantly extended environmental protection requirements for nature conservation, species and water protection now required further investments in millions, without guaranteeing a long-term licensing, stated the organizers.

According to their assessment, similar conditions would be the knockout criterion for most European festivals. At the same time, it was pointed out that in the previous years in Mendig, all environmental requirements were met one hundred percent.

The organizers and Venue operators have agreed on a return of the That is why the event returned to the Nürburgring, which was festival to its original location. approved as a venue with clear, manageable conditions. According to the organizers, the venue operators have made a convincing It is about making the biggest German festival sustainable in the long attempt to return to acceptable conditions. term and therefore the decision is inevitable, says Marek Lieberberg agency and Live Nation in a joint statement. 40,000 three-day tickets have been sold so far for Rock Am Ring 2017, which are now valid for the Nürburgring. The various special The airfield Mendig, where the event took place in the last two years, offers like Rock`n`Roll-Camping, Experience and Caravan Camping was no longer durable. Despite record visitor numbers, economic are maintained and implemented on preferred areas.

Unauthorised Agents offering Dire Straits From VIP-Daily News

Unauthorised agents have been offering Dire Straits and Mark Mark Knopfler Knopfler shows to unsuspecting promoters across worldwide.

A spokesman for Knopfler has issued a warning to promoters following a flurry of cases in South America recently - and stressed there are no plans for any Dire Straits` shows.

“There are no plans whatsoever for Dire Straits shows, and any Mark Knopfler shows should be booked only through Brent Smith at William Morris for North America, and Andrew Zweck at Sensible Events for the rest of the world,” said a statement issued on behalf of the singer.

Last year, con artists attempted to dupe promoters by posing as representatives of Aerosmith and Pearl Jam in a fake email scam. 6 VIPNEWS > DECEMBER 2016 Norwegian Live sector up 4 percent From VIP-Daily News

The Norwegian grows to an Export income It’s worth noting that revenue from ad- all time high since 2012 when the annual supported streams are not included in this reviews began. The report shows that 6 percent of total report. revenue comes from export revenue, the The Norwegian music industry was worth same share as previous three years. Export Vinyl had yet a massive year, with sales NOK 3.727.000.000 ($440.262.716) in income has increased in sync with the making physical increase 48 percent 2015. Up 5 percent from 2014. general revenue. compared with 2014. Vinyl sales itself grew 69 percent from 2014, due to more titles Music in Numbers was released December Export revenues was worth NOK available and a general higher demand. 12th. The report aims to show data which 375.000.000 ($44.297.965) in 2015. says something about the industry’s size and Norwegian music (music published on how it develops over time. To calculate the Note: Export revenue is only generated Norwegian labels) had a market share of 26 size and worth of the industry, the report from what directly can be traced to a percent, up from 22 percent in 2014. has collected revenue statistics from three Norwegian company. Deals Norwegian main categories; copyright revenue, revenue artists and industry professionals have Export stood for 5 percent of revenue in from recorded music (physical and digital), with foreign companies are not included. recorded music, the same share as the year and concerts and performance revenue. Concert statistics is made up of artist fees, before. That equals to 46MNOK ($M5,4) in and not ticket sales. Sale of merchandise is 2015. The live sector makes up the biggest portion also not included. of total revenue, accounting for 52 percent Export is defined as “income generated ($227.622.000), while recorded music Income from the live sector in markets outside Norway by companies and copyrights each make up 24 percent registered in Norway”. ($107.852.000 for copyright revenue and Total income from concerts in 2015 was $104.312.000 for recorded music). NOK 1.929.000.000 ($227.868.736). This Export generated income from recorded marks a year on year increase of 4 percent. music is up 22 percent year on year. Since Streaming has yet to reach its peak, growing The amount is generated from tickets sales 2012, when the yearly tracking begun, export 10 percent from 2014 to 2015. Streaming’s in Norway and artist fees from concerts income from recorded music has doubled. continued impact on the industry economy outside of Norway. alone accounts for a year on year growth of Income from copyrights recorded music sales of 5%. Export income from concerts equaled MNOK 114 ($M13.7), a drop of 6 percent The report finds that copyrights income 2015’s numbers marks an all time high year on year. The report suggests fall in contributed MNOK 914 in 2015 ($M107.97), since the yearly tracking began in 2012. artist fees as the reason for the decrease up 2 percent year on year. Export income The numbers reverse the negative growth from 2014. stands for 9 percent of the total, equal to between 2013 and 2014, where revenues MNOK 80 ($M9.45). were down about 1 percent. Income from recorded music Export income is defined as revenue Total revenue for recorded music stood transferred to Norwegian rights holders by at 884MNOK in 2015 ($M104.4), an foreign collective societies. A year on year impressive 9 percent increase from 2014. comparison shows an increase of 17 percent from 2014. Digital, and mostly streaming was the 2015: NOK 3.727.000.000 driving factor to the increase. Streaming Income from sync deals which are not done 2014: NOK 3.564.000.000 revenue was up 10% year on year. The directly between copyright holders and/or 2013: NOK 3.598.000.000 growth makes up for the 44 percent publishers based in Norway are not included 2012: NOK 3.072.000.000 decrease in downloads. in these numbers. 7 VIPNEWS > DECEMBER 2016 Eurosonic – Noorderslag 31st Edition Allan McGowan [email protected]

The 31st edition of Eurosonic Noorderslag, widely recognized as the Platform for European music will, as usual, take place in the Dutch University city of Groningen from January 11 – 15. The event sells out each year, attracting over 4,000 professional delegates, including representatives of over 400 international festivals. More than 350 acts showcase, and the conference program covers developments in the international music, media, production and interactive industries The event also hosts the European Festival Awards, The European Border Breakers Awards and The European Talent Exchange Programme – ETEP.

The idea is simple, but very effective and its development with the steady rising number of participating festivals and booked shows of European talent is proof that ETEP is one of the best and valuable initiatives to promote European live music. We are proud to be a part of it. ETEP 2003 ETEP resulted in 53 shows being played by 23 acts from 8 countries at 23 festivals in Christof Huber This thirty first edition of Eurosonic 13 countries. Total figures for 2016 are 404 General Secretary - Yourope Noorderslag again plays host to the European shows by 148 acts from 27 countries at 99 Talent Exchange Programme, ETEP, for the festivals in 31 countries. fifteenth year! For the first few editions this I think ETEP has become an important unique initiative instituted to showcase and Recent Comments on ETEP: exchange platform that cannot be ignored exchange talent between the neighbouring by artists or promoters in Europe. The unique European states required repeated quality of acts and events participating is Christof Huber explanation. Now, agents, managers, festival what makes the programme’s success. promoters, music export offices etc, are well aware of what can be achieved by accessing Dany Hassenstein the festival and media opportunities made Paleo Festival Nyon - Switzerland available to acts showcasing at Eurosonic, and efforts to take part in ETEP are very much part of the early year planning and ETEP raised awareness that there is good scheduling for artist careers throughout the quality music from other countries than just European music industry. music of Anglo American origin. In Europe, in UK and USA it raised pride within the The programme has been responsible for Yourope (the European festivals European music scene that different cultural kick-starting the careers of many well known organisation) was a part of ETEP since the influences, different cross-overs are a good European acts, and the following figures give beginning and nowadays, we are very thing and that we have to tour/promote some idea of how things have grown: In active as a co-organizer of the program. these acts as festival and tour promoters. 8 VIPNEWS > DECEMBER 2016

something important. They actually take Conrad Murray acts on their roster if they can get it that is. Manager of Blossoms - SJM (UK)

Eric Van Eerdenburg Lowlands Festival - Mojo Concerts We are very happy with the support of ETEP. Netherlands We feel they have contributed to our success by giving their trust in us, they can convince the festival partners we were talking to, to ETEP is a wonderful platform for artists book us. They are giving this extra push in a – Otherkin & Soak are recent examples of natural way, so we will keep our credibility Eric Van Eerdenburg artists we have had in the programme who and at the same time raise our chances of have benefitted greatly, both achieving playing. We shouldn’t just look for talent from the extensive European festival touring as a UK, America and some exceptional world result. Steijn Koeijvoets music from Africa and far away exotic Manager, My Baby - Netherlands countries: It also happens here, right under Alex Bruford our noses! Partner ATC Live Agency - UK

It also played a role in raising the level of professionalism of European managers and Eurosonic was a great experience and agents, tour managers, tour productions & adventure for us. It was our first proper creative music production. aI think it also live experience out of our comfort zone put the UK agency world on their toes. They of playing packed venues in the UK and, come and watch the talent that is being after playing in front of the biggest and presented with different eyes than 10 years best promoters and agents from across the ago. 10 to 15 years ago they did not watch globe, we’re still reaping the benefits in live Steijn Koeijvoets at all, now they are afraid they might miss venues across the world.

Eurosonic somehow does it better

So that’s it really – oh, what’s that? Some of Ok then, just for you: Each year Eurosonic talented European artists are guaranteed you were actually quite young when ETEP Noorderslag, which is broadcasted by to play at one or more major summer started and you’re not sure exactly how it several EBU radio stations, selects the most festivals attracting thousands of music works? current and promising European artists to lovers and with the support of radio and play the festival. other media, managers, promoters and agents resulting in an audience numbering ETEP brings together over a hundred of in the millions. This guarantees maximum the leading European festivals, along with exposure and offers a perfect opportunity radio and other media encouraging them for management and the recording to ‘exchange’ these artists. ETEP festival industry to establish and promote their bookers select foreign artists from the artists throughout Europe. line-up of Eurosonic Noorderslag, and guarantee confirmed slots at their festival. So that’s it, not that it’s always been Radio stations support the selected acts easy; as with many aspects of the music with . Written media support the industry, maintaining adequate funding acts in national press. Both radio and print from various areas including the European media offer national exposure to these Commission along with awareness of the Folkert Koopmans selected groups. In this way these selected aims of ETEP and associated initiatives is 9 VIPNEWS > DECEMBER 2016

still a fulltime job for founder Peter Smidt Each year a different country is highlighted made in Portugal and other new music and Ruud Berends (you might notice that in order to showcase the diversity of musical markets, introducing the wealth of musical the years have been kind to them, and they talent across Europe. genres currently made in Portugal to a much look pretty much as they did fifteen years wider audience.” ago!). Though they are both more than Countries that have been showcased at happy that this idealistic and ambitious previous editions include France, , Sais Nuno Saraiva initiative has progressed and developed Italy, Sweden, Belgium, Norway, The WHY Portugal over fifteen years there are no intentions Netherlands, , Finland, and to become complacent. The introduction Iceland. of supporting projects like the EBBA’s and CEETEP have helped to expand the Portugal is this year’s featured country, so aspirations and intentions of the thinking let’s finish with a comment on what they behind ETEP. New projects may already be hope to achieve from Eurosonic and ETEP… in the planning for the future… “Being focus country at Eurosonic Folkert Koopmans Noorderslag 2017 is the best opportunity Director FKP Scorpio to bridge the gap between the new music

The European Border Breakers Awards

On 11 January 2017, the 14th Awards go to Alan Walker (no), Jaakko Eino Kalevi (fi), Namika (de), Hinds (es), Filous (at), Jain (fr), Dua Lipa (gb), Era Istrefi (al), Natalie La Rose (nl) and Walking on Cars (ie).

Every year, 10 European artists receive an EBBA to recognise their success in countries other than their own. This success is measured by: Airplay, sales, live performances in Europe and position in the European Border Breakers Charts.

EBBA celebrate new and border-breaking artists who create today and tomorrow’s music from Adele () to Christine & the Queens (France), the EBBA winners represent some of the standout European sounds of recent years. Other previous winners include Stromae, Gabriel Rios, , Of Monsters and Men, Mumford & Sons, Aurora, Disclosure, John Newman, C2C, Tokio Jaakko Eino Kalevi is the Finnish Hotel, The Script, Years and Years, Robin Schulz, Carnival Youth, MØ EBBA winner and Selah Sue. 10 VIPNEWS > INDEPTH STORY > DECEMBER 2016 Highlights of 2016 and the State of the Business for 2017 Allan McGowan [email protected] & Manfred Tari [email protected]

Manfred Tari and Allan McGowan invited several VIP ‘Regulars’ to respond to the following questions: What were the highlights of your year, and what are your conclusions regarding the state of the business in general? Please let us know your outlook and expectations for 2017....

Volker may Ivana Dragila

Volker May of weather issues for many festivals. Overall it Greg Parmley Managing Partner FZW Event GmbH was a satisfying year. 2017 looks like a much Dortmund, Germany busier year with again a lot of great tours like Greg Parmley Guns N’ Roses, Depeche Mode, Coldplay, MD International Live Music Conference One of our highlights was SCOTT BRADLEY Phil Collins, AIDA with Placido Domingo and (ILMC) and International Festival Forum AND THE POSTMODERN JUKEBOX. A sold Robbie Williams. And in addition a lot of new (IFF) London out show which nobody expected, amazing festivals like Lollapalooza Paris, Download at entertainment and a very gentle tour a new site in Paris, Wireless in Germany and 2017 will be the year of the ticket. With production and crew. many others... Tickets making a big play in live, and streaming services increasingly starting As far as it concerns 2017 I am very optimistic. The biggest challenge for 2017 currently is to sell tickets on their platforms, tickets will We already announced the first sold out the compressed period in which most tours go where the fans are. And the landscape shows in spring and have once again only a and festivals will take place. The weather will begin a seismic shift. Secondary will few days left without a booking. problems at festivals are influencing the continue to be a talking point in many promoters in terms of having material on markets, and the brighter spotlight on the standby but only paying for it if it’s needed. relationships between the industry and Ivana Dragila We will test in 2017 a new floor cover, which this controversial cousin will drive greater Online Marketing eps holding Gmbh we developed this year in some countries. transparency. The boundaries between Krailling, Germany. This product currently is the most effective ‘primary’ and ‘secondary’ will continue to product for pitch cover. In addition we blur, as more income is driven back to the 2016 was an ambivalent year: On one side developed a lot of special barricade pieces industry, out of the hands of those who great tours with Beyoncé, Coldplay, Rihanna for many tours like Robbie Williams, Adele contribute nothing to it. and many others, and on the other side a lot or Take That. 11 VIPNEWS > INDEPTH STORY > DECEMBER 2016

The Outlook for 2017 looks great. One of the big Highlights will be our 40th anniversary tour of FOREIGNER.1977 was also the year when I put on my very first shows in Austria – i.e. 2017 also marks GLP´s 40th anniversary !

Also the GLP headquarter in Vienna will be extended – so we are creating a complete new office in our building with 200 ms2 – to include a Chill out zone – and creative area Karsten Jahnke Georg Leitner for our team.:-)

Karsten Jahnke run of three dates for KOOL & THE GANG So yes – I thank the universe for a great 2016 MD Karsten Jahnke Konzertdirektion GmbH in Africa (in Mozambique, Uganda & Kenya) and look forward to an ever so vibrant 2017. Hamburg, Germany. Some of the members of KOOL & THE GANG We had a lot of highlights this year: 1. The had grave concerns about going to Africa best season in our lovely open air venue in (security as well as organizational issues). the Stadtpark. 2. A sold out tour with our Having lived in Zambia & South Africa as old friends THE CURE. 3. The incredible a teenager, I was always passionate about success of Johannes Oerding. 4. A sold out Africa. So I used all the persuasion and European tour with AL JARREAU & The arguments to convince the guys to accept NDR Big Band presents The Duke Ellington the dates – and eventually (after going back Songbook. 5. More than 100 concerts and forth quite a few times) they agreed to within Germany with HERMAN VAN VEEN. go for it. 6. the success of our new singer/ Max Giesinger. 7. The success of the tour From day one till the finish of the tour – it Beverley Whitrick with Lukas Rieger. turned out that everything worked out incredibly smoothly. Not only had the In 2017 we will present, together with shows been sold out - the organization Beverley Whitrick Scorpio, The ELBJAZZ FESTIVAL on 2nd (production, transport, hotels etc. ) was Strategic Director - Trust and 3rd of June in the Hamburg harbour – absolutely impeccable. They guys loved London Blohm & Voss – and in the Elbphilharmonie. the tour! In times when we hear so much To present within my Nights series the negative news from this burdened continent Music Venue Trust had an early highlight following top jazz stars like Michael Wollny (corruption, famine, migration etc.) – this when we, in partnership with UK Music and Vincent Peirani (January/February )– tour shed a ray of hope – and showed what and Musicians’ Union, achieved a change Branford Marsalis fest. Kurt Elling (March/ people in Africa are capable of. Yes – that in English law to help protect grassroots April) – Pat Metheny Quartet (October). And was a most wonderful highlight for our music venues from redevelopment: from 6 to continue the successful tours of Johannes 2016 season ! April 2016, local planning authorities have Oerding, Max Giesinger and Lukas Rieger. to consider noise impacts on new residents Some of the other highlights where the from existing businesses under an amended European tour of SEAN PAUL (where we got permitted development right (i.e. you Georg Leitner lucky again when SEAN PAUL´s song with cannot build near a music venue without MD Georg Leitner Productions GmbH SIA hit the charts just prior to our extensive mitigating the potential noise within your Vienna - Austria European tour) . own plans).

KOOL & THE GANG in Africa proved to be Also our GEORGE CLINTON PARLIAMENT / Other highlights included: the biggest personal highlight for 2016! FUNKADELIC tours in Asia & Europe proved • The contribution of small venues to the Early in 2016 I managed to put together a that the act is vibrant as ever ! economy being measured for the first time 12 VIPNEWS > INDEPTH STORY > DECEMBER 2016

in UK Music’s research, published in Wish Besides the festivals and family live projects prosperity of our industry. In any case, You Were Here 2016. in 2017, we will promote tours and concerts Sziget seems to be in a strong position due • Venues Day 2016 with 500 delegates of international stars like Aerosmith, Bryan to the fact that our program structure is a in only its 3rd year, followed by mini Ferry, Chris de Burgh, Deep Purple, Iron lot more diversified compared to many of festival Fightback, both on 18 October , at Maiden, Kiss, Man Doki Soulmates, Tokio our competitors. Roundhouse, London. Hotel and many more. In addition, we are • Receiving both an endorsement and a happy to present Volbeat in Switzerland, We believe we have to keep the values of donation from Sir Paul McCartney for our Rainbow, Craig David, The 1975 and many the festival, so no big changes planned, only work. others in the United Kingdom as well as fine-tuning our existing structures. We are Amon Amarth or Royal Republic in Austria. celebrating the 25th edition of the event, so We still have a lot of work to do to protect These concerts as well as unique events like we hope for a strong year sales-wise, just and improve the UK’s grassroots music the first classical open air concert of Anna like 2016. Sziget, as a company is looking venues but support and awareness are Netrebko and Yusif Eyvazov in Berlin mean into new opportunities, also negotiating building and we are optimistic that we will we are looking forward to a great next with potential partners abroad to co- achieve more in 2017. season! organize festivals.

Prof. Peter Schwenkow CEO DEAG Deutsche Entertainment AG

We are looking back on a great year with a broad variety in the field of live entertainment. In particular, we have successfully established a series of new rock festivals, notably ROCKAVARIA in , Sonisphere in Switzerland and Rock in Vienna in Austria. In the past year Andras Berta Detlef Schwarte we focused especially on the segment of family live entertainment, too, which may be considered the most increasing area in Andras Berta Detlef Schwarte the live business these days. Our beacon Sziget Festival, Inferno Events/ Reeperbahn Festival projects here are Disney On Ice in Germany Hamburg, Germany and Austria, Marvel Universe Live, Christmas 2016 was a great year for Sziget festival. wonderlands like Christmas at Kew and With almost half a million visitors we broke New year, same questions… ;o) Christmas at Blenheim in the United all previous records regarding sold tickets. Kingdom and Christmas Garden Berlin in We also managed to further improve The positive response from the industry and Germany and TINI’s live tour, the upcoming the international status of the festival, media to the first Anchor Award ceremony Disney world star. welcoming fans from over 100 countries. at Reeperbahn Festival was a highlight of Some of our major markets, like UK or the year 2016 for sure – as was the entire France saw big improvements, while others show and its winner Albin Lee Meldau. maintained last year’s performance. Being Another was the cross-party decision of the a mid-August festival in the Eastern part of German committee on budgets to provide the continent means it’s still a big challenge noticeably increased financial support to get the headliners we need, while we also for the popular music sector in Germany. realize that artist fees are getting higher and This kind of structural support becomes higher each year. We still don’t think it’s a even more important as the business in healthy structure, having too many festivals general is still shaped by monopolization biding for not enough potential headliners and the growing power of investor driven and thus creating rocketing prices, so entities, which pursue targets that differ Peter Schwenkow we have our concerns for the long-term fundamentally from the interests of e.g. 13 VIPNEWS > INDEPTH STORY > DECEMBER 2016

independent music companies, traditional and Joss Stone for playing Istanbul just after personal highlight was making the British music venues or the artist as such. the failed coup. Open Squash Masters final.

Artists and their representatives still fight The state of the business in the countries we I predict a welcome return to chord based for appropriate revenue models. Publishers work in is damn hard. Our clients are not song writing in 2017. (in Germany) struggle for their subject making money, we are not making money, matter. The shut downs of live music venues and the political situation is somewhere remains a painful trend all over Europe. between awful and bad in many of these With regards to weather and terror threads countries. Most of us are in survival mode organizers of festivals find themselves in a that is not a lot of fun as it means we have situation of survival of the fittest. All that no choice but to be cautious about any risky happens in a socio-political environment business (and it’s all risky of course…). Fairy that urgently needs more cultural diversity, godmothers are welcome to get in touch. more space for the young to develop talent and more interference of the mostly open As things stand, we expect to still be here at Arndt Scheffler minded people that work with and for the end of next year and we have enough music. The elections in Netherlands, France work scheduled for me to feel cautiously or Germany might make it even harder for optimistic that at least it won’t be a bad Arndt Scheffler us all to continue as before. year. We’ve developed our connections Managing Director I CEO with German promoters and I hope that eCommerce GmbH continues, though I don’t expect to move to Hamburg, Germany Nick Hobbs Berlin just yet. More than that is hard to say Charmenko, Turkey as I broke my crystal ball years ago. One of our favorite highlights of the year is definitely to accompany some of our Highlights: Summer Well festival in clients through the digital transformation Bucharest, Rammstein in Moscow and process. It takes a lot of courage to leave Wroclaw; Muse in Athens and Bucharest. some of the old, well known paths behind Our Damien Rice and Agnes Obel dates - 2 to break new ground. And whereas the idea artists that bucked the trend for us, and my of selling tickets directly is not exactly new, own UK gigs for Serious and at the Afekt opening up a presale by selling your own Festival in Tallinn. Respect to Damien Rice tickets only in your own shop and online doesn’t necessarily come naturally. Although the world is changing rapidly and the concentration process of the industry cannot be stopped, there are plenty of opportunities for ambitious entrepreneurs.

Ville Leppanen In terms of ticketing I would like to emphasize that the trend of data driven ecommerce and Ville Leppanen therefore online ticket sales will continue. The Animal Farm It is only consequent to focus on providing London, UK the tools and support needed to control and push your own sales through your own ticket The highlight of my year, of artists other shop. This starts by being able to control than ours, was discovering that the chord allocations, content, reports and processes at progression in Drake’s Hotline Bling is really any time and ends by having full insight ito good, almost old fashioned. Of our artists, the direct effects of marketing campaigns. I would highlight the international major In 2017 we will enter the next phase of the label interest in Ben Thorpe, whose chord disruption of the ticketing business, whether Nick Hobbs progressions I hope you will hear anon. My we like it or not. 14 VIPNEWS > DECEMBER 2016 5.2 Million Euro Versus One Homeless Ticket Seller Manfred Tari [email protected]

A Story regarding Social Ticketing versus Secondary Ticketing. Konzerthaus Dortmund December is usually the time for Christmas fairy tales, but perhaps in December 2016 not all of the stories have that fairy element. There are simply too many questionable things going on these days and the following is an example...

On November 18 US-band Radical Faces played in the Konzerthaus Dortmund. Actually quite a good concert, well attended and a band having fun on stage while playing songs about “Rivers in the Dust”, depressions and other personal experiences. The singer Ben Cooper even opened up the concert apologizing for the US electing Donald them to be nice and friendly to journalists, we also informed them that Trump 10 days before. In fact, the social competence of Donald Trump Popkomm would provide free tickets for homeless people. has somehow become a role model for today’s western society or what is left of it. In reference to this an incident witnessed prior to the We kindly asked them to allow for one of these ticketholders to try concert seems to reflect these tendencies. and sell their tickets or to grant them access to a show if they wanted. In order to ensure the success of this special briefing, all security staff Shortly before the concert started a homeless person tried to sell involved were provided with free drinks and sausages at the barbecue. a ticket for the concert. There were only a very few people left in front of the venue and the ticket seller tried to monetize the ticket When telling the security guard of the Konzerthaus Dortmund that I with a dynamic pricing sales strategy. From the beginning onwards disagreed with how he handled the situation it quickly became clear the chances of re-selling the ticket was ridiculously low and the sales that times have changed since the nineties. Apart from the fact that potential became even less when one of the venue security guards the security guy remained formally friendly and polite when arguing advised the homeless ticket seller to move two meters away from the with the homeless ticket seller, it once more proved that security location. guards are not social workers.

We all know it is not easy to impress homeless people. With this in In fact concerning the security briefing by the management of the mind, the security guard warned that he would call up the regulatory Konzerthaus Dortmund, when talking to the security guard it also authorities asking for official support for dismissing the homeless became evident that this incident with a homeless person was not ticket seller, who was also apparently begging for money, with a the first of its kind. It is also well known that current politicians have misdemeanour conviction. The homeless person and the security a great passion for classical music. They provide the public funding guard obviously knew how this game is played, with the would keeping such venues and orchestras alive; in this case it is 5.2 million be ticket seller quickly leaving the spot when the security guard Euros per year. undertook an attempt to call the auxiliary police. Beside that it is Christmas, the questions remain, why does the While watching the whole scenario, the author of this article management of the Konzerthaus Dortmund besides placing remembered a social initiative observed when working way back in advertisements in Bodo, the local homeless magazine, not allow the the nineties for the music convention Popkomm in Cologne. Whilst in security guards to provide homeless people with a free cup of coffee charge of the extensive concert programme of this event, a few tickets at the backstage entrance of the venue around the corner? It is just a were collected for each show and provided to homeless organisations. nice gesture and it would help their security guards to improve their Popkomm in those days was also a hot spot for media people. Each professional relations with homeless persons. Well finally, it seems year we arranged a barbecue for all the security guards working in that with a subsidy of 5.2 million Euro per year, a small budget for a clubs and concert locations during the festival at which we reminded cup of coffee here and there might be affordable, doesn’t it? 15 VIPNEWS > DECEMBER 2016 Where’s the Music? Sweden returns for the third year Manfred Tari [email protected]

For the third year in a row, Where’s the Music? is coming back to Norrköping with a showcase festival and music conference. For three days, professionals and music lovers gather in central Norrköping to experience the latest music from Sweden and abroad. The aim is to discover new music and the stars of tomorrow first.

The conference will be held at the Louis De Geer venue and will feature panelists such as Carlos López Casany from Indiemono, Angus Baskerville from 13 Artists, Jan Gradvall and many more. This year’s panels will touch on topics including playlisting, digital trends and the future of festivals. There will be introductions to Sweden’s hottest management, RMH, and their work with the Nordic countries and plenty of chances to meet other delegates from around the world.

On Friday and Saturday, the festival is taking place at some of Norrköping’s coolest clubs and venues and over 100 Swedish and international acts will be performing.

This year the festival and conference kicks off with an opening night at the old amateur-theatre-turned nightclub, Arbis, on Thursday Angus Baskerville is amongst the confirmed speakers for night. The evening will include a tribute to Viola Beach, networking Where’s the Music 2017 opportunities and showcases.

CONFIRMED SPEAKERS: CONFIRMED ACTS:

Angus Baskerville (13 Artists, UK) | Adam Börjesson (Jubel, Magnus Carlson | Erik Lundin | Tomas Andersson Wij & SWE) | Ankit Desai (Universal Music, SWE) | Anna Gullstrand Norrköpings Ungdomskör | Albert af Ekenstam | Apocalypse (Fröjd Agency, SWE) | Annika Forsberg (Skavlan, SWE) | Orchestra | ARY (NO) | Ben Hobbs (GB) | Black Metal Raccoons Atena Banisaid (TEN Music Group, SWE) | Carlos López (FI) | Boys | Broder John | Clientèle (FI/EE) | Dear Reader (ZA) Casany (Indiemono/, ESP) | Cindy Kramer (BMG | Dust Bowl Jokies | Elin Rigby | Ellen Sundberg | Flora Cash | Scandinavia, SWE) | Daggan Stamenkovic (Phonofile, SWE) | Frida Sundemo | Joakim Gissberg | Hater | Haux (US) | HAVET Fruzsina Szep (Lollapolooza Berlin, DE) | Guna Zučika (Every | Hov1 | IDER (GB) | Into The Ark (GB) | JÁNA | JOHNNYSWIM Little Thing, LV) | Helen Sildna (Tallin Music Week, EE) | Ida (US) | JOSIN (DE) | Julia Clara | Kaliffa | Keya | KNASH | L.A. Redig (Strang Duck Records, SWE) | Jan Gradvall (Dagens Salami (GB) | Leo Stannard (GB) | Leslie Tay | Lewis Watson Industri, SWE) | Jenny Ericsson (United Screens, SWE) | Jessica (GB) | Magic Potion | Nightmen | Rein | Richard Smitt | Sandro Strassman (Colombia Records, USA) | Jessica Westin (United Cavazza | Sarah Klang | ShitKid | Siv Jakobsen (NO) | Slowgold Screens, SWE) | Jill Hollywood (Each Beach Management, UK) | | State Of Sound | Stilla Havet | Stina Velocette | SödraSidan | Lucie Watson (Platoon, UK) | Maya-Blue Gamble (Glastonbury THEA | Tjuvjakt | Toi Let | The Presolar Sands | TOMM¥ A$H Festival, UK) | Nanna Lindhardt Hansen (Deezer, DK) | Niclas (EE) | Wyvern Lingo (IE) | Zero Zero | Ängie Lagerstam (Putte I Parken, SWE) | Nina Rung (Krimonolog, SWE) | Ruth Barlow (Beggars Group, UK)

16 VIPNEWS > DECEMBER 2016 NAMES & JOBS

New management team for Mojo Three new Agents for ATC Live From VIP-Daily News From VIP-Daily News

John Mulder is back at the helmet of Dutch Mojo. Together with Ruben Brouwer he will take over the running of Mojo from January 1st. 2017, following the surprise resignation in September of former CEO Wilbert Mutsaers.

Brouwer has been at Mojo since 2008, initially as a lawyer, then as part of its management team.

John Mulder (pictured) left Mojo in 2011 to start his own promotion business, but had remained involved with the company on a freelance basis.

Leon Ramakers, founder of Mojo will now serve as a consultant UK booking agency ATC Live has made three new hires. and a booker of major international acts. He says: “With this duo, Mojo’s management has the right mix of business, strategic and Isla Angus and Sarah Besnard join from Earth Agency, bringing with operational knowledge and skills. I am very confident that Mojo is them a roster that includes Sleaford Mods, Austra, Dan Deacon, in good hands.” Cass McCombs and Girl Band, while Sinan Ors, formerly at UTA, brings electronic artists Romare, Daedelus and Clap Clap!.

“All three,” says managing director Alex Bruford, “share the same artist-focused and creative approach as ATC Live, and we are delighted to welcome their artists alongside our growing roster, [which] includes Mac DeMarco, Julia Jacklin, Whitney, Shura, Shame, The Lumineers, Passenger and Benjamin Clementine.”

The London-based agency hired Clemence Renaut, Roxane John Mulder Dumoulin and Chris Meredith in January.

Ruben Brouwer Isla Angus

17 Conference & showcase festival See the best up and coming Swedish and international acts and meet fellow industry professionals in the most welcoming and intimate environment in the nordics

Read more and book your tickets: wheresthemusic.se/en VIPNEWS > BUSINESS > DECEMBER 2016 MUSIC IN SHARES Music In Shares Manfred Tari [email protected]

The year’s end review of the Music In Shares section at VIP-News to press it is 29.31 Euro. Nevertheless, CTS Eventim with a market is dedicated purely to the performance figures of the remaining capitalisation of 2.787 billion Euros remains a true blue chip among corporate concert companies at stock markets. our corporate concert companies.

This year’s summary turns out to be different to previous years. Both DEAG even lost 30 per cent of its share price value, from a previous CTS Eventim and DEAG delivered a loss in the annual comparison. 4.32 down to 2.88 Euros. The market cap therewith melted down CTS Eventim for many years in a row only delivered a share price to 47.74 million Euros and it looks like it will take a bit of time before growth. But 2016 is different, minus 15,09 per cent compared to DEAG will recover. last year. Live Nation instead gained, from $24.97 one year ago to $27.13 On November 17, 2015 the share price of CTS Eventim had been this time. The market cap is up $5.43 billion; this year’s share price 34.43 Euro, on November 16 when this issue of VIP-News went peak was $29.04 while the lowest one recorded was $18.77.

THE HALL DUO IN NECKARPARK

UNIQUE AND DOUBLY GOOD

STUTTGART CATCHMENT AREA: MORE THAN 3 MILLION PEOPLE • HANNS-MARTIN-SCHLEYER-HALLE: UP TO 15,500 SPECTATORS • PORSCHE-ARENA: UP TO 7,500 SPECTATORS • 2017: … CESAR MILAN, LINDSEY STIRLING, SARAH CONNOR, STING, TINI - VIOLETTA, JOE BONAMASSA, DJ BOBO, PHILIPP POISEL, UDO LINDENBERG, DEEP PURPLE, WESTERNHAGEN, CIRQUE DU SOLEIL, MANOWAR, XAVIER NAIDOO …

Tel. +49 (0) 711/9554-40 [email protected] Fax +49 (0) 711/9554-500 www.in.stuttgart.de

AZ_in_stutt_VIPmag_2017_RZ.indd 1 23.11.16 09:58 19 VIPNEWS > MISC > DECEMBER 2016 MEMBER PRESENTATION ARTIST AVAILS

MUSICAL YOUTH Territory: UK / Europe Rock-It Cargo Period: March - September 2017 Agency: SAS Agent: Steve Hughes Phone: +44 77 7925 7295 E-mail: [email protected] Homepage: sas-ents.com

PATRICIA KAAS Territory: Worldwide Period: On demand Agency: Richard Walter Productions Agent: Jean-Hugues Feugeas Phone: +33 432 600 599 E-mail: [email protected] Homepage: www.rwprod.org/en/artistes/patricia-kaas.html

PHIL RUDD BAND (EX AC/DC) Territory: Europe Period: April to June 2017 inclusive Agency: Fizzion and Frusion Agent: Ian Smith Phone: +44 77 9169 9889 What do Bruce Springsteen, Mumford & Sons, Lady Gaga, Boeing, APR Energy, E-mail: [email protected] Homepage: www.fizzion.eu/artist.php?id=139 Cirque du Soleil, the NFL, Christies and major trade shows have in common? They

all use Rock-It Cargo® to handle their most critical freight logistics. MAXIMO PARK Territory: Europe Period: 2017 Rock-It Cargo is a world-class company in the specialty freight forwarding and Agency: Primary Talent International Agent: Matt Bates logistics industry. With over 200 employees in 17 offices across the US and around Phone: +44 20 7400 4500 E-mail: [email protected] the world, Rock-It is prepared to handle all your international, time-sensitive, fragile Homepage: www.thewombats.co.uk and complicated freight moves. ANDREW STRONG Territory: Europe Originally specializing in entertainment and live events, Rock-It has expanded its Period: October 2016 - December 2017 Agency: AMA Music Agency Ltd. business into many industries that need the same special care and personal attention Agent: Mark Downing Phone: +353 862 504 795 that the music industry has depended on for thirty five years E-mail: [email protected] Homepage: www.amamusicagency.ie/andrew-strong/

UNCLE LUCIUS Territory: Europe - UK festivals Period: June - August 2017 Agency: SAS Agent: Steve Hughes About Our Company Phone:+44 77 7925 7295 E-mail: [email protected] VIP-Booking’s core product is the Internet’s oldest and largest­ Homepage: uncleluciusmusic.com database ­for the European Live Entertainment Industry www.vip-booking.com ­developed as a tool for industry professionals­. Since it’s launch in the year 2000, we have consist- ently offered our subscribers the very best in database services and MORE ARTIST AVAILS ON: now boast subscribers­ in over 30 countries. WWW.VIP-BOOKING.COM

POST YOUR ARTIST AVAILS ON: Today VIP-Booking offers a range of tools for the industry­ WWW.VIP-BOOKING.COM – including VIP-News, VIP-Booking, VIP-Book and VIP-Contract.

Please visit vip-booking.com for further information­.

Your comments and suggestions are always appreciated­.

®

Andrew Strong

vip-booking.com 20