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VIP- News›› ›› premium Vol. 138 AUGUST 2011

McGowan’s Musings:

Usually, as you know, this opening section being light hearted evaporated with this tends to be in the main quite light hearted, further terrible incident and I and all at VIP and in fact I had already written a piece would prefer to use this space to convey that was at least partially in that vein. It our heartfelt condolences to all those di- was definitely more sombre than usual as rectly affected by these terrible events and it referred to the deaths of three important to all of their families and friends. and well-loved members of the live music community – we include obituaries in this We hope that all of you that are involved issue. I also mentioned the recent rioting with those open-air events still to take and looting that went on in London and place are favoured by the weather and all the rest of England and its awful and last- proceeds safely and successfully. ing effects on individuals, and communi- ties and businesses, including the independent record industry as a result of the fire at the Sony warehouse that stored the stock of a huge number of independent record companies. Allan McGowan

Then came reports of stage collapses in the US, with the worst disaster being at the Indiana State Fair, with five killed and many badly injured. But then as all was due to go to print came the news from Bel- gium with more horrifying evidence of the destruction that the elements can bring, with further deaths and multiple injuries at the Pukkelpop Festival. All thoughts of

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Obituaries Allan McGowan [email protected]

Willie Robertson:

Willie Robertson, who died of cancer aged 67 on Saturday the 9th July, virtually single-handedly created insurance cover for entertainers in the 1970s, when he introduced non-appearance and equipment cover for rock’n’roll bands. With his partner Bob Taylor, he went on to create an international company – Robertson Taylor – that insured almost every big concert Willie Robertson (including Michael Jackson’s last series in 2009 at the O2 arena). An omnipres- Although Michel never presented himself ent and charming figure at the ILMC and as an industry power player in the pub- other events Willie was a true legend from lic spotlight, he was always behind the the live music industry, and both at work scenes moving miraculously big things. and at play was a charming, considerate, He was the opposite of power-hungry entertaining and hardworking friend, a power brokers being too unselfish, which most excellent host, and a valued col- distinguished him. As the foster father of league who will be so very much missed the Bureau Export De La Musique Fran- by so many. caise he had already developed structures in the early nineties which much of the French music industry still benefits from Jean-Francois Michel today. He was one of the very few persons with an institutional background that for Founder of the Bureau Export De La Mu- the first time provided access to public sique Française and head of the European funding for popular music artists and the Music Office, died at the age of 69 on 23 business behind them. Funding which July in Paris. was previously reserved for public cultural institutions. He succeeded in creating ac- With the death of Jean Francois Michel not tually quite transparent and equally fair Colophon ›› only the French but the whole European conditions for all eligibility criteria. music community lost one of its most ar- VIP-News is published by: dent advocates. Jean Francois was also a staunch support- VIP-Booking 145-157 St John Street er of the European ideal. Even on the po- London Ec1V 4PW Even if the definition of lobbyists is some- litically sophisticated parquet in Brussels, times considered a critical term, Jean where he operated besides professional Managing Director: Ronni Didriksen Michel represented the exception in this bodies such as CIESAC, IFPI or IMPALA, he [email protected] type of profession. Almost incompara- opened up doors for the support of pop ble, Michel seemed to work like no one music . He opened up minds in a highly General Manager: Peter Briggs else for the good of the music industry, bureaucratic environment for music is- [email protected] first in France and later at the European sues. He belonged to those who man- level. He was definitely not one to make aged for the first time to raise awareness Writer and editorial: Allan McGowan a big fuss about himself; on the contrary, among the rank and file in politics and the [email protected] Michel was more of a subtle diplomat administration for the profession and the who worked in the background. Right art of popular music. Together with Otto Writer: Manfred Tari up until recently, Michel was still taking Donner, the former chairman of the Finn- [email protected] care of business, working on the various ish copyright collection society Teosto he projects he often started or was involved set up the European Music Office. He suc- For advertising enquiries pls. contact Peter Briggs [email protected] in, too many to mention in this obituary. ceeded in even convincing the EU Com- or +44 870 755 0092 Yes, Michel was a functionary, but a func- mission to promote the European Border tionary that impressed by his integrity, his Breaker Award, the one and only pop- Lay-out: Pekaye Graphics, Phuket – Thailand perseverance, reliability and foremost by cultural project on the official agenda of [email protected] his personality. the EU. He was also an important pioneer

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and supporter of the European Talent Ex- change Program of the Dutch Buma Cul- tuur foundation and Noorderslag Founda- tion in the political world of Brussels.

The death of Jean Francois is unfortunately a very sad occasion on which to value his work and his legacy. Much of what he has done for the music industry in France, in Europe and even in Africa is not self- evident. He was a musical cosmopolitan, very open-minded and remarkably free of vanity, someone who has actually self- lessly created things and championed causes that can be considered as truly sustainable and meaningful, even in the fast-paced music industry. Jean-Francois Michel A close associate, who met him the day before his death, reports that Jean-Francois Emmanuel Legrand, to them the relevance of European reper- Michel was still concerned with upcom- Journalist: toire. Jean-Francois Michel was for me a ing projects and plans. He was still full of very inspirational person and it was very hope and confidence that these projects Jean-Francois was a friend and someone impressive to see that he worked with a will grow positively. With this in mind, it I knew I could rely on. I’ve known him long term vision regarding collaborations is probably quite likely that he certainly since I started in journalism in the mid- that are of benefit for music. wished that his colleagues and former 80s. He was then running the FCM. We and current employees will be able to started working on projects together continue his work, maintaining the mean- when, alongside a few partners, I had the »Jean-Francois was a ing and spirit of the admirable attitude of crazy idea to celebrate the bicentennial of charismatic fighter for the Jean-Francois Michel. the French Revolution on July 14, 1989 in European idea to let music New York with French artists. Jean-Fran- cross borders. He was a great The funeral took place on 30 July in Nor- cois backed the project immediately and leader for the European mandy. In September there will also be a helped us go through the hurdles of the Music Office« commemorative ceremony at the Eglise financing. The event was a success and - Christof Huber Saint-Eustache Church in Paris. helped him “sell” the idea to the music industry and the French government to set Statements and Comments on the loss of up the FMO. Christof Huber, Jean-Francois Michel General Secretary Yourope: We have since seen each other as regularly Maria Agnes Beau, as our schedules allowed. I always enjoyed Jean-Francois was a charismatic fighter BAM! Global Music Services: our encounters. We always had projects to for the European idea to let music cross discuss, but once the order of the day was borders. He was a great leader for the Eu- So much to say about Jean-Francois, espe- over, we would engage in long conversa- ropean Music Office. We have taken the cially after working for 12 years with him tions about “tout et rien” as the French news of his death with great sadness. He launching the French Music and European say, “everything and nothing”, over tasty will be missed! offices. A true visionary; one of his great- food and a good bottle of wine.* est talents was to gather the most diverse people around a table to set up very im- * Taken from: John Northcote: probable but necessary co operations: he legrandnetwork.blogspot.com created the first joint venture between the John Northcote, Chief Operating Officer French government and the music indus- Peter Smidt, (CEO), Academy Music Group (AMG), try which worked as a model and led to Buma Cultuur: passed away on Wednesday 10th August the European Music Office and Diversites. 2011 at the age of 62 after pro-longed ill- I can remember that what led me to work He was a pioneer in the development of ness. John will be remembered by many with him was when he gathered French the cooperations in favour of European as the man who reinvented the live venue and US cops and rappers in Harlem in the music. He was one of the first ones lob- circuit, music was his passion and the driv- very early 90s... and it worked !!! bying the EU-commission and explained ing force in his life, right to the end. His vi-

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sion to create a network of entertainment venues across the UK made him such a remarkable figure, alongside his commit- ment to supporting new music, building smaller venues and ‘giving new bands a platform to play’. He started out at the Break For The Border Group in the early ‘90s running the Border Line in Charing Cross, booking acts like Sheryl Crow, Blur and Lenny Kravitz. In 1994 he acquired Shepherd’s Bush Empire to reopen as a live music venue, quickly followed by the purchase of the famous Brixton Academy. By 2000 he expanded AMG, working with promoters to establish a network of Acad- emy venues across the United Kingdom with investment from SJM Concerts and Metropolis Music, soon followed by Live Nation/Gaiety Investments as shareholders. He will be greatly missed, and as a release from friends and colleagues at The Academy Group stated, “Long may his legacy continue.” Paul Cheetham

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Songkick UK Concerts Took a Drop in 2010 Launches I - After the Boom Phone APP Allan McGowan [email protected] Allan McGowan [email protected] According to the now annual music in- do very good work and have provided dustry report from PRS For Music, box a barometer for the consideration of office takings for pop and rock con- the overall state of the industry – par- certs in the UK fell for the first time in ticularly the live business which, in more than a decade in 2010, with fans the UK, has not previously been great spending £844m on face value tickets at producing, considering and acting in 2010, down from £957m in 2009, a upon, the relevant figures. drop of 12%. Reassuringly the report does not see But before we all panic and become the UK business taking hits as big as used car salesmen or the like, it ap- those suffered by the US live business pears that there were however miti- in the last couple of years – and even gating factors, so we can relax – but there the signs of recovery seem good only a bit, it never does to become at the moment. The report projects that Live music web service Songkick has complacent! Part of the drop was revenues were likely to bounce back launched a new iPhone and iPad app blamed on the fact that big selling this year thanks to tours by Rihanna, which will allow users to track their acts including The Rolling Stones Westlife and Justin Bieber, along with favourite bands, browse live listings and Take That did not tour last year – Take That’s record-breaking stadium by location, and share concert plans, which obviously they can’t – not every shows. This summer, the band played all via their portable devices. year. Also some major artists, such as to 1.8 million people in the UK, and that Kings of Leon and Rod Stewart, opted tour is likely to make a noticeable dif- At launch, the app scans the user’s to play in arenas instead of stadiums ference to the figures for 2011. music library to find artists to track as a result of the economic downturn, (the scanning screen is worth down- PRS said. As the report said: “It would be very loading the software for on its own), tempting to look at these numbers and but probably most interesting is the Will Page and Chris Carey at PRS who jump towards a knee jerk reaction that ‘what gigs are happening near me put these reports together with of the live music bubble has burst. We tonight’ function which, although course the cooperation of the industry should not.” an obvious service to offer, is pretty cool nevertheless, benefiting, of course, from all the listings on the main Songkick platform.

Confirming the app launch, Song- kick founder Ian Hogarth told re- porters: “We’re on a mission to make sure music fans never miss another concert by one of their favourite artists. The Songkick Con- certs app makes it easy for music lovers to know when their favourite bands are coming to town, quickly check out ticket options, and share concert information with friends on Facebook and Twitter”.

Kings of Leon

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Festivals “performed strongly” in 2010, and promoters and bands alike have re- while arenas and mid-sized venues “held sponded accordingly.” up”, it said. But there was a “striking de- cline” in the number of stadium gigs com- The PRS for Music report, taking into ac- pared with the previous year.” In 2010, count secondary ticketing income and at- a number of stadium- and arena-filling the-event spending estimated the worth of bands were not on tour and many of those the live music sector to be £1.48bn last year. that did tour opted to play smaller ven- That is more than the recorded music sec- ues in order to limit their risk,” the report tor, with £1.24bn spent on CDs and digital said. “This risk-averse behaviour is rational downloads in 2010 - an annual drop of 8%. cycle of boom and bust, but rather show- in the current economic climate. It feels ing signs of maturity and cooling to a more as though the economic downturn has The report concludes, “Our view is that sustainable growth path, after a period of caught up with the live music industry, the live music business is not entering a unprecedented growth.”

Autumn Falls Festival Extends for 2cnd Edition in Brussels Allan McGowan [email protected]

This year’s Autumn Falls Festival will take place from Monday No- the bill were Lambchop, Beach House, Caribou, Junip, Factory vember 21st to Sunday November 27th. After the successful first Floor, Atari Teenage Riot, Olafur Arnalds and Baths. edition the Brussels indoor music festival will extend from three to seven nights. The mission is still the same: presenting quality live This year a limited amount of early bird tickets will be available music to passionate music fans and concert goers. giving access to every possible Autumn Falls show for 50 euro.

European booking agency and Benelux promoter TOUTPARTOUT First Acts announced are: will once again cooperate with a selection of renowned Brussels concert venues. Ancienne Belgique, Botanique, Cirque Royal, Ma- LOW / PINBACK / BILL CALLAHAN / METRONOMY / PINK MOUN- gasin 4 and VK* have already confirmed their participation. More TAINTOPS / PORTUGAL THE MAN / SCOTT MATTHEW / OKKERVIL to be confirmed. Last year’s edition accounted for three sold out RIVER / FOOL’S GOLD / SX nights, 6200 visitors and took place over 10 different venues which welcomed a total of 41 international acts. Some of the names on www.autumnfalls.be

Pinback will plat at the Autumn Falls Festival

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FESTIVAL REPORT Major UK Festival Promoters Express Concerns for the Future Manfred Tari [email protected]

A recent report from the BBC stated that a In recent interviews both Michael Eavis and possible for them all to survive. The market total of 31 music festivals have been can- John Giddings have ventured concerns is saturated” he said in an interview with celled or postponed in the UK this year, about the current and future prospects for the BBC earlier on in August. Melvin Benn and a surplus of events has resulted in festivals in the UK. Glastonbury founder of Festival Republic said in the same in- slower tickets sales than in previousyears. Eavis is quoted in an article in The Times terview session “There’s no question that regarding the future of probably the best tickets have sold slower than they previ- known open air event, saying, “It’s on the ously did. Money is definitely tighter.” way out”. Eavis assume that the festival has “probably got another three or four years”. But Benn is more upbeat about the future, He considers that there are economic rea- saying: “There will be a million people sons but also that, ”there is a feeling that that go to festivals this year. The idea that people have seen it all before.” somehow festivals are no longer popular is quite frankly ludicrous.” Like Eavis Giddings, organiser of the Isle of Wight Festival also assumes that the UK- Nevertheless Giddings adds: “It gets more Festival faces difficulties: “There are just difficult every year because the UK music too many events now in the UK and it’s im- industry isn’t making new stars so you end John Giddings

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up with the same acts going round and Apparently slower and lower ticket sales round,” and concludes very much like Eavis: for festivals are not only a UK phenom- “Muse are a fantastic act but you can’t have enon. In Germany Rock Am Ring wasn’t them at a festival every summer.” sold out this year after a record-breaking edition of the biggest German festival in Previously in an interview with BBC6, Ben 2010. Also in our interview with Gunnar Turner said on behalf of the UK Associa- Lagerman of the revamped Hultsfred Fes- tion of Independent Festivals (AIF) that: tival in Sweden he explained about the dif- “Prices for talent increases and increases ficulties in the Swedish festival market. and increases every single year.” He furthermore added: “I think it’s something Still there are many festivals doing ex- Rock am Ring that agents, managers and artists need to tremely well this year, (see article on T in be more aware of, that these festivals that the Park in DF Concerts story in this issue.) nomical climate are increasing challenges they supposedly love, they need to show but factors like higher fees for artists, ris- that festival promoters have to deal with some support for that.” ing production costs and the overall eco- these days.

Wacken 2011 - Once Again 75.000 Tickets Sold Manfred Tari [email protected]

The Wacken festival celebrated its 22nd efforts. Entitled “Metal 4 Nature” the pro- Glass bottles are banned completely from edition this year. According to the promot- gram utilised 3 additional so called “Trash the entire festival site. The promoter offer er ICS Festival Service GmbH, the event Mobiles” – pick up trucks that drove on free PET-bottles to visitors asking them to was actually visited by 85.870 people - al- the camping sites to pick up waste. On the decant beverages into these bottles. This though this official estimate also includes site itself there are 5 more waste collecting resulted in an 80 % reduction in cuts. artists, crew and guests. points. Also the promoter installed 4 km of power cables on the site and therefore was Together with the charity organization For this year’s event the promoter under- able to reduce the previous amount of 93 Viva Con Aqua, Wacken launched a water took several new environmentally friendly diesel generators. brand called, “Wacken Aqua.” Viva Con Aqua supports water supply systems in third world countries. Additionally Wacken visitors were asked to donate their deposit on beer cups to the organization by drop- ping off cups to Viva Con Aqua teams on the site.

In a previous VIP-News edition we reported that together with the University of Osnabrück and the support of Region- Nord Büro and Deutsche Bundesstiftung Umwelt (DBU) Wacken had developed a sustainable program to reduce the soil- compaction of the festival site.

The event itself took place from July 31 to August 2. The pre-ticket sales for the next edition started on August 8, The first confirmed acts for 2012 are Ministry, Ham- merfall, U.D.O, Amon Amarth, GammaRay, Cradle of Filth and the German band Scor- pions.

For more information please check: www.wacken.com Wacken 2011

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The Italia Wave Festival Contends with Adversity Allan McGowan [email protected]

The Italia Wave Festival is a peripatetic This first edition in Lecce however had its (not often I get a chance to use that word!) problems and did not work out as planned, event, which moves to different sites in It- although the bill was fine, with artists such aly, taking the spirit of the original Arezzo as Lou Reed, Jimmy Cliff and Paulo Nutini Wave Love Festival with it. I attended this performing fine sets with a great produc- fifth edition of the Italia Wave Festival 14-17 tion, the numbers were down, with only July in Lecce, Puglia, being aware that for the free night of Italian acts pulling a large director Mauro Valenti and his team, and crowd to the dauntingly large Lecce Sta- for the many aware of the history of this dium. The smaller Psycho Stage was well cultural event, that this was actually the attended during the day, but for strangers 25th anniversary of the event that began to the City and the area like myself, it was life in Tuscany in 1987, entitled ‘Provincia difficult to locate and more difficult to insonne’.Arezzo Wave earned the name of travel easily between the sites. Although “Italian Woodstock” over the years, attract- the area has some beautiful surroundings ing thousands of young people each year. and should be an attraction to tourists, not a lot seemed to be being done to attract Italian fans has not embraced the music tourists. festival as we know it now in the rest of Eu- rope, but Arezzo Wave, which became Italia I asked Mauro Valenti to explain what he Wave on moving to Florence in 2007, then thought had caused the setbacks: Marco Valenti - director Arezzo Wave moving on to Livorno for the next three editions, has a fine tradition. Remaining in “I agree about the quality of the shows. Do- We had to use the only available locations of the main a free event presenting not only ing the festival in the deep South of Italy was the city, even if far away one from each other music but other cultural events it has pre- a huge risk. The poverty of this territory and in order to realize all our proposals. We had sented an impressive array of international the Italian financial crisis together with a to face many inconveniences that one could acts including, Mano Negra, the Lenin- lack of curiosity toward new things are the call boycotts… The Province of Lecce told grad Cowboys, David Byrne, Nick Cave, symbol of our country. We are the only Ital- us officially that they would guarantee to fi- Sonic Youth, Moby, Tricky, Ben Harper. ian festival at an European level and if next nance us with a certain amount of Euros, but Most of the major Italian rock artists have year we repeat our experiment in Puglia, our then they changed their mind and by today passed through the Arezzo Wave. decision will depend very much on local and they have given only 75% of what they had Regional authorities and how much they promised. Mauro Valenti and the team have also acted want to bet on the local marketing of this ter- as ambassadors for Italian music at many ritory and on how much they will be able to Guarantees of connections and shuttles nev- international events, acting as an Italian contribute to becoming like Exit or other fes- er realized, and the police did not remove the Export Office and being involved with the tivals loved and wanted by worldwide music illegal vendors of food and drinks outside the ETEP programme from an early stage. globetrotters. stadium. If their prices were lower than ours probably people would buy from them rather than from our own concessions.

Despite all of the above, we were determined to do our 25th festival, maybe we were doped by the music! I think that the unique performances in Italy of Paolo Nutini and Kaiser Chiefs and the concerts of Jimmy Cliff and Lou Reed were flowers in the desert of this country. In September we will think about what to do now that we have had time to consider, for the moment we really thank you and everyone for having been with us.”

Despite this year’s disappointments there were high points and I certainly don’t think we have seen the last of Italia Wave, or the Arezzo Wave spirit! Italia Wave Festival

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Sziget Reports 77.000 Cashless Visitors Manfred Tari [email protected]

Sziget Festival makes Budapest a hot In addition to the festival card punters spot for festival tourism. According to can also buy a Festival Watch, another a press report issued by the festival catchy cash gadget promoted as being the 19th edition of the event attracted “rain and shower resistant and also beer 77.000 people coming from 61 coun- and mud proof”. This specially designed tries. Particularly festival goers from the watch offers the same payment function- Netherlands turned the festival site into alities as the card and can be purchased a “Dutch island on the River Danube” the for 30 Euro. However, refunding will only day before the open air event started. be given at the Top Up Points during the The reason for this was the arrival of two duration of the festival. For protection in of three chartered trains. the case of loss or robbery of the card, festival goers have to register the card While the Dutch community appar- or watch by a text message to a mobile ently came by train visitors from France, phone number or online at the website Italy and Belgium arrived one day later www.metapay.hu/fesztivalkartya. by bus. In the press release the Sziget organization declared that the festival: Cashless payment systems on large-scale “has a strong reason to claim the title events such as Sziget or Football stadiums ‘global village’… or even ‘global town’, became possible due to the invention of judging by the massive size of the ven- so-called near field communication chips ue and the number of inhabitants.” (NFC). These chips enable the transfer of data in short range distance. Besides Another new topic on the agenda of payment functionalities these chips also this festival was the introduction of a can manage paperless ticketing, access so-called Festivalcard. The promoter de- controlling or online streaming or down- cided that during the event and on the loads. Several smart phone producers site festival visitors could only pay for such as Blackberry, Nokia or Samsung goods with this card. As in some Euro- meanwhile offer cell phones that include pean football stadiums where cashless such a chip. In the future these chips payment systems are already in place, could also be used as car keys. this enables organisers to control the entire money flow and management But in terms of consumer satisfaction within their events. these kind of money management devices have limits. In many cases it is just The card is issued by Sziget Cultural a bargain for the card issuer who makes Management Ltd. and is also being a profit on non- reimbursed funds. Oth- used at other festivals by the company erwise it is more likely that cardholders such as Budai Gourmet, VOLT and the rather lose track of their money spending Heineken Balaton Sound. Unfortunate- within the system of cash free payments. ly cardholders won’t be able to trans- Another advantage for the card issuer is fer the balance on the card onto the that with the installation of such a system other festivals. For the cash free man- he controls the entire cash flow manage- agement Sziget Cultural Management ment of an event. It also means that mer- Ltd. had to install a complete network chants on the site completely lose over- of card readers and payment terminals all control of payment for their goods. known as Top Up Points. The maxi- Not to forget the difficulties if a merchant mum amount of money that could be charges you wrongly and your overpay- uploaded on this card is 240,000 Hun- ment vanishes into a virtual account… garian Forints, which is about 890 Euro. For every money upload Sziget charges Sizegt 2011 took place on August 8 100 Forints. To charge the card, festival to August 15. For further information visitors can pay with cash or with bank please go to the very proper website of or credit cards. this festival at www.sziget.hu

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20.000 Visitors for M’era Luna and one more Festival for FKP Scorpio Manfred Tari [email protected]

The FKP Scorpio promoted M’era Luna attracted 20.000 visitors volume of about 1.5 million Euros according to the local news- this year, down on the 24.000 one year ago. Primarily promoted paper Cuxhavener Nachrichten. Cuxhaven is located in Northern as festival for Dark Wave and Gothic this festival put on musically Germany and the festival side is located directly by the sea. For different acts such as Atari Teenage Riot, Apocalyptica, Hurts or further information please check www.deichbrand.de Patrick Wolf.

With the Deichbrand Festival in Cuxhaven FKP Scorpio added yet another festival to its portfolio. As Pollstar recently reported FKP together with former promoters and founders of the festival Scorpio formed a new company ESK Events & Promotion GmbH. The Deichbrand festival has operated since 2005 and is located in an industrial zone in Cuxhaven. FKP Scorpio launched the new company in June 2010, the directors are Folkert Koopmans, Marc Engelke and Daniel Schneider.

The festival hit financial trouble in 2008 into after the festival site suffered from damage due to bad weather, a situation repeated in 2009. This year the event pulled 18.000 visitors and a production M’era Luna

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Hultsfred Festival – The Comeback of a Festival? Manfred Tari [email protected]

Last year the Swedish festival market saw the departure of not one, but two of its major festivals, Hultsfred and the Arvika. But at least the Hultsfred festival was rescued and re-appeared on the market with the backing of the biggest European festival promoter, FKP Scorpio. Former Hultsfred-manager Gunnar Lagerman was persuaded to abandon his beloved toma- to-plants in order to return to his position as boss of Hultsfred again. VIP-News spoke with him. Gunnar Lagerman

VIP-News: Mission impossible completed? the price of two. Something that we could we worked together with Klangpiraten, a maybe have done earlier, if we had more man power supplier that works closely to- Gunnar Lagerman: Well, we’ve started time. I mean, we only decided in Mid-Jan- gether with FKP Scorpio. six feet under but we succeeded very well uary to go on with Hultsfred and that was with this festival. In a very short time we’ve already very late. VIP-News: Did you sell tickets abroad this had to build a line-up, the media was not year or was it mainly a Swedish audience? so positive as usual but I would say we’ve VIP-News: How were the media reactions? made it anyhow. Lagerman: Mainly Swedish, we’ve had Lagerman: Well, most of the media didn’t a connection to the Hurricane festival, VIP-News: How many visitors did you fi- believe that this was going to work. which then brought a bus of Germans up nally have? to Hultsfred. VIP-News: So, there was a large amount of Lagerman: About 11.000 people in the scepticism everywhere? VIP-News: And how was the media recep- end, which is almost three times more tion afterwards? than the festival had on account last year. Lagerman: Yes…but we managed to have a really good program, so last month some Lagerman: Well, I mean, some said we’ve of the media finally changed their minds done good, some said the area wasn’t »Many people still were but it was too late. crowded, of course the area could have afraid of buying tickets taken 20.000 people and we had heavy because they thought it VIP-News: The program was pretty much rain the first day, like 16 hours….we could might be cancelled again« pop and dance and not so much rock- have had a better start, yes. - Gunnar Lagerman acts…is that your new booking-policy at Hultsfred? VIP-News: How has the collaboration with the local city council worked out? VIP-News: How did the pre-sales do this Lagerman: Well, to an extent, we would year? have taken on more rock-acts but we Lagerman: It worked very well. I mean, we couldn’t get them when we started with planned to work out the festival-area in six Lagerman: They were slow; most of them the booking. weeks, in the end we built the area in six were sold during the last two weeks. Many days. And it worked out very well, in terms people still were afraid of buying tickets VIP-News: Who took care of the booking? of practicalities it was probably the best because they thought it might be can- festival ever. I have the feeling that 95% of celled again. Lagerman: I have done all of the bookings. those who bought tickets for this year will come back next year. I believe in the past VIP-News: Did last year’s ticket buyer get VIP-News: So FKP Scorpio mainly looked four, five years there might have 60% of their money back? after the logistical stuff? newcomers, which of course is a problem for a festival. Lagerman: No…. and that is definitely six Lagerman: Yes. We had several things that feet under. We started unfortunately too we looked after here in the Swedish office VIP-News: Do you know much about the late with a campaign whereby last year’s but when it comes to the practical things audience, were they younger than before, ticket-buyers could buy three tickets for FKP Scorpio took care of it. Among others were they a different audience?

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Lagerman: No, we definitely had an older the situation, that you have to fence areas VIP-News: So, what is on your agenda for audience than before. where you can drink your beer. That’s the 2012? case at most festivals in Sweden, and that VIP-News: Do you know the average age? is something that maybe is okay when Lagerman: It’s a little bit early to say, but you’re 20 – 22, but if you are 26 it sucks. we will do an even better festival and a Lagerman: Not yet for sure, but there were bigger audience. probably more like 24 year olds rather than Now we had alcohol served all over the in- 19 as it used to be. We managed to get the field, people where not as drunk as it used license for serving beer all over the infield. to be, no accidents or fighting, whatever. It For further information please check: In Sweden as you may know It used to be was a very positive atmosphere. www.hultsfredsfestivalen.se

Melt! A Class Of Its Own Manfred Tari [email protected]

The 14th edition of the Melt! Festival re- Lehmkuhl: Last year we already focused cated to German Schlager, folk music and ported a sold out edition with 22.000 vision the mobility concept for Melt!. We maybe even comedy. tors. This festival is very special indeed. Lo- maintained this concept featuring train & cated in the very far east of Germany the bus transportation offers and discounted VIP-News: Any follow-ups in terms of the Melt! has become one of the most credible ticket prices on Deutsche Bahn. We offer consequences that love-parade caused for open-air pop events in Germany and has bicycles to hire here, which is very eco- the German live-industry? managed to attract one third of its audi- friendly to get an idea of the region. ence from abroad. Lehmkuhl: Yes, officially there is a much This year the biggest news in regards of bigger awareness of security-concerns Melt! Is a festival where even veggie and green music, and that is a really great here with Melt! I mean Ferropolis is a organic food is no longer an exception. thing, is that in cooperation with Ferropo- pretty safe venue anyway as it is built for No, at Melt! these kind of visitor friendly lis and the solar-industry company Q-Cells, events and therefore fulfils high security amenities are part of the standard reper- we installed solar-panels on the roofs that standards. So here at Melt we didn’t have toire and among others just another asset we have here. So most of the energy we big knock-on effects from love-parade, to keep its visitors happy. use here this year is coming from our own but our own awareness to even look into solar panels, it is sun energy and I think things and keep a closer eye on the move- VIP-News spoke with Stefan Lehmkuhl that is a big thing for a festival. That’s not ments of crowds on each floor. The pro- about the efforts made to ensure the sus- only for Melt!, that is something that is for gram of the festival is the most important tainability of this in many ways, very differ- all shows that will take place here in the fu- thing that helps to steer the movement of ent festival. ture on our site. the crowd on the site.

VIP-News: What is different at Melt! 2011 VIP-News: You are also involved in Me- For further information please check: compared to previous years? tropolis, the company that actually takes www.meltfestival.de care of the bookings for the Ferropolis site. Stefan Lehmkuhl: Not too much, we’ve What are your plans for the site? sold out much earlier, about one and a half months before, at the end of May. Lehmkuhl: We are working on improving The rest didn’t change too much, we have the amount of events taking place here, the same stage-setup, many more LED- this year we had not too many concerts, Lights, not only to save more energy, also mainly industry-events, some sports- to make it look more stylish and I think events and theatre productions. For next the stage-designs are pretty well done year we’re working on improving the this year. number of concerts and we will establish some of our own formats for next year. VIP-News: You are setting some remark- Some different festival formats for totally able standards with Melt! when it comes different audiences, especially for regional to environmentally friendly concepts for audience. So I think next year we will have open air events. How do you proceed with about 6 weekend events from Melt to these kinds of activities? Splash, some rock festivals, events dedi- Stefan Lemkuhl

VIP-BOOKING.COM VIP- News - August 2011

New service for musicians: MyMusicMailer.com launches!

MyMusicMailer.com is a tool that enables artists to DISTRIBUTE their music to more than 6.000 venues and agencies worldwide at the click of the mouse!

VIP-Booking.com has recently expanded its an EPK to the entire network without being services by launching MyMusicMailer.com selective would be costly and the fee would - a new online promotion tool directed to- no longer be symbolic”, he says. wards artists within the live music industry. Thus VIP-Booking.com has moved beyond Ronni has – as he is busy running the thriv- being a business-to-business resource re- ing VIP-Booking.com - chosen to leave the served for entertainment industry profes- marketing of MyMusicMailer.com to his sionals only, as performing artists are now two new employees – Marie Weiergang given the opportunity to access parts of the and Laura Skriver, who have taken on the VIP network database and thereby distrib- job with great enthusiasm. ute and promote their own music. The team behind MyMusicMailer - ready to shout it out! “We are spreading the word about MyMusic- According to Ronni Didriksen, founder and Mailer.com”, Marie says, “and I truly believe MyMusicMailer.com lets you distribute director of VIP-Booking.com, MyMusic- in the concept, because MyMusicMailer.com your EPK directly to venues and agen- Mailer.com has risen as a natural develop- really is the perfect tool for musicians to dis- cies. The receiver gets all information in ment of VIP-Booking.com’s already existing tribute their music to the live music industry one presentation and the EPK has a very services. Previously, chosen subscribers of and to get through to the right people – and professional appearance – it’s a classy yet VIP-Booking.com were given the opportu- besides that, there are currently no existing simple presentation of the artist and their nity to present and distribute their artists’ services like it in Europe, so there is an actual music, she says. material to other professionals in the VIP need for this kind of service amongst musi- network database through VIP-Showcase. cians”, she says. Ronni points to the fact that the role of com. This proved to be a success and con- the record labels is diminishing in terms tributed to the rising demand for such a Laura agrees “This tool makes it so much of breaking new artists. The record labels service – not only amongst professionals easier for musicians to be independent and no longer have the same recourses and but also amongst performing artists. promote themselves, because it provides funds available for promoting new talent them with the needed information and con- as they used to. Therefore there is a need “The concept of MyMusicMailer.com is quite nections that otherwise takes lots and lots of for a service like MyMusicMailer.com for simple”, Ronni says, “When you register on hard work and not the least time to acquire. artists, who want to make an effort them- MyMusicMailer.com you get access to part Besides that it’s very easy to search and navi- selves and get their music out. “As US mu- of the VIP-Booking.com database which gate the database – you just select and con- sic blogger Bob Lefsetz said at a conference is Europe’s most comprehensive internet nect – it’s that easy! In that way musicians recently: “It’s no longer about content, it’s database containing information on more who subscribe to MyMusicMailer.com are about distribution” Ronni adds. than 10.000 venues and agencies all over the given a head start”, she says. world. When registered, you createan EPK “I’m confident that both the professionals (Electronic Press Kit), where you can upload According to Marie, what separates My- within the live music industry as well as the your picture, audio/video and biography MusicMailer.com from other sites, such as artists will welcome our initiative and make and email it directly to the venues, festivals MySpace and others alike, is the fact that it a success”, he says. or management companies of your choice”, he explains.

It´s free to sign up, but MyMusicMailer.com charges a symbolic fee for each EPK sent. According to Ronni this is partly to ensure that artists are selective about whom they contact and thus that the professionals don’t experience an overload of EPK’s that are not relevant to them. “Choosing to send

VIP-BOOKING.COM VIP- News - August 2011

Showdown for Popkomm 2011 Manfred Tari [email protected]

Popkomm is by far extent the best know music industry trade event in Germany. This year’s event will take place from Septem- ber 7 to 9 at the former airport Tempelhof in Berlin. But Pop- komm is no longer a stand-alone event, like the Berlin Festival it is now an embedded event within Berlin Music Week.

Berlin Music Week is basically a political, or perhaps better said, a city marketing product. It remains a bit of a mystery what those responsible in Berlin are aiming to establish and to invest into this new brand. For the music industry Popkomm is still seen as the destination to head to in Berlin.

VIP-News spoke with Daniel Barkowski, who has been head of industry convention for two years, about the difficulties and challenges presented by the upcoming edition and the future of this event.

VIP-News: How are things looking for Popkomm 2011?

Daniel Barkowski: Popkomm 2011 is very promising. We are extremely proud to announce that for the first time a foreign minister is attending the Popkomm Opening. Ewa Björling the Swedish Minister of Trade opens the Popkomm conference with a keynote on Wednesday, September 7 th.

On Wednesday and Thursday the Popkomm conference focuses on the digital music industry with various keynotes and panels at the Popkomm Media_Gate. Popkomm Media_Gate is a format for the digital music industry with companies such as Google, Microsoft, Napster, Finetunes and Gracenote discussing the latest trends and topics in panels and workshops. Furthermore we involved in many music and media industry cooperations. One partnership is with the medienboard Berlin–Brandenburg where Popkomm will be hosting a panel called ‘Music_Media_ New Radio: Business Models and Digital Strategies on Tuesday,

Daniela Barkowski

VIP-BOOKING.COM VIP- News - August 2011

September 6th, from 4.30 pm – 6.30 pm. with industry experts from music export you re-approach these organisations, are Professionals within the music industry agencies, national and international as- you going to invite them? will showcase all the new formats and pro- sociations and 115 selected Popkomm grammes that a renaissance in the music artists. We are also happy to announce the Barkowski: We are very pleased to wel- business holds in store. cooperation with the Berlin based organi- come them as delegates at Popkomm sation Berlin Music Commission. With the 2011. We have been working with interna- Thursday is dedicated to more general networking formats such as one-on-one tional partners and especially the music music topics and on Friday we are expect- matchmaking and round table discussions export offices for years and it is our aim to ing Melvin Benn from Festival Republic delegates are invited to MEET BERLIN on support their national artists. This year’s as a keynote speaker focusing on the live September, 7th at the Networking_Gate. showcase programme will be fully pro- sector. We are very pleased about our two The Berlin Music Commission invites to moted to all Popkomm delegates to assist innovative event formats Media_Gate and network, to gain new insights, to learn ide- artists to gather the attention of the right Networking_Gate, our networking and as from other industries and last but not people in the right place at the right time. matchmaking platform, which confirm least to make premium contacts. Our music manager Paul Cheetham places that Popkomm has become even more as many artists as possible on to the Berlin multi-faceted and provides a strong im- Special highlights are the music supervi- Festival, various Berlin Music Week events, pact into future developments. We cover sor sessions with Tess Taylor from NARIP club nights and parties that will take place topics of fundamental interest to the mu- and Andrea von Foerster and Gary Ca- throughout the city during this exciting sic industry and with the Popkomm show- lamar will meet Popkomm delegates for week of music and entertainment. cases help to promote artists from every direct pitches. Andrea von Foerster is re- continent. sponsible for The O.C., Grey’s Anatomy, Vip News: In terms of booking procedures, Dollhouse, Stargate Universe, Gary Ca- I have been told, that artists only can play Vip News: Was it difficult to assemble -ex lamar for the soundtrack of True Blood, at Popkomm showcases if they have a hibitors and delegates for this year’s Pop- Dexter and House. record company or an agent that also has komm? Was it more difficult than in previ- a stand. Is that correct? ous years? Vip News: Many People outside of Ger- many and even Germans, who are not Barkowski: Artists have to be linked to an Barkowski: This is my second Popkomm from Berlin have problems understand- exhibitor or co-exhibitor at Popkomm to and I’m very pleased with the expected ing the difference between Berlin Music play at the Popkomm Showcases. That’s audience. Exhibitors from 22 countries Week, the Berlin Festival, Popkomm and why we are working very closely with the including, for the first time, Israel and All Together Now. What is the overall international music export offices to sup- Argentina, will attend Popkomm, along goal for it? Popkomm is internationally port their artists. The link to the exhibition the best known trademark, so why does it part allows them to get the best exposure need another brand entitled Berlin Music when they come to Popkomm and benefit Week? from the support of the structure while attending. Barkowski: Last year was a little bit difficult for foreign people to understand Vip News: How many people are you ex- what Berlin Music Week stands for as it pecting at this year’s Popkomm? was a kind of creation process for all the different partners. But I think we’ve made it very clear this year. Berlin Music Week »This year’s Popkomm once is the umbrella brand whereas Popkomm again provides a vibrant is the B2B-platform within the Berlin Mu- and creative setting for the sic Week. We’re concentrating on match- worldwide music industry« making, B2B sessions such as our daytime - Daniela Barkowski showcases for a B2B audience. We are the only partner within the Berlin Music Week offering special networking formats and Barkowski: Definitely not less than last conference topics to international and year and I’m looking forward seeing eve- national music and creative industry del- ryone at Popkomm from 7th - 9th Sep- egates. tember. And of course, everyone is also invited to the ‘European Music and Media Vip News: In terms of partners, there are a Night’ in the E-Werk Berlin. This year’s couple of former Popkomm partners such Popkomm once again provides a vibrant as Buma Cultuur or the BPI that won’t and creative setting for the worldwide have Popkomm stand this year. How do music industry. Daniela Barkowski

VIP-BOOKING.COM VIP- News - August 2011

ETEP 2.0 Looks East with CEETEP Allan McGowan [email protected]

With the help of the recent grant from the European Commission ETEP (European Tal- ent Exchange Program*) has announced a new development and expansion as ETEP 2.0. The new version will welcome the involvement of eight new festivals from Central Eastern Europe (CEE) joining ETEP in 2012, and it is planned that ETEP 2.0 will grow from 60 participating festivals in project: Coke Live Festival – Poland, Podo- Piotr Miazek of the Zloty Melon Concert 2011 to 100 in 2015. ha – Slovakia, Rock For People – Czechia, Agency, and a representative of Wood- Taksirat – R. Macedonia, T-Mobile INmusic stock Festival Poland told VIP-News , “I Together with in total 13 CEE-ETEP fes- Festival – Croatia, , B’estfest – Romania, would like to say that we are proud to be tivals in the CEE region and around 26 Exit – Serbia, Wilsonic – Slovakia, Sziget – taking part in the CEETEP program. It is our media partners, Eurosonic Noorderslag Hungary, Heineken Opener Festival – Po- deep conviction that music made in Po- and co-organisers Sziget and Exit Festival land, Positivus Festival – Latvia, Spirit Of land and elsewhere in this part of Europe will develop a scheme for the circulation Burgas – Bulgaria, and Woodstock Festival is just as good as in the western music, and of CEE artists and repertoire in Central – Poland. that our talent pool is just as big. It would Eastern Europe at the festivals and in the be great to hear Polish radio stations play- media, called CEETEP (Central and Eastern Certainly it appears that the Festival pro- ing good quality music from Romania, European Talent Exchange Program). By moters are taking the lead in trying to de- Hungary, Serbia, etc. working together the organisers and their velop both acts and industry in the Eastern media partners will help more CEE artists markets, many of them also promote at Thanks to the kind hospitality of the Exit perform across borders within Central small and mid level venues, and it seems Festival,VIP-News attended the second Eastern Europe and via shows at Eurosonic that their motives are not only to fill the CEETEP meeting in Serbia at which the Noorderslag in the Netherlands through- venues and attract bigger audiences to following mediapartners of the 13 CEETEP out the whole of Europe and beyond. their festivals, but to open up the possibili- festivals joined the program: MR2-Petőfi ties for local talent to play in neighbouring Radio – Hungary, KOMMPOT Communica- Fruzsina Szép from Sziget Festival says: “A territories and eventually into Western Eu- tion – Hungary, Neston – Hungary, First long wish and a plan that has developed rope. Macedonian net portal – Macedonia, Ra- during former Region Conferences in Buda- dio 103 – Macedonia, Antyradio – Poland, pest is finally taking shape by placing CEE Girts Majors of Latvia’s Positivus Festi- Czech Radio - Radio Wave – Czech Repub- talents on the European musical map.” val told VIP-News at The Great Escape in lic, Radio 101 – Latvia, Metropotam portal Brighton this year, “Besides organising – Romania, Radio Belgrade 1 – Serbia, Da- Ivan Milivojev from Exit says: “CEETEP has Positivus, the biggest music and arts fes- rik Radio – Bulgaria, 24 hours news paper started, festivals confirmed, media joined, tival in the Baltic states, with a capacity of – Bulgaria, Croation Radio – Croatia. I can feel the stir of a new project being 20,000+ festival goers, as promoters we born out of great idea. Bands will start to have been operating for 8 years now fo- Laurent Marceau, Head of Eurosonic/Radio circulate, I am delighted that all this hap- cusing on Western artists concerts in Riga. Plus at the European Broadcasting Union, pened at EXIT festival, to see this potent The 1990’s saw the dawn of the music told VIP-News, “Hope for the best and pre- and beautiful cooperation at work. CEETEP industry in Latvia. At the moment/cur- pare for the worst… I don’t know who said has started. You`ll certainly hear more rently recorded music business has almost this but this cannot apply to the CEETEP about it.” ceased to exist. Most of the business is for- programme. Joining forces between festi- eign artist live shows and majority of them vals and (public) broadcasters makes real Peter Smidt from Eurosonic Noorderslag being arena-level. Some of the Western sense, it contributes to cross-border dis- says: “With radio stations and media from artists have enjoyed the highest attend- tribution of music, and that’s simply great, all countries confirming their participation ance of their shows exceptionally in Riga. full stop. This scheme has a great future!” I am confident CEETEP will have an impact Club-level shows are rare and undevel- … A sentiment that we at VIP greatly sup- for talent in the CEE countries. This is an- oped due to infrastructure problems. The port – Watch this space! other step in better circulation of Europe- good sign in recent years is that some of an repertoire in Europe.” the local artists have also managed to se- *ETEP 2.0 cure sold out arena-level shows.Our plan At the first CEE-ETEP (CEETEP) meeting in for the near future is to focus on 2,000 ca- Eurosonic Noorderslag will work together Budapest in May this year the following 13 pacity gigs. We’re about to open and run on more exposure for the selected ETEP festivals agreed to work together on this our own venue like that in Riga. acts with the following partners: Euro-

VIP-BOOKING.COM VIP- News - August 2011

pean Commission / Sena Performers / (MICA) / Music Centre Flanders / Music ropean festivals, radio and other media Buma Cultuur / EBU. And with Co-organ- Export Norway / Wallonie Bruxelles Mu- at Eurosonic Noorderslag and stimulates isers: Yourope / Initiative Musik Gmbh / siques (WBM). them to ‘exchange’ a selection of artists. European Music Office (EMO) / Festival Since the start of the ETEP program in 2003 Exit / Festival Sziget / Bureau Export de With the exchange and support of new a total of 1330 shows by 489 European art- la Musique Française (Burex) / Catalan European music in Europe being one of ists were presented at the 60 ETEP festivals Institute for the Cultural Industries (ICIC) the main goals of Eurosonic Noorderslag, (2003 – 2011) / Fondazione Arezzo Wave Italia (FAWI) the special European Talent Exchange Pro- / Finnish Music Information center (FIM- gram (ETEP) was introduced in 2003. Each The updated ETEP website will be online in IC) / Music Information Centre Austria year ETEP brings together the leading Eu- September 2011 - www.etep.nl

Reeperbahn Campus Allan McGowan [email protected]

As organiser Detlef Schwarte explains The cus on the Recorded Music Industry and Reeperbahn Campus as a B2B-platform Live Entertainment Business. The tradi- and conference is one of three elements of tional panel format will be complemented the “Reeperbahn Festival - Music / Campus by presentations, keynote-statements and / Arts” which will take place in Hamburg, -interviews. from 22 –24 of September. Schwarte says, “The Reeperbahn Campus For the first time the B2B-platform pro- aims to establish itself as the central and vides several networking services for the most important forum for the interests of delegates. Most importantly are the “Net- the music industry and live biz in Germany. working Sessions” titled Meet the Manag- We want to provide the platform for a year- ers, Meet the Festival, Meet the Agents and ly gathering of the relevant representatives Meet the Promoters. These Networking of these two sectors to reflect on current Sessions are open for the delegates, but technical, economical and cultural devel- online-registration is required. They take opments that affect their businesses.” place in the Reeperbahn Campus Lounge on Spielbudenplatz. Panels will include: -

Also new in 2011: the Reeperbahn Campus Festival-Season 2011/12 with Stefan Leh- Showcases. Israel, Switzerland, Canada, mkuhl (Melt! Festival, DE), Gunnar Lager- Holland and some German organisations man (Hultsfred Festival, SWE), Rob Chal- Detlef Schwarte and companies will invite delegates and lice (Association of Independent Festivals, punters to check out their acts. The show- UK), Peter Smidt (Buma Cultuur, NL), Chris- will be discussed by a panel composed cases will take place during the daytime in tophe Platel (Paleo Festival, CH). Modera- of international music agents, including Reeperbahn Campus Pubs at Spielbuden- tion: Greg Parmley (IQ Magazine, UK) Emma Hogan (ITB, UK), Rense Van Kes- platz next door to the Reeperbahn Cam- sel (Friendly Fire, NL), Alexander Kralisch pus Lounge and the conference.These two In the course of the subject block THE (Melt! Booking, DE) and Michael Löffler elements are the most important parts of AGENT´S AGENDA the Reeperbahn Cam- (Target Concerts, DE). the B2B function of Reeperbahn Campus. pus will present a view of the music agency business in the year 2011 in three parts. As an introduction to the subject block, Besides this several German and inter- In a keynote interview with Allan McGow- Charlie Pressburg of the US American mu- national partners will invite delegatesto an, editor of the British VIP magazine, the sic journal Pollstar will provide a detailed receptions, parties or closed shop match- legendary agent Barry Dickins will explain overview of the Pollstar Boxoffice Half Year makings. his personal view of the current situation Results 2011, the most important key fig- of the music agency business and of tours, ures for the international concert and tour Conference: talents and ticket prices. business.

Even more than in the last two years the Subsequently the question of “How Do We More information: Reeperbahn Campus conference will fo- Keep the Business Going and Growing?” www.reeperbancampus.com

VIP-BOOKING.COM VIP- News - August 2011

DF Concerts – Live on All Levels in Scotland Allan McGowan [email protected]

Every now and then VIP-News will take a The current CEO of DF Concerts is G e o ff Paulo Nutini returned to perform and Biffy look at the activities of some of Europe’s Ellis, originally from Manchester, he joined Clyro presented the venue with a birthday best known promotion companies. Many DF in 1992 to run King Tut’s Wah Wah Club cake. of these enterprises are involved with which had opened in Glasgow’s St Vincent a much wider range of events than you Street two years earlier, his office is still King Tut’s prides itself on the level of serv- might think, and are extremely busy peo- above the club. Since then King Tut’s has ice it provides both bands and customers ple! In this issue we take a look at the ac- become one of the most popular music with food (always important in Scotland!) tivities of Scotland’s DF Concerts. venues in the country. Geoff Ellis told VIP- being a very important part of the busi- Newsabout the history and the present ness. The venue’s chefs are dedicated to DF was founded in Dundee as Dance Fac- success of maintaining very high standards when tory Concerts, and is one of Scotland’s feeding touring artists or providing sea- three major promoters. For a time DF was “Since opening in 1990 our ethos has been sonal menus for the customers. This has majority-owned by Irish promoter Denis to use King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut as a plat- led to another extension of the business Desmond’s Dublin company, Gaiety Invest- form for unsigned and up and coming with the recent development of King Tut’s ments, but in April 2008 Desmond sold his bands as well as showcasing some of the Catering, which provides catering services company’s 67% holding to US entertain- hottest talent from around the globe. Art- to a wide range of clients from weddings ment giant Live Nation, which acquired ists such as Radiohead, Coldplay, Snow Pa- and corporate events to crew and artist the stake through LN-Gaiety Holdings, its trol, The Killers, Florence and the Machine catering at other venues including the O2 UK joint venture with Desmond. Geoff Ellis and Oasis, who were famously signed at Academy and S.E.C.C. and promoter Simon Moran retained the the venue in 1993, all played in King Tut’s remaining 33% shareholding in DF and in the early part of their careers.” Ellis continues, “King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut the Company still retains the image and staff have always had a great camaraderie ethics of an independent promoter, oper- Currently the Club is absolutely central with many becoming close friends over ating from club level right through to ma- to the ‘Your Sound’ initiative to promote the years. I think this has a big impact on jor festivals. The Company owns and man- unsigned acts in Scotland and King Tut’s the welcoming atmosphere the venue has. ages legendary, and imaginatively named Records. Both of these ventures form an DF Concert’s own King Tuts Wah Wah Hut Glasgow club, King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut, essential part of DF’s overall plan to de- and our staff continually work with those promotes major international acts, such velop the music scene in Scotland. in King Tut’s as part of a wider team. We all as Take That, AC/DC, The Eagles, Coldplay know each other and some of our current and Jay-Z around the country and is re- Ellis considers it a testament to the hard staff in the DF office previously worked in sponsible for one of Europe’s leading open work and professionalism of the King Tut’s King Tut’s. In fact, I met my wife when she air events, T in the Park, plus The Edge team that many bands continue to return was managing the venue!” Festival (originally T on the Fringe) which to play in the venue, including some that combines forces with the Edinburgh Com- are now headlining their own stadium The Club was recently nominated as the edy Festival to bring Music and Comedy shows and festivals. For the venue’s 20th UK’s Best Small Venue by music magazine together at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. Birthday the Manic Street Preachers and NME. Ellis told VIP what he thought of this. “Being at the forefront of live music in Scotland whilst remaining an exceptional venue for our customers is something we take great pride in. I am very proud of everyone at King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut and pleased with this recognition, which fol- lows on from similar awards from Radio 1 and Radio Clyde.”

Festivals:

T in the Park is definitely DF’s flagship event, being responsible for more than half of the company’s turnover. It was ac- knowledged in the Scottish Parliament some years ago that the event contributed some £13 million to the country’s econ- omy. The risk that Ellis and his partners King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut

VIP-BOOKING.COM VIP- News - August 2011

took when they staged the first event in In his role as Festival Director, Geoff Ellis The Edge Festivaltakes place throughout 1994 when the event drew an audience of said, “We were delighted with the behav- the month of August, and is a series of 18,000 a day has paid off, and now attracts iour of the fans throughout T in The Park. over 40 gigs, taking place across various more like 80,000. Main sponsor, Tennents, Even a deluge of rain on Sunday failed to venues in Edinburgh alongside the Edin- the brewer, signed a five-year extension to dampen the great-natured and carnival burgh Comedy Festival, part of one of the its sponsorship in 2009. spirit of the crowd.Event Commander most famous Arts Festivals in the world, in Chief Superintendent Craig Suttie and a move which brings together two of the This year’s edition was considered one his team led the way with the community strongest forms of entertainment. of the best yet, perhaps the best ever, in style policing of his officers and it worked terms of atmosphere. The 18-year-old fes- superbly well. This, along with the excel- Highlights of this year’s edition include tival closed on Sunday 11th July, after full- lent work of the stewards, made this one The National, Jimmy Eat World, Example, on performances from some of the great- of the best – and safest – T in the Parks Wiz Khalifa, Gomez, The Vaccines, Panic! est acts in the world including arguably, six ever.” At The Disco, Morcheeba, Tim Booth, Guil- headliners: Arctic Monkeys, Coldplay, Foo lemots, Newton Faulkner, Heather Peace, Fighters, The Strokes, Beyonce & Pulp, as The Festival’s Citizen T initiative introduced Charlie Simpson, Admiral Fallow, Willy well as outstanding sets from the likes of last year also played its part. An innovative Mason, Jackie Leven and king of comedy Swedish House Mafia, Primal Scream, Plan programme that encourages people to show Jackass, Steve–O. B, The Script, Slash, My Chemical Romance, look out for their neighbours and the en- Tom Jones and Tinie Tempah. vironment around the festival site, Festival Speaking on the morning of the pro- goers are encouraged to sign up to the gramme launch, promoter Dave Corbet T in the Park also offered music from Scot- Citizen T manifesto, which is based around said: “We’re delighted to be joining forces tish Opera, covering a variety of genres. the following five-points with the Edinburgh Comedy Festival this The festival also supported home grown year and are pleased to be in such good grassroots talent through its T-Break ini- company. Music and Comedy have always tiative and the best of up and coming UK been great bedfellows and from the feed- talent through BBC Introducing. 1: This is our Festival: We pledge back we’ve had previously, people attend- allegiance to T in the Park and ing the festival like to build an evening The Festival remained trouble free; crime believe in being good citizens. of entertainment so what better than to figures were down with 53 arrests being 2: Everybody needs good catch a comedy show AND attend a gig? made between Thursday’s opening night neighbours; we pledge to look and top billing Foo Fighters closing the after each other. DF has also involved itself with shows out- event at midnight on Sunday. This figure 3: It’s all about the T Community side the music industry, such as Glasgow compares with 64 arrests at the same time Festival staff are here to help. On Ice and Radiance Glasgow’s inaugu- last year, 59 in 2009 and 69 in 2008. Most of Have fun but stay safe. ral festival of light. And it steps outside the arrests were for misuse of drugs, theft 4: Bin it; Rubbish belongs in the of Scotland every now and then, having and breach of the peace. bin. We’ll make sure it gets worked on outdoor events in Prague, Ber- there. lin, Val d’Isere and Moscow, and staged 5: A Tent is for life not just for T; music and extreme sports festivals in Va- We’ll take it home and re-use it lencia and Versailles.

The promoting business is not always an easy business and profit margins are not Geoff Ellis commented: “Citizen T gener- what they were in the heydays of the 70’s ates a feeling of being part of one big fam- and DF has like many had its problems at ily – it harnesses the already legendary times, like going into the red in 2008 when campsite atmosphere and is an initiative trying to establish The Hydro Connect which has been embraced by our audi- Festival - the antidote to T in the Park, a ence. We will certainly be looking to ex- boutique gathering on the grounds of the pand on this again next year.” Duke of Argyll’s Inveraray Castle, but the Company bounced back and continues to Following this outstanding festival week- build. DF has certainly built a reputation, end, T in the Park’s early bird tickets for the and it continues to involve itself in indus- 2012 edition sold out once again, proving try issues with Geoff Ellis serving as an ex- that demand for the festival remains as ecutive member of the Concert Promoter’s high as ever. T in the Park 2012 will take Association in the UK. place from 6 – 8th July as usual at Balado, by Kinross for the festival’s 19th year. www.gigsinscotland.com Geoff Ellis CEO DF Concerts

VIP-BOOKING.COM VIP- News - August 2011

Business News - Music in Shares artist avails ›› Manfred Tari [email protected]

Halfyear Results from CTS Halfyear Results from Live Groove Armada Eventim Nation Territory: Europe / Worldwide Period: Worldwide 2011 Agency: WME - William Morris Endeavor Lower revenue and profit results for “2011 has shown solid performance Entertainment the second biggest concert com- for two quarters, with improved re- Agent: Steve Hogan pany. For many years CTS Eventim sults across most of our key financial E-mail: [email protected] Homepage: www.groovearmada.com had been an investors’ darling, con- metrics, providing the basis for prof- sciously pleasing shareholders with it growth over the full year,” is how Dub Syndicate rising revenue and earnings results. Michael Rapino, CEO of Live Nation (feat. Adrian Sherwood and Style Scott) Still CTS Eventim compared to Live described the company situation Territory: Europe Period: November - December 2011 Nation is highly profitable but has within the latest business report of Agency: Paperclip Agency to deal with the departure of FKP the world’s biggest concert com- Agent: Rob Berends Scorpio as revenue contributor and pany. Phone: +31 24 323 9322 E-mail: [email protected] ongoing expenses due to the arbi- Homepage: www.paperclip-agency.com tration case with Live Nation at the The revenue climbed this year in the International Chamber of Commerce second quarter (Q2) up to $1.558 Firehouse in London. billion compared to last year’s rev- Territory: Europe Period: 1/2/2012 - 31/3/2012 enue result in the same period of Agency: ARM Entertainment The overall company revenue went $1.266 billion. The revenues gained Agent: Dana Strutz down from 270.9 to 263.8 million by company division Concerts alone Phone: +1 651 483 8754 E-mail: [email protected] Euro, the Earnings before Interests, jumped by about 25 % and reached Homepage: www.firehousemusic.com Taxes, Depreciation and Amortisa- the level of $1.082.2 billion as op- tion (EBITDA) decreased 5.4 % from posed to $859.5 million. Ghetonia 43.6 to 41.2 million Euro. The EBIT Territory: Worldwide Period: Generally available even went down minus 20.4 % from The half-year turnover result for the Agency: Maffucci Music 37.9 in H1-2010 to this year’s result of ongoing business year (H1) grew 21% Agent: Canio Rosario Maffucci 30.1 million Euro. from $1.99 billion up to $2.4 billion. Phone: +39 339 485 8107 In almost every business segment E-mail: [email protected] Homepage: www.italianworldmusic.com Within the ticketing segment, CTS Live Nation had been able to report Eventim managed to maintain its two digit figures growth rates. LA Guns (feat. Phil Lewis & Steve Riley) growth policy very well, even with- Territory: UK - Newcastle, Leeds, Manchester, Liverpool out a global ticketing service deal However, almost unusually for Live Period: 28/09/2011 - 29/09/2011 with Live Nation. The revenue went Nation the company also reported Agency: ARM Entertainment up from 81.5 to 104.1 million Euro, a net profit. Okay, only for Q2 where Agent: Dana Strutz which is a plus of 27.7 %. Instead the the company earned $13.25 million Phone: +1 651 483 8754 E-mail: [email protected] results of the Live Entertainment instead of a net loss of $32.78 mil- Homepage: www.laguns.net division of CTS Eventim went down lion in Q2-2010, but still a profit. Tak- 15.5 % from 192.8 to 162.9 million ing a look at H1 results still reveals a Thieves Like Us Territory: GAS Euro. net loss of $35.2 million which is still Period: Generally available much better than a minus of $155 Agency: Solar Penguin Agency Regarding the arbitration case CTS million in H1-2010. Agent: Michèl Dion Baltin Eventim reported that the first hear- Phone: +49 (0) 69 2562 6960 E-mail: [email protected] ing took place at the end of July. The Since the beginning of August the Homepage: www.solarpenguin.de trial is apparently supposed to last share price of Live Nation went down until the end of the year. from $11.4 to $9.38 when this article went to press. More Artist avails on: Due to 1:2 share splitting the share www.vip-booking.com price of CTS Eventim meanwhile is at 22.50 Euro. Post your Artist avails on: www.vip-booking.com

VIP-BOOKING.COM VIP- News News - August - August 2005 2011

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]

Tune in Tel Aviv at Reeperbahn Festival

Israel, especially Tel Aviv, is full of musical talents and some of them Line-up: - like Balkan Beat Box or Asaf Avidan - have been seen in the past years performing across the world. Now it’s time to present some 16:05 UZI RAMIREZ, www.myspace.com/uziramirez fresh acts which are stars at home, but still unknown abroad. 16:50 LORENA B, www.myspace.com/LorenaBGood 17:35 BILLY AND THE FIRM, www.myspace.com/billyandthefirm The “Tune in Tel Aviv” showcase on Thursday, September 22nd 18:20 WATER KNOT, www.myspace.com/waterknot 2011, from the Israel Export and International Cooperation Insti- 19:05 PHOTOTAXIS, phototaxis.bandcamp.com tute (IEICI) within this year’s Reeperbahn Festival present some of 19:50 FELIDEA TRICK, www.myspace.com/felidae.trick the most exciting newcomers. A perfect chance to acquire a taste 20:35 UMLALA, www.myspace.com/umlalainuse of pop and rock music from the young vivacious Middle Eastern 21:20 THE RAW MEN EMPIRE, metropolis. www.myspace.com/therawmenempire

“Our partnership with the Reeperbahn Festival this year is a first „Tune in Tel Aviv“ – Showcase, Thursday September 22nd, 4-10pm, step in bringing together the European and Israeli music market,” Kukuun, Spielbudenplatz 22, Reeperbahn, Hamburg. says Mira Geshel from IEICI. “We are pleased to finally present these bands to the music fans and professionals in Germany.”

The bands selected for the showcase present a mixture of en- ergetically pop and rock sounds with tastes of hard electronic beats as well as danceable pop-hymns, Blues, Indie, Soul, Funk VIP-Booking ApS cannot be held responsible for loss or damages or Rock’n’Roll. They mix up intense sounds with reflective lyrics, incurred as a result of transactions with individuals or companies through the notice board. We recommend all to make the necessary nonsense and self-criticism and prove Israel’s unique sound in enquiries before entering into any agreements. pop music. VIP-Booking ApS may not, for reason of space, be able to post all announcements received. Announcements should be emailed to [email protected], including name and email address. All bands and some more are presented on the comilation “Tune Please shorten your message to the extent possible, to make room for in Tel Aviv” (Finetunes) which will be released on September 16th as many notices as possible. digitally.

Website: www.tune-in-tel-aviv.com

The Raw Men Empire - by Tsvika Frosh Water Knot Uzi Ramirez By Dorel Gillerman

VIP-BOOKING.COM VIP- News News - August - August 2005 2011

Monthly featured Artist ›› Powered by MyMusicMailer

Ninet Tayeb

Origin: Israel Name: Rotem Vahnnich Style: Rock, Alternative Website: www.ninet.co.il Agency: Tedy LTD Phone: +972-52-600-33-12

Looking for: Booking, Management, Record Lable, Festivals

Ninet Tayeb won the first Israeli Idol in 2003. Since then she became one of the biggest artists in Israel. Her first album, released in 2006, sold Gold after only 24 hours. In 2009 she released her second album “Communicative”, a Rock Alternative album which received amazing reviews. The Communicative Live Tour was also praised by the press, making Ninet one of the best stage performers In the Local Music industry. Ninet is currently staring in the Musical “Spring Awaking – Israel”, and working on her first Album in English.

Ninet Tayeb

VIP-BOOKING.COM VIP- News - August 2011

Member presentation ››

In this section we offer members ofV IP-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]

RWE Arena Mülheim an der Ruhr

RWE Halle - a multi functional Venue focused in Concerts, Galas, Showbiz-Management & Booking Agency is the exclusive Mar- Conferences & Sport Events offering a perfect service to visitors, keter & tenant for the RWE Halle - 45468 Mülheim an der Ruhr - Artists and Promoters. Germany

In the Heart of Germany with best infrastructure and Cities around All kind of booking enquiries could be sent by e-mail to: like Duisburg, Essen, Oberhausen, Cologne and Düsseldorf – 15 [email protected] million people catchment area.

Capacity from 1000 to 4000, seated 3500 and 3 variable Tribunes gives multiple potentialities.

Some Facts and services we offer: - Large Foyer incl. separate Ticket Entries, Bars, Guest Wardrobes and culinary offers - Luxury VIP Lounge - 3 tiers variable to use - Externally roofed huge Terrace - Close to City Centre and Central Station & Airport - 14 Wardrobes incl. Showers and Lounge Furniture - Sauna area RWE Halle - Weight & Sport room - Production Offices incl. LAN, ISDN & Fax, WLAN all over the Venue - Press & Conference & Catering Rooms - Short distance (under 10 meter) from Loading Dock to Stage ground level - Bus and Tram stations named “RWE HALLE” are immediately outside the Venue

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.

vip-booking.com

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