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McGowan’s Musings

So – that’s England out of the World Cup very much in the running, and as for Ronni the sector is worth $2.5 billion. It now shows then…who to support now? As far as the VIP Didriksen, I’m not sure what the situation is that the live sector accounts for 34,131 em- team are concerned Peter Briggs is of course with Denmark. I’m usually able to hedge my ployees. This is greater than the 20,439 peo- English, a football fan, and I presume obvious- bets as I also have Irish citizenship and my ple employed in film and video as their main ly devastated at this poor showing; Manfred parents were born in , but as neither job. Apart from these figures being a great en- Tari, a Dortmund supporter, still has Germany country qualified it would be a bit pointless couragement to the live industry everywhere, to start to shout for either, so it’s all a bit of LPA’s Evelyn Richardson commented that the a quandary (another word I rarely get to use, live performance industry also generated less so that’s one advantage at least!). There’s a tangible benefits such as improved social co- McGowan playing for Australia, but having hesion, lifestyle improvement, diversity and never been there I feel little connection – apart increased creativity, not reflected in economic from friends such as Alia Dann of ILMC fame metrics. I find these comments encouraging in and Chuggi etc of course, so I think I’ll be ex- many ways, and Simon Jenkins echoed simi- tremely English and just cheer on the chaps lar sentiments in an article in The Guardian that play well! on June 20, entitled, “In this post-digital age, we still thrill to the power of live.” Amongst COLOPHON > Sorry about this deviation into the sports are- other reassuring things he said, “Most marked na, but of course there’s an almost symbiotic is that television and the internet have failed

VIP-News is published by: relationship between football and the music to replicate the exhilaration of the live event. VIP-Booking biz, you have to be extremely careful about This was supposed to mean death to concerts, 145-157 St John Street London Ec1V 4PW planning music conference events if they clash theatres, lectures, football matches, even res-

Managing Director: with a big match. Also I see that one of the taurants. Instead, these activities have fed off Ronni Didriksen [email protected] One Direction combo has bought into his lo- the web, growing and prospering. The money cal team, Doncaster Rovers (in the North of is ever more “at the gate”. Digital is an aston- General Manager: Peter Briggs England), and is listed as a reserve player, now ishing new means of communication. Yet it [email protected] there’s someone following his dreams! has not satiated the human appetite for mov- Writer and editorial: ing, meeting and touching.” Allan McGowan [email protected] Talking of Australia – we were, pay attention! So, I’ll leave you live industry folk with those

Writer: - Live Performance Australia (LPA) has released thoughts, comforting from both a business, Manfred Tari [email protected] some interesting figures regarding the eco- and I’m sure a personal point of view, to see nomic size and scope of the live performance you through July when we will be taking a For advertising enquiries please contact: industry. According to a second study, broader month off. So whatever you’re doing, good Peter Briggs [email protected] in scope than the previous issued in 2010, luck and enjoy! Let us know how things are +44 870 755 0092 and prepared by EY (formerly Ernst & Young) going, and for now Ladies and Gentlemen – based on the latest data available, from 2012, The News!

2 VIPNEWS > JUNE 2014 BBC Announce Music Awards Allan McGowan [email protected]

Chris Evans and Fearne Cotton “Today`s the start of something very will host the BBC Music Awards special for everyone who loves music.­” from London’s Earl’s Court BBC director general Tony Hall

The BBC has announced the launch of the The new music strategy unveiled by the BBC Music Awards, as part of a wide-rang- corporation encompasses TV and radio pro- ing new musical strategy by the Corpora- gramming, digital services and provisions to tion.. support emerging talent including the in- troduction of classical music to UK primary Aimed at celebrating the year`s best popular schools. music, The awards event will be the BBC`s “Today`s the start of something very special biggest musical presentation after Glaston- for everyone who loves music,” BBC direc- bury, uniting BBC One, BBC Radio 1 and BBC tor general Tony Hall said. “BBC Music is Radio 2 ahead of a live show presented by a celebration of the brilliant musical talent Chris Evans and Fearne Cotton. The event across our country. We`ll be joining up mu- will take place on 11 December at London`s sic on television, radio, iPlayer and online Earls Court. like never before. There`ll be new shows, new partnerships and whole new ways to Categories will include British artist of the enjoy music.” year and song of the year. A panel of BBC The wide ranging plans have been wel- presenters and producers will select the best comed by many, but are surprising consid- British artist and international artist awards, ering recent cut backs and redundancies, with viewers and listeners choosing the win- however the new strategy is of course posi- ning song of the year. The awards will also tive. There may also be some consternation feature a host of performances to review at the offices of the BRIT Awards, although the year, as well as collaborations between the BBC are making great efforts to con- well-known artists and the BBC Orchestra. vince all interested parties that there will be BBC Radios 1 and 2 and The One Show will no conflict – Watch this Space! offer behind the scenes access to the award ceremony. 3 3 VIPNEWS > JUNE 2014

Campell and Gaga

Lady Gaga’s Management Joins Live Nation Allan McGowan [email protected]

Live Nation have been adding to their acquisitions again, this time it’s Lady Gaga split from previous manager Troy Carter and his Atom Lady Gaga and her manager, Bobby Campbell, who have joined Artist Factory firm last November, with Campbell, who worked with her at Nation, the company’s artist management division. Confirming the Atom Factory, staying with the artist. agreement, Michael Rapino, president and chief executive officer of Lady Gaga was obviously in great demand by the world’s leading Live Nation Entertainment told Billboard.biz, “Lady Gaga is one of the management companies so Live Nation must be very pleased to add most iconic and highest-grossing artists of this generation, we have a her to what is now recognised as the world`s largest management long-standing relationship with Lady Gaga, dating back to her 2009 organization, with more than 230 artist clients from all genres and Fame Ball tour, and we look forward to continuing to support Lady some 16 management companies under its umbrella. Artist Nation Gaga and her manager Bobby Campbell in their careers.” also recently signed U2 and Madonna under manager Guy Oseary. Campbell added, “Lady Gaga and I have had an incredible relation- ship with Live Nation over the last five years. Their insight, strategic Live Nation is also producing GaGa’s current artRAVE: The ARTPOP vision and global power have made them a truly invaluable member Ball, one of the biggest global tours of the summer, having sold nearly of our team. I`m ecstatic to be working even more closely with them 800,000 tickets in more than 24 countries across North America, Asia, in the years to come as we take Lady Gaga`s career to new levels all Australia and Europe, according to Live Nation. around the world.”

Need to know who is touring Europe? ®

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4 COOPERATION O PPORTUNITIES L EADERSHIP I NFORMATION S TRATEGY I NNOVATIONS U NITY M ODERNIZATION

September 11-14 Moscow Sokolniki Exhibition and Convention Centre

Early bird registration: www.colisium.org

Free slots available for showcases at the main stage of the biggest music exhibition in Russia VIPNEWS > JUNE 2014

Go North Allan McGowan [email protected] I have to say that I always enjoy a trip to ing the word ‘digital’ again (I threatened to This was the last Go North – but don’t Inverness for Go North, not that I don’t en- put a swear box on the floor with a £1 fine panic, its just going to change its name, or- joy the other events that I attend, but Go for every use of the word in my Publishing ganisers HIE revealed that next year it’ll be North, in keeping with the intentions of panel!), I did learn from Neil Cartwright of brought to you as XpoNorth. Until then the founders like Sean Arnold and Iain Hamil- Million Media’s presentation ‘Where Next goNORTH Festival Tour kicks off at the end ton, has managed to remain well attended – The Future of Digital.’ – that’s £2 in the of July at Wickerman Festival on the 25th & but – compact, I suppose is the best word. box!. Also the showcases are all easy to 26th July. www.gonorthfestival.co.uk The panels and presentations are attended access, and they are ‘showcases’, i.e. new by people who want to listen and to learn – talent that can surprise you, many of the Of course it’ll be interesting to see if next they ask questions! I learnt a lot more about bigger events feature already known acts, year’s Highlands and Islands event will take synchronisation than I knew before from with people fighting to get in. This year’s place in an independent country! this year’s very good panel on the topic, June 4-5 edition attracted a very high profile and much as I could do with never hear- business delegation. Young Fathers’ Tape Two declared Scottish Album Of The Year

Also, while we’re dealing with things Scot- Clyro, RM Hubbert, , and reporters: “On behalf of the SMIA I’d just like tish, Edinburgh-based hip hoppers Young Edwyn Collins. to say how delighted we are for Young Fa- Fathers won the Scottish Album Of The Year thers. ‘Tape Two’ is an extraordinary album prize for their album ‘Tape Two’, picked Stewart Henderson, chair of award organiser and a deserving winner out of a phenom- from a shortlist that also included Biffy the Scottish Music Industry Association told enally strong shortlist. The SMIA is extreme- 6 VIPNEWS > JUNE 2014

Young Fathers receive the Scottish album of the year award for Tape Two at ’s Barrowlands 1

ly proud to be so closely linked with The Meanwhile Caroline Parkinson from Creative Scotland’s talented musicians, of which there SAY Award - a prestigious and increasingly Scotland, which provides the £20,000 prize are many. As a founding partner, we are de- important­ celebration of Scotland’s ­quite ex- money, said: “The SAY Award is a fantastic lighted to support the Awards and congratu- ceptional musical output”. way of supporting and raising the profile of late the winner and all the nominees!”

7 VIPNEWS > JUNE 2014 Canadian Music Week Allan McGowan [email protected]

Neill Dixon 1. Afghanistan 2. Australia 3. Austria 4. Belgium 5. Brazil 6. Brussels 7. Canada A clash of dates with The Great Escape, and 8. Chile the fact I had to be in Dresden anyway, meant 9. Costa Rica that we VIP types didn’t make it to Toronto this year, but ‘Canada’s leading annual enter- 10. Croatia tainment event dedicated to the expression 11. Denmark and growth of the country’s music, media and 12. Finland entertainment industries’, grows steadily and Festival Director Neill Dixon told VIP News, “It is certainly worth mentioning. 13. France 14. Germany was great, in fact our best year to date. The change of date helped both the conference Canadian Music Week combines three con- 15. Hong Kong and the good weather boosted public attend- ferences; a trade exposition; a film festival; a 16. India ance.” comedy festival; four awards shows and the nation’s largest new music festival, over a 17. Ireland One innovation interested me in particular, CMW spans a five-day period in May at the 18. Israel as I very much like the ideas of Cities ‘twin- Toronto Marriott Downtown Eaton Centre 19. Japan ning’ to promote their music and creative Hotel and over 60 downtown Toronto ven- talent. A special panel discussion highlight- ues. 20. Netherlands 21. New Zealand ing the world’s first inter-city musical alliance - between Toronto and another great music The figures are impressive: 22. Norway city and of course home of SXSW, Austin, 3000 Delegates 23. Peru Texas - also took place during the three-day Music Summit. Mayoral candidate John Tory 400 Speakers 24. Portugal used CMW’s International Marketplace as a 25. Singapore 950 bands platform to announce his plan to turn Toronto 67 venues 26. South Africa into an internationally recognized music city. 27. Spain Tory’s vision is based on successful models al- 4275 musicians 28. Sweden ready established by cities like Austin, Texas 8 nights of performances and includes the establishment of a stand- 29. Switzerland 160,000 fans alone Music Office and direct communication 30. Taiwan and feedback from key players in the local 630 accredited media 31. United Arab Emirates music industry. Countries – 33 (including Canada) 32. United Kingdom CMW will return to Toronto for another week 33. United States of America of conferences, awards, film, comedy and music from May 5 to 9, 2015. 8 VIPNEWS > JUNE 2014

to Change Dates MIDEMAllan McGowan [email protected]

For many years music business professionals flocked to the South of France in January to attend what was for most of those years the industry’s biggest trade event, and hopefully for blue skies and sunshine. But things have changed, numbers have dropped off for Mi- dem, and often the weather seemed to take a turn for the worse. However all is to change, as the event is to as well as being partially open to the general Now it seems pretty certain that the sun will push back 6 months to 5-8 June. public. We believe the result of the changes shine, but what of hotel availabilities, and will be a bigger, more vibrant MIDEM, with high season prices for what was always the There will be other changes, MIDEM Director more participants from more countries. All of most expensive of events, particularly in the Bruno Crolot: “MIDEM 2015 will have a new this and a move to a June date when Cannes bars? We shall see… look, new content and a new atmosphere, is at its best”.

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AZ_in_stutt_VIPmag_2014_RZ.indd 1 22.11.13 09:09 9 VIPNEWS > JUNE 2014 Yet Another UK Grassroots Venue Under Threat Allan McGowan [email protected]

Following our report in last month’s issue of UK the venue, have put in an application to re- Also The Music Venue Trust: http://music­ venues being threatened with closure by noise view our license, with the direct intention and venues.org.uk/ was formed in January of this complaints from new neighbours, the Boiler- request that the council revoke our license year to look at a number of issues facing small oom Guildford is in the same precarious posi- with immediate effect. Their message is very to medium sized venues, the breeding ground tion as Manchester’s Night & Day, Brighton’s clear: they want to shut us down. They believe of UK music. Patrons of the trust include musi- Blind Tiger, and The Fleece n Southampton. we are in breach of our license conditions. We cians from all aspects of the live music scene, believe we manage the venue to a high stand- including established stalwarts such as Andy The Boileroom venue in Guildford faces losing ard with significant consideration for the local Dunlop of Travis and David Gedge of the its licence because a newish neighbour - who community”. Wedding Present, Jeremy Pritchard of The chose to move into a property next to the per- Times Breakthrough Artist winners Every- formance space - has filed a complaint with The petition goes on to note that The Boile- thing Everything and Kerrang Award win- the local council. More and more venues are room routinely hosts events for local schools ners , alongside rising stars such in fear of neighbours moving into new resi- and charities, alongside free community as Moya and Savages. Musicians are joined dential developments near their buildings, be- events and matinees for under eighteens, and by cross party parliamentary political support, cause noise complaints to could result in the has always gone out of its way to abide by MPs Mike Weatherley (Conservative, Hove) local authorities shutting them down, even noise and event management rules, and to and Kerry McCarthy (Labour, Bristol) and though these venues were there first. engage with the locals. So much so venue Lord Tim Clement Jones (Lib Dem), and by owner Dominique Frazer was presented with senior music industry figures such Barry Dick- The Boileroom have a set up an online peti- the Trude Adler award from the Noise Abate- ins (ITB) Geoff Meale (The Agency), Paul tion, and have stated, “We have put together ment Society in 2010. Buck (Coda) and Scott Thomas (XRay). this petition to save our venue, Guildford’s The Trust’s petition has reached 10,000 signa- only alternative and independent live music You can sign the petition in support of The tures and must now receive a formal response venue. “Our family run venue was opened in Boileroom here. You can also still sign the sep- from the Department of the Environment. The 2006, and is managed by a collective of peo- arate petition calling on Secretary Of State For Trust is continuing to push for more signatures ple who believe the venue provides a much The Environment Owen Paterson to “carry out to reach the goal of 100,000, when it will be needed creative space for the local commu- an urgent review of noise abatement legisla- called for debate in the House of Commons. nity; encouraging and supporting local bands tion” which is threatening grass roots venues You can view and sign the petition here: and nurturing upcoming talent. Our fairly new who enjoy good relations with the vast major- www.http://qr.net/sign neighbours, who rent the house adjacent to ity of their neighbours. here. 10

14 -17 januarY 2015 groningen, nl

The The European European music music platform platform

The The European European music music platform platform Thank you for attending Previous edition in numbers EUROSONIC NOORDERSLAGEUEUROSONIC WORDTROSONIC GEO NOORDERSL NOORDERSLRGANISEEAGRDAG WORDT DOORWORDT GEO GEORGRGANISANISEEEERDRD DOOR DOOR SPONSOREN SPONSORENSPONSORENTotal amount of visitors (sold out) . . . . 38,500 Eurosonic Noorderslag 2014 Conference visitors (sold out) ...... 3,275 See you next year Nationalities ...... 39 Acts ...... 337 Number of stages @ Eurosonic ...... 36 Number of stages @ Noorderslag . . . . 11 Early bird registration and Media & journalisten ...... 307 act submission open May 1, 2014 EBU radio stations ...... 30 ETEP festivals ...... 89 Act submission closes September 1, 2014 International festivals ...... 419 VIPNEWS > JUNE 2014 Pussy Riot activists give speech at Roskilde Festival Anne Frank Alsted [email protected]

Roskilde Festival presents two of the former members of Pussy Riot. The women are now iconic figures on the international political stage. Pussy Riot was on everyone’s lips as several of its members were imprisoned after a punk happening in Moscow’s largest church. Today the two former members Nadya Tolokon- nikova and Masha Alyokhina have been re- leased from prison, and they are campaigned on freedom of speech, prison reform and human rights worldwide. And soon, also in Denmark. You can meet the two previously imprisoned women, Nadya Tolokonnikova and Masha Alyokhina when they give a speech at Roskilde Festival’s Gloria stage Fri- day 4 July at 17:30.

Roskilde Festival Charity Society has donated DKK 300,000 (EUR 40,000) to the two Rus- sian women’s newly formed NGO called Zona Prava (Zone of Rights). The organisation aims to monitor conditions for prisoners in Russian prisons and focus on the suppression of hu- man rights. Read more at http://roskilde-festival. dk/news/singlenews/pussy-riot-activ- ists-give-speech-at-roskilde-festival- 2014/#dzjAsBxUdVFZZEhq.99

Pussy Riot

12 VIPNEWS > JUNE 2014 FKP Scorpio – 3 festivals in 3 countries and 1 anniversary Allan McGowan [email protected]

Stephan Thanscheidt, MD, and Folkert Koopmans, CEO, of FKP Scorpio

The second weekend of June was a busy but successful time for Hamburg based promoters FKP Scorpio, seeing the Company present The storms stayed away and 25.000 fans turned up to enjoy perfect three festivals in three countries, starting with the 10th edition of the weather conditions in the Netherlands for this year‘s Indian Summer Greenfield open air in Switzerland on Thursday, June 12th. festival. A mixed bill of acts including Tom Odell, Lily Allen, Under- world, Chrystal Castles, Invite and Rock legends Iron Maiden, and Soundgarden helped the Single & Feestje, kept fans dancing till early morning. event celebrate its anniversary and 24.000 fans joined the party, ig- noring the occasional thunder and rain storms. Stephan Thanscheidt, An innovation at this year‘s event was the festival wristbands cash- Managing Director of FKP Scorpio said, “It was a great festival and less payment system. Stefan Rosenau, Managing Director of YouChip an amazing atmosphere. I really want to thank the Greenfield visi- GmbH said, “Our system, the first online and offline system of its tors and artists for an unforgettable weekend.” Over the past decade type in the world, is now up and running. Everybody, the audience, years the Greenfield festival has attracted almost a quarter million the festival staff and the promoter, were all completely satisfied by people! its operation and convinced that this is the way forward. We would 13 VIPNEWS > JUNE 2014

like to say a big thank you to the whole team and look forward to a prosperous relationship in the future.”

The third festival was Northside in the Danish city of Århus, which featured bands like The National, Lana Del Rey, Franz Ferdinand, Ar- cade Fire and , attracted 30.000 people, and sold out in May.

A feature of this year’s Northside was a focus on sustainability, with huge efforts being made to both separate and prevent waste. Also, the food on site was mainly organic.

Folkert Koopmans, CEO of FKP Scorpio commented, “Three festivals in three countries during one weekend is a logistic challenge and also a strenuous effort for the people involved. With this in mind, look- ing back and realizing that everything worked out and that we had a successful weekend feels really good. Each of these three festivals has evolved in a very positive way. We were able to optimize some processes and to improve the experience for our guests through the use of new technologies. Now, we will take two days to recover and then we are looking forward to next weekend with the sold out Hur- ricane and Southside festivals in Germany and the Best Kept Secret in the Netherlands.”

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14 VIPNEWS > JUNE 2014 133.000 visitors for Hurricane & Southside Manfred Tari [email protected]

FKP Scorpio also reported good returns for its sister festivals Hurricane and Southside on June 20 to 22. The combined visitor figures were 133.000 of which 60.000 went to Southside. Both events progressed smoothly without any notable incidents, to the point that the maga- zine Laut.de reported the biggest risk when attending Southside was sunburn. The Company also announced the extension of the lease contract for the Take-Off Gewerbepark Southside site until 2020. For Hurricane FKP Scorpio launched, among others, a new green initiative called the ‘Hurricane Bicycle Club’ where visitors cycled together to the festival from Hamburg and Bremen

The ticket presale for the 2015 editions of events started straight away on Monday, June 23.

Southside

15 VIPNEWS > JUNE 2014

Waves Vienna Meets Bratislava Music Conference Manfred Tari [email protected]

The opening sentence of the announcement regarding the collabo- October 2 in Vienna, with the second day taking place in Bratislava ration of Waves Vienna and the Bratislava Music Conference reads: on October 3. “The exchange between Eastern and Western Europe will this year be manifest in the choice of location”. For the first time the Vienna conference will take place in the Univer- sity Of Music and Performing Arts, alongside the Vienna Music Busi- This innovation is very interesting; both cities are only 54 km apart ness Research Days. This conference is quite interesting as it combines but the definition East/West still seems to indicate a meeting between the world of science and academics with that of the music business. two different worlds. Anyhow, Waves Vienna and the Bratislava Invited speakers among others are Paul Resnikoff of Digital Music Music Conference are strengthening their collaboration; previously News (US), Peter Jenner (UK), Keith Harris of PPL (UK), and our own the cooperation has been primarily focused on the exchange of the Allan McGowan. showcase program between the Cities, but for the upcoming edi- tion the conference program will also take place in Bratislava… The Further information can be found on: http://www.wavesvienna. conference schedule now sees the conference program starting on com/en/update/artikel/waves-vienna-bratislava-music-conference-1/

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VIPNEWS > JUNE 2014 Youtube - A Tactical Power Player Manfred Tari [email protected]

The Google subsidiary Youtube intends to enter the new market for The answer is simple: a trend that has already manifested itself over music streaming services. In recent years Youtube became one of the more than one decade now, basically rising fees and ticket prices! most important platforms for promoting music and apparently would The live music business has been compensating artists for their drasti- like to extend its position in the mar- cally reduced income from recorded ket joining other recently established music for years now. On the one players such as Spotify, Deezer and hand promoters, artists and agents Wimp... benefited from rising visitor figures and ticket prices. On the other hand Youtube’s mother ship Google cur- the question remains what does this rently has a market cap of $375 bil- development mean for the live music lion and is known for delivering im- industry in the long run? pressive business results such as the $59.8 billion revenue and net income The music business is a fast changing of $12.9 billion reported for 2013. industry that continues to re-invent Google does not declare business re- itself. It is evident that the regular sults for Youtube within its financial introduction of new technologies reports. has caused significant development, amendments and innovations, from However, the results itself are certain- the invention of the Gramophone, ly satisfyingly for shareholders but may cause exaggerated demands the shift from shellac to vinyl records to CDs, the rise of radio and TV, from those who produce and supply the raw material for what ac- and lately the digital distribution of recorded music via online outlets. tually makes Youtube popular. In terms of the business agreements with the market suppliers for streaming services, the decision takers Yes, the live music sector has benefitted and experienced a long last- at Youtube seem determined not to overpay some of these content ing boom in recent years. Yes, Youtube reached agreements for its providers. new music service with Sony, Warner and Universal Music. But the latest news as reported in the Financial Times on June 17 is that You- In fact Youtube is already quite well known for holding on to the tube is “about to begin a mass cull of music videos by artists including bucks. A bit like Apple or Amazon, Adidas or Burger King, and oth- Adele and the Arctic Monkeys, after a number of independent record er usually corporate companies that often attract media awareness labels to sign up to the licensing terms for its new subscrip- when it comes to allegations of poor working conditions or other tion service.” questionable business practices. These reports undoubtedly indicate that Youtube is a tactical power In terms of questionable business practices Youtube is now confront- player. Using its powerful position to obtain better conditions for its ed by protests from independent labels who simply do not want to new service. But while the live music industry currently is only indi- sign the license agreements proposed by Youtube for its new stream- rectly affected by these kind of business practices by players such as ing service. According to the trade organisation WIN (Worldwide Youtube, it is only a question of time until one of the corporate tech Independent Network), the contractual demands are considered by & online giants such as Google, Apple or Facebook will reach out many labels as, ‘highly unfavourable’, setting out non-negotiable and launch services such as ticketing systems or media platforms that terms, undercutting existing rates in the marketplace from partners perhaps will be as demanding and onerous for the live music sector. such as Spotify and Deezer. With this in mind, it might be time that particularly the live music It is already well documented that in particular less well known artists industry sends a signal of solidarity towards those that are already receive less per year in license fee payments from streaming services facing the power of Youtube and their business associates. And for than a busker normally earns per day. But what do these ongoing those power players within the corporate concert companies it might developments mean for the live music industry community? be helpful to bear in mind, that the profit results of Google alone are twice as much as the overall revenue returns of Live Nation... 18 VIPNEWS > JUNE 2014 An Event Site As Battle Ground Manfred Tari [email protected]

For the public the news, just a few days before the festival took place, made by him in the news magazine Spiegel, claiming that he had the idea that the current edition of Rock Am Ring is the last one to be held at for Rock Am Ring and for the brand and that the brand was not owned Nürburgring came as something of a shock. Though insiders were not so by the Nürburgring. surprised, as some told VIP News that MLK.com had already started to search for a new location last year. The administrators argue that the Rock Am Ring was launched 1985 as a joint project between Mama Concerts of which Lieberberg was a stake- To cut the story short, from 2015 the Nürburgring event site will have a holder and the Nürburgring GmbH. Until the recent edition the Nürbur- new management and owner. The famous motor racing site previously gring GmbH acted as co-promoter of Rock Am Ring and is party to former operated by Nürburgring GmbH had already filed for insolvency in July agreements in 2003 and 2007 that apparently state that the company is 2012. The company was owned by the German district government of a co-owner of the brand rights for the event. Rhineland-Palatinate and suffered financial collapse after the political stakeholders failed in their ambitious plan to develop the site in to a tour- Nürburgring GmbH additionally announced the intention to file an official ist hot spot. The financial loss for taxpayers is estimated to exceed 500 case against Lieberberg in order to protect its rights to the brand. million Euros. The official databank of brands by the Deutsche Patent- und Markenamt After a call for bids at the beginning of March 2014, the administrators reveals that the brand Rock Am Ring is registered twice According to the declared that car supplier company Capricorn had submitted the success- rights for brands, they can be registered in various classes. The first regis- ful tender, committing to a payment of 77 million Euros. However, the tration of the brand ‘Rock Am Ring’ was filed in October 1993 by MLK in whole insolvency procedure already was dogged with many legal aspects the classes 41 and 9 according to the classification of brands defined by that are still ongoing. The European Commission officially launched an the so called Nice statutes, and covers the right of the owner of this brand investigation of Germany regarding the wrongful declaration of 486 mil- to promote concerts and release records under this name. lion Euros in subsidies for the site that were in violation of EU regulations. Entangled in this legal mess, Capricorn as the new owner of the site The second registration was undertaken by the Nürburgring GmbH started at a very early stage to negotiate with MLK as promoter of Rock in August 1997. The second entry protects the brand name within the Am Ring about the lease conditions for the site in 2015. Capricorn then, Nice-classifications 16, 18, 25, 28, regarding amongst other permissions, according to media reports, cancelled the lease contract while Marek the production of print products, photographs, sunshades and walking Lieberberg complained that Capricorn was asking for a higher profit par- sticks... ticipation than he had agreed. At the moment no further news about the future of Rock Am Ring is con- The news that Rock Am Ring won’t continue to be staged at Nürburgring crete. Lieberberg meanwhile stated in media reports to move the currently gained massive media attention and gained further interest with the news unofficially entitled event as Rock Without Ring to a site in Monchenglad- within the news that Capricorn had teamed up with DEAG in order to bach or to a airport in Mendig... develop a successor event in 2015 on the same dates previously planned for Rock Am Ring entitled “Grüne Hölle” (Green Hell). On June 23 the first hearing of the case by the district court in Koblenz decided that the name Rock Am Ring belongs to both parties. For MLK And if that wasn’t already enough, on June 12 the administrators of the the ruling means that Lieberberg is not the sole owner of the brand as Nürburgring GmbH put out a press release confirming the filing of an in- he has a partnership under civil code with the Nürnburgring GmbH as a terim injunction against MLK and Marek Lieberberg regarding statements co-promoter of the event. 19 VIPNEWS > BUSINESS > JUNE 2014 MUSIC IN SHARES Music in Shares Manfred Tari [email protected]

CTS Eventim Live Nation In the last issue VIP News reported a share price for CTS Eventim of Lady Gaga became a management client of Live Nation while the 41.71 Euro. This time it is 23.18 Euro. Shocking? No, it is just theesult share price is nevertheless on the rise. On May 23 VIP News reported of the Company’s previously announced share split with the conversa- $24.01, this time it is $23.57. However, in the 52 weeks comparison tion rate of 1:2. At the beginning of the year and with the share split the gain is like the one of CTS Eventim at 54.9 percent. in mind, the share stood at 19.75 Euro. In the so-called 52 weeks comparison the share gained a plus of 54.9 percent. SFX Entertainment Who says Google became evil unless this role within the serious con- DEAG cert industry is dedicated to questionable secondary ticketing compa- Last time one DEAG share cost 5.66 Euro. In the meantime the share nies? Besides a share price of $7.02 and the poor results for Q1-2014 gained more than 50 cent and stand now at 6.24 Euro on June 23 as reported in the last issue, this time the share is on its way up. To- when this report went on to press. gether with its new secondary ticketing partner Viagogo, who agreed a sponsorship deal worth $75 million for the next five years the cur- rent share price rose to $8.35… VIP-Magazine:

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VIPNEWS > MISC > JUNE 2014 MEMBER PRESENTATION ARTIST AVAILS

Chloe Charles Territory: Europe Period: September/October Agency: Paperclip Agency / Agent: Hilde Spille Phone: +31 243239322 E-mail: [email protected] Homepage: www.paperclip-agency.com

ORBITAL ñ 25th year anniversary tour in 2014 Territory: The World excluding USA Period: May onwards Agency: Value Added Talent / Agent: Dan Silver Phone: +44 207 704 97 20 E-mail: [email protected] Homepage: www.vathq.co.uk

Alan Parsons Live Project Territory: Worldwide Period: 2014 Agency: World Entertainment Associates of America Agent: John Regna - Artist Agent/Manager Phone: +1 407-993-4000 E-mail: [email protected] Homepage: www.AlanParsonsTourPromo.com

MOJO Concerts was founded in 1968 and since then has become one of the largest Glasvegas Territory: Europe and most important entertainment companyís in the Netherlands. Period: 2014 Agency: Primary Talent International Agent: Ben Winchester The main activity of MOJO Concerts is the organisation of concerts and festivals, Phone: +44 20 7400 4500 E-mail: [email protected] artist­ bookings and the devellopment of new and innovating events. Homepage: www.glasvegas.net

Besides that MOJO Concerts is engaged with the corebusiness resulting in extra THE ORCHESTRA starring ELO former members Territory: Worldwide activities­ like production, theatre, management and publishing. Period: 2014-2015 Agency: World Entertainment Associates of America Agent: John Regna - Artist Agent/Manager Phone: +1 407-993-4000 E-mail: [email protected] Homepage: www.THEORCHESTRAonline.com

Afro Cuban All Stars Territory: East Europe, Middle East Period: July About Our Company Agency: Greensmith Agent: Dragan Greensmith VIP-Booking’s core product is the Internet’s oldest and larg- E-mail: [email protected] Homepage: greensmithltd.com/artistprofile/ est database ­for the European Live Entertainment Industry afro-cuban-all-stars/ www.vip-booking.com­ developed as a tool for industry profession- als. Since it’s launch in the year 2000, we have consistently offered our subscribers the very best in database services and now boast sub- MORE ARTIST AVAILS ON: WWW.VIP-BOOKING.COM scribers in over 30 countries. POST YOUR ARTIST AVAILS ON: WWW.VIP-BOOKING.COM Today VIP-Booking offers a range of tools for the industry­ – including VIP-News, VIP-Booking, VIP-Book and VIP-Contract.

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