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VIP- News›› ›› premium Vol. 120 DECEMBER 2009

McGowan’s Musings:

This December Newsletter is remark- But it seems that cash strapped fans were able for two reasons, number one it’s the just saving their pennies to come up with 120th, indicating that we’ve survived for the average $100 for a ticket to see the quite some time, and number two it’s band perform live on their custom built the last one of an economically fraught claw shaped stage. Since June the band year which many feared would be signifi- played 44 concerts to 3.2m people, for a cant for its business casualties, but in the gross of about $320m. If, as seems likely, main, the industry has survived. Hoorah! they do the same on the similar number (Or whatever jubilant exclamation is the of dates next year, they could more than equivalent in your neck of the woods), I double this, completely outgrossing the hear you all shout, but lets not get too re- 2005/2006 Vertigo tour. laxed, 2010 will not be a year for complacency, although it may be that this year’s Allan McGowan Conference and Showcase events had chilly blasts of cold reality may have insti- mixed results in 2009; the first of the year the film made from the footage (good job gated a necessary sense of caution to a Noorderslag/Eurosonic sold out, attract- live industry which was coming close to they decided to film them, eh?) of the re- ing 2,600 people to Groningen in The the type of complacency that aggravated hearsals – a little forward thinking goes a Netherlands. In Cannes in January Midem catastrophe for an unprepared recording long way! AEG also had some good news faced up to a difficult time for the music industry. from Germany, in Berlin, one year after industry in general with a 12% drop in at- opening, the 17,000-capacity O2 World tendance, and as we know Popkomm in So, to paraphrase Mr Dickens, was 2009 revealed that it had welcomed 1.48mil- Berlin was cancelled, (but it’s back in 2010 the worst of times, or the best of times? It lion people to 138 events. certainly had its moments, although, after – see story in this issue). a year of cutting the prices of their prod- The drastic change in the economics of ucts (particularly in the US), Michael Rapi- the music business were highlighted by The ILMC could be said to be a barometer no of Live Nation and Irving Azoff of Tick- a Music Manager’s Forum survey which of the live industry as it concentrates ex- etmaster will just have to try to relax over revealed that 85% of managers are look- clusively on the sector, In March, seem- the holiday as the powers that be delay a ing to live concerts and merchandise ingly in defiance - or maybe because (?) - final decision till, we presume early 2010, to sustain their artists and that 73% ex- of the recession, the number of delegates regarding their plans to come together as pected recorded music to be less than attending ILMC 21 hit the 1,000 mark for one gigantic live music entity. As for the 50% of their artists earnings in 2009. This the first time. In a panel discussing The other majors, AEG managed to overcome was borne out by U2’s mixed fortunes Recession Neil Warnock of The Agency dreadful adversity, following the death (they’ve been making them for years Group, said, “Business in the major mu- of Michael Jackson, covering their losses now), in February they released the per- sic markets like the U.K., France and Ger- and then some, from the lamented star’s haps pessimistically titled album, No Line many continues to thrive, but countries planned London O2 residency, by sharing on the Horizon, which sold fewer copies like Russia, China and parts of south-east in the more than substantial returns from than any of their releases for a decade. Asia, are real recessive territories.”

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Artist Power was a feature of the year, with the formation of the Featured Art- Live Nation ists Coalition in the UK. At ILMC Brian Message, of ATC Management, which Grows in France co-manages Radiohead, dance act Allan McGowan [email protected] Faithless, and singer Kate Nash, said, “We’re experiencing an artists’ revolu- Live Nation has significantly expanded tion around the world. Artists need to its promoter team in France, the World’s make more decisions about what af- fects them, including in what’s going 6th largest music market. on in secondary ticketing and peer-to- peer file sharing. If someone is making Angelo Goppe, formerly with Nous Pro- a profit [from their work], then we want ductions, will join the Company as Sen- a share of that!”. It will be interesting to ior Vice President Promotions charged see how the artists continue to mobilise with growing Live Nation’s volume of in- and how they apply their joint energies in 2010. ternational and local concerts in France. Armel Campagna and Damien Chom- There were casualties amongst the bard-Boudet, both formerly with Gerard Festivals, Hultsfred for instance went Drouot Productions, and Jonathan Mil- bankrupt again, but will be back in tat, formerly with Deluxe Productions, 2010 (see story in this issue), particu- will join him. larly new events suffered, others coped by cutting ticket prices or introducing staggered payment schemes, but the Alan Ridgeway, Live Nation CEO of Inter- big ones continued to sell out – with national Music, commented, “It is a pleas- Glastonbury having already sold out ure to welcome this exciting young team of for 2010 even before announcing U2 promoters to Live Nation. Since we entered as headliner, and others following fast, plus there are plans for new events. France in 2007 through our partnership More and more it seems that people with Jackie Lombard, we have seen a huge are treating their festival visits like holi- opportunity to bring more international days, and are not prepared to sacrifice and local concerts to music fans in Paris them for budgetary reasons. and the rest of France. This great team of promoters, under the leadership of Isabelle The worrying thing as we mentioned in the last issue is the sustaining of the Gamsohn, Managing Director for France, small and mid sized venues, the stages ensures that we are now well positioned vital for the start-up and development to take full advantage of these opportuni- of the talent that will hopefully play ties.” ›› arenas and festivals in the future. The Colophon article by Don Foster MP, and the story Angelo Goppe commented, “I am look- about London’s Halfmoon pub venue VIP-News is published by: ing forward to working alongside Isabelle VIP-Booking in this issue highlight these concerns. 26 York Street However, a gig I went to in a pub in and the international and global touring London W1U 6pZ Brixton, South London, last week has teams at Live Nation to become the lead- left me feeling quite optimistic, four ing concert promoter in France.” Managing Director: new, and mostly very good, bands (one Ronni Didriksen American) played to a packed venue [email protected] Live Nation’s other activities in France and I was introduced to four young currently include partnerships with General Manager: promoters, all full of ideas and all pre- Peter Briggs pared to offer a raft of services to the promoter Jackie Lombard, Main Square [email protected] acts that they are working with in order Festival in Arras with France Leduc and to be successful. None of them were Belgium’s Herman Schueremans and Writer and editorial: going on about the woes of a declining with Vega SA for the management of the Allan McGowan business, they are all too busy dealing [email protected] Nikaia arena in Nice. with what is, not what was, and were so Writer: positive that, if this, as I suspect, is hap- Manfred Tari pening elsewhere, then I think we (or Upcoming events promoted by Live Na- [email protected] they) are going to be fine! tion France include Paul McCartney (10 December), Depeche Mode (17-20 Janu- For advertising enquiries pls. contact So, with that positive and happy pros- ary 2010) and Cirque du Soleil’s Saltim- Peter Briggs [email protected] pect in mind – we’ll be back in January or +44 870 755 0092 banco (21 January – 5 February 2010). after returning from Noorderslag/Eu- Lay-out: rosonic in Groningen. In the meantime Pekaye Graphics, Phuket – Thailand have a great holiday, and a Happy New Full details can be found on: [email protected] Year! www.livenation.fr

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Music in the Air – Climate Summit and Popular Music Manfred Tari [email protected]

The current Climate Summit in Copenha- this time. For the climate it’s the final count- gen has received a lot of attention and this down unless the politicians make a move.” not only due to the visit of Barack Obama. Well, as usual Lunden is absolutely right The summit has also featured some issues and politicians may hopefully make moves, referring to the music industry. First of all but unfortunately there was no report on the there was the CO2PENHAGEN-festival music managers that prefer to fly business held in September, supposed to be the class and what this also contributes to the very first CO2-neutral event ever produced climate change... all the energy required to run the event lo- Europe cally. On December 12 as part of the conference agenda the panel “The role of the cul- Eighties Soft Metal Rockers, Europe, ture industry in the fight against Climate On December 15 Roskilde Festival is de- played at the Parken Stadium on the open- Change”, will elaborate on how the music livering a presentation at the City Hall ing event “Dance 4 Climate Change” in and entertainment industry can agree on Square introducing its “Green Footsteps” Copenhagen on December 7. Petri Lun- environmentally friendly issues. Panellists campaign The presentation is part of the den, manager of the band and chairman are among other Catherine Bottrill of the complementary event Hopenhagen, that of the IMMF (International Music Manag- Oxford Environmental Change Institute includes concerts, the screening of films ers Forum) commented on the gig, saying: and ‘Julie’s Bicycle’ and Jacob Bilabel, and among many other activities a test “This is one of the most important events at Founder of the Green Music Initiative. ride of the electric Tesla Roadster car.

Festival Republic Host Crime Conference Allan McGowan [email protected]

Festival Republic have announced they will stage a conference to off. This follow-up conference will be an opportunity for promoters, look at combating crime at music festivals. It will be the second security agencies and police forces to review our progress and take Crime At Major UK Music Festivals Conference organised by the the next steps to further develop our intelligence sharing systems so Reading and Latitude promoters, the first one having taken place we can make greater efforts in 2010 and beyond. Organised crime is a back in May. Edition number two will take place in Reading on 25 real concern for the festival industry and it’s crucial that we keep the Jan. momentum going on these initiatives”.

The aim of the conference is to coordinate security activity at all of the festivals promoted and managed by Festival Republic - which includes the Reading, Leeds, Glastonbury, Big Chill and Latitude festivals - and beyond. The company says they have invited reps and security heads from a number of other festivals, including Bestival, Rock Ness, Isle Of Wight, Download, V, Glade, Secret Gar- den, Electric Picnic and T In The Park. Reps from police forces in areas where those events take place will also be invited.

All this networking is based on the theory that there are a number of thieving gangs who operate at various festivals, and there is a better chance of stopping them if festival promoters, security firms and police forces all collaborate. It’s the same logic that led to the Association Of Independent Festivals launching its previously reported Security Task Force, which AIF say helped significantly cut crime levels at participating festivals.

Talking about his crime conference, Festival Republic head Melvin Benn is quoted by Music Week as follows: “The inaugural conference in May was a real success and the joint approaches to sharing intelligence throughout the 2009 festival season appear to have paid Melvin Benn

VIP-BOOKING.COM VIP- News - December 2009

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Interview: Rob Berends - Network Europe Manfred Tari [email protected]

Network Europe is the only international association for agents, bookers, promoters and talent buyers. VIP-News asked Network Europe chairman Rob Berends about the association’s new plans for 2010.

VIP-News: What is on the agenda for Net- work Europe in 2010?

Rob Berends: We are meeting in Gronin- gen during EuroSonic/Noorderslag and will have 5 different kinds of activities. On the Thursday we have the Network Europe Showcase Night @ EuroSonic. On the Friday we have an official meeting, and we will have a speed meeting for members only. On Saturday we will have an open speed meeting for members and non-members, for people who are interested in meeting Network Europe members as well as to welcome people that are interesting for Network Europe members to meet and vice versa.

The fifth activity is a press conference where we will present news from Network Europe: we are going to change our name, we have news about our projects in 2010, and we Rob Berends have news on the results of the survey that we did on what Network Europe members those in the east-European countries are, A second thing that we are going to do is have achieved with acts that played Eu- probably because the markets in eastern to expand the number of Network Europe roSonic in 2008 and 2009. How many shows Europe are still fresher and less established, Showcases at showcase events, business did they get for EuroSonic-acts outside of and also much more dependent on spon- events and business conferences. We had the acts’ own country in 2008 or 2009. The sorships. But this is very preliminary infor- Network Europe Showcase Nights at Cana- 2008 are figures that are not yet complete, mation. It is not solid information. dian Music Week and at Popkomm so far. but we are quite far on in that analysis. The This January we have the first Network Eu- results are quite spectacular, and underline VIP-News: What kind of efforts will you un- rope Showcase Night at EuroSonic. These the importance of EuroSonic and the ETEP dertake to gain new or more members? Network Europe Showcase Nights are a programme. second channel for our members, and for Berends: We want to change what we do. the host-event it serves as a quality trade- VIP-News: How does business look for your Network Europe wants to offer the mem- mark, as the booking team at Popkomm members at the moment? bers more content throughout the year has always said. Material that they receive and not only during our meetings at busi- through Network Europe, they said, is on Berends: That is a good question. I did not ness events. average much better than the other sub- specifically ask them. What I do hear from missions. some is that in the west-European countries, We are introducing a free monthly news- most are not that affected by the crisis, and letter with news from our members about A third change is that, apart from two their company and their bands, and of regular Members Meetings a year (so far course news from Network Europe itself. usually during EuroSonic and Popkomm), Members can send their information to the we are going to have a third Members Network Europe office and it will be includ- Meeting that will focus on another coun- ed in a monthly newsletter that goes out to try every year, with a strong cooperation as many live music business email address- with a music business event in that coun- es as we can find (all potential members). try.

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A fourth step is to introduce differentiated Berends: I think they are, but it depends rope. We should apply for funds for that membership fees. An individual annual very much on where your band plays of and for other reasons, and we are investi- membership in 2010 could cost as little as course. You have to pick the right events. gating this. Our Treasurer has it on his task €80 (up to €320) excl. VAT, depending on I am now not speaking on behalf of the list. the GAE (Gross Annual Earnings) in the board or the association, but I do think country of the Network Europe member. many people share my view that there are VIP-News: Are you cooperating with other We have not raised the maximum fee, but too many events and that it is very hard to organisations or associations? we have introduced three levels of lowered find the time to attend them all, even if you membership fees. There are countries in only pick the really useful ones. It is also a Berends: We are one of the founders of Europe where the country’s average in- challenge to select the useful ones for ex- the European Live Music Forum ELMF and come is roughly 25% of that in countries posure of your company or for presenting thought that it was the best way to coop- such as Great Britain, Germany or The your bands. And of course it also depends erate with other associations like the man- Netherlands. With the maximum fee, music on what country you need to focus on with agers association, the various festivals as- business people from countries with lower your bands. Sometimes an event is only im- sociations, the producers association etc. GAE would maybe have to spend as much portant in its own country, another event is Unfortunately in 2007 we recognised that as 10 percent of the average yearly income important internationally, and some events the ELMF was not performing in the way in their country on a membership with Net- are unimportant at any level, although peo- it should, due to various circumstances. work Europe. So starting in 2010 we will ple still go there. In 2008, based on information that we re- have membership fees up to 75% below the ceived, we concluded that the ELMF would standard rate. This will get us more mem- VIP-News: Did you ever think about apply- not get things moving again, and we bers and make Network Europe even more ing for funds at the European Commission stepped out. So did some others. Through- European than it already was. We cover the or elsewhere to help finance Network Eu- out 2009 the ELMF has been talking about whole of Europe better and we are more at- rope’s activities? putting itself into hibernation and it is very, tractive to those working in a country with very sad that this happens. But unfortu- lower GAE who want to participate in our Berends: Going back to our lowered mem- nately it did. We are hoping for another network and want to take advantage of bership fees starting in 2010: this might be chance to maybe revitalise the ELMF or to what Network Europe has to offer. an entrance to get European financial sup- start something under another name but port because of course a membership fee basically with the same intention. And of VIP-News: Are showcases a worthwhile in- at 25 percent of the normal membership course it needs to be done in cooperation vestment to promote artists abroad? fee does not cover costs for Network Eu- with everybody else.

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

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

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High Unemployment Rates Affect the Spanish Concert Market Allan McGowan [email protected]

While in most European countries the finan- countries, Spain has the highest unem- we recommend taking a look at the web cial crises had a rather modest impact on ployment rates in the so called Euro Area. site of this company, as it is an example the development of the live music industry, According to these statistics in August of how today’s well developed web sites it appears that Spain’s market for live enter- 2009 Spain had an unemployment rate of should look. tainment events took a more significant hit 18.9 percent and a youth unemployment than the other European core markets. rate of 32 percent. VIP-News: How is the concert industry in Spain doing these days? With this in mind VIP-News spoke with Alfonso Santiago, one of the three direc- Alfonso Santiago: The Spanish live music tors of the Spanish concert company Last industry is noticing the effect of the crisis Tours. The company promotes 6 festivals in a more accentuated way than other in- including Bilbao BKK Live, the Azkena Rock dustries. In crisis times, hobbies and cul- Festival, Kobetasonic and Sonisphere. ture lose relevance. Current shows promoted by Last Tours include Kiss, Dinosaur Jr and Fu Manchu. VIP-News: I have been told that many local The company furthermore runs a man- city council have downsized their budgets agement department for domestic artists for funding live events. The Spanish economy had to face a record such as fito&fitipaldis, Extremoduro and high in its unemployment rates. Accord- Quiqui Gonzales. Last Tours has adopted Santiago: Certainly, the councils have ing to figures from the research company the 360 degree business philosophy and drastically downsized their budgets and Eurostat, based on data from 27 European also runs a record label. But besides all this this has meant that many companies in

VIP-BOOKING.COM VIP- News - December 2009

this industry are in a serious situation due Santiago: Ticketmaster and the banks’ to the money they owe to the councils. sales systems are the leaders. We have noticed a strong increase in Internet sales, VIP-News: What does this mean for the although concert visitors still prefer to go concert business? to the box office.

Santiago: This, linked to the fact that in VIP-News: How was the festival season 2010 the budgets will be even lower, will 2009? mean a big backward step in this industry and the disappearance of lots of compa- Santiago: In Spain there have been less nies which have developed their business festivals than in previous years. Some of activities around the council budgets. the festivals were not programmed this Last Tour, Dirctors year, and those were, like ours, have need- VIP-News: Which are the relevant ticket sys- ed harder work to go ahead with them, Santiago: The Internet has been a revo- tems in Spain and is Internet ticketing well and returned modest results. Now we are lution. We keep on working with all the accepted by the Spanish concert visitors? working on 2010 festivals and are taking traditional tools like press ads, radio or TV, into account the prices that the audiences posters in the main cities... but we are also can afford to pay. It is not a good time for putting great effort into diffusion in the »We have noticed a strong the economy and we have to make it easy virtual world, with good websites, public- increase in Internet sales, for the people to continue having access ity in banners in websites, working on the although concert visitors still to live music. social nets... prefer to go to the box office« - Alfonso Santiago VIP-News: How has the promotion for con- For further information please check: certs and events changed in recent years? www.lasttourinternational.com

London’s Halfmoon Threatened with Closure Allan McGowan [email protected]

As stated in the ‘Musings’ at the begin- Mr Harris said: “We are at the grass roots of rents, alcohol duty, wholesale beer prices ning of this issue of The News, the situa- live music and the Halfmoon is an engine and the recession are the reasons for the tion for ‘grassroots’ venues everywhere is room for rising bands throughout the UK, Halfmoon dilemma, not a downturn in live causing concern. London has lost several who are now running out of quality venues music. Since we announced the closure, important of these in the last couple of to play.” the venue has continued to thrive with a years, most recently The Astoria, and now number of sell-out nights and a forthcom- it looks as though one of the City’s last in- The Halfmoon’s situation also highlights ing programme of music right up to the dependent live music venues could end similar problems faced by many venues in end of January, which is both diverse and performances after nearly 50 years. the UK (See also article by guest writer Don popular. The Halfmoon is not a failing mu- Foster MP in this issue), as summed up by sic venue, it is a success, and this popularity Having hosted bands including The Roll- the following update on its website: and success would undoubtedly continue ing Stones, U2, The Who, Van Morrison, if the building were to remain what it has Elvis Costello and Kasabian since 1963 The There has been overwhelming support always been - a music pub. Halfmoon in Putney has been badly affect- from the public, the press, the music in- ed by the recession an increase in business dustry, our local MP, Wandsworth Council, rates and a doubling of its tenants rent, The Musicians Union and even a few celeb- pushing them into debt. rities, all shocked that a successful live music venue with over 50 years of legendary Landlords, Young’s brewery, has told man- music heritage may be forced to close it’s ager James Harris that he must leave the doors to make way for a gastro pub. pub by 31 January. It is likely to be turned into a ‘gastropub’ by another of Young’s It is also important to reflect, that the trou- tenants. A spokesman for Young’s said it bles the Halfmoon have faced financially had done all it could to continue to work are not because of low turnout of gigs. with Mr Harris and had spent £200,000 on Ordinary pub custom is down but music refurbishment. custom is down only very slightly. Rising Halfmoon Putney

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Hamburg Second Sonic Visions Succeeds Backs Local Allan McGowan [email protected] Music Com- VIP-News attended Sonic Vision in Lux- This year’s second edition of Sonic Vi- embourg on the 27/28 November. The sions took “Where is my money?” as munity event took place in the Rockhal, clear- its main topic and featured 34 speak- Manfred Tari [email protected] ing out on Sunday the 29th to let The ers and more than 100 participants Prodigy get on with their show. The from all over Europe. Organiser Olivier surrounding construction sites and the Toth said, “We designed the event to be massive, rusting but weirdly impressive, a platform for artists to meet and learn steel works lent a somewhat surreal air from music industry professionals and to the proceedings! we were very happy to receive positive feedback from both.” Luxembourg is populated by less than half a million people, and at present has The event also presented two nights only some 50 bands, but this event, and of bands from Denmark, Italy, Luxem- the Rockhal activities indicate a deter- bourg and neighbouring countries Hamburg mination to develop a music industry performed 22 showcase gigs. Head- in the country that is home to the head- lining artists were The Asteroids Gal- In October the senate introduced quarters of RTL. This media group oper- axy Tour, Silversun Pickups, Beatrice its new support scheme for concert ates TV channels and radio stations in Antolini, I Got you on Tape and Flashy clubs in Hamburg, through which Germany, France, Belgium, the Nether- Rock. the city will cover the expenses for lands, UK, Australia, Luxembourg, Spain, concert royalties for smaller venues. Greece , Hungary, Croatia and produc- Sonic Visions 2010 will take place on Backdated to 2008 and designed for tion companies in the United States. 26 and 27 November 2010. clubs with capacity less than 1000 visitors that present at least 24 concerts per year, Hamburg will spend about 150.000 Euro. The measure is described as the Live Concert Ac- count and will replace the before ex- isting support program Clubbonus.

In December the senate of Hamburg announced that it would institute a support program for independent record labels. This program is also worth about 150.000 Euro annually and is supposed to last at least 3 years.

Sonic Visions Olivier Toth

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2010 Conference Calendar Update Allan McGowan [email protected]

All those Music Industry people from all Taking place from 14th - 16th January artists and songs of 2009. The Awards will sectors who have not yet done so, will 2010, Ticket sales for both EuroSonic, the be presented at a gala ceremony at The be finalising their registrations and travel international live showcase event and Grand Theatre in Groningen On Wednes- arrangements for the glut of Conference Noorderslag, which presents national day 13th January. Vote now at: and Showcase events which fill the early talent, have broken all records, going eu.virtualfestivals.com part of the year. In the past MIDEM marked on sale on November 28 and selling out the start of the year’s serious networking, on exactly the same day. This year’s focus On Thursday January 14th, for the sec- but Eurosonic/Noorderslag in the north- country is Norway. ond year, Jools Holland will present the ern Netherlands city of Groningen has European Border Breakers Awards – the taken over and continues to confirm the All bands performing get the chance to EBBA’s. The winners of the 2010 Euro- first slot in the calendar. play in front of all the biggest European pean Border Breakers Awards are; Milow festival promoters and follow in the foot- (BE), Charlie Winston (GB), Peter Fox (DE), Eurosonic/Noorderslag: steps of the acts like the White Lies who Soap&Skin (AT), Kerli (EE), Jenny Wilson were booked for 15 festival shows after (SE), Buraka Som Sistema (PT), Sliimy playing at this year’s event. (FR)), Esmée Denters (NL) and Giusy Fer- reri (IT). Building on the success of the UK Festi- val Awards, Virtual Festivals Europe has Online voting for the new Public Choice joined forces with European Festivals As- EBBA has started on the EBBA website. sociation, YOUROPE for the inaugural Eu- From the 10 winners, one will be chosen by ropean Festival Awards, which gives fans the European audience as the most popu- the chance to vote for the best festivals, lar border-breaking act in Europe.. Voting

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VIP-BOOKING.COM VIP- News - December 2009

for the Public Choice Award takes place ILMC 22 ILMC looks forward to keeping the cap- online at www.europeanborderbreaker- tains of industry in the mode that they sawards.eu until the end of the year. accustomed to with our irreverent mix of meetings, parties and dinners. Central The Conference Agenda will address the to this is the ILMC Gala Luau and Arthur current state of affairs within the Euro- Awards on Saturday 13 March at the Ju- pean music industry. The conference meirah Carlton Tower, London SW1, when program is now complete with 250 inter- over 300 industry leaders gather to watch national speakers and over 100 panels, the Arthurs – the closest to an Oscar many presentations, discussions and award cer- will get – awarded to the great and the emonies. Highlights in the international good of the touring world. conference program will be the key note of Bob Lefsetz, the key note presentation SXSW of Steve Knopper, The Festival Panel, The Agent Panel, The Managers Panel, The June, July and August Festival meetings, Booking A Tour Live On Stage, Off The The International Live Music Conference Record With A Smile, The Digital panel – ILMC – continues its celebrated annual (with a.o. Niklas Ivarsson, Global Head of ‘theming’ in 2010 taking on a nautical as- Licensing, Spotify). The focus on Norway pect as described in the following com- includes Destination Norway, The truth munication from HMS ILMC… about Norwegian Black and Extreme Metal and many more… Ladies and Gentleman, I name this ship...... Full info on the website: www.eurosonic-noorderslag.nl Viewed as one of life’s last great travel experiences, there’s something undeni- Over the past few years the Conference ably majestic about setting sail to ex- Calendar has continued to fill up with new plore the globe. Whether it’s a journey events alongside the established get- of discovery or a chance to experience togethers, inevitably leading to clashes, new and exciting things, it is the per- for instance ILMC and Canadian Music fect theme for ILMC 22 and its 80-hour Week now take place on the same week- voyage around the live music industry South By Southwest kicks off their 2010 end after CMA shifting its dates to move world. Music Conference in Austin Texas with closer to SXSW to allow trans-Atlantic a keynote address from Smokey Robin- travelers to combine their visits to both We set sail on 12 March 2010 on a cruise son at the Austin Convention Centre on North American conferences. This year liner carrying around 1,000 delegates Thursday, March 18, 2010. MIDEM and Noorderslag were scheduled from over 55 countries, made up of the back to back, but in 2010 there is a week leading figureheads and professionals For more information on South By South- in between. from the concert business worldwide. west, visit www.sxsw.com It’s strictly an invite-only event, and in MIDEM addition to extensive networking oppor- The Great Escape tunities, the weekend world cruise also promises many engaging and thought- The partner country for this annually ex- provoking conference panels. panding international trade and showcase event scheduled for May 13-15, 2010 While we announce the full conference has been confirmed as Australia. agenda in February, topics may well include what responsibility and duty of care A partnership with Sounds Australia will the industry has towards its artists, par- see a number of Australia’s leading acts Midemnet starts on January 23, and Mi- ticularly as the pressures on live income making the journey to the UK’s south dem itself runs from the 24th to the 27th increases. Technology and the quicken- coast to join up with over 350 bands per- of January, with one registration covering ing pace of change also raise many issues, forming in over 30 venues spread across both events for the first time. The focus including the ongoing evolution of the Brighton over the course of three days. country will be South Africa. (See the VIP- artist/fan relationship. And we’ll be ask- Booking.com mail out last week for up to ing just how well the industry has weath- For more info on The Great Escape go to date details.) ered the storm of recession. www.escapegreat.com

VIP-BOOKING.COM VIP- News - December 2009 thursday EUROSONIC downtown Groningen the Netherlands 14 friday EUROSONIC downtown Groningen the Netherlands 15 saturday NOORDERSLAG De Oosterpoort Groningen 16 JANUARY THE EUROPEAN 2010 MUSIC CONFERENCE AND SHOWCASE FESTIVAL www.eurosonic-noorderslag.nl

VIP-BOOKING.COM VIP- News - December 2009

2009 brought us a new record! 214 shows with 75 european artists from 18 countries performing at 54 etep festivals in 20 countries; a grand total of 965 shows by 346 european artists since 2003.... thursday EUROSONIC downtown Groningen the Netherlands 14 friday EUROSONIC downtown Groningen the Netherlands 15 saturday NOORDERSLAG De Oosterpoort Groningen 16 JANUARY 2010

THE EUROPEAN MUSIC CONFERENCE AND SHOWCASE FESTIVAL www.eurosonic-noorderslag.nl

VIP-BOOKING.COM VIP- News - December 2009

The German Conventions Manfred Tari [email protected]

Popkomm ference program or if that part will be be Held for the first time this year, this event handled by a2n.de will continue as the convention part of the Reeperbahn-Festival in Hamburg. c/o pop The senate of Hamburg is currently un- dertaking serious efforts in backing popular music activities. In an article in the local newspaper Hamburger Abendblatt, Alex Schulz, managing director of the Reeperbahn-Campus commented on the In the last issue VIP-News reported on the fact that the dates for Popkomm and the discussions and outlook for the proposed Reeperbahn-Campus are very close, as bundling of Popkomm, the Berlin Festival the dates for the Campus and the festival and the All Together Now (a2n.de) confer- are September 23 to 25. Schulz pointed ence under the umbrella of “Berlin Music out that there will be no competition for Week”. the festivals but it is likely that exhibitors will choose only one convention. Arguments continued as Popkomm- The Cologne has meanwhile reacted to Founder Dieter Gorny and Olaf Kret- the latest developments and moved its Pop Up schmar, a project manager of Berlin Music dates from August to June in 2010. c/o Commission issued open letters debating pop also will also move to a new location, the concept of the Berlin Music Week in the Rheinparkhallen in Cologne, a loca- general and Popkomm in particular. tion where Popkomm where Popkomm was located in 2002. This building is a his- While this recent open conversion contin- torical location, build in 1924 and enables ued with the outcome limited to the me- c/o pop to compete with Popkomm di- dia, Popkomm announced official dates rectly in terms of potential exhibitors. The & rates and its new location. According facility offers about 18.000 square meters to this Popkomm will take place at the and is located close to the Rhine. former Berlin airport Tempelhof on Sep- tember 8-10. On the same weekend also Reeperbahn-Campus the Berlin Festival will take place at the same location.

In terms of space there won’t be any problems at Tempelhof to accommodate both events at the same time. The entire area covers about 1.5 million square meters. Popkomm will take place in the former entrance hall and the departure gates in Last but not least, is the Pop Up music the airport building, which is still consid- convention in Leipzig. The 8th edition of ered to be the third biggest building in the annually general assembly of the Ger- world. As the dates for the Berlin Festival man alternative music business is sched- are September 10 to 11, Popkomm will uled for May 7 & 8 2010. But unlike the open up its doors on September 10 for Cologne situation, Pop Up will move back consumers and in return allow Popkomm into its old convention centre. This year delegates to join the Berlin-Festival. the music fair was held in the Volkspal- ast, but the next edition will return to the However Popkomm will retain the Kul- Werk II. This convention is by far the most turbrauerei as its festival location, but no affordable convention for exhibitors as announcements have yet been made as stands cost only 90 Euro. to who will be the artistic director. Dates set for the Kulturbrauerei are September VIP-News will include further updates on 8 & 9. Furthermore Popkomm has so far these and other notable Industry events not revealed whether it will have a con- in upcoming issues in 2010.

VIP-BOOKING.COM VIP- News - December 2009

The Future of Live Music in the UK – A Politician’s Point of View Allan McGowan [email protected]

On Thursday, October 22, I attended the and colleges (in respect of live music), and The Met claim that Form 696 is a safety mea- demonstration in London’s Parliament an exemption for venues with a capacity of sure, yet there is no evidence that live music Square referred to in the following article, under 200 who already have a license to sell gigs are of greater concern with regard to and met our guest writer Don Foster, Don alcohol. crime and disorder than any other form of is a British Liberal Democrat Member of public gathering, such as a pub showing Parliament, representing Bath in southwest Frustration at the situation was made football. The Culture, Media and Sport se- England. clearly and colourfully in a performers lect committee also made it clear that they protest organised by Equity and the Musi- felt the Licensing Act should be reviewed Live music is, and always should be, a vital cians Union that I spoke at on 22nd Octo- and reworded to “remove the over link- strand in British cultural DNA. However, ber in Parliament Square. There was some age of live music with public disorder.” We with the Licensing Act 2003 the current La- wonderful (fully licensed) live music, dance should be encouraging the development bour government has tied the industry up performances and even some clowns. The of people’s creativity, not suppressing it in so much red tape it is being strangled. Government had pre-empted this move by over false fears. announcing hours beforehand that venues Live music may continue to do well in large with a capacity of 100 might be made ex- I have focussed predominantly on the ef- venues, the value of the entire live music empt from having a license, but only after fect the legislation has had on musicians sector rose by 13% in 2008, but as Chris another 12 weeks of consultation. After 6 and promoters on the ground. However, as Carey of PRS for Music pointed out in an ar- years of legislation, eight consultations, this magazine has previously highlighted, ticle for IQ Magazine: “In live concerts it looks two government research projects, two the effects restricting live music market go like we have an 80/5 rule, where 80% of mon- national review processes and a parliamen- much deeper. For example, sponsorship of ies are generated by the top 5% of artists.” tary select committee report, I feel public live music events in 2008 was down 10% on The Act is clearly having a harmful effect in views on this issue have been made clear. the previous year. Encouraging financial in- small venues, the kind where bands perfect The Government must now put in place the put into the creative economy is vital in this their craft. The Live Music Forum has found recommendations put forward both by the time of economic downturn. that live music in smaller venues is decreas- Liberal Democrats and the Culture, Media ing, a point supported by Parliament’s Cul- and Sport Select Committee; that is, an ex- I will continue to speak out in favour of ture, Media and Sport Select Committee. emption for venues with a capacity up to adjusting the rules around live music, and The same committee said in May 2009 that 200, not the 100 now to be considered. I will continue to support performers as live music provision in venues whose main they lobby Parliament on this issue. The business is not live music has decreased by Having a license doesn’t mean the end Licensing Act has been in force for 6 years 5%. This is seriously threatening Britain’s of the problems for venues. In London, and has failed the people it was supposed ability to develop young musical talent. the Metropolitan Police still continue to to support. It is high time Government cut use Form 696. Even with the most recent the red tape. Without doubt this situation could have changes to the form, 696 is without doubt been avoided. Back in 2004, in one of their racist, targeting events mainly frequented many consultations on this issue, the Gov- by members of ethnic minority communi- ernment was warned by over 80% of venue ties. In May, this form forced the closure of owners capable of hosting live music that Project Urban at the IndigO2. This event, they would not continue to do so under the due to feature prominent artists such as regulations. Tinchy Stryder and Wiley, was deemed high risk, despite the organisers spending My counterpart in the Lords, Lord (Tim) £4,500 on airport style security. Project Ur- Clement-Jones, regularly cites a legal case ban was not deemed ‘high risk’ because of from 1899 (Brearley v Morley). This estab- police information on gangs or troublemak- lished that a pub landlord could let custom- ers attending. It became ‘high risk’ after an ers use a piano on his premises without administrative error meant the date of birth an entertainment license. He then rightly or two artists due to perform were not sub- points out that today such a landlord could mitted. If venues such as the O2 are finding face a £2000 fine. This demonstrates why it hard to navigate this administrative quag- Lord Clement-Jones introduced a Live Mu- mire, it is no wonder smaller venues are less sic Bill in the House of Lords. This Bill calls inclined to put on live music events. I repeat for the return of the ‘2-in-a-bar’ rule, a total here in print what I have said publicly; there licensing exemption for hospitals, schools must be an end to the use of form 696. Don Foster

VIP-BOOKING.COM VIP- News - December 2009

Business News Manfred Tari [email protected]

DEAG Releases 9 Months Business Report

Deutsche Entertainment increased its key figures for revenue and earnings. The turnover went up from 76.4 to 81.2 million Euros. The earnings before taxes (EBIT) rose from minus 2.4 the year before to 2.3 million Euros as did the net income, which moved up from minus 3.6 to 1.1 million Euros.

The company declared that it is confident in gaining for about 100 million Euro in ongoing turnover as it expects a strong forth quarter. Nevertheless looking into the figures for the third quarter, the two company segments Live-Touring and En- tertainment-Service reveal different development for the turnover and EBIT results. The Live Touring-department gained a turnover of 3 million Euros in Q3-2008, in Q3-2009 5.8 million Euros. The EBIT in this department decreased from minus 4.6 to minus 1.4 million Euros. For the Entertainment-Service department the turnover shrunk from 23.7 to 19.2 million Euros, while the EBIT rose from minus 0.2 to 1.3 million Euros.

Within one year the DEAG share risen from 0.62 up to 2.15.

Public Organisations Unite Against the Live Nation Ticketmaster Merger

It looks like a strong alliance against the long lasting considerations of the intended merger of Live Nation and Ticketmaster. In a joint statement representatives of: The National Consumers League (NCL), the American Antitrust Institute, the Consumer Federation of America, Consumer Action and Knowledge Ecology International clearly stated that they have strong concerns about the fusion of these two companies.

»We all know the saying ‘if you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em. That is exactly what Ticketmaster and Live Nation are attempting to do« - Sally Greenberg

The NCL Executive Director Sally Greenberg was quoted as saying, “This merger would be a disaster for consumers. Nothing short of blocking this takeover of the ticket market by two industry behemoths will be acceptable” and added “Spinning off a small part of Ticketmaster is no answer.” She continued: “We all know the saying ‘if you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em. That is exactly what Ticketmaster and Live Nation are attempting to do.” Addressing the Department of Justice (DOJ) where the merger is still pending approval she said, “Were this merger to be allowed to proceed, it would kill even the modicum of competition that currently exists between the two companies.”

For James Love, Director of Knowledge the deal is simply “An insult to both musicians and consumers. It will lead to higher prices and less interesting music and art. The last thing we need is fewer corporate entities controlling more of our culture.”

Also Susan Grant, Director of Consumer Protection at Consumer Federation of America argues heavily against the elephant marriage while saying: “Consumers deserve a fair deal in the entertainment marketplace, not the fewer choices and higher prices that would result from this merger”.

VIP-BOOKING.COM VIP- News - December 2009

In a direct approach to the DOJ Linda Sherry, the Director, National Priorities for Consumer Action comments “These companies are not popular with consumers. Allowing this merger to proceed would make a bad market for consumers much, artist avails ›› much worse. We strongly urge DOJ to block the merger without conditions.”

At the beginning of next year at the latest it will become clear if and how Live Fischer-Z Nation and Ticketmaster might be able to unite. Looking at the share price Territory: Europe Period: 01/07/2010 - 31/12/2010 development for the last 52 weeks, both have gained. Live Nation went up Agency: Artist Agency $3.83 to $7.93 and therewith doubled it’s value as did the share price of Ticket- Agent: Bart Quintens master, which went up from $5.59 to $11.60. Phone: +32 1677 7670 E-mail: [email protected] Homepage: www.artistagency.be CTS Eventim as the only corporate company and business partner of Live Na- tion that doubtless have the biggest concerns against the merger also saw its Cyndi Lauper share price rise significantly within one year: From 24 to 32.69 Euros. Territory: Europe Period: June 2010 Agency: William Morris Endeavor Entertainment Bidding for MAMA Group Agent: Sheraz Qureshi Phone: +44 20 7534 6800 E-mail: [email protected] For quite a long time share news of the Mama Group has only produced a flow Homepage: www.cyndilauper.com of relaxed activity. No spectacular mega deals and no attempts for rolling out world domination plans. The Mama Group just concentrated on developed its Bride company portfolio in assembling concert venues in London. Territory: Europe Period: October 2010 Agency: We Rock U But now hectic events have taken over from this previously uneventful situa- Agent: Menno Zweers tion. Out of the blue an attempt at a hostile take over has surprisingly changed Phone: +31 6 1480 3918 everything. The investment company SMS Finance made an offer of round E-mail: [email protected] Homepage: www.werocku.nl about £30 million to acquire the majority of the outstanding share capital of the Mama Group. SMS Finance already holds 30 percent of the Mama issued Ghetonia shares. SMS Finance controls Pacific Capital, which belongs to Silvio Scaglia who Territory: Worldwide founded the company in 2007. Scaglia made a fortune as a shareholder of the Period: Generally available Agency: Maffucci Music Italian telecom company Fastweb S.p.A. He holds 18.75 percent in the company Agent: Canio Rosario Maffucci and sold his stake to Swisscom. According to a Forbes ranking Scaglia is worth Phone: +39 339 485 8107 about $1.2 billion and therewith the 799th richest man in the world. E-mail: [email protected] Homepage: www.italianworldmusic.com

However, the Mama Group arranged a £2.5 million bond with Pacific Capital The Neon Judgement and is supposed to repay the loan at the end of the year. On December 7 SMS Territory: Europe Finance offered 3.7 Pence per share and two days increased the offer to 4.75 Period: Generally Available Agency: Artist Agency Pence after the initial refusal by the Mama Group board. Agent: Bart Quintens Phone: +32 1677 7670 In the 58 page offer catalogue it is documented that Pacific Capital provided E-mail: [email protected] two more non-convertible loans, one of £1.5 million and another of about £1 Homepage: www.artistagency.be million. On September 15 Pacific Capital transferred its 26.3 percent stake in Massive Attack Mama to SMS Finance. Territory: Europe Period: 2010 Meanwhile HMV raised its investment and acquired 66.5 million shares or 8.2 Agency: William Morris Endeavor Entertainment percent of the Mama share capital for 5.25 Pence per share. According to a re- Agent: David Levy port in the Guardian HMV already holds a 50 percent stake in the Mama venture Phone: +44 20 7534 6800 Meanfiddler, which owns 11. HMV have therefore paid £18.25 million. Amongst E-mail: [email protected] others the Hammersmith Apollo has already been renamed the HMV Apollo. Homepage: www.massiveattack.co.uk An HMV statement in the Guardian says: “HMV notes the recent announcement by SMS Finance SA of its offer for MAMA, HMV’s joint venture partner in Mean Fiddler More Artist avails on: Group. HMV confirms that it is considering its position with respect to MAMA.” www.vip-booking.com

One year ago the MAMA share was worth 4.5 and just recently rose to 5.5 Post your Artist avails on: Pence. The current market capitalisation of Mama stands at £44.43 million. www.vip-booking.com

VIP-BOOKING.COM VIP- News News - August - December 2005 2009

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, buy- ing and selling notices, inquiries or alike. Announcements should be emailed to [email protected]

MW_vip_170x126_0901 26.11.2009 17:13 Uhr Seite 1 – THE PULSE OF MUSIC

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Kerstin Stegmann Test it 3 weeks for free! phone: ++49 (0) 89/45114-333 www.musikwoche.de/VIP mail: [email protected] M_252_AZ_A23 ® Registered as a trade mark at the German patent and trade-mark bureau. Read the benefits and order now: www.musikwoche.de/VIP

VIP-Booking ApS cannot be held responsible for loss or damages incurred as a result of transactions with individuals or companies through the notice board. We recommend all to make the necessary enquiries before entering into any agreements.

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. Please shorten your message to the extent possible, to make room for as many notices as possible.

VIP-BOOKING.COM VIP- News - December 2009

Member presentation ››

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

König-Pilsener-ARENA - SMG Entertainment Deutschland GmbH

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

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

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

About Our Company

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

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