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VIP- News›› ›› premium Vol. 101 MARCH 2008
McGowan’s Musings:
Well – I survived and, apart from a com- put it together and those that attend from pletely bruised left arm, got home in one all over the world, but I must admit that piece! Oh, do pay attention! – From my first I was finding the very scale of the event ever skiing trip - remember? I told you I was – 1700 bands this year - more than a little going in the last issue – it just shows how daunting. A year off may not be a bad thing little you care! Anyway, for those of you that – I’ll be back in 2009 (barring unfortunate are bothered I was introduced to the joys of Allan McGowan skiing incidents!) the slopes in Finland (at least Ville Kilpeläin- en bothered to ask where I was going, but many smokes!) at the speed blurred sight of At least I now have time to recover from the then he and his mates at Music Export me hurtling downhill towards an only semi excesses of the sell out and highly success- Finland keep an eye on all music industry - frozen lake (global warming!) with no indi- ful 20th ILMC in London (see our report in types that infiltrate their territory!), then, cation of stopping (he didn’t know that my this issue). The attendance was again up almost without pause, (at the instigation Finnish experience had at least taught me – 950 people this time. It struck me that the and invitation of that madman Ronni Did- to scream and throw myself sideways at the attendance at this Anniversary edition even riksen) with all of the VIP crew plus various last second!) – Anyway, Black Slopes here I more than usually mirrored the changing partners and children it was off to Norway come! landscape of the live industry, with many to strap on those hideously uncomfortable first time delegates from established and boots for another go, and quite frankly it’s Usually, at this time of year, I am in Austin brand new businesses from all over the all been downhill ever since! chasing the next plate of barbecue and world, and the gradually increasing pres- wondering why I’m watching a band from ence of more people from other sectors, OK, some of them can ski, of those that Brighton or London, wonderful though record companies, publishers etc (The UK’s couldn’t, some, the women and the chil- they might be, in Texas, but reassuring my- Performing Rights Society for instance dren actually, picked it up quite quickly, self that I’ll be watching some great US and sponsored the Saturday lunch). Many of the and others – a certain Manfred Tari comes local acts in the foyer of The Four Seasons News stories in this issue relate to topics ad- to mind, were probably put off the whole Hotel the following morning. But sadly, dressed at ILMC 20. idea for life! I probably had something to though scheduled to chair a panel on Satur- do with that, apparently the remaining day’s SXSW Conference programme, due to So as I’m not in Texas it allows me to con- blood drained from his at best of times various circumstances, I am at home. I will template a UK based St. Patrick’s day for the pale - though strangely attractive! - face miss many aspects of SXSW, and certainly I first year in a very long time. I’ll raise a Guin- (too many music conference rooms and too will miss a great number of the people who ness to you all!
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TignesFest – An Alpine Music Event Allan McGowan [email protected]
Continuing the Skiing theme introduced in day 18th April. He says he is delighted to be the Musings, here is news of the first edition part of the inaugural event in the Alps. of a new festival to take place in The Alps “Imagine if the kind of music I play on The from 17 – 20 April this year. Remix had its own ‘In The City’... now picture TignesFest is planned to be a fresh new that city being a town on top of a snow cov- music festival to be held in one of the top ered mountain... It’s a nice picture isn’t it? You rated (and highest) ski resorts in the world, carve down a beautiful French mountain on Tignes. a snowboard, then take your apres ski with the Autokratz and Boy 8 Bit, and while you go TignesFest describes itself as a musical cock- nuts at a brilliant gig, your mates can hear it tail showcasing fresh talent, from djs to live go out on Xfm and curse the fact they’re not bands and exclusive acoustic sets. It’s also a there with you.” long weekend of skiing snowboarding, so- cialising and sounds for the discerning and Tignes is regarded as one of the world’s high- curious who like to experience something est and most snow-sure ski areas for skiers outside of the norm. Best and most impor- and snowboarders alike. It has pistes to suit tant of all, the event is FREE ! all, with the Naturides (ungroomed pistes) and the Spot (Skiing the Powder Of Tignes) Curating the show are radio broadcasters zone, a cross between off-piste and a free- from the UK’s 3 top radio stations; Eddy style jumps park. Offpiste activities include Temple Morris (XFM), Kissy Sell Out (R1) and snowmobiling, paragliding, ice diving, ice- The Loose Cannons (Kiss FM) respectively. skating, horse riding, bowling and the Ice Museum. There are also many spas that of- XFM’s Eddy Temple Morris will be broad- fer sauna, Jacuzzi and massage (I could have casting his show live from TignesFest on Fri- done with that! – Ed.)
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The Ethos of TignesFest
The organisers of TignesFest claim a very ess of nurturing and developing new tal- many years radio and music experience definite set of principles as their inspira- ent has changed, and so too has the face under their belts, the curators have been tion for the event: of the industry. instrumental in developing their respec- tive music genres and finding new and As revenues from product sales decrease With TignesFest we aim to help find and exciting artists whilst supporting the in- and more and more high profile (and not support new talent, provide a platform dustry’s key DJs and musicians. so high profile!) artists give away their for promotion and encourage a new catalogues for free, the music industry generation to think about the detrimen- is seeking new ways of finding and pro- tal effect music piracy has on the indus- New talent line up moting talent, repackaging music and try and musicians whilst also giving the marketing their artists – with the added consumer FREE opportunities to discover A Human, Alex Metric, Alex Skt, Auto- hindrance of ever-shrinking budgets. new talent and thus gain their support kratz live, The Bloody Beetroots, Boy 8- of up and coming artists. Radio broad- Bit, Chris Lung, Cristal Palace Band, Dark The internet - whilst beneficial for intro- casters meanwhile, are still very much at Jedis, David E. Sugar, James Yuill, Kissy ducing new artists into the scene and the forefront of finding new music; they Sell Out featuring Dan M, Naomi Roper, giving them a break via portals such as receive hundreds of demos and promos Poney Poney, Primary 1, South Central, Myspace - has contributed to the demise each week, and they help to shape what The Shoes, Tokyoyoyo, Trash Fashion and of music sales by the direct increase of the public listen to. Trevoy Loveys rampant online piracy. The digital revolu- tion has therefore also served to reduce With this in mind, TignesFest has the sup- For More information go to: the amount of support the industry can port of three key broadcasters in the UK www.tignesfest.com/ offer new acts. Along with this, the proc- who will help to curate the event. With www.myspace.com/tignesfest
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Top 10 tickets generate £50m More transparency required Tixdaq monitors secondary sales of concert Secondary market needs to shake off ‘Arthur tickets on the 25 most popular sites in the While secondary ticketing may provide a Daley’ (UK TV comedy character) image. UK. It is the process of extending its moni- useful service for some music fans, there toring services to the Continent and ulti- are real concerns about rogue operators 6 March 2008: Newly released figures from mately the US. advertising non-existent tickets or “under- independent ticketing research consul- the-counter” deals which are designed tancy Tixdaq reveal that concerts by the Tixdaq founder Will Muirhead said, “These purely to inflate the price of tickets at the reformed Take That and Led Zeppelin were figures give a fascinating insight into the scale expense of consumers. the hottest tickets on secondary ticketing of the secondary ticketing market in the UK exchanges in 2007. “Secondary ticketing is clearly a popular ser- ”Secondary ticket exchanges – like Seatwa- vice with music fans, but there is no doubt Take That tickets generated a total of £12.8m ve, Viagogo and GetMeIn have created an that more transparency is required. That is in sales of “secondhand” tickets over the in- £200m market in concert tickets in the UK in why we welcomed the Culture Media & Sport Select Committee report into the market. “The Select Committee specifically called for 2007’s Top 10 Most Expensive Secondary more research in the market and Tixdaq is Ticket Sales committed to providing this. Average Price 1. Led Zeppelin £ 707.97 “Without transparency, the secondary tick- 2. Electric Proms: Paul McCartney £ 498.14 eting market will never shake off its Arthur 3. Electric Picnic £ 360.96 Daley image.” 4. The Liverpool Sound - Paul McCartney £ 330.00 5. Liza Minnelli £ 261.93 For more information: 6. Nick Cave £ 249.95 7. Celine Dion £ 219.37 contact Steve Redmond on 07770 924720 8. Isle of Wight Festival £ 217.55 or [email protected] 9. V Festival - Staffordshire £ 205.58 10. Download Festival £ 202.23 2007’s Top 10 Biggest Grossing Tours& Festivals for Secondary Ticket Sales Gross Transactions 1. Take That £ 12,896,591.39 2. T in the Park £ 8,719,848.60 3. V Festival £ 6,768,286.89 4. Spice Girls £ 5,339,476.61 5. Carling Reading Festival £ 4,959,750.89 6. Prince £ 4,262,625.83 7. The Police £ 3,453,926.99 8. George Michael £ 3,008,115.89 9. Genesis £ 2,933,954.69 10. Bruce Springsteen £ 2,173,504.07 Source: Tixdaq Led Zeppelin VIP-BOOKING.COM VIP- News - March 2008 All Change In The Middle East Allan McGowan [email protected] Many discussions at ILMC 20 referred to the continuing international ri- valry between the ‘concert giants’, Live Nation and AEG, also the growth in importance of the recently ‘emerged’ markets featured in more than one of the conference sessions. The following item involves both these topics. Live Nation - Mirage On February 15 Live Nation announced that it had entered into a de- finitive agreement to acquire a 65% controlling stake in Mirage Promo- tions, a leading promoter based in Dubai. Mirage managing director Elissa Murtaza, will head up the newly formed Live Nation Middle East, and is quoted as saying that the deal “married the biggest generic en- tertainment provider in the world, with an established regional promoter. From our side, Mirage brings to the table 17 years of high level regional contacts and clients. Live Nation can provide the experience, global clout and infrastructure to turn our clientele’s ideas into reality.” Mirage has been responsible for a wide range of concerts, shows and events in Dubai and other cities in the region, including such international acts as Pink, Aerosmith and Shakira. They have also built a profitable busi- ness booking acts for corporate clients in the region, recent bookings included Diana Ross, Bryan Adams, Kenny Rogers, Sarah Connor and the Gypsy Kings. On the date of the Live Nation announcement the Company promoted a sold-out Santana show at Festival City in Dubai. Live Nation’s takeover of Mirage Promotions should increase the likeli- hood of top-flight touring artists, such as the Rolling Stones, perform- ing in the region. Alan Ridgeway, Live Nation Chief Executive Officer of International Mu- sic, commented: “The launch of our Dubai office is another milestone in our organisation’s expansion into international territories. Dubai and Abu Dhabi have been growing rapidly over the last few years -- Dubai’s popula- tion alone is expected to reach 1.6 Million by 2010, with tourism to expand to 15 Million by 2010 -- There is now a significant demand for live entertain- ment in the region and the world’s top artists are more and more interested in playing there. We look forward to an exciting future.” AEG – Thomas Ovesen Apparently Live Nation/Mirage merger discussions commenced more than four years ago. The finalising of the deal came about less than a month after the departure from the company of, Thomas Ovesen, long- term Mirage GM. Whilst these negotiations were proceeding Mr Ovesen was obviously considering his own future, deciding to take up an offer to join AEG Live to oversee a Dubai based office for live promotions in the Middle East. VIP-BOOKING.COM VIP- News - March 2008 Whilst at Mirage Ovesen had built a repu- dle East’s largest ever concert with Shakira tation for building business in the region’s in Dubai. live industry in the decade since arriving there and settling in Dubai. Predicting Randy Phillips, President and CEO, AEG Live even more of a boom in the area AEG said, “We enthusiastically welcome Thomas have obviously decided not to allow Live into the AEG family. We have been targeting Nation to take the lead, and went for the the Middle East as a key emerging market for man they figured would take them ahead some time. We can’t wait to get started there in the region where Ovesen has worked with the region’s best promoter. Not only is Thomas Ovesen - AEG Live with Mariah Carey, Beyonce Knowles, Ali- Thomas a brilliant businessman, he is very cia Keys, Pink, Mary J Blige, Blue,Scorpions, artist friendly and some of the world’s great- vant for our region is a great opportunity for Tommy Lee and Aerosmith.. For clients est stars come to him time and time again.” me personally, allowing me to build a strong hosting events in Africa and North Amer- Middle East presence complementary to the ica, Thomas has been working with Nelly Ovesen told VIP-News, “Working with some ever expanding AEG world wide operation - I Furtado, P Diddy, Rihanna, John Legend, of the best talent buyers and venue pro- am very appreciative of Randy Phillip’s faith Bryan Adams and many others. He headed grammers in the world and gaining access to in me, and thoroughly enjoy being part of up Mirage when they promoted the Mid- some great live entertainment content rele- the fantastic AEG Live team!” CSM – Dubai Desert Rock Although the ‘big boys’ have now moved mone, Juliana Down and Spoon Feedas Jackie Wartanian said, “Desert Rock is still a in we’re sure that the established ‘girls’ of on the second. The Shamal Battle talent baby festival compared to the ones in Europe Center Stage Management don’t intend to prizewinner, Galeej Gurus from Bangalore, for instance. But we’re proud to have grown let them have things all their own way! On India played on both days. Other entertain- from a three hour show to a two-day festi- March 7th and 8th Jackie Wartanian (Man- ment options for the audience included the val. When we started we had great vision for aging Director) and Lara Teperdjian (Execu- first suspended bar ever, an Infusion Dance the future with the aim to put Dubai Desert tive Vice-President) of Centre Stage Man- Tent, a Calvin Klein Fragrances VIP Lounge, Rock Festival on the world music festival map agement, celebrated the fifth year of their the Lee Cooper cable slide and numerous. and we have achieved that. Ticket sales were ever growing event at Dubai Festival City. delayed due tdo reasons beyond our control »Desert Rock is still a and only started on March 5th at 5pm, which This year the event presented Korn, Ma- baby festival compared to the engendered long queues in the official ticket chine Head, Killswitch Enage, As I Lay Dy- ones in Europe« outlets. However 15,000 tickets were bought ing, Nervecell and Slapshock on the first - Jackie Wartanian by heavy metal fans for March 7th and 13,000 day and Muse, Velvet Revolver, Marky Ra- for March 8th.” Urban Desert Festival CSM are putting up together their very first Urban Desert festival at Dubai Festival City on April 18th 2008. It will showcase Hip hop/Rap/R’n’B artists, headlined by Grammy award nominee AKON, Fat Joe, Black Violin. This one off date is being preceded by a two date tour of South Af- rica (Cape Town and Johannesburg), also organized by CSM. Sipho Dlamini, vice- president of Operations who is originally South African, explains “It has come time for the Middle East fans to experience a true Urban experience.. Urban Desert will do just that and turn Dubai into a scene of expres- sion for all ages, genders and colors, striving to make the music reach new heights. This is what Urban music is all about; it’s not about what you own or don’t, it’s what you feel”. Korn was amongs the headliners at Dubai Dessert Rock 2008 VIP-BOOKING.COM VIP- News - March 2008 German Concert Industry Presents the Annual LEA Awards Manfred Tari [email protected] The LEA-Award winners for their achievements in 2007 presented at The Color Line Arena are: Hall-/Arena-Tour Artist Agent of the Year mpe music pool europe for the Justin Tim- Buback Konzerte berlake tour “FutureSexLoveShow” Artist Manager of the Year Concert of the Year Benjamin Ebel (Tokio Hotel) MLK – Smashing Pumpkins in the Colum- biahalle, Berlin. Talent Support of the Year Stefan Raab Festival of the year (“SSDS”, Bundesvision Song Contest) ICS Festival Service – “Wacken Open Air” Location of the Year Club-Tour of the Year Parkbühne Wuhlheide GmbH Tim Fischer Chansons – Tim Fischer – Kindl-Bühne Wuhlheide Götz Alsmann Show of the Year The Jury Prize: BB Promotion – Tim Mälzer, Peter Rieger & Peter Schwenkow: Due to the very particular German men- “Ham`se noch Hack?” Barbra Streisand auf der Waldbühne Berlin tality Moderator Götz Alsmann and Carl Leighton-Pope, who handed out the Tour Promoter of the Year Life Time Achievement Award: award in the category ‘Tour Promoter of Marek Lieberberg Konzertagentur Karsten Jahnke the Year’, spontaneously decided after the event, to investigate ways of stimulat- Local Promoter of the Year Club Artist of the Year ing audience participation and reactions Hannover Concerts Madsen for the 2009 edition of The Awards. “This comes from a place of gratitude - for my career and my loyal fans.” ."3$).*-"/ *5"-:5)&#-6&/05& ."3$).*-"/ *5"-:5)&#-6&/05& ."3$) 7*$&/;& *5"-:.&. ."3$)7*$&/;& *5"-:.&. ."3$)#"4&- 48*5;&3-"/% "*31035$"4*/0#"4&-"( "13*-.0/5&$"3-0 .0/"$0.00%4 "13*-.0/5& $"3-0 .0/"$0.00%4 "13*-"7*(/0/ '3"/$&-&306(&(03(& "13*-."--03$" 41"*/$*$-0(6*5"33"4%&-.6/%0$&/530.64*$"-"44"*( "13*-7"--"%0-*% 41"*/ $&/530$6-563"-.*(6&-%&-*#&4 "13*-1"3*4 '3"/$&/&8.03/*/( 335 Records proudly presentsLaurie XXXSFDPSETDPN XXXMBSSZDBSMUPODPN i-BVSJF8IFFMFST$%A5XJMJHIUJTBHFN XXXNSUW 4UZMJTITJOHJOH HSFBUNVTJDJBOTIJQ BOE WheelerWheeler 30#&358*--*".4 BXPOEFSGVMMZFDMFDUJDBOEFOKPZBCMF 1IPOF Twilight SPCFSU!SFDPSETDPN TFMFDUJPOPGTPOHT,VEPTUPBMMDPODFSOFEu (-&//#-"$,."/ _5IF+B[[$BGF83)6)FNQTUFBE /: 1IPOF&VSPQF Twilight HMFOO!XCBFOUFSUBJONFOUDPN VIP-BOOKING.COM VIP- News - March 2008 A Tale of Three City Venues Allan McGowan [email protected] Another main theme of ILMC 20 was of and development were vital. “The concert course new talent – if the business is to business is solid and strong and the rise of continue to grow then this is the life- the festival has reinforced the communal blood. The main question is where to find nature of the lives experience,” he said. But, and develop new artists – the answer of in the long term he says there is concern course is on stage – in venues, so an ad- that the talent will not be available to fill equate supply of places to play is an es- the big arenas, and that the opportuni- sential. ties lie with the mid-size halls, and conse- quently “We need to develop acts as a way In his recent interview/keynote at Bill- to sustain business. board’s Music & Money Symposium in So to develop acts, we need to develop and New York, Ticketmaster CEO Sean Moriar- be careful not to lose good venues. Here we ty emphasized that the concert business lament losing one with a great past, but is healthy, but warned that maintenance look to the future for three others.” Sean Moriarty London Astoria has to Make Tracks For the past 18 years or so plans have been will close at the end of the year. 35,000 peo- in discussion to construct a new rail link al- ple have already signed an online petition, lowing trains to travel across London, the ‘Save The Astoria’, supported by acts such Crossrail project. Obviously many buildings as Kaiser Chiefs, Franz Ferdinand, Maximo will have to be demolished to facilitate the Park, Jamie T, the Cribs and Feargal Sharkey, laying of the new tracks, these properties the former Undertones singer, has already have been under suspended sentence as it attracted signatures. A spokesperson for were waiting for the authorities to finally de- Live Nation, which manages the Astoria, termine dates for the work, which of them said: “We believe it should be preserved for would definitely go, and the necessary de- future generations.” Jade Dickinson, one molition to begin. One of these properties of two students behind the campaign, is the historic Astoria. Over the years this said: “It’s literally eroding London’s cultural one-time pickle factory has staged shows heritage.” However the venue’s popular- by some of the world’s most influential acts ity and all the sentiment in London will it including U2, the Rolling Stones, Prince, seems have no effect. “The construction of Nirvana, Arctic Monkeys, David Bowie and Crossrail means that the Astoria can’t be The Astoria - London Radiohead. saved,” the mayor said. that the UK capital was the most culturally Now Ken Livingstone, the Mayor of Lon- Melvin Benn, MD of the latest operators, vibrant city in the world, with more mu- don, has confirmed that the 2,000 capacity Mean Fiddler and now MD of Festival Re- sic venues and music performances per former theatre will be knocked down and public had hoped that there would still be year than New York and Paris combined. some delay before the axe fell and that the The argument that there is a shortage of venue may have continue to operate till mid-size venues of this size in the capital, 2010 or 2011, even though the cramped, un- especially after recent closures of Ham- comfortable and probably unhygienic con- mersmith Palais and The Spitz, was coun- ditions seemingly not particularly minded tered by Livingstone saying that a new, by punters and artists would remain. He plusher concert venue would be included told BBC Radio 4 that the lack of the secu- in the new development in Tottenham rity of a long lease had prevented Mean Court Road. Feargal Sharkey, CEO of British Fiddler carrying out a necessary but very Music Rights and former chair on the U.K. expensive refurbishment. Property devel- government’s Live Music Forum, said the opers Derwent Valley bought the freehold closure would be ‘a blow’, but was “heart- on the Astoria in 2006 for an estimated £24 ened” by Livingstone’s commitment to million (Euros 31.7 million). the erection of a larger, alternative venue nearby. He added, “We await with inter- A very recent report commissioned by est his proposals for a live music strategy.” the London Development Agency found Watch this space! Feargal Sharkey VIP-BOOKING.COM VIP- News - March 2008 Mama Group Develop and Add to Venues The Mama Group now claim to be the UK’s The Forum Refurbished introduced and the capacity increased to largest promoter of live music. MAMA 2350 for mixed seated/standing gigs. All currently owns a total of 20 venues with MAMA acquired The Forum in 2007 and has customer and artist facilities have been capacities of 150 through to over 5000, now completed the much needed refur- completely refurbished. With the loss of including the network of 10 Barfly venues bishment at the legendary Kentish Town (I the Astoria the facility is in line to become as well as the Hammersmith Apollo, Jazz saw The Cult there a couple of weeks ago London’s premier 2000+ capacity venue. Café, The Forum, G-A-Y, G-A-Y Late, The and it took me back to the heyday of seeing The key appointment in this is that of Paul Borderline and the soon to be renovated good rock bands in good mid sized venues Buxton, previously at both Shepherds Garage, all in London. Mama are adding to in the 70’s – ED.) A fully seated format of- Bush Empire and The Astoria, as General their portfolio and growing fast!: fering approximately 1200 seats has been Manager. Birmingham - Digbeth Institute (The Sanctuary) The acquisition of the lease of Birming- Advantage West Midlands and the MAMA dustry both nationally and internationally. ham’s Sanctuary will see the venue revert Group plc. Create opportunities for local musicians to its former name - The Institute –under to create, produce and promote their own MAMA’s ownership. The refurbished In- The aims are to: music. stitute which will be fully refitted during Create a major world class music venue for the course of 2008 will have four different the West Midland’s region. The Institute will open in September sized spaces with state of the art facilities. Raise the profile of the region’s music in- 2008. The Institute will become a musical hub for the city and a flagship venue at the heart of the city’s regeneration plans. The Birmingham Barfly has been operating successfully in the Digbeth venue as a 400 capacity facility since July 2004. As part of the refurbishment plans this capacity will increase to an expected 600. Additionally, entry-level rooms of 150 and 300 capacity will be developed. The main Auditorium will hold 1500 -1700 people and will fill a regional gap for medium scale venues. This development will ensure that Bir- mingham can now accommodate touring artists who have traditionally bypassed the city because of lack of suitable 1500 capacity space. The range of room capaci- ties with additional rehearsal space and fully integrated digital facilities within the building is intended to help and encour- age local talent to grow and develop on home turf. The reinstatement of the venue results from unique public and private sector partnership between the City Council, The Institute - Birmingham 10 VIP-BOOKING.COM VIP- News - March 2008 Edinburgh – The Gig / The Venue The most recent Mama move is a acquisi- refurbishment, which is expected to be in sic venues in the important Edinburgh and tion is a conditional agreement to pur- the second half of 2008.The Venue will be- Birmingham markets. Our venue portfolio chase, through Mean Fiddler Holdings come one of Scotland ‘s most prestigious is now 20 strong and there remains exciting Limited (“MFH”), a wholly owned subsid- live music venues. Completion of the ac- potential for further development.” iary of the Company, the freehold title to quisition is conditional on the transfer The Gig (“The Gig” or the “The Venue”), a of The Venue’s premises licence to MFH live music and entertainment venue locat- which is expected to be granted within a ed in Edinburgh’s city centre, from Lumi- month of the date of agreement. nar Liquid Limited, a subsidiary of Luminar Group Holdings plc. »The Gig has been synonymous with entertainment in Edinburgh The purchase consideration for The Venue for over 80 years and is positioned is £3,550,000 which the Company intends in a unique location« to finance with a mixture of new debt fa- - Adam Driscoll & Dean James cilities and cash. The Venue has been non- trading since January 2007 and there are Adam Driscoll and Dean James , Co-Chief no trading figures for the current financial Executive Officers of MAMA commented: year. However, based on an independent “We are delighted to have enhanced our mid valuation obtained by the Company, The sized live music venue portfolio with the ac- Venue has a vacant possession valuation quisition of this landmark venue. The Gig has (i.e. assuming no trade or licenses) of at been synonymous with entertainment in Ed- least £2,200,000. inburgh for over 80 years and is positioned in a unique location; ideal for live music and The Gig, with a capacity of approximately live entertainment. This announcement fol- 1,500, is currently the only medium sized lows closely behind details of our acquisi- live music venue in the centre of Edin- tion of a similar sized venue in Birmingham. burgh . The directors believe, following a These two properties represent significant proposed refurbishment, that following additions to our growing network of live mu- Adam Driscoll - MAMA Group 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, pro- moters, 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. ?????????????????????????????????????????????????? ??????????????????? ??? ???????? ?????????›› ›› ??????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????? ????????? ????????? ????????? ?????????????? ???????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????? ????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????? ???????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????? ??????????????????????????????????????????????????????????? ??????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????? ?????????????????????????????????????????????? ??????????? ????????????????????? ?????????? ???? ??????????????? ???????????????? ????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????? ????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????? ??????????????? ?????????????????? ?? ???????? ??????? ?? ???????? ????????????? ????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????? ?????????????? ?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????? ???????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????? ??????????????????? ??????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????? ?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????? ??????? ??????????????????????? ???? ???? ???? ?????????? ??????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????? ?????????????? ???????????????????? ????? ???? ??????? ?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????? ?????? ???? ??????????? ???? ????????????????? ??????????? ???????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????? ?????????? ?????????????????????? ???????????????????????? ?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????? ???? ??????? ????? ?????????? ?????? ??????????????? ??????? ?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????? ????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????? ????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????? ?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????? ???????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????? ???????????????????? ????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????? ????????????????????????????????????????????????????????? ?????????? ??????? ?????? ???? ???? ????????????????? ?????????? ??????????????????????????????????????????????????????? ?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????? ????????????????????????????????????????????????????????? ???????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????? ????? ??????????????????????????????? ??????????? ????????? ????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????? ????????????????????????????????????????????????????????? ?????????????? ?????????????????? ?????????? ???????????????? ??????????????????????????????????????????????????????? ??????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????? ??????????? ?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????? ??????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????? ????????????????????????????????????????? ??????????????????? ?????????????????????????????? ???????? ???????????????????????????????????????????????? ??????? ???? ????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????? ???????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????? ?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????? ?????????????????????????????????????????????? ? 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. VIP-BOOKING.COM THE VIP-BOOK VIP-NEWS 11 VIP-BOOKING.COM VIP- News - March 2008 EUROSONIC NOORDERSLAG 2009SEMINAR 15 16 17 JAN GRONINGENNL THE PLATFORM FOR NEW MUSIC IN EUROPE... 250 bands and acts, 100 panels radio broadcast all over Europe 2500 music business professionals ‘THE PLACE TO SECOND GUESS WHO’LL BE THE BIG EUROPEAN BANDS OF THE YEAR’NME (UK) SUPPORTED BY WWW.EUROSONIC.NL EUROPEAN TALENT EXCHANGE PROGRAM ETEP SINCE 564 shows at 55 festivals in 2003 20 countries by 205 artists BRINGING NEW TALENT TO A FESTIVAL NEAR YOU WWW.ETEP.NL 12 VIP-BOOKING.COM VIP- News - March 2008 CTS Eventim Announce Preliminary Results for 2007 Manfred Tari [email protected] According to the figures CTS Eventim million Euro, the EBIT was 26.3 million between Ticketmaster and Cablevision. again surpassed itself. The revenue in Euro while the EBITDA for 2007 in this However, analysts of Sal. Oppenheim 2007 rose from 342.9 million Euro in 2006 segment was 32 million Euro. These fig- and West LB maintain their buy recom- to 384.4 million The company reported ures exclude the results from ticket sales mendations. also a gain for all other key figures. The gained through the ticketing of the Foot- Earnings before Interests and Taxes (EBIT) ball World Cup in 2006. The current shape of the financial market increased from 45.7 million Euro the pre- did not reward these figures. In the cur- vious year to 46.8 million Euro, the Earn- Nevertheless, the analysts of SES Re- rent mood of scepticism the share of CTS ings before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation search again recommended selling CTS Eventim suffered just a bit less than most and Amortisation (EBITDA) went up from shares. In the latest report the analysts shares are doing these days. Within one 52 to 53.9 million Euro. refer to a possible acquisition of a 49% month the share went down from 26.40 stake in AEG Live trough a joint venture to 24.58 Euro (March 17, 2008). In the Live Entertainment business unit of the Company the revenue leapt from 247.2 to 301.3 million Euro. CTS Eventim declared the EBIT-result to be 20.5 million Euro, and the EBITDA result is 21.8 million Euro. CTS Eventim identifies itself strongly with its ticketing business. So no big surprise that CTS also again reports improved results for this part of the company: The revenue for the ticketing unit was 87.5 Live Nation Business Results for 2007 Manfred Tari [email protected] With a reported revenue of $ 4.2 billion Live Nation shows that it means to be the market leader in the global concert indus- try. Nevertheless the company had to de- clare a net loss of about $ 11.9 million. The analysts of JP Morgan downgraded the share of Live Nation to a sell recommenda- tion the day after the business report was announced on February 28, while several other analysts currently have Live Nation still under review. It also is not surprising considering the current situation of the financial markets that the share price of Live Nation is still under pressure. Within one month the share went down from $ 11.17 to $ 9.83 (March 17, 2008). 13 VIP-BOOKING.COM VIP- News - March 2008 ILMC 20 – The Coming of Age of an Industry Manfred Tari [email protected] ILMC 20 took itself back to the times of Peace, Love & Happiness, at least in terms of the theme of this 20th Anniversary edition of The International Live Music Conference. However, the agenda of the ILMC remained completely up to date, mirroring current is- sues that concern the concert industry. First of all it has to be noted that the ILMC is bigger than in previous years. As such it becomes almost impossible to cover eve- rything things that goes on in and around this industry gathering. Apart from the closed meetings of industry organisations such CPA, IJFO and Yourope, the ILMC program formally kicked off with the New Delegates Orientation hosted by Producer Alia Dann and Greg Parmley, Editor in Chief of IQ-Magazine, the ILMC ILMC 2008 journal that covers events during the rest of the year. er and a classical music conductor. In his almost marginally he mentioned the two first synopsis he referred to the ongoing ‘buzzphrases’ of the ILMC 2008, ‘The 360 Over the years ILMC have created their reforming trend with acts such as Gen- Degrees business model’ and ‘The Sec- very own conference stars such as Carl esis and The Police and looked forward ondary Ticketing Market’. Leighton-Pope, Ed Bicknell and even to the comeback of Ike & Tina Turner. He Harvey Goldsmith. Leighton-Pope for in- welcomed deals such as the proposed Nevertheless, when his speech was com- stance is a fixture presenting one of the deal between AEG and Ticketmaster and ing to the end, he again dipped into the conference evergreens The Talking Shop. thanked Girl Groups and Boy Bands for topic of the currently ongoing transition In this almost two hour one man show, he being there as they have been the ones and conversion of the Live Music Busi- addresses and pinpoints the issues that that opened up new target groups in the ness. In an encouraging conclusion he form the basis of the weekend’s ongoing nineties. declared that the members of the live conference agenda. music industry should be well prepared As for his overall description of the eco- for almost any amendments due to the In The Talking Shop Leighton-Pope comes nomic shape of the live music business he nature of the live music business, which across as something between a lion tam- used just two words: “F…ing Great”. And constantly reinvents itself. The talking shop with Carl Leighton-pope drew a lot attention like always (photo by James Looker) 14 VIP-BOOKING.COM VIP- News - March 2008 Ticketing: ‘An Honest Admission’ This typically punning ILMC title saw one of the best-attended conference sessions. The ticketing debate has been growing for quite while at ILMC. But this year the room was packed. Chaired by Stuart Galbraith, who previously worked for Live Nation and has now set up his new company Kilimanjaro with the backing of AEG, this panel showed best what the ILMC conference is all about. A passionate discussion, revealing bits and pieces of information about subjects that some of the speakers normally do not like to talk about in the public. Of course, when it come to kick back com- missions, how much it cost to sell a ticket or “The concept of Risk” almost no concrete information was given. Nevertheless this panel revealed a few issues that indicate the kind of changes this industry is currently Leon Ramakers - Live Nation undergoing. Quite a remarkable conclusion was made by Leon Ramakers of Live Nation about the lack of trust in promoters whilst in the past had nothing to do with the music Netherlands. He referred to the power of these days agents blame ticketing services industry. Secondly the British concert indus- artists and that this power will become big- for a lack of trust. try is already in talks with their government, ger in the future. Dave Chumbley of Primary which is currently not the case in most other Talent then wanted desperately to know But this panel reveals two interesting points: European concert markets. The Commons what it costs to sell tickets, but unfortunate- Secondary ticketing stepped up since the hearings involving industry representatives ly didn’t get this question answered, and appearance of auctioning platform such and official authorities about ticketing - is then had the tables turned on him slightly as Ebay, it become obvious that as with the sues show the difficulties involved in the when explaining Primary Talent’s ticket- record industry the concert industry didn’t regulation of a business model. So far the ing proposals. Galbraith rhetorically asked manage to keep pace with a new develop- UK Government has stepped back from leg- about the lack of trust in ticket agents, ment brought about by the internet. They islation and have urged the industry to ‘put adding that in the past agents complained left this market to business types, who in its own house in order’. Vito Iaia - Dave Chumbley and Stuart Gailbraith in panel discussion (photo by Stew Ruffles) 15 VIP-BOOKING.COM VIP- News - March 2008 Short on Attendance, High in Importance Also quite typical for ILMC is that certain touched in the ticketing panel but will Engine Room – A question of Responsi- conference agenda topics unfortunately for sure pop up in the future. Legrand bility’ chaired by Chrissy Uerlings of Peter do not attract as many visitors as they expressed his concerns that promoters Rieger Concert Agency, which focussed deserve. ‘The Media Lounge: Indecent often seems to be bypassed by the many on production issues. Exposure’ hosted by Emmanuel Legrand, different partners such as record compa- Editor in Chief of Impact Magazine and nies, sponsors and media partners that Dick Molenaar (All Arts Tax Advisors) and ‘The Green Room: ‘Footprints and Foot- are today involved in shows at a certain Harald Grams (Grams & Partner) probably falls’ chaired by Peter Tudor of Wembley level. had to face the toughest competition Arena were not as well attended as they over the entire weekend. Their panel ‘The should have been. But as with the Conference history of the Tax Office: Ringing up the changes’ took ticketing theme, the subjects of some place on Sunday morning at the same The omnipresent ticketing issue also of the panels that took place during the time as Ed Bicknell interviewed industry appeared in the Media panel, elaborat- ILMC simply seem to take time to gain the legends Ron Delsener, Marcel Avram and ing on which media is selling tickets for awareness of the ILMC visitors. A conclu- Harvey Goldsmith as one of his now fa- what genre. An aspect that hadn’t been sion that also could go for the panel ‘The mous ‘The Breakfast Meeting’ sessions. New Boss The New Boss-Panel chaired by Juha Kyyrö company people Nevertheless he quite Nevertheless Steinkamp had to defend (Fullsteam) and Jon McIldowie (Mama honestly admitted that BMG for the last the strategy of record companies regard- Group) was structured in three parts: ‘The ten year “hardly made money” and that ing developing new acts when he was Current State’, ‘How was it in the Old Days’ he has concerns about what is going on asked why record companies drop so and ‘The Prospects for the Industry’. at EMI. many acts these days. He even earned some laughs when he claimed that Sony- Veteran US Agent Wayne Forte pointed Steinkamp also said that Sony-BMG do not BMG is a company that from his point of out that 30 years ago there were many so intend to become another Live Nation type view is “developing artists”. called 360° deals. But probably one of the of company. The Company take on the live unexpected surprises of this panel was music business is rather that it is “another Another assumption of Steinkamp was the appearance of Maarten Steinkamp of tool to communicate with the consumer”. that he believes that 80% of the tours Sony BMG. The record company executive He added that in the past record compa- operated by Live Nation are not profit- received a bit of flak as typical ILMC goers nies hired radio pluggers while today they able, while the remaining 20% “feed the are not always the best friends of record are hiring live music promoters. rest”. Festival Forum At the Festival Forum on Saturday with Bo- There is the fact that costs of for produc- tion quite differently. Depending on the jan Bošković (Exit Festival), Henrik Bondo tion, maintenance and service and fore- history of each event and its current situ- Nielsen (Roskilde Festival) and Dan Panai- most the fees are increasing for so called ation, there seem to be a variety of appro- tescu of Sziget Festival, some interesting ‘super gigs’ by high profile artists. Each priate solutions applicable according to topics turned up: festival seems to handle its budget situa- the chairmen of this panel: 1) Close the gate, 2) Go to the sponsor, 3) Go to the government, 4) Argue with agents, 5) Increase the number of tickets, 6) Diminish the costs. In Denmark the number of local councils that put money into shows to lure popu- lar acts to their towns causes some head- aches for those festival promoters who do not receive subsidies. At Exit-Festival tick- et prices can’t be increased due to the eco- nomic situation in South Eastern Europe. Exit Festival 16 VIP-BOOKING.COM VIP- News - March 2008 Autopsy There were many more things going on furthermore added: “If a platform like the at ILMC 20 but as ever it would become ILMC can’t change things, who else can?” a never ending story to report on all the issues and subjects that appear during This is probably something Hopewell this conference. Probably one of the didn’t necessarily want to hear or to take best bit of news is that Martin Hopewell, on, but it also underlines how important overall chairman and founder of the ILMC has become within just 20 years. ILMC announced in the traditional “Au- ILMC 2008 is history, but it looks like that topsy” at the end of this year’s confer- many opportunities and challenges which ence that there was the possibility to the inventor of this industry gathering raise the number of registrations up probably never envisaged are waiting for from 950 to 1.000 delegates for ILMC 21 Hopewell and the ILMC-Team. in 2009. Another topic the ILMC delegates push a little higher on the agenda each year of this conference is the demand that ILMC should take a lead in more common live music industry matters. It was Peter Smidt from Buma Cultuur at the ‘Sunday Supplement’-Panel hosted by Allan Mc- Gowan who said that the ILMC “is a plat- form” instead of just only a conference. He Martin Hopewell Arthur Awards As part of the ILMC, the annual Arthur The service sector award - ‘Services Above Awards were presented on March 8. and Beyond’: Rock-It Cargo The winners were: The best tour award - ‘Least Painful Tour’: The Police The venue award - ‘First Venue to Come Into Your Head’: The 02, London The production award - ‘Plumber of The Year’: Andy Franks The promoter award - ‘The Promoters’ Promoter’: Andre Bechir, Good News Pro- The young professional award - ‘Tomor- ductions, Switzerland row’s New Boss’: Lucy Dickins, Interna- tional Talent Booking, London The festival award - ‘Liggers Favourite Festival’: Rock Werchter, Belgium The ILMC Bottle Award for outstanding contribution to live music: Michael Chugg, The booking agent award - ‘Second Least Chugg Entertainment, Australia Offensive Agent’: Emma Banks, Creative Artist Agency, London The 02 17 VIP-BOOKING.COM VIP- News - March 2008 First Timers Interviewed at ILMC 20 Manfred Tari [email protected] Steven Thomassen, Toutpartout Agency grow. My mission in this business is to find - Belgium. interesting and good artists and help them find an audience for their music. Of course VIP-News: What’s your impression of your some of those bands are getting bigger and first ILMC? commercial, but that’s part of the business. Steven Thomassen: It is a social thing and VIP-News: Do you feel abused by alterna- it is all business. There are not really gigs tive artists who come out of the alternative going on. Everybody is talking about music circle and then switch to the corporate busi- but only in a business-way, especially when ness side? VIP-News: Did you pick up any new ideas compared to other meetings like SXSW, or inspiration that may help you in terms of Popkomm or Eurosonic which feature the Thomassen: No, I don’t feel abused. A band, developing your business? whole live aspect. So for me ILMC is really even a new band that has the ambition to business and maybe even more social. go to a bigger company knows this from Thomassen: Yes, I just heard and saw what the start. And the people around them, a big business board is doing which is in- VIP-News: So you enjoyed the first night at their managers, their agents and their label teresting for me. For example: I know that the ILMC bar in the Royal Garden Hotel? know their business plan too. If these bands there is a black market for tickets but I was want to go too quickly, then they don´t fit not aware that the whole secondary ticket- Thomassen: It is a bar full of people who in my roster. ing they talk about here is such a big busi- are all working in this industry with a lot of ness. That’s something I would probably politics going on. You feel that some peo- But that’s also part of the whole ‘alterna- never encounter directly but it is interest- ple like you and others don’t but we are all tive’ or ‘indie’-scene. We really are fans of ing to know. colleagues. It also depends on the alcohol our bands. Sometimes it could happen that how open everybody gets! one of these bands is getting bigger and I have my own theory about who are going that there are other players that are get- to be ‘the new bosses’ in the business and I always do my own thing. I come from the ting interested. In that case I have to trust what could be different. I can see things ‘indie’ world and for me this feels more like in the loyalty of the band or the agent. A lot from different sides: I had a record store, I a ‘major’ world. Also: the conference ses- of times the band stay loyal because they had a label, I worked for a distribution com- sions I went to were all about the huge ven- feel that we really support them, but some- pany, I worked for television and now I have ues and the big acts, so everything is about times I lose a band. In that case I just have to an agency. big business. I know that there are some let them go, I don´t have another choice. people here who are working with ‘indie’ or You need to be creative to do what you smaller bands, but I don’t have a big ‘indie’- VIP-News: Did you meet new people at the need to do. The whole music industry feeling here. ILMC? and how music is getting to people has changed so you have to be creative and VIP-News: Do you really think that there is Thomassen: Not really, but I didn’t come think and act differently. It is interesting for a, let’s say, alternative world and a corpo- here with the intention to meet new people me to see the big players and observe how rate world? or create new networks. I did meet a couple they try to handle things. of people that I have worked with before Thomassen: Yes, absolutely. There is a big but never saw personally. I met them and I have been a promoter for years and that difference between these two worlds and we had a drink together, so that’s what has gives me a very wide perspective of what is sometimes they connect. happened. going on and what the so-called problems are nowadays. But I don´t feel that there re- I believe that at the moment there are a lot VIP-News: What do you think about the ally is a problem because it all comes down of interesting bands coming up and they conference themes? to creativity. The really creative people will are all from the ‘alternative’ scene. That’s an survive. interesting tendency. All the tension in the Thomassen: I think they are good. My mot- music-business is good for music in the end to is: You can talk a lot but you need to work VIP-News: Are you going to come back to because it stimulates the creativity. The lyr- and I am a doer. I´m not a big talker, I try to the ILMC? ics are good and it is a good time to make use my instinct or my brain or even my sub- music. conscious and I just do what I need to do. Thomassen: Well, probably, we will see. Sometimes it is good to discuss some topics, Maybe I will go back to SXSW again next A lot of new interesting bands coming up but today they’re all having big discussions year. It depends on how busy I will be or if don’t reach a big audience immediately but and tomorrow everybody is back in his own I will be on tour with a band. But never say they have a strong base and have time to world again and little has changed. never, it is not a bad experience. 18 VIP-BOOKING.COM VIP- News - March 2008 Christopher Brosch at ILMC Manfred Tari [email protected] VIP-News: Please tell me something about Dubai and close behind Berlin doesn’t it? good for the Chemical Brothers isn’t nec- the idea of Citadel Music in Berlin. Besides that we have the great advantage essarily good for say John Fogerty. But that we can play every day of the week – so the majority of our shows are presented Christopher Brosch: The name comes from it makes a perfect stopover for the festival by Radio 1 – also a public station and to the name of the venue, Zitadelle. It is a traffic that usually just has destinations my opinion one of the rare radio stations genuine, fifteenth century renaissance for- with weekends on its itinerary. in Germany that has a profile beyond the tress, which has huge walls, built in the riv- usual ‘chart orientated’ radios. er Havel. The building creates a unique at- VIP-News: Who is behind Citadel Music? mosphere for shows and events. The main There are CMF leaflets and adverts that are stage is set up in the yard of this fortress. It Brosch: The Citadel Music Festival is run by specially designed in the CMF colour code, is a seasonal event normally opened at the one of the biggest local promoting compa- and we try to make more use of the site so end of May and it continues to the end of nies in Berlin. They have the exclusive use that it is a unique experience for the visi- August or end of September depending of the site for the season, invented a com- tors, and there are so many more things on what is on offer at the beginning of Sep- pletely new infrastructure and developed that we can do in there – we could actu- tember. It is a permanent installation and a scenario that intends to create a brand- ally have Open Air cinema performances, it is open to all sorts of music. It might be ing name for the event which separates it we will have more public viewing for the Rage Against The Machine or it might be from all the politics around the everyday European soccer tournament this summer, an opera performance by a touring Mozart business. CMF has its own sponsorship and one can create events, that use more opera. It is a festival that basically features deals, media sponsorship arrangements of the vast amount of cellars, catacombs music in the Citadel. That is context of the and we have created its own corporate and haunted spaces that are part of such name and the concept. identity – a new trademark, logo and its an old building. own promotion scheme. VIP-News: How are the venue and the VIP-News: Tell us something more about trademark Citadel Music promoted? VIP-News: Tell us something about the the venue itself. promotion scheme? What ideas do you Brosch: 2008 is the fourth year if you count have in mind to expand the awareness of Brosch: When inside this environment 2004 as the beginning although that year the brand? takes you into a different world in a way. there was only one show with Ritchie Black- The old fortress has a very huge yard in- more. That is where it all started and it has Brosch: There is special advertising and side with a very professional lighting and grown since then. The festival featured there is special leafleting featuring these sound system set up. The yard will hold 10 shows in 2006 and about 28 shows shows. We have developed a type of col- 10000 people but 3000 people will make last summer. In 2006 we also had a public our code and a new logo for the event so it look comfortable because of the setting viewing for the world soccer tournament that it is recognizable in each publication with are trees, buildings, towers – its just – which is not exactly part of the music, that is made for the Citadel music festival. nicer than an empty field that would hold but with all these shows, we had well over this capacity, as there you’d feel lost if only 100.000 visitors on the site. The idea is basi- We have media sponsorship deals with a third of the area is filled. We can also turn cally to establish an event, which is known ‘Zitty’, which is one of the two big city it into a completely seated area. And then, as a regular, seasonal event in Germany’s magazines in Berlin. The Tagesspiegel, there are the so-called bastions on each capital. That adds to the vibe that is pres- which is a daily newspaper, and RBB TV, corner, which we need to turn into special ently connected to the image of Berlin, which is a local TV channel run by public event areas – we haven’t yet developed being a trendy, considerably ‘in’ type of TV. We have to make individual arrange- the full potential of the venue. We will try city. The trend spot-o-meter lists Shanghai, ments with radio stations, as radio that’s an electronic festival this summer, featur- The Citadel Music Festival 19 VIP-BOOKING.COM VIP- News - March 2008 ing DJ’s and live acts for an all night event, that you have a steady community around – and keep in mind, the venue is not only when we will use the catacombs for the this thing. used for the CMF. There are huge activi- first time. Also, one should keep in mind, ties over Easter and around Christmas that the site is permanently used by local art- VIP-News: And what about the security would draw many more people on site ists who have their workshops and studios issue? than our capacity. However, we are lias- within the buildings, there is a museum ing with the local authorities to provide and galleries – we are particularly proud Brosch: Some people have brought this these security regulations for anyone who that, for example, we will have a great ex- up. The Citadel has just one main entrance is interested in looking at them. Presenta- hibition by R.Giger, this summer. It is very – that’s the nature of a fortress, isn’t it? tions at the ILMC last weekend have been multi-cultural. Rightly people have asked what are you a good inspiration to take things forward going to do in case of an emergency? I to provide a near - perfect site, event and VIP-News: What is on the agenda for the have had an on-site meeting in this re- experience. festival in 2008? spect – and before official documentation and paperwork is available – emergency Contacts: »We will be creating some events, plans are not based on this entrance. We CMF, Thomas Spindler, Johanna Ohrt that have a bigger scheme than can have people leaving there, but the Gleditschstr. 79, 10823 Berlin just one headliner-events« venue should be evacuated by using the Tel.: +49 (0) 30 7809980 - Christopher Brosch four bastions as evacuation points. If there is a problem in the main yard, people will Booking Consultant: Brosch: The opening show this summer be evacuated to these bastions, which are Brosch-Tours, Christopher Brosch is Mary J Blige – there will be perform- all outside of the building-ring that makes Horstweg 6, 14059 Berlin ances by Jethro Tull, Chemical Brothers, the inner yard. One can easily assem- Tel.: +49 (0) 30 75634216 Rage Against The Machine, Neville Broth- ble even more people on these bastions Email: [email protected] ers, Juanes, John Fogerty, Chicago, Roger Hodgson, Ich und Ich, Loreena Mc’Kennit – and as mentioned, we will be creating some events, that have a bigger scheme than “just one headliner-events”. VIP-News: When I look at it, it reminds me a bit of the Stadtpark settings in Hamburg operated by Karsten Jahnke. Would you say this is a fair description? Brosch: Absolutely. The Stadtpark is slight- ly smaller, but I think the idea is quite simi- lar: having a show outdoor in a cosy atmos- phere surrounded by trees. Ok, we are not exactly surrounded by trees, but by mas- sive walls, towers and last but not least, by water, but it is a very similar concept. VIP-News: Do you have any particular plans in terms of the quality of catering and hospitality service for consumers? Brosch: I can only say yes. We are improv- ing on all sectors – it doesn’t make sense to spend money on a great illumination and save money by just serving bratwursts to the punters. The whole idea is to turn this site into a space where you would like to spend some time, not just when there are the big shows. That’s where all these ideas about outdoor bars, movie screen- ings etc come in place. You need to adapt a certain standard if you intend to achieve Mary J. Blige 20 VIP-BOOKING.COM VIP- News - March 2008 Wayne Forte (Entourage Talent – New York) at ILMC Manfred Tari [email protected] VIP-News: What are your impressions of I’ve been coming here for 17, 18 or even environments. The reason to go each of ILMC 2008? 20 years and I find it always a good expe- them is that there are different people. rience and always a good opportunity to The CIC in Los Angeles is quite big and it Wayne Forte: Still as good as it was in the actually sit down and have some good and is hard to see all the people you want to beginning. A good place to meet people creative business discussions. Although it see. There are three or four times as many that you have done some business with is getting a lot larger it is still an intimate people than here, so I find this a bit more but you don´t know personally, and an op- sort of environment. You have the oppor- intimate, a bit more personal. portunity to have discussions on a more tunity to have dinner with a number of personal level. Also the chance to meet people or have a lunch meeting or coffee »You can find communality people you haven’t met before and talk and exchange ideas. with people that you didn’t to them about business and personal life know before or with people if you want to. VIP-News: Do you also go to other conven- that you knew before but you tions? hadn’t realized that you have I have gone to several sessions. They are similar views« good and informative. Many of the people Forte: I go to few other conventions, CIC - Wayne Forte have been in the business for a long while, in Los Angeles, the Pollstar event in New but also I would say that this is a good York, Music Week in Canada and SXSW. When you look at the deals that you have experience especially for people that are They all have a little bit of a different per- done at a convention many more things new in the business. sonality if you like. They have different get completed later. So it is about the relationships that you build, it is a good exchange of ideas and an exchange of interest. You can find communality with people that you didn’t know before or with people that you knew before but you hadn’t realized that you have similar views because you only have contact on the telephone or email. The business has be- come very much electronic. On the phone you don´t have the opportunity to talk for half an hour about something when you are busy. Here you sit and have a drink or sit in the lobby or sit at lunch or at dinner. Here you have more of an opportunity to get to know people. VIP-News: Do you consider ILMC as rather more of a European event or as a global event? As you mentioned you went to SXSW, Canadian Music Week, CIC and so on so forth. These are obviously North American conventions. What is your point of view on ILMC as an American when you come here? Forte: ILMC is definitely more a European event for me. You don´t come here to see and to talk to people from North America. Of course I see them and have discussions with them but that’s not the point of com- ing here. I come here to see the Europeans and the South Americans, which come here, too. But I see them all at CIC, too. It seems to me that in the past more people from Australia and New Zealand came here. But Wayne Forte 21 VIP-BOOKING.COM VIP- News - March 2008 it is international. It is probably more sonally and I’m quite happy to deal international than some of the others with them. They do a good job. conventions I mentioned. But at the artist avails ›› same time it is heavily weighted with VIP-News: What do you think has Europeans and people from the UK. changed at ILMC, what is your per- But it is good for business. sonal experience? Kylie Minouge Territory: Europe Period: June - July 2008 VIP-News: Is there a difference be- Forte: Well it has become much big- Agency: Primary Talent International tween European and North Ameri- ger. When I came here originally it Agent: Dave Chumbley can conventions? was much, much smaller. So it got E-mail: [email protected] much bigger which can be negative Homepage: www.kylie.com Forte: I find the North American are in a little bit of a way because some of The Black Seeds more business orientated, this one those people we talked about don´t Territory: GAS seems to be a bit more personal. come because it is just too many peo- Period: June / July / August ple. But at the same time it is good Agency: Brand Booking GmbH Agent: Martin Agosti VIP-News: I spoke to a ‘newbie’ at because this means new people, new Phone: +49 30 695976 12 ILMC and one of his impressions territories coming and peoples from E-mail: [email protected] was that at ILMC you really could countries you haven’t done business Homepage: www.brandbooking.com feel the difference between the top with yet. This means new businesses, range agencies or entrepreneurs new organisations and young people Travis Territory: Europe and the medium sized companies. coming into the business. So it has Period: June - August 2008 Is that also something you would grown and hopefully some of those Agency: Helter Skelter agree with? people will make the contacts we Agent: Peter Nash have discussed. It has remained per- Phone: +44 207 376 8501 E-mail: [email protected] »You just have to meet sonalized. I still have the feeling that « people. That’s the point it is personalized and that it is not run Tinariwen - Wayne Forte as a corporate event. Territory: Scandinavia & Eastern Europe Period: June Forte: Yeah, it does but it varies. VIP-News: What is your advice for Agency: SASA Music Agent: David Flower Sometimes somebody new comes the newbie at ILMC to get the most E-mail: [email protected] and doesn’t know everybody. There out of ILMC? Homepage: www.tinariwen.com are lots of people that aren’t here and that are missing at the top end Forte: To bring a lot of business John Watts Territory: Europe or maybe in the middle or even at cards and to meet people. They have Period: October/November the top top end. Maybe they don´t to say hello and give them a card, Agency: Paperclip Agency come or they come for a day or an even if they don´t have time to talk Agent: Hilde Spille afternoon when they have business to you. Just introduce yourself, say Phone: +31 24 323 9322 do be done here. You know it is hard who you are and give them a card. E-mail: [email protected] Homepage: www.paperclip-agency.com to be here all the time. There is a Just introduce yourself. This time conference in New York and it is hard around I had a dozen people who in- Ace Of Base for me to be there for two or three troduced themselves to me to who I Territory: Eastern Europe, CIS, Asia and Africa days all day long because I have to actually had spoken on the phone. I Period: 2008 Agency: UrbaniaGroup do work in the office. That’s the dif- had no idea who they were and you Agent: Orlando John ference when I come over here. I can’t read the badges. So the peo- Phone: +46 860 90015 phone at night or do emails. So I’m ple came to me to say hello, that is E-mail: [email protected] around all day and do business. Def- fantastic. I don´t know these people Homepage: www.urbaniagroup.com initely there are people missing but now, but I have met them at least, I even so there are other people you will do business with two of them. do business with. You just have to You just have to introduce yourself. meet people. That’s the point. You have to meet people that you don´t VIP-News: So there is no question hat know and you didn’t think to meet. you will be at ILMC 2009? More Artist avails on: I met two or three promoters over www.vip-booking.com here with whom I do business on a Forte: If there are no reasons why I regular basis that I never knew per- can´t be I plan to be here, yes. Post your Artist avails on: www.vip-booking.com 22 VIP-BOOKING.COM VIP- News News - August - March 2005 2008 notice board ›› SpeakAnother out new - participate service in inthe the improved debate. andThe redesignedVIP-News Reader’s-page VIP-News is the is open Notice-board, for letters which and contributions is available for from all readers. ConsiderReader’s messagesthe VIP-News will Reader’s-page,be posted on the as yourNotice-board “speaker’s as corner” a free service, towards passing professionals on announcements, in the entertainment job postings, industry buy all- overing and Europe. selling The notices, purpose inquiries of the Reader’s-pageor alike. Announcements is to encourage should more be interactionemailed to [email protected] to allow our readers to voice their opinions about the many aspects of our industry. Contributions should be emailed to [email protected]. Vampire Weekend, Pete & The Pirates, Saul Williams and many more announced to perform at this year’s Great Escape... Bringing the best new music from across the world to Brighton on: 15th, 16th and 17th May 2008. The countdown to the 2008 Great Escape Festival has started. With just 11 weeks to go, the cream of new music from the UK and around the world, is being added to Broken Mirrors, Ipso Facto, Beat Union, last year and plans for the 2008 service are an already mouth-watering line-up. Mother Mother, This City, One Night Only, even bigger and better. Teenagers, Crystal Castles, Canterbury, The latest batch of confirmed bands are: Johnny Foreigner, Ida Maria, Team Water- The Early bird ticket offer will expire on 7th Vampire Weekend, Pete And The Pirates, polo, Ebony Bones, The Black Angels, Vol- March so festival goers should book now Saul Williams, Bombay Bicycle Club, Cage canoless In Canada, Wintersleep, Plants whilst they are still available. The Elephant, Jay Jay Pistolet, The Black And Animals, Torngat and Kreif’s Broken Angels, Kelly Stoltz, Thomas Tantrum, Sat- Mirrors. Early Bird Festival Tickets are £35 (plus book- in Peaches, Yelps, The Whip, Lovvers, Jer- ing fee) through www.escapegreat.com, emy Warmsley, Hatcham Social, The Pack The Great Escape is a rapidly growing fes- the ticket line 0870 907 0999 and through A.D. We Are Wolves, Soko, 4 or 5 Magicians, tival with an increased capacity of 6,500 cash box offices Rounder, Resident and The Royworld, The Boat People, The Boxer Re- tickets for sale. An increase of 1,500 on Dome box office (Brighton) and Stargreen bellion, The Bad Robots, The Dykeenies, last years sold out event. Industry and (Oxford Circus). XX Teens, Operator Please, Ox.Eagle.Lion. media professionals travel from all over Man, Johnny Flynn, LadyHawk, Cut Off the world to attend The Great Escape “Red Stripe is proud to support this tremen- Your Hands, Elle S’appelle, We Smoke Fags boosting the numbers by a further 2,000 dous event and confirms our commitment and Lucero. people. Many more bands are still to be to supporting good honest music” announced and an extra 5 venues have Already confirmed are: now been added bringing the total num- For further information contact: Young Knives, Joe Lean and the Jing ber up to 30. Jayne Houghton Jang Jong, Yeasayer, Black Mountain, No ([email protected]), Age, Tunng, Lightspeed Champion, Wild The Great Escape has a unique texting for National press enquiries contact: Beasts, Fujiya & Miyagi, Peter Von Poehl service providing the latest announce- Fiona Clarke (078 5555 1876) and School Of Language. The Wombats, ments to all festival goers, including fes- [email protected]), The Hold Steady, The Subways, Black Lips, tival updates, impromptu street shows, or for Regional Press contact: White Lies, Monobright, Iron and Wine, outdoor events and last minute line up Jack Thunder Public Service Announcers, Born Ruffians, changes. This service was a great success ([email protected]) 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. 23 VIP-BOOKING.COM VIP- News - March 2008 Member presentation ›› In this section we offer members ofVIP -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] Big Star Promotion Ltd. Nick (Loris) Loridas established DIDI Music in 1984 as a record no doubt, contributed in the last few years to change our coun- label. In 1987, with the cooperation of NANA TRANDOU, Big Star try’s image, making it an equal member of the global music enter- Promotion was created as a department of DIDI Mu- tainment scene. BIG STAR PROMOTION is a member of sic, specializing in concert promotion. Gradu- YOUROPE, the most important union of Europe- ally, the record release department of the an festival promoters. Ms Nana Trandou, our company has been surpassed by the managing director, has been elected in growing agency sector. DIDI MUSIC the Board of Directors of YOUROPE, / BIG STAR PROMOTION has made as well as, leader of the workgroup the breakthrough in the local on the Performance Royalties market, organising events and Society (PRS). We are also rep- hosting artists of international resented in ILMC, the Interna- importance. The company is tional Live Music Conference. also the exclusive booking DIDI MUSIC is established in agent for two of our nation’s the Greek market as the pro- best selling pop/rock bands vider of high quality services arranging for both bands that guarantee safety and top to tour abroad, something the most demanding perform- that local groups rarely have ing requirements, through our a chance to do. Since 1997, we efforts, commitment and high successfully organise the ROCK- investments in exclusive techni- WAVE Festival attracting thousands cal and stage equipment. We are of people, featuring great acts and a currently developing our company im- plethora of other activities. Our festival age to strengthen our identity as the lead- has always been devoted to promoting social ing service providers in Greece for organising awareness, having stands on site giving out bro- outdoor and indoor events. Meanwhile, we have ex- chures and information leaflets concerning AIDS and the HIV vi- panded in the ticket distribution market through TICKET HOUSE, a rus, Greenpeace and Amnesty International. ROCKWAVE Festival, national network of ticket outlets with growing dynamics. About Our Company VIP-Booking’s core product is the Internet’s oldest and largest data- Today VIP-Booking offers a range of tools for the industry – inclu- base for the European Live Entertainment Industry www.vip-book- ding VIP-News, VIP-Booking, VIP-Book and VIP-Contract. ing.com developed as a tool for industry professionals. Since it’s launch in the year 2000, we have consistently offered our subscrib- Please visit vip-booking.com for further information. ers the very best in database services and now boast subscribers in over 30 countries. Your comments and suggestions are always appreciated. ® vip-booking.com VIP-BOOKING.COM VIP-BOOKING.COM | 26 York Street | UK - London W1U 6pZ | Phone +44 870 755 0092 | Fax +44 870 622 1953 | e-mail: [email protected] 24 VIP-BOOKING.COM