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McGowan’s Musings

So here we are with the last News of 2015, next year, and as ever we invite you all to box office records and acts like Ed Sheeran an eventful year with, as we mentioned keep us informed on your activities so that and Nicki Minaj following up. The figures in the last edition, some terrible events we can spread your news… also show that the US is not completely besetting the world of live music. But there ruling the roost as 11 of the top 25 top were good things of course and maybe we Overall 2015 has been an extremely good performing acts this year are from other can concentrate more on those in this pre- year for the live industry; the ever reliable US countries. However the two top promoters Christmas edition, hopefully a time of good publication Billboard has just released highly are US Companies with global offices, Live will to all men and women and their friends impressive and improved figures for the year Nation dominates the touring market and and families in all sectors of the business in al sectors of live, and talks of, “… the the European Festivals, and is on a par with which keeps us all busy! We’ve asked a vibrant power of community that has driven the overall second placed AEG Live as far as few of our readers to let us know how their the concert industry since its inception, and operating US Festivals. Live Nation called its year’s went, and what they have in mind for has now re-invigorated it into an estimated earnings report for Q3, the biggest quarter $20 billion global juggernaut in the digital for live music, the “biggest quarter revenue age.” The inference is, I’m sure you’ll all be in the history of the company,” up 10% glad to hear, that people, of all ages, still year-over-year with over 24 million fans have an appetite for the live experience, attending its shows. and still wish to spend time sharing an experience in the company of others, no So, with international touring moving into COLOPHON > matter how many more digital pastimes and more and more emerging and expanding communications become available. markets the top end of the business is

VIP-News is published by: experiencing its most successful phase for VIP-Booking.com Interesting to see that the biggest selling quite some years, perhaps even ever! 20-22 Wenlock Road London N1 7GU concert of the year was again by a ‘heritage’ United Kingdom +44 870 755 0092 act, with the surviving, and presumably Of course we’re aware that many of you are

Managing Director: gratefully alive, members of The Grateful operating at the top end of the market, but Ronni Didriksen Dead with Phish’s Trey Anastasio taking the with small to medium clubs for instance this [email protected] guitar spot left vacant by the sadly deceased has been a year that has, as we’ve reported General Manager: Peter Briggs Jerry Garcia, staging two ‘Fare Thee Well’ in recent issues, seen great efforts being put [email protected] 50th anniversary concerts. The shows in into supporting the ‘grass-roots’, by helping Writer and editorial: Chicago and California grossed $52 million! small venues to survive. Also, as I discovered Allan McGowan [email protected] in Brussels a few days ago, the European

Writer: But although a lot of other ‘old-timers’, Commission are looking at ways that music Manfred Tari including The Stones, U2, Paul McCartney, can benefit more from existing and future [email protected] AC/DC, etc were on the road and Culture Funds. Of course we cannot take For advertising enquiries please contact: more than ‘doing the business’, the worries anything for granted, but there seems to be Peter Briggs [email protected] about new acts coming through seem to grounds for optimism in 2016. So, Ladies +44 870 755 0092 have been put to rest, for now, with the likes and Gentlemen have a great holiday break, of Taylor Swift and One Direction breaking and here’s The News! 2 VIPNEWS > DECEMBER 2015

Russia propose new Live Industry regulations Allan McGowan [email protected]

Russian legislators have proposed new regulations for the live Similar professional organizations exist in many countries,” said entertainment industry, under which a self-monitoring organization Dmitry Bogachev, head of the company Stage Entertainment to of promoters, to be titled Soyuzkontsert, will be formed. Billboard,. “And, similarly to them, we shouldn`t restrict ourselves to formal regulation of relations with consumers.” Aimed to improve the sector`s operations generally, the proposed regulations outline greater responsibility for promoters around According to Bogachev, companies in the live entertainment sector customer care. have many common goals and tasks that the new organization could address, such as regulating relations between partners, lobbying Promoters that have already joined the organizations include SAV the industry`s interests, competing with cinema and television for Entertainment, PMI and NCA, while other major players in the sector customers and tackling contemporary challenges related to security are expected to join. issues. The organization also plans to deal with such issues as simplifying the process of obtaining visas for touring foreign artists Industry insiders say that the organization would make the industry and resolving taxation issues related to their fees. more professional and efficient. The proposals include: The regulatory push arrives during a difficult period. An overall • Creating an emergency fund to cover expenses for cancelled shows economic downturn in the country has hit many promoters, especially • Forming a disciplinary commission that will assess professional those who specialize in booking in foreign artists. The ruble hit an standards of industry players all-time low this week against the US dollar and -- as foreign acts` • Liaising with local authorities to avoid cancellations of show at their fees are largely negotiated in US dollars and Euros while ticket prices demand are in rubles -- promoters assume big risks organizing shows by most foreign artists. “The creation of a self-regulating organization is a natural step as the live entertainment industry moves towards greater professionalism, Legislators are expected to adopt the new regulations in early 2016.

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3 VIPNEWS > DECEMBER 2015 donates one million DKK to Christmas charities Allan McGowan [email protected]

135,000 people took part in Roskilde Festival 2015, celebrating for 300 young refugees. The Red Cross Youth-driven organisation music, art, community and much more. All profits from the summer Spilopperne have received funds for Christmas activities for children celebration are now being donated to social and cultural charities. at 15 different crisis centres for women.

For many people, December in general and Christmas in particular are Other organisations are bringing people together for town square reasons to celebrate. For some, however, there is less reason to rejoice, parties, inviting homeless to the cinema, out for dinner and much and these are the people that many charities try to reach out to. more.

Roskilde Festival has donated 1,150,000 DKK to help ten different The 1,150,000 DKK have been donated to the following Danish organisations with these important efforts during the otherwise organisations: festive holidays. Røde Kors (Asylcenter Avnstrup) Christmas donations for lonely children Foreningen Grønlandske Børn Spilopperne (Ungdommens Røde Kors) These organisations are actively working on improving the standards Kofoeds Kælder of life for marginalised groups of society, and this Christmas most of INSP! the donations are dedicated to lonely and socially isolated children Fundamentet and young people. Frelsens Hær Børnenes Kontor Red Cross have teamed up with Avnstrup Asylcenter (refugee camp Kafe Klaus Avnstrup) to organise an evening of festivities with food and music Mødrehjælpen

Roskilde Festival

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VIPNEWS > DECEMBER 2015 PRS for Music Foundation Announces Latest Momentum Music funded Artists Allan McGowan [email protected]

PRS for Music Foundation, Arts Council England and Spotify have strong results: for those who have completed their project , £1 from announced the next round of artists to receive Momentum Music Momentum is generating £7.46 for the music industry. I’m looking funding. forward to seeing the latest artists benefit from Momentum and get to that next stage of their careers.” The list includes Eagulls from Leeds, Bristol’s Rozi Plain, and lyrics and Manchester’s Grime MC Bugzy Malone; full list is: Darren Henley, Chief Executive of Arts Council England said; “Our creative industries are now generating 1 in 20 new jobs and Anna Meredith – Developing live and touring fuelling economic growth. Arts Council England’s investment in Big Narstie – Mixing, mastering, promotions and marketing cultivating the next generation of talent in this country through Bugzy Malone – Recording and promotions of new work programmes like Momentum is already paying real dividends. It’s Clock Opera – Recording, mixing and promotions for the 2nd album incredibly important that we continue to bring the creativity of EAGULLS – Touring and promotion performers, producers and songwriters to the fore.” Fyfe – Recording, marketing and promotions of 2nd album Get Inuit – Recording and marketing Bryan Johnson, Director, Artist Services of Spotify said: Holly Macve – Recording, mixing and mastering “Congratulations to the twelve artists who will benefit from this Ibibio Sound Machine – Recording latest round of Momentum funding. We look forward to assisting Rozi Plain – Touring all artists involved in building their profiles and audience on Spotify Steve Mason – Touring and to help surface their music to our 75 million plus active users.” Swifta Beater – Produce, record and market debut album These supported artists will also benefit from Momentum’s digital Momentum funded Swifta Beater said: partner, Spotify and its reward package which contains exciting “I’m so over the moon to be selected by PRS Foundation and Arts promotional opportunities and gives the artists a closer working Council England as one of the Momentum Music Funded artists. relationship with the Spotify team. Benefits include access to tools, Momentum is one of the few schemes that provides the much features and best practices that will enable them to connect with needed support to make things possible for talented musicians Spotify’s 75 million active users across 58 markets globally. You can that struggle financially and help them create music, promote their follow and listen to the official Momentum Spotify playlist here. projects and embark on tours. This funding will really enable me to take my career to the next level and I’m proud to have been selected Managed by PRS for Music Foundation, the Momentum Music fund to carry the torch for the Midland’s Grime scene.” awards grants of £5,000-£15,000 using funding from Arts Council England. For a full rundown of all the artists supported so far see: Vanessa Reed, Executive Director of PRS for Music Foundation said: www.prsformusicfoundation.com/Funding/Momentum- “Congratulations to all the Music-Fund/Momentum-Artists/Latest-Artists/ songwriters and bands who’ve been supported following the The next deadline for applications to the Momentum Music Fund latest deadline for Momentum is 26th January 2016 via the PRS for Music Foundation website. Music Funding. It’s thanks We are particularly interested in receiving more applications from to the huge array of talent in outside of London: Vanessa Reed, Executive this country that each round Director of PRS for of funding continues to be so www.prsformusicfoundation.com/Funding/Momentum- Music Foundation competitive and to generate such Music-Fund 6 VIPNEWS > DECEMBER 2015 Promoter Thomas Ovesen Joins Al Ahli Group as CEO of 117 Live Allan McGowan [email protected]

On December 1st, Thomas Ovesen, one with the immediate launch of a temporary air venue, but short of an indoor purpose of the leading live events promoter in the 20,000 capacity greenfield site. 2017 will built arena it is the game changer we need Middle East was announced) as CEO of the see the launch of a new state of the art to develop the local live events busines. So it newly created 117 Live. 25,000 capacity open air Amphitheatre in is a matter of getting our hands on more of Dubai, wholly owned by AAHG. The venue, the live events value chain to derive a better featuring pavilion hosted boxes, suites and profit margin from what in many cases is terraces will be the only one of its kind in the currently a loss making exercise. Through Middle East. Construction will begin in early increased volume and frequency of live 2016, dramatically increasing the number of events we can save show costs that can help events able to be staged in the region. finance the increase in business volume and hopefully also help us bring down the very high show ticket prices here in the middle 117 Live is part of the Al Ahil Holding Thomas Ovesen has produced award- east. Group, a Dubai based conglomerate led winning events across the Middle by Group CEO Mohammed Khammas that East, introducing new festivals like Once al ahli group had agreed to under has built a large media and entertainment RedFestDXB and Blended to the write not only the venue build but also the portfolio over the past few years. The UAE market and staging shows with set up of a live events division able to both appointment of Ovesen to run 117 Live is superstars like Beyonce, Shakira and program the venue and produce live events the next stage of the group’s growing media R Kelly. He has promoted shows with in the key middle east, asian and americas and entertainment empire. Based in Dubai, and Take That and staged sell out markets it was an obvious choice to move Thomas will take on this post effective Dubai concerts with the likes of J-LO, my live team across to what is 117live. immediately. He will direct all global activity Justin Bieber, Usher, One Direction, for the division with a focus on live events, Katy Perry and many more. He has VIP news: having access to the right from music through to comedy. He will also helped position Dubai as a regular tour venues always seemed to be difficult head up plans to expand the new division’s stop for international artists and bands. in the area. Will these plans to do interests into local and international talent VIP News spoke to him about his new something about this make a big management, venue management and position. difference? programming.

AAHG has recently undertaken a huge VIP News: As far as I’m aware you have diversification drive. This has included the some twenty years of experience with purchase of social marketing agency The live events in the Middle East, and you Audience, a company that represents some have been very open at events like of the most influential social media stars in ILMC about the problems facing the the world. The group controls Singapore- markets - why do you think that now based Universal Events that hosts the is a good time to be starting up such an Asia Pop ComiCon events, which recently ambitious project? You must think that launched in the Philippines and will soon be the demand is there. rolled out in Korea, Singapore, the US and the UAE. Thomas ovesen: i don’t necessarily think now is a better time than last year or next year Creating spaces to host events will be a key to both set up a large live events focused part of the 117 Live strategy. This will begin company and build a $40-50 million open 7 VIPNEWS > DECEMBER 2015

Ovesen: ours will be a great addition to a entertainment trends and social media rolled out and with my long time live team dubai market with no purpose built venues based talents as well as the need to provide members onboard i look forward to some bigger than a few thousand capacity and pop culture events and entertainment parks well organised and successful 2016 dubai with a location that is dead centre of the uae with talents across our target markets. concerts – we also need to continue the hopefully making it the preferred venue for So understanding who are the relevant expansion of the asia pop comi con events local annual events and touring artists from talents in such markets and for our target after the 2015 manila launch by our group 2017 and onward. audience members, combined with the and besides the small (;-) task of launching ability to maximise the appearance and the the temp 20,000 cap venue followed by the As we will also launch a temporary 20,000 booking fees for talent plus owning some 25,000 2017 state of the art amphitheatre greenfield venue from march 2016 we will be of the upsides from the exposure our group we have to support the growth of other able to slowly ramp up the volume of events can offer all parties i think it is only natural group verticals and indeed acquisition of staged here. By doing so we will hopefully that we get involved with development, new group partners so 2016 will not be not only convince current event organisers management and representation of talents a quite year but one full of activities and to move their events to our venue, but also from grassroots level and up. opportunities. Back to live events in the dubai encourage new promoters to stage events and asia markets i would like to see a major as we lower the bar of entry to an industry Whether we develop our own set up, comedy commitment resulting n regional currently challenged by absence of venues, partner with local and international agencies tours of middle east and asia as well as some top line taxation and the excessive artist fees and management companies or a mix of all key live music events staged in asia. being offered by marketing or government will be decided as we have discussions with underwritten events and leisure venues. a range of parties in the coming months. VIP-news: is there anything you’d like As we are ready to invest and add value to add? VIP news: do you think that you can to the business utilising the varous group assure international touring acts (as outfits i think we could be a great partner or Ovesen: 117live is a build on, yet a major much as anyone can, anywhere these incubator for existing businesses or serious expansion of what i have created at arab days!) That you can offer secure shows competitor to outfits not currently able to media group as done events and i will in these difficult times? offer a multi facetted service or/and multi continue also booking and producing the market approach. redfestdxb festival i launched there as Ovesen: seems to me that times are perhaps well as provide talent bookings for my old even more difficult for my colleagues in VIP-news: What are you most looking employer. But having assets like a dubai paris and elsewhere than here with me, and forward to developing and hopefully venue and in-house partners like the whilst it would be foolish not to constantly achieving with 117 live - what are your audience available will represent the major assess security levels i don’t think dubai here priorities for 2016? change not only for me and my team but in the middle east or my new asia markets in for the live entertainment industry we will general are more exposed to security risks Ovesen: first we need to get the shows i hopefully become a great part of in the than any major city in the western world so have been working on for the past months middle east, asia and the americas. as dubai and key cities in asia represent both perfect stop over options and gateways to large, young fan communities and new tour markets i am comfortable that as long as we can manage to bring down costs per events we can keep attracting touring talents also in increased numbers.

VIP-news: you are considering working on the development of local artists. Is there a lot of talent to be developed?

Ovesen: With sister companies like the audience and rethink, regional comicon Thomas Ovesen events etc we are exposed to new 8 13/14/ 15/ 16 JAN 2016 GRONINGEN NL

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IN COOPERATION WITH HOSTED B Y VIPNEWS > DECEMBER 2015 European Festival Conference Manfred Tari [email protected]

Surrounded by mountains, lit up by sunshine essentials in a different manner. Instead of The know - how transfer was guaranteed and full of some the best conference foods focusing on the line up of panel and session upfront and in most cases successfully ever served at a music industry conference topics, it is rather interesting to report on delivered. The real added value for attendees in Europe, thus went the first edition of the the vibe and charm of this trade event, followed on smoothly, when hospitality European Festival Conference (EFC) in Kals that due to its location alone, the four star stimulated a very polite overall environment, in Austria on December 2.-5. health resort Gradonna at the entrance of a sort of family affair thing, where nobody the national park Großglockner, appeared needed to fear appearing irrelevant. The set up for this conference is different. to be different. Everybody was accessible, nobody needed Just getting up early enough to catch up to fill out a form beforehand to permit with the first conference topics starting on The subjects for the conference programme shaking hands with an industry power paper on day one at 9:30 and on day two were well chosen to serve the interests of player. even earlier at 9:00 present a challenge the main target group anyway. With this in even for experienced convention goers. In mind it is more relevant to write about the There were several highlights, but VIP News fact these early appointments were operated productive output and the results achieved leaves it to Yourope, the organisation behind with an understandable humanie delay of by this agenda setting. The EFC is primarily EFC to reveal the most essential results this 15 to 20 minutes, but due to a pretty packed designed to approach festival promoters conference gained. But off course some of conference agenda this wasn’t allowed to and to supply those within an unusually those need to be mentioned upfront. For last longer, in order to meet the organisers smart environment with a massive input instance the fact that various power players quality criteria of the “just in time”-mode. of inspiration and information. Of course, from the marketing departments of various EFC also addresses and attract players European music festivals worked out a series But as this conference is a bit different, that operate service festivals, ranging from of strategy papers could be considered as it makes sense to report on the main production experts to service providers. mind blowing. Highly progressive, spiked

The EFC conference Family

10 VIPNEWS > DECEMBER 2015

with up to date findings in terms of modern attending festival promoters to list these. their artistic programme, the soft value of marketing measures. Even more surprisingly Cornelius is highly in favour of operating being credible in the future. those marketing folks apparently get in businesses or ventures in line with CSR- to the mood for networking, being open standards (Corporate Social Responsibility) There are already festival promoters working minded enough to also develop new ideas and expressively asked promoters to in line with the philosophy of Cornelius and for collaboration. communicate those, when saying: “One more gradually starting to adopt some of click tells all about your festival, make your these aspects. But it is also known, that Another meaningful stimulator of this product talk, make your festival talk” there are still other players in the live music almost unique profile of EFC appeared in industry, that do not care so much about the person of Robin Cornelius, the founder Cornelius follows a very dedicated mission these soft values at all. of the clothing company Switcher, who was and delivers convincing arguments as to one of the first entrepreneurs in Europe, why CSR-standards are and will become Cornelius was certainly a well chosen launching , in 1981, a textile company fully more important in the near future. side kick, also ideally backing trends and dedicated to a company policy observing When Cornelius refer to the clothing movements within Yourope to put the strict environmental and social standards. In industry saying that a “garment that is currently not so well appreciated European his keynote speech Cornelius explained the not traceable will not be sold in a couple idea on the agenda of this organisation. motives and personal guidelines that matter of years” his expectation might seem to him, and how and why he operates a fair at first very optimistic. Nevertheless his But let’s leaves this to Yourope, to reveal and sustainable business. recommendations tfor festival promoters more at Eurosonic Noorderslag in January as to be smart in marketing, never to lie, to towhat they have in mind to work out this He expressed clearly the relevance of be transparent in communication and that topic in 2016. EFC at least already appeared so called soft values considering social, fun is necessary to convince people are very as a very worthwhile event, bringing on environmental, transparency and health worthwhile considerations, helping music new ideas and findings on how to operate & safety issues and recommended festivals to sustain, and maintain ,alongside festivals smarter and more up to date...

Robin Cornelius keynote speaker at EFC

11 VIPNEWS > DECEMBER 2015 A Call for Europe Manfred Tari [email protected]

Nothing is set yet and nothing is agreed. One of the first public the current state of the ongoing activities. In June 2016 a European mentions of this topic came at the Reeperbahn Festival Conference Music Summit will be staged at Midem in Cannes. Also ILMC might in September, when at the end of the panel “Why Do We Need An became the host for an initiative that in particular will have the International Federation For Live Music Industry (IFLI) “ a member of potential to widen eyes for the live music sector. the European Commission stood up and declared official sources in Brussels were considering the launch of a support programme for Historically various previous missions such as the European Music the European music sector. Office (EMO) in Brussels and the launch for an umbrella organisation named European Live Music Forum did not pay off., though EMO Not surprisingly, hardly anybody took notice of this remarkable particularly had lobbied intensively in Brussels and elsewhere for the comment. In fact first proceedings for such an attempt are already development of proper support scheme for the music sector. underway. At the music conference Medimex at the end of October, the Italian promoters association Assomusica put on a panel entitled While in the past politicians and officials on almost every level did not “European Live Music Network”, followed by the European Festival show any interest in supporting the development of a programme Conference with a panel under the headline “A New Festival Agenda in favour for music, it also has been the inability of the music sector For Europe”. to successfully undertake sufficient lobby efforts to motivate public authorities to initiate such support programmes as they already exist In fact the signs are real and the European Commission are for the film industry for decades. undertaking first hearings and consultations to evaluate the opportunities to launch such a programme. If and “IF” written Far too often, especially in the music sector extremely big egos, on this occasion in capital letters, if such a programme will be driven by a very short sighted interests prevented the successful developed, this would mean a milestone for the entire music sector, launch of such a initiative. Besides external political obstacles even affecting policy developments widely on national levels in ways that can be neither controlled or impaired by the music sector, it previously not available. is also now in the responsibility of the music sector, to avoid the same mistakes that have been made in the past. It is going to a be This efforts to get this mission working are a bit different than very interesting challenge for all involved parties, to ally and to tie for instance the ones for TTIP (Transatlantic Trade and Investment loose ends together, but it is the most promising and pretty much Partnership). Already at the upcoming edition of Eurosonic unexpected opportunity for a long time to obtain and to develop Noorderslag a spokesman of the European Commission will explain such a programme for the music sector.

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MEDIA PARTNER VIPNEWS > INDEPTH STORY > DECEMBER 2015 Progress Reports Allan McGowan [email protected] and Manfred Tari [email protected]

As we all know the international live music The business seems to stay very healthy, as 2015 Highlights: industry has had it’s share of difficult and Christmas sales are terrific. Duran Duran album and tour. distressing events in 2015, but, as mentioned Grace in the top 5 future megastar. in the Musings we hope that many of our readers have had some good fortune and Karsten Jahnke 2016: that the rest of this year continues to be Karsten Jahnke Konzertdirektion GmbH 2016 will be a buoyant touring year with successful for those who have done well, and lots already announced and more breaking that in general everything improves for all! through. Exciting times!

We asked some of our readers to let us, and you, know how things have been for Ben Challis them and their Companies by responding Charming Music Limited / Glastonbury Karsten Jahnke briefly to a couple of questions: Festival UK

What were the highlights of your My highlght of the year was enjoying Professor Peter Schwenkow year, and what are your conclusions another marvelous , CEO, DEAG Germany regarding the state of the business in with Lionel Richie’s Sunday afternoon general? show, just after Patti Smith and the Dalai Lama, being a fantastic performance from The Stadtpark season was very successful a great artiste. – 12 sold out shows. The amazing long tour with Johannes Oerding. The tour with Overall the live sector remains healthy - Michael Wollny, Gregory Porter, Cypress and in some ways the real focus in the Hill, Kamasi Washington.. Wu-Tang Clan. music industry has been on the rapid changes in the digital sphere - with Spotify, Please let us know your outlook and Apple Music and Pandora all fighting for expectations for 2016…. market share, and behind that, the music publishers, songwriters and artistes starting We are happy that THE CURE will be on tour to battle with the major record labels for with us. Herman van Veen will do another a fairer share of the digital pie. But the long tour. Al Jarreau & The NDR BIGBAND ongoing onslaught in the UK on small music will do another tour with us. venues, from rampant development, one- Peter Schwenkow dimensional planning laws and, in London Way Back When will happen again! at least, a lack of support for clubs and small What were the highlights of your venues from local authorities, remains a real year, and what are your conclusions worry. regarding the state of the business in Rob Hallett general? Robomagic UK Going forwards, the on going success of the festival market has created its own problems: Highlight of 2015 was surely the start of secondary ticketing is an ongoing drain on our festivals Rock in Vienna, Rockavaria in revenues, and festivals, often operating on Munich and Rock im Revier in Gelsenkirchen. tiny margins, now face the looming problem of the avarice the Valuation Office here in Please let us know your outlook and the UK, and a impending review of the UK’s Rob Hallett expectations for 2016…. Tariff LP for live events by PRS for Music, 14 VIPNEWS > INDEPTH STORY > DECEMBER 2015

adding to concerns that these and similar that the industry as well as artists will raise As for next year I don’t really see anything moves will badly damage a sector that their voices, proactively joining political dramatic happening..Transparency stuff will attracts tourists, creates jobs, and which debates encouraging the improvement of slowly edge forward. Music cities related clearly enriches communities above and overall societal issues, ensuring that music stuff will progress. EDM thing has peaked. beyond the enjoyment live events provide gains again a meaningful voice within our Festival market stabilising but growing for festival fans society... outside Europe. Old school festivals that just do bands and burgers dead. Detlef Schwarte Martin Elbourne More growth in urban multi venue festivals. Reeperbahn Festival Glastonbury Festival, The Great Escape - UK But no more conferences please! More consolidation in agency world, and possibly in management world.

Hilde Spille Paperclip Agency – Holland

Detlef Schwarte

What were the highlights of your year, and what are your conclusions regarding the state of the business in general?

As promoter of an event that serves all parts of the music sector, I consider the recent Martin Elbourne publication of a research study that covers and evaluated for the first time ever market Hilde Spille figures for the entire German music market Pretty much everything I was involved as highly relevant. I very much hope that this with sold out. Particularly good TGE and study will enable better and more qualified Glastonbury. Sat night in Pune (city in India My highlights in 2015: analysis when it comes to comparisons - 5 million people 2 hours south of Mumbai. The European tours for Jill Barber and with other segments within the creative Probably fastest growing in India) buzz for Chloe Charles. As Compass for Creatives industries in Germany and perhaps even on nh7 festival was amazing ! I introduced the online workshop 5 a European level. Empowerment Tools for musicians, with Doing the inaugural Music Cities great reactions from participants to an Please let us know your outlook and Conventions in Brighton and Washington article about it in IQ Magazine. expectations for 2016…. DC also highlights. We appear to have worldwide movement now of good people State of the business in general: From a general point of view the development wanting to create better cities using music There is a lot of really great talent, developing of better framework conditions for the as key component, so that’s an exciting it is more and more difficult. Festivals are various parts of the music business remains development for world wide music eco looking for hypes and well known artists, a challenging issue for all of us. In particular system. venues are booking less concerts. more reliable regulations providing a better protection of copyright protected repertoire I wouldn’t want to put on festival that was Outlook and expectations for 2016: on a European level, significant improved entirely reliant on its line up. Those days I’m developing other workshops for earnings for artists for recorded music, a have gone! musicians and will introduce them in 2016. much better engagement by politicians in I’m looking forward to a Dutch tour of Sass favour of keeping concert clubs and other …And Bristol Rovers winning play - offs at Jordan in January and a European tour for cultural activities alive. Last not least I wish Wembley! Matt Epp in January/February. 15 VIPNEWS > INDEPTH STORY > DECEMBER 2015

Rob Challice artists and major events. The food chain My personal highlight of the year was my CODA Agency – UK (that grows the talent of the future) is even trip to Pohoda Festival in , which more under threat. For Bob Sillerman (SFX) has become my favourite festival in the Ben Challis 2015 was his well-deserved ‘payback time’, calendar – there are always a fascinating showing that all he ever did to the live music bunch of friends, old and new, to hang out business is fundamentally flawed. with, while Michal Kascak’s team manage to outdo themselves year-on-year with a 2016: programme that truly sums up the beauty I’ve recently signed three bands for of music. Where else would you see an European agency representation: Bent Knee Israeli act (Lola Marsh) on the main stage, (USA), Blind Idiot God (USA), and Leeways followed immediately by Syrian singer Omar (NLD; winner of the Dutch Rock Contest Souleyman?! Highlight of my year? 2014; debut album out now). Bent Knee will Seeing Ezra Furman smash it at a sold out tour Europe in the summer; Blind Idiot God My other highlights, believe it or not, London Shepherds Bush Empire. will tour Europe in April (3 weeks including involve the various conferences and shows Life affirming stuff. Rise of the underdog! Roadburn Festival); the multicultural band I am privileged to be invited to and speak Leeways will play all over The at – this year these included Eurosonic, the State of business: again in the festival season (over 150 shows International Live Music Conference (ILMC), Still cannot believe that the industry has not played even before their debut album was Reeperbahn, the International Festival dealt with leaches like Viagogo and Get Me released) with their irresistible mix of reggae Forum, Waves Bratislava and Sonic Visions. in. They really are a stain on the business. and ska, hiphop, funk and rock. When I hear other people complaining about their jobs, it always reminds me how lucky I Let’s see more Adele/Songkick type As a Dutch promoter, in 2016 I will present am to be involved in live music – even if it is ticket situations. And if we have to have a (among others) 10cc (six fully seated shows just on the peripheries. But meeting friends, discussion about more dynamic ticketing, in March; ticket sales are very strong), colleagues and all sorts of creative geniuses fine. No more ticket “touting” though. Buzzcocks, Antilopen Gang. from every conceivable corner of the world, who are united by a common love for music, The festival season will become even longer, is wonderful. There’s nothing I love more Rob Berends with more festivals, and the venues/clubs- than some random person I have just met Paperclip Agency – Holland season will become even shorter, with dragging me off to see a new rap act from dangerous effects for the livelihood of these Bulgaria in a club I’ve never heard of before. clubs and venues.

Karsten Schölermann Gordon Masson LIVE KOMM – Hamburg, Germany Editor IQ Magazine – UK

Rob Berends

Highlights 2015: Karsten Schölermann Shows by King Champion Sounds, Buzzcocks, Musée Mécanique. What were the highlights of your year? State of the Business: The business in general is making enough For the first time we got a 1,5 million subsidy Gordon Masson money, but unfortunately only with major for the ‘Digitalisation’ of Music Clubs” from 16 VIPNEWS > INDEPTH STORY > DECEMBER 2015

BKM (Bundeskulturministerium). For the first Ville Leppanen Ute Lemper, Roachford, Yusuf/Cat Stevens, time we had a survey letting us know that The Animal Farm – London Robin Gibb and many more. the grassroots venues in Germany raised a total of about 221 million in turnover - 2% I founded a new concert series: Festspiele in of music industries overall - but only 1% concert – which will take place in 2016 for profit within. the first time as part of the Bad Hersfelder Festspiele - Artists this year Johannes What are your conclusions regarding Oerding and Jan Josef Liefers – Radio the state of the business in general? Doria – we sold out within few hours. - We already started to look for suitable artists No extra expenses possible without losing in 2017 and we are also interested to bring money. international artists to Bad Hersfeld. The location „Stiftsruine“ is amazing and the Please let us know your outlook and media reach out is unbelievable. Ville Leppanen expectations for 2016…. And last but not least I founded a new More Expenses – (After Paris: Extra Security What were the highlights of your Orchestra: the Berlin Show Orchestra. !) will lead to grassroots-clubs closing. year, and what are your conclusions regarding the state of the business in This orchestra is young and fresh and is general? able to create a authentic sound from Rense Van Kessel classical music to David Guetta with the Friendly Fire – Holland My professional highlight was bringing best musicians from Berlin (played for Little Brother Eli to Reeperbahn Festival and Udo Lindenberg, Sido, Munich Symphonic seeing them blow away a crowd that had orchestra …) The premiere show at ‘Tag der never heard of them. The deals the ensued Deutschen Einheit’ presented and organized were a bonus. My personal highlight was by Hessischer Rundfunk in front of 10.000 making it through to the last 16 in the people was a huge success. European Squash Masters Championship, out of a field of 128 players from across Organizer and the special Guests like Jimmy Europe... ;-) Somerville, Howard Jones and Nik Kershaw were amazed. Please let us know your outlook and expectations for 2016…. Also the show at the German Sustainability Award was a huge success. Ute Lemper Guitar solos will make a long awaited return. felt inspired by the orchestra, Marlon loved especially the strings in the arrangement the orchestra did for his No1 Hits. Stefan Lohmann Talent Buyer & Booking Agent – Hamburg, Rense Van Kessel Germany

We had a fantastic year actually. Notable Highlights of this year: highlight was our domestic pride My main business is my work as a talent Kensington doing two sold out shows at buyer / artist relationship manager for event the Ziggodome (34.000 tickets), we went agencies and event organizers, brands and on sale with 3 Ziggodomes for them for cultural festivals. I do this for events like 2016 just after this year’s shows and have the German Sustainability Award www. already sold 90%! It is fantastic that ‘our nachhaltigkeitspreis.de with artists like Art own’ music is becoming so strong and such Garfunkel, Nelly Furtado, Annie Lennox, Stefan Lohman incredible business. Scorpions, Anastacia, Marlon Roudette, 17

VIPNEWS > DECEMBER 2015 NAMES & JOBS

Homer and Leighton-Pope rumoured to AEG From VIP-Daily News

Steve Homer and Toby Leighton-Pope both senior promoters at the The development comes during a turbulent few months for Live UK operation of Live Nation have left the organisation and are now Nation, which appointed Irish promoter Denis Desmond as non- rumoured to be heading to rival AEG Live. executive chairman of its UK operations.

Steve Homer and Toby Leighton-Pope have exited the company Desmond formed the LN-Gaiety Holdings Ltd joint-venture with last week. The duo are well-known faces on the worldwide live Live Nation in 2004 and runs Ireland`s MCD Productions, the music business circuit. company behind festivals such as .

While neither side has commented on the matter, numerous Live Nation’s long-serving chief operating officer John Probyn left sources have indicated the long-serving pair will resurface at AEG the company earlier this year to take up a role with new family following a period of gardening leave. event The Sports Show.

Homer, Live Nation’s VP of music, promoted the Wireless Festival, The firm acquired venue and festival operator MAMA & Company among other events, while Leighton-Pope was the firm’s VP of in August but recently offloaded Hoxton Square Bar & Kitchen to promotions and was the promoter of the Calling Festival. bar and events operator Mothership Group.

Steve Homer Toby Leighton-Pope

19 VIPNEWS > BUSINESS > DECEMBER 2015 MUSIC IN SHARES Music In Shares Manfred Tari [email protected]

Time again for a round up on the yearly performance of the share DEAG price of corporate concert companies within live music industry. - A Year To Remember

CTS Eventim From a long time investors point of view only positive:. One year - A Share Price Power Booster ago the share price was at 6.75 Euro, this time it is 4.06 Euro. Within this period the share lost 41 per cent of its former value and Guess what, one year ago on December 16, 2014 the price for CTS the latest news concerning the outcome of a case filed by DEAG Eventim share was 23.19 Euro! Now on December 16, 2015 its 34.03 against the new operator of the Nürburgring for compensation Euro. worth 1.8 million Euro is, according to media reports supposed to be limited. Yes, CTS Eventim faced some not so nice risks in the meantime, one of the biggest threats has been very long lasting investigations Nevertheless DEAG already announced Iron Maiden as one of its against the CEO Klaus Peter Schulenberg regarding suspected headliners for their festivals Rock Im Revier and Rockavaria. These bribery and sale of tickets for the World Cup 2006 on the black two new festivals caused DEAG in 2015 significant losses, Iron market. Anyhow, the prosecution department of the higher Maiden will also perform at Rock In Vienna 2016. The current regional court Munich closed the files in August after Schulenberg market capitalisation is 67.72 million Euro. paid an unknown sum and is not being considered for a criminal record. Live Nation - Status Quo Still outstanding are the results of an ongoing investigation by the German Cartel Office regarding the unfair use of market power by One year ago $24.84, this time $25.20. Surprised? Yes and no. Live CTS Eventim. Besides this there furthermore is a case filed against Nation is a cash flow machine and even if latest business reports for the company regarding overpriced payment charges for the pre-sale Q3-2015 earnings, the best the company reported since its IPO five of tickets for the AC/DC-shows in Germany by consumer watch dogs years ago, at the end of each business year regular net losses are in Bremen. reported.

Okay, the departure of Marek and Andre Lieberberg to set up The current market cap a solid figure at $5 billion... a German branch of Live Nation probably is also bit awkward, but would you care, if you like Schulenberg were listed in Forbes SFX Entertainment magazine on place 1250 of billionaires ranking with an estimated - Could Be Bargain... fortune of 1.65 bn Euro ($1.84 bn)? If there weren’t the debts. The current market cap is just $33 million, The current market capitalisation of CTS Eventim is 3.2 bn Euro and the share price $0.33 and managed to lose within one year 91.7 within one year the share gained a plus of more than 44 percent. percent of its former value....

20 VIPNEWS > MISC > DECEMBER 2015 MEMBER PRESENTATION ARTIST AVAILS

MY BABY Territory: World incl. USA and Canada Period: From March 2016 Agency: Value Added Talent Agent: Dan Silver Phone: +44 20 7704 9720 E-mail: [email protected] Homepage: www.vathq.co.uk

50 CENT & G-UNIT Territory: Europe & around Period: Summer festivals & upon request Agency: Georg Leitner Productions GmbH Agent: Georg Leitner Phone: +431 914 86 15 E-mail: [email protected] Homepage: www.glp.at

Árstíðir Territory: Germany, Austria, , Liechtenstein, Bulgarian Live Music Presentation Period: April - May 2016 Agency: Nivalis Agent: Maria Chelnokova Bulgarian Live Music is a company, which started its activity only a few years ago, Phone: +79 169 227 376 but has already become well-known for organizing music events in Bulgaria. A good E-mail: [email protected] Homepage: arstidir.com example for the professional qualities of Bulgarian Live Music is the successful events

in which world famous artists from all genres had taken part. ALPHAVILLE Territory: Europe & around Period: January 2016 onwards rest of the year ROCK/METAL Agency: Georg Leitner Productions GmbH Agent: Georg Leitner The company organizes and manages the biggest rock festival in Bulgaria – Kavarna Phone: +431 914 86 15 E-mail: [email protected] Rock Homepage: www.glp.at

During the three day edition of the festival in 2012 the audience heard the energetic Chris Thompson (Ex-Manfred Mann’s Earth Band) Territory: World Dio Disciples, Glenn Hughes, Michael Schenker, BTR, Commanda 5, Stryper, Dokken, Period: Available all year on request Agency: Live Concept Entertainment GmbH Big Noize & Sebastian Bach, D2 & Dicho, Lizzy Borden, Kamelot, Rhapsody of fire, Agent: Michael Widmann Phone: +49 7203 9219180 Renegat And Ahat. E-mail: [email protected] Homepage: www.christhompson-central.com

Last summer “Kaliakra” stadium in Kavarna city gathered more than 20 000 fans of MICHAEL BOLTON the legendary bands Deep Purple, Accept, Doro Pesch, Alisa, Analgin, Aria, Thunder Territory: Europe & around Period: Before / after August 27th & upon request and Cherno Feredje. The festival went on for 2 days and gained popularity and Agency: Georg Leitner Productions GmbH positive response from the Bulgarian fans as well as from those from other countries. Agent: Georg Leitner Phone: +431 914 86 15 On the 28th and 29th of June 2014 as a tradition at Kavarna Rock guests will be E-mail: [email protected] Homepage: www.glp.at legendary artists like Europe, Helloween, Sabaton, Krokus, Gotthard, Pretty Maids, Jon Uli Roth и Jorn. The ambition of Bulgarian Live music to support young artists is followed by the challenge Black Sea Battle of the Bands 2014 – a contest for young rock musicians from the Black sea region. MORE ARTIST AVAILS ON: WWW.VIP-BOOKING.COM

BALKAN/FOLKLORE POST YOUR ARTIST AVAILS ON: WWW.VIP-BOOKING.COM The genre variety of events was supplemented with “The Great Balkan Outplay” which was held on 15th of October 2013. Some of the biggest orchestras from , and Bulgaria took part in it. Representatives of Bulgaria were the clarinet’s genius Ivo Papazov – Ibryama and “Trakia” orchestra, well-known world wide with their improvisations and Bulgarian folklore. The Serbian musicians Boban and Marko Markovich and their orchestra, consisting of 13 people, took part in the event, too. Their music is can be heard in Emir Kusturica’s movies “Underground” and “Arizona Dream”. In the outplay were included the Romanians from “Fanfare Ciocărlia” ( “Lark orchestra”), known as the fastest brass band in the world – the Árstíðir orchestra became popular because of the high-energy sound, complex rhythms and high-speed clarinet, trumpet and saxophone solos. 21