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VIPNEWS PREMIUM > VOLUME 233 > APRIL 2020 4

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McGowan’s Musings

I don’t know about you, but I seem to have As I left London’s Royal Garden Hotel, a entrepreneurial business to re-establish a lot of time to think of late, oh, you too? seeming lifetime ago on March 6th, the final itself? There are offers of support on hand More musing than usual, not necessarily day of ILMC 32, I hadn’t the faintest idea from governments and music organisations, creative, but certainly observational, you what the train to Brighton was taking me to. which are of course welcome and vitally know, in these more than difficult times of, I’m a science fiction fan, but without doubt necessary, but these things take time to be ‘where have we been, where are we going, we can all live without the awful reality of implemented. Diversification is already in will we be taking sandwiches?! this particular alien invasion! place with the rapid introduction of virtual events and meetings. However, are we able Contemplating the present, virally dominated to accept the effects of continuing lockdown state of a live music industry forced into and shut down, resulting in the complete stasis, is not at all easy, but in the same change of the operation of live events and way that we think positive thoughts for the meetings? Live streaming and virtual events recovery of those physically struck down by have their place but can they completely the virus the best thing we can do is try to replace the live experience? figure out just how to bring live back to life! As someone said, there is no immunity to The renowned American economist Milton postponement or cancellation! Of course COLOPHON > Friedman won the Nobel Prize for his we have no idea how long this will all take research on; consumption analysis, monetary to resolve. The EU has stated that festivals

VIP-News is published by: history and theory and the complexity of and concerts should be the last form of stabilization policy (of course I think about activity to restart following the COVID-19 VIP-Booking.com Enghaven 19 this all the time!). A quote of his, brought to shutdown of events. But when the present Attrup 8444 Balle Denmark my attention by the futurist Gerd Leonhard lockdowns are eased it will be obvious jus seems relevant for the situation in which the how vitally important clubs, events, festivals Managing Director: Ronni Didriksen live industry currently finds itself; “Only a bars and the whole cultural system is to [email protected] crisis – actual or perceived – produces real society as a whole. General Manager: Peter Briggs change. When that crisis occurs, the actions [email protected] that are taken depend on the ideas that are What we need of course is a vaccine – the Writer and editorial: lying around. That, I believe, is our basic vaccine! In their Zoom appearance on Allan McGowan [email protected] function: to develop alternatives to existing ‘Delivering One World – Together at Home’ policies, to keep them alive and available the Rolling Stones quite aptly sang, ‘You Writer: Manfred Tari until the politically impossible becomes the Can’t Always Get What You Want’, but [email protected] politically inevitable” won’t it be great to, as soon as possible, to For advertising enquiries please contact: ‘Get What We Need’?! So, as we enter the second month of the Peter Briggs [email protected] crisis, with more and more events being Things will of course change, but, who +46 70 77 60 480 postponed and cancelled, more companies knows, perhaps some aspects of how this Charlie Presburg [email protected] facing closure and bankruptcy, and more business runs may even change for the +44 (0) 7980 817496 and more individuals finding themselves better! In the meantime, stay safe and well! contemplating unemployment, how is an Love from us all! 2 HOW

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7*1#00,*/($0. VIPNEWS > APRIL 2020 Worldwide Live Industry Professionals join the VIP Online Panel From VIP-Daily News

Live Music Industry professionals from around the globe joined the Association Yourope, updated us on their efforts as an association to first ever VIP-Booking.com online panel to discuss the crisis in the Live push the EU to keep a focus on our industry. Music Industry caused by the coronavirus. Nana Trandou from High Priority Promotions in Greece, who among The panel was moderated by Ivana Dragila and featured 3 Live Music other events promote the Athens Rocks Festival, told us about her Industry Professionals filling the delegates in on how they`re handling terrible experience over the past 7 weeks after being diagnosed and the current situation and what they expect the future will bring. hospitalised with Covid-19. We were all very happy to see that she is now back in her home and on the way to recovery. Paulina Ahokas – MD, Tampere Hall (Finland), Christof Huber – Director Festivals, Gadget ABC Entertainment Group (Switzerland), Nick Hobbs from Charmenko shared his view on the crisis and the Rob Berends – Founder, Paperclip Agency (Holland) situation in Turkey where he is located.

Besides the 3 panel guests, delegates from around the world Noemia Matsumoto from Opus Entretenimento in Brazil told us about contributed with their views on the various ways the industry is the specific actions the industry is taking in Brazil. dealing with the crisis and provided updates on the help packages being offered in their different countries. Christof Huber who is Marc Gentiella from CelebrityAccess gave his view on how he thinks also General Secretary and board member of the European Festival the major US promoters and agencies will survive this crisis, many of

4 VIPNEWS > APRIL 2020

which are carrying big debts after buying up companies worldwide much enjoyed this one and it was a very easy way to get updated for the past decade. information on what’s happening all over Europe & The World.”

The Online Panel was a big success and it was evident that everyone This will be a recurring event so look out and register for future online was happy to get a chance to “meet up” again and share experiences panels as they are announced. with colleagues and partners from around the world.

The first panel can be viewed in full here: Kari Possi from Blue Budda in Finland wrote an email to VIP afterwards VIP-Booking OnLine Panel saying “Thank you so much for collecting this panel today. I very

NTIA to challenge insurance claim denial From VIP-Daily News

UK trade association Night Time Industries authorities and who had to close their Association (NTIA) has teamed up with a premises under the regulation “have a good leading industry barrister to coordinate case against Hiscox.” claims against Hiscox Insurance for refusal to pay out under its business interruption policy. Michael Kill, chief executive of NTIA, said: “Night Time Economy businesses are being NTIA, who last week claimed its member denied legitimate insurance claims, many businesses are being denied COVID-19- claims are being disputed by insurers based related insurance claims, have instructed on contrived arguments to avoid sharing the Philip Kolvin QC, an industry barrister, to financial burden during the COVID-19 crisis.” advise on members’ rights under their Michael Kill insurance policies. Kolvin added: “Leisure operators are suffering severe hardship. There is a clear According to the association, Hiscox and present danger that the industry will It is time now for those insurance companies Insurance underwrote one of the main be decimated, that leisure businesses who know they are liable under their leisure sector policies. throughout the UK will go to the wall, that policies do the same. The clue is in the name jobs and livelihoods will be lost, and that ‘insurance’. It is what they are in business Kolvin said claimants who were insured the cultural capacity of the nation will be for. They should not be running for cover. by the company against closure by public depleted for years to come. They will never be forgiven for doing so.”

5 VIPNEWS > APRIL 2020 Paradigm President Greg Bestick Retires From VIP-Daily News

Greg Bestick, an 11 year veteran of Paradigm Scott Melrose bridging film/tv and music. All who rose from COO to Agency President, has the agencies we partnered with and then announced his retirement to the staff at the brought in under the tent: AM Only with Greg Bestick company. Paul, Lee, Meyer, Cody; Windish with Tom and Sam Hunt; those super impressive Brits Paradigm Chairman & CEO Sam Gores said at Coda, Tom, Alex and James. Steve and Ian respected and desirable to others in our that “Greg played a vital role in the agency’s from X-ray, Garry and Ron from the other world. No one saw a global pandemic coming. growth and successes. I am forever grateful Monterey. All the talented, hard-working Nothing emerging from the far side of this to him. I could not have asked for a more people who keep the wheels turning, Craig will be unchanged. It’s a challenge, but also capable executive and counsel these past and Stephanie and the legal staff, Ben an opportunity to reimagine so many things: eleven years. Greg and I have become close Scott, Sara Pullman and the ops group, Jess the work environment, how we interact, how friends, and I wish him the happiest, most Dennis and Dave Hallybone and the finance/ we distribute and consume content, how well-deserved retirement as we look to write accounting teams across the business, Joe we break careers, how we strategize and Paradigm’s next chapter.” and Steph and Lori. And so many others who manage on a global level. What you have in taught me, challenged me, collaborated front of you is a tremendous trauma, and an Here is the email that Bestick just sent to the with me. Thank you. enormous opportunity. staff at Paradigm: Most importantly, it’s been a pleasure and a Paradigm now has to regroup. But the From the desk of Greg Bestick privilege to work with Sam. Over the years, foundation is there, the talent is there, the I’ve watched him always trying to do the right opportunity to rebuild the business in a In February of 2009, I came to work at thing when it came to treating people fairly new and stronger way is there. All it takes is Paradigm on a three-month consulting and humanely. In a cutthroat business full of teamwork and a willingness to see and strive contract. Three months and eleven very people willing to take shortcuts, Sam stood for a better, more hopeful future. fulfilling years later, I’m moving on to the next out as someone who is sensitive, ethical and phase of my life and retiring from full time supportive. It pains me to see the nonsense Dealing with all of you on your good and work. This was the longest time I’d ever spent that’s been put out in the press about him. not-so-good days has made the years fly by. at one job in my life. By far. What kept me That’s not the person I know and respect and I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the challenge, but tied to this particular place for so long? worked closely with for over a decade. I’ve been trying to get to the next chapter of my life for a while, and now is the time. Mainly it was the people. So many who are I especially want to thank Jessica McCrary. Instead of living in NY and LA, I’ll visit those not only capable and talented workers, but Part General Patton, part Mary Poppins, she places, and settle in to doing the things genuinely good human beings. Fargo and makes all of it look effortless and fun. Day you do on the Maine coast. I have a few Metzger and Tantleff and the whole New after day, she kept pointing me in the right mountains, real and metaphorical, I want to York crew. Monterey, the foundation of our direction. I predict great things for her in climb while I’m still able. Please stay in touch, music business, Dan and Fred and Chip and the future. though. I want to hear about your traumas Jonathan and that whole next generation and triumphs. And of course, I will always be of Pinkus, Hasson, Atamian, Greisch, Let’s face it, this is a business you get caught here to give my support or assistance when McSwiggin, Nalpant, Schultz and on and on. up in. It moves fast, it’s always in the current needed. I’m proud to have worked with you The other music foundation, in New York, conversation, it requires nerve, strategy, and cherish the friendships that will last past Marty, Larry, then Galle and Marquis and all finesse and plain old hard work. It’s been this time. I’ll miss you. they built up over the years. The talent and very satisfying to build up the business, help lit people in LA, Rand and Andrew and Alisa put the pieces together, work with incredibly Much Love and Respect, and Andy and Bill and Mark. Ben Weiss and talented artists, and create something Greg 6 VIPNEWS > INDEPTH STORY > APRIL 2020 COVID-19 and the Live Industry: How Are we Coping?

It goes without saying that these are challenging times with the Live Music & Events Industry being one of the worst hit by the current coronavirus crisis and with the lockdowns and restrictions on events imposed by governments all over the world.

Although there is some hope on the horizon with many tours already being rescheduled for the autumn there is still a lot of uncertainty remaining.

We asked 4 professionals from different countries about their current situation and how they are dealing with the problems facing their businesses.

Paulina Ahokas - CEO at Tampere Hall, Finland

How is your venue/company coping will have a huge responsibility in bringing 100% by the city. Our city has not managed with the current crisis? back people’s trust and economical activity to make any plans for financial support. We at large. As always after wars. hope to be able to apply for some of the How do you cope with a black swan? You development money which will possibly be go into crisis mode, and try to do everything How has your everyday work changed? distributed by the ministry of culture. We you possibly can to ensure that you will have Are you working from home etc.? are one of the biggest promoters of cultural a strong, innovative and energetic company events, and the biggest entrepreneur in to return to once the situation is over. We I have been working from home for three staged art in Finland, so I have a reason to have had to close doors, furlough all of our weeks now. I was never really a huge fan believe they will have an interest in making staff (some part-time, some full-time), and of remote working and this has made me sure these services continue also in the adjust to the situation. But we believe it is dislike it even more. Some 6-8 hours a day future. But at large, we need to prepare to temporary: once the crisis is over, people in various digital meeting services, events cope even if the cavalry doesn’t ride in to will yearn for human contact, experiences and other digital services makes me long rescue us. and culture more than ever, and our sector for human contact. I have yet to make the same proper connection with another When are you expecting to start re- person via any digital service than I manage opening doors again? Paulina Ahokas in person. But of course we just cope, since we have no other option at the moment. Of course we hope to do it as soon as possible, but it is looking very unlikely we Have you received any financial support will be able to do so during this summer. We from your government and if so what would have hoped to do so, because not kind of support is being offered? only do we have the world’s only Moomin Museum under the same roof, but we also We are in a rather difficult situation since had fabulous summer exhibitions of Keith we cannot apply for any of the government Haring, Ralph Larmann etc. lined up, as well aid for companies, since we are owned as a couple fantastic summer conferences. 7 VIPNEWS > INDEPTH STORY > APRIL 2020

Have you managed to reschedule all the will be in the autumn of 2020, and also of culture i.e. everyone wants to go shows you had booked for this period? early 2021. I totally understand where this and experience events, digital leap and comes from, everyone is doing their very new virtual reality aspects strengthened In the first wave we rescheduled many and best to secure their life-line and wanting to alongside the good old sweat&smell, even most of the shows, but the situation benefit from the renaissance of culture, but movement and visuals. has changed quite a bit, and we will have I also think we all have to look into what is to think over this strategy, because it is worse, making huge losses or making less But also tons of purely magnificent affects not in anyone’s interest to have a ton of income. that we do not need to prepare for, such as conflicting and competing events on at the a huge increase of respect for our industry, same time. What long term affects do you think both by ourselves, our clientele and the the current crisis will have on the future government officials. Are you already booking new shows of the Live Music Industry? for later in the year and next year? Do you have any ideas on how to keep Long term is the question, and so important business rolling during these times? Yes, we are working on both. Our promoters to keep our eyes on that, because if this and programme directors are working full would only be a temporary cash deficit I wish I had. It is not really a business to on to realize the best possible programme, problem, we would not have so much realize virtual events with public support. I both for the quickly changing environment to prepare for. Yes, I do think this crisis am glad there are also new, ticketed virtual of 2020 and 2021, as well as for 2022. will also have long term affects: further concert experiences tested and tried out, consolidations, but also completely new since they seem to offer at least some Are you worried about event saturation actors entering the field, some changes in kind of earning opportunity for artists and once the ban is lifted? the B2C clientele and definitely changes technicians. I am most worried about their in the B2B partner landscape, increased life-line: most of them have dropped into a Yes, very much so. I am not sure if everyone local travel and experience desire i.e. situation of practically no income, for the is conscious how much competition there strengthening of local cultures, renaissance time-being.

Georg Leitner - CEO at Georg Leitner Productions, Austria

How is your company coping with the I exercise every morning now, enjoy lunch time as a team to develop new show formats current crisis? and breakfast with my family, walk our dog and tour packages for 2021 & 2022. in the Vienna woods and play new songs Most of the staff are at their home offices on the piano (right now I’m practicing Nina Have you received any financial support and we have regular “Zoom Meetings”. Simone’s “Feeling Good “ ). We also use the from your government and if so what GLP’s offices are in our own apartment kind of support is being offered? building in Vienna, so thank god we don’t have to deal with any rent issues. The staff of GLP has gone into what is called “reduced work” – so since April On a financial basis – the past few years have everybody works only 10% of the time and been highly profitable so GLP has a solid the government pays 85 % of the salaries base to get through these challenging times. of our staff. This is granted to more or less all companies in Austria. Also I applied for a How has your everyday work changed? grant to establish our home office system. Are you working from home etc.? So all in all the Austrian government is doing a My daily routine has somewhat changed in good job to ensure that companies can keep view of a reduced work load. The GLP Office going and to avoid high unemployment. is in the same building so I and a few other GLP staff members do go to the office. These Have you managed to reschedule all the Georg Leitner times have some positive side effects: shows you had booked for this period? 8 VIPNEWS > INDEPTH STORY > APRIL 2020

Our main task right now is to reschedule working on new tour formats and touring this in good shape. I think that the small and the many shows and tours we had booked packages for 2021 & 2022. midsize companies with low overheads will – e.g. FOREIGNER , KOOL & THE GANG, be in a good position to survive this . EARTH WIND & FIRE exp feat Al McKAY, Are you worried about event saturation LUIS FONSI etc. once the ban is lifted? I am not sure how the big multinational entities with their huge overheads will be This is work in progress and we are optimistic We just celebrated the 40th anniversary of able to cope with this – there may be a move that we will re-schedule most of the shows GLP last year – and we have faced numerous back to smaller, more flexible companies in we had booked in 2020 for 2021. challenges in the past. Rather than worry – the business. we are working to gear up GLP for the time Many of the festivals e.g. Blues fest in after Corona with fresh ideas & strategies. Do you have any ideas on how to keep Australia etc. strive to retain the line up business rolling during these times? they had scheduled for 2020 for their What long term affects do you think the 2021 edition. current crisis will have on the future of GLP’s roster includes a wide range of artists the Live Music Industry? covering several areas (world, rock, soul, Are you already booking new shows blues, classical – as well as show acts such for later in the year and next year? Of course this crisis will have a severe affect on as Vivalidanno, Peter Pan on Ice etc). So this our industry – and some companies sadly may diversification as well as our global approach We are also busy with booking the summer not survive this. It will take a spirit of fairness ensure that we will continue to serve the tour for JULIO IGLESIAS as well as JOSE and cooperation towards our partners to help world with 1st class entertainment – which CARRERAS for December / January and as much as we can, so that we come out of keeps our business rolling.

Sabine Waltz, Agent and Owner at IBD / International Booking Department, Germany

How is your company coping with the How has your everyday work changed? Are you already booking new shows for current crisis? Are you working from home etc.? later in the year and next year?

As many others not good of course, no My everyday work has not changed, my Yes I’ve already booked several tours for the income since March. I had to postpone all office is @ our house. But I am having more fall/winter and for spring 2021 my May tours until the fall and to 2021 and problems reaching people. no-one knows whats going to happen in the Are you worried about event saturation fall and winter of 2020/21. Have you received any financial support once the ban is lifted? from your government and if so what kind of support is being offered? Yes of course, we will definitely face this situation especially with smaller new acts. Bavaria was first offering support for small Also people will not buy tickets way in companies, I received 5000 euro but it took advance anymore, so even when the ban is 5 weeks and I am waiting since 2 weeks for lifted it’s not going to be over for us. the balance payment. I know many who are still waiting for the What long term affects do you think the “Soforthilfe”- It’s of course not enough to current crisis will have on the future of survive 6 months without income. the Live Music Industry?

Have you managed to reschedule all the Good question; I think this will affect shows you had booked for this period? the live music industry for many years, depending on how long this will take, clubs Sabine Waltz Yes I have. But I started very early. and smaller promoters might not survive, 9 VIPNEWS > INDEPTH STORY > APRIL 2020

promoters will and might not be able to many of us won’t be here anymore. It’s a We just have to sit it out I guess, believe in pay what we need to produce a tour. culture suicide. what we do and hope. IBD started 34 years ago and trust me, the company has been Right now the situation is already bad, very Do you have any ideas on how to keep through a lot of hard times but this one is bad and if this will continue until next year business rolling during these times? the worse situation I’ve ever had but I am not ready to give up.

Besides Laibach and Die Krupps I only have smaller acts touring in 2020 because I think that the smaller the act the better the chances are that it will happen.

I postponed all my North American bands to 2021 and have booked European acts for this year only.

I wish everyone the best of luck, don’t Laibach give up please.

Gad Oron - Owner/Promoter at O.G. Music Business, Israel

How is your company coping with the No, show business is one of the industries Are you worried about event saturation current crisis? that the government disregards, nothing has once the ban is lifted? been offered so far, thus other matters that Total lockdown – I’m lucky to have a fully promoters experience on a local level such I’m an optimistic promoter, but I cannot equipped home office and am trying to spend as wars, and others state of emergencies in predict, I will be ready to go full steam a few hours a day keeping myself busy. Israel take precedence so I’m not expecting ahead and will study the new situation and any assitance from the government. act accordingly. How has your everyday work changed? Are you working from home etc.? Have you managed to reschedule all the What long term affects do you think the shows you had booked for this period? current crisis will have on the future of Yes I work from my home office, my house is the Live Music Industry? out of town so I spend the day in the office Some of those shows that are close as well trying to keep my staff with hope that this as those planned for the next 6 months have I’m afraid that a global economic recession nightmare will end soon. been postponed to the winter (mainly indoor will influence things on one side, especially shows) and others (such as outdoor shows) with ticket prices, and on the others side Have you received any financial support have been postponed until next Summer. I’m curious to find out how the talent and from your government and if so what others services we are using will behave on kind of support is being offered? Are you already booking new shows for that matter. later in the year and next year? Outdoor shows might be the most immediate I avoid watching a future in such situations, events to be re-activated in the industry. so to be on the safe side, I’m trying to book for next year, but it takes “2 to tango” and Do you have any ideas on how to keep part of the talent and agents side of the business rolling during these times? industry is also on hold, I believe that as soon as the panic is over and both sides get used I decided for myself to keep less active in to the new routine and day to day operation, 2020 and am looking forward to 2021 & Gad Oron “action will start”. 2022 10 VIPNEWS > APRIL 2020

VIP News Views by Charlie Presburg

This month’s ‘VIP-News Views’ finds most of us in some back stronger than ever. How the live industry will look when form of lockdown with the live music and entertainment it resurfaces is another matter altogether. Sadly, with so industry sadly very much on hold. Strange times indeed many businesses affected by COVID-19, some of the smaller and something that none of us could hardly have foreseen companies won’t be able to survive. We know that the live during Eurosonic back in January. As the ILMC was taking industry in general is looking to its respective governments place in London in March, we were certainly aware of the for help and financial support. Certainly in the UK, the world situation with regard to COVID-19 and it’s potential 72% of people working in the music industry who are self impending effect on all of us working in this industry. As I employed are hoping for some kind of financial support, write this, the UK is in it’s fifth week of lockdown and like only time will tell how this will pan out. Many of these live so many people out there, daily life is split between working music professionals of course are partly responsible for quite from home, home schooling and keeping a close eye on literally putting our concerts, tours and festivals together, the daily news. One saving grace is that the weather in the be they tour managers, lighting and sound crew or those Somerset village where I live has been wonderful so lots of involved in the transportation of equipment. walks have been had, making one briefly forget and escape the craziness of the world around us. For many of our clients at VIP-Booking, daily life seems to be largely focused on re-scheduling shows for either later this It seems that every day, we are reading about another festival year or early next year, a mammoth task for so many people. cancellation, amongst the UK festival cancellations are We at VIP-Booking are doing our best to reach out to as many Glastonbury, Download and the Isle of Wight to name a few. of our clients as possible in the hope that we can facilitate The German live industry recently announced the cancellation this and help and support people as much as we can. We of its summer events happening through to the end of would like to extend our thoughts to all those who have been August, these include Wacken, Southside, Hurricane as well personally affected by this unprecedented situation. as Rock am Ring and Rock im Park both celebrating their their 25 and 35 year anniversaries respectively. Similar situations On April 23rd, VIP-Booking,com held its first webinar of course are happening across Europe with the cancellation featuring key industry people which was very well attended of events including Belgium’s Rock Werchter, Pukkelpop, by professionals from across the world. Aside from discussing Dour and Tomorrowland as well as Eurockeennes, Solidays the current effect of the world situation on the live industry, and Festival D’Avignon in France and Roskilde, Northside and it was very obvious that people were extremely pleased to Tinderdox in Denmark and Pohoda Festival in Slovakia, I could see each other. These webinars will be a regular event, we go on but I won’t, it makes somewhat depressing reading. will let you know about the next one so please get involved whenever you are able to, we value your opinons. With so many people ‘stuck’ at home, there has of course been a huge rise and proliferation in the streaming of live One thing for sure is that when the current situation starts to shows and events to keep us entertained, some artists even settle down and people can begin working again on building including their family members. Indeed, The World Health tours, booking festivals and live events, I am sure that this Organisation recently announced the One World Together At incredible industry that we work in will prevail and be in Home Event, scheduled for April 18th, artists performing in greater demand than ever. support of frontline healthcare workers include Elton John, Paul McCartney, Andrea Bocelli and Lizzo. Stay Safe!

What is clear is that at some stage, our industry will return to Charlie Presburg some semblance of normality and order and we will bounce Area Sales Manager, VIP-Booking.com

11 STICHTING EUROSONIC NOORDERSLAG

STICHTING EUROSONIC NOORDERSLAG VIPNEWS > APRIL 2020

Live Nation rolls out refund plan From VIP-Daily News

Live Nation, the company that owns Ticketmaster, has announced refund plan, ticket holders had already begun filing lawsuits prior plans for a new ticket refund policy that begins May 1st., the plan to the announcement. is specific in offering refunds to rescheduled events, giving ticket holders up to 30 days to claim refunds for an event once the A San Fransisco ticket holder has filed a lawsuit against Ticketmaster rescheduled dates for said event have been announced. claiming “deceptive practices relating to their sale of live events tickets and refusal to provide refunds for live events that have been In addition, Live Nation is also offering ticket holders the option to rescheduled or postponed.” The ticket holder purchased $600 receive up to 150% the value of their previously purchased tickets, worth of tickets for Rage Against The Machine’s reunion tour, which can be used for a future show. which currently the first set of dates are postponed (March 26th- May 20th). Live Nation is officially offering refunds to postponed shows but on a rolling basis, i.e. once the rescheduled dates have been announced. There are still several summer tours that have yet to postpone The company also notes that this plan was not in response to the or reveal postponed dates. Early on, progressive metal icons Tool criticism they`ve received over the last few weeks. announced they were postponing their late spring tour, but didn’t offer any incite on to refunds or rescheduled dates. Mötley Crüe In total Ticketmaster has canceled and/or postponed 30,000 events and Def Leppard make up another huge rock tour, and they’ve yet due to the pandemic, and presumably more events will follow later to announce anything in regards to postponement, cancellation, this year. While the company only recently laid out it’s revised or rescheduling. 13 VIPNEWS > APRIL 2020 Cultural centres joining forces to bring hope From VIP-Daily News

Four cultural, concert and event centres across Aivar Mäe, General Manager of Estonian gotten through this, first and foremost by the Nordic hemisphere will be lit in green, the National Opera and Ballet continues: supporting each other”, says Svanhildur colour of hope, to show respect to everyone “Through this gesture, we want to bring Konráðsdóttir, CEO of Harpa. struggling from the current situation and to hope and some light into people’s hearts. We remind us of more hopeful times ahead. also want to send a message to all the people Kristiina Alliksaar, the Director of Vanemuine in the world that once this crisis is over, all of explains the joint decision for the colour: Leading cultural and concert centres from us working in culture welcome our audiences “Green symbolizes hope and harmony, and three countries across the Nordic hemisphere back with open hearts.” this is what we hope for everybody, wherever have joined forces in a campaign to bring they might be and whatever their situation. In hope to people, show respect and support The cultural centres are aware of their key role some parts of the world it is also the symbol to everyone facing the crisis. These cultural in bringing back hope, trust and economical for change. This crisis has already demanded centres will be lit in green every night from activity once the crisis is over. “Those of us a lot of creativity from everyone. We are Thursday, April 9th onwards for the time working in culture, arts and events have convinced that the new challenges, and the being. The campaign wishes to show support a big responsibility in keeping hope alive need for innovation in our societies will be to everyone in these trying times: healthcare and continuing to share as much beautiful, met with the support of the arts and culture.” professionals, volunteers, parents, people inspirational music as we can. By doing so suffering from loneliness or illness, the elderly we remind people of the importance and The following cultural and events centres will and other people in quarantine, artist and all relevance of arts and culture – particularly in be lit in green from April 9th onwards, every the others whose livelihood is threatened, times of deep crisis such as the one we are night: Tampere Hall and Tampere Opera in and all those whose lives have been affected all living through today. These trying times Finland, Harpa in Iceland, Estonian National by the virus. will end and then we´ll come together again Opera and Ballet and the Concert Hall in in our shared spaces and cultural centres to Estonia and Vanemuine Theatre in Estonia These centres also want to invite anyone celebrate our common humanity and having (lighting from sunset to sunrise). working in culture, music and events to join them in this campaign (#lightitupgreen), and Venues lit in Green send a public call for everyone to join. In doing so they also want to highlight the importance of international outreach even if the physical borders are now temporarily closed.

”Even though social distancing is preventing us from being close together, it is vital that we do not try to fight this alone. I am grateful to all our international friends in the culture and events industry for their endless support and help, for coming together also during this crisis, and for sharing their innovations and best practices so generously. We welcome everyone working in culture, music and events to join us in this campaign; it is more important than ever to cross boundaries and to seek for international perspective, learning and support”, states Ms. Paulina Ahokas, CEO of Tampere Hall. 14 VIPNEWS > APRIL 2020 NAMES & JOBS

Peter Briggs - 20 years with VIP-Booking.com From VIP-Daily News

On April 1st Peter Briggs celebrated his 20th anniversary as General Since Peter lives in Sweden with his family, he initially focused on the Manager at VIP-Booking.com, being one of the first employees Swedish Live Music Industry and with his native English background when the company was founded in 2000. he soon became Key Account Manager with clients worldwide. Over the years he has developed together with the company and is now If you have attended one of the major Live Music conferences over General Manager, dealing with sales and handling partnerships. the past 20 years you have probably met Peter, he knows “almost” everyone worth knowing in the Live Music Industry and has a “Peter is a big part of VIP-Booking’s success over the past 20 years. history of endless visits to bars and venues and is often the last He is a very structured person, pretty unique in the Live Music man standing at closing time. People attending ILMC in London, Industry. Besides working closely together for many years, we probably remember seeing Peter hobbling around with an injured have also developed a long friendship and he is one of the finest leg after joining the conference football match at Wembley stadium people that I have ever met, with a trustworthy and open-minded some years back. personality.” says Ronni Didriksen, founder of VIP-Booking.com

Talking of football, Peter is a passionate Arsenal supporter and a “Long before I joined VIP-Booking.com, I had met Peter at the various true Gunner in every sense of the word. In fact his biggest concern conferences I attended during my many years at Pollstar, I always when travelling around the world for VIP-Booking, is to find a local considered him to be very open and honest, a true gentleman. Since bar showing an Arsenal match. joining VIP Booking in 2012, I count him not just a work colleague but also a true friend, very professional with a deep knowledge of On a more serious note, Peter is a highly reliable business man, always the industry and a great sense of fun!” Charlie Presburg, Area Sales true to his word and very highly respected by everyone in the industry. Manager, VIP-Booking.com.

15 VIPNEWS > BUSINESS > APRIL 2020 MUSIC IN SHARES Music In Shares Manfred Tari [email protected]

Too big to Fail? Last reported share price on March 25 was 37.38 Euro, on April 23 it is 38.56 Euro... A rhetorical question, but nevertheless considerable: Particularly in times of the Corona crisis when even billionaires such as Richard DEAG - A small decrease Branson are asking for public funding. At a time when the business model of the global concert industry went from hero to zero over Not surprising for the share price of DEAG is the speculative night, the question of survival basically breaks down to the factors momentum . Down from 3.62 Euro as reported in the previous issue, of liquidity versus time. the share price now is 3.17 Euro...

Individually there are of course various components to be considered Eventbrite - Statement Against Social Distancing Protests within the mathematical considerations of the survival rate of companies. Since these days that of cash flow became a theoretical Besides Eventbrite’s laying off of 45 per cent of its staff, the company figure, not only for concert companies, there are further aspects lately announced the withdrawal of posts on its website promoting such as fixed assets and payments to be considered. protest events against public stay at home orders.

In fact credit lines and debts appear highly crucial in these times. To In the meantime the share price of the company went up from $7.45 keep it brief, prominent players in the entertainment industry such to $8.57 when this report went to press... as CAA, WME, Paradigm, Superstruct or United Talent financed their recent growth strategies with the help of external investors. Live Nation - Stability Seeking A good example is how the secondary ticketing company Viagogo financed the take over of Stubhub from Ebay for $4 billion. The The share price movements of Live Nation indicate a mix of concerns figure of $4 billion furthermore appears as the figure for debts in and confidence these days. Down from $42.99 on March 25 to $38.2 the balance sheets for Live Nation and WME. this time...

At least it is known that Eventbrite, Paradigm, Stubhub and WME Spotify - The Magic of Streaming layed off staff, while it is widely reported that CAA, Live Nation and United Talent are initiating pay cuts. For the time being streaming ranks high when people are urged to stay at home! Up from $129 to $139... In all these reports the term “for the time being” appears for all players in the concert business to be the leading answer for the Tencent - A small increase consideration, ‘liquidity versus time.’ At least in terms of the share price development of corporate concert companies the next Better than nothing: From $9.94 up to $11.13... milestone will be set when the results for the second quarter of 2020 are published.

CTS Eventim - Considering to Ask for Financial Aid

According to recent media reports, CTS Eventim is apparently considering the option to apply for public financial aid. Unlike the global player Live Nation, CTS Eventim emphasized in the news that they were free of debts. 16 VIPNEWS > MISC > APRIL 2020 MEMBER PRESENTATION ARTIST AVAILS

BEAUTIFUL BADNESS Territory: Worldwide This space is dedicated to present some of our clients using Period: 2020 - 2021 VIP-Booking.com. Companies presented here have our best Agency: A.A. Productions SPRL Agent: Nicolas Gamin endorsement... Phone: +32 479 528 066 E-mail: [email protected] Homepage: www.next-step.be/artist/11-beautiful-badness

KAREN MÉNDEZ Territory: Worldwide Period: 3 years Agency: Be Real Agency Agent: Paul Fourmy Phone: +32 485 365 696 E-mail: [email protected] Homepage: www.realkeymusic.com

OUMAR KONATE Territory: worldwide Period: 2020 Agency: Clermont Music Agent: Chris Nolan Phone: +1 518 755 5089 E-mail: [email protected] Homepage: www.clermontmusic.com/oumar-konate/

CSB Island Entertainment ApS SAUDADE Territory: Worldwide Period: 2020-2021 CSB Island Entertainment ApS is one of the leading artist and show promoters in Agency: A.A. Productions SPRL Agent: Nicolas Jaumain Scandinavia. With more than 20 years experience, we build strong partnerships that Phone: +32 479 528 066 E-mail: [email protected] bring only the biggest and best entertainment to audiences in our region. Our local Homepage: www.next-step.be/artist/127-saudade and our global partners trust us for our reliability, professionalism and our solution orientated focus. MAMADOU KELLY Territory: Worldwide Period: 2020 Agency: Clermont Music Every country is different and every region has its own challenges and opportunities. Agent: Chris Nolan Phone: +1 518 755 5089 Knowing who to contact and how is essential. In Scandinavia, our home advantage E-mail: [email protected] and natural understanding of our markets helps us know where to focus to make Homepage: www.clermontmusic.com/mamadou-kelly/ our events a success. The result is better quality entertainment for the audience and THE GOLDEN YEARS OF MUSIC TOURS better potential for future business. Territory: Worldwide Period: Generally available Agency: Cheyenne Productions Agent: Patrick rocher Phone: +1 928 852 0032 E-mail: [email protected] Homepage: www.thegoldenyearsofmusictours.com

About Our Company MORE ARTIST AVAILS ON: WWW.VIP-BOOKING.COM VIP-Booking’s core product is the largest­ database ­for the European Live Entertainment Industry POST YOUR ARTIST AVAILS ON: WWW.VIP-BOOKING.COM www.vip-booking.com ­developed as a tool for industry professionals­. Since it’s launch in the year 2000, we have consistently offered our subscribers the very best in database services and now boast subscribers­ in over 50 countries. Karen Méndez

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vip-booking.com 17 HOW Use VIP Analytics to locate where your TO USE 1 artist has the most interest: VIP-Booking.com for Agents/Managers

Use our Tour Builder to locate venues 2 or agents within a given area:

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