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VIPNEWS PREMIUM > VOLUME 181 > AUGUST 2015

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McGowan’s Musings

Well, I hope you didn’t miss us too much in Closer to home unfortunately, there has young girls distraught! Still – think of the July, and that your summer so far has been been some bad news, there was a terrible potential of the come back tour! Talking of sunny and successful! incident on Saturday Aug 22 at an air show sad faced fans, when in London’s West End at Shoreham Airport, just a few miles from the other day I saw an amazingly long queue Most of the news that we at VIP have had Brighton, when a jet failed to complete a of fashionably dressed teens, and some teen from the international festivals that we display manoeuvre and crashed on to a main pluses, waiting impatiently to get into a shoe attended (see report in this issue), and those road. 11 people were killed in the flaming shop. Apparently they were all fixated on the that contacted us has been good, and the wreckage. I have driven that stretch of road purchase of a pair of Kanye West’s Yeezy indications are, with of course some events many times, and that familiarity makes the Boost trainers! Very many went away feeling still to take place, that the 2015 season has horror of it all even more disturbing. underdressed, and deeply disappointed, but been good. Kanye and his crew were no doubt quite Also we were saddened to hear of the happy! death from cancer of fellow journalist John Gammon who was a respected writer for So, as we’ve now mentioned people feeling the live industry trade journal Pollstar. All happy, I’d like to finish up by stressing how of us at VIP knew him well and often met powerful live music can be in cheering you up with him at various trade events. It had up. Having been going to gigs since the been obvious for some time that John was 1960’s I’ve seen quite a few great shows, but COLOPHON > unwell, but he never went into detail about I saw one of the best gigs I’ve ever seen at his condition. We send our commiserations the Paleo Festival (see report in this issue) a

VIP-News is published by: to all of his friends and family. (See more in few weeks ago, Robert Plant and his band VIP-Booking.com this issue) Sad also to hear of the passing of were phenomenal, and it wasn’t just me 20-22 Wenlock Road London N1 7GU veteran artist manager, Summers, who that thought this – besides an incredibly United Kingdom +44 870 755 0092 also died of cancer – there’s too much of this! appreciative audience, other artists from that

Managing Director: day’s bill lined up side stage to enjoy the set Ronni Didriksen So, sorry to kick off our return to your in boxes – Joan Baez joined Plant for a bit of square [email protected] with depressing news, but of course some dancing, with Patti Smith and her guitarist General Manager: Peter Briggs times reports like these are unavoidable, Lenny Kay handclapping. The atmosphere [email protected] much as we would like to be able to do was fantastic and the whole thing was Writer and editorial: something about them, that’s life! On a good for the soul! One last thing, whilst at Allan McGowan [email protected] lighter note, although many people will be the EXIT Festival in July I spoke with Lemmy

Writer: very upset by the announcement, it appears after Motorhead’s set, in the course of our Manfred Tari that One Direction are to take a break in chat I asked him about living in L.A., as a Brit [email protected] order to follow up solo projects. So, having abroad, I wondered if there was anything he For advertising enquiries please contact: sold 50 million , and earning record- missed – he responded instantly, “Cheese! Peter Briggs [email protected] breaking amounts on their last tours, they’re – you just can’t get any good fucking +44 870 755 0092 not actually saying that they’re breaking up, cheese!” So, on that high point – Ladies and although the fear of this will leave many Gentlemen – The News! 2 VIPNEWS > AUGUST 2015 UTA buys the Agency Group From VIP-Daily News

In a move to significantly bolster its music music agency, and we were able to find all invested in companies including Microsoft, business, United Talent Agency announced of those in one place at The Agency Group, 21st Century Fox, Adobe and CB Richard Thursday that it acquired the Agency Group, along with a tremendous reservoir of real Ellis. But unlike those investments, the UTA the world’s largest independent music veteran leadership.” relationship is a personal investment from agency. Ubben, who joins the board of directors as TAG founder and president Neil Warnock a non-voting member and becomes its first The Agency Group represents some of (pictured) will become UTA’s head of non-agency shareholder. the biggest global touring and live music worldwide music, filling the vacancy left artists, including Muse, Paramore and the by Rob Prinz when he departed for ICM “It’s not a typical institutional investment Black Keys. The company has more than 95 Partners in April, while TAG CEO Gavin that comes along with all kinds of agents operating out of offices in London, O’Reilly will leave the company. restrictions and voting rights,” Zimmer says. , New York and several other “This investment is really about bringing a cities. UTA’s acquisition of TAG was financed by a smart, seasoned investor into the company new minority investment from Jeffrey Ubben, to help us consider our future growth. It’s Adding TAG, which will be combined with founder and CEO of San Francisco-based a much more comfortable and organic UTA’s existing music division, instantly ValueAct Capital, which has significantly relationship.” makes UTA a heavy hitter in the space, with a roster of about 2,000 clients headlined by artists including Muse, The Black Keys, Neil Warnock founder of The Agency Group Paramore, Nickelback and Guns N’ Roses and featuring emerging acts including Chris Janson, Action Bronson and G-Eazy, who will all join existing UTA clients including Kanye West, Mariah Carey and Milky Chance.

TAG has more than 95 agents across seven offices in London, Los Angeles, Miami, Nashville, New York, Toronto and Malmo, Sweden, which will give UTA a presence beyond L.A. and New York for the first time – yet another major milestone for the agency.

“It’s a quantum leap forward for us in the music business,” UTA CEO Jeremy Zimmer tells THR, highlighting TAG’s resources in Nashville and the global and Canadian market as well as in corporate and festival booking. “There are so many different areas of expertise that go into being a top-shelf 3 VIPNEWS > AUGUST 2015 John Gammon passes at 64 From VIP-Daily News

John Gammon, Pollstar’s UK/Europe Correspondent over the last A native and resident of Ely, Cambridgeshire, England, Gammon two decades, has died. He had been fighting cancer. studied journalism at Harlow College. That education was put to use when Gammon was recruited by Pollstar to report from the Gammon covered stories that ranged from the innocuous to International Live Music Conference on a one-off basis. the extremely sensitive and was the first to break stories such as ’s entrance into Berlin. The response to his reportage was so overwhelming that Gammon became Pollstar’s longtime UK and Europe correspondent. His work He was also very well known by the industry people that attends the anchored Pollstar’s International News pages until this week. It is Live Music conferences in Europe where John always was a visible difficult to encapsulate 15 years of collaboration into a paragraph. character. The best we can do immediately is say farewell and acknowledge his A press release from Pollstar reads: contribution to not only the company, but the industry as well.

He was passionate in getting to the root of the story, even if it may have ruffled some feathers. Gammon’s background includes a career as an agent as well as managing acts like Katrina & The Waves and Kingmaker, the latter of whom could boast opening acts like Radiohead during its ’90s heyday.

VIP Sales Manager Charlie Presburg, worked with John for many years at Pollstar:

As someone who worked with John for many years at Pollstar’s UK office, I was always impressed with his sheer tenacity as a journalist and his ability to get to the core of any news story that he was writing. He was a proper old school journalist who wasn’t afraid to ruffle a few feathers along the way. I shall miss his witty banter and seeing him at the various music conferences he always loved to attend, he will be very sadly missed, RIP John.

John Gammon

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4 VIPNEWS > AUGUST 2015 First Edition of The IFF Increases Capacity and Sells Out Allan McGowan [email protected]

Having announced a sell out on August Launched with the intention of 13th the first edition of the IFF (International better connecting festival bookers Festival Forum) has increased its capacity to and booking agents, IFF features cope with further demand and has now a series of unique showcases and officially sold out. The event organised by Q&As with agents, and morning the ILMC and Ruud Berends of Networking panels and workshops dedicated Music will now host 400 agents and festival to the festival business. Partner bookers. Other additions to the Programme agencies on the event include The listed below include a workshop on the use Agency Group, ATC Live, Coda, ITB, X-ray of social media presented by Facebook. Touring, Primary Talent, LPO and Pitch & The After Hours Programme will now Smith. “The support from the event partners, include further showcases to be presented agencies and founding associations has at Camden venues, The Lock Tavern, The Each agency will be showcasing signings been tremendous, and with over 100 Barfly and Proud. for the 2016 festival season, while IFF’s booking agents attending, and over 150 After Hours late night programme will see festivals represented from as far afield as The International Festival Forum (IFF) is additional agencies and export offices also Australia, Malaysia and the United States, an invitation-only event aimed at music showcase artists. all the elements are in place for a productive festivals and booking agents, which place first outing.” in London from 30 September – 1 October, “To have sold out before we announced a 2015. IFF takes place across two London single showcasing artist is testament that IFF is a partnership between ILMC and Ruud venues: Proud Camden and historic music there’s a need for an event with this specific Berends of Networking Music. Panels at the venue Dingwalls next door. focus,” says ILMC head Greg Parmley. event will include a discussion around life in a ‘post-headliner’ world, a keynote with Isle of Wight Festival’s John Giddings, the Greg Parmley role of loyalty and the local , and the top five gripes between festivals and agents. Workshop topics include Facebook for festivals, data & audience insight, and better brand partnerships.

Event partners on IFF include FKP Scorpio, Intellitix, Rock-It Cargo, Showsec, Integro Doodson, Megaforce, Showsec, Jack Daniels and Heineken. Association partners are the Association of Independent Festivals (AIF), De Concert!, the International Jazz Festivals Organization (IJFO) and International Festivals and Events Association (IFEA) Europe.

For more information please contact Ben Delger via [email protected] or on: +44 203 743 0301 5 VIPNEWS > AUGUST 2015 Jukely Announced As Headline Sponsors For Venues Day 2015 Allan McGowan [email protected]

Music Venue Trust The last few years have seen a number of music venues whilst looking at exciting new (www.musicvenuetrust.com) high profile venues closing and there are business models and initiatives that can get – the charity for the preservation and fears that it could have a longer term impact audiences up. Alongside the chance this improvement of the UK’s network of on a sector that, as well as giving pleasure gives to agencies like DCMS, UK Music, BPI, music venues – announces concert and to millions of people, is worth around £1.6 ticketing agencies and insurance companies gig subscription app, Jukely (www.jukely. billion to the UK’s annual economy. to get behind the sector, we’re delighted that com), as the Headline Sponsor for its Venues Venues Day is attracting partners like Jukely. Day 2015 event at Ministry of Sound on Bora Celik, Founder of Jukely, comments: Bora and his team are bringing something Tuesday 20 October, in Elephant & Castle, “We are delighted to support Venues Day new and exciting to the sector that can have London. 2015, now a key event in the live music a genuine impact on the number of people industry calendar. Everything we do as a in the room, and these are the sort of ideas Having been successful in its native US, Jukely company is geared towards getting people that will help to create a better future for is newly-launched in the UK, its stated aim is out to see live music shows and experience music venues, audiences and artists. This to galvanise a new generation of music-lovers unforgettable nights together, so we want support from Jukely means we will be able into attending more gigs than ever before. to do all we can to help preserve music to offer subsidised delegate places and venues – the beating hearts of our live music travel to grassroots owners and Venues Day 2015 focuses exclusively on communities. promoters across the country who would grassroots music venues and their associated otherwise be unable to attend, ensuring industries and services. Earlier this year the “Furthermore, this partnership will allow that the whole sector can be part of this Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, announced Jukely’s technology to be a force for good important national event”. the creation of the capital’s first Music within the live music scene – enabling people Venues Taskforce, chaired by Music Venue to come together and protect the venues Venues Day 2015 has three key aims: Trust, which was set up to protect and secure they love.” to provide a highly effective marketplace for the City’s vital network of live music venues. the best service and industry offers to engage Venues Day 2015 will provide an opportunity Mark Davyd, Founder & CEO of Music Venue with small and medium scale music venues; to discuss the findings and recommendations Trust, comments: to provide a dedicated forum for the sharing of the Taskforce with industry partners from of best practice, innovation and leadership, across the country in order to help support “The key themes of Venues Day this year are and; to formalise a nationwide network of live music venues. to get core costs down for our grassroots subscribed grassroots music venues that speak with clarity about their work.

Bora Celik, Founder of Jukely In addition to facilitating exchange and learning, Venues Day 2015 provides a platform for agencies, management, record labels and artists to directly engage with grassroots music venues and present Q&As, networking opportunities, and new models of working.

For more information about Music Venue Trust please contact either Beverley Whitrick [email protected] or Mark Davyd [email protected] 6 VIPNEWS > AUGUST 2015 Iconic London Venue The Water Rats Gets a New Lease of Life Allan McGowan [email protected]

The Music Venues Trust and the Mayor of London’s Music Venue Task Force (see above) are obviously pleased to hear that King’s Cross venue The Water Rats has been saved from the uncertainties that beset it of late and will continue to operate. The venue, which was famous for housing Karl Marx in a flat on the upper floors, is to undergo extensive refurbishment, and will eventually offer an all day food service. It is one of London’s best-loved music venues and Bob Dylan and Katy Perry have performed there, Oasis, and The Pogues both played their debut London gigs there.

Sally Fox, who ran the Soho nightclub Moonlighting, has taken over the property near King’s Cross from the charitable showbusiness body The Grand Order of Water Rats. Ms Fox said: “We are ecstatic to be running such an iconic venue and are passionate about continuing the live music and comedy nights, as well as introducing a new gastro food offer. This is a match made in heaven and we look forward to carrying on The Grand Order of the Water Rats’ legacy.”

23 – 26 SEPT. 2015

CONFERENCE · SESSIONS · ChRis BaRtON (Shazam) · DiEtRiCh BRüggEmaNN (FIlmmakEr) · mONika EigENspERgER (radIO Fm4 / OrF) · DiEtER gORNy (BuNdESvErBaNd muSIkINduStrIE) · tERRy hall (thE SpEcIalS) · paul hasliNgER () · BRuNO liON (tplm) · hEikO maas (mINIStEr dEr JuStIz uNd Für vErBrauchErSchutz) · paul paCiFiCO (IaO) · Will pagE (SpOtIFy) · maRy RamOs (muSIc SupErvISOr QuENtIN taraNtINO) · pEtER RiEgER (pEtEr rIEgEr kONzErtagENtur) · thORstEN sChäFER-gümBEl (StEllv. Spd-vOrS.) · DavE stEWaRt (muSIcIaN/ENtrEprENEur) · CaROlE tONguE (EurOpEaN cOalItIONS FOr cultural dIvErSIty) · alisON WENham (Impala) · miChaEl tRautmaNN (thJNk) · aNd maNy mOrE · ShOWcaSES · NEtWOrkINg · mEEtINgS · aWardS

FEstival · · WIllIam FItzSImmONS · halF mOON ruN · JamES mOrrISON · FraNk cartEr & thE rattlESNakES · FamIly OF thE yEar · mac dEmarcO · OddISEE · SauN & Starr · WEval (lIvE) · gravE plEaSurES · aurOra · lukaS graham · gOgO pENguIN · tOrrES · låpSlEy · hONNE · aNd maNy mOrE · vISual artS · FIlm · SpOkEN WOrd

REEpERBahNFEstival.COm

Organiser: Reeperbahn Festival GbR and Inferno Events GmbH & Co. KG

7 VIPNEWS > INDEPTH STORY > AUGUST 2015 Festival Feature Allan McGowan [email protected]

Much as spring in every year brings a crop of doom laden stories, in the broadsheets particularly, predicting the collapse of the festival market, it never actually seems to happen and the majority of events seem to thrive, with even a few new ones popping up here and there. The uptake of registrations for the International Festival Forum (see below) seems to imply that agents and organisers have no doubt that the future is festivals! As to how many there are – who really knows! Certainly too many for one on-line journal to cover, but here’s a brief round up of the events we VIP people got to visit or communicate with so far this season:

PALEO

July 20-26 saw the 40th edition of Switzerland’s Paleo Festival. The VIP News spoke to Head of Production and Programming, Dany event ran over 7 days rather than the usual 6, and featured shows Hassenstein from Robbie Williams, Kings of Leon, Sting, The Script, Ben Harper, Robert Plant, Joan Baez, Patti Smith, Christine and the Queens, VIP News: How long have you been involved with the Johnny Halliday and others. Festival?

The Festival sold out attracting 35,000 people every day, 10,000 Dany Hassenstein: I’ve been in this job for 7 years, but I’ve worked seven day passes were sold. 530 media representatives from 240 at Paleo for 15 years – I’m actually one year older than the Festival! companies attended, alongside 600 professionals from other music companies. 1700 artists appeared, including many from the Far East VIP News: There’s been quite a lot of rain, and therefore quite who took part in an Asian focus on the Festival’s world stage. a lot of mud! Has that caused any problems?

Paleo Festival

8 VIPNEWS > INDEPTH STORY > AUGUST 2015

Hassenstein: No, we typically get a bit of everything over the days of VIP News: Putting something this size together for a week is the festival – it’s a world festival and we get world weather! quite an undertaking, have you had problems with crime or injuries etc.? VIP News: What were the high points of this edition? Hassenstein: Yes, it’s like building a city! But even so, we’ve only had Hassenstein: The big productions, Robbie Williams and Kings of 58 reported thefts, and fortunately we’ve not had any deaths, or Leon were great, but my personal highlights were Joan Baez, Patti births, although we’d be prepared for that! If there was a birth then Smith and Robert Plant. They all gathered for each other’s shows. we’ve said the child could have a lifetime membership! They have history with the Festival, Robert Plant tells stories and is a great personality. He covers such a broad spectrum of music, We’ve always tried to make sure that the musicians feel like part he once played the stage, and he played the day Amy of the family, and understand all the work that goes into building Winehouse died. Joan Baez appeared back in ’82. Paleo.

EXIT Festival

On July 9-12, VIP again visited this remarkable event in Serbia, staged Exchange Program (ETEP) in 2003 and since then there have been on the Petrovaradin fortress island in the middle of the Danube. a total of 2294 shows by 810 European artists from 30 countries A certain editor was apparently spotted dancing to the music of presented at the 90 ETEP festivals (2003 - 2014). Manu Chou! Unfortunately we didn’t make it to Montenegro for the Sea Dance festival that followed on from EXIT on July 15 – 18 CEETEP (Central and Eastern European Talent Exchange Programme) (maybe next time!) The two events made up this summer’s Exit is an ETEP sub-programme, together with the 18 CEETEP festivals Adventure, which resulted in a record-breaking 300,000 visitors to in the CEE region and selected CEE media partners, Eurosonic the fortress and to Montenegro’s Jaz beach. EXIT reported the most Noorderslag and co-organisers Sziget and Exit Festival developed a well attended night in the event’s history. Continuing the theme of scheme for the circulation of CEE in Central festivals being like towns or cities, with all the processes of urban life and Eastern Europe at the festivals and in the media. The Program taking place besides the music, two marriage proposals were made is coming to an end with acts from the region being featured at and confirmed at EXIT and Seadance. Eurosonic in Groningen, Holland, next January.

EXIT also again played host to the annual CEETEP meetings and We will report on the progress made by the program in the next workshops. Eurosonic Noorderslag started the European Talent couple of issues.

From left to right: Michèle Müller (press officer), Daniel Rossellat (president), Dany Hassenstein (booking), Jacques Monnier (vice-president) and Allan McGowan (VIP-News)

9 VIPNEWS > AUGUST 2015 Sziget Festival sets attendance record From VIP-Daily News

Sziget Festival Hungary sold out the 2015 the long term is to make sure Sziget’s image surprises. That’s what we will keep on event despite increasing its daily capacity to gets independent from its headliners, as we focusing on, while we definitely don’t want 90,000. believe the most important features of the to be involved in a dangerous competition event are not necessarily playing on the big to get overpriced headliners. That’s just not Held from 10-17 August, artists included stages. our path. Robbie Williams, Avicii, Kings Of Leon, Kasabian and Ellie Goulding. Organisers say “To keep it simple, we try to give good “We hope our message gets through to our 441,000 people from 95 countries attended reasons for fans to come to Sziget. We’re visitors, as they are the ones who create the over the course of the event. still trying hard to get good bands on our magical vibe of the place we call the Island stages, but we also try to make sure that of Freedom.” “We worked hard to create a festival that fans choose Sziget because we offer more: has its own unique identity,” said Sziget’s a huge adventure, a cultural holiday, an Next year’s Sziget has been set for August main organiser Karoly Gerendai. “Our aim in experience-packed week full of positive 10 -17.

Sziget Festival

10 VIPNEWS > AUGUST 2015

45 Years of Roskilde and still going strong! From VIP-Daily News

Roskilde Festival was once again blessed VIP-News questioned Roskilde’s Head of announced. How did this affect your with blistering sunshine as 100.000 ticket Music & Creation, Anders Wahrén, about bookings, did you end up fighting over buyers enjoyed what was indeed another the success of this year’s event, competition the same headliners and did you notice magical event. Headlining acts on the on the Danish Festival Market and the a change in ticket sales due to this Orange Stage included Muse, Pharrel festival’s future bookings. competition? Williams, Ryan Adams, Florence & The Machine, Kendrick Lamar, Nicki Minaj and VIP-News: How is your general feeling Anders Wahrén: I wouldn’t say that it many more. Following the wide success of about this year’s festival and how did it affected us, we strive to make the best the Rolling Stones show in 2014 the festival compare to previous years? possible festival every year, regardless opted once again for a legendary act in Paul of what’s going on around us, and we McCartney who took the stage as the 2nd Anders Wahrén: This year’s festival went haven’t changed our ambitions or way of to last headliner on the last night in front of really well so my general feeling is very booking. Roskilde Festival 2015 was sold a packed audience who were entertained good and I am very happy with the way the out extraordinary early this year so the with a classic repertoire spanning over 5 festival went and how our audience took only changes we have seen there have decades including songs from the Beatles in new initiatives and participated. Every been from new initiatives from our own era, Wings and new material. All this ended year is unique and it’s always difficult to side. But of course there are a few top with a magnificent fireworks display and an compare with previous years. However in names that will be relevant for all broad audience of all ages singing Hey Jude for 10 2015 everything – including the things we festivals of a certain size, or ambitions to minutes after McCartney had left the stage can’t plan ourselves such as the weather – grow, so in a packed European summer, – quite a moving moment one hastens to fitted together like a perfect puzzle. there will be some acts that everybody is add. fighting to get. VIP-News: The introduction of the new After this year’s success the festival expects festival Tinderbox which took place VIP-News: How has the ticket buyer to be able to donate an impressive 15-18 just a week before Roskilde Festival demography changed over the past 10 million Danish kronor to charity (approx. in Odense caused quite a stir in the years and do you see this as a trend for 2-2.5 million euro). Danish when it was the future? 11 VIPNEWS > AUGUST 2015

Anders Wahrén: Ten years ago about 50% VIP-News: Besides the hugely with legendary acts such as the ones you of our audience came from outside of diversified program that Roskilde mentioned is great – and it is amazing to Denmark, especially from Sweden, Norway presents, you’ve put your trust in old experience how much recognition they and . That number has decreased legendary acts such as The Rolling receive from a young audience as well - so over the last ten years, so today there are Stones and Paul McCartney over the as long as it makes sense in the full lineup about 15% foreigners attending the festival past few years which have proved to be I expect we will continue, but it is not a and the Swedes are no longer the largest hugely successful in not just attracting a “must” for us nor for our audience; we can group from abroad. That place now belongs big audience but also bringing together tell from the ticket sales that it’s the diversity to the Norwegians. It’s difficult to say how people from all ages. Is this something that makes the difference. And I have to say it will develop – we noticed a small rise you plan to continue in the future? that legendary acts can come in other sizes in international guests the last couple of than McCartney and Stones. years and hope that that development will Anders Wahrén: The important thing for continue. Other demographics seem stable; us is to present a diversified program with VIP-News: How do you see competition we have a 50/50 gender mix and an average artists that are both relevant and great live from domestic festivals and festivals in age of around 24 years. performers at the same time. Topping it off neighboring countries such as Sweden affecting Roskilde in the future and do you think there will ultimately be casualties in what is a per capita comparatively crowded festival market?

Anders Wahrén: I believe you have to look at it in a broader perspective where not just music festivals but the rising number of cultural, arts, food etc. festivals and events in general are affecting and inspiring each other, keeping us on our toes and aware of what is unique about each of us. In that sense competition is not a bad thing – and it’s not a new thing either.

Both we, Smukfest and Northside sold out this year so for now at least it seems that the audience for music festivals is there. But there is a risk, I fear, that the development with more music festivals being built from the top with lots of money to invest in headliners in time will challenge the diversity of the market, especially the smaller festivals and new initiatives since that inevitably will make it harder for them to both attract artists and pay them.

VIP-News: Have you confirmed any acts for 2016 yet and what would be your dream booking?

Anders Wahrén: Well… let’s just say that Anders Wahren we’re working on it and we’ll let you and - photo by Julie Hjorth everyone else know when we have news. 12 VIPNEWS > AUGUST 2015 Booming times for GLP From VIP-Daily News

GLP is currently experiencing a boom with Charles and Kool & the Gang, there was many of the acts represented by the agency. generally a lot more “wheeling & dealing” The success of the collaboration between going on in the music business - so GLP CHIC feat Nile Rodgers with Daft Punk 3 stood out with a strategic outlook. Years ago was followed by an 80 city world tour (booked by GLP). This paved the way for Also today we have a very high rate of a revival for many of the other & Dance academically trained personnel – and I am acts represented by GLP (Kool & the Gang, happy to say that in this spirit the members Sister Sledge, Earth Wind & Fire Experience of the GLP family continue to follow the feat Al McKay etc). Recently GEORGE principles of flexibility, internal mobility, CLINTON PARLIAMENT / FUNKADELIC ´s multi-skilling and retraining. collaboration with RUDIMENTAL lead to a similar marketing input. Similarly more and Furthermore we will focus on Show VIP-News: The market concentration more Rock acts are teaming up with Funk Acts. This is currently the fastest growing and corporatization in Europe is rising. artists such as KOOL & THE GANG’s tour department within the GLP family with Do you consider this development as a with VAN HALEN and FOREIGNER’s tour shows such as Peter Pan on Ice, Royal positive one? with KID ROCK. Moscow Ballet and Vivaldianno. Georg Leitner: The music industry was In the light of this success VIP-News asked Lastly we are focusing on bringing talent to one of the first industries in the world CEO Georg Leitner about the company’s developing markets. We recently had some that applied globalization. In terms of the principles, future plans and strategies: exciting tours in India, the Pacific Islands corporatization of the live market in Europe (Tahiti, new Caledonia etc.) and Africa. This – the national promoters, even as part of VIP-News: How many shows & concerts is in line with our history – with GLP being multinational companies in Europe still is GLP handling per year and what one of the first international companies to act highly independently – so in terms of are your strategic plans for GLP in the tour artists behind the iron curtain in Europe people, not much has changed. future? in the early eighties. To give you an idea – on the same tour we Georg Leitner: GLP handles around 800 VIP-News: As one of your company work with AEG in one territory and Live shows per year across the globe. Over the principles you are mentioning on your Nation in another territory. Right now we past 35 years GLP has become a strong website: “Academic striving towards are in negotiations for one of our show acts force in the area of Funk / Soul / R&B as improvements of the methods applied for a worldwide deal with one multinational well as /Dancehall and World Music. in the industry” What do you mean promoter. Strategically we will focus to expand on the with this policy? EDM area, especially with a view to further VIP-News: In reference to the current develop musical collaborations between Georg Leitner: Having studied marketing & market set up, what are the issues that some of the top DJs and our Funk/R&B artists. economics at University – we’ve always had concern you most? the goal to deliver a service at the highest We are also looking to expand the area standards – with a strategic outlook to Georg Leitner: I am most concerned of Rock (e.g. next year we celebrate expand the market potential of our artists. about the fact that there are too many FOREIGNER’s 40th anniversary tour – and we tours pushing into the market (due to are considering some great collaborations When we started the company in the early lack of income from the recorded music with other Rock acts. 80’s with artists such as James Brown, Ray side) – and we have come close to an 13 VIPNEWS > AUGUST 2015

oversaturation. Also we have to find ways a more active role in the A&R area. At VIP-News: The relevance of the Live to focus again on developing tomorrow´s GLP we have a section dedicated to the Music Sector within the value chain for talent. With the decline of the record development of new show formats as well music products has risen significantly companies – the agencies have to take as new talent. over the years. Nevertheless, compared to the Record Industry or the Publishing Business the live music sector runs Georg Leitner no trade bodies on a European or International level. Do you consider this as a lack of professionalism or just as something the Live Music Sector is not ready for yet?

Georg Leitner: There are many issues where we as the most important sector of the industry should act united and have our interests represented on a Pan European scale. These issues reach from harmonizing authors rights companies rates to security, standing strong when you have national tax issues (such as recently in Spain with the drastic increase in VAT on tickets), harmonizing Foreign Entertainment Tax etc. GLP will support any effort in that direction – maybe this can be brought up again at next year’s ILMC?!

VIP-News: What are the next milestones you’ve set for GLP?

Georg Leitner: We are right now developing touring festival concepts (like we did in the past – MASTERS of SOUL, or the Tribute to BOB MARLEY FESTIVAL tour). Last year we had the RTL Chart tour with a 4-act-bill concept including KOOL & THE GANG, CHIC feat Nile Rodgers, SISTER SLEDGE and IMAGINATION. Similar to that we are developing a touring festival that will include some current EDM musicians joining together with some of the classic acts.

We will bring to the road what is currently hitting the charts (e.g. co-operations like Nile Rodgers / Daft Punk or George Clinton / Rudimental).

I am looking forward to some exciting times ahead! 14 VIPNEWS > AUGUST 2015 The Meaning Of Live Nation Germany Manfred Tari [email protected]

Live Nation’s entry to the German market, In July 2000, shortly after the IPO (Initial Originally Marek Lieberberg operated taking on Marek Lieberberg as CEO and Public Offering) of CTS Eventim in February as the managing director for these Daniel Lieberberg as president came as a 2000 at the Frankfurt Stock Exchange, CTS companies, which also means that the surprise for many industry players. The move Eventim acquired 51 percent of Marek MLK companies remain as an asset within is the second attempt by Live Nation to run a Lieberberg Konzertagentur (MLK) Holding. the CTS Eventim network of companies. subsidiary in Germany following a trial period The MLK Holding each owned 100 percent Even more interesting is the fact that the with German promoter Johannes Wessels as stakes of MLK GmbH & Co KG and MLK naming rights of the festival Rock Am Ring managing director in 2010. It is presumed Verwaltungs GmbH. are owned by MLK GmbH & Co KG. Rock that Live Nation Germany will launch its Am Ring is one the biggest festivals in business activities on January 1, 2016. By the end of 2003, the Live Nation Germany and due to its relevance has been forerunner acquired a 20 percent stake in M. an important strategic instrument within Lieberberg had already sold 100 percent of recfly, LK GmbH & Co KG. Since 2010 CTS the value chain of MLK and subsequently his stakes in three companies containing his Eventim no longer reported concrete figures for CTS Eventim. name to to the Medusa Music Group, the in its business reports from 2011 MLK is holding under which CTS Eventim bundles listed as fully consolidated within the annual In 2014 the trademark rights for Rock its Live Music activities. report of the trade register Bundesanzeiger. Am Ring became a matter of contention

Marek and Andre Lieberberg

15 VIPNEWS > AUGUST 2015

between MLK and the administrators of When the announcement for the launch run, include those events within its port folio the Nürburgring, the race track where the of Live Nation Germany was released on of events. Taking many of these aspects into festival had taken place since its first edition August 3, it also included the news that consideration it looks like Live Nation will in 1985. Due to difficulties with the new the new company is suppose to add more follow a soft launch policy and that it will owners of the racetrack, MLK moved the than 700 shows towards concert catalogue take some time before CTS Eventim has a festival last year to an airfield in Mendig, of Live Nation. Bearing in mind that solid competitor in the live music sector in very closely located to the Nürburgring. such a number of shows needs a certain its own home market. infrastructure, it is currently not clear with As recently as March 2015 MLK GmbH & whom Live Nation Germany will work in the Live Nation and its forerunners, until now Co KG filed an application to obtain the future as local promoter. unlike CTS Eventim, have never been trademark rights for this festival in various profitable. The US-company follows a areas such as merchandising and print Until now, MLK benefitted from the strategy like the online retailer , products; in June an objection was filed to network of local promoters that belong who also never delivered any profits to this and the application is still pending. to CTS Eventim. At the moment MLK has its shareholders. But at least Live Nation already announced shows and concerts for delivers impressive revenue figures. Nevertheless, the main message is that the 2016 including, among others, Motörhead, departure of Marek and Andre Lieberberg Halestorm and Tesserac T. For CTS Eventim the departure of opens up wide ranging challenges for CTS Lieberberg may cause, in the short run , a Eventim. Currently no official news has As Live Nation is also involved in the Berlin potential gap in its revenue results, which been published as to what the departure Festival and the first edition of Lollapalooza of course can be closed as soon as FKP means for the festival Rock Am Ring. in Berlin via its subsidiary Festival Scorpio will again be fully consolidated According to industry players the festival is Republic due to a joint venture with the within the company results of CTS Eventim. supposed to be organized by Lieberberg in Unternehmensgruppe Hörstmann, it is not But CTS Eventim is now forced to re- 2016 at least as part of a joint agreement. clear if Live Nation Germany will, in the long organize its defense lines.

16 VIPNEWS > AUGUST 2015 NAMES & JOBS

Music Managers Solomon Parker joins Coda Agency Forum seeks new From VIP-Daily News CEO From VIP-Daily News

One of the best-known figures of the UK music industry, Jon ‘Webbo’ Webster, is likely to step down as CEO of the Music Managers Forum (MMF). From left to right: Claire Horseman, Rob Challice, Solomon Parker, Alex Hardee, Tom Schroder According to job ads, the MMF is seeking a new CEO with ‘strong organisational, Agent Solomon Parker has left William Morris building a world class agency. His experience personal, financial skills for UK trade Endeavour (WME) to join Coda Agency as a and reputation in the industry are second to association with international reach’. Senior Agent. none and he will add real value to our overall offering.” The trade body requires ‘strong leadership Parker, who will be based in Coda’s London needed in a fast changing dynamic creative offices, has been at WME since 2007 – Alex Hardee, Partner at Coda Music Agency industry’, says ‘trade association experience before which he ran Concorde International said, “Solomon Parker’s dad, Louis gave me welcome’ and adds that ‘IP knowledge is a Artistes. my first job. Cris Hearn who recently joined distinct asset’. Coda also worked there, the company was He brings with him a roster of acts that called Concorde. The annual salary for the role is listed at £50- includes include Take That, The Prodigy, £65k. Cheryl Cole, Matt Corby, Haelos among “I think Cris left with Solomon’s dad’s car others. and I took a tankful of terrapins. Solomon’s Webster says that the ad doesn’t necessarily dad and those early days at Concorde were mean he’ll definitely be departing his CEO Solomon Parker said, “I am excited to very influential to my career. role, and that’s he’s involved in the process be joining what I consider a fast moving to find his potential successor. and dynamic company who, over the last “It’s great that Solomon, Cris and myself few years, have garnered a reputation for are back under one roof, along with Tom “IF we find someone suitable I will be breaking acts that is second to none. Schroeder, James Whitting, Rob Chalice, gradually handing over and taking a backseat Nick Matthews, David Exley, and Paul Buck role,” he said. “Not leaving yet!” “Between the partners there they have plus the multitude of younger agents and created a fantastic culture and following bookers. Webster became CEO of the Music Managers their recent far-reaching partnership with Forum in 2007, after two-and-a-half years as Paradigm Talent Agency in the U.S. they are “We represent acts as diverse as Take That, Director Of Independent Services at the BPI. now perfectly placed to deliver a bespoke Prodigy, Bastille, Disclosure, Ellie Goulding, service to their clients that is second to none. The Libertines, Jess Glynne, Years & Years , Many people will remember the large chunk John Newman, The xx, Jake Bugg and Emeli of his career spent at Virgin – first in retail “Coda put their artists and managers front Sande. That’s just a short list from the top of from 1975 and then at Virgin Records from and centre of everything they do and I’m very my head – but what it also represents is that 1981, where he played a key role in devising much looking forward to being a part of it.” exciting times are ahead of us. the Now! compilations series.

Claire Horseman, Managing Director of Coda “Anyway I am not sure where Cris left the car He was appointed MD of Virgin Records in Music Agency said, “Bringing someone of and the terrapins died, proving that agents 1988 under Richard Branson. Sol’s standing into the Coda team further are the most durable of the reptile species.” demonstrates our ambition to continue

17

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

CTS Eventim media company for the purchase and can be attempt to renew the pioneering success he - Bonus For Prosecutors used by Myticket in form of advertisements once had when he formed the forerunner of in print, online and TV-commercials. The Live Nation in 1998. Klaus Peter Schulenberg has been at the previous reported share price was 5.63 centre of investigation by the prosecution Euro, this time it is 6.07 Euro. Sillerman committed on August 14 that department due to the sale of he still intends to de-list the company 52.000 tickets for the Football World Cup Live Nation by undertaking a buy-back program of 2006 via black market channels or what - Revenue Up in Q2 shares for the company. The bidding certain sources within the industry consider period therefore has been prolonged until nowadays as secondary ticketing. The Live Nation opened the reporting season October 2. prosecution department suspected a case for Q2 results while CTS Eventim and DEAG of bribery and corruption but according to will follow at the end of this months. In the On August 15 the company revealed its media reports the investigations came to a second quarter Live Nation has been able business results for the H1 and Q2 -2015. In halt after Schulenberg apparently agreed to grow revenue results from $1,665 up the first six months of this year the revenue to pay a lump-sum. According to the trade to $1.765 bn. The results for the operating went up from $114.9 to $173.2 million. The magazine Musikmarkt, the prosecutors did income have been declared at $42.2 million, reported net loss has been declared with not reveal how much money Schulenberg 13 percent less than the one of $55.7 million $89.5 million, slightly better than the net paid as this would enable third parties to in Q2-2014. loss of $91.3 million in H1-2014. conclude how much Schulenberg is earning. Furthermore the payment is not a fine, In the first six months of 2015 (H1 - 2015) therewith Schulenberg can be not regarded Live Nation generated turnover of $2.886 as previously convicted. bn compared to $2.793 in H1-2014. The result for operating income in the current The share price as last time reported on reported period is $1f8.3 million, last year it June 22 was 31.74 Euro, on August 25 it was $43.4 million. was 32.18 Euro, just one day after stock markets globally faced a turndown due to Before the summer break, Vip News difficulties resulting from the turbulences on reported a share price of $28.73, in the the Chinese stock exchanges. meantime the share went down to $23.98.

DEAG SFX Entertainment - Evaluation Of A Media Investment - A Financial Tragedy

DEAG announced a media for equity deal In the June issue Vip News still reported a for its ticketing subsidy Myticket. The media share price of $4.46. Now the share is worth companies Axel Springer SE and Starwatch $0.85. In a telephone interview with Forbes Entertainment GmbH as part of the media Magazine on August 24, company founder group ProSiebenSat.1 each receive for media Robert F.X. Sillerman said: “We don’t have spending 20 percent on mytic myticket AG. enough time on this call to talk about the The media volume is supposed to have a mistakes I made”, affirming that he takes value of nine million Euro provided by each “full responsibility” on the misery of his 19 VIPNEWS > MISC > AUGUST 2015 MEMBER PRESENTATION ARTIST AVAILS

Sziget festival is the biggest musical and Dionne Warwick Territory: Worldwide cultural festival in Central Europe–a seven- Period: 2016 Agency: World Entertainment Associates of America, Inc. day multicultural expo offering more than Agent: John Regna Phone: +1 407 993 4000 800 programs on more than 30 venues. E-mail: [email protected] Homepage: www.DionneWarwickTourPromo.com

Sziget means island in Hungarian and the festival, in addition to being on an island Noel Gallagher`s High Flying Birds in the heart of Budapest, is an island in the metaphorical sense. Sziget has a unique Territory: Europe Period: 2015 atmosphere: it is a meeting place, a musical and cultural show, a life-style, an Agency: Primary Talent International enormous cafe and party place, a place of learning about the world and each other. Agent: Ben Winchester Phone: +44 20 7400 4500 No matter what style of music you like listening or dancing to, you will find the place E-mail: [email protected] Homepage: www.noelgallagher.com of your taste.

BANCO DE GAIA You can enjoy performances, shows, you can party and dance or just walk around Territory: World incl USA Period: May 2015 onwards and gaze at the ever-increasing flow of interesting and different people passing by. Agency: Value Added Talent Agent: Dan Silver From the beginning in 1993 until 2001 Sziget’s capacity has grown from 43,000 Phone: +44 20 7704 9720 E-mail: [email protected] to over 360,000 over the seven days of the event presenting stars such as Jethro Homepage: [email protected] Tull, Ten Years After, Jefferson Starship, Byrds, Blood, Sweat and Tears, Eric Burdon, Stranglers, Jeff Healey, Clawfinger, Slash, The Bates, Stone Roses, Iggy Pop, The Bo Kaspers Orkester Territory: Worldwide Prodigy, The Levellers, Sonic Youth, Therapy?, Galliano, David Bowie, Apollo 440, Period: By request Agency: Lifeline Entertainment Motörhead, Toy Dollz, Rollins Band, Chumbawamba, Faith No More, Foo Fighters, Agent: Michael Henriksson New Model Army, Cardigans, DEUS, Boney M, Shane McGowan, Coolio, Trans- Phone: + 46 70 632 00 23 E-mail: [email protected] global Underground, Rammstein, Mory Kante, Goldie, Patti Smith, Green Day, Brand Homepage: www.lifeline.se New Heavies, Kool and the Gang, Suede, Faithless, Guano Apes, Jovanotti, Baaba Alan Parsons Live Project Maal, Apocalyptica, The Klezmatics, Liquido, Rachid Taha, Paradise Lost, Asian Dub Territory: Worldwide Foundation, Suzanne Vega, Mambo Kurt, The Bloodhound Gang, Lou Reed, HIM, Period: 2016 Agency: World Entertainment Associates of America, Inc. Bad Religion, Oasis, The King, H Blockx, K”s Choice, Bomfunk MC’s, Noir Desir, Agent: John Regna Phone: +1 407 993 4000 Run DMC, Fun-Da-Mental, Morcheeba, Leningrad Cowboys, Frestylers, Incognito, E-mail: [email protected] Homepage: www.AlanParsonsMusic.com Eagle-Eye Cherry, Ash, Placebo.

Placido Domingo Jr. Territory: World Tour Period: July 2015 - July 2016 Agency: Totalisimo Agent: Manuel Villegas Phone: +34 670 666 023 About Our Company E-mail: [email protected] Homepage: www.totalisimo.com/en/artists/ placidodomingojr.html VIP-Booking’s core product is the Internet’s oldest and largest­ database ­for the European Live Entertainment Industry www.vip-booking.com ­developed as a tool for industry MORE ARTIST AVAILS ON: professionals­. Since it’s launch in the year 2000, we have consist- WWW.VIP-BOOKING.COM ently offered our subscribers the very best in database services and now boast subscribers­ in over 30 countries. POST YOUR ARTIST AVAILS ON: WWW.VIP-BOOKING.COM Today VIP-Booking offers a range of tools for the industry­ – including VIP-News, VIP-Booking, VIP-Book and VIP-Contract.

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® Dionne Warwick

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