VIP News Premium February 2016

VIPNEWS PREMIUM > VOLUME 187 > FEBRUARY 2016

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VIPNEWS > FEBRUARY 2016

McGowan’s Musings

Sad to say the News again leads off with

more bad news. We have had to report a lot

of deaths of late, and this edition continues

this highly unwelcome trend. As you will

see from the report below we attended

the second edition of Where’s the Music in

Norrköping in Sweden, on the Saturday we

heard the terrible news about the accident

in which the car carrying all four members

and the manager of the UK band Viola

Beach who had played at the Festival went

off the road at a canal bridge causing the

deaths of all five people. This was obviously

a huge shock to everyone. All at VIP send

our heartfelt commiserations to the family

and friends of all of these young men.

There was a positive follow up to another

recent tragedy when the US band Eagles

of Death Metal played a concert in Paris

at The Olympia on February 16th - three

months after Islamic extremists massacred

89 of their fans at the Bataclan theatre.

Band leader Jesse Hughes, told the

cheering crowd he wanted to finish the

gig they’d started in November after

receiving “overwhelming” support. The

show included 89 seconds of silence in

memory of the victims. Bataclan survivor

Mathias Von Euw, from Paris, told the BBC:

“Now it’s like we finish the story. It’s like

we just close the file and say ‘live’ - we can

continue again. We are free now after the

concert.” Lets hope that he’s right; it’s time

for some optimism!

So, moving on, let’s try and dig out

something to make us a smile from the

goings on in our world of live entertainment.

I did have to grin when I heard that after

the announcement that Coldplay would

headline this year’s Glastonbury, a petition

had been raised to try and stop such a

thing happening! Strange that such a

successful band arouses such negative

responses from so many people – maybe

they object to the colour yellow! Ah yes,

while we’re on the subject of festivals,

this is a good one, apparently Tom Jones

fans are furious about not being allowed

to take picnics to sustain them during the

great man’s performance at Tatton Park in

Cheshire! Shock horror! You can’t say we

don’t cover the gamut of human emotion

in the Musings…

But you can always count on a metal band

to put things into proportion by taking us

back to the grand excess that was once

part of what made rock and roll….. well,

rock and roll! Iron Maiden, for it is they,

have got themselves a new plane, and not

just some inconsequential private jet – it’s

a bloody great Boeing 747 jumbo jet! The

fully branded and brand new ‘Ed Force One’

will be flown by the rather remarkable (and

I mean that quite seriously) Iron Maiden

front man, Bruce Dickinson. He said, “The

greatest benefit of travelling in a 747 is

that because of its colossal size and freight

capacity we can carry our stage production

and all our stage equipment and desks in

the cargo hold without having to make any

of the immense structural modifications

needed to do this on the previous 757”. So

– that’s all right then, and you’ll all be glad

to know it’s on a lease deal.

Right, in a couple of weeks we’ll all be at

the 28th edition of the ILMC, where we’ll

get a perspective on where the business is

headed, and also have a bloody good time!

We all deserve it – we’ll keep you informed.

In the meantime Ladies and Gentlemen –

The News!

COLOPHON >

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Live Nation has acquired a controlling

interest in Big Concerts, the leading concert

promoter in South Africa.

Big Concerts will continue to be led by Attie

van Wyk as Chairman and Justin van Wyk as

Chief Executive Officer.

Michael Rapino, Live Nation Entertainment

president and CEO, said: “Our mission at

Live Nation is to connect fans with the artists

they love in every corner of the globe. Our

entry into the South African market through

the acquisition of Big Concerts expands Live

Nation`s global footprint to 38 countries and

brings live entertainment at scale to a new

continent”

Alan Ridgeway, Live Nation president of

international & emerging markets, said:

“Since South Africa hosted the FIFA World

Cup in 2010, there has been a noticeable

increase in the number of artists visiting the

country with many acts now playing three

or four cities. We look forward to working

with Attie and Justin to further develop

the South African market, as well as the

broader African market as demand for live

entertainment grows across the continent.”

Attie van Wyk, Chairman of Big Concerts,

said: “We are extremely proud and excited

to be joining the Live Nation team. Over

the past 5 years the growth in the South

African live entertainment industry has

been exceptional, driven by investment in

local infrastructure and strong consumer

demand, all of which will continue to enable

us to bring global superstars to the African

continent in the future.”

Justin van Wyk, Chief Executive of Big

Concerts added: “With world class stadiums

and new arenas in the pipeline, South Africa

is the most advanced economy in Africa

and offers significant growth opportunities

for the global live entertainment industry.

We look forward to expanding the African

live touring circuit and its attractiveness for

global tours”.

Upcoming tours for 2016 include Roxette,

Rodriguez, Lionel Richie, Chris de Burgh,

Josh Groban, Mariah Carey, Iron Maiden and

George Benson. More information on these

tours can be found at:

www.bigconcerts.co.za

The Pudel Club in Hamburg burned down on the evening of February

14th when there were people still in the venue.

Even though the 200 persons capacity was very limited, it was a

nationally well known concert location. In recent years there had

been a dispute among the owners of the venue, leading to the

building being put up for auction, with a date set for April 20.

The latest news however indicated that the venue was to be re-

opened in one or two months.

The Pudel was opened in 1988 and since then became the un-official

headquarter for the alternative movement in Hamburg.

On Friday, February 19 a solidarity march with 2.500 supporters took

place, underlining the popularity of the cl Hamburg club.

Official investigations soon after revealed that the fire was deliberate,

but until today no news was given by the police authorities about

who was suspected of starting the blaze.

Live Nation acquires Big Concerts From VIP-Daily News

Pudel Club Burned DownManfred Tari [email protected]

Pudel Club Fire

http://www.bigconcerts.co.za

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The film rights of the autobiography of

Bill Graham “ My Life Inside Rock and

Out” has been purchased by 20th Century

Fox. Graham, a son of Jewish Russians,

is alongside the German Fritz Rau one of

the most prominent concert promoters,

having paved the way for the live music

business in the Sixties. After he was born

in Berlin in 1931, his father died two

days after was born. Later on his mother

took him to an orphans home after the

atrocities of the coordinated attacks on

Jews known as ‘Kristallnacht’, or the “The

Night of Broken Glass” on November

9, 1938. In an exchange for Christian

orphans arranged with a French orphans

home, he was able to flee Europe when

the German army occupied Paris in 1941.

He then arrived in New York where he

finished High School and College education.

Later on in 1965 he put on a charity event

for a San Francisco based mime troupe, for

which he worked as business manager. This

event apparently was the initial show that

led to Graham becoming one of the biggest

concert promoters in the US. Over the years

He worked with all the prominent artists of

the times and unfortunately died in 1991 in

a helicopter crash, when flying back from a

concert he promoted.

Graham was also known for his extensive

charity efforts and events, among others

for AIDS research, the Haight Ashbury Free

Medical Clinic or Amnesty International

or LiveAid. His autobiography is a very

worthwhile read for almost everybody

working within the live music community.

The film will be directed by Shawn Levy

and David Graham, with Alex Graham and

Robert Greenfield as executive producers.

Now that the Tempelhof Airport in Berlin is used as a location to

accommodate refugees, the organizers of Lolapalozza have been

forced to find a new site in the German capital. After last year’s premier

edition at the former airport with 40.000 visitors, the promoter has

now found a new site for the event in the Treptower Park.

But since the move became public Berlin citizens have launched

an online petition against the festival being held in the park. One

of the the protestors is also the owner of the location Die Insel; he

ventured his fears in the local newspaper Berliner Morgenpost, that

drunken and peeing festival goers would cause him financial losses.

The petition is signed by 2.700 people. Lollapalooza takes place on

September 10&11 and has announced Radiohead, Kings Of Leon,

Major Lazer and Paul Kalkbrenner as first acts.

Bio-Pic Of Bill GrahamManfred Tari [email protected]

Lollapalooza Berlin Moves On ToA New Site And Faces ProtestsManfred Tari [email protected]

Lollapalooza Berlin 2016 will take place at Treptower Park

Bill Graham died in 1991

SATURDAYMAY 7, 2016 SHERATON CENTRE

TORONTO HOTEL

REGISTER NOWO N E - D A Y C O N F E R E N C E

Global city planners & the music industry take part in music canada’s and cmW’s international creative-economy summit

Global city planners and the music industry take part in Music Canada’s and Canadian Music Week’s international creative-economy summit “The Mastering Of A Music City.”

The day-long summit takes place during Canadian Music Week on Saturday, May 7, 2016 at the Sheraton Center, Toronto. Individual tickets are available or you can gain access with the CMW VIP pass.

The “Music City” is a true 21st Century paradigm – a shared realization that cities across the globe enjoy an often-huge economic dividend from the creation, performance and reception of music.

Whether it’s Austin, Texas, where music tourism represents half the city’s economic output from music, or Melbourne, Australia, where live music accounts for 116,000 jobs, or Toronto, where the Canadian recording industry has a $400 million impact, that song you hear is sung by robust civic economies worldwide.

2016 keynote speakers

2016 speakers

“The Mastering Of A Music City” Conference – a joint event by Music Canada, the international recording industry group IFPI, Music Cities Convention and Canadian Music Week – will explore in-depth the relationship between creative city planning, quality-of-life and the music industry.

a Fantastic opportunity to enGaGe With cities From around the World

Frances mooreIFPI, London, UK

tim arnoldLondon, UK

david GriceAdeLAIde, AUstrALIA

bryce merrilldenver, CA, UsA

amy terrilltoronto, on

kate beckerseAttLe, WA, UsA

Graham hendersontoronto, on

don pittsAUstIn, tX, UsA

vanessa toulminsheFFIeLd, UK

paul broadhurstLondon, UK

Joey hendricksonCoLUmbUs, oh, UsA

ben raynertoronto, on

ohn WardleULtImo, AUstrALIA

mark davydLondon, UK

kWende keFentseottAWA, on

shain shapiroLondon, UK

alison WenhamLondon, UK

Jo dippleLondon, UK

omar lozanoAUstIn, tX, UsA

ian sWaintoronto, on

catlin WhitinGtonAUstIn, tX, UsA

neill dixontoronto, on

Jesper mardahlAArhUs, denmArK

Fruzsina szepberLIn, GermAny

timotheus WiesmannhAmbUrG, GermAny

mark Garnertoronto, on

kevin mcmanusLIverPooL, UK

mike tannertoronto, on

Jonathan WynnAmherst, mA, UsA

christopher thornberGbeACon eConomICs, UsA

lesa ukmanIeG, ChICAGo

www.musiccitiessummit.com

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Unfortunately, though kindly invited, I

couldn’t make this second edition of this

growing event in the city of Ljubljana in

Slovenia, which has been described as, “A

small festival with great musicians in an

idyllic city with a view of the mountains”

The event took place at eight venues between

February 3rd and 5th February. Over three

days, 2.900 people attended the festival,

while the conference hosted 320 domestic

and foreign delegates. – music professionals

and enthusiasts from various backgrounds.

Hopefully we’ll make it next year!

The VIP team travels took us to the very

attractive city of Norrköping in South-East

Sweden for the second edition of “Where’s

the Music’ which took place from February

11-13. The Conference and City Festival

event is organized by the Stockholm office

of FKP Scorpio, whose stated aim and focus

for the festival was to, “…create a space for

new bands to showcase themselves for both

the public and the music industry.”

This edition attracted 4702 festival visitors

to see 120 acts across ten venues, with all

the shows on the Thursday night selling out.

The organisers stated, “We believe firmly in

the bands that played at all festival venues,

and it is great to see that the audience has

found the festival’s core. This year, festival

audiences really explored all the bands on

ten stages located across the city with no

more than a ten minute walk from each

venue..”

471 international delegates attended 17

panels, workshops and speeches in the Louis

De Geer Concert & Congress Hall. Amongst

the featured speakers were, award winning

US music supervisor Mary Ramos, Diana

Rodriguez of Criteria Entertainment, the

first woman to lead a Latin label in the US,

and music industry veteran Carl Leighton-

Pope, agent for acts such as Michael

Buble and Brian Adams. The well attended

panels covered, synchronization, streaming,

touring in the Nordics, ticketing and other

topics.

Project Manager Jonas Fläckerud told VIP

News, “We took a really big step of setting

up a February, winter conference event

and showcase festival in Sweden, and so

we are very happy to have delegates from

both Colombia and Mumbai present! All

the panels were extremely professional and

we are really on our way towards being

Conference Round UpAllan McGowan [email protected]

Where’s the Music 2nd EditionAllan McGowan [email protected]

MENT Ljubljana festival

We’re well into Conference and Festival - or City Festivals as I prefer to think of them – time, (though actually it’s getting harder to have a non conference time!) so here’s some info on one we couldn’t make, one we’ve recently attended and previews of a couple of other important upcoming events:

MENT Ljubljana festival

VIPNEWS > INDEPTH STORY > FEBRUARY 2016

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an important platform in the future of

the music business both in the region and

internationally.

It has truly been a weekend dedicated to new

music, new knowledge and new friendship.

I’d love to do a sequel next weekend. But

as we all know ”time is the new luxury”

and we all got family and relatives that also

needs us and even more places to visit. So

thanks to everyone for coming, let’s do this

again in 2017!”Panel at WTM

Where’s the music

FESTIVAL LINEUPAdrian Lux, Agent Blå, Albin Lee Meldau, Ali Khamis, Ana Diaz, Anti Pony, Apollo 5, Avec Sans (UK), Baby In Vain (DK), Black Temple,

Blaue Blume (DK), Billie the Vision & the Dancer, CHANCVN, Charlie Cunningham (UK), Chinah, Chain Wallet (NO), Cilia, Dajana,

Death Team, Den Svenska Björnstammen, Djurparken, Drivvedsfolket, Emil Berg, Emil Jensen, Emilie Ramirez (DK), En Drös Poeter,

Erik Lundin, Erik Rapp, Girls Names (UK), Gnučči, Grand Theft Culture, Great Garb, Grimner, Hanna Leess (US), Ida Long, Ikhana,

Imperial State Electric, Iron Lamb, Jakob Karlberg, Jordan Klassen (CAN), Julia Adams, Karakou, Katohjärta, Khoe, Kriget, Lindi

Ortega, Little Jinder, Livet på faktura, Lost Society (FIN), Luntgatan Girls, Maasai, Maj Monet, Mares, Markus Hägg, Maria Andersson,

Maria Hazell, Martin Rubashov, Mass Murder Agenda, Matriarkatet, Mavrick, Maxida Märak, Mayka, Melina Borglowe, Michel Dida,

Miriam Bryant, Model Aeroplanes (UK), Mwuana, Nadja Evelina, Natali Felicia, Nicole Sabouné, Nightbird (FI), Night Lovell (CAN),

Norde, Nüme, Okay Kaya (NO), Oskar Syk, Pale Honey, Panda Da Panda, Parham, Parker Lewis, Parker Lewis, Postaal (FR/UK),

Psykofant, Riwen, Sabina Ddumba, Sa’ra Charismata, Sebjak, Skander, Slaughter Beach (DK), Sigala (UK), S!VAS (DK), Sudakistan,

Syster Björk, Teen Daze (CAN), Tensta Gospel Choir, Tellavision (GER), The Magnettes, Titiyo, The Unguided, This Is Head, Traktor,

Tussilago, Unge Ferrari (NO) Venior (FI), Very Addictive, Viagra Boys, Vidar, Vigiland, Viola Beach (UK), Vånna Inget

Of course one tragic event which many are now well aware of involving UK band, Viola Beach, who had played at

the Dynamo venue on the Friday night overshadowed this otherwise successful and happy event. The organisers and

all attending ‘Where’s the Music” were of course thoroughly shocked by the dreadful news, and all thoughts and

commiserations went out to the devastated families and friends. No doubt future events will honour their memory.


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As I said in the Musings, the VIP crew will

be at The Royal Garden Hotel in London

from March 4 -6 for this long standing

invitation only major gathering of the

live music industry (in fact that title was

introduced at and by the event)

More top names from the global concert

and festival businesses have signed up to

speak at this year’s edition. On Friday 4

March, Charles Attal (C3 Presents) and

Russell Warby (WME) join the Festival

Forum session; Pino Sagliocco (Live Nation

Spain) will sit in on The Dance Club:

The beat goes on?; and Anthony Addis

(Brontone) and Martin Vierrath (GEMA)

are added to Performance Royalties:

Shows, songs and settlements.

On Saturday 5 March, Steve Strange (X-ray

Touring), Salomon Hazot (Nous Productions)

and Michael Hapka (Mercedes-Benz Arena,

Berlin) join the Show Safety session, while

Geoff Meall (UTA), Scumeck Sabottka

(MCT Agentur) and Andrew Parsons

(Ticketmaster) line up for Ticketing:

The disruptors. Nancy Skipper (EAA)

and Martin Ingham (NAA) join The

Venue’s Venue, and Alex Bruford (ATC

Live), Herman Schueremans (Live Nation

Belgium), Paul Franklin (CAA) and Dan

Steinberg (Emporium Presents) participate

in Industry Relationships: Setting the

moral compass.

The full list of confirmed speakers for each

session can be found on ILMC.com.

Votes have also been pouring in for

the Oscars for the live music industry,

the Arthur Awards. All ILMC members

and IQ subscribers are eligible to vote for

their favourite agent, venue, promoter.

Voting closes on Friday 19 February at

18.00 GMT.

The conference always sells out in advance,

with 1,000 delegates in attendance;

other sessions already announced this

year include workshops with Google,

YouTube and Twitter and panels on

festivals, venues, ticketing, loyalty, show

safety and new technology.

Last month The Coral and Catfish and the

Bottlemen were announced as headliners

for the UK Festival Award-winning Liverpool

Sound City. A major new partnership with

electronic dance music promoters Freeze has

also been confirmed, with news of a brand

new format for its music industry conference.

Rebranded as Sound City+, the conference

will be purely artist and industry focused

and take place on the day preceding the

main festival – May 27 – in the iconic Rum

Warehouse at Liverpool’s Titanic Hotel.

Sound City+ promises a richer, condensed

platform. The content-heavy programme

will offer workshops, 1-2-1 meetings with

UK and international record labels, agents,

music supervisors and festivals from all

over the world, sign-posting sessions and

inspirational TED type talks through the

day.

Conference Director Jo Whitty said: ‘Our

major aim with Sound City+ is to create

a hectic, energised environment where

attendees can dash through an array of

rooms and meet some of the most amazing

people from all areas of the international

music business. This is definitely not aimed at

ILMC 28

Sound City Announces New Format for 2016

ILMC 28 ready to take off


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Great Escape

Music CITIES Convention

The Great Escape will return to my home

town of Brighton in May, from the 19th to

the 21st. The Convention Programme will

again be presented by CMU Insights @ The

Great Escape. CMU will present four full-day

conference strands, including, ‘Transparency!

Data! Blockchain! Let’s make buzzwords

happen’, and ‘What if YouTube actually is the

future?

150 acts have already been announced for

the Festival element of the event and 100

more will be announced over the next couple

of days. We’ll cover this in more detail in the

next issue.

A Strong Music Industry Creates Vibrant and Sustainable Global Cities:

The third edition of Music Cities Convention, will be held at the

University of Brighton’s Sallis Benney Theatre on May 18th during

The Great Escape. This is the world’s largest and most extensive

conference to explore the relationship between city planning,

strategy, development, policy and the music industry. 2015 saw the

first and second sold out instalments of Music Cities Convention.

The first event in Brighton saw 120 attendees from 20 countries

and 50 cities, while the inaugural US edition exceeded this with

170 attendees from 60 cities, generating over $170,000 USD direct

economic impact. Following the success of previous events, the next

edition will see Music Cities Convention return to Brighton, in its

largest venue yet.

The University of Brighton is widely known for its work in culture,

sound arts and media and is pleased to be hosting Music Cities at its

city centre theatre this year. The conference will bring together leaders

in innovation, education and economic development, as well as policy

makers for regeneration, transport, education, entrepreneurship, arts,

city boards, cultural and tourism, for cities of all sizes.

The rationale behind this event is that, “When a city invests in music,

it makes it wealthier, healthier and more competitive.”

Jo WhittyConference Director Sound City

stalwarts. It is aimed at the new kids on the

block, those who want to shake things up

and change everything. Sound City is a place

to meet people, be inspired, have arguments

and do some great business.’

Sound City’s ‘In Conversation’ series is also

changing with a move to the festival site

during the live music side of the event from

May 28 – 29.

Sound City CEO Dave Pichilingi explained:

“The move is basically down to the

tremendous feedback and love we have had

for our In Conversation content. John Cale,

Thurston Moore, Edwyn Collins, Wayne

Coyne, Tracey Thorn, Andrew Loog Oldham,

Viv Albertine, Julian Cope, Mark E Smith and

many more have proved to be big hits at

conference over the last few years. The sheer

groundswell of music fans who go to the

festival and who said that they would love to

see them persuaded us to move it over to the

festival site so that everyone attending has

the chance to see and be inspired by them.

We’ve got some great names lined up to

announce over the next few weeks; it’s

going to be a really exciting new element for

Sound City.”


THANKS FOR ATTENDING OUR 30TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION

Eurosonic Noorderslag is the key exchange and networking platform for European music, with a proven track record for helping to break new acts on the international live music scene. Selling out each year, the event attracts close to 4,000 professional delegates, including representatives of over 400 international festivals. Eurosonic Noorderslag presents showcases by more than 300 acts alongside a conference programme covering the latest developments in international music media, production and interactive industries.

Eurosonic Noorderslag has been responsible for kick-starting the careers of European acts like Ásgeir, Aurora, Bastille, Dotan, Ibeyi, James Blake, Jett Rebel, Hozier, Milky Chance, Royal Blood, Seinabo Sey and Vök.

Focus 2017Next years edition of Eurosonic Noorderslag will focus on music from Portugal.

Sais Nuno Saraiva from WHY Portugal: “Being focus country at Eurosonic Noorderslag 2017 is the best opportunity to bridge the gap between the new music made in Portugal and other new music markets, introducing the wealth of musical genres currently made in Portugal to a much wider audience.”

ARTIST SUBMISSION AND CONFERENCE REGISTRATION FROM MAY 1, 2016

Official numbers Eurosonic Noorderslag 2016Total number of visitors: 42,100 (sold out)Conference visitors: 4,124 (sold out)Nationalities: 40Acts: 345Number of venues Eurosonic: 42Number of venues Noorderslag: 11Media & journalists: 425EBU radio stations: 37International festivals: 424ETEP festivals: 95

11/12/13/14 JAN 2017GRONINGEN NL

ESNS: EU

ESNS: EU creative europe

www.etep.nl

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The news these days is frightening. The

human catastrophe in Syria, the refugee

crisis, the ongoing increase of nationalistic

tendencies in Europe, Russia, Turkey and the

US, enriched with xenophobic, homophobic

and -what-so-ever-phobic-elements is a not

to be underestimated mixture that could

become a serious threat for the society we

are living in.

Whether if be anti-capitalistic, anti-European,

anti-governmental or even the ‘Anti’-world-

tour by Rihanna, ‘anti’ has somehow and

somewhere become part of pop-culture

these days. Of course ‘Anti’ always used to

be a driving force for pop-culture, but today’s

is different. It is simply more dangerous.

The rising social gap, backed by today’s media

environment reporting the consequences of

financial crisis and crimes by the financial

sector, about huge corporate companies

such as Amazon, Apple, Google or Ikea

that along with such as the Rolling Stones

or U2, highly effective and legally avoiding

paying taxes that normal tax payers are

obliged to. Then the very questionable

scandals, ranging from food-issues to the

Diesel-deception by VW seem just to be the

tip of the iceberg that destroys confidence

and cause disappointment in the trust

of politicians, public institutions and the

economic elite of our society.

Historically there were times when pop-

culture caused and stimulated a public mind

change. Protest songs and events, ranging

from “Give Peace A Chance” by John Lennon

and Yoko Ono, Free Nelson Mandela by Jerry

Dammers from The Specials, Live Aid, Farm

Aid, Band Aid or many other well intended

activities that caused public awareness and

stimulated politics.

Protest songs are even today prompting

awareness, the latest prominent example is

the live gig by Kendrick Lamar at the Grammy

Awards show, presenting a medley of his

songs “The Blacker the Berry” and “Alright.”

in favour for Black Live Matters-movement.

But today ‘hashtag-activism’ is more

common, more popular, simplified to

keywords expressing concerns or an

opinion. But taking the current news

flow into consideration this seems not

to be enough to impact on short sighted

politicians involved in military actions or in

favour of inhuman or inadequate policies

that currently gain more fans with populist

approaches even among those citizen that

even don’t know what a hash tag is.

We live in radical times and this affects the

live music sector. Still yet the terror attack

on the French concert venue was only an

exception, a brutal atrocity that hopefully

will never happen again. But terror is only

one aspect, also weather issues due to

climate change became a serious issue for

the live music sector as the recent years

heavy weather incidents proved, when

causing cancellations in the best case or

unfortunately deadly incidents such as at

Pukkelpop in Belgium in 2011.

But it is also quite likely that politics can

become a serious threat for the live music

business; just recently VIP News sent a

couple of questions to a promoter in Turkey,

asking how terrorism and the policies of the

present government is affecting the concert

business in this country.

Questions among others were:

The current government in Turkey is

considered as highly conservative and

driven by religion. What kind of difficulties

Europe Is not An Algorithm- Nor is the live music business...

A Comment piece byVIP News Journalist Manfred Tari…..

Manfred Tari [email protected]

Pukkelpop 2011

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does this cause when putting on a show or

concert in Turkey?

During Eurosonic many promoters from

Eastern Europe complained that they have

to pay similar fees to promoters in Western

Europe. Bearing in mind that the economic

conditions in Eastern Europe still vary

significantly from those in Western Europe

that seems to be a very heavy burden.

Would you recommend that artists from the

Western hemisphere and their managers

and agents consider the social situation in

Eastern Europe more appropriately or does

the prevailing business mentality in the live

music sector make this nearly impossible?

Not surprisingly these questions will remain

unanswered. It is easy to imagine that

similar questions to promoters in countries

with populist governments in Poland or

Hungary will be remained unanswered

too. It is more than likely that the concerns

of those questioned will hold back their

opinion in public as those governments have

already proven that the new generation

of politicians in exalted position in these

countries rather appear to have a political

mindset akin to that of 100 years ago.

Apropos 100 years ago, in 1916 German

nationalistic politicians and the military

caused one of the biggest slaughters in

history in Verdun in France with more than

300.000 killed. Nationalism was and is one

of the biggest threats to mankind and its

widespread presence today, at a time when

scientists have recently proved the existence

of gravity waves in the universe confirming

the predictions of the scientist Albert

Einstein, seems hardly acceptable.

Nevertheless, the present still faces wars and

military activities, and again nationalistic

and hegemonic tendencies in politics and

economy. Just bear in mind, the live music

business will be one of the first sectors to

face the consequences of newly installed

border controls in Europe and elsewhere

and will suffer a backlash in its key business

segments, touring and festivals, after a long

lasting phase of development and prosperity

Even now the live music community is doing

less business in those parts of Europe hit

by the financial crisis, such as Greece and

Spain. Still agents are demanding fees for

international artists in weaker economic

regions in Eastern Europe that simply can’t

be generated by ticket sales, seemingly just

ignoring how and whereby these high fees

are paid.

Until now it is only a minority of artists that

have re-added protest songs to their set

lists. The same disregard goes for managers,

agents and promoters and the live music

periphery. However, it is unfortunately

already time again, to undertake and

strengthen the efforts to create awareness

against the radicalism, nationalism, injustice

and social drawbacks that are currently

causing such difficulties and miseries, in

order to keep the business running in the

future...

®

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ImagIne if you could go to one website and get aLL the

contacts you need for the european Live music Industry?

WeLL you Can! www.vip-booking.com

http://vip-booking.com

Promoter Kilimanjaro Live has joined forces with Triple A Media and

Vlogger Events to launch Free Focus - a new digital and music talent

management firm.

The company’s board consists of Stuart Galbraith (pictured) and Mark

Walker (Kilimanjaro Live), Tom Burns and Dave Bullas (Vlogger Events)

and Andy Hipkiss and James Hancock (Triple A Media). They will

combine their respective strengths with the aim of “developing long-

term careers and growth for stars of a digital age”.

Mark Walker identified a gap in the market while promoting YouTube

stars Tyler Oakley, Lilly Singh, and Emma Blackery, having worked with

Burns and Bullas on Vlogger`s YouTube gathering Summer In The City.

Free Focus has announced its first signings as singer-songwriter and

4Music UK Music Video Chart presenter Bethan Leadley, and indie

beach-pop duo Box Of Light.

Kilimanjaro Live and Triple A Media have already worked with Leadley

to build her live musical career and say the move represents a natural

progression from that.

Recognising that branding and sponsorship make up a significant

portion of digital stars income, Free Focus aims to strategically

maximise revenue from those streams whilst introducing talent to

new areas where revenue and long-term careers can be built.

Olivier Nusse, Managing Director of Mercury Music Group and

Universal Classic & Jazz in the region, has been appointed CEO of

Universal Music France.

Nusse is succeeding Pascal Nègre – the man who has led Universal

Music France since 1998 – who is leaving the major immediately.

Nusse, who has worked at Universal in France for more than 20 years,

leads the iconic Mercury brand, which holds a market leading position

in the territory.

Lucian Grainge, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Universal

Music Group, said: “On behalf of everyone at UMG, I would like to

thank Pascal for his many significant achievements and commitment

to our company over many years of profound transformation in the

music industry. We wish him the very best for the future.”

He added: “We are very pleased to have an executive of Mr. Nusse’s

talents and stature take the lead for Universal Music France. Having

worked with Olivier over many years, I am impressed by his capabilities

and track record. He has demonstrated strong team leadership and an

ability to drive results.”

The news comes after months of global restructuring at UMG.

International office heads now report directly into Grainge in Santa

Monica, California for the first time – following the exit of Universal

Music International (UMGI) boss Max Hole in October last year.

Around 50 London-based UMGI positions have been affected by the

restructure, with the process starting late last year and still going on.

Some of these staff are staying on temporarily, some are relocating to

the US and some are leaving the company.

Kilimanjaro launches management firmFrom VIP-Daily News

New CEO at Universal France From VIP-Daily News

Olivier Nusse

Stuart Galbraith

13

NAMES & JOBSVIPNEWS > FEBRUARY 2016

www.ilmc.com

15

MUSIC IN SHARES

MusicIn SharesManfred Tari [email protected]

CTS Eventim- Still A Plus

From all the Companies covered within this section it is only CTS

Eventim that, with an increase of 12.5 percent , is doing a little bit

better than one year ago.

Last reported share price on January 25 was 32.85, this time on

February 22 it is 31.74 Euro.

DEAG- Under Pressure

Business results and a highly volatile market environment for stocks,

brought the DEAG share down from 3.20 one month ago to just

2.80 Euro.

Live Nation- In Anticipation For Full Year Results?

Since last time the share price of Live Nation went from $22.12

to $20.04. The question remains if the markdown is a already

a presumption for the release of the full year results for 2015 on

February 25 or does the current share price only mirror the weak

market situation for stocks in these days?

SFX Entertainment A Superior Melt Down

$0.01 per share, market cap $1.2 million, a historical lesson on

what on the company website still is declares “Creating the global

platform for Electronic Music Culture”...

VIPNEWS > BUSINESS > FEBRUARY 2016

50 CENT & G-UNITTerritory: Europe & aroundPeriod: Summer festivals & upon requestAgency: Georg Leitner Productions GmbHAgent: Georg LeitnerPhone: +431 914 86 15E-mail: [email protected]: www.glp.at

BLIND CHANNEL (FIN)Territory: EuropePeriod: 2016Agency: The DamagerAgent: Toni TörrönenPhone: +358 400 592 152E-mail: [email protected]: thedamager.com/?page_id=1720

MICHAEL BOLTON Territory: Europe & aroundPeriod: Before / after August 27th & upon requestAgency: Georg Leitner Productions GmbHAgent: Georg LeitnerPhone: +431 914 86 15E-mail: [email protected]: www.glp.at

LARA CONLEY Territory: UK based, WorldwidePeriod: 08/01/2016 - 01/11/2016Agency: Ragged MoonAgent: Niks PatelPhone: +44 (0) 1453 569770E-mail: [email protected]: www.laraconley.co.uk

PAUL HARTNOLL (ORBITAL) Territory: World excl. USAPeriod: Spring 2016 onwardsAgency: Value Added TalentAgent: Dan SilverPhone: +44 (0) 2077 049720E-mail: [email protected]: www.vathq.co.uk

THE ”ORIGINAL” BLUES BROTHERS BAND Territory: EuropePeriod: On request, May - August 2016Agency: BasitoursAgent: Peter BaslerPhone: +41 79 7692393E-mail: [email protected]: www.basitours.com/artist/original_blues_ brothers_band

MORE ARTIST AVAILS ON:WWW.VIP-BOOKING.COM

POST YOUR ARTIST AVAILS ON:WWW.VIP-BOOKING.COM

ARTIST AVAILS

The “Original” Blues Brothers Band

MEMBER PRESENTATION

Starting up as a local agency in Germany’s Ruhr area in 1993, Contra Promotion

has grown to become an established brand in the country’s events industry.

Founder and managing director Björn Gralla leads a dedicated team. From

their headquarters in Bochum, they organise around 500 concerts and shows

throughout Europe every year.

In 1997, Contra Promotion began arranging tours for Göttingen rock band Guano

Apes. The band played a major role in the agency’s success. After splitting up

several years ago, the Apes are now doing a comeback tour – and they’re back on

Contra’s books. The agency has also made a name for itself with other acts from

Germany and abroad. They include HIM, Sunrise Avenue, Nightwish, H-Blockx,

Kevin Costner and Oomph!. Contra Promotion works with a wide range of genres,

covering everything from metal and pop to jazz and soul – and even comedy acts.

About Our Company

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

professionals . Since it’s launch in the year 2000, we have consist-

ently offered our subscribers the very best in database services and

now boast subscribers in over 30 countries.

Today VIP-Booking offers a range of tools for the industry

– including VIP-News, VIP-Booking, VIP-Book and VIP-Contract.

Please visit vip-booking.com for further information .

Your comments and suggestions are always appreciated .

®

vip-booking.com

VIPNEWS > MISC > FEBRUARY 2016

16

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