#186

Later London

Issue #186 | January 16, 2024 

Lots of music icons in this week’s issue with lineup season warming up, an Elton John auction, and Elvis making his second appearance in as many issues this year. And can Coscto’s model work for the ticketing industry? A new ticketing company thinks it can. 

Credit: Christie's Images LTDCheerio London Sphere-io 🇬🇧The London Sphere is officially over as Madison Square Garden Entertainment (MSGE) confirms that it has pulled the plug on the controversial project. Richard Constable, MSGE EVP said, “following careful review, we cannot continue to participate in a process that is merely a political football between rival parties.” MSGE is expected to sell the land they planned to use for the venue and will continue exploring other options around the world. 

Spotify Ticketing’s status in questionWill Spotify’s foray into ticketing ever take off? According to the company, “it plans to revive its efforts to establish a presence in the ticketing space by the end of 2024,” however, December layoffs included the majority of the team working on ticketing. Spotify launched its ticketing initiative in August 2022 and started selling directly to fans last year via tickets.spotify.com.

Costco + Ticketing = Seat ClubMeanwhile, new kid on the block, Seat Club, is attempting to upend the ticketing market by taking a page out of Costco’s book. No, they aren’t offering $1.50 hot dogs, but they are charging a $99 annual membership fee for access to no-additional-fee tickets. That’s right, no fees. “We don’t make any money on the tickets,” says founder Cole Rubin, “our sole source of revenue is a subscription fee.” 

ELVIS Act takes on AITennessee’s ELVIS Act (Ensuring Likeness Voice and Image Security) is gaining support throughout the music industry and with bipartisan state legislators. The first-of-its-kind bill aims to "preserve individual voice, image, and likeness against unethical and irresponsible use of AI" in music. Many hope that this act not only proceeds, but that it also serves as a model for other states.   

Coachella 🦗As of Monday evening, it’s still crickets from Coachella. The delay in announcing their lineup is causing some frustration across the industry. The infamous Coachella radius clause, which includes not allowing artists to announce festival appearances in most of North America until after the its lineup is announced, is holding up many other lineup releases. Previous lineups dropped January 10th in 2023; January 12 in 2022; January 2 in 2020; and January 3 in 2019. 

2023 AGF Certified festivalsUK Organization A Greener Future (AGF) has released its list of most environmentally friendly festivals of 2023. In order to be certified, events are measured by 11 key themes of the AGF framework via self-assessment, site visits, data and evidence submissions. Last year, 36 festivals and events from 14 countries achieved AGF certification. Check out the full list. 

KCON expansionKCON, the world’s biggest KPOP festival, has announced that it is adding a fifth market in 2024. The festival, which had stops in Thailand, Japan, United States (Los Angeles), and Saudi Arabia in 2023, will debut in Hong Kong, March 30 - 31 at the AsiaWorld Expo. Other festival sites this year include Japan May 10 - 12, Los Angeles July 26 – 28, and dates to be determined in Saudi Arabia and Europe. 

Festival tickets for lifeThe largest festival in Slovakia, Pohoda Festival, sold out of 500 lifetime passes in a week. An additional batch of 277 tickets will be released. The €999 “Pohoda Forever” tickets offer infinite access to the festival, a stainless steel card, merchandise discounts, and other perks. Tickets can be transferred and inherited.

Australian festival cancellationsTwo Australian festivals were canceled last week due to “cost-of-living pressures.” Coastal Jam, scheduled for January 13 in Mornington Peninsula, was canceled just days in advance and Vintage Vibes Festival, scheduled for January 27 - 28 in Adelaide Hills, was postponed. Both were small, boutique festivals that struggled with last minute ticket sales and increasing costs.

#peoplenewsMadison Square Garden Entertainment: Jessica Tuttle is promoted to Executive Vice President, Productions (previously SVP, Productions).Topeka: Anthony Diaz joins fellow Sixthman founder Andy Levine as COO; Rachel Voorhies also joins the music destination festival company as Senior Operations Director.Emporium Presents: Leigh Ann Pigue (Senior Marketing Director), Chris Peck, and Samantha Hanson (both Show Settlement Managers) join the Nashville office.

 Nederlander National Markets is seeking an Event Manager in Chicago, IL. Salary $49,000 - $52,000. Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation is looking for a Director, Events (Production) in Staten Island, NY. Salary $90,000 - $105,000. The Momentary is hiring a Director of Music & Festivals in Bentonville, AR.

Would you pay an annual membership fee to be able to purchase tickets without any fees?

Lineups, Festival & Tour Announcements

  • The Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo will have a star-studded, diverse lineup on the RODEOHOUSTON stage including Luke Bryan, Eric Church, Jonas Brothers, 50 Cent, Los Tigres del Norte, Hank Williams Jr., and more. February 27 - March 7 at NRG Stadium. 

  • Hangout Festival will feature Zach Bryan, Lana Del Rey, and ODESZA, May 17 - 19 on the beach in Gulf Shores, AL.

  • The Killers, Ed Sheeran, and Tyler Childers will headline Boston Calling, May 24 - 26 at Harvard Athletic Complex in Boston, MA. 

  • Bonnaroo announced Post Malone, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Fred again.., and Pretty Lights as headliners at the Farm in Manchester, TN, June 13 - 16. 

  • The Avett Brothers’ curated “Avett Moon” Moon Crush beach weekend will include Greensky Bluegrass, Shakey Graves, Grace Potter, and others, November 8 - 10, in Miramar Beach, FL. 

 Elton John is auctioning off the contents of his Atlanta home. Of course, it’s as extra as you’d think. Pollstar’s 2024 predictions for the music biz.

 Experiential and event marketing statistics you should know in 2024. Britney Spears teams up with Snapchat for the 25th anniversary of “Baby One More Time”

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