Live music bodies call on new Prime Minster for VAT reduction

Following the news that Rishi Sunak has become the UK’s new Prime Minister earlier this week, organisations in the live music sector have called for stability. Sunak was made Prime Minister and leader of the Conservative party following Liz Truss’s resignation after just six weeks in office.  Those in the live music sector have called …

Live Nation Women funds Gritty In Pink start-up

Live Nation Women has announced an investment from the Live Nation Women Fund into Gritty In Pink, a start-up building the InPink marketplace with the aim of equality. The InPink marketplace is a new platform that connects the music industry to a diverse community of female creators and professionals.  The Live Nation Women Fund is …

DEAG acquires majority stake in Tickets.ie

DEAG Deutsche Entertainment Aktiengesellschaft (DEAG) has acquired a majority stake in Irish ticketing platform Tickets.ie. Through its UK subsidiary MyTicket, DEAG has acquired a majority stake in Irish company Oshi Software, the operator of the ticketing platform Tickets.ie.  The acquisition expands DEAG’s presence in Ireland, with the company hoping for synergy between its other venture …

Tech Stack: Ozzfest, metaverse music venues and more…

Our weekly tech round-up from the world of ticketing and associated industries… NCT Dream The Movie: In a Dream SM Entertainment, event cinema distribution company Trafalgar Releasing and cinema technology company CJ 4DPLEX have revealed that K-Pop boyband NCT Dream will be releasing their first film, NCT Dream The Movie: In a Dream.  The film …

People on the Move: Live Nation Concerts, Kia Forum and more…

We round up the latest movements from the ticketing sector and associated industries… Live Nation Concerts has appointed Geni Lincoln (pictured right) as its new president of California region.  In this new role, Lincoln will oversee all booking, marketing and business operations in California for Live Nation Concerts. Prior to joining Live Nation, Lincoln was the …

Pollen owed almost £80m at time of collapse

Travel and experiences start-up Pollen, which worked on events with the likes of Justin Bieber, Diplo and more, owed £78.6m ($90m/€91m) at the time of its collapse.  According to filings on Companies House submitted by insolvency business Kroll, Pollen’s parent company Streetteam Software Limited owed £75m – £59.4m unsecured – to creditors when it fell …

Two Astroworld lawsuits reportedly settled

Two lawsuits have reportedly been settled by families of victims of the Astroworld tragedy.  A number of reports have surfaced surrounding a settlement agreement being reached with the family of Alex Acosta, a 21-year-old that was killed during last year’s festival. The Houston Chronicle has also reported that a settlement has been agreed for the …

Cinema drawing in adults faster than theatre in post-pandemic environment

New analysis of data recently published by the UK’s Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) has shown that patrons are returning much faster to cinemas and exhibitions than live music shows and theatre productions.  However, the data shows a positive trajectory in post-pandemic arts attendance by English adults. The analysis was undertaken and …

Dubai’s Global Village attraction to reopen today

Dubai’s Global Village is set to reopen today (Tuesday) with new attractions, shows and additional amenities to improve the visitor experience.  During its last season, which usually runs for six months but was extended for a further four weeks, a record 7.8 million guests visited the attraction. The attraction is celebrating its 27th season, with …

Soho Place owner says theatre tickets should be kept low during economic crisis

Nica Burns, owner of the new Soho Place theatre, West End producer, and co-founder of Nimax Theatres, has said that keeping ticket prices low will be key for the survival of venues during the cost-of-living crisis.  In an interview with BBC News, Burns said: “Theatre has always proved itself very resilient. I agree with everything …