Spotify co-founder stepping down as chairman
Spotify co-founder and chairman Martin Lorentzon has stepped down from his position at the the music streaming giant, with chief executive Daniel Ek taking his place. Lorentzon will remain on the board, taking to Twitter to write: “I’m looking forward to another 10 years at Spotify as vice-chairman, going on walks with and talking to Daniel daily.” (Music Week)
StubHub Q Awards nominations unveiled
Coldplay and The 1975 lead the nominations for this year's StubHub Q Awards in association with Absolute Radio. The bands received four nominations each, including Q Best Album and Q Best Act In The World Today. Christine And The Queens, Bastille and David Bowie are also nominated for Best Album, while Muse, U2 and Biffy Clyro are in the running for the latter category. The nominations were revealed last night at Camden’s The Atrium ahead of Q Magazine’s 26th award show at Camden’s Roundhouse on Wednesday, November 2, which will also feature a live set from The Charlatans.
Live Nation applies to have fatal stage collapse case dismissed - report
Live Nation has applied to have charges over the death of a drum technician before a Radiohead concert four years ago dismissed because of “unreasonable delay” in the case. Scott Johnson, 33, from Doncaster, South Yorkshire, was killed when the stage collapsed in Toronto's Downsview Park on June 16, 2012. Live Nation Canada, Live Nation Ontario and Optex Staging and Services each face four charges under the Occupational Health and Safety Act, while an engineer, Domenic Cugliari, faces one charge of endangering a worker by negligence. All have pleaded not guilty and their trial began last year. Live Nation has declined to comment because the matter is part of an “ongoing litigation". The motion is scheduled to be heard in Canada later today. (Toronto Star)
Sillerman sues SFX over court costs
SFX founder Robert Sillerman has taken legal action against the company, seeking about $15.8 million to cover SFX-related court costs and reimbursements for many of the acquisitions he made during his tenure. Sillerman stepped down as CEO in February after the company filed for bankruptcy. SFX denies Sillerman's claims in a recent court filing, citing the claims “are contingent claims for reimbursement and subrogation arising out of guaranties executed by Sillerman for which certain of the Debtors are primarily liable and thus co-liable with Sillerman”. The company wants to hold Sillerman to his part of its outstanding debts. (Billboard)
Eventbrite launches Organiser app
Self-service ticketing platform Eventbrite has released the Eventbrite Organiser app for Android. The solution provides event organisers with real-time visibility into ticket sales and enables organisers to check in attendees with one quick scan.
Brighton Music Conference 2017 dates confirmed
Brighton Music Conference has revealed the dates for its 2017 edition. The electronic music industry event will take over the Brighton Dome for the two-day conference on April 27-28. It will bring together Industry-leading delegates and speakers at over 50 talks, seminars and workshops, alongside networking events throughout the conference duration. Tickets are on sale now.
Tidal to live stream benefit concert
Tidal will be exclusively livestreaming the benefit concert, TIDAL X: 1015 featuring an all-star lineup including Beyoncé, Alicia Keys, Nicki Minaj, DNCE, Ms. Lauryn Hill and Robin Thicke, among others. All proceeds from ticket sales will benefit Robin Hood and TIDAL-supported nonprofit organisations dedicated to improving education locally, nationally and abroad. People will be able to watch the livestream at TIDAL.com/1015 on Sunday at 1am GMT.
AEG Live seals Mountain Winery deal
AEG Live has been selected as the exclusive operator of the historic Mountain Winery in Saratoga, California. In addition to taking over management of the venue’s non-concert operations, AEG Live will continue its partnership with Lee Smith of Prescient Entertainment to program the venue including the Mountain Winery Summer Concert Series.
Island Records to sponsor Anglo Caribbean Domino League final
Island Records is sponsoring the final of the UK’s official Domino tournament, The Anglo Caribbean Domino League, for the third consecutive year. An exhibition game between Island Records musicians and an-all star team kick off the proceedings before rivals Brixton Immortals and Wolverhampton Wolves battle for the championship title.
