Wacken Open Air festival hosts rock’s first hologram performance
The German rock festival saw a hologram of Ronnie James Dio perform alongside his old band Dio Disciples in front of over 75,000 fans. Almost one year in the making, Eyellusion’s Ronnie James Dio production represents the world’s first rock hologram performance and the first time a hologram has been accompanied by a live band in a traditional concert setting. The Wacken Open Air festival marked the debut of the Dio hologram, which features the singer’s live vocals and will be toured globally in 2017. Further details to be announced.
Dozens injured during Snoop Dogg gig following fence collapse
Forty two people have been injured at a Snoop Dogg concert in New Jersey after a fence collapsed during the rapper’s performance. The incident occurred at the BB&T Pavilion amphitheatre on Friday night, forcing organisers to stop the concert. Most of the injuries are thought to be minor and, according to CNN, the venue’s inspections are “all up to date without any violations”. (CNN)
Radio and TV No. 1 way consumers learn about festivals, says Eventbrite
New research from Eventbrite has revealed that TV and radio are the most common platforms through which music fans learn about festivals. Forty per cent of respondents claimed that TV and radio were their main sources of information when it came to learning about festivals, while 38% cited social media, artists’ websites and social media as their No. 1 source of festival information.
Apple Music Britney Spears exclusive
Glory, the new album by Britney Spears, will be released as an Apple Music exclusive on August 26. The streaming platform has also announced that its service is now available in 114 countries with over 40 million songs available worldwide.
IMPF and CISAC hit out at DoJ over Consent Decrees decision
The IMPF and CISAC have responded to the US Department of Justice’s decision not to alter the consent decrees governing performance rights organisations BMI and ASCAP and to push for consent decree reform In a blow to songwriters, publishers and performance rights organisations, the US Department of Justice also decided to implement what is known as “100% licensing,” a scheme which allows a right holders to license full works even thought they only own a fraction of the rights. IMPF President, Pierre Mossiat, said: "Where will this consistent erosion and undermining of the fundamental rights of authors and composers end? How is it that policy makers, on both sides of the Atlantic, have put themselves in the business of making decisions that are disastrous for the music community, but curiously beneficial for others? What is the tipping point? IMPF will work assiduously with all those in the international music community who rail against these decisions that are so very unfair to our songwriters." CISAC Director General Gadi Oron expressed equal concern: "The global community of creators and societies represented by CISAC is bemused and extremely worried by the consequences of the decisions made by the Department of Justice. These decisions have been made without taking into account the interests of creators and with total disregard for the international legal framework that authors' societies operate within. (Music Week)
New Music Week out now
The August 8 edition of Music Week is out now and includes in-depth analysis of US market figures and exclusive industry response to the Sony/ATV Michael Jackson publishing buyout. We also hear from the BBC and the BPI on their involvement in the 2016 Mercury Prize, while the Beeb’s Mark Strippel discusses the BBC Asian Network in this week’s Big Interview. Subscribe here.
