Execs from Live Nation, AEG, CAA, WME, and more organize coalition, strategize against coronavirus threat to concerts
While they’re typically on opposite sides of the table negotiating against each other, the top dogs of the live entertainment industry have decided to call a temporary truce to combat the common enemy threatening their business: COVID-19.
With cancellations of festivals and concerts across the globe, executives from the top two promoters—Live Nation and AEG—as well as the major booking agencies Paradigm, ICM, CAA, UTA and WME have banded together in an attempt to coordinate efforts and minimize the impact the coronavirus will have on the entire concert and touring industry. The coalition has been setting up multiple calls each day to monitor the state of the pandemic and the subsequent decisions that must be made about the live events under their watch. Their first official proposal came March 12 when the collective suggested all large-scale events through the end of March be temporarily called off:
“At this time, we collectively recommend large scale events through the end of March be postponed. We continue to support that small-scale events follow guidance set by their local government officials. We feel fortunate to have the flexibility to reschedule concerts, festivals, and live events as needed, and look forward to connecting fans with all their favorite artists and live entertainment soon.”
This announcement came in conjunction with Live Nation calling for the postponement of all national and international tours including Billie Eilish, Post Malone, Zac Brown Band, Cher, and more as well as AEG rescheduling their arena tours from artists like Dan & Shay and Tame Impala. Additionally, all parties were involved to some degree in discussions regarding the slew of festival postponements made up of artists from all of the major agencies including Coachella, Beyond Wonderland, BUKU, and more.
The current state of the live industry is without a doubt bleak, but this task force should show fans, artists, and stakeholders alike promise with these common adversaries putting aside their differences for the betterment of the industry.
H/T: Deadline
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