#155

What the HYBE?

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US Lawmakers continue to push for ticketing reforms with the BOSS and SWIFT Act, but Fix the Tix isn’t entirely onboard. Speaking of Swift - is it really cheaper to see Taylor in Argentina than on your home turf? And unfortunately, the last-minute festival cancellations continue, but Morgan Wallen makes it up to his fans.

Credit: @morningbrewThe BOSS and SWIFT ActUpdated BOSS and SWIFT Act legislation was recently introduced by US Congressmen Bill Pascrell, Jr. and Frank Pallone, Jr. Included in the act are regulations to both the primary and secondary markets, including transparency over who is selling the ticket, how many tickets are available, and the total all-in cost of the ticket. Also included is preserving the ability to transfer tickets and clamping down on speculative and redundant ticket sales.

Fix the Tix isn’t buying it.However, Fix the Tix, the coalition formed last month with a mission to fix the ticketing experience, “strongly opposes” the BOSS Act over concerns that it will “cause an even worse ticket-buying experience for true fans.” They continue, “While the BOSS Act provides some transparency for consumers, it does so in exchange for anti-fan and anti-artist handouts for scalpers and secondary ticketing platforms that do not contribute to the live entertainment ecosystem.” The coalition instead offers to work with Congress to reform ticketing together.

¡Vamos a Buenos Aires!Taylor Swift has added the first international dates to the Eras Tour. She will perform in Mexico City, Mexico, August 24 - 26, Buenos Aires, Argentina, November 9 and 10, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, November 18, and São Paulo, Brazil, November 25 and 26. Swifties in the US are frantically checking airfare to Argentina after finding out that due to 100% inflation, a trip to Argentina to see TSwift may actually be cheaper than seeing her at home. 🙋

Fugees Surprise ReunionLauren Hill surprised Roots Picnic guests by ending her set with a Fugees reunion over the weekend. Wyclef Jean and Pras Michel joined Lauren Hill for six Fugees songs during the Philadelphia festival. The band last played together in 2021 (after a 16-year hiatus) and had planned a reunion tour but later canceled it, citing the pandemic. This is potentially the last time the band will appear on stage together as Pras Michel was found guilty of 10 charges, including money laundering, illegal lobbying, and campaign finance violations, in April and faces up to 20 years in prison.

Shady M. ShadowsIn February, an episode of Avenged Sevenfold’s podcast included a snippet that appeared to be Singer M. Shadows announcing that the band wouldn’t perform at Welcome to Rockville and Sonic Temple as originally scheduled. Immediately after, M. Shadows posted on Twitter that it was false and he’d get to the bottom of it. It turns out it was all a stunt to promote their upcoming album using a deep fake AI. The band performed as planned at both events.

Coldplay’s committed to fighting climate changeColdplay reduced their carbon footprint during their live shows by an impressive 47% during their “Music of the Spheres World Tour” compared to their last tour in 2016-17. They did it through various sustainability measures, including using renewable energy sources, offsetting emissions through carbon credits, and implementing eco-friendly touring practices. Coldplay's commitment to addressing climate change and making its concerts more environmentally friendly is a positive example for the music industry. It demonstrates the band's dedication to reducing its impact on the planet.

Download Germany called offLive Nation GSA canceled Download Germany, a rock festival featuring Slipknot, The Prodigy, and Volbeat, originally scheduled for June 23 - 24 in Baden-Württemberg. Last year 65,000 fans attended the 1-day fest. This year, the organizers said, “technical production obstacles proved to be insurmountable” and cited the high costs and oversaturation of events in Germany and Europe. Fans who have purchased tickets will be refunded.

HYBE headlinesHYBE is continuing to make headlines. This time, the music company is looking to raise around 500 billion Korean won ($380 million USD) to fund more acquisitions in the US. Just after this announcement, HYBE America CEO Scooter Braun announced that he sold 68,500 company shares for approximately 18.495 billion Korean won ($14.15 million USD), reducing his 1.03% stake in the company to 0.87%. Additionally, three HYBE employees are facing charges related to insider trading. The charges allege that the employees sold shares of HYBE after learning that BTS would take a break before it was public. HYBE stock dropped 29% after the news broke.

OVG acquires Rhubarb Hospitality CollectionOak View Group (OVG) has acquired the Rhubarb Hospitality Collection, marking a significant expansion of its portfolio in the hospitality sector. With the acquisition, OVG looks to elevate the fan experience worldwide by combining its expertise in venue management with Rhubarb's culinary excellence. The pair will operate Co-op Live, the UK’s largest arena, currently being developed in Manchester by OVG in partnership with City Football Group.

Future Festival ProducersAEG and Goldenvoice hosted two AEG Futures career exploration events for 50 high-school students from the Pasadena Unified School District and Adelante Youth Alliance at the Rose Bowl Stadium before the Just Like Heaven and Cruel World festivals. Students got to meet with executives, participate in speed mentoring sessions, tour the festival grounds before opening, and design their own festivals and pitch them to the executives.

Barstool Sports is looking for a Manager, Live Events & Activations, to help with client and sponsor activations at events in its NYC office. 30-50% travel. Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group is hiring a General Stage Manager - Mystère, in Las Vegas, NV. Front Gate Tickets is seeking a Fraud Analyst to help detect and mitigate fraud associated with ticket purchases. The role can be remote or based out of its Austin, TX office.

Have you seen Taylor Swift?

Last Week's Results:

readers have worked on a festival that was canceled less than a month out.

Headliners, Lineups, Festival & Tour Announcements

On Wednesday, May 31, Moonwalk Festival, scheduled for June 1 - 4 in Tolland, MA was abruptly postponed citing “unforeseen circumstances with the venue and the town.” They are working on a makeup date.
Tyler, the Creator’s Camp Flog Gnaw returns to LA This November after a pandemic hiatus and an additional year off due to Tyler’s touring schedule - and passes are already sold out. The lineup hasn’t been released yet.
Billy Joel will end his Madison Square Garden residency with 10 final shows scheduled for October 2023 - July 2024. Since his first show of the residency on January 27, 2014, he has held 89 shows with a total of 1,656,265 tickets sold grossing $207,751,097.
Dierks Bentley & Live Nation’s Seven Peaks Festival will not return in 2023. The Colorado festival held during Labor Day Weekend had several homes during its 3-year tenure (2019, 2021, 2022).
Morgan Wallen will headline next year’s Gulf Coast Jam, May 30 - June 2 in Panama City Beach, FL, after having to cancel this year due to vocal issues.