Music Industry News

Charles Gayle Celebrates 70

Source: All About Jazz
February 25, 2009

Charles Gayle, pioneering saxophonist and genius piano player, turns 70 this Saturday, February 28, 2009

Born in Buffalo NY, Charles played piano as his first and only instrument until the age of 19. He played saxophone with Archie Shepp and Pharoah Sanders in New York City in the early 60's, although no recordings seem to exist from the period. Charles spent nearly two decades as a homeless musician playing in the subways and streets of Manhattan before surfacing with some ...

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Follow Live Nation Tickmaster Senate Hearing Live

Source: HypeBot
February 25, 2009

This afternoon (Tuesday 2/24 at 2:30 EST) The Senate Judiciary Committee Subcommittee on Antitrust, Competition Policy and Consumer Rights will begin hearings on “The Ticketmaster/Live Nation Merger: What Does it Mean for Consumers and the Future of the Concert Business?".

Witnesses include super manager and Ticketmaster CEO Irving Azoff, Live Nation CEO Michael Rapino, Jerry Mickelson, the Chairman of Chicago based indie promoter JAM (who opposes the merger) and David Bellow, a senior fellow at The Center for American Progress ...

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Thomas Jefferson's Music Instruments

Source: All About Jazz
February 25, 2009

Very Interesting Quote by the author of the Declaration of Independance, Thomas Jefferson, in light of the present financial crisis, it's interesting to read what Jefferson said in 1802:

I believe that banking institutions are more dangerous to our liberties than standing armies. If the American people ever allow private banks to control the issue of their currency, first by inflation, then by deflation, the banks and corporations that will grow up around the banks will deprive the people of ...

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Ticketmaster, Live Nation Defend $575m Merger

Source: PC Magazine
February 25, 2009

Ticketmaster and Live Nation defended their proposed merger Tuesday, painting themselves as struggling music entities that need each other's strength to survive. “Economic times have taken its toll," Michael Rapino, president and CEO of Live Nation, told the Senate Judiciary antitrust committee. “I can hope the economy gets better or I can seek a more pro-active approach. That is the motivation behind the merger." “This business is in far worse shape than people realize," said Irving Azoff, CEO of Ticketmaster ...

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Motion for Mardi Gras

Source: Straight No Chaser
February 25, 2009

Fat Tuesday is upon us! This year, on top of showing your favorite mask and beads, Zatarain's is asking America to show their festival spirit with “Motion for Mardi Gras". A tradition in New Orleans since before the turn of the century, the restaurant and food company begin by Emile A. Zatarain, Sr. is now behind “Motion for Mardi Gras", a national petition for 100,000 online signatures asking Congress to proclaim the final day in Carnival season an official holiday. ...

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Ticketmaster/Live Nation What Does It Mean for Consumers

Source: JamBase
February 25, 2009

The Ticketmaster/Live Nation Merger: What Does it Mean for Consumers and the Future of the Concert Business?

Senate Judiciary Committee Subcommittee on Antitrust, Competition Policy and Consumer Rights

DATE: February 24, 2009 TIME: 02:30 PM ROOM: Dirksen-226

Check the live webcast here.

OFFICIAL HEARING NOTICE / WITNESS LIST: February 17, 2009 NOTICE OF SUBCOMMITTEE HEARING The Senate Committee on the Judiciary has scheduled a hearing before ...

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Groove Armada: Finding a New Way

Source: JamBase
February 25, 2009

By: Kayceman

Groove Armada It's a brave new world and you don't need to look far for proof. The record biz is changing faster than an infant's diaper and smart artists are seizing the opportunity. From Radiohead's “pay what you want" In Rainbows release to Umphrey's McGee's Mantis pre-order campaign, the old rules no longer apply as bands experiment with new models.

The latest act to break free of the traditional record label strangle hold ...

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Congress Looks at Live Nation Ticketmaster Merger

Source: HypeBot
February 24, 2009

IRVING AZOFF, MICHAEL RAPINO & JERRY MICKELSON TO TESTIFY Scrutiny of the proposed merger of Live Nation and Ticketmaster takes center stage this week as both the House and Senate hold Congressional hearings.

The Senate Judiciary Committee Subcommittee on Antitrust, Competition Policy and Consumer Rights begins hearings on Tuesday. Uber-manager and Ticketmaster CEO Irving Azoff, Live Nation CEO Michael Rapino, Jerry Mickelson, the Chairman of Chicago based indie promoter JAM and David Bellow, a Senior Fellow ...

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