Los Angeles, CA (February 12, 2024) – Pollstar Live! set a third straight year of record-breaking attendance. The lauded conference is the world’s largest gathering of global live entertainment professionals and the flagship event week for Pollstar magazine, the leading trade for the global live entertainment industry. The conference, including Production Live! and Pollstar Live!, took place Feb. 6-8 at the Fairmont Century Plaza in Los Angeles and once again tackled the most relevant and informative topics facing the live industry and the larger entertainment ecosystem.

On Tuesday, Production Live!, a full day dedicated to production and transportation in live events, kicked off the conference with opening remarks from Ray Waddell, president of OVG Media & Conferences, which produces Pollstar Live!, Production Live!, and the Pollstar Awards. Highlights of the day included “A Matter of Trust: The Artist/Crew Dynamic in Tedeschi Trucks Band Featuring Derek Trucks & Susan Tedeschi,” as well as intriguing and educational panels for the live entertainment pros “in the trenches,” such as “Crisis Averted: The Art & Craft of Subverting Murphy’s Law,” “The Next Generation Of Road Warriors Lead The Way,” “Multiple, Sitdown, Residency, Whatever: The Pros & Cons of a Semi-Permanent Production,” and more.

Wednesday morning began with a welcome address from Chairman and CEO of Oak View Group, Tim Leiweke who spoke on the healthy state of the business and its future.

Later that day, Grammy-winner and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee Jon Bon Jovi was a featured Keynote speaker at “How to See A Million Faces and Rock Them All.” At the panel, Bon Jovi, in conversation with his longtime agent Rob Light, CAA’s Head of Music, discussed his lengthy career, including how he secured his initial airplay, his demanding touring schedule, his decisions to create his own management company, the band today, plus advice to young artists and philanthropy, and much more. At the panel, he was also honored with the Milestone Award, recognizing the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame-inducted band's 40^th anniversary and their significant contributions to the live industry.

In another keynote session exclusively for attendees of Pollstar Live!, executive chairman and CEO of Sphere Entertainment Co., James L. Dolan sat down with Tim Leiweke for a fireside chat on the spectacular opening of Sphere in Las Vegas and the future of live entertainment.

Additional key panels on Wednesday included “Golden Era 3.0: How Long Will This Boom Last And What Can We Do To Sustain?,” “The Venue’s Role in Booking, Marketing & Maximizing Concerts,” and “The Most Impactful Show Possible: A Look at Sustainability and the Live Music Industry,” just to name a few.

On the evening of the 7th, comedian, actor, host, and author Tom Papa hosted the 35^th Annual Pollstar Awards at the historic Wiltern theater. This year’s ceremony celebrated a who’s-who of A-list artists, tours, companies, venues, and executives, including award winners Taylor Swift, Metallica, Post Malone, Beyoncé, P!nk, Morgan Wallen, Karol G, Dave Chappelle, Brandi Carlile, U2, Jelly Roll, The Sphere, Austin’s Moody Center, The Hollywood Bowl, Austin City Limits Music Festival, The Ohana Festival, and more. Celebrities in attendance to accept their awards included Metallica’s Lars Ulrich and Dave Chapelle, with artists including Jelly Roll and P!nk accepting via video. Also at the ceremony, legendary agent Howard Rose, longtime agent for such artists as Jimmy Buffett and Elton John, was recognized with the inaugural Pollstar Lifetime Achievement Award, including a video congratulation from Elton. James L. Dolan received the first-ever Visionary Award for “innovation, inspiration, and vision that will have a positive and lasting impact on the live entertainment industry.” To view the Pollstar Awards recap video, click here.

On Thursday morning, co-founder of Ballmer Group and Chairman of the LA Clippers, Steve Ballmer, and Pearl Jam’s Jeff Ament, spoke on “Music, Basketball & the Intuit Dome.” The energetic and informative Q&A covered topics including Ballmer’s vision for and construction of the new home of the LA Clippers, the Intuit Dome, its positive impact on the community, what’s coming up next for Pearl Jam, their mutual love of basketball, and more. 

Additional final day high points included an early look at the largest, most expensive, and most modern live entertainment arena in the UK and Europe, Co-op Live in Manchester, England (“Co-Op Live Sneak Peek”); “Where To Go & When: Developing the Global Touring Strategy;” “Sphere: Redefining the Future of Live Entertainment”; “Genre Spotlight: Country!”; and more. Pollstar Live! concluded with the highly anticipated “Agents Live!” happy hour networking.

For recaps of the conference, visit the Pollstar Live! editorial hub at https://news.pollstar.com/2024/02/05/pollstar-live-2024-hub/

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About Pollstar:   

Since its founding in 1981, Pollstar, The Voice of Live, has been the premier trade publication dedicated to covering the worldwide concert industry. Pollstar data is the leading resource for the touring industry encompassing box office numbers, routing, and directories. Pollstar produces a weekly magazine, publishes daily content to Pollstar.com and its "Daily Pulse” e-newsletter, and executes the world’s largest gathering of live music industry professionals - Pollstar Live. Follow Pollstar on Facebook, Instagram, X, and LinkedIn.  

The show began at 7:30 P.M. with Vai playing a six song set including his long time band members Jeremy Colson (Drums) and Phil Bynoe (Bass). Vai’s set included two of his most iconic songs “Tender Surrender and “For the Love of God”. Before“Teeth of the Hydra,” Vai pulled off a sheet covering his famous Hydra guitar. Before being a solo artist, Vai already made a name for himself going back to the 80’s being in Frank Zappa’s band, Whitesnake, Alcatrazz, and David Lee Roth’s first solo band following his departure from Van Halen. 

Eric Johnson would play next. When it comes to legendary Texas guitarists you think of Stevie Ray and Jimmie Vaughan from Dallas, TX and from Austin, TX there’s none other than Eric Johnson. Johnson performed eight songs beginning with Chris Kenner’s “Land of 1000 Dances. Eric Johnson performed John Coltrane’s “Impressions” after two songs. Johnson would then pay tribute to the great Jeff Beck with “Freeway Jam” which was the opening song on Beck’s final tour. Johnson would follow with one of his biggest songs “Desert Rose” then a guitar solo leading into “Cliffs of Dover” and concluded with “Venus Reprise.” 

Satriani the founder of G3 has done a total of 20 G3 tours across the globe. A few of Satriani’s students were Kirk Hammett (Metallica), Andy Timmons, Ler (Primus), Alex Skolnick (Testament), and of course Steve Vai. Satriani shared the story of Vai showing up for lessons as a kid and having a guitar in one hand and strings in the other. Satriani found major success with his second album Surfing With the Alien and just a year later would be Mick Jagger’s first solo guitarist. Between 1989 and 2008, Satriani received 15 Grammy nominations all for Best Rock Instrumental Performance. In 1993 Satriani would become Deep Purple’s guitar following Ritchie Blackmore’s second departure before Steve Morse would be a permanent replacement. Fast forward to 2008 Satriani formed Chickenfoot with ex-Van Halen members Sammy Hagar and Michael Anthony and Red Hot Chili Peppers’ drummer Chad Smith. Smith and Glenn Hughes showed up as surprise guests at the last Orpheum show in 2018. When Smith was unavailable for Chickenfoot shows, Kenny Aronoff filled in. Aronoff has recorded with a long list of iconic artists most notably John Mellencamp which he did 10 albums with and was his live drummer. Aronoff and bassist Bryan Beller (The Aristocrats/Dethklok) were with Satriani on this tour. Beller has been with Satriani over the past decade. Now in 2024 Satriani will be touring again with Hagar and Anthony with the addition of Jason Bonahm for a tour celebrating Hagar’s time with Van Halen. 

Satriani performed eight songs, three from Surfing With the Alien which were the title track, “Satch Boogie,” and “Always With Me, Always With You. ZZ Satriani who was filming the show for the documentary picked up a guitar to join in for “Summer Song” the last song before the finale. Joe Satriani then invited Johnson and Vai back to the stage for Cream’s “Crossroads” which comes from Robert Johnson’s ‘Crossroad Blues.” This show wouldn’t be complete without honoring the greatest Rock guitarist of all Jimi Hendrix. The finale continued with “Spanish Castle Magic,” and Steppenwolf’s “Born to Be Wild.” Satriani would then bring out Jason Richardson for Alabama State Troupers’ “Going Down” and Alice Cooper guitarist Nita Strauss would join for the grand finale of Jimi Hendrix’s “Foxy Lady.” On Night two Plini, Dethklok’s Brendon Small, and Bon Jovi guitarist Phil X would guest on the last two songs.

In 2022, Adams released his 15th album So Happy It Hurts and this tour began in January that year. Since his self-titled debut album in 1980, Adams has had 25 top-15 singles in and five number one albums in Canada and has sold over 75 million albums and singles worldwide. Before Adams took the stage a car was flying around like Pink Floyd’s famous flying pig. Adams’ band includes guitarist Keith Scott who has been with Adams since his third album Cuts Like a Knife, drummer Pat Steward returned to the band in 2021 and first recorded with Adams on his fourth album Reckless and played on the major hit “Summer of ‘69,” keyboardist Gary Breit joined the band in 2002 and has recorded with Adams’ since 2004’s Room Service, and bassist Solomon Walker since 2017. 

Adams played a set of 27 songs over two hours which included all the hits like “Somebody,” “Heaven,” “(Everything I do) I Do It for You,” “Summer of 69’,” and “Cuts Like a Knife” was the last song before the two song encore of “Straight From the Heart” and “All for Love,” which were both performed by Adams acoustically. The fan requests which came before the end of the set were  “One Night Love Affair” and “All for Love.”

Celebrating the best in the business with a garden gala, the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) did not disappoint with their annual pre-GRAMMY nominee luncheon. Despite intermittent threats of historic rainfall and chaotic road conditions, there’s was a flawless, fun, and classy event enjoyed by all.

President and Board Chairman Paul Williams, CEO Elizabeth Matthews. and ASCAP Senior Vice President of Membership (and ASCAP Foundation Executive Director) Nicole George-Middleton were all on hand to celebrate GRAMMY nominees including Lenny Kravitz (on the heels of receiving a Global Impact Award at the third annual Recording Academy Honors), Kelsea Ballerini, Carly Pearce, Dan Nigro, Theron Thomas, Deputy, and others. Guests included Ashley Gorley, Autumn Rowe, Blessing Offor, Cimafunk, Fito Páez, Emily Warren, Natalia Lafourcade, Patti Austin, Shawn “Clown” Crahan of Slipknot, and many more. Deejays D-Nice and DJ MOS did a fabulous job and had the room grooving and shaking, with spontaneous singalong moments sprinkled in that added to the jovial energy of the space.

With membership at almost 1,000,000 global songwriters, composers and music publishers representing the leading creative talents of today, ASCAP remains the only non-profit performing rights organization in the United States. Licensing a repertoire of over 19 million pieces of work to streaming, television, radio and satellite, platforms, as well as retail, hotel, club and bar businesses, ASCAP puts creators first by collecting licensing fees, and matching and processing annual performances in the trillions.

Following the annual nominee celebration, ASCAP members won GRAMMY Awards in 52 categories. More at: https://bit.ly/3SBldAM

• Andrea Beenham

Photo Credit: Lester Cohen / Getty Images for ASCAP

Steven Tyler’s annual Grammy viewing party benefiting his Janie’s Fund foundation returned to the Hollywood Palladium Sunday with a performance from the Black Crowes (2/4). Last year the party had been canceled and in 2022 took place at the Palladium for the first time with a performance from Miley Cyrus. Previously the party was held at Raleigh Studios. In 2020 Aerosmith were Musicares Person of the Year honorees and Grammy performers and the whole band arrived to the carpet before the Grammys and played the event the previous year. However this week Los Angeles, CA has been receiving record breaking rains. The carpet did start on time and there were many stars that walked down. The carpet was covered leading up the entrance of the Palladium. The event presented by Live Nation was the fifth one to take place since 2018. 

The artists that walked the carpet in addition to one of Rock N’ Rolls most iconic frontmen Steven Tyler were Sammy Hagar, Black Crowes frontman Chris Robinson, former Guns N’ Roses/ Hollywood Vampires drummer Matt Sorum and his wife Ace Harper, The Cult guitarist Billy Duffy, former Rod Stewart guitarist Stevie Salas, Public Enemy’s Flavor Flav,  Rolling Stones’ backing singer Bernard Fowler, Godsmack frontman Sully Erna,  Evan and Ashlee Simpson Ross, Korn guitarist James ‘Munky Shaffer’ and wife Evis Xehenti , Gavin DeGraw, Winery Dogs guitarist Richie Kotzen and Vixen bassist Julia Lage, Miles Richie and Malcolm McRae. 

The celebrities included Melissa Joan Hart, Zooey Deschanel, Kelsey and Kayte Grammer, Breckin Myer and Kelly Rizzo, Nikki Glaser, Jordan Belfort, and  Paul Mitchell and Patron co-founder John-Paul DeJoria.

The production features Peter Hargrave as “Scar,” Gerald Ramsey as “Mufasa,” Mukelisiwe Goba as “Rafiki,” Nick Cordileone as “Timon,” Nick LaMedica as “Zazu,” John E. Brady as “Pumbaa,” Darian Sanders as “Simba,” Khalifa White as “Nala,” Forest VanDyke as “Banzai,” Martina Sykes as “Shenzi” and Robbie Swift as “Ed,” with “Young Simba” alternating between Mason Lawson and Julian Villela and the role of “Young Nala” alternates between Jaxyn Damasco and Aniya Simone.

Now spanning three decades since the original 1994 animated film, the legacy of The Lion King--story, music, performances, adaptations--transcends generations. What is so unique to experiencing the Lion King musical live and in-person, is that the audience is transported to the Sahara and Pride Rock through the scale of its sets, beauty and artisanship in the costumes, and especially the authenticity of the African inspiration with additions of traditional songs chanted in Swahili.

From Rafiki's opening call to usher in "The Circle of Life," the theater welcomes the animals: puppeteered gazelles, antelopes, flying birds, stilt-driven giraffes and the multi-manned (though the cast is largely balanced and diverse) elephants, all entering from every aisle to see the presentation of protagonist Simba. If lucky enough, try to select a seat near an aisle to fully appreciate the details of the animal characters who will sing and interact as they make their way to and from the stage. The humanity under the masks is what keeps The Lion King compelling and timeless.

In Costa Mesa, The Lion King will play Tuesdays through Fridays at 7:30 PM, Saturdays at
2:00 PM and 7:30 PM, and Sundays at 1:00 PM and 6:30 PM.

Tickets are available at the Segerstrom Center for the Arts Box Office, by calling (714) 556-2787 Monday-Friday 10 AM to 5 PM, or at SCFTA.org.

Led by vocalist Chris Vos, the GRAMMY nominated trio is touring in support of their fourth album called, you guessed it: The 4th Album. With Mark Cazorla on drums and Alex Stiff on bass, the small but mighty band covers a lot of sonic ground. 

The Record Company first made a name for themselves with their debut release, Give It Back To You. The album was nominated for Best Contemporary Blues Album at the 2017 GRAMMY Awards and, though it lost, such prestigious recognition set the band up for success. The 4th Album is the group’s first release under a new, indie record label (Round Hill Records) and truly provided them the creative freedom to produce a sound that feels most authentic to them.

Even in the first few songs of the night, it’s instrumental whiplash, but in the best of ways. Vos alternated between an acoustic, electric, lap steel, pedal steel, and harmonica creating a sound so distinctly theirs. He commanded the stage with his signature hype-man hops and had the crowd locked in on his harmonica licks. Stiff and Carzola aren’t to be overlooked, as their synchronicity lays the groundwork for bluesy riffs and adlibs. 

Fans enjoyed well-loved hits such as “Rita Mae Young” and “Off the Ground,” and embraced the new material with open arms. “Dance on Mondays” had the floor shaking and “I Found Heaven (In My Darkest Days)” had even the most lock-kneed folks swaying. 

If there’s one thing that The Record Company gets right, it’s their “roll with it” attitude. Through their ups and downs, from label to label and record to record, they’ve managed to stay true to the spirit. The Roll With It Tour is just our opportunity to tag along.

To learn more and to buy tickets to a show near you, visit https://therecordcompany.net. 

SETLIST:

1. Life to Fix
2. Hard Day Coming Down
3. Patterns
4. On the Move
5. Rita Mae Young
6. Control My Heart Blues
7. I Found Heaven (In My Darkest Days)
8. In the Mood For You
9. Highway Lady
10. How High
11. Turn Me Loose
12. Give it Back to You
13. Talk to Me
14. Dance on Mondays
15. Off the Ground
16. I’m Getting Better (And I’m Feeling It Right Now)
17. Tallahassee Lassie

BMI (Broadcast Music, Inc.) invited some of the industry’s biggest talents to its Los Angeles office for a gathering celebrating its family of 2024 GRAMMY nominees on Wednesday, January 31st. The event saw BMI songwriters, composers, producers, and other music creators nominated across multiple categories including Songwriter of the Year, Non-Classical, Producer of the Year, Non-Classical, Album of the Year, Song of the Year, Best R&B Song, Best Compilation Soundtrack for Visual Media and several others come together to toast these great achievements. 

Celebrated BMI songwriters Mark Ronson and Andrew Wyatt, accompanied by Matt Sweeney on rhythm guitar and backing vocals, performed an acoustic rendition of their Best Song Written for Visual Media hit “I’m Just Ken [From Barbie: The Album] to a packed room of their peers. In addition to its GRAMMY nod, the song, performed by actor Ryan Gosling in the film, has received additional nominations from the Golden Globe Awards, Society of Composers & Lyricists Awards, the Academy Awards and several others. In January, “I’m Just Ken” won Best Song at the 29^th Critics’ Choice Awards.

Other GRAMMY nominated attendees included Edgar Barrera, "Weird Al" Yankovic, BMI Icon Ana Bárbara, Jean and Marcus Baylor of The Baylor Project, Lupita Infante, Rob Bisel, Juan Winans and more. The evening was capped off by BMI’s EVP, Chief Revenue & Creative Officer Mike Steinberg, commending BMI’s amazing roster of incomparable talent and wishing them the very best of luck at Sunday’s big GRAMMY ceremony. 

Visit bmi.com for more.

We Are Moving The Needle, a non-profit organization that is radically reshaping the future of the recording industry by advancing gender equity for producers and engineers, held its inaugural Resonator Awards in Los Angeles last night, honoring six extraordinary women for their work in the recording studio as producers, engineers and mixers: Alanis Morissette, Corinne Bailey Rae, Caroline Polachek, Catherine Marks, Laura Sisk and Jennifer Decilveo. Resonator Impact Awards were also presented to music executives Michael Goldstone of Mom+Pop Music and Christine Thomas of Dolby Labs for their commitment to advancing gender equity across the music industry. Shirley Manson, boygenius, Jack Antonoff, Ariel Rechtshaid, FLETCHER, Autumn Rowe and We Are Moving the Needle founder/award-winning mastering engineer Emily Lazar were on hand to present the awards. 

The evening also featured stripped-down performances by Empress Of, Sasami, and a fiery cover of Morissette’s hit "Hand In My Pocket" by Remi Wolf. SiriusXM on-air personality and creator of the LSQ podcast Jenny Eliscu hosted the Resonator Awards, which were empowered by EqualizeHer. Artists, producers and music industry executives filled the audience at the Resonator Awards, including Thundercat, Bethany Cosentino, Christina Perri, Terrace Martin, Robert Glasper, Lisa Loeb, Shailene Woodley, and more.