IQ 87: Special end-of-decade issue out now

Optimism about the future of the live entertainment business is high as we enter a new decade, with business leaders predicting further global growth throughout the 2020s in IQ’s end-of-decade issue, which is now available to read online.

Issue #87 sees IQ host a ‘virtual panel’ with some of the industry’s most important execs – including CAA’s Emma Banks, Oak View Group’s Tim Leiweke, Artist Group International’s Marsha Vlasic and Frontier Touring’s Michael Gudinski – as they reflect on the 2010s while offering their predictions for the decade ahead.

Move Concerts’ Phil Rodriguez, another panellist, says he sees opportunities in “consolidation on all fronts – promotion, venues and ticketing”, while Banks is looking to Asia, explaining that while China is “still not an easy market”, the potential for “certain acts” is huge. (If you can’t wait for the online version, read more on page 38.)

Covering the final IQ of the 2010s is Stormzy, as shot at Glastonbury by legendary rock photographer Jill Furmanovsky, who explains the story behind the photo in an online Q&A, published today.

IQ 87 also sees the return of the annual European Festival Report, which finds a mixed picture characterised by increased ticket prices, falling attendances and lower capacities; and The Gaffer award, which goes to John ‘Lug’ Zajonc, production manager for Metallica.

Issue #87 sees IQ host a ‘virtual panel’ with some of the industry’s most important execs

Elsewhere, Derek Robertson goes on tour with Dido to learn about the British star’s touring comeback, while Adam Woods heads to Russia for this issue’s market report.

There’s also everything you need to know about the Game of Live – aka ILMC 32 – ahead of the conference’s return to the Royal Garden Hotel in London in March.

All that, plus your usual dose of news analysis, new signings, emerging tech, comment from industry experts and much more.

As always, most content from the magazine will appear online in some form over the next few months. However, if you can’t wait for your fix of essential live music industry features, opinion and analysis, click here to subscribe now.

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