25th Arthur Awards: all the winners
The 25th anniversary of the Arthur Awards, the international live music industry’s answer to the Oscars, took place at London’s Sheraton Grand Park Lane last night.
The awards – which have a voting pool of over 6,000 of the world’s leading concert business professionals – took place in front of a 350-strong sell-out crowd at the magical ILMC Gala Hou-dinner.
Glastonbury’s Ben Challis hosted the special anniversary ceremony, which saw a line up of guest presenters including WME Entertainment partner Michele Bernstein and WME agent Kara James.
X-ray Touring partner Steve Strange, Artist Group International president Marsha Vlasic and NEC Group chairman Phil Mead were among the list of guest presenters.
“It was wonderful to see the great and good of the international live business rubbing shoulders to recognise their peers”
“The 25th Arthur Awards were an amazing celebration of the talent we have in our industry, which brings joy to so many millions around the world,” says ILMC head Greg Parmley.
“With thousands of votes cast and counted, it was wonderful to see the great and good of the international live business rubbing shoulders to recognise their peers.”
The full list of winners are below:
Venue (First Venue To Come Into Your Head)
Royal Albert Hall, UK
Promoter (The Promoters’ Promoter)
Folkert Koopmans, FKP Scorpio
Festival (Liggers’ Favourite Festival)
British Summer Time Hyde Park, UK
Agent (Second Least Offensive Agent)
Lucy Dickins, ITB
Production Services (Services Above and Beyond)
PRG
Professional Services (Most Professional Professional)
Selina Emeny, Live Nation
New Gig on the Block (New Event)
Mad Cool Festival, Spain
Assistant (The People’s Assistant)
Claire Bewers, Coda Agency
Ticketing (The Golden Ticket)
CTS Eventim
New Business Talent (Tomorrow’s New Boss)
Kevin Jergensen, ICM Partners
Best in Show (Family Show)
Cirque du Soleil
The Bottle Award
Bryan Grant, Britannia Row
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Countdown to the Arthurs 2019: Amber McKenzie
He might look as if he’s been around the block a few times, but 2019 marks Arthur’s 25th birthday, so to celebrate his landmark silver anniversary, we contacted some past winners of the coveted statuette, awarded annually at the International Live Music Conference (ILMC) in London.
As well as learning what the arrival of Arthur meant to their professional lives (and where he resides in their homes and offices), we asked our alumni to share their hopes and dreams for the future; their most memorable ILMC and Gala Dinner moments; and what new Arthur category they might like to see in our annual awards show.
This time, following Live Nation/Ticketmaster’s Joanna Young, is International Talent Booking’s (ITB) Amber McKenzie who won the People’s Assistant award in 2016…
Winning The People’s Assistant award delivered me a very large hangover and a great big smile on my face.
Arthur lives on my bookshelf next to a MOBO Award and Man of the Match cricket trophy that I won when I worked at LD Communications back in the day.
The most memorable gala dinner is easy – it’s the year David Hasselhoff turned up and walked onto the stage to the Baywatch theme. He had some rather interesting slippers on that night.
“My greatest hope for the future is that the live music industry workforce finally begins to reflect the diverse audiences that watch our acts”
If you were to create a new Arthur category, it should be the ‘Not Enough Budget’ festival booker award.
My predictions for the future? Well, most people who know me would say I’m quite good at rubbing balls but unfortunately not crystal ones. So I’ll pass on that one.
But my greatest hope for the future is that the live music industry workforce finally begins to reflect the diverse audiences that go and watch our acts at all the shows, gigs and festivals. I also hope that all live music in whatever format will be accessible to everyone. Oh, and that Biffy headline Glastonbury.
Other previous the People’s Assistant award winners include Eliza-Jane Oliver, Sarah Donovan, Samantha Henfrey, Clare Utting, Charlie Renton, Sandra McCarthy and Prue Almond.
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Countdown to the Arthurs 2019: Lucy Noble
He might look as if he’s been around the block a few times, but 2019 marks Arthur’s 25th birthday, so to celebrate his landmark silver anniversary, we contacted some past winners of the coveted statuette, awarded annually at the International Live Music Conference (ILMC) in London.
As well as learning what the arrival of Arthur meant to their professional lives (and where he resides in their homes and offices), we asked our alumni to share their hopes and dreams for the future; their most memorable ILMC and Gala Dinner moments; and what new Arthur category they might like to see in our annual awards show.
Following yesterday’s contribution from MGR Touring’s Gillian Park, it’s time for Lucy Noble, artistic and commercial director of five-time venue of the year (aka the First Venue to Come Into Your Head), the Royal Albert Hall, to offer her thoughts.
We’re delighted to get this industry recognition so many times, it’s a real honour and it feels so rewarding to know the impact we have with both customers and industry. Part of what makes the Hall such an exciting place to work is the diversity of the artists and partners that come through the door – it’s that constantly evolving troupe that lets us reach so many different audiences, and helps us to achieve this recognition.
We keep our Arthurs in our main boardroom, overlooking the 1851 memorial to Prince Albert, which may soon be replaced with a 20ft “Arthur” statue. It’s great to have them there anyway, as they watch over our plans for the future.
The amazing thing we find about this industry is that everyone has become a friend in some way. We really find that the networking is the most important part of ILMC, so it’s always fantastic to meet new people, and catch up with old friends.
“We really find that the networking is the most important part of ILMC, so it’s always fantastic to meet new people, and catch up with old friends”
Frankly, there are so many brilliant teams working at venues around the world, and we’d love to see a new Arthur to spotlight some of behind the scenes. But we would say that, wouldn’t we.
Looking ahead to the next decade, people’s expectations of live events are going to be higher than ever, so we’re looking to constantly measure and adapt – from the moment a customer hears about an event, to their purchase path, the visit itself and the show production, to the ways we communicate with them afterwards. Technology is allowing the industry to present and promote in so many new ways, whether that’s in the brilliant productions on stage, or the touch-points around that, so we’re going to keep pushing those boundaries ourselves to keep delivering those unforgettable experiences.
We’re hoping to keep seeing young people engaging with music – whether at school or at home, by listening, performing or writing. It’s great to see how technology can help people share their experiences, but at the same time we’d like to see fewer phones at events – for audiences to shift that focus back to the live moment and the experience itself.
Other previous First Venue to Come Into Your Head award winners include the O2 Arena, 02 Academy Brixton, Wembley Arena, Ahoy Rotterdam, Colorline Arena, Earls Court, SECC, Saku Suurhall, Paradiso and Shepherds Bush Empire.
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Countdown to the Arthurs 2019: Joanna Young
He might look as if he’s been around the block a few times, but 2019 marks Arthur’s 25th birthday, so to celebrate his landmark silver anniversary, we contacted some past winners of the coveted statuette, awarded annually at the International Live Music Conference (ILMC) in London.
As well as learning what the arrival of Arthur meant to their professional lives (and where he resides in their homes and offices), we asked our alumni to share their hopes and dreams for the future; their most memorable ILMC and Gala Dinner moments; and what new Arthur category they might like to see in our annual awards show.
Up next, following Royal Albert Hall’s Lucy Noble, is Live Nation/Ticketmaster’s Joanna Young, who won Tomorrow’s New Boss (then called New Business Talent), in 2016…
Winning the Tomorrow’s New Boss award is, to this day, one of the highlights of my career. I was so shocked to have won as I was up against so many incredible people. It really was a great feeling.
I keep my Arthur on my mantelpiece! I was so happy to have got him home after the awards that night in one piece that I haven’t moved him since.
Winning the award was so mad and unexpected that I was completely lost for words (which never happens). I wanted to dedicate the award to my amazing team (at the time the Live Nation UK marketing team) and to younger people in the industry working their arses off. That award is one of the few industry-recognised awards out there for those working their way up the ladder and I was aware of how lucky I was to even have been nominated. I wasn’t anywhere near as eloquent as I would have liked but I was truly grateful (and totally overwhelmed).
“My greatest hope for the future is that the next resurgence of rock’n’roll hurries up”
One of the best things about ILMC is sitting in a room with people from across the industry that all have different priorities and viewpoints – listen and absorb it all! The Q&A sections at the end of the sessions are often the most illuminating as you’re able to see the vastly different perspectives of the varying countries and parts of the industry. It has been invaluable for me, working in an international role now, to truly understand and appreciate the different, and similar, needs different markets have towards ticketing, and attitudes towards data-driven marketing.
Looking toward the next decade, identity based ticketing will become the norm, enabling us all to deliver incredible, tailored, safe live events, as well as signalling to marketers who is actually at the show rather than who bought the tickets. In turn, this means we should be able to increase the usefulness and creativity of our marketing as it becomes more personalised and relevant to each and every fan.
My greatest hope for the future is that the next resurgence of rock’n’roll hurries up. That Brexit doesn’t happen. That this industry works hard to implement actionable changes and schemes to ensure diversity is represented all the way up to board level.
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Countdown to the Arthurs 2019: Gillian Park
He might look as if he’s been around the block a few times, but 2019 marks Arthur’s 25th birthday, so to celebrate his landmark silver anniversary, we contacted some past winners of the coveted statuette, awarded annually at the International Live Music Conference (ILMC) in London.
As well as learning what the arrival of Arthur meant to their professional lives (and where he resides in their homes and offices), we asked our alumni to share their hopes and dreams for the future; their most memorable ILMC and Gala Dinner moments; and what new Arthur category they might like to see in our annual awards show.
Following yesterday’s reflections from Coda agent Natasha Bent, MGR Touring’s Gillian Park – who was crowned the Most Professional Professional (the award for professional services) last year and in 2013– weighs in…
Getting the Most Professional Professional Arthur truly means a huge amount! It’s the people I’m working with day in, day out who vote, and I know I drive them mad, so it’s good to know I must be doing something right.
I keep one of my Arthurs in the downstairs loo. The other was in my office but it was on the shelf behind me and I felt like I was being watched, so he’s back home as well now.
The most memorable moment for me at the Gala Dinner was, of course, hearing my name called out as the winner of the Most Professional Professional Arthur! And the Hoff putting in an appearance. Obviously.
“It’s lovely when someone comes up and introduces themselves to you because they’ve seen you on the stage collecting your award”
To be able to put faces to names and email addresses is invaluable. Especially for us bean counters! It lets people know that we really are human (I wouldn’t go as far as saying “normal”, but we’re definitely human). So, to meet the promoters, agents and managers you work with throughout the year is great. It’s lovely when someone comes up and introduces themselves to you because they’ve seen you on the stage collecting your award.
If I were to add a new Arthur, the answer is simple: there should be a ‘tour manager’ category.
If I could see into the future, I would already have won 120 million on Euromillions and be living on my own private Caribbean island by now – come on! When that day comes, Arthur will be coming with me, of course. But when it comes to hopes and dreams for the future, number one is that Brexit is cancelled (I know that by the time this goes to print, we should know one way or another but today is the Brexit vote in Parliament). Failing that, please refer to the answer above re: lottery win.
Other previous Most Professional Professional winners include Selina Emeny, Ben Challis, Martin Goebbels, Tina Richard, David Bishop, Willie Robertson and Bob Taylor.
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Countdown to the Arthurs 2019: Natasha Bent
He might look as if he’s been around the block a few times, but 2019 marks Arthur’s 25th birthday, so to celebrate his landmark silver anniversary, we contacted some past winners of the coveted statuette, awarded annually at the International Live Music Conference (ILMC) in London.
As well as learning what the arrival of Arthur meant to their professional lives (and where he resides in their homes and offices), we asked our alumni to share their hopes and dreams for the future; their most memorable ILMC and Gala Dinner moments; and what new Arthur category they might like to see in our annual awards show.
Following yesterday’s contribution by tour manager Andy Franks, it’s the turn of Coda’s Natasha Bent – who won agent of the year (aka the Second Least Offensive Agent) last year, after being named Tomorrow’s New Boss at ILMC 22 in 2010…
Winning the Second Least Offensive Agent award meant the world. It’s a vote, support and recognition from your peers and I will never take it for granted. Being a mother, I feel a responsibility to lead and show what’s possible.
I keep Arthur in my home office. Being a mum of two, I have a great set-up at home, as well as at Coda.
My most memorable moment from the Gala Dinner and Arthur Awards over the years was winning Tomorrow’s New Boss and the celebrations that happened after…
I would say my biggest achievement and memory from ILMC is hosting the gender panel – an issue incredibly important and close to my heart. Those that were on the panel I hold in high regard and I was so pleased with how it went. The women that spoke to me after the session, thanking me for hosting the panel and explaining the effect it had on them, shows just how powerful it was.
“I’m hoping for … there to be actual positive change within companies and at live events. It’s our problem to solve”
If there were to be a new Arthur category, it should be a personal one… something that credits respect, relationships, ethics and making positive change to the industry.
I’m excited by the future. I think it will bring faster changes to the industry across records, streaming, technology, live experiences and so forth. ILMC needs to keep being at the forefront of this. I’m hoping for equality to continue to be an open and important discussion and for there to be actual positive change within companies and at live events. It’s our problem to solve.
My greatest hope for the future would be equality, kindness, respect, good mentoring, fairness, giving back and incredible shows!
Other previous Second Least Offensive Agent award winners include Steve Strange, John Giddings, Geoff Meall, Rob Challice, Emma Banks, Steve Zapp, Mike Greek, Barry Dickins, Dave Chumbley, Ian Huffam, Paul Franklin, Carl Leighton-Pope, Ben Winchester and Martin Hopewell.
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Countdown to the Arthurs 2019: Andy Franks
He might look as if he’s been around the block a few times, but 2019 marks Arthur’s 25th birthday, so to celebrate his landmark silver anniversary, we contacted some past winners of the coveted statuette, awarded annually at the International Live Music Conference (ILMC) in London.
As well as learning what the arrival of Arthur meant to their professional lives (and where he resides in their homes and offices), we asked our alumni to share their hopes and dreams for the future; their most memorable ILMC and Gala Dinner moments; and what new Arthur category they might like to see in our annual awards show.
First up: Andy Franks, tour manager and co-founder of Music Support, the mental health charity for the UK music industry, who won the Gaffer award – then known as Plumber of the Year – in 2006, 2008 and 2012…
Winning Plumber of the Year has certainly increased the number of calls I get to fix blocked drains and cracked water pipes… It was actually very nice to get recognition from members of our community to say “well done”. We all get on with the jobs we are given but to be recognised is a great feeling and very much appreciated.
I had a number of house moves recently, and although Arthur is in my office, he is in three pieces – does anyone know a good production manager who can help fix it?
The Gala Dinner and Arthur Awards is always a great place to meet with all your fellow professionals. It’s usually more full of agents and promoters than production staff but I think there is never a dull moment when Chuggy [Michael Chugg] is there, with or without his wheelchair!
To get so many people from all over the world in a room together to meet and say “hi” and break bread is fantastic. It is a great chance to meet the people you only see once or twice a year, all at once. Great to see Thomas [Johansson] and Tor [Nielsen], Robert Grima, Marek [Lieberberg], Chuggy, of course, and people like Attie van Wyk or Marty Diamond.
“To get so many people from all over the world in a room together to meet and say ‘hi’ and break bread is fantastic”
If there was going to be a new Arthur, I’d suggest the ‘Spare a Euro for a Cuppa’ award for the best charitable initiative, or for setting up a charitable/awareness event.
As we move into the next decade, I think we will see virtual ticketing take over – and blockchain purchasing. Productions will get more extravagant, with visual and holograms playing a big part. I will definitely retire as I am getting too old for all this…
I hope that this wonderful business can get more people to work together in partnership. But mostly to look after the welfare of those around them, to support the charitable aspects of the business and to look after those more vulnerable and less capable than themselves.
Other previous Plumber of the Year/The Gaffer winners include Chris Marsh, Tony Gittins, Arthur Kemish, Jason Danter, Bill Leabody, Jesse Sandler, Jason Danter, Chris Kansy, Wob Roberts, Mike Scobie, Chrissy Uerlings, Jake Berry, Steve Martin, Henry McGroggan, Steve Levitt, Lee Charteris, Edwin Shirley, Bryan Grant and Sophie Ridley.
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