Arthur Awards 2025: All nominees revealed
The list of nominees for the Arthur Awards 2025, the live music industry’s favourite and most established awards, has been revealed.
The awards and Gala Dinner will return to the Royal Lancaster Hotel in London on Thursday 27 February 2025, as part of the International Live Music Conference (ILMC).
Compered by CAA’s London co-head Emma Banks, the awards will honour 10 industry trailblazers in front of 500 of the world’s top live professionals.
Gongs will be awarded to the top promoter, agent, venue, festival, ticketer, assistant, industry champion, production service, professional service and young executive.
The awards will honour 10 industry trailblazers in front of 500 of the world’s top live professionals
The finalists were chosen by a jury of 150 leading professionals, and the winners will be decided by a combination of a voting process and a jury of industry peers.
This year’s list is as internationally diverse as ever, with finalists ranging from Caio Jacob from 30e (Brazil) to Cameron Hoy from TEG (Australia) and Snorri Ástráðsson from Garcia Events (Iceland).
Companies on the finalists’ lists include Wasserman Music, Live Nation, AEG Presents, Ticketmaster, Oak View Group, Wizard Live, FKP Scorpio and more.
Last year’s winners include Marsha Vlasic, Tom Schroeder (Wasserman Music), Bhavika Patel (Ticketmaster), Steve Homer (AEG Presents) and Andrea Myers (Live Nation).
The awards and Gala Dinner, sponsored by ASM Global, begins with a champagne reception followed by a five-star, four-course feast prepared by award-winning chefs, and a selection of fine wines.
The events form part of the ILMC 37, which will host around 2,500 top live executives from across the world at the five-star Royal Lancaster Hotel in London, from 25–28 February 2025.
See the full list of nominees for the Arthur Awards 2025, and cast your votes, here.
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O2 Silver Clef Awards raises £760k for charity
The 2024 edition of the O2 Silver Clef Awards has so far raised £760,000 and counting for Nordoff and Robbins, the UK’s largest music therapy charity.
The 48th instalment of the event took place last Friday (5 July) at the Grosvenor House Hotel on London’s Park Lane, presented by Scottish radio DJ and television presenter Edith Bowman.
The likes of Blur, AC/DC, Chaka Khan, Mark Knopfler, Jessie Ware, Loyle Carner, Texas, The 1975, Ezra Collective, Jacob Collier, Cat Burns and Young Fathers were among the award winners.
Blur were honoured with the flagship O2 Silver Clef Award, AC/DC won the Legend Award, Chaka Khan walked away with the Global Impact Award and Mark Knopfler received the Music Icon Award.
Jessie Ware won Best Female, Loyle Carner took home the Best Male Award, The 1975 were crowned Best Group and Texas received the Outstanding Achievement Award.
In addition, Jacob Collier picked up the Innovation in Music Award, Cat Burns received the Best New Music Award, Ezra Collective won the Contemporary Music Award and Young Fathers received Best Live Act.
Guest award presenters included Mica Paris, Clara Amfo, Jamie Cullum, Chris Evans, Annie Mac, Athian Akec and SJM Concerts’ Simon Moran.
Money raised from the O2 Silver Clef Awards will support Nordoff and Robbins’ trained music therapists in reaching those living with autism, dementia, learning difficulties, brain injuries, life-limiting illnesses, mental health challenges, grief and trauma; helping them to connect and communicate through music.
“Music really does heal”
Earlier this year, CAA’s Emma Banks was appointed chair of Nordoff and Robbins, with AEG Presents’ Lucy Noble supporting her as vice chair.
Banks told IQ: “It felt great on Friday to be in the room for the 02 Silver Clef Awards – we had changed the format a little and I think it landed well. Importantly we ended the day at about £760,000 and should be able to improve a bit by the time we close the books. I loved the passion that our award honourees brought to the event – such great, heartfelt speeches from people who totally understand our important mission and are so willing to help us.”
Gareth Griffiths, director, O2, adds: “We are incredibly proud of the money raised at this year’s O2 Silver Clef Awards. What a day celebrating the outstanding achievements of all the talented artists recognised this year. A special congratulations to blur for receiving the well-deserved O2 Silver Clef Award. Their contributions to the music industry have been nothing short of extraordinary, and we are honoured to be part of this momentous occasion. At O2, we are committed to supporting the music industry and look forward to continuing our partnership with Nordoff and Robbins to support more people through their incredible music therapy efforts across the nation.”
Alex James, Blur, says: “Making music with my brothers in blur has been one of the great gifts of my life. We are absolutely chuffed to receive the O2 Silver Clef Award and help raise awareness for Nordoff and Robbins, a brilliant organisation.”
Brian Johnson, AC/DC, adds: “We’re over the moon to receive the Amazon Music Legend Award. As a band, we’ve been dishing out our own brand of music therapy for the past five decades, so to hear all about how Nordoff and Robbins helps the young and the old with the power of music is something that we understand and salute. Thank you for this honour.”
Chaka Khan, comments: “Music has always been my solace, my strength, my voice, a gift. I’m grateful for this beautiful honour to be part of the Nordoff and Robbins creative community, where the power of music is used to transform, inspire, and bring love to the world. Music really does heal.”
Since 1976, the Silver Clef Awards have raised over £13.5 million for Nordoff and Robbins’ music therapy services and honoured some of the world’s biggest artists.
Stormzy, David Bowie, Ed Sheeran, Roger Waters, Paul McCartney, George Michael, Annie Lennox, Dame Shirley Bassey, Kylie Minogue, The Rolling Stones, Oasis and Coldplay are among previous award winners.
Next year’s edition of the O2 Silver Clef Awards will take place on a Wednesday (2 July 2025) for the first time.
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Date revealed for 2024 LIVE Awards
The 2024 LIVE Awards will take place on Wednesday 11 December at Troxy in East London, it has been confirmed.
The third annual event will welcome more than 600 guests from across the live music sector including promoters, venues, agents, festivals and artist managers.
Nominations, which can be submitted online will open on 8 July and close on 11 October. Shortlists for each category, which will be chosen by a panel of industry experts, will then be announced on 21 October.
Tables and individual seats for the awards are now available and include a drinks reception, dinner with wine and petit fours, three hours of complimentary drinks, and an afterparty.
UK-based ticketing company Skiddle has been announced as The LIVE Awards new headline sponsor, joining the event’s other primary sponsors Ticketmaster, PRS for Music, PPL and Equals Money.
“We are delighted to demonstrate our ongoing support for live music by becoming the headline sponsor and official ticketing partner of these important awards, which celebrate and recognise the individuals and companies doing amazing things across our sector,” says Duncan King, Skiddle’s head of festivals and partnerships.
“We will be recognising some of the biggest and most influential names in live music”
LIVE (Live music Industry Venues & Entertainment) is the voice of the UK’s live music and entertainment business, representing a federation of 16 live music industry associations.
“This year we will be taking The LIVE Awards to a new level with our production partners, who include LS Events, Universal Pixels, Lighthouse and James Wilson Events, building on the success of previous years,” adds Gaby Cartwright, head of partnerships for LIVE and The LIVE Awards. “We will be recognising some of the biggest and most influential names in live music and of course celebrating achievements from across the sector during the preceding 12 months.
“We are also really pleased to welcome Skiddle as our headline sponsors and ticketing partners this year. They are passionate advocates for live music and theirs and our other four primary partner’s support is much appreciated.”
As LIVE’s primary annual fundraising event, all proceeds from the awards will go towards directly supporting the trade body’s ongoing work engaging government on a range of sector issues, as well as supporting members to meet their sustainability goals while fostering a more diverse, equitable and inclusive working environment.
A limited amount of sponsorship opportunities are still available for this year’s LIVE Awards. Interested parties should contact Gaby Cartwright on [email protected] for more information.
Tickets for the LIVE Awards 2024 can be purchased here.
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Manchester’s Co-op Live to host 2024 MTV EMAs
The 2024 MTV EMAs will take place in Manchester, UK, it has been confirmed.
The annual show will broadcast from Manchester’s brand-new, purpose-built live entertainment arena Co-op Live on MTV in over 150 countries on Sunday, 10 November.
Now in its 30th year, it will mark the first time the event has been staged in the city, and also marks its return to the UK after seven years.
“Co-op Live has been designed from the ground up to offer, at its core, a truly exceptional live music and fan experience, and we are delighted to be hosting an event which epitomises what our venue stands for,” says Gary Roden, Co-op Live executive director and GM. “We are honoured to become part of the MTV EMAs story, and to cement Manchester’s standing within the global live entertainment industry.”
First held in Berlin, Germany in 1994, the EMAs were last staged in the UK at London’s OVO Arena Wembley in 2017.
“Manchester is a dynamic and innovative city with the infrastructure to deliver a live music event of the scale of the MTV EMAs”
“The MTV EMAs is one of the biggest global music celebrations, bringing together local and international artists to create iconic performances for fans around the world,” says Bruce Gillmer, president of music, music talent, programming & events, Paramount, and chief content officer, music, Paramount+. “With music at the very heart of Manchester’s rich creative heritage, this vibrant city – with the state-of-the-art Co-op Live – will guarantee a supercharged 2024 show.”
The show will additionally be available in multiple territories on Pluto TV and on-demand on Paramount+.
“Manchester is a dynamic and innovative city with the infrastructure to deliver a live music event of the scale of the MTV EMAs,” adds Lee Sears, president, international markets advertising sales. “We look forward to spotlighting this world-class destination – and the cutting-edge Co-op Live arena – on the global stage.”
The 2023 MTV EMAs were cancelled last October “out of an abundance of caution” amid the escalation of the Israel-Gaza conflict.
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Banks, Fogel, The O2 among Pollstar Awards winners
CAA’s Emma Banks, Live Nation’s Arthur Fogel and London’s The O2 were among the winners at the 35th annual Pollstar Awards, held last night (7 February) at the Wiltern in Los Angeles.
Banks and Fogel took the honours for International Booking Agent and International Promoter, respectively, while The O2 was named International Venue of the Year.
Taylor Swift’s Eras was crowned Major Tour of the Year and U2’s groundbreaking run at the Sphere in Las Vegas claimed Residency of the Year, with the Sphere also winning the prize for New Concert Venue of the Year (Over 5,000 Capacity).
In addition, Wasserman Music was awarded Booking Agency of the Year, Austin City Limits won Music Festival of the Year and the UK’s Glastonbury Festival emerged triumphant in the International Music Festival category.
North American victors included Louis Messina of Messina Touring Group (Promoter of the Year), Adam Kornfeld of Independent Artist Group (Agent), Austin’s Moody Center (Arena), the Hollywood Bowl (Outdoor Concert Venue) and LA’s SoFi Stadium (Stadium). Legendary agent Howard Rose, who worked with major artists including Elton John, also received the inaugural Pollstar Lifetime Achievement Award.
Plus, Jon Bon Jovi was presented with a Milestone Award during his keynote Q&A earlier in the day, while Sphere Entertainment executive chair and CEO James Dolan was recognised with the Visionary Award.
A full list of Pollstar Awards 2024 winners is below:
Major Tour of the Year
Taylor Swift, The Eras Tour
Rock Tour of the Year
Metallica, M72 World Tour
Hip-Hop Tour of the Year
Post Malone, If Y’all Weren’t Here, I’d Be Crying Tour
R&B Tour of the Year
Beyoncé, Renaissance World Tour
Pop Tour of the Year
P!nk, Summer Carnival Tour
Country Tour of the Year
Morgan Wallen, One Night At A Time Tour
Latin Tour of the Year
Karol G, Mañana Será Bonito Tour
Comedy Tour of the Year
Dave Chappelle, It’s a Celebration Tour
Support/Special Guest of the Year
Brandi Carlile, P!nk
Residency of the Year
U2, Sphere
Family, Event or Non-Music Tour of the Year
Cirque du Soleil – Corteo
New Headliner of the Year
Jelly Roll
Music Festival of the Year (Global; over 30,000 attendance)
Austin City Limits Music Festival, Austin, TX
Music Festival of the Year (Global; under 30,000 attendance)
The Ohana Festival, Dana Point, CA
International Music Festival of the Year
Glastonbury Festival, Somerset, UK
Nightclub of the Year
9:30 Club, Washington, DC
Theatre of the Year
Ryman Auditorium, Nashville, TN
Arena of the Year
Moody Center, Austin, TX
Red Rocks Award – Outdoor Concert Venue of the Year
Hollywood Bowl, Hollywood, CA
Stadium of the Year
SoFi Stadium, Inglewood, CA
Casino/Resort Venue of the Year
Mohegan Sun Arena, Uncasville, CT
New Concert Venue of the Year (Over 5,000 Capacity)
Sphere, Las Vegas, NV
New Concert Venue of the Year (Under 5,000 Capacity)
The Salt Shed, Chicago, IL
International Venue of the Year
The O2 Arena, London, UK
Venue Executive of the Year
Jeff Nickler, Moody Center, Austin, TX
Talent Buyer of the Year
Amy Corbin, C3 Presents
Small Venue Talent Buyer of the Year (Under 10,000 Capacity)
Donna Busch, Goldenvoice
Bill Graham Award – Promoter of the Year
Louis Messina, Messina Touring Group
International Promoter of the Year
Arthur Fogel, Live Nation Global Touring
Bobby Brooks Award – Agent of the Year
Adam Kornfeld, Independent Artist Group
International Booking Agent of the Year
Emma Banks, Creative Artists Agency
Booking Agency of the Year
Wasserman Music
Independent Booking Agency of the Year (Global)
High Road Touring
Rising Star Award
Molly Warren, Live Nation
Personal Manager of the Year
John Silva, Silva Artist Management
Road Warrior of the Year
Jerome Crooks, Tool, Duran Duran, Billie Eilish
Transportation Company of the Year
Rock-It Cargo
Concert Visuals Company of the Year
Bandit Lites
Concert Sound Company of the Year
Clair Global
Tour Services Company of the Year
Dega Catering
Brand Partnership/Live Campaign of the Year
AMC, Taylor Swift Eras Tour Theatrical Exhibition
Marketing/PR Executive of the Year
Allison McGregor, Creative Artists Agency
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European Festival Awards winners crowned
The 2023 European Festival Awards (EFAs) officially opened proceedings at Eurosonic Noorderslag last night, with hundreds of festival organisers and staff attending the ceremony in Groningen’s Oosterport venue in the Netherlands.
Hosted by A Greener Festival’s Claire O’Neill and IQ Magazine editor Gordon Masson, the 13th EFAs saw festivals from more than 30 countries participating and 300,000 votes cast by the public.
With live performances from Berry Galazka (PL), Kingfishr (IE) and Picture Parlour (UK), the event crowned Wasserman Music’s Tom Schroeder and Poland’s Alter Art as Agent and Promoter of the Year, respectively, while Lowlands promoter Eric van Eerdenburg collected the award for Excellence and Passion.
FKP Scorpio’s Hurricane Festival was named Best Major Festival, Slovakia’s Pohoda awarded Best Medium-Sized Festival and Germany’s Maifield Derby taking Best Small Festival. Other festivals recognised included Hungary’s Sziget (Take a Stand Award), the UK’s Glastonbury (Line-Up of the Year), Switzerland’s OpenAir St.Gallen (Event Safety Award) and Portugal’s Boom Festival (Green Operations Award).
However, the biggest cheer of the night was reserved for former Eurosonic conference chief Ruud Berends who was given the Lifetime Achievement award. Referring to his exit from the event, he noted, “Life is full of surprises,” before delivering an emotional speech to the festival awards audience.
“In our more and more money-driven industry and world, where shareholders rule, it is important not to forget who we are”
“Receiving a lifetime achievement award sort of sounds like the end of a career, but it is not for me. I am not done playing and I love what I do,” he said. “I do love working with and for my current clients and friends; especially IFF and Greg Parmley in London… Neill [Dixon] from Canadian Music Week in Toronto; Nuno & Rui from the lovely West Waylab in Guimaraes Portugal; and Ruth from the new So Alive Music Conference in Sofia. Thank you for your trust and let’s build something great together.”
He added: “In our more and more money-driven industry and world, where shareholders rule, it is important not to forget who we are, where we come from, how we started, our love for music, the artists and especially the emerging artists who really need our support… I am happy, proud and grateful receiving this life time achievement award, especially as it comes from the festival family.”
Organised by Yourope, the European festival association, the ceremony’s presenting partner was See Tickets, sponsors included EPS and 3F, and the media partner was IQ Magazine.
The full list of winners was as follows:
Take a Stand Award (Presented by Take a Stand): Sziget Festival, HU
Line-Up of the Year (Presented by IQ Magazine): Glastonbury, GB
Event Safety Award (Presented by YES Group): OpenAir St.Gallen, CH
Agent of the Year: Tom Schroeder, Wasserman Music
Best Small Festival: Maifeld Derby, DE
Newcomer of the Year (Presented by ESNS): Balming Tiger, KR
Brand Activation Award: Heroes & Hype Festivals & Unilever Axe, DE
Best Medium-Sized Festival: Pohoda Festival, SK
Green Operations Award (Presented by GO Group): Boom Festival, PT
Best Major Festival (Presented by See Tickets): Hurricane Festival, DE
Award for Excellence and Passion: Eric van Eerdenburg, NL
Promoter of the Year: Alter Art, PL
Lifetime Achievement Award: Ruud Berends, NL
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Germany’s LEA to be discontinued
Germany’s Live Entertainment Award (LEA) is to be discontinued and the organisation behind it dissolved, it has been announced.
First held in Hamburg in 2006, the ceremony had taken place at the Festhalle in Frankfurt since 2011 and grew into one of the industry’s most prestigious awards shows.
The LEA recognised excellence in the German live sector and was funded by the LEA Committee, which included the Federal Association of the Concert and Event Industry (BDKV) as well as a number of companies from the German event industry. Legendary promoter Fritz Rau served as the committee’s first president, with artist manager Dieter Weidenfeld holding the reins since 2010.
A jury of 24 experts, made up of media representatives and industry specialists from Germany, Austria and Switzerland, decided on the winners.
“Unfortunately, there was no offer from any direction, so the dissolution of the organisations was the result”
The LEA was last staged in June last year, when it was held as part of Frankfurt Fashion Week for the first time and attracted more than 1,000 guests. However, it has been decided to no longer hold the event following the departures of Weidenfeld, VP Lasse von Thien and MD Jens Michow, who was the longtime president of the BDKV up to last year.
The BDKV elected a new board 12 months ago, spearheaded by new president Sonia Simmenauer.
“Our goal was to create the conditions for the LEA to remain firmly connected to the BDKV in the future after Prof Michow resigned from office at the end of 2022,” says Weidenfeld. “This should have given our successors the opportunity to work out the future format of the event. Unfortunately, there was no offer from any direction, so the dissolution of the organisations was the result.”
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MTV EMAs cancelled out of ‘abundance of caution’
The 2023 MTV EMAs have been cancelled “out of an abundance of caution” amid the escalation of the Israel-Gaza conflict.
First held in Berlin, Germany in 1994, the annual awards show was due to take place in France at Paris Nord Villepinte on Sunday 5 November and broadcast live in more than 150 countries.
Around a dozen acts had been lined up to perform including Anne-Marie, David Guetta, Thirty Seconds to Mars, Jung Kook, Rema, Sabrina Carpenter and The Kid Laroi. Paris last hosted the awards in 1995.
“Given the volatility of world events, we have decided not to move forward with the 2023 MTV EMAs out of an abundance of caution for the thousands of employees, crew members, artists, fans, and partners who travel from all corners of the world to bring the show to life,” says a statement from awards organiser Paramount.
“As we watch the devastating events in Israel and Gaza continue to unfold, this does not feel like a moment for a global celebration”
As per the BBC, Palestinian health officials say more than 3,700 people have been killed in Gaza since Hamas attacked Israel on 7 October, killing more than 1,400 people. At least 260 people were killed after Hamas stormed trance music festival Supernova Sokkot as part of the coordinated offensive.
“The MTV EMAs are an annual celebration of global music,” adds the statement. “As we watch the devastating events in Israel and Gaza continue to unfold, this does not feel like a moment for a global celebration. With thousands of lives already lost, it is a moment of mourning. Voting is continuing and the winning artists will receive their MTV EMA Awards.”
Paramount adds that it is looking forward to hosting the MTV EMAs again in November 2024.
France has been on its highest security alert since the fatal stabbing of a schoolteacher in the town of Arras last week.
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Karsten Jahnke recognised at 2023 Arthur Awards
German concert legend Karsten Jahnke was honoured with the Bottle Award as the international live music business flocked to the biggest Arthur Awards yet.
With more than 400 professionals in attendance at ILMC’s new home, the five-star Royal Lancaster Hotel in London, it was the most well-attended Gala Dinner in the event’s history.
Reflecting this year’s focus on the Latin live music market, this edition took place as The ILMC Gala Fiesta & Arturo Awards, with AEG Presents’ Lucy Noble and A Greener Festival CEO Claire O’Neill standing in for CAA’s Emma Banks as hosts.
Eleven gongs were awarded in total, including the Bottle Award, which recognises an individual who has contributed greatly to the live music industry. Jahnke, founder of Germany’s renowned Karsten Jahnke Konzertdirektion, celebrated his 60th year in the business last year.
Elsewhere, the top promoter gong went to Kelly Chappel of Live Nation, while the ‘second least offensive agent’ category was won by Alex Bruford of ATC Live. The top festival award (Ligger’s Favourite Festival) went to Switzerland’s Montreux Jazz Festival.
“Many thanks to all the live music professionals at the 2023 ILMC Gala Dinner who helped make it the biggest edition in our long history”
“Congratulations to this year’s deserving Arthur winners, and many thanks to all the live music professionals at the 2023 ILMC Gala Dinner who helped make it the biggest edition in our long history,” says ILMC MD Greg Parmley. “It was a particular pleasure to recognise Karsten Jahnke with the prestigious Bottle Award, with him having celebrated a phenomenal 60 years in business in 2022.”
For more than two and a half decades, The Arthur Awards have been handed out during ILMC. The shortlist of nominees in each category are decided by a committee of 150 industry professionals. Winners are then decided by a combination of an open vote of all ILMC members and IQ Magazine readers, and a closed panel of judges made up of senior industry figures.
The full list of 2023 Arthur Awards winners is as follows:
THE VENUE AWARD
(FIRST VENUE TO COME INTO YOUR HEAD)
Barclays Arena, Hamburg
THE PROMOTER AWARD
(THE PROMOTERS’ PROMOTER)
Kelly Chappel, Live Nation
THE AGENT AWARD
(SECOND LEAST OFFENSIVE AGENT)
Alex Bruford, ATC Live
THE FESTIVAL AWARD
(LIGGERS’ FAVOURITE FESTIVAL)
Montreux Jazz Festival
THE PRODUCTION SERVICES AWARD
(SERVICES ABOVE & BEYOND)
Beat the Street
THE PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AWARD
(MOST PROFESSIONAL PROFESSIONAL)
Katie Moore, Live Nation
THE ASSISTANT AWARD
(THE PEOPLE’S ASSISTANT)
Kai Henderson, AEG Presents
THE TICKETING PROFESSIONAL AWARD
(THE GOLDEN TICKET)
Marcia Titley, Eventim Norway & Sweden
THE INDUSTRY CHAMPION AWARD
(THE UNSUNG HERO)
Holger Jan Schmidt, YOUROPE
YOUNG EXECUTIVE AWARD
(TOMORROW’S NEW BOSS)
Dan Rais, CAA
THE BOTTLE AWARD
Karsten Jahnke, Karsten Jahnke Konzertdirektion
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The O2 prepped to host first Saturday BRIT Awards
London’s The O2 is gearing up to host this weekend’s BRIT Awards, which are taking place on a Saturday for the first time ever.
Performers at the 11 February ceremony – the biggest night on the British music industry’s calendar – will include Harry Styles, Lizzo, Cat Burns, David Guetta & Becky Hill & Ella Henderson, Sam Smith & Kim Petras, Stormzy, Lewis Capaldi and Wet Leg.
The awards, which have been held at The O2 since 2011, will be hosted by comedian Mo Gilligan and be broadcast live on ITV1 and ITVX from 8.30pm GMT. The night will also see the return of table seating on the arena floor, following two years of Covid restrictions.
“The BRITs is always one of the high points of the year, it’s a weeklong build and it’s a huge occasion for the industry,” The O2’s VP and GM Steve Sayer tells IQ. “We’re very proud to have hosted it for many years now and long may that continue. We’ve got a great relationship with the BPI and we work very closely with them, not on the artistic production, but on every other aspect, and it’s huge.
“They’ve moved it to a Saturday, which was a decision that the [record industry trade association] BPI made to try something a little bit different. We’re really excited about it, it’s a big showpiece for us and I have no doubt it will be as big as ever.”
“We are seeing the usual last-minute scrambles for tickets, and you can see why”
Wasserman Music will also be hosting its annual post-BRITs boat party, which has previously been presented by the likes of Lewis Capaldi, Sampha, Annie Mac, The xx, Disclosure and Rudimental. This year will feature The BRITs Rising Star top 3 – FLO, Cat Burns and Nia Archives.
“We are seeing the usual last-minute scrambles for tickets, and you can see why,” says Tom Schroeder, EVP of Wasserman Music. “We’ve been doing this in one guise or another since 2014, and have had the pleasure of hosting some of the biggest acts in the industry. This year, it’s all about the future with FLO, Cat Burns and Nia Archives presenting. And that’s what we are all about – supporting rising talent.”
The BRIT Awards is preceded by the annual BRITs Week charity concert series, presented by AEG, which gives fans the opportunity to see leading UK artists in intimate music venues across the country. Shows have included The 1975 at the 550-cap Gorilla in Manchester, and Sugababes at the 600-cap Garage and Kojey Radical at the 800-cap XOYO, both in London.
BRITs Week, which concludes tonight with Rina Sawayama at Lafayette (cap. 600) and Bob Vylan at Omeara (320), has raised millions of pounds for War Child since its inception in 2014, thanks to underplay shows by artists such as Coldplay, Ed Sheeran, Take That, Florence & The Machine, Biffy Clyro , Foals, Royal Blood, Wolf Alice and The 1975, raising millions of pounds for War Child.
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