CAA sues Range Media, alleges theft of information
Creative Artists Agency (CAA) is suing management company Range Media Partners in the US, accusing the firm of stealing confidential information.
The explosive lawsuit, filed in the Superior Court of the State of California for the County of Los Angeles, describes Range, which works with talent such as Jack Harlow, Rita Ora, Shaboozey, Pentatonix, Saweetie and PartyNextDoor, as “an unlicensed talent agency built on deceit”.
It alleges that Range’s founder – former CAA agent Peter Micelli – sought a “shortcut to success” by finding “four highly-paid CAA leaders to act as his accomplices” in the run-up to launching Range in 2020. CAA identifies Range co-founders Jack Whigham, David Bugliari, Michael Cooper and Mick Sullivan as the alleged “accomplices” who “carried out a scheme designed to give Range an unlawful competitive edge”.
It accuses the agents of “posing as loyal CAA members, sitting shoulder to shoulder in confidential CAA meetings about clients and business, all while covertly working to benefit Range and themselves, and to harm CAA”.
“Range’s founders publicly announced its launch in August 2020,” reads the filing. “However, in truth, by August 2020, Micelli and the accomplices had spent months stealing confidential information from CAA for Range’s benefit.”
The complaint, which demands a jury trial, continues: “Specifically, Micelli and the accomplices sought to benefit Range by breaching their obligations to CAA and causing other CAA employees to do the same. The accomplices, working in concert with Micelli, induced other CAA employees – who the Range founders knew were bound by confidentiality and loyalty obligations to CAA – to assist in stealing CAA’s confidential information.
“CAA will fiercely protect the agency against improper market conduct and the misuse of its confidential information”
“The Range founders understood they were engaging in misconduct and tried to cover their tracks to avoid getting caught: urging more junior CAA employees to download encrypted messaging apps to avoid CAA detecting their communications, and directing CAA employees to export confidential information for delivery to certain of the accomplices’ personal email accounts and cellphones. The accomplices did all this while still working as senior CAA leaders and talent agents.”
Furthermore, CAA claims the company’s business model is “the pursuit of unlawful profit through deception” by not registering as an agency to circumvent the WGA Code of Conduct.
“Range skirts rules that California legislators and artists’ guilds put in place to protect those working in the entertainment industry,” adds the lawsuit. “The core ‘trick’ of Range is that it acts as a talent agency but labels itself a management company,” it says. “Range thereby engages in lucrative transactions foreclosed to law-abiding talent agencies.”
In a statement to IQ, CAA counsel Elena Baca of Paul Hastings LLP adds: “CAA is prepared to prove that Range Media was formed through dishonest conduct and, as reflected in other public, pending legal proceedings about Range’s failure to comply with arbitration subpoenas, has concealed evidence of its founders’ actions.
“Peter Micelli, along with his accomplices who were at CAA while founding Range, conducted a lengthy scheme to enrich themselves in ways that violated their contracts and legal obligations to CAA, talent guild regulations, and ethical boundaries, as CAA will demonstrate in court. CAA will fiercely protect the agency against improper market conduct and the misuse of its confidential information.”
IQ has approached Range Media for comment.
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K-pop series Waterbomb postpones US debut
The US debut of K-pop touring series Waterbomb has been postponed due to “operational challenges”.
The water-themed music festival was set to take place at Dignity Health Sports Park in Los Angeles from 28-29 September, but has now been called off with less than three weeks to go. Ticket-holders will be automatically refunded.
Acts booked to perform had included ATEEZ, Chung Ha, Hwasa, K-will, Kwon Eunbi, Loco, PH-1, Ryu Sujeong, Simon Dominic and DJ HOWMINI.
“We deeply appreciate the support and enthusiasm you‘ve shown for Waterbomb LA 2024,” says a statement on the event’s Instagram page. “However, due to various operational challenges, we regret to inform you that the event has been postponed. Your safety and delivering the best experience possible remain our top priorities, and we sincerely apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.
“We’ll return stronger and better prepared to deliver the Waterbomb experience you’ve been waiting for.”
The festival was launched by Hong Kong-based streaming platform Viu and Singapore-based Evergreen Group Holdings, with local promoters helping bring it to new territories.
“Initially, we set ticket prices to cover these costs and ensure a reasonable profit. However, we recognise that this has become a burden for our fans”
Waterbomb mixes various water activities alongside local and international lineups of K-pop, hip-hop, and EDM performers. First held in 2015 in Seoul, South Korea, the series expanded to new markets last year with two editions in Japan and one in Bangkok.
This year, it was due to visit nine cities in South Korea, four in Japan, and one in Thailand, along with new editions in LA, Vietnam, Taipei and Dubai.
However, the LA spin-off had experienced a troubled build-up, with organisers receiving criticism from fans after setting admission at $135-380 per day. They later apologised in response to the backlash, lowering ticket prices and revising the seating plan.
“Unlike Waterbomb Seoul, where additional costs such as flights, accommodation, security, and transportation for more than 200 people including artists and staff are not required, hosting Waterbomb in LA incurs significant expenses in these areas,” said promoters in an online Q&A at the time.
“The extended stay due to long-distance travel has also increased artist fees, and the cost of obtaining performance visas for artists and staff in the US is significantly higher compared to other countries. Additionally, local production and operation costs in LA are much higher.
“Initially, we set ticket prices to cover these costs and ensure a reasonable profit. However, we recognise that this has become a burden for our fans. Therefore, we have decided to adjust the prices, prioritising the event over profit, in order to reduce the burden on our customers.”
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Hollywood Bowl concert cancelled amid LA heatwave
A concert at the Hollywood Bowl was cancelled following a heat-related power outage at the famed US venue.
The 17,500-cap amphitheatre’s entire Sunday (8 September) programme, which was slated to be headlined by Australian singer-songwriter Vance Joy, was wiped out as Los Angeles, California, battled extreme heat of up to 104°F (40°C).
“Due to a power outage at the Hollywood Bowl, tonight’s concert is cancelled,” reads a statement posted on the venue’s social media channels. “If a new date for this performance can be confirmed, details will follow and tickets for the original date will be valid for the new performance date.”
Grouplove and Tiny Habits had also been due to perform at the show, which was part of the KCRW Festival, curated in collaboration with the LA radio station. Temperatures were reportedly still in the high 90s at the scheduled 7pm start time.
The DWP said there had been a “circuit outage” in the Hollywood area
Representatives for the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (DWP) said there had been a “circuit outage” affecting 1,400 households in the Hollywood area, with repairs expected to be completed by today (10 September).
The remainder of the Hollywood Bowl’s September calendar includes gigs by the likes of Boyz II Men, Rodrigo y Gabriela, Anderson .Paak and the Free Nationals with Color of Noize Orchestra, Camilo, Jungle and Mitski.
Other upcoming acts include Justice, Omar Apollo, The National and The War on Drugs, Eric Clapton, Kygo, Imagine Dragons, David Gilmour and Joni Mitchell & The Joni Jam.
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Elton John to perform at gala honouring Jay Marciano
Elton John is set to headline a fundraising gala in Los Angeles for City of Hope, the largest cancer research and treatment organisation in the US.
The 51st edition of the Spirit of Life gala will take place at the historic Shrine Auditorium and Expo Hall, with appearances from magician David Blaine, chef Evan Funke, and comedian Fred Armisen.
Jay Marciano, chairman and CEO of AEG Presents, will be presented with City of Hope’s prestigious Spirit of Life Award for his philanthropic and humanitarian efforts.
Under Marciano’s leadership, AEG Presents produced John’s swansong tour Farewell Yellow Brick Road among others and is currently in the midst of Taylor Swift’s Eras tour.
“I am honoured to be receiving The Spirit of Life Award from City of Hope and to be able to contribute to raising awareness and funds to speed its important work of eradicating cancer and improving lives for so many,” says Marciano.
“I am humbled and grateful that Elton John has agreed to lend his immeasurable talents to this event”
“I am also humbled and grateful that Elton John, a true superstar in every regard, has agreed to lend his immeasurable talents to this event with a performance that’s sure to inspire support for a cause that unfortunately touches so many lives. And if that weren’t enough, having David Blaine, Evan Funke, and Fred Armisen contribute to such an extraordinary evening is beyond my wildest dreams,” Marciano added.
John’s historic, final tour comprised 330 shows worldwide to over 6.25 million fans across the UK, Europe, North America and Australia. The US leg of the tour concluded with three sell-out shows at Dodger Stadium. He later headlined Glastonbury’s Pyramid Stage in June 2023, the final UK show before the Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour concluded in July 2023, marking the end of more than 50 years on the road.
“Jay is more than a colleague; he is a dear friend,” says John. “It is my pleasure to lend my support to him as he receives the Spirit of Life honour, especially given City of Hope’s dignity-giving supportive care for people who face cancer, along with its unmatched research for other life-threatening illnesses. Their important work has led to advancements in the field that have fortunately enabled so many people to live beautiful, long lives. Everyone should have that opportunity, and I’m honoured to play a part in City of Hope’s work towards that goal.”
The Spirit of Life gala is organised by the City of Hope’s Music, Film and Entertainment Industry Group which has raised over $150 million for its research and care programmes over 50 years.
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Fred again.. announces first-ever stadium show
Fred again.. has announced his first-ever stadium show, just six days in advance of it taking place.
The Grammy Award-winning British DJ and producer is set to headline the 77,500-capacity Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, US, this Friday (14 June).
The news was revealed on Sunday (9 June) and the general sale opened yesterday with tickets ranging from $59–140 (€55–130).
“We’ve been working on this for monthsssss and its definitely the maddest live show we’ve ever tried to do so far,” Fred again.. (real name Frederik Gibson) wrote in a social media announcement.
The LA Memorial Coliseum gigs, promoted by Goldenvoice, follow his three-day residency at Frost Amphitheatre in Stanford, California, which took place last week.
Earlier this year, Fred again… sold out all six of his Australian arena shows within hours of the tour announcement, including three-night stands at both Sydney’s 22,000-capacity Qudos Bank Arena and Melbourne’s 15,000-capacity Rod Laver Arena, as well as a pop-up show in the Gold Coast.
“We’ve been working on this for monthsssss and its definitely the maddest live show we’ve ever tried to do so far”
Over one million fans virtually queued for tickets to his Oz outing, snapping up more than 100,000 tickets in “a matter of hours,” according to reps for Handsome Tours, which presented the tour with sister companies Laneway Presents, TEG Live and Astral People.
Fred again.. also delivered a surprise performance at Sydney’s Opera House, for which 145,000 people queued for less than 3,000 tickets, setting the record for the biggest on-sale demand for the iconic venue.
In IQ‘s recent Electronic Music Report, Tim McGregor, MD of TEG Live in Australia, discussed how a DJ show can rival a band experience in the venues traditionally the preserve of the rock & pop or hip-hop scenes.
“DJ shows can sell as well as gigs with bands and singers, whether this be in greenfield sites, stadiums, or arenas. All the big eye-popping performances at Coachella this year (and last) seemed to be electronic – Justice, Dom Dolla, and Anyma/Eric Prydz in 2024. Artists like Fisher, Fred again.., Rüfüs du Sol, and Dom Dolla have been doing stunning business in venues that have typically been considered live concert venues. The game is changing, and quickly.”
Fred again..’s upcoming appearances also include Reading & Leeds and Helsinki’s Flow Festival.
He is represented worldwide by Wasserman Music’s Evan Hancock, Ben Shprits and Tom Schroeder.
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Bruno Mars to open LA’s Intuit Dome
The Intuit Dome in Los Angeles has announced that Bruno Mars will be the first artist to perform in the arena – the new home of the LA Clippers basketball franchise, as well as the city’s latest state-of-the-art concert venue.
Mars will take to the stage at the 18,000-cap venue on 15 and 16 August, with arena operators promising that the new building will offer “fans and performers alike an unforgettable experience featuring the venue’s premium acoustics, back of house artist offerings, and intimate seating.”
The construction of the US$2 billion arena has been mired in controversy and lawsuits, after the Madison Square Garden Company (MSG) accused Inglewood mayor James Butts of colluding with the Clippers to secretly acquire a plot of land from MSG for the venue.
However, those claims were dropped when the billionaire owner of the basketball team, former Microsoft boss Steve Ballmer, paid US$400 million in cash to acquire the Forum venue from MSG.
“Bruno, who has a strong connection to Inglewood, will undoubtedly deliver an iconic performance that is worthy of this moment, and will leave a lasting impression on everyone who attends these two shows”
Gillian Zucker, CEO of Ballmer’s Halo Sports and Entertainment operation comments, “We are thrilled Bruno Mars will open Intuit Dome. Bruno, who has a strong connection to Inglewood, will undoubtedly deliver an iconic performance that is worthy of this moment, and will leave a lasting impression on everyone who attends these two shows.”
While the venue is still under construction, its owners say it will offer world-class amenities, and a commitment to fan satisfaction, claiming that Intuit Dome will set a new standard for music and sports venues.
Fans will enjoy an intimate viewing experience with their seats hovering over the floor, bringing them closer to the show. The premium seating is designed to reduce the gap between sections, ensuring a seamless and uninterrupted viewing experience.
Intuit Dome will also feature an 80,000-square-foot outdoor Plaza, housing a 5,000-square-foot retail store and three bars and restaurants. “The Plaza’s LED screen, the largest outdoor 4K LED screen in Los Angeles, will serve as the backdrop for community events, artist activations, and viewing parties – forever changing the pre-game and pre-show scene,” says the company.
Tickets for both Bruno Mars dates go on sale Thursday, April 11 at 10am local time via ticketmaster.com.
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Appeals court backs Lizzo over $5m festival fee
A US appeals court has upheld a ruling that Lizzo can keep her US$5 million booking fee for a cancelled 2020 festival in Los Angeles.
Promoter VFLA Eventco LLC filed a lawsuit against WME in July 2020, as well as artists Lizzo, Ellie Goulding and Kali Uchis, saying the parties had agreed to return monies they had been advanced in the event of cancellation of Virgin Fest due to “an uncontrollable factor”.
The acts had been scheduled to play the debut edition – which was funded by commercial real estate magnates Marc and Sharon Hagle, and run by Jason Felts, CEO of the Virgin Group’s festival arm – at the Banc of California Stadium (22,000-cap.) and Exposition Park in LA on 6-7 June 2020, before it was axed due to the pandemic.
WME insisted that Lizzo be paid 100% of the fee prior to the festival announcing her as a headliner and that Uchis and Goulding be paid 50% upon signing and the remaining 50% paid 90 days prior to their performances, emails produced for the lawsuit showed.
“As a result of the Covid-19 pandemic and in compliance with the government restrictions meant to mitigate the pandemic, VFLA cancelled the festival and demanded the return of the deposits from WME, who negotiated the performance contracts and held the deposits as the artists’ agent,” reads the court filing.
“VFLA claimed its right to the deposits under the force majeure provision in the parties’ performance contracts, which determined the parties’ rights to the deposits in the event of a force majeure cancellation. The artists refused VFLA’s demand, claiming VFLA bore the risk of a cancellation due to the pandemic.”
“Since VFLA conceded that, if the artists prevailed, WME should prevail as well, we affirm the judgement in its entirety”
VFLA sued the acts for breach of contract and breach of the implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing, plus WME for conversion, money had and received, unfair business practices and declaratory relief.
Following an initial two-year legal battle, LA Superior Court judge Mark Epstein ruled in September 2022 that clauses added by attorneys for WME to its clients’ performance contracts shifted the financial risk of cancellation onto the festival. That ruling has now been backed by a California court of appeal.
“The trial court granted summary judgement in favour of the artists and WME, finding VFLA bore the risk of the festival’s cancellation, and that WME could not be held liable as an agent for the actions of its principals,” it concludes.
“We hold the trial court properly granted summary judgement in favour of the artists and WME. The force majeure provision is not reasonably susceptible to VFLA’s interpretation, and, in any event, the parol evidence favours the artists.
“Further, we also hold the artists’ interpretation does not work an invalid forfeiture or make the performance contracts unlawful. Since VFLA conceded that, if the artists prevailed, WME should prevail as well, we affirm the judgement in its entirety.”
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CTS Eventim and AXS form partnership for 2028 Olympics
CTS Eventim and AXS will join forces to promote, sell and distribute tickets for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
The LA28 Games, led by Casey Wasserman, will mark the city’s third time hosting the Olympics after 1984 and 1932, and its first time hosting the Paralympic Games.
Tickets to the Games will be sold globally through CTS and AXS’s existing online storefronts, as well as through the dedicated LA28 website.
CTS Eventim has managed ticketing for the Olympics on several occasions over the past two decades, including at Turin in 2006, Sochi in 2014, Rio in 2016, and is set for Paris in 2024.
“AXS’ strong North American footprint and CTS Eventim’s track record of Games success will deliver a world-class platform that will redefine ticketing for live sports events,” says LA28 chairperson/president Casey Wasserman. “With AXS and CTS Eventim, the LA28 Games will provide an accessible and seamless experience for Angelenos and sports fans from across the globe.”
“AXS’ strong North American footprint and CTS Eventim’s track record of Games success will deliver a world-class platform”
Klaus-Peter Schulenberg, CEO of CTS Eventim, adds: “When it comes to live sport, the Olympic and Paralympic Games are in a league of their own. Nothing can quite match being in the crowd as athletes give it their all for a chance of glory. As a company with two decades of Olympic ticketing experience and a passion for live experiences, we are honoured that our technology and services will help bring fans to the incredible event that the LA28 committee are organising. We are also delighted to be partnering with our friends at AXS and are looking forward to collectively playing our part in making 2028 a Games to remember.”
Bryan Perez, president and CEO at AXS, comments: “Los Angeles is our hometown and we couldn’t be prouder or more excited to help showcase it to the world. The Olympic and Paralympic Games are the world’s premier sporting events, and today’s announcement reflects AXS’ long-standing commitment to provide the best sports and consumer ticketing experiences to the industry. Together with our colleagues at CTS Eventim, we are grateful for LA28’s vision and partnership to deliver a next generation ticketing experience for fans from all over the world.”
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ATC Group moving to ‘new, expanded’ LA office
Multi-faceted music company ATC (All Things Considered) Group has agreed terms for a “new, expanded office” in Los Angeles.
The new office is said to offers 30% additional capacity, with the team set to relocate from its existing LA base later this month as the firm continues to grow its US operations.
London-headquartered ATC opened a New York hub in February 2022 and also has an office in Copenhagen, Denmark.
“We are delighted to have secured our new premises in Los Angeles, which provides our teams with a fantastic urban working environment to collaborate with our artists and creative partners,” says MD Adam Driscoll, as per Alliance News.
“Our new Los Angeles hub complements our presence in our other global locations”
“Our new Los Angeles hub complements our presence in our other global locations, including our recently opened New York office, and supports our growth ambitions by recruiting and retaining the best talent in the industry.”
ATC Group’s divisions include booking agency ATC Live, ATC Management, ATC Services, ATC Experience and livestreaming company Driift.
In late 2023, ATC appointed director of business affairs Emma Stoker as executive director to the board and improved its asset base with the acquisition of a 60% stake in merchandise company Sandbag.
ATC listed on the Aquis Growth Market in London in December 2021 after raising £4.15 million in its initial public offer (IPO). The group recorded a profit on revenue of £12.1 million (€13.9m) in its first full year as a a public company, but subsequently announced a loss of £1.1m for the first six months of 2023 due to higher costs.
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Latin festival Besame Mucho expands in US
Latin music festival Besame Mucho is expanding to a second US city after a successful debut in Los Angeles.
The first edition, organised by Tropicália and La Tocada, took place in December 2022 at Dodger Stadium, LA, with a diverse lineup of Latin acts.
The LA debut and its second edition, due this December, are said to have sold out in minutes.
Capitalising on that success, Besame Mucho (Kiss Me A Lot) will launch on 2 March 2024 at the Circuit of the Americas racetrack in Austin, Texas.
The debut will see 60+ acts perform across four stages, including Los Tigres del Norte, Banda MS, Grupo Frontera, La Ley, Caifanes, El Tri, Alejandra Guzmán, Gloria Trevi, Café Tacvba and Molotov.
The debut will see 60+ acts perform across four stages, including Los Tigres del Norte, Banda MS and Grupo Frontera
Las Clasicas Stage, which will close with Los Tigres, is dedicated to the classics and will feature 30 groups, including Grupo Frontera, Bronco, Los Tucanes De Tijuana, Ramón Ayala and Alicia Villareal.
The Banda Stage will have performances from Banda El Recodo, La Adictiva, Banda Los Recoditos, Banda Machos, Cuisillos and more, and the Rockero Stage will feature a number of notable rock bands, including Cafe Tacvba, Juanes, El Tri, Maldita Vecindad, Panteón Rococo and Hombres G.
Along with Trevi, Alejandra Guzmán, Belanova, Reik, Sin Bandera and Ha*Ash are among the 18 acts to perform on the Te Gusta El Pop? Stage.
Presale for Besame Mucho Austin starts on 3 November, with ticket prices ranging between $275 for general admission and $950 for platinum.
The second edition of Besame Mucho LA will return to Dodger Stadium on 2 December and includes some of the same artists scheduled for Austin.
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