The Music Industry Report

As reported originally by Tess Taylor of NARIP

OZZFEST FOR FREE! As an example of an attempt to “grow the pie,” Sharon Osbourne took a new approach to make Ozzfest free this year when a ticket normally costs about $79. Maybe, said Rapino, whose Live Nation produces the 25-city summer festival, “we can make more with a 20,000-audience with free admission and sponsorship than selling 6000 – 7000 tickets at $79 each.” The festival is expensive to produce, costing $600,000 before doors even open. Kwatinetz called this move “smart.” Other interesting concert trends were discussed in the “Marketing Live Music On The Internet” panel which featured the following speakers:

Marc Geiger (panel moderator). A longtime advocate of new bands and new technology, Marc is head of William Morris Agency’s contemporary music department.
Jack Isquith. While handling the task of executive director for music industry relations for AOL Music, Jack is also executive producer of the AOL Music LIVE! Concert series.
Dave Jaworski is CEO of PassAlong Networks, a company that focuses on building a foundation for the next wave of digital entertainment distribution, consumption and communication.
Steve Rennie, who manages Incubus, has plenty of marketing and digital-world experience with Epic Records doing early Web–programming and marketing, as well as with ArtistDirect and his own REN Management.
Jerry Trainer, Yahoo!’s Director of Product Management for Yahoo! Music is charged with the continued growth and development of Yahoo! Music.
Larry Weintraub. The Fanscape founder has 20 years of experience in the entertainment industry encompassing nearly every field, including A&R, marketing, sales, advertising, merchandising and event management. Geiger moderated, drawing facts and speculation from speakers.

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