Beyonce, U2, Springsteen, Chesney Reps Talk Touring

Forum on the future of concert touring with industry brain trust, March 26.

March 24, 2009

Berklee's Music Business/Management Department presents Envisioning 21st-Century Music Business Models, an annual discussion about current and future music industry trends. This year's panel examines the innovations and hurdles for today's touring industry. Matthew Knowles, manager for Beyoncé, will give an introduction before discussion with reps for tours by U2, Madonna, Springsteen, Rolling Stones, Kenny Chesney, Neil Young, and others.

The event is Thursday, March 26, at 7:00 p.m., at Berklee's David Friend Recital Hall at 921 Boylston Street, Boston.   

The discussion will address a range of topics, including:

  • Festivals for breaking new acts to huge audiences.
  • Technology's impact on live shows, including ticket sale controls, cell phone scanners, social networks, and text messaging. 
  • Developing new artists to fill stadiums and arenas once top box office draws retire. 
  • The Ticketmaster/Live Nation merger. 
  • Residencies including Las Vegas and Michael Jackson's upcoming stint at O2.
  • Sponsorships and ancillary revenue sources.

The panelists are at the forefront of today's touring and management industry. These are the people who are experiencing the changing and challenging trends for artists and fans, and who will reshape the future:

Mathew Knowles: President/CEO, Music World

Marcie Allen Cardwell: President, MAC Presents

Gerry Barad: COO Global Touring, Live Nation

Brian Hill: Agent, Paradigm Agency, Nashville

Dave Marsden: VP, Live Nation, New England

Louis Messina: President, Messina Group/AEG Live

George Travis: Tour Coordinator, Bruce Springsteen

Marsha Vlasic: Senior VP, ICM (International Creative Management)

Ray Waddell: Executive Director Touring and Live Entertainment, Billboard

The Envisioning 21st-Century Music Business Models series was created by Berklee's Music Business/Management Department to provide a forum for discussion among industry professionals, academics, and college students, with a focus on nurturing and developing innovative ideas for redesigning the music industry in the new millennium.