Irish Competition Regulators Clear Live Nation’s MCD Production Acquisition

Last summer, as part of the global promoter’s acquisition spree, Live Nation confirmed a purchase in Ireland. As part of LN-Gaiety Holdings (LNG), a UK joint venture by the mega-promoter and Denis Desmond’s Gaiety Investment, Live Nation acquired MCD P…

Burning Man Hires Former Trump Campaigner to Help Fight U.S. Government Searches

Several weeks ago, the U.S. government recommended harsh measures against Burning Man 2019.  That included searching attendees for drugs and weapons. The U.S. Bureau of Land Management had issued an environmental impact statement about the event.  This…

40 Days Left and Still No Woodstock 50 Tickets as Official Admits to “Significant Challenges”

So, when will Woodstock 50 sell tickets to the troubled event? Today?  Tomorrow?  Maybe never? You likely know the story by now.  In case you don’t, however, here’s a quick recap. In January, Michael Lang – who co-produced the iconic 1969 event – unvei…

Japanese Pop Group KAT-TUN Cancels Performance Over Violent Hong Kong Protests

In February, the Hong Kong government planned to enact a controversial measure. Following the murder of a local couple in Taiwan, the government proposed amendments to its extradition treaties.  Officials would modify two existing laws – the Fugitive O…

Vodafone’s ‘My Muze’ Music Streaming App Quietly Reaches Over a Million Downloads in South Africa

In March 2018, Spotify went live in South Africa. The company would offer local users a Premium subscription for R5.99, or about $0.42 USD at the time. Yet, the low price only lasted for a short time.  Shortly after the introductory offer – good for on…

Apple Music Returns to ‘Exclusives’ — This Time Signing French Rap Duo PNL

Shortly after launching its music streaming service, then-Head of Apple Music, Jimmy Iovine, pursued a controversial ‘exclusive’ feature. The company had offered listeners the opportunity to stream ‘album exclusives.’ This meant major stars, including …

“Detained and Deported,” Iranian Officials Place Joss Stone on a Blacklist

As part of her global tour, Joss Stone touched down in Iran. There was just one problem – she wasn’t scheduled to perform in the country. The English singer and songwriter had aimed to perform in every country.  Stone had previously held gigs in Syria,…

Following Plagiarism Fiasco, Canadian Government Provides Funding for Embattled LyricFind

Several weeks ago, popular lyrics platform Genius caught LyricFind “red-handed.” The Canadian website had provided Google with lyrics stolen outright from Genius. This came three years after the search giant had announced a partnership with LyricFind. …

UK Competition Watchdog Aims to Have Viagogo Found in Contempt

Earlier this week, and in a surprise ruling, the Council of State ordered the Italian Competition Authority (AGCM) to return a €1 million ($1.1 million) fine to Viagogo. The London-based secondary ticketing platform had vehemently denied it remains leg…

Sam Fender Pulls Music Video for Latest Single After a Fan’s Seizure Goes Viral

Samuel Thomas Fender – better known as Sam Fender – recently released his latest single. Described as ‘euphoric,’ the English singer and songwriter dropped a cut of ‘Will We Talk?’ Featuring distorted guitar effects, Fender proudly sings, “Blue Monday …