NEW .EU DOMAIN NAMES TO BE AVAILABLE IN 2005 27/10/04
The new .eu top level domain names are to be phased into use in 2005 following an agreement reached between the European Commission and EURid, the registry responsible for the new .eu domain name.
The first period of registration, the 'sunrise period', will allow those with registered trademarks , names of public bodies and territories governed by such bodies the right to apply for the .eu suffix. The application for the domain name must exactly match the name registered or for that which priority registration is claimed and evidence supporting the registration must be provided within 14 days of application. This phase will last for two months probably starting in April or May 2005. After the sunrise period the .eu domain will 'go live' and be freely available on a first come first serve basis.
Certain names will not be registerable by EURid (eg geographical names and those which are clearly defamatory). Evidence may be adduced to support a registration (such as the name of a company registered with Companies House) but where an application is based on an unregistered right or mark then the onus will be on the applicant to produce evidence supporting the application - brochures, packaging, products, catalogues, advertisements and similar materials. The new rules include a specific policy for resolving disputes which is similar to existing policies adopted by domain name registrars such as Nominet; The complainant will need to show that the domain name in question has been registered in bad faith by a third party with no legitimate interest in the name.
UK LIVE MUSIC FORUM ASKS FOR INPUT 26/10/04
The Live Music Forum, created by the Licensing Act 2003 and chaired by Feargal Sharkey, has issued a call to arms to the music industry and fans alike: act now to help exploit a rare opportunity to expand the live music industry in the UK.
On 7 February 2005, an unprecedented six-month period begins, in which licences for putting on live music will, at least theoretically, be easier to obtain provided action is taken now to ensure that proper guidelines are put in place locally. According to the Culture Minister Tessa Jowell, this amounts to the "biggest social change and reform of our leisure industry ... in 40 years". We are now half way through a pre-transitional period (ending in February) during which licensing authorities must prepare, consult on and publish local licensing policy statements. With these statements, local authorities effectively create their own guidelines for granting licences in conjunction with the Guidances issued under the Act.
The Guidance and local guidelines should, ideally, create a balance between the promotion of culture and community, and public safety. Next year's expected flood of live music licence applications must be decided with regard to the national guidance and to the authority's own statement of licensing policy. According to the Live Music Forum, it is therefore essential that each individual "local statement" be drafted in such a way as to allow the maximum scope for granting licences for more and better venues to host live music throughout the UK.
The Live Music Forum is urging all publicans, promoters, lawyers, managers, event organisers and community activists to seize this rare opportunity to encourage, foster and enable local live music by ensuring that their local authority is making good progress toward publishing their statement. The national Guidance document can be found online at www.culture.gov.uk
The Live Music Forum requests and recommends that all interested parties should contact it directly at LiveMusicForum@culture.gsi.gov.uk or the legal or other relevant department of their local authority.
Source: Simkins Early Warnings www.simkins.com
DJ LEGEND JOHN PEEL DIES 26/10/04
Veteran British radio presenter, John Peel, who achieved almost legendary status in the UK by championing new music trends on mainstream radio, died yesterday of a heart attack while on holiday in Peru. He was 65 years old.
John Peel will always have a special place in the heart of music fans in the UK for his deep and long term interest in music. There are countless bands from many different genres and from around the world who owe their first ever UK radio play to John and he championed numerous bands over the decades. Peter Hook of New Order told ITV News
"the music industry has lost a friend. He will live forever in our hearts and our minds. It always felt like he was your ally. Once he liked you, you were set. His music went beyond fashion, it was down to what he liked, and what he thought people like him would like. Everybody relied on him and trusted him and he never ever let you down. That was his strength, he was just a great guy, who played great music."
BBC Radio 1 are producing a special tribute show hosted by Steve Lamacq tonight (26/10/03)
Website: www.bbc.co.uk/radio1
CLAUDE NOBS: EUROPEAN HERO 26/10/04
Montreaux Festival 's own Claude Nobs is being honoured by Time Magazine tonight in their European Heroes 2004 awards function - among 29 men and women from various parts of the world and walks of life 'whose courage, humanity and talent make the world better'. Just about says it all really...
Congratulations Claude!
SPITZER TARGETS MAJOR LABELS 25/10/04
The New York Attorney General, Eliot Spitzer, has targeted the major labels in the US (Warners, Universal, EMI, BMG-Sony) in an anti corruption invetsigation into payola - securing radio airplay for acts. Mr Spitzer has issued subpoenas to EMI and the other majors to seek details of any links between record companies and independent pluggers who are used to promote artistes to radio stations. Mr Spizer is investigating wether the use of 'go-betweens' violates anti-payola laws in the US - enforced by the Federal Commuications Commission which prevent labels buying airtime. In 2002 the RIAA called on the US Government to bolster the laws and investigate questionable practices in the radio industry reported the Times newspaper (23 October 2004).
BBC RADIO 1 REGAINS LISTENERS 23/10/04
Chris Moyles , the self appointed 'saviour' of Radio 1 seems to be living up to his own title helping BBC1 regain lost listeners and climb up to a weekly reach of just over ten million people.
The news came as a blow to Chrysalis who had recently been gaining ground and listeners in London and to Capital Radio who recently lost breakfast show presenter Chris Tarrant. New Capital morning presenter Johnny Vaughn lost lost 144,000 weekly listeners to have just over one million weely listeners and Heart FM morning DJ Jono Coleman lost over 170,000 listeners over a three month period. BBC Radio 2 morning presenter Terry Wogan lost some listeners but both Magic FM and Kiss FM gained audience to 1.58 and 1.5 million listeners each week respectively. EMAP's Kerrang! rock stations broke through the one million mark for the first tme.
Figures: RAJAR
MUSICWORKS SETS AGENDA IN GLASGOW 23/10/04
MusicWorks , the international cross media music convention launches in Glasgow on October 27th with a full agenda and full evening NightWorks Music Festival array of events and acts accross 26 venues in Scotland. Keynote speakers include Gregor Erkel from Sony Connect, Steve Schnur from Electronic Arts and Feargal Sharkey from the UK Live Music Forum.
The Convention will touch on topics as diverse as 'value added touring' , music in advertising and video as a new income source and is designed to spark interest in the changes brougt on by new technologies, new prduction processes and new consmer interests in the music and entertainment industries. Supporters include the BPI, Scottish Enterprise, the Musicians Union, MMF, AIM, Scottish Executive, Five/Eight and the MPA. The Convention website is at www.musicworksuk.com and the conference closes on the evening of Friday October 29th 2004.
DJ'S MUSICAL CLOSES AFTER JUST ONE DAY 23/10/04
Former top UK DJ Mike Read has seen his musical 'Oscar Wilde' close after just one performance in London's West End. The show which Read wrote and directed opened on tuesday the 20th October to scathing reviews and had just five tickets booked for the wednesday night.
Read, a former BBC Radio 1 DJ was forced to close the show at the Shaw Theatre. Read had previously had a mixed reaction to his musical based on the life and songs of Cliff Richard which toured the UK in 2003.
Read 's bad news came at the same time as somewhat rotund pop idol finalist Rick Waller announced the cancellation of his UK (or indeed 'world') tour after one venue announced sales of just two tickets reported London's Metro newspaper.
MARC & LANGY
IN MOTORBIKE CRASH 22/10/04
Marc Almond is in a 'stable' condition in hospital after a what police described as 'a serious collision between a car and a motorcycle' in central London on Oct 17th. His manager, Mark Langthorne was also severely injured in the accident. Marc underwent emergency surgery immediately after the crash and is being treated in intensive care.
Long-time agent, Martin Hopewell, said: 'We've heard that Langy is out of danger, but the hospital will only say that Marc is 'stable'. They are both genuinely nice people - I just want to hear that they are going to be OK'.
NOVA MUSIC - A NEW STAR IN AUSTRIA 21/10/04
Ewald Tatar has announced his departure from Wiesen
Festival & Concerts GMBH to join Paul Debnam and Thomas Zsikovits in a new operation, NOVA MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT. German promoter, Folkert Koopmans of FKP Scorpio is also a partner.
Other than booking several major festivals, the team have set themselves a target of 500-600 shows for 2005, and is hoping to attract the co-operation of major sponsors for the future.
MARK ALMOND NOW STABLE AFTER HORRIFIC CRASH 19/10/04
Mark Almond has been seriously injured in a motorcycle accident in London. The crash, which happened near St Pauls Cathedral occurred on Sunday when Almond was riding pillion with a friend. The motorcycle collided with a car at the New Change junction at about 4pm on Sunday. Almond was taken to the Royal London Hospital where his condition is now said to be stable. Almond underwent major surgery on Sunday evening.
After his early days in Soft Cell, Almond has recently had a renaissance in his career with a 2002 release with Soft Cell co-member David Ball, and a recent series of sold out concerts at London's Almeida Theatre in July with renditions of standards from Cole Porter and Nina Simone.
KYLIE SELLS OUT UK TOUR 19/10/04
The 18,000 tickets for Kylie Minogue's latest London date at London's Earl's Court promoted by 3A sold out in under two hours. The volume of calls brought down the main Bishopsgate telephone exchange used for Earl's Court shows by ticket agency Bookingsdirect and the website for the Birmingham show crashed repeatedly under the volume of hits.
Shows for the Kylie 'Show Girl': The Greatest Hits Tour in Manchester and Glasgow also sold out. The London show is on May 2nd 2005.
SHREK GOES MUSICAL 19/10/04
Sam Mendes , who directed 'American Beauty', has been appointed head of a project to bring 'Shrek' to Broadway as a musical. The musical will combine elements of 'Shrek' and 'Shrek II' and is planned to be on-stage by 2006. The musical will be directed by Jason Moore.
TOP JOCK IN $500 MILLION SHOCK 11/10/04
'Shock Jock' Howard Stern has confirmed a $500 million move to satellite radio in 2006 when he will become a lead broascaster for the satellite broadcaster Sirius.
His contract will be for five years at $100 million for each year. Stern, who has ongoing problems wth the US regualtors was taken off air by Clear Channel stations last year after numerous complaints. Current employer Infinity Broadcasting (part of Viacom) have also had runs in with the DJ and faced a $1.7 million fine from the FCC for indecency. FCC actions for indecency have made big news since Janet Jackson breast was exposed live on-air during the Superbowl final.
CLUB DOORMAN CHARGED WITH MURDER 11/10/04
A doorman at London's Stringfellows nightclub has been charged with murder after an incident at the West End venue on Friday 8th October. George McDonald from Warwickshire died of a head injury ater the incident. Doorman Marcus Marriott, aged 32 and from London, will apear before Magistrates at Bow Street today (11th October). New licensing procesures for door supervisors in the UK are currently being rolled out by the new Security Industry Authority and will be implemented in London by April 2005.
BIG DAY OUT DATES ANNOUNCED 08/10/04
The southern hemisphere's biggest touring festival, has announced it's dates for next year, Big Day Out will be happening as follows:
The international line-up includes Beastie Boys, System Of A Down, Chemical Brothers, The Music, The Streets, The Donnas, Freestylers. Plus Australian legends Powderfinger & Grinspoon.
Website: www.bigdayout.com
MTV EUROPE NOMINATIONS ROLL IN 08/10/04
Hip Hop stars Outkast top the list of nominations for the MTV Europe Music Awards. They have five nominations including best single for 'Hey Ya', best video and best album. Other nominations include three nods for ScotlandsFranz Ferdinand who won the Mercury Music Prize and two tips for Mobo winner Jamelia. Other nominations include Beyonce, Maroon 5, Britney Spears and Jay-z. The awards take place in Tor di Valle in Rome on November 18th.
BPI TO SUE 'MAJOR FILESHARERS' 08/10/04
British record companies trade association the BPI (British Phonographic Industry) has announced it is to begin a rolling programme of legal action against 'major filesharers' who illegally make copyright music available to millions of people across the world on peer-to-peer networks. The BPI is beginning the process of legal action against 28 UK filesharers. More cases are expected to follow. The BPI will seek damages and injunctions to stop these filesharers illegally uploading recordings on to filesharing networks. The large-scale uploaders subject to legal action include users of the KaZaA, Imesh, Grokster, Bearshare and WinMX networks.
The announcement comes against the background of a breakthrough year for legal online music services in the UK, with the launch of high-profile services like Mycokemusic, iTunes and Napster and the launch on September 1st of an Official UK Download Chart. However the major labels and the BPI have done little to endear themselves to the British consumers having allowed Apple and Coke to develop business models which consumers actually want at a price they will pay. The labels own services were unwanted and poorly thought out.
BPI chairman Peter Jamieson said, "We have been warning for months that unauthorized file-sharing is illegal. These are not people casually downloading the odd track. They are uploading music on a massive scale, effectively stealing the livelihoods of thousands of artists and the people who invest in them." After warning of possible legal actions in March over 350,000 instant messages have been sent to uploaders' computers warning them of the consequences if they continue. The announcement of the first actions in the UK forms part of an announcement from international record companies' trade body the IFPI of a total of 459 new legal actions against illegal filesharers across six European countries.
MEAN FIDDLER DEAL UNSCRAMBLES 07/10/04
The Mean Fiddler Group has shocked shareholders and the City by saying it had ousted its new chief executive and that a newly-appointed chairman would not be joining the board. The company, which promotes the Leeds and Reading festivals, said it would no longer be buying internet company Media Internet Telecom for £5.6m
from Richard Clingen, who was made chairman only last week.
Founder, Waterford man Vince Power will now return to the position. He had stepped back from his role as chairman after 23 years with the group. It is believed there was a dispute between newly-appointed chief executive Dean James and the rest of the board. Shares on the FTSE-listed company plunged 20% after the news.
ELTON HAS A GO 07/10/04
Elton John shocked the audience at the Q Awards by slamming into Madonna's nomination in the 'Best Live' category. In polite language... Elton wondered why Madonna had
been nominated when her shows cost over £75 plus per ticket and that
she had 'lip synched' the whole show. He then admitted that he would be off her christmas card list. Madonna responded by pointing out she did sing live and Elton was, as ever,on her crimble mail out.
CLEAR CHANNEL SET UP SHOP IN CENTRAL EUROPE 05/10/04
CCE Europe has announced the acquisition of several major promotion businesses in Central Europe - Laszlo Hegedus' Multimedia Concerts in Hungary, Serge Grimaux and Robert Porkert's Interkoncerts in the Czech Republic and Steven Todd and Hubert Stajniak's Odyssey in Poland. In addition, CCE has acquired Tim Dowdall's Multimedia International, which books tours and coordinates international activities in Central and Eastern Europe.
These deals follow closely on the heels of CCE's acquisition of Ferdinando Salzano's Friends & Partners in Italy.
GLASTONBURY AND ROBBIE NOMINATED FOR DIGITAL MUSIC AWARDS 03/10/04
The BBC's radio and internet coverage of both the Glastonbury Festival and The Cambridge Folk Festival have been nominated for the BT Digital Music Awards. Both were nominated in the 'Best Use of Broadband' category. in the 'Best Use of Mobile' category Jane's Addiction Flashmob, O2 Music, Orange Fireplayer, Starsailor mobile and T-Mobile Jukebox are all nominated. In the Best Digital Promotional Campaign - Faithless, Kasabian and Robbie Williams are all nominated and the digital cinecast of Robbie Williams picks up a 'Best Innovation' nomination.
JAMELIA TOPS MOBOS AMID REGGAE PROTESTS 01/10/04
Jamelia and Kayne West topped the 2004 MOBOS (Music Of Black Origin) winning three gongs each. Usher won
best R&B act, Kayne West won best hip hop, best producer and best album and Jamelia won best video, best single and shared best UK act with Dizzee Rascal. Janet Jackson was inducted into the UK Hall of Fame and Anita Baker was honoured with a lifetime achievement award. Jamie Cullum won the Best Jazz Act.
But the event was marred over protests from parts of the reggae community of the Mobo's decision to ban two nominated acts for the best reggae award won by Sean Paul. Elephant Man and Vybz Kartel had their nominations withdrawn by organisers whenthey refused to apologise for homophobic lyrics. Protesters from the Black Music Council jeered guests as they arrived for the show and there were a number of non attenders from star guests including Pharrell Williams, Usher and winner Kayne West. The RAH auditorium was half full and MOBO organiser was booed by sections of the audience when she went onstage to present the best reggae award.
VINCE POWER SELLS UP FROM MEAN FIDDLER 01/10/04
Two UK newspapers have reported that Vince Power has cashed
in his £12 million stake in the Mean Fiddler Group and is stepping down as executive chairman after 23 years. Both The Independent and the Guardian have reported the story alongside news that the Mean Fiddler have
invested £5.7 million in the music download market, buying Media Internet Telecom from Monaco based entrepeneur Richard Clingen who will take over as chairman of the Mean Fiddler Group.
The purchase will be funded by a share issue. Power will stay on as a non-executive director with Dean James becoming Chief Executive. Harry Lambert, a non executive director has sold his 4.8 million shares in the Group. The Group reported turnover up by 35% to £20 million for the six months to the end of June 2004 and operating losses halved to £0.5 million.
IFPI SAY THAT MARKETS ARE SHOWING SIGNS OF RECOVERY 01/10/04
The International Federation of Phonographic Industries (IFPI) say that global sales of recorded music - audio and music video - grew by 1.7% in units and fell 1.3% in value in the first half of 2004, compared to the same period in 2003.
Audio sales fell by 2.7% in value, while the music video sector grew by 20.2% driven by DVD music video, which increased by 26.6%. Interim sales of all audio and music video formats totalled $US13.9 billion, compared to $US14.1 billion in 2003. The figures reflect a slowing of the rate of decline in music sales of the past four years. This is the best first-half year result achieved since 2000.
Sales in regional and individual territories varied widely, with the effects of unauthorised file-sharing on the internet and commercial piracy, among other factors, still affecting many of the world's markets. The US music market is leading the recovery, while markets such as Canada, Germany and Japan are showing a substantial reduction in their rate of decline. But other markets including Spain, Italy and the Netherlands are still weak, and more recent reversals have hit sales in France and Australia.
Two bright spots are DVD music video, which continues to show strong growth and has helped offset the decline in audio formats. Meanwhile, the growth of legitimate digital music downloads which suggests a strong future for the online music market. These are not currently included in official industry figures. Jay Berman, IFPI Chairman and CEO said:
"There are some signs that the world's markets are beginning to recover, boosted by the continued growth of DVD music video, digital sales and added-value releases. However, markets continue to be hampered by the dual effects of commercial and internet piracy. IFPI and its national groups are continuing to persuade music fans to download from legitimate music sites, and not file-share illegally. More and more consumers are using authorised download services - a distinctly positive sign."