Making good on its promise to expand operations into overseas markets, Live Nation Entertainment launched a concert promotions business in Australia, which the company says is the world’s seventh-largest live entertainment market. The company, formed by the combination of concert promoter Live Nation and Ticketmaster, named Luke Hede as vice president of promotions at the Pacific Rim. Hede had served as vice president of international booking for Live Nation Asia. Roger Field will be vice president of promotions in Australia and New Zealand. The pair will lead the launch Live Nation’s concert business in the region.
“Over the last decade, Live Nation has been involved with some of the most successful tours throughout Australia and New Zealand, including: U2, The Rolling Stones, David Bowie, Prince, Nickelback, The Police, and many others,”Alan Ridgeway, CEO of Live Nation International, said in a statement. “We now feel that the time is right to establish our own presence and further monetize our global tours in this particularly strong and growing live music market. After working closely with two of Australia’s most highly regarded promoters in Paul Dainty and Michael Coppel respectively, both Luke and Roger have vast experience and knowledge in the local market and we are thrilled to have them leading our Australian launch.”
Ticketmaster, which merged with Live Nation earlier in the year, has had ticketing locations on the continent and throughout the Pacific region for decades, which Live Nation will tap. Live Nation has also been promoting concerts in Hong Kong, Shanghai and Singapore, however, the division’s main office will be located in Melbourne.
