Live Nation vows to ‘not promote shows in Russia’ following Ukraine invasion

Live Nation, the world’s biggest concert promoter, is joining the boycott of Russia.

World leaders, artists and a growing cadre of entertainment businesses have spoken up since news of Russia’s invasion into Ukraine spread Feb. 24, and tough sanctions await from the global community.

Now, the world’s biggest concerts promoter steps in with a pledge to cease promoting in the market, and cut ties with its suppliers there.

“Live Nation joins the world in strongly condemning Russia’s invasion of Ukraine,” the company says in a statement, seen by TIO.

“We will not promote shows in Russia, and we will not do business with Russia. We’re in the process of reviewing our vendors so we can cease work with any and all Russian-based suppliers.”

LN opened an office in Moscow back in late 2012, an affiliate that would allow the concerts giant to scale its concerts for an additional 200 million-plus music fans.

As troubling footage reaches the West of missile attacks on civilian targets, and rows of Russian tanks rolling on to the capital Kiev, the music industry is taking a stand. Initially, with the cancellation of international shows in the market.

Los Angeles-based stadium and arena operator Oak View Group (OVG) is also severing ties with the Russian Federation.

“We stand with the people of Ukraine, we condemn the actions of Russia, and we hope our stance inspires others in our industry to take action where they can,” reads a statement from OVG.

Meanwhile, ASM Global, the international venue management operator, formed by the 2019 merger of AEG Facilities and SMG, and whose assets includes venues Moscow Convention Centre and MTS Live Arena in the Russian capital, said it “stands with the people of Ukraine and condemns Russia’s actions”.

Also, Universal Music Group (UMG), the world’s biggest music company, which operates an affiliate in Russia, said it stands with its partners who “are on the ground delivering urgent humanitarian aid to Ukraine refugees”.

Earlier this week, Australia’s roadies took a stand.

The Australian Road Crew Association (ARCA) announced it would pull its music recordings from the Russian market, in protest of Vladimir Putin’s aggressive actions and for the “accompanying unnecessary deaths, trauma and forthcoming massive refugee problem,” a statement reads.

ARCA co-founder Ian Peel said a boycott was the best possible message to send.

“We don’t have weapons, but want to support the people of the Ukraine in any way possible, protest, help to survive, anything,” he explained.

“We are all people trying to live a pure and free life on this planet. Stand with them.”

IQ magazine, the London-based specialist title for the live entertainment industry, polled some of the concert industry’s biggest hitters on the escalating situation in the East. 

The outlook for future shows in Russia is not a rosy one.

“Unless there is a really significant change to the situation, I think Russia could be pushed out in the cold as a touring market for some time,” Paradigm agent Tom Schroeder told IQ.

Those comments were echoed by Solo agency chief John Giddings. “I can’t see any shows being booked there in the foreseeable future,” he explained.

“We have cancelled Iggy Pop and we’re in the process of cancelling all of our shows there. We were negotiating other tours but never got to confirmation because of the uncertainty.”

Read more here. 

This article originally appeared on The Industry Observer, which is now part of The Music Network.