The UK’s Eden Project and live music giant AEG Presents have jointly launched a new company called the Eden Sessions, through which the two firms will run the Eden Sessions series of concerts at the Biomes in Cornwall, UK.
Eden’s Rita Broe, who has run the Eden Sessions for the last eight years, will lead the new company.
John Empson, who played a key role in the launch of the Sessions in 2002 and has booked every act since, will continue to lead on the booking for the concerts.
Since its inception in 2002 with a headline show by Pulp, the Sessions have featured performances from a huge range of major names including Muse, Oasis, Elton John, Blondie, Bjork, Lionel Richie, Paul Weller, Mumford and Sons, Blink 182, Sigur Ros, The xx, Pixies, Tom Jones, Van Morrison and Queens of the Stone Age.
Among this year’s headliners were Kylie Minogue, Stereophonics and Nile Rodgers & CHIC.
Located in a former clay quarry near St Austell, the Eden Project opened in 2001 and has attracted more than 21 million visitors while generating more than £2 billion for the regional economy.
“Our exciting new venture with AEG Presents teams Eden with the global leader in live music. It will give us more national and international reach and help us spread Eden’s mission even further.”
Gordon Seabright, Eden Project
Gordon Seabright, Chief Executive of the Eden Project, said: “In 18 years, the Sessions have established an excellent reputation in the industry and with concert-goers.
“Our exciting new venture with AEG Presents teams Eden with the global leader in live music. It will give us more national and international reach and help us spread Eden’s mission even further.
“Eden boasts a unique amphitheatre surrounded by beautiful gardens and spectacular Biomes. We are proud that there is no venue like it anywhere in the world and we know that many artists cite shows they have played here as being among their best ever.”
This partnership is a big moment for us and we’re sure it will deliver great things.”
Steve Homer and Toby Leighton-Pope, AEG Presents
Steve Homer and Toby Leighton-Pope, Co-CEOs AEG Presents, said: “People use the word iconic a lot but the Eden Sessions fully deserves that description. They are innovative and the roll call of artists who have performed at Eden speaks for itself.
“They stand for quality as do we and we’re both dedicated to giving music fans a brilliant gig experience every time. This partnership is a big moment for us and we’re sure it will deliver great things.”
In July, AEG Presents launched a new European Festivals division, coinciding with the promotion of Jim King to CEO of European Festivals.
In May Record industry veteran Dennis Dennehy was hired by AEG Presents in the newly-created position of Chief Communications Officer, in addition to joining the AEG Presents Executive Committee.Music Business Worldwide
