Live Nation is setting up its first office in Thailand – but it’s not going into the country alone.
The music show promotions giant has formed a new JV with one of Thailand’s best-known entertainment companies, BEC-TERO Entertainment Public Co Ltd.
Live Nation BEC-Tero Limited will promote international concerts in Thailand and will be led by Neil Thompson, who has spent over 22 years working in the music industry in the country.
In addition to promoting concerts and festivals by Western artists, the JV will also bring regional acts to Thailand, including the leading K-Pop and J-Pop acts.
As well as promoting concerts, Bec-Tero boasts divisions operating in TV, radio, music, sports, family events, theater and exhibitions.
BEC-Tero also runs Thailand’s largest ticketing company, Thaiticketmajor, as well as Qikplay.com, an online music retail and merchandising store.
Michael Rapino, Live Nation Entertainment president and CEO, said: “This represents another important step in increasing Live Nation’s global presence and ensuring we can offer fans, artists and sponsors a seamless service across the world.”
Alan Ridgeway, Live Nation president of international & emerging markets, said: “Thailand has been one of the strongest concert markets in Asia for a long time and it is a pleasure to welcome to the Live Nation Asia team Brian Marcar and Neil Thompson, the two people who have been responsible for putting Thailand on the touring map.”
Brian Marcar, director and shareholder of BEC-Tero, said: “BEC-Tero has long been a leader in entertainment in Thailand and joining with Live Nation, which has an immense portfolio of artists, festivals and international tours, will offer great growth opportunities.”
Neil Thompson said: “I have worked with Live Nation for a number of years on tours such as Lady Gaga’s Born This Way Ball tour and Sting’s Sacred Love tour, and am now looking forward to working more closely with the full Live Nation team to bring more concerts to Thai music fans.”
Upcoming shows for Live Nation BEC-Tero include Avenged Sevenfold (Jan. 20), Michael Buble (Jan. 24) and One Direction (March 14).
Live Nation operates across 10 countries in Asia and now has offices in China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan and Thailand.
[Pictured: Brian Marcar and Neil Thompson]Music Business Worldwide
