Top music industry figures discuss student concerns on secondary ticketing

Secondary ticketing is a hot topic right now. The BBC has recently revealed that Robbie Williams’ management have controversially released tickets directly onto the secondary ticketing market. Industry experts are heading down to Southampton Solent to debate the issue with academics and students at the University’s annual Live & Kicking conference.

Johnny Hopkins, Live & Kicking organiser and Senior Lecturer in Popular Music Media Industries, says:  “Students form a key part of the gig-going public. Our students care passionately about live music and issues like secondary ticketing. This is why we have put together a panel of key people in the live music industry who will give the latest opinions from the inside. The students will also contribute interesting ideas to the debate. Their views are important. Hopefully this meeting of minds will create a new way forward.”

The secondary ticketing panel will feature:

• Andrew Parsons (MD, Ticketmaster UK)
• Dave Newton (CEO, WeGotTickets.com)
• Marcus Russell (Catfish & The Bottlemen / Noel Gallagher manager) 
• Adam Webb (FanFair Alliance)

The conference will kick off with ‘BBC Introducing’, featuring Stephanie Nieuwenhuys and Richard Latto from BBC Radio Solent talking about their work. The final panel of the day will look at tour and production management - jobs that are vital to the success of any musician’s live career.

Conference programme

11.00 – 12.00 – BBC Introducing: Solent in discussion

12.00 – 1.00 – Secondary ticketing- A necessary evil?

1.00 – 2.00 – Life on the Road – Working with touring artists

About Live & Kicking

Now in its fourth year, Live & Kicking brings together executives from the various areas of the music industries with academics and students to discuss the current issues and job opportunities. The event also serves as a networking opportunity for students wanting career advice and work experience.

Solent are also organising a gig at The Joiners on Monday 23 January in collaboration with Independent Venue Week 2017. More details to follow.