Madonna signs with Live Nation. The Music Industry has now been put on alert

 

Right on for Madonna who has now signed on with Live Nation for $120 M+. As I have talked to some fine folks over at her former label, Warner, it has come upon the label to start signing ‘360 degree’ contracts which means any new artists will sign away their CD, merchandising, and touring rights. KORN did this with Virgin/EMI a few years ago. Victory Records does this with their own publishing and tour booking agencies. It is the only way for labels to survive. As for Madonna, this is a huge loss for Warner. Her label Maverick may also be defunct. Who is next? They say it will be Red Hot Chili Peppers. As for Live Nation, they now basically own every aspect of Madonna. She is not poor from this but she has lead the music industry into a new direction. Who is Live Nation? They were the touring aspect of Clear Channel from a few years ago but have recently taken over the House of Blues Tour Promoters (at least here in Canada). Next up? I have heard rumors of Apple starting a label. JAY-Z and Beyoncé Knowles may be part of that deal.