Pollstar Awards Go Purple
The 16th annual Pollstar Concert Industry Awards show at
The sold-out, February 4th event was again hosted by
The big highlight this year was Prince, who stunned the crowd when he walked onstage to accept his major tour of the year honor in person. Prince offered thanks to promoters John Meglen and Paul Gongaware of Concerts West / AEG Live for making last year his most successful tour ever.
Two dozen agents joined Rob Light onstage as
AEG’s Debra Rathwell, who happened to be celebrating her birthday that night, landed the Bill Graham Award for promoter of the year.
Chip Hooper got the Bobby Brooks Award for agent of the year and John “Bugzee” Hougdahl got road warrior of the year for his work with Prince and
Brian Avnet won personal manager of the year for his work with
Karl Denson, Kenny “Babyface” Edmonds,
Here’s the complete list of winners:
Major Tour of the Year: Prince
Most Creative Tour Package:
Most Creative Stage Production: Prince
Best New Touring Artist:
Music Festival of the Year:
International Music Festival of the Year:
Nightclub of the Year:
Theatre of the Year:
Best New Major Concert Venue:
Red Rocks Award / Best Small Outdoor Venue:
Best Major Outdoor Concert Venue:
Arena of the Year:
International Small Venue of the Year:
International Large Venue of the Year:
Nightclub Talent Buyer of the Year: Sean Striegel
Independent Promoter of the Year:
Talent Buyer of the Year: Jim Glancy
Facility Executive of the Year: Michael Marion
Bill Graham Award / Promoter of the Year: Debra Rathwell
International Promoter of the Year:
Booking Agency of the Year:
Boutique Booking Agency of the Year:
International Booking Agency of the Year:
Third Coast Agent of the Year: John Huie
Bobby Brooks Award / Agent of the Year: Chip Hooper
Personal Manager of the Year: Brian Avnet
Artist Development Executive of the Year: Harvey Leeds
Road Warrior of the Year: John “Bugzee” Hougdahl
Lighting Company of the Year:
Sound Company of the Year:
Staging / Equipment Company of the Year:
Transportation Company of the Year:
Video Company of the Year:
