Live Nation Consolidates HoB
Nearly all of those cut were HoB staffers although more consolidation moves are expected. Not all the departures were the result of layoffs. There have reportedly been a number of voluntary resignations and more may be on the way in the coming months.
The streamlining came, as expected, approximately 30 days after the deal for Live Nation’s $350 million acquisition of House of Blues Entertainment was completed November 3rd.
While Live Nation would neither confirm nor deny specifics of the reorganization, Pollstar has learned that the cuts came largely in marketing, box office, development and digital sectors as well as at House of Blues amphitheatres.
Key House of Blues execs, including Alex Hodges, Kevin Morrow, Bob Shea, Emily Simonitsch and Steve Macfadyen, had survived the streamlining as of press time.
Former HoB chief executive Greg Trojan left the company on good terms and under the provisions of his contract.
Talent buyers Dave Hart and Paola Palazzo have left, as have public relations officer Jack Gannon and his staff, all from the Los Angeles headquarters. Talent buyer Stan Levinstone is no longer with the Atlantic City House of Blues outpost. San Diego House of Blues VP David Swift and HoB Cleveland talent buyer Chris Moore have also left.
For the most part, club-level HoB talent buyers appear to have been spared the onslaught of holiday pink slips, with some exceptions.
House of Blues Canada staff remains intact, which was expected given Live Nation’s lack of a strong Canadian presence outside of partner Michael Cohl and CPI.
HoB sheds will be absorbed into the Live Nation venue network reporting to Bruce Eskowitz. GMs at two HoB venues are no longer with the company: Clay Schell at Atlanta’s
Robert Thomas, GM of Denver’s
— Deborah Speer
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