MIDEM Rolls Out Management Heavyweights

U2 manager Paul McGuinness and R.E.M. manager Bertis Downs will appear at the first International Manager Summit to be held at MIDEM in France.

McGuinness, who has managed U2 since the group formed 30 years ago and also handles PJ Harvey and The Rapture, will deliver a keynote speech at the January 28-29 conference and Downs will participate in the panels.

The International Manager Summit will tackle fundamental issues such as the new functions of the manager in the era of 360-degree contracts, artist branding, the evolution of the relationship with the artist, the role of the manager in the launch and follow-up of artist careers, and the development of so-called niche artists.

The International Manager Summit is organized in association with the International Managers’ Forum and the International Artist Managers’ Association.

It’s part of the annual MIDEM international music gathering held in Cannes January 27-31.