Azoff MSG Entertainment Announced

AMM will contribute “its existing artist management business” and developmental projects to MSG, according to a statement.

It is expected to be “a platform for the future growth of MSG” and will have four integrated units designed to achieve “maximum value” for artists and brands.

Azoff is expected to continue to run the management company, with artists listed as Eagles, Van Halen, Lindsey Buckingham, Christina Aguilera and Steely Dan among other longstanding Azoff clients.

Azoff has kept his artist roster close to his chest, and although the above list is common knowledge it has been a while since it has appeared in any official statement.

MSG will own a 90 percent interest in a music publishing venture run by CEO Randy Grimmett and COO Sean O’Malley, whose business is in acquisition. A new television production and live event branding unit, headed by Lawrence Randall, former head of programming for the NFL, will develop live and televised event entertainment.

Azoff MSG Entertainment will also have a 50 percent ownership interest in Digital Brand Architects, managed by Karen Robinovitz, Raina Penchansky and Kendra Bracken-Ferguson.

DBA manages more than 70 bloggers and provides consultancy services to brands seeking opportunities in social media.

The company will also partner with United Talent Agency and digital company ACTV8 to produce “Streets of the City,” a first-ever interactive, live music discovery TV show that allows viewers to scout street talent and support contestants on the show through crowd funding on television.

The new company was preceded by a press conference at The Forum in Inglewood, Calif., featuring Azoff and MSG execs. Azoff was described as a sort of a powerful talent buyer or cheerleader for the building, owned by MSG and under renovation.

“This joint venture provides a unique opportunity for MSG to strengthen its position within the music, entertainment and media landscape in conjunction with Irving Azoff – one of the true giants of the industry,” MSG Company executive chairman James Dolan said. “Our previous investment with Irving’s companies provided a positive return for MSG, and we believe this new venture offers us a compelling platform from which to capitalize on the enormous opportunities inherent in today’s dynamic entertainment environment.” Dolan and MSG became key investors in Front Line Management Group, then managed by Azoff, in 2008.

“The mission of our new venture is to go into a business where we can better an artist’s welfare, well-being and their ability to market their products,” Azoff said.

“We’re looking for artist-friendly and, as a result, fan-friendly projects. One way we’ll accomplish this is by supporting talent’s vision and committing capital, along with management consultation, in a variety of fields, to assist the artists in realizing their creative vision.”

Azoff will be named chairman and CEO of the company and provide consultancy and advisory services to MSG in connection with management of its live events, including for The Forum.

MSG executives will provide the company with consulting services.