Features
Spain Focus 2023 Index Page
Another year, another Focus on one of the most exciting markets for live entertainment on earth: Spain. With its combination of fantastic weather, some of the best gastronomies in Europe, and amazing concert venues, the country has everything you need to provide some great entertainment.
As these conversations with some of Spain’s leading live professionals prove, business is back in full swing. There’s never been a better time to visit this southern European destination, and catch a fantastic show while at it.
Main Story:
Vamos España: How Spain’s Local Identity Brings In Global Business
Interviews:
‘The Best Rock Concert I have Ever Seen’: Q’ With Doctor Music’s Neo Sala
Pollstar caught up with Spanish live music icon Neo Sala to talk about the current state of play at his company, Doctor Music, which kicked off 2023 in style with two Bruce Springsteen concerts at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys in Barcelona, Spain, April 28 & 30.
‘Ticket Sales And Demand Have Never Been Stronger’: Q’s With The Team Of Live Nation Spain
Pollstar reached out to the team of Live Nation Spain to talk about the company’s many success stories, which have led to what president and head promoter Robert Grima called “the strongest year in Live Nation Spain History.” Pino Sagliocco, chairman Live Nation Spain, Chen Castaño, managing director at Planet Events, and Barnaby Harrod, head promoter at Mercury Wheels, also shared their business perspectives.
‘It’s Getting Difficult To Survive As An Independent’: Q’s With Riff Producciones’ Chris Ortiz
Chris Ortiz, president of Riff Producciones, is right in the middle of another busy year. Coming fresh off a couple of European dates with Joaquin Sabina, he went straight into Manuel Carrasco’s “Corazón Y Flecha” tour, which kicked off last weekend, June 2-3, at La Cartuja stadium in Seville, Spain.
Growing Portfolio, Enterting New Territories: Q’s With Proactiv CEO Nicolas Renna
Proactiv Entertainment seems to be on a roll. Following a record 2022 that was as profitable as it was challenging, 2023 already came with another milestone: the sale of a majority stake to Sony Music Masterworks. This creates opportunities for a bright future, as Proactiv Entertainment CEO Nicolas Renna tell Pollstar.
‘We Are Opening Up New Paths Within Live Music’: Q’s With GTS Live’s Maricruz Laguna
GTS Live promoted the 2022 tour of Alejandro Sanz alongside Mow Management, which became the second-biggest Spanish tour of the year, according to the country’s promoters association. This year looks equally busy, not just in terms of touring, and Pollstar reached out to GTS Live director and corporate representative Maricruz Laguna to find out more.
‘Local Identity Means Huge Business’: Q’s With Cruïlla’s Jordi Herreruela
Cruïlla celebrates its 13th edition this year, with a lineup led by Placebo, The Offspring, Sigur Rós, Tash Sultana, Alt-J, and a strong selection of Latin American music from the likes of Rubén Blades, Bomba Estéreo, Omara Portuondo, and more. We caught up with festival director Jordi Herreruela.
‘It Is Still Very Economical To Attend A Festival’: Q’s With Primavera Sound’s Alfonso Lanza
Primavera Sound has been expanding a lot over the past years. Next weekend, June 8-10, sees the first edition in the Spanish capital of Madrid go down. Pollstar caught up with Primavera Sound CEO Alfonso Lanza to talk about this historic move, as well as a few other aspects from the Primavera cosmos.
