Features
CPI Partner Ballard Dies
Bill Ballard, who partnered with Michael Cohl to form Concert Productions International in Toronto, died of cancer March 13 at age 67.
Ballard joined Cohl and David Wolinsky in 1973 to form CPI and bring superstars like The Rolling Stones, U2, Pink Floyd, and David Bowie to Toronto and became one of Canada’s leading promoters.
Ballard and Cohl eventually bought out Wolinsky and, teaming up with John Labatt Ltd, formed BCL Entertainment that in turn morphed into The Next Adventure.
When Live Nation acquired CPI and TNA, Ballard joined the company’s board of directors in 2007.
He resigned less than a year later, one month after Cohl resigned as LN Chairman.