LN Benefits From Royal Approval

Live Nation has once again demonstrated the value of having the contract to promote shows in London’s Hyde Park, as the first of this year’s two three-day weekends attracted 150,000 fans.

Hard Rock Calling (June 25-27) had 55,000 for Pearl Jam’s night, the same for Steve Wonder, and 40,000 for Paul McCartney. The total was 5,000 up on last year’s figures.

In 2009, O2 Wireless Festival was a two-dayer attracting 57,000. This year it’s three days, although LN’s Hyde Park record is likely to be broken at some point on the second day.

The July 2-4 lineup has Pink, Jay-Z, Lily Allen, The Ting Tings, LCD Soundsystem, 2manydjs, Snoop Dogg, and Missy Elliott.

Next year is the last that LN will promote in Hyde Park under the current contract. The renewal may see competition from AEG’s Kilimanjaro Live.

In 2008 Kilimanjaro chief Stuart Galbraith tendered for the contract and appealed the Royal Parks’ decision when it was awarded to Live Nation.

The Royal Parks, which manages Hyde Park and seven other London parks, released a statement confirming that Kilimanjaro made an appeal and later withdrew.

The other acts on the Hard Rock Calling bill included The Gaslight Anthem, The Hives, Ben Harper, Jamiroquai, James Morrison, Crosby, Stills & Nash, Crowded House, and Elvis Costello.