ACM was excited to welcome John Probyn, COO of the World’s largest concert promoter, Live Nation, to deliver a Business Masterclass Seminar to the students of ACM’s Music Business School and was an opportunity to get to meet one of the most recognised live production business executives in Europe.
John got his first taste for events in 1988 when he landed a sales job in commercial radio. Spotting an opportunity to involve advertisers with the station and its music he created one of the first dedicated sponsorship and events divisions in commercial radio – a decision that gave the station an important new revenue source and saw John quickly rise up the ranks. John’s role grew to creating major music events for Capital Radio’s network of stations throughout the UK. As he mastered his skills John earned a reputation as one of the UK’s foremost experts in the production of live events.
In 1988, he decided to set up on his own and created Pro Productions where he rapidly built up a client list including the country’s biggest promoters and festivals as well as major touring shows. In 2001, Pro Productions was bought by Live Nation (then Clear Channel Entertainment) which handed John the role of UK Festival Director overseeing logistical planning and implementation of global events such as Live 8, Live Earth and Nelson Mandela’s 90th Birthday celebrations, while he also became the driving force behind Live Nation’s award winning festivals Download, Hard Rock Calling and Wireless. His long-term view of the business has made John Probyn arguably the most recognised production executives in the Europe. His decision to create fan forums for Download, so that he could gauge feedback on even the most minute proposed changes, has given him cult status among the festival’s fans. In 2008, John was promoted to his current position of Chief Operating Officer for Live Nation Music UK, placing him in overall charge of all elements of planning and implementation of the company’s tours, festivals and special events.
The two hour session (starting at 11am) will take place on Wednesday 9th October in Room 39 of ACM’s Global House and is a MUST for all students.
Follow John Probyn on Twitter.
