Live Nation Entertainment has appointed Song Ke as Chairman of Live Nation China.
Based in Beijing, Song Ke will guide Live Nation’s overall business in China, with a focus on domestic artist touring, artist management and venues.
Live Nation’s international concerts business in China will continue to be led by managing director Edward Liu, based in Shanghai.
Recent shows brought to China by Live Nation include Troye Sivan, Bruno Mars, Charlie Puth, OneRepublic, Tom Odell, Chris Botti, and Kodaline and upcoming shows include Kacey Musgraves, Jason Mraz and LANY, with others to be announced.
With over 20 years of experience, Song Ke is considered one of China’s most influential music industry executives, having most recently served as Chairman of Alibaba Music.
He founded Rye Music, one of China’s biggest labels, during one of the country’s most important periods of development in the late 1990’s. Song Ke also spent time as head of Warner Music Group (China) and then founded Taihe Rye Music in 2004 where he worked with some of the biggest names in C-pop.
Song Ke is the current chairman of the China Music Industry Committee (CMIC).
“Song Ke’s vast experience in the Chinese music industry will now help propel our business forward into the domestic artist touring business and other growth areas.”
Alan Ridgeway, Live Nation Asia Pacific
Alan Ridgeway, Chairman, Live Nation Asia Pacific said: “We have made great in-roads into China over the last few years by building up our international touring volumes, especially at the club and theatre level, and introducing both EDC and Creamfields festivals to multiple cities across China.
“Song Ke’s vast experience in the Chinese music industry will now help propel our business forward into the domestic artist touring business and other growth areas.”
“China is a rapidly growing live entertainment market, and Live Nation with its expertise and international know-how is already contributing to the country’s live music ecosystem.”
Song Ke
Song Ke added: “China is a rapidly growing live entertainment market, and Live Nation with its expertise and international know-how is already contributing to the country’s live music ecosystem.
“I look forward to helping Live Nation strengthen its core business and expand into new areas and opportunities.”
Live Nation delivered its eighth consecutive year of growth in 2018, posting revenue of $10.8 billion, up 11% on 2017.Music Business Worldwide