In line with the difficult economic situation prevailing in both sectors, which has hit the export business particularly severely, exhibitors of both Musikmesse and ProLight&Sound were cautious in their estimates of the economic outlook. Around 70 percent (ProLight&Sound: 76 percent) rated it as being satisfactory to good. On the visitor side, the estimates were somewhat higher at 80 percent (ProLight&Sound: 85 percent), which reflects the comparatively good development of sales in the trade. The next Musikmesse and ProLight&Sound will be held in Frankfurt-am-Main from 6 to 9 April 2011.
Musical Ambition - The UK is aiming to overtake the United States as the world's top music-making nation in the next 10 years. Industry body UK Music said it wanted more successful records to be made in Britain than any other country by 2020. It is also calling for a new cabinet committee to let ministers focus policies for the creative industries, reporting to the prime minister. "We think we can be number one," UK Music chief executive Feargal Sharkey said. "We're not far off it."
In 2008, the UK provided four of the world's 10 best-selling artists and is currently home to the biggest green-field festival, Glastonbury, and the world's most successful ticketed venue, the O2 in London. The music industry contributes around £5bn to the UK economy per year and employs twice as many people as financial services companies, UK Music said.
The umbrella body said politicians should take a "grown up" approach to the country's music market, which is the second-largest in the world. Sharkey said he had been "quietly discussing" the idea of a committee with people in government. It was a way to "pass the gauntlet back to the government", he explained. "The next step is very easy, the government needs to say 'that's a great idea', and get on with it. We could have the whole thing in place by the end of the week."
Festival Update - The Libertines will reform to play this year's Reading and Leeds festivals alongside headliners Guns 'N' Roses, Arcade Fire and Blink 182. The four original members of the London band, Peter Doherty, Carl Barat, Gary Powell and John Hassall last appeared on stage together in 2004. The 2010 festival takes place between 27-29 August at Little John's Farm, Reading and Bramham Park, Leeds.
(Jim Evans)
