AEG might be buying Bowery Presents. What does that mean for Philly?
Global concert promoter AEG Live might be buying the independent Bowery Presents, according to a report published in Billboard today. Though Bowery is based in New York City, and named for its famed Bowery Ballroom, the deal has implications elsewhere. As Billboard puts it, it’s a case of “another successful promoter [leaving] the ranks of independents. Founded in 1993, Bowery has been a viable third promoter option in New York (with AEG and Live Nation), and has formed strong ties with artists, managers, and agents in moving acts up the venue ladder.”
What does that mean here in Philadelphia? Bowery is one of four partners, along with R5 Productions, in the 1200-capacity Union Transfer, as well as the 150-capacity Boot And Saddle. However, R5’s Sean Agnew tells us that deal won’t change operations at either of those venues.
“I’m still booking the shows,” Agnew says. “Same staff, [same] management.”
Since the deal is not finalized, Agnew cannot go into specifics – “Not because I am holding anything back,” he says, “but I think there is still lots to figure out on their end.” Agnew’s impression is that AEG is not buying Bowery Presents outright; he expects Bowery Presents will still continue to exist, book shows in New York City and elsewhere, and will still be R5’s partner at Union Transfer and Boot And Saddle.
Currently, AEG primarily books The Mann Center and The Trocadero in Philadelphia; it also occasionally books at Wells Fargo Center, Electric Factory, Liacouras Center, The Keswick and the Academy of Music.
Representatives for AEG Philly did not respond to requests for comment.