CHINA (CelebrityAccess) Live Nation Entertainment has appointed Song Ke, former chairman of Alibaba Music, as chairman of Live Nation China.
Song Ke will be basked in Beijing and is tasked with guiding Live Nation’s overall business in China. Song is expected to 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, according to a statement.
Song Ke founded Rye Music, one of China’s biggest labels, in the 1990s and spent time as head of Warner Music Group (China). He then founded Taihe Rye Music in 2004 where he worked with the big names of C-Pop.
Song Ke is the current chairman of the China Music Industry Committee.
Alan Ridgeway, Chairman, Live Nation Asia Pacific commented: “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 said. “I look forward to helping Live Nation strengthen its core business and expand into new areas and opportunities.”
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.
