AEG Buys SHowbox Clubs

SEATTLE (CelebrityAccess MediaWire) — Alex Kochan, the head of AEG Live's northwestern operations has announced that AEG has purchased the two of Seattles' Showbox clubs, two of the hottest night spots in the city. They have also retained the service of venue operators Jeff Steichen and Chad Queirolo as General Manager and Talent Buyer/Manager, respectively.

AEG already has a strong presence in the market with exclusive booking deals for the WaMu Theater at the Qwest Field Event Center and the Grandstand concerts at the Puyallup Fair, as well as participation in the Bumbershoot Arts and Music Festival.

"We are starting a new chapter in the history of Seattle's live music scene," said Jeff Steichen, Showbox General Manager for both venues. "AEG Live shares our vision and is as committed to the fans as we are."

The Showbox club at Market has been one of the world's top performing clubs and the Showbox venue located just south of the downtown opened in October and has since featured gigs by artists such as Kid Rock, Heart, The Hives, M.I.A. and The Pogues.

AEG doesn't seem all too inclined to change a winning formula however. Andrew Roe, the Seattle marketing director and talent buyer for AEG Live has said that it will largely be business as usual and that the clubs would continue to work with outside promoters. "We are not a closed shop," he told the Seattle Post-Intelligencier. "All other promoters are welcome to continue to book shows at the Showbox. Our goal is to keep the Seattle music scene thriving. We can make some really fun things happen." – CelebrityAccess Staff Writers