Red Sox Drop Live Nation, May Start Own Concert Business

Red Sox Drop Live Nation As Team's Concert Promoter

The Red Sox "have scratched [Live Nation] from their lineup," as team execs “were rather miffed" at the promoter for failing to deliver Jon Bon Jovi for Fenway Park’s annual summer concert, according to sources cited by gossip columnists Fee & Raposa of the BOSTON HERALD. A source said, “Live Nation had assured the Sox executives that they had Bon Jovi lined up for three dates in August. But they failed to deliver on the promise, leaving the Red Sox in the lurch at the eleventh hour.” Red Sox Chair Tom Werner “had to scramble to secure” Neil Diamond, who is playing Fenway on August 23. That “didn’t please the Sox, who are fond of maximizing Fenway revenue." The relationship between the Red Sox and Live Nation reportedly is "so sour, the team, through its Fenway Sports Group [FSG], is contemplating setting up a rival concert biz.” FSG has hired former Live Nation Exec VP Steve Simon as a consultant. Simon “will help the team with the Neil Diamond show and would help launch the proposed Fenway concert division, if it goes forward.” The Red Sox' move "pretty much mirrors a tack previously taken” by the Patriots. A source said, “Since Gillette Stadium opened, Live Nation has done only two or three shows there. It doesn’t mean the Patriots will never work with Live Nation, but they’ve had more success doing it themselves.” The Red Sox had worked with Live Nation since ’03 to book and promote concerts at Fenway, including the Rolling Stones, Bruce Springsteen, the Dave Matthews Band, Jimmy Buffet and The Police (BOSTON HERALD, 5/12).