Michael Cohl, an Emmy and Tony Award-winning producer, shares captivating tales from his 55-year career in live entertainment. He reveals the intense negotiations behind major tours for legends like The Rolling Stones and the chaos of ticketing for a Pink Floyd show. Cohl's anecdotes include the humorous side of promoting concerts, like the mix-up between George Harrison and George Michael, as well as insights into navigating the industry’s complexities and the evolution of concert promotion in a competitive landscape.
Michael Cohl's entry into the merchandise business was driven by a desire for control and consistency in the fragmented music industry.
The critical turning point in their strategy was securing Michael Jackson's merchandise rights, highlighting the risks of overly favorable deals in high-stakes negotiations.
Transitioning from managing Michael Jackson to promoting Pink Floyd emphasized the importance of creating immersive experiences that prioritize the collective audience over individual artists.
Deep dives
Merchandising Control
Entering the merch business was motivated by the need for control and consistency in the music industry. By establishing their own merch company, they could ensure availability and quality across global locations, unlike traditional concert agencies that fragmented the merch rights. They aimed to align their efforts with established figures in the industry, such as Frank DeLeo, who managed Michael Jackson's lucrative merchandise rights during the height of the 'Thriller' era. The discussion highlights the complexities in managing artist merchandise rights, particularly in securing deals while navigating a highly competitive market.
The Michael Jackson Tour Dilemma
Securing the rights to merchandise for Michael Jackson at the peak of his popularity marked a significant turning point in their business strategy. After investing $3 million in merch rights, anticipation was high for Jackson's accompanying tour, although initial negotiations with boxing promoter Don King caused considerable concern. As events unfolded, it became evident that King had overcommitted financially, jeopardizing the tour's success and creating a potential loss for their investment. They learned a critical lesson that when deals are excessively favorable to one side, both parties can suffer, especially when the ability to deliver on an extravagant tour becomes compromised.
Saving the Tour
A pivotal moment occurred when financial struggles led to rumors of the tour's impending collapse, prompting a decisive intervention. The speaker proposed to take over the tour to avoid disaster, offering to pay what was necessary to keep Michael Jackson on track, even on Yom Kippur. This bold maneuver not only salvaged their investment but positioned them for future success as they managed to reschedule shows strategically and maintain the tour's momentum. Such actions illustrate how quick thinking and decisive management can transform a dire situation into an opportunity for success.
The Impact of Pink Floyd
The transition from managing Michael Jackson to orchestrating Pink Floyd's tours marked a critical period of growth and adaptation. After considerable negotiation internally, the scope expanded to feature stadium shows, reinforcing the importance of brand equity in a fragmented market. The understanding that fans prioritize the experience rather than just the individual artists involved led them to focus on creating monumental shows driven by elaborate productions. Successfully promoting Pink Floyd not only solidified their reputation but also reinforced the lesson that the essence of the act lies in its collective experience.
Navigating Musical Conflicts
The episode highlights the complex dynamics between established music icons and the promoters who navigate their careers. Faced with industry challenges, including internal band tensions and external market pressures, innovative strategies were implemented to restore peace and momentum. The conversations regarding key decisions, such as integrating Roger Waters with Pink Floyd after his departure, reflect the intricate balance of artist representation while maintaining public demand. Ensuring a sustainable and supportive working relationship among influential figures in the music industry was pivotal in overcoming significant challenges and facilitating unforgettable performances.
Michael Cohl is an internationally acclaimed Emmy and Tony Award-winning live entertainment producer and concert promoter. In his 55-year career, Cohl’s expertise spans a broad range of live experiences, from music to sports, theatre, and film. He is the Chairman of EMC Presents and founder and CEO of S2BN Entertainment, which brings highly immersive and interactive live entertainment to global audiences, including music and film experiences, as well as the Harry Potter exhibition and Pink Floyd exhibition.
Cohl has notably overseen the tours and related merchandising for over 150 world-renowned artists, including David Gilmour, Barbra Streisand, Phil Collins, Genesis, and The Rolling Stones. One of the most prolific figures in his industry, Cohl has been inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame, and he is the subject of CBC’s 2006 documentary, Satisfaction: The Life and Times of Michael Cohl. He is the recipient of the NAACP Image Award, GLAAD Award, Peabody Award, and Billboard’s Legend of Live Award.
Currently, Cohl continues to shape the entertainment landscape with projects including A Night with Janis Joplin, Bat Out of Hell: The Musical, David Gilmour’s Concert Tour, Asi Wind: Incredibly Human, and The Big Apple Circus.
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