James Hanley

London

Music Business Journalist at Freelance

International music journalist. News editor @IQ_Mag. Bullseye obsessive. Cherry Coke lover. All views stolen from people wittier than me.

Articles

RCD Mallorca stadium joins Spanish concert rush

1 week ago | iqmagazine.com | James Hanley

In the latest boost for the Spanish stadium circuit, RCD Mallorca’s Son Moix kicked off a new era of live music by hosting its first concert since undergoing a €30 million renovation. The revamp, which started in 2022 and was completed last year, saw the removal of the football ground’s athletics track to bring fans closer to the action, alongside other significant upgrades.
StubHub threatens UK exit over resale price cap

1 week ago | iqmagazine.com | James Hanley

StubHub International is threatening to leave the UK if the government follows through on its plans to implement a price cap on resale tickets. The government previously indicated it would be looking to cap resale at 10% above face value, but sought views on levels ranging from no uplift at all to 30%. But the secondary ticketing marketplace claims that even a 30% cap above face value would “make it very challenging for us to operate”.
Rockhal reveals 20th anniversary concert plans

2 weeks ago | iqmagazine.com | James Hanley

Luxembourg’s Rockhal is to stage two special events later this year as part of its 20th anniversary celebrations. The 6,500-cap concert hall, located on the former industrial site of Belval in Esch-sur-Alzette, has welcomed talent such as P!nk, Kylie Minogue, Depeche Mode, Prince, Bruno Mars, Bob Dylan, Katy Perry, The Killers, Imagine Dragons and Red Hot Chili Peppers since launching with The Prodigy in autumn 2005.
Tour health and welfare coaching platform launched

2 weeks ago | iqmagazine.com | James Hanley

The Music Industry Therapist Collective (MITC) has announced a new Online Tour Health and Welfare Coaching platform for performers and touring professionals. The confidential service, which is available 24/7, offers short-notice expert-led coaching sessions designed to address the challenges touring musicians, performers and crew face while out on the road.
How the live music business can harness AI

2 weeks ago | iqmagazine.com | James Hanley

A new study has explored how artificial intelligence (AI) can help spur “resilience, efficiency, and creativity” in the live music business. A collaborative effort between Music Tech France, Music Tech Germany and WISE, the Innovation Mapping for the European Music Sector (IMEMS) has identified the key “functional, structural, and cultural needs” of the European sector and mapped out AI-driven solutions.
Piletilevi PLG acquires 'crown jewel' Ticketportal

2 weeks ago | iqmagazine.com | James Hanley

Central Europe’s largest ticket seller Piletilevi PLG has announced the acquisition of Ticketportal, the leading ticketing platform in the Czech Republic and Slovakia. The deal will double Central European powerhouse PLG’s total ticketing volume to nearly €600 million annually while strengthening its position internationally and laying a foundation for further investments, according to the Estonia-hailing firm.
EXIT 2025 'set to be final edition in Serbia'

2 weeks ago | iqmagazine.com | James Hanley

EXIT organisers say this year’s 25th anniversary is set to be the last edition to take place in Serbia, citing “undemocratic pressures”. Uncertainty around the festival’s future surfaced earlier this year after the festival team warned of “mounting pressure and threats aimed at silencing our right to free expression” after publicly aligning itself with anti-corruption student protesters in the country.
Industry remembers 'musical genius' Brian Wilson

2 weeks ago | iqmagazine.com | James Hanley

The music world is united in paying tribute to “genius” Brian Wilson in the wake of the Beach Boys co-founder’s passing aged 82. “We are heartbroken to announce that our beloved father Brian Wilson has passed away,” read an online post by his family yesterday (11 June). “We are at a loss for words right now. Please respect our privacy at this time as our family is grieving. We realise that we are sharing our grief with the world.
Sweden lifts concert bag ban after 18 months

2 weeks ago | iqmagazine.com | James Hanley

Sweden has lifted its bag ban for major events for the first time in over 18 months after the national security service lowered the country’s terror threat level. A total bag ban for large concerts and festivals, as well as sporting events, has been in place since November 2023. But with the threat level being lowered this week from four to three on a five-point scale, the policy will no longer be imposed.
FIFA World Club Cup Halftime Show lineup unveiled

2 weeks ago | iqmagazine.com | James Hanley

International football governing body FIFA and advocacy organisation Global Citizen have announced J Balvin, Doja Cat and Tems as headliners of the inaugural FIFA Club World Cup Halftime Show. The event will take place on Sunday 13 July at the MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, US. Broadcast live and for free worldwide by DAZN, the 15-minute, Super Bowl-style show is being curated by Coldplay’s Chris Martin to support the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund.