Big Day Out has gone through yet another ownership change. It is now owned by America’s Live Nation Entertainment, which late last week bought out Texas-based C3 Presents.
C3, which runs the Lollapalooza festivals in five cities and Austin City Limits festival, bought a half-share in the long-running Australian festival from founder Ken West, and later brought in Soundwave promoter AJ Maddah for a time.
Live Nation Entertainment’s CEO and resident Michael Rapino said of C3’s operators Charles Attal, Charlie Jones and Charlie Walker, “The Charlies have proven they are amongst the most successful entrepreneurs in the concert industry. I have long admired what they built and now I look forward to working alongside them as they continue to build a world class festival company.
“Adding C3, the leading festival portfolio in North America, to our global portfolio of Insomniac, Festival Republic and Country Nation provides Live Nation with the world’s largest festival platform.”
Attal, Jones and Walker added, “We are excited to join Live Nation and become a part of their global family, while continuing to grow our festivals within a culture of entrepreneurship that will empower our team to keep improving these festivals and the fan experience.”
Rumours are that C30 plans to rebrand Big Day Out as Lollapalooza Australia.
CHRISTIE ELIEZER
