[Here's a press release. No new info, just thought it might be relevant to the Azoff comments]
Irving Azoff Joins Clear Channel Board
October 4, 2010
Live Nation Executive Chairman Irving Azoff has joined the Board of Directors for Clear Channel, according to a filing with the SEC late Friday. Azoff replaces Kent R. Weldon, a partner at Thomas H. Lee Partners, on Clear Channel's board. THL Partners is, of course, one of the two private equity firms that now own Clear Channel. According to the New York Times, Weldon stepped down from Clear Channel's board to make room for Azoff.
Azoff discussed the state of Live Nation at a meeting organized by Liberty Media. USA Today reports that Azoff is optimistic about 2011's concert offerings, citing planned tours by the cast of Glee, Van Halen, Avril Lavigne, Christina Aguilera and Fleetwood Mac.
Azoff also talked about Live Nation's further involvement in merchandise and other items beyond the concert ticket, saying, "We intend to become the Amazon of the music business." Last week, Barry Diller resigned as Chairman of Live Nation. While there were rumors of clashes between Azoff and Diller, Azoff said on Twitter that "It was always Barry Diller's intention to step down from LNE COB during first year after TM/LN merger. I look forward to continue to work with him during his time on the board. I thank him for the many years of dedication and loyalty to everyone at TM."
Azoff was also in the news last week because he and his wife Shelli will be honored by the City Of Hope's Music and Entertainment Industry group with the 2011 Spirit of Life Award, its most prestigious honor and recognizes individuals who have committed their time and resources to helping those in need.
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