HYPEBOT FEATURES:
- Jason Flom follows Lee Trink out of the Capital Executive Suite plus commentary.
- Neither exec will be replaced. Can it work? Take our poll.
- BMG is close to closing a $1.2-$1.5 sale to Sony
- EMI unlocks the BBC vaults
- Major pre-release pirate is arrested
- Merlin posts some impressive numbers
> A look inside the tug of war between Live Nation executives over doing more expensive 360 deals with superstars. (WSJ) Billboard says its gotten so bad that Chairmen Michael Cohl may be on the way out.
> Founder and former of Harp Magazine Scott Crawford is launching BLURT, a new music digital magazine and website. Joined by Managing Editor Fred Mills, Senior Editor Randy Harward, Associate Editor Andy Tennille and Contributing Editor A.D. Amorosi, BLURT will cover "modern music and entertainment".
> RIAA is doubling the settlement costs for students fighting subpoenas.(ars) Now that's building loyalty in tne next generation of fans!
> Wal-Mart sold 104K of its new exclusive Journey album in the first week. (press release) Not bad considering the band doesn't even have the original lead singer.
> Jon Folk has been named VP of Buddy Lee Attractions. He joined the BLA team 14 years ago and is Responsible Agent (RA) for the Honky Tonk Tailgate Party and others.
