Corgan and The Smashing Pumpkins are managed by Frontline headed by Irving Azoff who also just happens to be the CEO of Ticketmaster and is slated for a top position in the new merged company.
MORE:Major Artists Lobby For Live Nation Ticketmaster Merger But Don't Disclose Azoff Connection
Did we read this right? Smashing Pumpkins frontman Billy Corgan sent a letter to Congress in support of the merger of Ticketmaster and Live Nation. Maybe when shaving his head some of his brains slipped out.
"…The combination of these companies creates powerful tools for an independent artist to reach their fans in new and unprecedented ways, all the while restoring the power where it belongs…In short, we have a broken system. This is a new model that puts power into the hands of the artist, creating a dynamic synergy that will inspire great works and attract healthy competition. The proposed merger you have before you helps create those opportunities by boldly addressing the complexity of the existing musical and economic landscapes."
Uh??? Last we heard, Ticketmaster hits fans with ridiculously high charges and Live Nation is a friend to mega-stars, but could care less about artist development. Then again, what should one expect from a man who writes such deep and thoughtful lyrics as:
To spit the seed
A single weed gets respect"
** Thanks to Hypebot reader Nancy Prager for the Frontline tip.
