Michael Rappino, LiveNation CEO (left) and
Irving Azoff testify on Capital Hill (AP Photo/Kevin Wolf)
Josh Groban announced he is bidding farewell to long-time manager, Brian Avnet, of Avnet Management. He has signed with a new manager, Irving Azoff, CEO of Front Line Management. Billboard had reported the news on July 22, but Groban himself announced it to his fans this week via his video blog.
Irving Azoff is a music industry veteran. According to Azoff, “I've spent 43 years in the music business, but through it all, I've focused on one thing — serving artists.” Irving Azoff has come under scrutiny as of late because of a proposed merger of Ticketmaster and LiveNation. The merger has been accused of violating anti-trust laws. According to the Wall Street Journal, Ticketmaster Entertainment Inc., is the largest ticket vendor in the world, which in turn owns Front Line, the world's biggest talent-management company, representing more than 200 stars. Live Nation Inc. is the world's biggest concert promoter. Fans and musicians alike have battled Ticketmaster over exorbitant fees and unfair handling of sales, including Bruce Springsteen and Pearl Jam. But Azoff asserts, “At Ticketmaster, we are always mindful that we have a central role in the fan or visitor experience. We are committed to getting it right, and making that experience as fast and efficient as possible.”
Like Azoff, Groban’s former manager, Brian Avnet has a long history in the music business. He has managed many artists including, David Foster, The Corrs, Toni Braxton and Renee Olsted. Avnet is also president of 143 Records. He has been with Josh Groban from the beginning when voice coach, Seth Riggs, first sent David Foster a tape of Groban. “I have been in this business for thirty years and I’ve never heard a voice as natural and powerful as his. He is also a very smart young man, one of the smartest I have ever worked with. He learns fast, he’s about the work, and he doesn’t much care for the trappings of celebrity, the limousines and so on,” said Avnet in an interview with Hit Quarters. Avnet is the man who was always seen by Groban’s side on tour. He and his staff were always receptive to Groban’s fans. Lynne Malone, another member of the management team was very accessible to fans, responding to emails, sometimes moderating the message boards and can even be heard on the behind the scenes footage of Groban’s Closer DVD.
It remains to be seen what lies ahead with the new management. It is unclear if it will result in higher ticket prices, worse seats or less input from fans. What is clear is that it’s a sign of Groban’s success that he can attract a big name management firm like Azoff’s. It seems implausible that Azoff will be as hands on as Avnet’s team was. However, Groban is now a successful, A-list singing sensation who can make his own decisions. The winds of change are blowing for Groban, from his new producer to his new management team. It will be exciting to see where it takes him. Stayed tuned.
Post your comments on parting of ways between Groban and his management team and his new manager Azoff.
Comments (11)
i watched some of the merger hearings with ticketmaster and live nation...seemed kinda shady...josh should proceed with caution!
It's too bad. Brian Avnet was very good to him.
We'll miss Brian - he was like family to the Grobanites. But Josh let us know that their parting was amicable and that he loves Brian - I'm sure he always will. His fans always will. And who will ever forget the Closer extras and Lynne's "Not all berries come from Ralph's, Josh."
Change is sometimes sad - but inevitable - and Josh is not someone who does that without much consideration - do a good job with him, Mr. Azoff - he's a treasure.
As one of the original Grobanites I am very sad to see Josh leave Avnet Management. I am one of those who actually communicated directly with Brian and Lynne via email and in person. Josh belongs to the world now but I hope he doesn't lose that personal relationship with his fans. This is what we all wanted, right? I miss our little Grobanite world. Brian and Lynne were a big part of making him accessible to us as well as protecting him. Knowing how Josh was and hoping he remains that way, he will always be the down-to-earth funny boy I met at the Time Warner conference room with 15 other fans way back when.
Hmn, it never seems to work out when someone starts with one manager, becomes famous, then drops his manager for someone else. Hopefully, it will this time. It's a shame, though. I thought Josh was happy where Brian took him. Then again, the Josh of yesterday is far from the Josh of today.
I hate to see Brian go. He was always so nice to the Grobanites in the early years. Always ready to talk to us and share our happiness with Josh. Brian, you will be sorely missed.
Brian will be missed and remembered fondly by Josh's fans. I wish only the very best to Brian, Lynne, Irving, and more importantly to Josh. May this move bring you all that you hope for.
I am also an original Grobanite, and it saddens me to see Josh leave Avnet Management. Brian has long been like family to me, as well, and he always will be. I will always support Josh, however, and I trust that he did not make this decision without a great deal of thought. This is indeed the end of an era, but just as a young man must leave the home of his parents, Josh, too, has to make his own way through this world and leave the embrace of those people who have nurtured him. This is a growing opportunity for Josh, and I wish him the best. May he not regret this decision, but if he does, may it serve as a learning experience for him.
Holy crap....give that young man a break!!!! As much as we would like the world to stay same, change is a natural part of life. Fact that Josh Groban stayed with Brian for nearly ten years is exceptional. We have no right to claim Josh or expected him justify his decisions. We just enjoy and appreciate God give talent. That all!!! we can't say he belong to us. If we truly care for Josh's well being,then we must allow him to make his own choices, decisions and even mistakes. He must feel free to live his life freely, and not always consider how his "fan" might be offended. Good grief.... get a life grobanites!!!
I think Josh is very smart and talented and he has said from the beginning he was interested in the long ride ahead of him. I believe he has mapped out some very wise decisions and will continue to give his 150% best. No voice is better than his.
I know I sent this you you before. H
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