Touring giant Live Nation has purchased a controlling stake in New Zealand’s Rhythm And Vines Festival, after taking ownership of Australia’s Splendour In The Grass and Falls festivals back in 2016.
Rhythm And Vines CEO Kieran Spillane says the new partnership will allow the festival to “attract the very best acts”, after previously hosting sets from the likes of Public Enemy, LCD Soundsystem, Chance The Rapper, Moby and ScHoolboy Q.
“Over the course of 15 years, Rhythm And Vines has curated a wonderful line up of both domestic and international talent in one of the most beautiful parts of our country,” says Live Nation New Zealand Chairman Stuart Clumpas.
“It has become a household name in New Zealand and we’re excited to be adding the festival to the Live Nation portfolio and welcoming its experienced team to the company.”
One of New Zealand’s biggest music festivals, Rhythm And Vines takes place over New Year’s in the coastal town of Gisbourne. The festival will return to Gisbourne between 28th and 31st December 2018, but its lineup is yet to be announced.
Live Nation’s acquisition of Rhythm And Vines Festival follows its majority acquisition of Auckland’s 12,000 capacity Spark Arena (formerly Vector Arena) in 2016.
The company, which now has over 100 festivals in its portfolio, was recently accused of attempting to monopolise North America’s live music and ticketing industry with alleged threats to venues.
