Industry News

Live Nation buys independent operator Frank Productions

Live Nation has again added to its promotions portfolio by acquiring a majority stake in Frank Productions, one of North America’s largest independent concert operators.

Frank, based in Wisconsin, was founded in 1964 and operates venues across the US.

The companies said they “are excited to blend the independent spirit of Frank Productions with the breadth of Live Nation’s resources to enhance the live music experience for artists and fans throughout the country”.

In 2017 alone, Frank Productions acquired the High Noon Saloon in Madison, Wisconsin, merged with Majestic Live, which operates the Majestic Theatre in the same city, as well as The Blue Note and Rose Music Hall in Missouri. It also broke ground on The Sylvee, a new, 2,500-capacity concert hall in Madison that is expected to open later this year.

“This partnership made sense for Live Nation on every level, as we’re excited to welcome Larry, Fred and all of Frank Productions to the team,” said Bob Roux, co-president of Live Nation, US Concerts. “They bring valuable industry expertise, solid market representation, and most importantly, an artist-centric approach that will benefit both performers and music fans.”

Frank Productions

Frank Productions will continue to operate its network of concert promotion companies and venues, and will join forces with Live Nation on tours and other promotion opportunities. Live Nation expects that all Frank Productions employees, including its leadership team, will remain in place as part of this joint venture.

Under the new partnership, Live Nation has asked Frank Productions to take over operations at the Orpheum Theater, Wisconsin, effective immediately.

“Frank Productions has been around for over 50 years because we have continuously found new, innovative ways to help artists grow their careers the way they choose, which is a vision we share with Live Nation and should make for a very seamless partnership,” said Larry and Fred Frank, brothers and co-owners of Frank Productions, Inc.

“Our relentless entrepreneurial spirit has helped grow Frank Productions from an independent family operation into a full-service concert promotion company based in the heart of Madison, Wisconsin with over 70 employees and key affiliates like Frank Productions Concerts here in Madison, NS2 in Nashville, CMoore Live in Boise, and now Live Nation across the globe.”

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