Contributor

Corrie Christopher, agent for Imagine Dragons, has joined Paradigm as an agent in Paradigm’s music division with her clients, Billboard.biz has learned. Christopher had been senior VP of Concerts at Agency for the Performing Arts.

The sighs of relief emanating from AEG Live’s L.A. offices could be heard ‘round the world when a jury declared the promoter not guilty of negligence in the hiring of Dr. Conrad Murray, the doctor convicted of manslaughter in the death of Michael Jackson. While AEG was likely insured against damages, a guilty verdict would have set a precedent in how touring deals are constructed; but that the trial took place at all will still have an impact on the touring business.

The vast majority of employees on tour aren't the responsibility of the artist or the promoter/producer, but rather the vendors contracted to provide sound, lights, staging and other services. Veteran music business accountant Bill Zysblat, who has run the books on some of the biggest tours of all time, says, "Very often the touring company will not have enough employees to comply."