LIVE NATION'S ENGLISH BEAT

Live Nation has launched a new division focused on electronic music events in the U.K., Electronic Nation, to be led by Cream MD Scott Barton. Alongside the LN-owned Creamfields and Steel Yard events, the division will focus on expanding offerings of all electronic music genres in Blighty.

Barton’s aim for Electronic Nation is to build upon Live Nation’s continued expansion into the electronic arena, with the aim of connecting big name dance acts to more fans across the U.K. through tours and festivals. “We have a dedicated team who work hard to connect fans to electronic music events across the U.K.,” he said. “As the scene continues to grow, the knowledge and experience we have is key to our success."

Barton has more than 25 years of experience in the electronic music world. Alongside his brother James, he helped develop the Cream brand from its inception as a nightclub in '92 into a major promoter, which, under Live Nation, is now responsible for multiple tours and club shows across the U.K. with artists such as deadmau5, Marshmello, Porter Robinson, DJ Snake, Above & Beyond, Skrillex, Swedish House Mafia and Calvin Harris.

Since its inception in '98, the U.K. edition of Creamfields, which takes place at the end of August, has grown to become one of the biggest electronic music events in the world. The festival attracts the likes of Swedish House Mafia, Calvin Harris—both of whom return in 2019 as U.K. exclusives—Tiësto, deadmau5, Eric Prydz, Carl Cox, The Chainsmokers, Skrillex and The Chemical Brothers. Internationally, Creamfields has made its mark across the globe, with editions taking place in Chile, Abu Dhabi, Ibiza, Malta, Brazil, Argentina, Peru, Australia, Hong Kong, and multiple cities in China.

Denis Desmond, Chairman Live Nation UK and Ireland, said of the new division, “With Scott's outstanding record managing global brands Cream and Creamfields, this new division is a major advance for Live Nation and for artists and acts in this genre."

Steel Yard began as a bespoke 15k capacity arena that debuted at Creamfields, and now makes regular appearances in Liverpool and London with sell-out events featuring acts such as Above & Beyond, Eric Prydz and Armin van Buuren; Space Ibiza will return this year for a show headlined by Carl Cox.