In 1986, Kornfeld followed Dennis Arfa to the newly formed QBQ Entertainment, working with Billy Joel, The Beach Boys and Rodney Dangerfield. Today, at IAG, Kornfeld helps oversee a coveted roster of over 500 artists and works directly with Metallica, Def Leppard, Poison, Tesla and digital phenoms The Try Guys, among others.

First concert you ever saw.

Within one week in 1974, I saw Buddy Rich at the Felt Forum and Deep Purple at MSG.

What’s the biggest challenge facing the live-music industry?

It’s a toss-up between rising touring costs and continually improving the fan experience.