Irving Azoff Gives His Perspective on the L.A. Greek Theater Deal

Currently Live Nation and AEG, in partnership with Neerlander, are awaiting a decision from the L.A. Parks and Recreation committee to decide on whose contract it will honor with a ten year multi-million dollar contract with the Greek Theater in L.A, as reported by Billboard. Irving Azoff, former chairman of LiveNation spoke with Billboard about the deal. The decision is expected to be made by Thursday, October 23. Currently, Azoff is CEO of MSG Entertainment.

He recalled that when he was CEO of MCA Universal, the successful bid to run a performance in the L.A. Coliseum and sports arena was complicated. He said, “I’ve never seen a more difficult, complicated process. So nothing surprises me about the Greek bidding process being so dysfunctional.” He confessed he didn’t get behind this deal because, “I would have no idea how to win it.” The politics are way too complex. Neerlander looks like a likely win, but Azoff said, “I have no idea why they are partnering with AEG.” He thinks LiveNation would have been a better partner because of the talent pool and “they no longer have a similar-sized theater to the Greek.”