Live Nation confirms JV with leading promoter in the Philippines

Live Nation has announced an alliance with Music Management International Corp in the Philippines which will allow the live music major to grow its operations in the country. The first gig staged by the joint venture will be a One Direction show. Confirming the partnership, Live Nation CEO Michael Rapino said in a statement: "Following the recent addition to our network in Taiwan, this partnership with Rhiza in the Philippines means we can now provide artists a turnkey solution connecting them with the leading promoters across this rapidly growing region and further expands our global footprint, which includes operations in more than 40 countries".

Gaga provokes more protests

Lady Gaga's 'Born This Way Ball' tour of South East Asia has hit more problems in the Philippines with Christian groups joining Muslim protests against her concerts. In particular Christians have said that they are appalled by the use of a crucifix in “a very denigrating manner” as were the lyrics as one of her songs “where she is belittling Jesus Christ himself and praising Judas as heroic. It us understood the concerts in Manilla will monitored for any hint of "blasphemy, devil worship, nudity or lewd conduct".    

40,000 fans in the Catholic-majority nation have snapped up tickets of up to 15,840 pesos ($370) each to watch the U.S. singer perform in Manila.