Power 50 - #9: Michael Chugg

The close of 2017 saw Michael Chugg again nominated for International Promoter Of The Year at the prestigious 29th Annual Pollstar Awards – 16 times in 17 years – a nod that confirms reshuffles within his company in the previous year have not negatively altered the outcomes at all.

A key element to this continued success was the company realising the potential of their partnership with Destroy All Lines to become the country’s premier promoter for punk and hardcore acts, landing much sought-after tours like the Alexisonfire reunion, Dillinger Escape Plan final farewell, classic album retrospectives from Pennywise and Underoath and runs from fan favourite staples Refused, Miss May I, All Time Low and Every Time I Die.

When it came to the big gigs, Chugg sold out arena runs for the Dixie Chicks, reaping over 120,000 ticket sales, scored back to back sell outs for CMC Rocks 2017 and 2018, set new records for live event attendance in Cairns, Wollongong and Mackay with Sir Elton John and landed Alanis Morisette’s first Aussie tour in almost two decades.

The thirteenth edition of Laneway Festival was as stronger draw as ever in Australia, Singapore and New Zealand and a new hotline, 1800 LANEWAY, was developed as an initiative led by Melbourne indie-rockers Camp Cope to combat sexual harassment at live music events.

On the management and label front, Sheppard continued to grow their reach with major tours in the UK and TV appearances in the US, while Sydney indie-rock outfit Lime Cordiale celebrated the release of their debut album with a #1 on the AIR charts and a sold out East Coast run.

The combined forces of Chugg Entertainment and Chugg Music continue to grow under the watchful eye of the Executive Chairman, a man who at 70 years old with 54 years in the game has more than proven that his passion and enthusiasm for the Australian music scene is boundless.