The Madison Square Garden Company has purchased “a controlling interest” in Boston Calling Events, the entertainment company behind the bi-annual Boston Calling Music Festival. Crash Line Productions, the company that launched Boston Calling in spring 2013 and also operates Eaux Claires Music Festival in Wisconsin, is not named in the purchase.
With the acquisition, the New York-based Madison Square Garden Company takes over not only Boston Calling, but also its various other events around the city, including the Boston Calling Block Parties on Dewey Plaza, and this September’s Copenhagen Beer Celebration at City Hall.
Starting next year, Boston Calling will relocate to the athletic complex at Harvard University in Allston, with an expanded lineup and program, including a film festival, across Memorial Day weekend.
According to the release, Boston Calling Events co-founder and Chief Executive Officer Brian Appel will continue to lead operations at the music festival. Appel says in a statement: “We are excited about joining a company that not only shares our commitment to delivering artist-and fan-friendly events, but that truly believes in the growing value of unique and exceptional live experiences. Their support will be invaluable as we continue to work on delivering successful events for music fans, while exploring new opportunities in the festival space.”
The Madison Square Garden Company already has a live music presence in the Boston market, with a booking agreement at the Wang Theatre. “We have been exploring music festivals as a way to further expand and strengthen our position in the ‘live experience’ space and are very pleased to welcome Boston Calling Events to the MSG family,” says David O’Connor, President and Chief Executive Officer of The Madison Square Garden Company, in the same press release. “Over the last three and a half years, Boston Calling’s popularity has been built by its commitment to operating as an open and independent festival that welcomes artists from all genres. We want to support Boston Calling Event’s efforts to preserve this well-earned reputation as it moves forward with its plans to expand and enrich this great event for a great city.”
In recent weeks, Boston Calling has been involved in controversy with City Hall over dealings with local unions and the mayor’s office.