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Michael Harrison
SVP Global Touring at AEG Presents
Professional Background
Michael Harrison is a well-respected figure in the global music touring industry, recently taking up the mantle of Senior Vice President of Global Touring at AEG Presents in Los Angeles. His impressive career spans over 27 years, predominantly at Frontier Touring Company, which is recognized as Australia and New Zealand's leading international concert promoter. During his tenure at Frontier, Michael was instrumental in coordinating and managing major concert tours featuring many of the music industry's biggest stars. His extensive portfolio showcases renowned acts, such as Muse, Midnight Oil, Paul Kelly, Shawn Mendes, The Killers, Justin Timberlake, Arctic Monkeys, Harry Styles, Alt J, and MGMT, highlighting his significant contribution to the success of these artists in the live concert scene across Australia and New Zealand.
Michael began his professional journey in the music industry in 1992 as a booking agent at The Harbour Agency, which is associated with Frontier Touring and is recognized as Australia’s largest and most successful local booking agency. His early years saw him nurturing and developing live fanbases for emerging local acts, including The Whitlams, george, and Paulmac. In more recent years, he has played a pivotal role in elevating the careers of artists such as Missy Higgins, Kate Miller Heidke, and Dan Sultan, further cementing his reputation as a key player in the music industry.
Education and Achievements
Michael's educational background laid a firm foundation for his successful career in the music and entertainment sector. He studied at Colegio del Montesion in Palma de Mallorca, Spain, and completed his high school education at Epping Boys High School. He then pursued a Bachelor of Commerce with a specialization in Marketing at Western Sydney University, equipping him with the necessary skills to excel in marketing, business management, and strategic planning within the entertainment industry.
Throughout his career, Michael has also made a name for himself as a thought leader in the music space, regularly sharing his insights and experiences as a speaker at various prestigious music seminars and courses globally. His engagements have included notable events such as the International Live Music Conference (ILMC) in London, South by Southwest (SXSW) in Texas, CMJ in New York, Canadian Music Week in Toronto, and the Canadian Industry Conference (CIC) in Los Angeles. His expertise in entertainment consultancy and programming, event management, talent negotiation and buying, and music marketing has made him a sought-after speaker.
Achievements
As a result of his extensive experience and dedication to the industry, Michael Harrison has achieved significant recognition and respect among his peers and the broader music community. His contribution to the growth and success of numerous artists, coupled with his ability to manage large-scale tours, underscores his excellence in the realm of global touring. Michael’s strategic insights into the intricacies of talent buying and music marketing have transformed the way artists engage with their fanbases, creating memorable concert experiences that resonate with audiences worldwide. As he embarks on his new role with AEG Presents in Los Angeles, he is poised to further redefine the landscape of live music and contribute to the vibrant entertainment culture of the city.
