Live Nation Buys Concert Promoter HARD Events

Live Nation Entertainment, Inc. today announced the acquisition of electronic music concert promoter and festival operator HARD Events.

HARD Events, founded by Gary Richards, has attracted a variety of top acts to headline its shows from Justice, Skrillex, Boy Noize and Crystal Castles as well as some of today's newest cutting-edge electronic artists like Major Lazer, Knife Party and Gesaffelstein.

"Hard Events joins a portfolio of electronic dance music and festival promoters and creators including Cream Holdings. We welcome Gary Richards and his team, and look forward to helping him continue to expand the reach of this dynamic genre for fans and artists alike," said Michael Rapino, President and Chief Executive Officer of Live Nation.

"Live Nation has put together a team unmatched in the industry and I am pleased to be joining as its most recent addition. I have known James Barton over the years and respect what he has built with the Cream brand. We look forward to working hand in hand with James and developing many opportunities to grow the electronic music platform on a global level," stated Gary Richards, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of HARD Events.

HARD Events has two hit festivals featured in the Los Angeles area, HARD Summer Music Festival and HARD Haunted Mansion. HARD Summer has expanded to a two-day festival in this year and will be held on August 3-4 at the Los Angeles State Historic Park. In 2011, as just a one-day event, the festival drew over 30,000 fans. HARD Haunted Mansion will be in Los Angeles in late October and draws 20,000 attendees.