Industry Profile: Gene Hollister

— By Bob Grossweiner and Jane Cohen

Gene Hollister is an original Bay City roller he was born in what he believes is the same Michigan hospital as Madonna, but grew up in the Twin Cities with a brief detour in Northern Michigan.

Gene has been in the music business since 1986 when he started at Midwest Ticket Corporation, a hard ticket company pre-Ticketmaster. He worked with and played in bands prior to that. Gene started at Rose Presents around 1988 when Ticketmaster came into the market. He also worked for a couple of weeks in Kansas City at Sandstone Amphitheatre in the early 1990's just to help out a bit.

Do you anticipate more arena shows this summer?
Yes. Arenas are becoming very competitive and aggressive during the summer touring months. The deals will be attractive enough that they will fill dates. There won't be a drought of artists to fill amphitheater dates though.

Your market is practically the only one without an amphitheater. Does that put Rose at a disadvantage?
There certainly are tours that pass the market up because there is no amphitheater to play. I don't think it puts Rose at a disadvantage per se though.

There seem to be a few entities trying to build a shed in Minneapolis. What do you see happening and how will it affect Rose?
Of course, there are still a few hurdles to get over but, if all goes well, Rose will be involved with the Minnesota Wild in building an amphitheater in Burnsville, Minn., which would be fabulous for Rose and the Twin Cities.

How has promoter consolidation been for the industry?
A lot of people aren't happy with the consolidation. Ticket prices are going to get higher.

How has radio consolidation been for the industry?
It's going to get harder and harder for young acts to get played at radio, especially on indie labels.

What is the future of the multi-act, day-long festival?
We will see more events such as OZZfest, Lilith, Tattoo the Earth and Family Values. They have been quite successful and the perceived bang for the buck attracts the fans. Plus, some of the fans look at these shows as a big party anyway.

Where are ticket prices going?
Ticket prices will keep rising. I think there will be a wider spread top price to bottom. The cost for talent is going through the roof, and the costs to tour continue to rise. I dont see this changing. However, it hasnt stopped the tickets from selling.

Can a band tour without radio or MTV?
A band can tour successfully and be successful without MTV or VH1, although it certainly is more difficult. Any exposure that a band can get through VH1, MTV o radio for that matter would raise awareness and help at the box office.

Who will be this year's breakout act(s)?
Breakout acts Linkin Park has already been making an impact. There are a number of artists that we will hear about this year: At The Drive-in, Saliva, Travis, Mudvayne, Disturbed. There will be a few more.

How do you feel about the Napster decision?
Kids will tell you that it doesnt really matter, there are other sites that are similar to Napster. Others may pop up. I taped records with friends and still buy music.

What was your first industry job?
I started playing in bands, doing sound or lights for friends bands. I did some booking for them, some management work, too. I started working at Midwest Ticket, a hard ticket system, before Ticketmaster was in the market."

What was your career highlight?
"It's always a highlight to have your shows do well, to see an artist that you have worked with grow. Having some of the top dates on OZZfest, Lilith Fair or any other tour for that matter is a proud moment too. Being in the business for as long as I have and still enjoy it is a highlight.

Any career diappointments?
This business can be full of disappointments.

What are your daily challenges?
Dealing with Consolidation. There are a lot of challenges day-to-day.

What is the best business advice you have received?
A few years ago, I was offered a job in Kansas City. I decided to pass and stay on at Rose. Its given me great opportunity and I feel fortunate to be doing what I am doing. If I had taken the job, who knows what I would be doing now.

What is the worst business decision you have made?
I cant say that I have not made some bad decisions, however, I try not to dwell on them. Live and learn, dont make the mistake twice. Hopefully, I never have to have an answer to this.

What is your industry pet peeve?
Dont lie, tell me whats up. If you want to sell a show to my competitor, fine, don't BS me. We do a good job here.

Gene may be contacted at 612-332-6575; e-mail: rose@bitstream.net.