Pollstar (10/24/24) Lind, J.R.

Created from a merger of Artist Group International (AGI) and Agency for the Performing Arts (APA) a year ago this past June, Independent Artist Group (IAG) almost immediately showed signs of market domination with a star-studded lineup of stadium and arena-size artists. Jarred Arfa, IAG's Executive Vice-President, Head of Global Music, said of the firm's first year of operation: "We have seen a one-third increase in revenues since the merger and believe we will continue to see that type of growth moving forward." AGI brought in a rock-heavy list full of reliable stadium and arena fillers, including Billy Joel, Metallica, Def Leppard, Rod Stewart, Limp Bizkit, Smashing Pumpkins, and Cage The Elephant. For its part, APA came with a hearty dose of hip-hop, R&B and jazz artists ranging from Mary J. Blige and 50 Cent to Tyga and En Vogue in addition to comedians Martin Lawrence, Mike Epps and Andrew Dice Clay. IAG's tentpole successes in the first year included 50 Cent grossing more than $100 million on his "The Final Lap Tour" and the conclusion of Billy Joel's residency at Madison Square Garden which sold more than 1.9 million tickets over its decade-long run.

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