Ticketmaster launches in Israel

Live Nation purchases a majority stake in Tel Aviv’s Bluestone Entertainment, forming partnership for ticketing site

The Backstreet Boys perform for Israeli fans in Ra'anana, May 19, 2015. (Backstreet Boys/Twitter)
The Backstreet Boys perform for Israeli fans in Ra'anana, May 19, 2015. (Backstreet Boys/Twitter)

The US entertainment company Live Nation announced it has acquired a stake in an Israeli concert promotion business and launched Ticketmaster Israel.

The Los Angeles-based company purchased a majority stake in Tel Aviv’s Bluestone Entertainment, Billboard reported Tuesday, and the two companies have partnered on the launch of the popular ticketing site in the Jewish state.

“We have seen a considerable demand for live entertainment with the shows that Live Nation has brought to the market over the last few years and have been very impressed when working with Guy, Shay and the rest of the Bluestone team,” said Alan Ridgeway, Live Nation’s president of international and emerging markets. “Formalizing our partnership and bringing the Ticketmaster brand and technology to the market was the natural next step.”

Founded in 2014 by Guy Oseary, Guy Beser, Shay Mor Yosef and Gadi Veinrib, Bluestone has prompted sold-out shows in Israel by major international acts including Bon Jovi, the Backstreet Boys and Enrique Iglesias. The company has scheduled shows in Tel Aviv by Aerosmith on May 17 and Guns ‘n’ Roses on July 15.

In 2013, Live Nation launched Ticketmaster in the United Arab Emirates and last year reached a deal to operate two of the largest venues in Qatar in a joint venture. Ticketmaster currently operates in 28 countries.

Most Popular
read more:
If you’d like to comment, join
The Times of Israel Community.
Join The Times of Israel Community
Commenting is available for paying members of The Times of Israel Community only. Please join our Community to comment and enjoy other Community benefits.
Please use the following structure: example@domain.com
Confirm Mail
Thank you! Now check your email
You are now a member of The Times of Israel Community! We sent you an email with a login link to . Once you're set up, you can start enjoying Community benefits and commenting.