British Superstar James Blunt will Visit Georgia During his World Tour
Famous and beloved British superstar, James Blunt is to visit Georgia during his world tour. The concert will be held on May 26, Georgian Independence Day, at the Mikheil Meskhi (Locomotive) stadium. The singer and composer will perform songs from his latest album ‘Afterlove’. The event is organized by New International Promotion Company Black Pearl Live.
We spoke to Black Pearl Live’s Managing Director Kuun De Beer to find out more.
Black Pearl Live was founded in Georgia, right?
Yes. It’s an international promotion company which cooperates with the world's leading performers, and is based in Georgia. This means taxes are paid according to the country's legislation and that it operates in Georgia. At the same time, the main purpose of the business is to create and ensure festivals, concerts and events of current international standard.
Tell us about the company’s ambitions
The company has ambitious goals in the Georgian market, but these goals are not groundless. Black Pearl Live plans to turn Georgia into a host country of global cultural events. But everything depends how things will develop and how we work today to achieve success in the future.
How are you going to accomplish these goals?
We want to establish our company as an international player and show that productions in Georgia can be on the same level as any high-profile show worldwide. That is why the James Blunt ‘Afterlove’ world tour is so important for us; we want to show other artists that Georgia deserves to be part of every world tour.
Why did you decide to operate in Georgia?
Because we have the capabilities to arrange world class events, and our research showed there is such a chance to do so in Georgia.
Why the name ‘Black Pearl Live’?
The team was in Batumi in summer to carry out market research, and as Georgians say, Batumi is the pearl of the Black Sea. This was very relevant for us, because we saw the whole of Georgia as a Pearl: full off opportunity. The ‘Live’ part is because of Live entertainment.
Why James Blunt and why May 26?
James Blunt is the first international star to sing on May 26 at the Mikheil Meskhi Stadium. This show is part of his world tour ‘Afterlove’ and his fifth studio album presentation, created after the multi-platinum album ‘Moon Landing.’ James Blunt is a multi-platinum album-selling world superstar. He also has a very big and diverse fan base, which makes it a great show for a wide age range. We wanted Georgia to be part of his world tour.
Tell us about the May 26 show
Of course, fans can expect all their favorite hits, including his last single, ‘Love Me Better.’ What’s more, some fantastic local singers and special guests from South Africa are to participate with him. Invited group - The Parlotones – a Rock Band from Johannesburg (South Africa), will perform songs based around love and life motifs. The event will be hosted by energetic and strong rock groups Young Georgian Lolitaz and Loudspeakers. Young Georgian Lolitaz is an all-male band which represented Georgia at Eurovision. The Loudspeakers are a famous Georgian rock band who gained immense popularity with the Tbilisi Altervision Music Festival. We want to merge the event with this festival. It’s a wonderful way to celebrate the Independence Day of Georgia.
Were you familiar with the Georgian market? Does James Blunt have fans in Georgia?
We do intensive market research before booking any artist, and statistics revealed that James Blunt is a very well-liked performer here.
How are you going to compete with other popular events?
We don’t focus on competition, we just serve the market. We don’t see them as competition, rather as partners serving the Georgian music industry
Who will be next?
That’s a secret, of course; so you’ll have to wait! I doubt you’ll be disappointed.
Tell us a little about your future plans
We have already been approached by a few agents wanting to send more top-class talent. Currently, our focus is on the James Blunt show.