AEG Presents Enters Into Exclusive Operating and Booking Deal with The Masonic Temple in Detroit
Detroit, MI – March 7, 2019 -- AEG Presents, together with The Masonic Temple Association of Detroit, announced today an exclusive operating and booking agreement for The Masonic Temple Theatre and Cathedral Theatre, two premier concert venues located in downtown Detroit, Michigan, which has seen tremendous growth and a transformation.
The arrangement expands AEG Presents’ relationship with The Masonic Temple and is a natural fit as AEG Presents has booked and promoted such world class performers as Lana Del Rey, Jack White, LCD Soundsystem, Arctic Monkeys, Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds, Bassnectar, The Killers, and many more at The Masonic Temple since the advent of their relationship in 2013. The agreement provides support to help The Masonic Temple stay true to its established culture while continuing to drive growth and innovation that will expand the venue’s presence in the market. In addition to its operating commitment, AEG Presents has earmarked $2,000,000 in restoration and renovations to be spent in the first two years of the partnership that will enhance the venue experience for both artist and fan.
A renowned venue in Detroit and approaching 100 years old, the building is the largest Masonic Temple in the world with over 1,000 rooms including three theaters (one was never completed, but is sometimes used by film-production crews), a Shrine building, the Chapel, eight lodge rooms, a 17,500 square-foot drill hall, two ballrooms, office space, a cafeteria, dining rooms, a barber shop, and 16 bowling lanes. Over its storied history it has hosted iconic acts such as Duke Ellington, Ella Fitzgerald, Bob Dylan, Jimi Hendrix, The Rolling Stones, Crosby Stills Nash and Young, David Bowie, The Eagles, Queen, The Ramones, Iggy Pop, Prince, Bob Marley, Stevie Wonder, Pearl Jam, and The White Stripes. The Masonic is also one of only four State-Of-Michigan certified Qualified Film Production Facilities - and the only one in Detroit - and has hosted over 57 cinematic productions.
Rick Mueller – President, AEG Presents North America commented, “We are thrilled to expand our relationship with the Masonic Temple and their incredible theatres which continue to play an important role in Detroit’s live music scene. Our financial investment will enable us to restore some of the Temple’s most historic features and allow us to upgrade elements such as the sound and lighting systems to further improve the experience for our guests.”
Roger Sobran – President, MTA, added, “We are honored and excited to be a part of the AEG Presents family. While we have worked with them for years, we are happy to broaden that relationship and work with AEG Presents more exclusively to make these two venues even more special.”
About AEG Presents
AEG Presents is one of the world’s largest live music companies. The company is dedicated to all aspects of live contemporary music performances, including producing and promoting global concert tours, regional music events and world-renowned festivals. AEG Presents operates in North America, Europe and Asia through 16 regional offices that support its tours which include such artists as Taylor Swift, Paul McCartney, Elton John, The Rolling Stones, Justin Bieber, BTS, Ed Sheeran, Katy Perry and Kenny Chesney; produce or support over 25 music festivals, including the iconic Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival, Stagecoach, the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, Hangout Festival, Electric Forest, and Firefly; and owns, manages or books more than 85 clubs and theaters worldwide. AEG Presents produces and promotes more than 11,000 shows annually and conducts business under such globally renowned brands as AEG Presents, Goldenvoice, The Bowery Presents, Concerts West, Messina Touring Group, Marshall Arts LTD, Madison House Presents, PromoWest Productions and Zero Mile Presents. For more information visit www.aegpresents.com
About The Masonic Temple
The Masonic Temple hosts events of all sizes in both its 1,586 capacity Cathedral Theatre and the scalable 4,400 capacity Masonic Temple Theatre. With 1,037 rooms, the over half a million square foot, multi-function, 14 story complex was artfully designed by the George Mason architectural firm in 1920. Using a trowel previously used by George Washington during the construction of the U.S. Capitol, the cornerstone was laid on September 18, 1922 during a ceremony attended by thousands and opened on February 26th, 1926- George Washington’s birthday. The building was dedicated on Thanksgiving Day that same year and was revered by many as the entertainment epicentre of Detroit.