Michael Chugg, Bluesfest, up for Pollstar global awards

Promoter Michael Chugg and Byron Bay-based major festival Bluesfest are up for awards at the annual Pollstar awards. Covering the international live music scene with 25 categories, the 27th awards are held in San Francisco on February 12. 

Bluesfest is in the International Music Festival of the Year against the UK’s Download and Glastonbury, Spain’s Primavera Sound, Germany’s Rock am Ring and Denmark’s Roskilde. 

Sydney-based Chugg, who founded Chugg Entertainment, got a gong in the International Promoter of the Year category. 

Other contenders are Folkert Koopmans of FKP Scorpio Konzertproduktionen, Herman Schueremans of Live Nation Belgium, Simon Moran of SJM and Toby Leighton-Pope of Live Nation UK. 

Up for Major Tour of the Year are Foo Fighters, Grateful Dead, The Rolling Stones, Taylor Swift and U2. 

Getting the trophy for the Best New Touring Artist will be a toss-up between James Bay, Leon Bridges, Odesza, Sam Hunt, Twenty One Pilots and The Weeknd. 

In the Major Music Festival of the Year are Bonnaroo Music & Arts, Coachella Valley, Lollapalooza, The Hangout Music & Beach and Outside Lands. 

Most Creative Stage Production is between Foo Fighters, Grateful Dead, Mötley Crüe, Taylor Swift and U2. 

Other categories cover the year’s best comedy tour, nightclub, theatre, arena, outdoor venue, new concert venue, agency, agent, road warrior, personal manager and lighting, transportation and video companies. 

Nominations came from 163 members of the US and global live music sectors.