Activist's Kristina “Red” Tanner

Managers do it all. Things they have a hand in include—but are not limited to—shopping for deals, advising on records, approving syncs, strategizing TV looks, scoping out tours and festivals, pondering brand extensions… We get exhausted just thinking about it. That’s why our next live special, due in October, will focus on these tireless champions of their clients’ needs, wants and whims.

To get to know the managers better, we asked them to fill out our farkakteh questionnaire. Also, because they really needed something else to do.

Kristina "Red" Tanner

Activist

You can go back in time and see any concert. Whom would you see and when?

Grateful Dead at Barton Hall on May 8, 1977. That Cornell show is legendary for good reason. It was a perfect snapshot of the band at their creative and communal peak; the energy on the recording is electric, but to have felt it in the room with only 5,000 fans would’ve been unforgettable.

What’s the single biggest change in a manager’s responsibilities since you started in the biz?

Managers now have to be much more involved in ticketing strategy. We’re not just overseeing the tour; we’re in the weeds on dynamic pricing, presales, credit card tie-ins, VIP packages, venue holds and even making sure the fan has a smooth ticket-buying experience. The stakes are higher, and every detail matters.

You’re made czar of the concert industry. What’s the first thing you’d change?

I’d eliminate scalping and dismantle the predatory secondary market. Fans shouldn’t have to battle bots or pay double or triple for a chance to see an artist they love. I’d also tackle the problem of excessive fees, which have become a barrier to entry for too many people. Live music should be accessible. That means more transparent pricing, face-value ticketing where possible and systems that actually serve fans, not profiteers. The connection between artist and audience should be protected, not monetized at every turn.