Live Nation Entertainment President and CEO Michael Rapino knew he wanted to be in the business of live at a young age. He recalls going to see his first big show, Robert Plant, in Toronto, and how it made him realize that he wanted to pursue a career in the music business. “Early on, I just felt this great love for live music ( . . . ) most music executives really are on the record side, and talk about their love for the record. I just love those two hours.”
Rapino’s passion and dedication led him to become President and CEO of Live Nation after it was spun off from Clear Channel Communications in 2005. As Live Nation's President, Rapino helped grow the company into an international venture with operations in over 40 countries around the world. In 2010, Rapino oversaw the merger of Ticketmaster and Live Nation into Live Nation Entertainment, the leading live entertainment company in the world.
Under Rapino’s leadership, Live Nation has forged lasting relationships with some of the biggest names in music, and made connections with fans around the world.
In a world obsessed with streaming, Rapino remained focused on the live event. Live Nation Entertainment launched Live Nation Premium Tickets to help bring artists and their fans closer together than ever. Premium tickets offers special perks at each venue it supports, including premium seating and VIP club access.
In addition to Live Nation Premium Tickets, Rapino helped launch Live Nation Productions, the company’s film production arm. He also served as an executive producer on several projects, including 2018’s A Star is Born.
Rapino's leadership in the entertainment industry earned him recognition as a Billboard Magazine Power 100 business leader, and a Forbes Global Game Changer.
Rapino was born and raised in Thunder Bay, Ontario and attended Lakehead University. Before leading Live Nation Entertainment, he held various roles at Labatt’s Breweries of Canada and co-founded Core Audience Entertainment. He currently resides in Los Angeles with his wife Jolene and three sons.