Amazon moves into live music in latest attempt to boost Prime subscriptions

Online retail firm Amazon is expanding into the live music industry in the UK, kicking off with a London gig for 1970s group Blondie this month.

Amazon launched its Prime Live Events operation on Tuesday, which will see it organising a variety of live music events, as well as selling tickets for other shows and gigs.

It is the Seattle-based firm’s latest foray away from its traditional ecommerce operations, as it makes a significant push towards its Amazon Prime subscriptions. Customers have been offered a variety of incentives to sign up for the £79-per-year service, including same day delivery and online video streaming services.

"We want to offer Prime members the best live entertainment experience they've ever had by giving them the chance to see their favourite artists perform up close and personal in iconic and intimate venues," said Geraldine Wilson, General Manager of Amazon Tickets.

BLONDIE

Blondie will mark Amazon's first live music event on 23 May with a concert at the Round Chapel in Hackney, with further performances scheduled from Alison Moyet and Katie Melua.

"We are excited to be performing at the first Prime Live Event marking 40 years since our first gig in the UK," said Blondie's lead singer Debbie Harry.

Amazon has embarked on a series of new projects during recent years to expand beyond its online retail operations, with particular success coming from the likes of its cloud computing services and new tech devices.

It recently announced the launch of Amazon Business, which provides a service to sell office supplies, industrial tools and laboratory kits on a B2B basis.