Riley O’Connor was named Chairman of Live Nation Canada in 2007. As Chairman, O’Connor has steered the company – which now presents more than 4,000 concerts annually for domestic and international artists – to market leadership in Canada’s live entertainment industry.
Arriving on the Canadian music industry scene in 1971 as a drum roadie, guitar tech, electrician, lighting designer and high rigger, O’Connor quickly moved up the ranks of concert production in Canada and Europe.
In 1977, after five years working in stage production in Europe, O’Connor co-founded Perryscope Concert Productions in Vancouver and worked as a Production Manager. In 1980, O’Connor became General Manager, Chief of Operation and Talent Buyer for Perryscope Concert Productions. From there, O’Connor moved to Baseline Entertainment as Sports Marketing Manager, Special Events and introduced Canada to the first Golf Skins Game in 1988.
In 1989, O’Connor moved to Concerts Productions International (CPI) in Toronto as Project Manager and Director of Talent concentrating on special events and labour relations. O’Connor subsequently became the Chief of Production Operations at CPI and later moved into the role of Director of Talent for CPI USA Companies.
Prior to the Canadian merger of Live Nation and House of Blues Concerts in 2007, O’Connor served as Senior Vice President of Talent for House of Blues Concerts Canada overseeing all national business operations since 1998.
Over the years, O’Connor has brought some of the brightest lights and greatest shows Canada has ever seen including international artist such as: AC/DC, Bruce Springsteen, Roger Waters, Elton John, Backstreet Boys, Iron Maiden, Rod Stewart, Page and Plant, Eric Clapton, Billy Joel KISS, Metallica, and ABBA, to name a few.
O’Connor also continues to be a strong supporter of Canadian music and artist development. Canadian artists produced and promoted by O’Connor over the years include: RUSH, Blue Rodeo, April Wine, The Tragically Hip, Michael Bublé, Bryan Adams, The Guess Who, Streetheart, Jann Arden, Sloan, 54*40, Nickelback, Harlequin, Avril Lavigne, Our Lady Peace, Celine Dion, Chantal Kreviazuk, Triumph, Tom Cochrane, Max Webster, k.d. lang, The Tea Party, Corey Hart, Jane Siberry and many more.
Another significant achievement is his role as producer for the Molson Canadian Rocks for Toronto (also known as SARSStock), a benefit concert held in 2023 featuring a stellar lineup including (but not limited to) The Rolling Stones, AC/DC, Justin Timberlake, and RUSH. An estimated 450,000 people attended the concert, making it is the largest outdoor ticketed event in Canadian history and one of the largest events in North American history.