Michael Cohl began his career in 1969 as a local concert promoter. In 1973, he created Concert Productions International and quickly became a driving force in the Canadian music industry, putting Canada on the map as a viable stop for tours of all sizes – theatrical and musical.
From 1973 to 1988, he worked on projects in almost all fields of entertainment – music, sports, theatre (on and off Broadway and throughout North America) and film. He gained experience in all facets of entertainment such as creating and producing the World Professional Skating Championships for ABC TV’s Wide World of Sports, the Michael Jackson tour of 1984, several films as well as the tour and retail merchandise for over 150 artists including Frank Sinatra; Michael Jackson; Prince; Stevie Wonder; Pink Floyd; Crosby, Stills Nash and Young; and U2. He has also produced dozens of TV and film specials and tens of thousands of concerts throughout the world.
Beginning in 1989 with the Rolling Stones Steel Wheels Tour, Michael developed the concept of “package” touring. Michael worked directly with the artist to strategize the tour, route the tour, promote the dates, and ultimately ensure an exciting touring experience for both the artists and the fans. He then helped to develop and exploit the aftermarket – books, television shows, videos, films and merchandise. It is a format that has proven successful, but not one easy to emulate.
In 2000, he was inducted into the Canadian Music Week Hall of Fame and in 2002, received the Walt Grealis Special Achievement Award from the Junos while simultaneously being inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame. In November 2004, Cohl was the first recipient of Billboard Magazine’s “Legend of Live” award, given to an individual who has significantly impacted the touring industry in a lasting way.
Cohl was involved with the Toronto productions of Lion King, Hairspray and The Producers and co-produced Bombay Dreams, the enormously successful London-based Andrew Lloyd Webber show that opened on Broadway in April 2004.
Having completed the Rolling Stones’ most successful tour 40 Licks (September 2002-October 2003), Michael launched his Canadian-based music DVD label and its first release, Four Flicks by the Rolling Stones is now the Number 1 selling music DVD of all time.
