BIG DEAL TOURING is owned and operated by Sam Righi. Sam is one of Australia’s most well-known promoters. He has been in the industry for over thirty years.
The Harbour Agency
Sam was CEO of the Harbour Agency from 1978 until 2002 and in that time represented the very best of Australian and New Zealand talent, including The Angels, Baby Animals, Crowded House, Icehouse, Neil Finn, Midnight Oil, Hoodoo Gurus, Hunters and Collectors, Paul Kelly, Chris Bailey and the Saints, Rose Tattoo, Human Nature, Split Enz, Tina Arena, and Jimmy Barnes.
Frontier Touring Company
The Frontier Touring Company was formed in 1979 in partnership with Sam Righi, Michael Gudinski, Michael Chugg, Frank Stivalla, and Phillip Jacobsen. The company has presented several big acts, including Billy Joel, Billy Idol, Bob Dylan, Bon Jovi, Bryan Adams, Coldplay, Eminem, Frank Sinatra, Liza Minelli, Sammy Davis Jr, Guns N’ Roses, Kylie Minogue, Madonna, Moby, Nickelback, Pearl Jam, P!NK, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Rod Stewart, Shaggy, Eagles, The Police, and Van Halen.
Waterfront Entertainment
In 2003 Sam started a new company called Waterfront Entertainment to fill a hole in the market, combining tour sponsorship with international touring. Some tours they promoted included Shaggy, David Gates, Human League, Go West, Kim Wilde, Paul Young, Belinda Carlisle, Gloria Gaynor, The Village People, Hot Chocolate, KC and the Sunshine Band, and Sarah Brightman.
Big Deal Artist Management
In 2005 Sam and Michael Browning started Big Deal Artist Management to focus on managing recording, publishing, and running local venues. They have managed, or were involved with acts such as Billy Thorpe, ACDC, INXS, Noiseworks, Peter Wells, Choir Boys, Rose Tattoo, Horsehead, and The Tea Party (Australia Only).