Reaction to NYT Azoff profile

LIFE’S BEEN GOOD TO HIM SO FAR: The colorful in-depth profile of Irving Azoff and Michael Rapino (but mostly Irving) that appeared in Monday’s N.Y. Times (see our 4/26 item) continues to have industry tongues wagging, with some asserting that “Swerving Irving” managed to work his legendary charm on reporter David Segal, resulting in a puff piece, while others opine that the piece captures the spirit of the irrepressible Azoff as well as anything ever written about him. The line that has inspired the most discussion is Segal’s statement that Azoff is “arguably the most powerful man in the history of pop music.” While this assertion may be historically hyperbolic (with the “arguable” softening it just a teense), many in the industry consider him to be the most powerful right now. (4/28a)