What are your thoughts on the theory that harry is leaving the Azoffs? Personally, I don't think he is leaving them because he seems to be good friends with Jeff, but I don't know. Things are weird lately.
Also, do you think he is leaving Columbia/Sony? There's no announcement of a renewal, but he was seen with Strnger last year. They seem to get along.
Hi, Anon!
Before I answer, I just wanna say that I’m still not as well-versed as others when it comes to contracts, so my points are based on what’s been discussed so far and what I personally agree with.
I don't know for sure, but I do think it’s kinda sus that H's name keeps popping up and being falsely used—twice already this year, with both FireAid and The Sphere (like Gina @twopoppies mentioned recently).
And another curious thing would be a certain discussion brought up in a group chat I am included in, and it was right after The Sphere denial news broke out. It was pointed out that in Variety500's update last December 18, 2024, neither Jeff Az*ff nor Irving Az*ff's profile mentioned H, and vice versa. That made me curious, though I wasn't able to pay attention much because of all the content we've gotten for the past week at least lol
Anyway, I started digging tonight after I saw your anon message (I wanted to collect my thoughts as much as possible and be coherent despite knowing little), to see if maybe they never really mentioned each other in past updates anyway—and maybe, it really doesn't mean anything.
Here's a breakdown of what I found (focusing on H and Jeff):
Harry — 2022, 2023, and 2024 Variety500 Honoree
I couldn't find H's 2023 profile, but his both 2022 and 2024, no label/management were mentioned.
Jeff — 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024 Variety500 Honoree
For Jeff, H was mentioned in 2021 (his roster of music stars including H), 2022 (H's MSG permanent banner), and 2023 (speculations of his 'flagship artist' - H - possibly doing a residency at The Sphere in the future, which popped up again this year).
I think what made it more curious is that in Jeff's 2024 profile, there was a part that says "Jeffrey Azoff works with many of the company’s artists, including Lizzo, the Eagles, John Mayer and Jon Bon Jovi and U2." It could just be because he wasn’t as active last year and wasn’t considered “mention-worthy” for the profile this time around? Not sure. Either way, I found it very curious because H’s influence and visibility remained strong, even while he was on a well-deserved break. I didn't want to think much of it at first, but the more I sat with it, the more interesting it seemed—again, very curious.
I was debating if this is worth mentioning at this point but maybe it's good to share it anyway to get other people's opinion? I also asked Paz @hoovesandfloorpaws about it since they've been building a career/business masterpost and might be able to provide insights. 🥹
It might be nothing tbh. But saving all of these here anyway! 😂
And I think, even if H decides (or has already decided) not to renew his contract, that doesn’t necessarily mean we'd completely see the Az*ffs or the Str*ngers out of his life—especially since the music industry is such an interwoven web of personalities. And he might make different career moves but remain friends or at least be on decent terms with Jeff, imo.
