A Walk Down Memory Lane: "Ron Delsener Presents" Gives Insight into NYC's Music Scene

Jake Sumner’s feature-length film, "Ron Delsener Presents", offers an insightful look into the rock and pop concerts shaping New York's music scene from the 1960s. It provides a close look at Delsener, a pivotal figure in the industry who, despite formally retiring in 2022, still continued being involved in the music scene.

The film is rich in New York's music history with Delsener, a native of Astoria, Queens, at its center. His journey, filled with networking, innovative marketing schemes, and a passion for performers, reshaped not just the local music landscape but had global impacts. His distinctive promotions included the auctioning of items from The Beatles’ final hotel stay on their 1964 U.S. tour and pioneering sponsorships for music events.

Among his notable achievements was transforming run-down establishments into prestigious music venues, presenting staggering debuts for artists like David Bowie and The Clash in New York, and orchestrating the iconic 1981 reunion of Simon and Garfunkel for a free Central Park concert.

As the film highlights, Delsener's career also marked the intersection of music industry with Wall Street. In a risky business that required financial investment up front, Delsener opted to collaborate with multinational corporation Live Nation–a decision he doesn’t regret. This evolution of the music industry is a point of discussion within the film.

The feature doesn't shy away from informing viewers about the combative aspects of the business featuring interviews from several agents and managers. The film offers balanced insights into Delsener's personal life and the pop-culture history he has been a significant part of.

Delsener's passion for collecting music memorabilia is one of the film's points of focus, situated in his Long Island home, reflecting the man's life and loves. This aspect gives the film a touch of nostalgia and sentimentality, providing a more intimate look at the music mogul.

The real depth of the film lies in the personal anecdotes shared by artists, such as Jon Bon Jovi. These stories offer a look into the bonds formed in the music industry, underscoring the personal connections that helped Delsener build his empire and, ultimately, led to its evolution.