ON THE COVER: JAY MARCIANO (AND FRIEND)

AEG Presents boss Jay Marciano will be City of Hope’s Spirit of Life honoree on 10/22. At that gala, the wildly successful mensch who’s been an indispensable figure behind the scenes of the live world will have a rare moment in the spotlight—and be serenaded by his pal Sir Elton John, who joins him in this charming cover shot. Jay discusses his COH honor, the state of the concert biz and much more in an interview with our own Craig Marks that appears in this issue. At this point, we imagine not even an association with us can dampen Jay’s Spirit.