| | I was all set to see posts about what kind of cool amps they would be using
onstage. especially after all the media hype over their big comeback. and
now it might all be scrapped. NASHVILLE (Billboard) - Initial ticket sales for the Dixie Chicks' upcoming
tour are far below expectations and several dates will likely be canceled or
postoned.
Ticket counts for the 20-plus arena shows that went on sale last weekend
were averaging 5.000 per show in major markets and less in
secondaries. according to sources contacted by Billboard. Venue capacities
on the tour generally top 15. the band's new album. "Taking the Long Way. according to Nielsen Soundscan. the third-largest sales
week of 2006. The album logged a second week in the period ended June 4.
according to sales data issued Wednesday.
Despite those numbers. early ticket sales are clearly not meeting
projections. The plug was pulled on public on-sales for shows in
Indianapolis (August 23). Oklahoma City (September 26). Memphis (September
27) and Houston (September 30) because of tepid pre-sales in a national
promotion with Target stores.
The Memphis show has been pulled off the route and the status of the shows
in Indianapolis. Houston and Oklahoma City remains uncertain. Industry
speculation has it that much or all of the tour may be postponed. At the
very least. it is likely routing and capacity will be reconfigured.
Early ticket sales for this tour are in marked contrast to the Chicks' last
proper outing in 2003 when a national on-sale moved some 867.000 tickets the
first weekend. and second shows were added in several markets. The Chicks
ended up with the top-grossing country tour of 2003 at $62 million.
But not all shows on this tour are below projections. "We're happy (with our
on-sale) and comparatively seem to be ahead of most. Global
Spectrum COO/GM at Wachovia Center in Philadelphia. where the trio is booked
for July 25. A second date was added for the Air Canada Center in Toronto.
where the first show sold out in eight minutes. "Canada loves the Chicks."
says ACC booking director Patti-Ann Tarlton.
After two shows in London. the North American tour was set to begin July 21
in Detroit. But with ticket sales below expectations. it is possible the
route and capacities may be further reconfigured. The Chicks are managed by
Simon Renshaw and booked by Rob Light at Creative Artists Agency. both of
whom declined to comment.
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| | Posted 6/25/2006 9:13 PM - 1 View
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