News: December 2001 Archives

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December 28, 2001

U2 Was Top Money Earner Among 2001 Concert Acts

12.28.01 - Associated Press

DAVID BAUDER, Associated Press Writer

NEW YORK (AP) -- The rock band U2 had the second biggest tour ever during a year in which concert industry business was off but ticket prices continued to rise, an industry trade publication said Thursday.

The top 100 concert tours sold 34.4 million tickets in 2001, down about 7 percent from 37.1 million the year before, according to an analysis by Pollstar magazine.

U2, coming off one of its strongest albums, sold out arenas across the country with a well-received back-to-basics show. They even added dates after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.

The band's $109.7 million in estimated ticket sales is second only to the Rolling Stones' gross of $121.2 million in 1994, Pollstar said.

"They made the rock 'n' roll anthems that people like," said Bob Grossweiner, a concert industry analyst. "They attract audiences that are young and old."

The hard-working boy bands 'N Sync and Backstreet Boys were second and third on the list of top earners.

But even those hot acts illustrated a weakness in the industry. Only nine of 43 'N Sync dates sold out, Grossweiner said.

Despite fewer tickets sold, the top 100 acts brought in $1.75 billion in 2001, a record-setting take for the third straight year. The rise initially perplexed Pollstar; editor Gary Bongiovanni attributed it to higher ticket prices.

The average concert ticket cost $43.86 in 2001, up more than $3 from last year's $40.74. Prices were even higher -- an average of $47.66 -- for the 50 biggest acts, Pollstar said. That doesn't include surcharges added to the total bill.

Opera singer Andrea Bocelli had the highest average ticket price, at $161.45. The '80s heavy-metal act Poison had the lowest, at $16.32 per ticket.

In an industry where many acts already perform to empty seats, the concert business could alienate much of its audience if the trend toward higher ticket prices continues, Bongiovanni said.

"The public is clearly willing to pay an average of $100 to see Elton John and Billy Joel together," Bongiovanni said. "The real problem is all the other acts who also think they can command the same lofty prices."

The slowing economy had a greater impact on the business than any after-effects from Sept. 11, Bongiovanni said. The bulk of the year's concert business takes place during the summer.

Although acts like Janet Jackson cancelled European tours, most big acts touring the United States this fall kept their commitments, he said.

If the economy improves, prospects look bright for 2002. Joel and Elton John will stay on the road, and the Rolling Stones may work, too, Pollstar said. Fleetwood Mac, the Who, the Eagles, Paul McCartney and Michael Jackson are other acts either planning tours or rumored to be interested.

Posted by Jonathan at 04:25 AM | Comments (0)

December 13, 2001

Stamp Of Approval For Irish Rock Heroes

12.13.01 - Reuters

DUBLIN (Reuters) - U2 frontman Bono and Manchester United soccer club captain Roy Keane are among a gallery of Irish rock and sporting heroes set to appear on commemorative stamps next year, Ireland's Post Office said.

The first of the stamps, intended to celebrate the world impact of Irish musical and sporting talent, will go on sale in mid-2002, costing 38 euro cents.

The rock star line-up, due for release next October, will feature, along with Bono's U2, Belfast-born singer Van Morrison, guitar legend Rory Gallagher and Phil Lynott, lead singer with popular 1970s band Thin Lizzy.

Joining Keane in the soccer series, due for release ahead of the World Cup in June, are national team legends Paul McGrath, Dave O'Leary, and Packie Bonner.

A spokeswoman for the Post Office said on Wednesday that postal authorities were expecting an enthusiastic response to the issues.

"Irish stamps are hugely popular with collectors around the world because of the time and detail we put into them, and we expect -- given the themes -- big interest in these in particular," she told Reuters.

She added that the finer details were still being finalised and that changes to the line-ups could not yet be ruled out.

Another planned series commemorating the 250th anniversary of the Steeplechase, a sporting event first recorded in Ireland, will feature some of the country's best-known race-horses -- Arkle, Dawn Run, L'Escargot, and Istabraq.

Posted by Jonathan at 04:27 AM | Comments (0)

December 04, 2001

U2 Scores Superbowl Halftime Gig

12.4.01 - Pollstar

U2's lengthy Elevation tour ended December 2 in Miami but the band will return to the States next year to perform at a uniquely American event - the Super Bowl XXXVI halftime show. The annual extravaganza takes place February 3 at the Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans.

"U2 is absolutely one of the coolest and creative contemporary bands in the world, and none enjoy greater worldwide appeal," Fox Sports Chairman David Hill said. "It is a privilege to broadcast our third Super Bowl and I'm sure that U2 will provide our global audience a championship caliber performance."

"The E*Trade Super Bowl halftime show is an important part of the Super Bowl and one of the most widely viewed entertainment events of the year," said NFL Commissioner Paul Tagliabue. "This year's show will take on new meaning in light of recent world events. We are pleased that the spectacular talent of U2 will become part of our Super Bowl halftime tradition."

This year's game will be televised live on Fox to an expected 130 million viewers in the United States and 800 million viewers worldwide.

Clear Channel Entertainment, the promoter of U2's tour, is producing the halftime extravaganza.

Posted by Jonathan at 04:28 AM | Comments (0)

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