STP Tour is not living up to promoters expectations:Article

[Adhesive Love]

AEG Report Slow Sales For George Michael, Sheryl Crow, STP
6/13/08

SAN DIEGO -- George Michael recently announced that his touring days are coming to an end and a recent article in the San Diego Weekly Reader may shine some light on why. According to the Reader, tickets for Michael's upcoming June 17 gig at the Sports Arena are not moving as well as might be expected, leading some observers to speculate that it may be a lean summer for promoters.
The Reader is reporting that out of 15,000 tix for the event, only about 4,000 have sold so far, just over 25%.

"AEG is hurting with George Michael," an apparently well-informed insider told the Reader "Michael is kicking off his first U.S. tour in 18 years at the Sports Arena, and they have only sold 4000 tickets.

And its not just Michael, Sheryl Crow and the Stone Temple Pilots are also selling below the hoped-for numbers. Local promoters told the paper that sales appear to be off overall by as much as 20%.

"You always hear about the high cost of tickets with extra Ticketmaster charges and everything and that eventually the promoters will respond and bring tickets back down to earth. I think the promoters will get burned so badly this year that this will finally be the year they wake up and start bringing prices down for next year." the unnamed promoter told The Reader.

Not everyone is quite as sure. Some suspect that people are waiting until the last minute to buy tickets.

"I would say that advance ticket sales are down 30 percent, but day-of-show sales are actually up. By waiting to buy tickets on the day of show, people are avoiding Ticketmaster altogether." another local promoter told the paper.

[MedicBarbie]

I don't think this thread is aptly titled.  No offense meant, but the article is not just about STP - it's about ticket sales in general.

I love how the article doesn't take into consideration the shitty economy right now.  WTF?

[TemplePilot]

I was under the impression that STP were playing to packed houses, and some sold out ones as well?

And calm down Medic.  The article doesn't state anything but fact.  They don't need to touch on the economy, they're just saying the sales are down, not the sales are down because the music or the shows suck.

[Volant9353]

first off....this so called journalist just spoke to San Diego promoters, second STP has put up huge numbers on poll star and have been playing sold out or close to sold out shows up to this point. Third, the San Diego show isn't even until the end of July...that journalist is an idiot pay no mind to that article!

[StoneTempleBrett]

They only list numbers for George Michael, none for STP.  I mean there are some shows that aren't sold out, but all of them seem pretty packed, they'd all sell out if it wasn't for the super high prices.  My friend who lives in Florida said he'd go to the Ft. Lauderdale show if the tickets weren't priced so high.  The prices are probably affecting it, but despite that it seems like the tour has been a success thus far, it's bigger than I ever thought it'd be.

[tatiana]

i think this article actually speaks to the high ticket prices added with what the rapists at ticketmaster want to charge and how this may change the pricing for other acts being promoted for next summer so - no - don't think it is disparaging to stp at all.

[erichoholic2k1]

STP were never really the biggest band in the world, so I'm not surprised that they aren't selling out everywhere.

I myself almost passed on seeing STP a few weeks ago after realizing that the service charges were almost $20 for a $35 ticket. It's ridiculous, and leads to me only going to shows where I can get reduced service fees through a fan club or at the venue.

[MedicBarbie]

And calm down Medic.  The article doesn't state anything but fact.  They don't need to touch on the economy, they're just saying the sales are down, not the sales are down because the music or the shows suck.

Oh, have no fear, my panties weren't all in a bunch.  When they are you'll know it.    I agree that it was factual and Ticketmaster is just a pimp and extortionist.

[stpnj2008]

I don't think the article is speaking predominantly about the STP sales. The PNC gig was a packed house of over 30 thousand, and they just booked Jones Beach. I think that if sales weren't up to what they had projected, they wouldn't have booked an even bigger venue hoping the majority of the core fan base double dips for another show. Even the theater shows in venues outside the tri-state area which is generally regarded as the most profitable market, are selling well (Vegas,Detroit)

[detomaso]

As others have said, I don't think the article is an accurate judge of STP's sales. It seems they've been selling quite well. I was at Uncasville CT (Mohegan Sun Casino) and STP sold out 10,000 seats with only a token (unknown and horrible) opening act.

[StoneTempleBrett]

The Hollywood Bowl Show hasn't sold out, but it's probably sold around 15,000-16,000 tickets in an 18,000 seat venue, and it'll probably get close to selling out the day of the show, even with the really high prices.  Ticketmaster's service charge just really fucks fans up the ass, it was great that Pearl Jam tried to fight it but like Scott said back in the 90s it'd be way more effective if multiple bands tried to put a stop to Ticketmaster's bullshit.

[AdhesiveLove27]

Well the Economy definatly has SOME affect on things.

I think it only has some affect because I know there are some people who are going even though they aren't the best off right now. Well when I bought the tickets a month and a half ago I was new at my job and it was before my first paycheck.. So I scrounged every penny I could find until I had the $43 to go... But I do know of a few people who would definatly go if they had the extra money.

I think right now STP has some of the best numbers.. Everyone keeps mentioning how the venues are packed.. My show is sold out.. So they can't be THAT dissapointed.. I'm sure other tours are bombing right now.

And Ticketmaster seriously needs to get a fucking grip.. I paid $12 in service charges for each of my 4 tickets..

[TemplePilot]

And Ticketmaster seriously needs to get a fucking grip.. I paid $12 in service charges for each of my 4 tickets..

And how about the shipping charges if you want an actual ticket?  Averages like 10 bucks an order or more.  To ship a ticket.  I could ship those bastards a ticket for the price of a stamp.

[Silvergun Picture Show]

When I saw them in the state theatre in cleveland on 05/20 it was pretty much a packed house i looked around and only saw a few seats unattended to. That article is misleading...

[Peebs]

And how about the shipping charges if you want an actual ticket?  Averages like 10 bucks an order or more.  To ship a ticket.  I could ship those bastards a ticket for the price of a stamp.

I always choose the free shipping option or if it's REALLY close to the show then will call.


But I can't say because the two shows I have been to so far have been sold out (Columbus and PNC)