Blogcritics The critical lens on today's culture & entertainment
Whoa, this changes plans for a lot of people – and a lot of bands – for the summer:
- LOLLAPALOOZA, 2004 CANCELS ALL DATES
Los Angeles, CA – June 22, 2004 — Even with what has been touted as the best line-up since its inception in 1991, with such eclectic and respected artists as Morrissey, Sonic Youth, PJ Harvey, and The Flaming Lips, among others, and the most competitive ticket prices in the marketplace for a tour this size, it was not enough to counter the weak economic state of this years summer touring season. Therefore, it is with the utmost regret that due to poor ticket sales across the board, the Lollapalooza, 2004 tour has been cancelled. This morning, tour organizers and concert promoters faced with several million dollars of losses, made the very tough decision to pull the tour.
Marc Geiger, co-founder of the tour stated, “I am in utter disbelief that a concert of this stature, with the most exciting line-up I’ve seen in years did not galvanize ticket sales. I’m surprised that given the great bands and the reduced ticket prices that we didn’t have enough sales to sustain the tour. Concert promoters across the country are facing similar problems. Many summer tours are experiencing weak ticket sales.”
Alex Hodges, Executive Vice President of HOB Concerts, commented, “In real terms, it’s been a tough summer. Ticket sales have been mixed and often inexplicably soft. There are a number of contributing factors, and, as a result, many tours have been cut-back, rerouted or cancelled.”
Fans who have supported the tour and who have bought tickets nationwide will be given full refunds.
I said all along that they needed a true headliner to really set the thing up right – remember, they were competing for festival concert $$ with Bonnaroo, the Warped Tour, Coachella, even Ozzfest – but I am not gloating by any means, I am very saddened by this news.
