(CelebrityAccess News Service) — Due to extraordinary fan response and overwhelming ticket demand, Alabama's farewell tour will continue through 2004. Clear Channel Entertainment is the sponsor the American Farewell Tour. The first leg of The American Farewell Tour included stops in 40 different markets. To date the tour has attracted an audience of over 400,000 with ticket sales in excess of $20 Million.
Brian O’Connell, vice president, Clear Channel Entertainment-Touring shares the success story, “We anticipated a successful turn-out and have enjoyed an overwhelming response. But, the fans and ticket sales have clearly demonstrated The Alabama Band is still in demand and aren’t done yet. Clear Channel and the Alabama Band have concurrently agreed there are more fans to visit before concluding The American Farewell Tour.”
"I had hoped Clear Channel might extend The American
Farewell Tour to allow us to perform in places that weren't on the original tour schedule," adds Alabama lead singer Randy Owen. "It gives us a chance to play for these fans. We are grateful to everyone involved in promoting and coordinating the tour and we appreciate the hard work and the opportunity to play for our fans.”
Clear Channel in association with Land of Os, Inc. thoroughly researched “untapped” markets. To meet public demand, thirty shows have been added to the tour to include Austin, TX, Biloxi, MS, Buffalo, NY, Charleston, WV, Cleveland, OH, Council Bluffs, IA, Little Rock, AR, Madison, WI and Tallahassee, FL. The second leg of the tour commences February 7 in San Antonio, TX and continues through June.
Show-goers get their money's worth. The American Farewell Tour show is a 3-hour plus concert event during which Alabama performs a collection of songs from their list of over 60 Top 10 radio releases including many of their 42 No. 1 hits. The song list includes "Mountain Music," "Feels So Right, "Dixieland Delight," “Jukebox In My Mind," I'm In A Hurry (And Don't Know Why)," and "Roll On (Eighteen Wheeler)."
Because of overwhelming demand and popularity, Clear Channel Entertainment-Touring has agreed to continue to offer the “Platinum Bama” and “VIP Gold” ticket packages.
The “Platinum Bama” ($1,000) package includes front-of-stage concert seats. Platinum ticket holders are escorted backstage after the show where they are treated to a mix and mingle session with other Platinum Bama ticket holders and then will have professional photos taken with members of the band. In addition, they will receive a personally autographed, custom made, numbered, limited edition Les Paul Jr. Epiphone (Gibson) collector’s electric guitar, which is presented to them in a carrying bag bearing the official Alabama logo. Eight thousand (8,000) limited edition Les Paul guitars have been produced for The American Farewell Tour and the Platinum Bama ticket is a hot seller. Only 3,000 guitars remain in the collection, quantities are limited in each city, and only available while supplies last.
The “VIP Gold” package ($150) includes VIP seating and an individually numbered limited edition collectors 24 X 36 inch lithograph tour print. Remaining quantities are limited–15,000 remain available for purchase on the second leg of the tour.
O’Connell adds, "The abundant fan and obvious market demand make it a necessity to extend The American Farewell Tour and Clear Channel Entertainment is delighted in the opportunity to continue—to be part of Alabama history.”
Alabama drummer Mark Herndon sums it up: "I’m not ready to pack it up yet. We're just getting warmed up. Don't sit down we're coming!" –Jane Cohen and Bob Grossweiner
