Toronto, ON (VIP NEWS) — Live Nation global touring chief Arthur Fogel has discussed the challenges of producing tours by Madonna and U2 in the same year.
Fogel is promoting Madonna’s Rebel Heart and U2’s iNNOCENCE + eXPERIENCE arena dates later this year, but pointed out it is not the first time they had crossed on the touring circuit.
In an interview with Billboard, he said: “They`ve overlapped before. It makes for an interesting year. I suppose some would look at it as problematic, just in terms of time and attention, but part of the art form is managing multiple projects at the same time."
He declared ticket sales for U2’s first arena tour in 10 years “a home run”.
“We made the decision to come out a totally different way this time – in arenas, not stadiums, so they could play more shows in one city,” he said. “And the results – 99% of tickets have been sold – are absolutely fantastic.”
Fogel also praised Live Nation’s impact, 10 years on from its spin-off from Clear Channel, and the work of the company’s president and CEO Michael Rapino.
“I see a true global company footprint – an industry leader with a great culture,” he said. “This all comes from the leadership and vision of Michael Rapino.” –According to Musicweek
