Ive been watching a lot of the youtube footage of Prince's recent shows. The crowds are enormous!

I often wonder if he fears not being able to sell out consistently in the US and passes us over to save face. I know he had a sort of rebirth with his Musicology tour in 04, but I dont think the love shown him by his European fans has been present in America since 84-85.

He would do well, but a stadium tour is what he should be undertaking at this point in his career and sadly, I think that would be a massive failure in the US.

What y'all think?

No. I don't believe it's a fear.

I think it's basically this. He's going where the money is.

The economy might have something to do with it.

luv4u said:

No. I don't believe it's a fear.

I think it's basically this. He's going where the money is.

The economy might have something to do with it.

According to the John Blackwell Project Facebook page, US dates will be announced following the release of the Asia dates.

Not sure whether or not he'll do a stadium tour, but I don't think he has any fear of such.

My current theory is that something is going to be announced before the US dates are - maybe one of the various rumours that have been floating around will finally surface - and the US tour will follow on the back of that.

He sometimes appears to have no rhyme or reason for a lot of the choices he makes, but I'm sure he almost always does. There are lots of good reasons to tour outside of the US at the moment and I think that's got a lot more to do with it.

I suspect he'll lay the groundwork for something special in the US to ensure the tour will be a success.

Yeah, the fact that all us Americans are broke as fuck right now has a lot to do with it, I think.

So, a question: if all was right with our economy, could Prince stage a successful US stadium tour?

I still think he would struggle to draw.

StonedImmaculate said:

Yeah, the fact that all us Americans are broke as fuck right now has a lot to do with it, I think.

So, a question: if all was right with our economy, could Prince stage a successful US stadium tour?

I still think he would struggle to draw.

Thats what they said about the musicology tour...

P is like Wayne Newton,

He will always draw

EmbattledWarrior said:

luv4u said:

No. I don't believe it's a fear.

I think it's basically this. He's going where the money is.

The ecomomy might have something to do with it.

Totally unrelated, But had to say that this ==> Reminds me of that line from Illusion,Coma,Pimp&Circ " Boy, I was FIONE back in tha day!"..and

famous said:

EmbattledWarrior said:

Totally unrelated, But had to say that this ==> Reminds me of that line from Illusion,Coma,Pimp&Circ " Boy, I was FIONE back in tha day!"..and

classic

I wouldn't say fear even though the economy is bad right now but I have a feeling he's got something instore 4 us!

jstar69 said:

I think P fears alot these days! Has lost that don't give a f*ck approach he once had! Shame....

Random comments...

Prince tickets have never been over the top expensive in the States compared to what other top "name" artists have charged.

He doesn't need to play amphitheaters or arenas, and certainly not stadiums, to make money on a tour.

He could easily tour 1000-3000 seat theaters in Ameica FOREVER by charging more than he has in the past. Say, a couple hundred a ticket, maybe more for some exclusive count my chest hairs seats. Y'all KNOW those shows would sell out in a hot second. And if he did multiple nights it would be less like touring and more like small residencies.

However, I'd be willing to bet he could still do basketball size arenas in most of the big US markets if the tickets were the right price. There are a few artists out there selling out all their shows. It would just depend on the demand, something he's doing a great job building by completely ignoring us.

Fear? No. He's just getting PAID overseas right now for doing a very small amount of work compared to what it would take to mount a US tour.

Cerebus said:

Random comments...

Prince tickets have never been over the top expensive in the States compared to what other top "name" artists have charged.

He doesn't need to play amphitheaters or arenas, and certainly not stadiums, to make money on a tour.

He could easily tour 1000-3000 seat theaters in Ameica FOREVER by charging more than he has in the past. Say, a couple hundred a ticket, maybe more for some exclusive count my chest hairs seats. Y'all KNOW those shows would sell out in a hot second. And if he did multiple nights it would be less like touring and more like small residencies.

However, I'd be willing to bet he could still do basketball size arenas in most of the big US markets if the tickets were the right price. There are a few artists out there selling out all their shows. It would just depend on the demand, something he's doing a great job building by completely ignoring us.

Fear? No. He's just getting PAID overseas right now for doing a very small amount of work compared to what it would take to mount a US tour.

I feel you 100%, but could he sell out a stadium tour of the US?

MJ could if he were still with us...Madonna could...U2 could...hell, Dave Matthews band could.

But Prince? I know he aint afraid of shit, but with as big an ego as he has, I'm sure this has crossed his mind.

With as much money as he would make from such a tour, I think he would have done it by now...if he thought it would be successful.

If he doesn't go the asshole route and charge outlandish fees for his tickets, yes they will sell out.

StonedImmaculate said:

Cerebus said:

Random comments...

Prince tickets have never been over the top expensive in the States compared to what other top "name" artists have charged.

He doesn't need to play amphitheaters or arenas, and certainly not stadiums, to make money on a tour.

He could easily tour 1000-3000 seat theaters in Ameica FOREVER by charging more than he has in the past. Say, a couple hundred a ticket, maybe more for some exclusive count my chest hairs seats. Y'all KNOW those shows would sell out in a hot second. And if he did multiple nights it would be less like touring and more like small residencies.

However, I'd be willing to bet he could still do basketball size arenas in most of the big US markets if the tickets were the right price. There are a few artists out there selling out all their shows. It would just depend on the demand, something he's doing a great job building by completely ignoring us.

Fear? No. He's just getting PAID overseas right now for doing a very small amount of work compared to what it would take to mount a US tour.

I feel you 100%, but could he sell out a stadium tour of the US?

MJ could if he were still with us...Madonna could...U2 could...hell, Dave Matthews band could.

But Prince? I know he aint afraid of shit, but with as big an ego as he has, I'm sure this has crossed his mind.

With as much money as he would make from such a tour, I think he would have done it by now...if he thought it would be successful.

People said the same thing back in 2004 and look what happend.

luv4u said:

No. I don't believe it's a fear.

I think it's basically this. He's going where the money is.

The economy might have something to do with it.

Now aint that the truth?

After that nightmare performance at the Nokia in L.A. a couple a years back, I don't think I'll ever pay to see him again.

And I've seen every tour starting with the Dirty Mind Tour in 1980.

I want to hear Prince songs, not Prince doing a bunch of cover tunes.

wish he'd play in the US, but, he seems to hate us now

XxAxX said:

wish he'd play in the US, but, he seems to hate us now

Nah, he just hates you ... LoL

I agree that it has something 2 do with the economy, but I think if he partners with a good promoter and have a decent price for tickets, it will b worth it.

Younger fans (17-30) cannot spend 60$ for a concert ticket these days, and many old-school hardcore fans probably don't care about 20Ten and its tour (which has been dismissed as unispired), and let's not forget that 20Ten hasn't received radio support or promotion...

Prince knows this...

JoeTyler said:

Younger fans (17-30) cannot spend 60$ for a concert ticket these days, and many old-school hardcore fans probably don't care about 20Ten and its tour (which has been dismissed as unispired), and let's not forget that 20Ten hasn't received radio support or promotion...

Prince knows this...

20Ten hasn't even been released in the states. So, if he was going to tour, he would probably either sell copies of the cd at the show or release it via another medium.

Since he has no distriubion company in the states, radio won't be playing it.

StonedImmaculate said:

Cerebus said:

Random comments...

Prince tickets have never been over the top expensive in the States compared to what other top "name" artists have charged.

He doesn't need to play amphitheaters or arenas, and certainly not stadiums, to make money on a tour.

He could easily tour 1000-3000 seat theaters in Ameica FOREVER by charging more than he has in the past. Say, a couple hundred a ticket, maybe more for some exclusive count my chest hairs seats. Y'all KNOW those shows would sell out in a hot second. And if he did multiple nights it would be less like touring and more like small residencies.

However, I'd be willing to bet he could still do basketball size arenas in most of the big US markets if the tickets were the right price. There are a few artists out there selling out all their shows. It would just depend on the demand, something he's doing a great job building by completely ignoring us.

Fear? No. He's just getting PAID overseas right now for doing a very small amount of work compared to what it would take to mount a US tour.

I feel you 100%, but could he sell out a stadium tour of the US?

MJ could if he were still with us...Madonna could...U2 could...hell, Dave Matthews band could.

But Prince? I know he aint afraid of shit, but with as big an ego as he has, I'm sure this has crossed his mind.

With as much money as he would make from such a tour, I think he would have done it by now...if he thought it would be successful.

I want to clarify that you're talking about, like, football stadiums. 50-70,000 seats. If so, DMB plays them, but the shows don't sell out 100%. I believe Madonnna could if she hasn't already recently done so. U2 does, but they are their own touring monster. Normal rules don't seem to apply to them. MJ - no comment. Prince, has he ever done so? A few shows on the PR tour is the only time in the US, I think. Regardless, no, I don't think he could now. But basketball arenas, 15-20,000 seats, in the biggest major markets? Yes, I think he could still do that with the right promotion.

JoeTyler said:

Younger fans (17-30) cannot spend 60$ for a concert ticket these days, and many old-school hardcore fans probably don't care about 20Ten and its tour (which has been dismissed as unispired), and let's not forget that 20Ten hasn't received radio support or promotion...

Prince knows this...

That's your opinion. Seems like an awful lot of people like some portion of the 20ten album. I've seen quite a few of the shows he's recently done overseas and they're plenty enjoyable. He's not 100% on point, imo, but there was quite a few exciting moments. Even a few "inspired" ones. Especially the show with Sheila (I mean really - if Prince and Sheila doin' matching dance steps doesn't make you smile you should probably just give up trying to have a good time ), so I'll give him props for having her sit in (join the new band?) for future shows.

And you don't KNOW what Prince knows. Come on now.

Cerebus said:

StonedImmaculate said:

I feel you 100%, but could he sell out a stadium tour of the US?

MJ could if he were still with us...Madonna could...U2 could...hell, Dave Matthews band could.

But Prince? I know he aint afraid of shit, but with as big an ego as he has, I'm sure this has crossed his mind.

With as much money as he would make from such a tour, I think he would have done it by now...if he thought it would be successful.

I want to clarify that you're talking about, like, football stadiums. 50-70,000 seats. If so, DMB plays them, but the shows don't sell out 100%. I believe Madonnna could if she hasn't already recently done so. U2 does, but they are their own touring monster. Normal rules don't seem to apply to them. MJ - no comment. Prince, has he ever done so? A few shows on the PR tour is the only time in the US, I think. Regardless, no, I don't think he could now. But basketball arenas, 15-20,000 seats, in the biggest major markets? Yes, I think he could still do that with the right promotion.

He sold out the first night of the Essence Festival in 2004. This is a hugh football stadium. You need to do your reserch.

laurarichardson said:

Cerebus said:

I want to clarify that you're talking about, like, football stadiums. 50-70,000 seats. If so, DMB plays them, but the shows don't sell out 100%. I believe Madonnna could if she hasn't already recently done so. U2 does, but they are their own touring monster. Normal rules don't seem to apply to them. MJ - no comment. Prince, has he ever done so? A few shows on the PR tour is the only time in the US, I think. Regardless, no, I don't think he could now. But basketball arenas, 15-20,000 seats, in the biggest major markets? Yes, I think he could still do that with the right promotion.

He sold out the first night of the Essence Festival in 2004. This is a hugh football stadium. You need to do your reserch.

Really, so he played by himself then, the only act on the bill? All the tickets sold were JUST for the Prince show and didn't include admittance to any other shows on other days? It was a FESTIVAL. And you need to refrain from including unnecessary condescending comments in your posts.

I don't think he would have a problem selling out here at all. Everytime I have ever seen him in Chicago its been a sellout almost immediately. He'll swing around this way soon enough...at least I am hoping.

People in the US: there is a recession in many countries around the world - especially in Europe where the governments are making huge cutbacks to pay off debts. Overall, we also pay higher taxes so don't use the economy as an excuse. Maybe he likes coming to Europe - especially the UK, Holland, Germany, France, etc. - because his fans are not as fickle and are usually interested in his music and ideas rather than who his latest girlfriend is or if he's going to finally have another hit or work with a flash-in-the-pan trendy producer!

Show him some genuine respect and he will reciprocate.

Musicology was a HUGE success; he proved if you wait long enough and build it up to an event, the crowds will come.

Personally I think he'll wait until 2014 for the 30th Anniversary of Purple Rain to hit it hard in the U.S. 100%.

JoeTyler said:

Younger fans (17-30) cannot spend 60$ for a concert ticket these days, and many old-school hardcore fans probably don't care about 20Ten and its tour (which has been dismissed as unispired), and let's not forget that 20Ten hasn't received radio support or promotion...

Prince knows this...

I'm 20 and I will spend $200-$300 if I have to. I've only seen him live once when he did GMA in 2006 (I became a fan in 2004 after he visited my state ) Forget books for school, seeing Prince live is a top priority! I'm already saving up