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Concert Sales Slump as Gas Prices Climb

Pump prices on top of tickets breaking the bank

By Matt Cantor,  Newser Staff

Posted Jun 29, 2008 11:27 AM CDT

(Newser) – Soaring gas prices are turning down the volume on ticket sales for this year’s summer tours, Rolling Stone reports. Major festivals like Bonnaroo and Coachella didn’t sell out—a rare occurrence—while top acts like George Michael, Maroon 5, and Stevie Wonder are facing difficulty finding fans. That has pushed some to offer major deals like four lawn seats for $100.

“It has an effect when people are filling up their cars for $80," said a promoter. "How many concerts are they going to go to with all the other costs?” Still, ticket sales for some acts, including Madonna, Tom Petty, and Radiohead, are staying strong.

A gas station attendant looks at high gas prices posted at this gas station in Los Altos, Calif., Thursday, June 26, 2008.
A gas station attendant looks at high gas prices posted at this gas station in Los Altos, Calif., Thursday, June 26, 2008.   (AP Photo/Paul Sakuma)
Radiohead band members pose in their hotel room Tuesday, May 13, 2008, in Washington.
Radiohead band members pose in their hotel room Tuesday, May 13, 2008, in Washington.   (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)
Maroon 5 lead singer Adam Levine performs at Scala in King's Cross in London Wednesday, May 2, 2007.
Maroon 5 lead singer Adam Levine performs at Scala in King's Cross in London Wednesday, May 2, 2007.   (AP Photo/PA, Joel Ryan)
Music fans cool off in a fountain at the Bonnaroo music festival in Manchester, Tenn., Sunday, June 15, 2008. For the second time in its history, Bonnaroo didn't sell out this year.
Music fans cool off in a fountain at the Bonnaroo music festival in Manchester, Tenn., Sunday, June 15, 2008. For the second time in its history, Bonnaroo didn't sell out this year.   (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)
U.S rock singer Bruce Springsteen entertains a sell-out crowd at the RDS arena in Dublin, Ireland, Thursday, May, 22, 2008. Usually a top draw, Springsteen has seen his ticket sales slump this year.
U.S rock singer Bruce Springsteen entertains a sell-out crowd at the RDS arena in Dublin, Ireland, Thursday, May, 22, 2008. Usually a top draw, Springsteen has seen his ticket sales slump this year.   (AP Photo)
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