A downside to A-List status is the tabloid headlines. Lady Gaga has largely avoided the typical relationship-trouble-substance-abuse-weight-gain fare reserved by ill-esteemed publications for the Kim Kardashians of the world, but she has taken a beating recently from those who claim the performer is struggling to support her act financially. Arthur Fogel, the chairman of Live Nation's global touring division, says that rumors of struggling ticket sales for her "artRave: The ARTPOP Ball" tour are ridiculous.
I just don't know how this shit gets any traction without people doing their homework," he said. "I just don't know how this s--- gets any traction without people doing their homework."
According to Live Nation, at the venues on the tour have sold 80 percent of their tickets, which equates to roughly $900,000 in gross revenue. Granted, an act like the Rolling Stones brings in nearly $7 million a show, but they also don't put nearly as much money into its stage setup either. Gaga probably doesn't need a flying dress, but she enjoys putting on a spectacle versus making a few extra bucks.
Fogel was especially dismissive of the idea that the "ARTPOP" tour had lost Live Nation $30 million dollars. If The Beatles lost $30 million, they'd be dropped. As would Gaga.
Most ticket sales arguments are moot points at the moment anyhow, as the shows aren't until May or June. Live Nation has added six dates in North America...not the sign of struggling sales.
The rumors of Live Nation losing money can probably be traced to the more legitimate losses that Interscope reportedly suffered from promoting ARTPOP. Gaga herself claimed that rumors the label lost $25 million on the album were false, but sales of the record were underwhelming. ARTPOP has sold around 650,000 copies after four months, whereas Born This Way went platinum in just one week.
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