Dixie Chicks tour struggling in several markets

[tuvor]

NASHVILLE (Billboard) - Initial ticket sales for the Dixie Chicks' upcoming tour are far below expectations and several dates will likely be canceled or postoned.

Ticket counts for the 20-plus arena shows that went on sale last weekend were averaging 5,000-6,000 per show in major markets and less in secondaries, according to sources contacted by Billboard. Venue capacities on the tour generally top 15,000.

In contrast, the band's new album, "Taking the Long Way," sold 526,000 units in its first week, according to Nielsen Soundscan, the third-largest sales week of 2006. The album logged a second week in the period ended June 4, according to sales data issued Wednesday.

Despite those numbers, early ticket sales are clearly not meeting projections. The plug was pulled on public on-sales for shows in Indianapolis (August 23), Oklahoma City (September 26), Memphis (September 27) and Houston (September 30) because of tepid pre-sales in a national promotion with Target stores.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20060607/music_nm/dixie_dc

[yngliberal]

1. The crazies will have fun with this

I think they should play in smaller venues and things.

[tuvor]

3. Smaller venues wouldn't jive with their CD sales figures.

[flyarm]

2. come north dixie chicks..we will fill the venues!!..come north!!..n/t

[fishnfla]

4. Memo to ad agency: Dump the Target promo

have you seen the music selection there? D'uh.

[Nicole]

5. Well darn

I was hoping to go to the OKC concert.