Amy Breaks Avo Record

Scottish singer-songwriter Amy Macdonald sold tickets faster than any act in Avo Session Basel’s history, selling out her two 1,500-capacity shows in four and three minutes respectively.

“No one has sold so many so quickly in 23 years,” Festival programmer Matthias Mueller told Pollstar. He said this year’s Avo Session had very healthy sales throughout the two-week series.

Mueller said Pink sold out her only 2006 show in a minute and last year Katie Melua sold out in two minutes, although it took 90 minutes to sell out a second Melua show.

Macdonald’s July 19 appearance at Gurten Festival, only 90 minutes by road from Basel, may have helped build a following in the region. Mueller said he believes it won’t be long before she’s selling out the 12,500-capacity Zurich Hallenstadion.

Twelve of this year’s special series of 13 concerts sold out and the opening world music night had only “a handful” of tickets left.

Total sales were 19,530, another record, which Mueller aims to beat in 2009 by adding another show or two.

Before this year’s session began, Mueller was pleased to announce that its major sponsors committed to support the event for another five years. Sponsors include banking giant UBS and cigar manufacturer Avo.

The club atmosphere of the event creates a unique intimacy between the musicians and their audience.

Acts appearing at the Basel Trade Fair Centre Oct. 31 to Nov. 8 included Hugh Masekela, Roger Hodgson, Cyndi Lauper, Jethro Tull, Lauryn Hill, Zucchero, Peter Maffay, Patricia Kass, Michael Bolton and Adam Green.

Next year’s Avo Session Basel is scheduled Oct. 23 to Nov. 15.