LN’s Shiny New Year - Pollstar News

Live Nation execs have a lot to smile about despite losing $19 million on its stock deal with U2.

Madonna’s “Sticky & Sweet Tour,” which wrapped up Dec. 21 in Brazil , produced 11 record-breaking shows in South America with a total of 650,000 tickets sold, according to tour promoter Live Nation.

Photo: AP Photo

Foro Sol, Mexico City, Mexico.

“Madonna has yet again demonstrated her true global appeal as a live performer, whether in stadiums or arenas. Not only will this tour be the top-selling tour of all time for a solo artist and a female artist (eclipsing her own record), but it will position her as one of the top-selling touring artists of all time,” Arthur Fogel, LN chairman of global music and CEO of global touring, said in a statement.

Meanwhile, the company says Nickelback tickets are disappearing fast and the band doesn’t hit the road until Feb. 25.

Photo: AP Photo

Sturgis Motorcycle Rally in Sturgis, S.D.

LN reports the tour has already sold 210,00 – about 70 percent of available tickets – and that ticket sales in similar markets are reportedly ahead of the band’s 2007 tour with a 62 percent increase in ticket revenue.