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Low ticket sales force concert cancellation

Mailed refunds to be given until May 5

Due to low ticket sales, officials from the University Activities Board, along with label representatives from Reach Records, officially canceled the April 25 MTV "Campus Invasion Tour."

The concert, which was to showcase popular music artists Bush and Moby, sold approximately 2,000 tickets, said Mindy Griffith, senior coordinator of campus activities.

"It was partially due to less-than-expected ticket sales," she said. "It was a mutual decision on our part and that of the band (Bush)."

Griffith said the concert was nowhere near the projected sales amount, and both UAB and the band's record label, Reach Records, felt the show would lose too much money.

"The show needed to sell (4,000) to 5,000 tickets to break even," she said. "We were certainly not out to make a profit, but we had half that amount."

UAB's Rising Star, along with KFMA radio, was sponsoring the event. Officials from MTV have also canceled the daytime activities that were to accompany the show.

Griffith said UAB did everything possible to find another venue but given the time restraints, was unable to find accommodations.

According to a press release from the office of Arizona Student Unions, tickets can be refunded at the McKale Box Office on April 24, from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m., and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. until May 5.

Ticket-holders can also download a refund form at www.union.arizona.edu/uab/bush.html. Requests must be post-marked by Wednesday, May 3, and a refund will follow within four to six weeks.

Although UAB officials could not pinpoint the reason for low ticket sales, they said another show involving Bush may have complicated matters.

"They (Bush) decided to play in Phoenix after setting the agreement to play here," said Madeleine Thompson, director of Rising Star Entertainment. "That made everything very difficult for us."

The added concert, sponsored by Phoenix radio station KEDJ, is to be held on May 5 at the Peoria Sports Complex.

Representatives from both Reach Records and V2 Records, which represents Moby, were unavailable for comment.

Officials from MTV and KFMA radio declined comment.

Ty Young can be reached at catalyst@wildcat.arizona.edu.