U2 coup for Don Valley
U2 are on the way; Tina Turner has been delayed.
Sheffield secured a coup this week as one of only four UK cities to be chosen to stage a concert by arguably the world's biggest rock group, U2, at Don Valley Stadium on August 20.
But a bout of flu has prompted Tina Turner to reschedule her date at the Sheffield Arena to May 5. It could be her last ever performance, as the final date on her farewell European tour.
The appearance by Bono and colleagues in the East End of Sheffield will be the first time Don Valley Stadium has been used for a concert since the Rolling Stones played there in 2006.
The venue has been used for outdoor concerts over the years, hosting the likes of the Red Hot Chilli Peppers, Michael Jackson and Bon Jovi, but it faces strong competition from operators of other sports stadia keen to branch out commercially.
No date has been announced so far on when tickets for the Sheffield leg of U2's 360 tour will go on sale.
The band's management say 85% of tickets will be priced at less than 95 Euro, general admission 'floor tickets' priced at 55 euro and at least 10,000 tickets at every venue will cost around 30 Euro.
Don Valley has a capacity of 50,000 seated and standing and is being promised a show with an innovative 360 design "which affords an unobstructed view for the audience". The Blackberry-sponsored tour starts in the Nou Camp in Barcelona on June 30 and follows the release of their 12th studio album, No Line On The Horizon. It is their first tour since the Vertigo tour of 05/06 when every ticket was sold.
Sheffield's inclusion on the European itinerary will provide a sharp boost to the local economy and, moreover, will do no harm to attempts to spruce up the city's image. The events will trigger a rush for hotel beds and increase spending in shops and restaurants.
Steve Brailey, chief executive of Sheffield International Venues, which runs the stadium, said: "U2 are probably the world's biggest rock group so this is a fantastic coup for the Don Valley Stadium and a major boost for the city.
"Our teams work hard to bring a diverse range of high profile sporting and entertainment events to our venues. When the event features someone or a group as high profile as U2 it can not only bring a much-needed positive profile for the city but substantial benefits for the economy of Sheffield.
"We have already seen hotels in the city see a direct link to increases in room occupancy. The Premier Inn near EISS and iceSheffield and part of a national chain is now one of busiest hotels in the group because so many athletes and officials are staying there."
Meanwhile, staff at the Arena were busy this week trying to contact people who had bought tickets for last night's scheduled Tina Turner show.
Tickets are valid for the new date.
The 69-year-old American singer postponed concerts in London and Sheffield after being told by doctors to take six days to recover from respiratory problems.
A spokesperson said: "Tina always wants to give 100 per cent and has been overwhelmed by the reaction from her UK fans at the gigs last week.
"She regrets this decision to postpone and the inconvenience to all those fans with tickets but wants to make sure each concert she does is memorable for everyone."
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Tuesday 07 February 2012
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