Posted on: Sunday, October 28, 2001

The September 11 attack | America strikes back
Some U.S. acts wary of traveling abroad

By Nekesa Mumbi Moody
Associated Press

NEW YORK — First it was Janet Jackson. Then Destiny's Child. Now the Dave Matthews Band has joined a chorus of American pop acts who have canceled or postponed overseas tours since last month's terrorist attacks.

"I think that there is probably a sense from an American standpoint that they might be more of a target," said Gary Bongiovanni of Pollstar, which tracks the concert industry.

The cancellations will likely cause a 10 percent drop in overall concert grosses for the year, said Kelly Barbieri of Amusement Business, which also monitors the concert business.

It's another setback to the industry, which already was experiencing an off year before Sept. 11.

"The economy is down, ticket prices are up," said Barbieri. "Ticket grosses were OK for the third quarter, but attendance was down."

Jackson canceled her European tour two weeks after the attacks on the World Trade Center and Pentagon, citing concern for her fans.

"Like most people, the events of Sept. 11 have troubled me enormously and I remain concerned about the foreseeable future," she said.

Since then, Weezer has canceled its European tour; Destiny's Child has pushed back its fall European tour until May; Slipknot postponed its "Pledge of Allegiance" European tour until sometime in 2002; and this week, the Dave Matthews Band canceled its tour of Mexico, Germany and Britain, citing the attacks and the need to stay close to family. Several other tours have been delayed or canceled as well.

Arista Records president Antonio Reid said shortly after the attacks that he expected overseas events to be canceled "because artists are skittish about flying right now."

'N Sync had no overseas concerts planned, but even member Lance Bass acknowledged he was reluctant to travel.

Dave Zedeck, co-founder and partner of the Evolution Agency, a music agency which represents clients such as Britney Spears and 'N Sync, said performers are definitely worried.

"I think it's twofold — the concern of what happens there, and secondly, what happens if they're there and something happens here," he said.

Another concern for tour promoters is lackluster business in the United States. While no figures were available, Bongiovanni said the industry has suffered since Sept. 11.