Panic Stations

Well, not quite.

But almost.

My UK tour begins in seven weeks, and ticket sales remain a pressing concern.

Some venues are doing well, and around 60% sold. Others, including the biggest venue, have a long, long way to go, with some as low as 25%.

Emails to newspapers, radio and magazines to help promote the show remain mostly unanswered.

It’s the equivalent of throwing a big party, and no one wanting to come.

Musician friends are telling me to hold tight, that ever since Covid habits have changed, people tend to book much more last minute, that we’ll see a flurry as we approach the date, which I can only hope and pray happens.

I take some comfort in knowing that I’m not alone – Lauryn Hill and the Fugees just abruptly cancelled their Miseducation Anniversary Tour three days before it was due to open due to low sales. If a five-time Grammy winner, who recorded one of the greatest albums of all time, is struggling to sell tickets, then I wonder if there’s any hope at all for the future of live music.

I’m a great believer in transparency – so let me be transparent. This is a terrifying situation to be in. Every single aspect of this tour is entirely self-funded by me. It is phenomenally expensive to put together even an eight-date tour.

I know many of you are in the USA or elsewhere, far from the UK, but perhaps this message will inspire you – if you’ve seen a gig listing you’re interested in, and you’ve been toying with the idea of going but not booked yet – do the band a favour, and book a ticket.

You may help them get some sleep at night.

And if you’re in the UK, please join me for the evening. It will be a special run of shows. See maryspender.com/tour for more details.

Mary x

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