13 April 2008

The (Your Company's Name Here) Life

The Mrs. doesn't read this blog, but she suggested this post: while reading Entertainment Weekly, she came across an ad for George Michael's upcoming tour. (Twenty years ago, while still in high school, she was a fan, so it's understandable.)

The tour's shows were listed by date and location, but no cities or states were given, just the names of the venues where is to perform. Out of 21 dates, all but three venues have corporate-sponsorship names like American Airlines Center and General Motors Place. The exceptions? Madison Square Garden (it seems quite odd that naming rights to it have not been sold yet), The Forum (ditto), and the San Diego Sports Arena (sounds like they're just lacking imagination).

So how long, then, before promoters start selling naming rights to the actual tours? Like the Ensure George Michael Yep, That Geezer's Still Around Tour? Or the Energizer Huey Lewis Needs a Retirement Home Experience?

(Thanks, Mrs.)

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

Dude,
Where have you been? Are you showing your age? Who is sponsoring the Rolling Stones tours? Remember that group The Police? Their tour last year was "Best Buy Presents the Police" now it has become "Citi Presents The Police." Even Paul McCartney's last 2 tours were "presented by..."

You are So, like, yesterday man.

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Some Assembly Required said...

Not so much showing my age as choosing not to pay attention. Once a musical performer or group gets to the point where their tour is preceded by "Corporate America Presents..." it is highly likely that I am no longer interested in that artist. My comments were made merely in service of snarky humor.