The tour’s success comes despite early rumors about slow ticket sales and a steady stream of tabloid reports that Jay and Bey’s relationship is on the rocks
Financially speaking, the two obviously have plenty of reasons why they should stay together. If they were to play 100 more shows at their current rate, On the Run would be the second most lucrative tour of all time, trailing U2’s epic 360 tour. On April 3, 2008, Jay Z announced a $150 million deal with concert promoter Live Nation that encompassed touring, music recording, and the creation of Roc Nation, his new entertainment company. “I’ve turned into the Rolling Stones of Hip Hop,” he told New York Times.
These sort of numbers are only possible because of their incredible synergy as performers and business people. During his solo Magna Carta Tour, Jay Z’s nightly grosses typically fell into the $750,000 to $1.2 million range; Beyonce’s Mrs. Carter, solo tour generally brought in $1.2 million per show.
“Everybody’s winning,” said Live Nation’s Omar Al-Joulani in a recent interview with Billboard.
Together they’re grossing about $5 million a night. Whether it’s a chance to see the two stars on a tour unlike any they’ve undertaken or the voyeuristic interest in seeing the couple onstage together, audiences have been pouring into stadiums around the country at rates much greater than they would to see both acts individually. Despite rumors and tabloids about their relationship, the two obviously are loved by their fans. The pair will wrap up the American leg of their 19-date, On the Run Tour, with remaining shows over-seas.
-Tamara El(@MwiliHakalu)
