Due to production and staging issues at the smaller venues initially scheduled for her upcoming Chicago and Detroit shows, Lady GaGa has moved the shows into larger arenas but is making fans re-buy tickets instead of honoring the originals.
The popular singer’s January 8-10 shows are being moved from The Chicago Theatre to the Rosemont Theatre, and her January 12-13 shows are being moved from the Fox Theatre Detroit to the Joe Louis Arena.
Tickets for the new locations will go on sale today, December 29, and the original tickets have been canceled. The elaborate Monster Ball Tour concerts feature a multitude of dancers, set changes and costume changes for Lady GaGa.
Moving shows from a smaller to a larger venue is not uncommon, especially for an artist of Lady GaGa’s current stature, but traditionally tickets for the original location are honored for the new show.
In an email to ticket holders of the Chicago Theatre shows, the venue only offered ticketing information but nothing further. The singer’s Web site also did not offer any details on why the original tickets are not being honored. Fans who originally bought tickets for the shows will be given first crack at the new ones through a special onsale, according to the email.
“Please note that Chicago Theatre tickets will not be honored for the shows at The Rosemont Theatre. Customers who purchased their Chicago Theatre show(s) tickets via Ticketmaster.com or Ticketmaster’s charge by phone service will be contacted via email or phone regarding the ticket refund procedure,” the email stated.
“Tickets ordered through Ticketmaster Phones or Ticketmaster Online will be automatically credited to the original purchaser’s credit card account within 7 to 10 business days. Tickets purchased through Ticketmaster Outlets or through The Chicago Theatre’s Box Office must be returned to the original point of purchase for a full refund,” it continued.
Coalition Media Group’s Troy Carter, Lady GaGa’s manager, did not immediately return a message seeking comment. A spokesperson for Live Nation, the tour’s promoter, also did not respond to questions.