How much Diana Ross earns for a concert?

[Nitro2015]

I was wondering what would be more or less the value that Diana Ross earns when performing each show of a tour?

In fact, I always think about this issue for any artist, because I do not know how the promoters can generate profit from a tour since the expenses to perform the show are usually exorbitant [[especially in the case of giant tours like U2 and Madonna, for example).

And, in Diana's case, I wonder why she has not toured Europe for so long. She is so huge there and could easily sell out arenas or, at least, large theaters.

I know she's not keen to travel overseas that often, but she doesn't go there to perform almost ten years.

[PeaceNHarmony]

I don't know either, but the fact that the lady is booked constantly certainly defines Ms. Ross as a legacy artist with timeless appeal. Diana has entered the living legend phase of her career, like Ella - Lena - Peggy etc before her, and well deserves it.

[Nitro2015]

I don't know either, but the fact that the lady is booked constantly certainly defines Ms. Ross as a legacy artist with timeless appeal. Diana has entered the living legend phase of her career, like Ella - Lena - Peggy etc before her, and well deserves it.

Yes, but I'd risk to say she is more than a legacy artist, because she is still a current successful touring artist, even after 50 years of career.

Her shows in U.S. does quite good business, of course they are not the same numbers she did in her 30's, 40's or 50's, but they are still good numbers for an artist of 73.

Searching boxscore statuses in Billboard for her shows, I think she must receive something between $50k to $150k per/performance.

But I don't have a clue if it's really that.

[jobeterob]

A few years back when she did about 30 dates, her tour was in the top 100 of the year grossing about $10 Million - I believe. But that the just the tour dates - nothing private.

[Guy]

Does Ross even use a promoter? She has such low overhead. I think she just leases the venue and hires PR for the show. She gets the entire box office. If so, her personal net take would always be north of $150k per show.

[Bluebrock]

I was wondering what would be more or less the value that Diana Ross earns when performing each show of a tour?

In fact, I always think about this issue for any artist, because I do not know how the promoters can generate profit from a tour since the expenses to perform the show are usually exorbitant [[especially in the case of giant tours like U2 and Madonna, for example).

And, in Diana's case, I wonder why she has not toured Europe for so long. She is so huge there and could easily sell out arenas or, at least, large theaters.

I know she's not keen to travel overseas that often, but she doesn't go there to perform almost ten years.
She is not keen on the travelling anymore so a UK and European tour is perhaps unlikely without a new album to promote, and of course she will not get a new contract until she agrees to promote it overseas. We are going around in circles here.

[PeaceNHarmony]

She is not keen on the travelling anymore so a UK and European tour is perhaps unlikely without a new album to promote, and of course she will not get a new contract until she agrees to promote it overseas. We are going around in circles here.
Complete conjecture here, following up your remark about travel, but it seems that many legacy artists are hesitant to put up with the security delays and mosh-pit conditions that are modren' air travel. My guess is that those who are more in need of the $ are more apt to put up with the inconveniences out of necessity. And as we know there's the family, who Diana is devoted to. PERHAPS a mini-residency in London or Paris with family in adjoining hotel rooms would be acceptable [[that's more conjecture!) but unfortunately for the millions of European fans I just don't see a grueling town-to-town tour happening again. Did you discuss anything of the sort in your interview[[s)?

[Albator]

It's easy to think she doesn't want to tour in Europe anymore but... She did a private show in Paris two years ago, she performed for Naomi Campbell in Asia, she performed two shows at the large Budokan in Japan.
What's the difference for her, between traveling for a private show or for a tour?
For a tour you need a promoter to take charge of the booking and all the expenses.
It's more reasonable to think that she is not in demands or that the offers are to low for her.

[Nitro2015]

She is not keen on the travelling anymore so a UK and European tour is perhaps unlikely without a new album to promote, and of course she will not get a new contract until she agrees to promote it overseas. We are going around in circles here.

Hi Bluebrock, it's so good to have you back!

Yes, I know, but I thought she didn't want to be attached to a contract and be obliged to travel extensively.

I didn't know she wasn't keen to do some shows or a short tour eventually in Europe [[without an album to promote), taking into consideration that possibly her biggest market is the U.K., not only in terms of record sales, but also in terms of ticket sales.

She already did short tours in EU without a new product to promote a.k.a the 2004 "This is it" shows.

Whatever, seeing the recent NY footage, Diana seems so reinvigorated, with a beautiful figure and strong voice, that it crossed my mind why she don't visit some EU countries more often.

By the way, I understand your point, Diana just don't want to do all the "travelling work" anymore.

[thanxal]

security delays and mosh-pit conditions that are modren' air travel.

I lol'ed at this. I don't know if you know from experience, but you are absolutely spot-on. Modern air travel is hell. Hell on and above Earth.

[Bluebrock]

Complete conjecture here, following up your remark about travel, but it seems that many legacy artists are hesitant to put up with the security delays and mosh-pit conditions that are modren' air travel. My guess is that those who are more in need of the $ are more apt to put up with the inconveniences out of necessity. And as we know there's the family, who Diana is devoted to. PERHAPS a mini-residency in London or Paris with family in adjoining hotel rooms would be acceptable [[that's more conjecture!) but unfortunately for the millions of European fans I just don't see a grueling town-to-town tour happening again. Did you discuss anything of the sort in your interview[[s)?
Yes i did, and a European tour remains unlikely but not impossible.

[Bluebrock]

Hi Bluebrock, it's so good to have you back!

Yes, I know, but I thought she didn't want to be attached to a contract and be obliged to travel extensively.

I didn't know she wasn't keen to do some shows or a short tour eventually in Europe [[without an album to promote), taking into consideration that possibly her biggest market is the U.K., not only in terms of record sales, but also in terms of ticket sales.

She already did short tours in EU without a new product to promote a.k.a the 2004 "This is it" shows.

Whatever, seeing the recent NY footage, Diana seems so reinvigorated, with a beautiful figure and strong voice, that it crossed my mind why she don't visit some EU countries more often.

By the way, I understand your point, Diana just don't want to do all the "travelling work" anymore.
She has had grandchildren since then and actually likes being a hands on grandmother just as she was a hands on mother. Also due to her age she tires more easily. I never thought about the possibility of a residency in the UK. She acknowledges the UK is indeed her most successful market but she seems happy enough to just tour domestically and be near her family.
Thank you for the kind words. Truly appreciated. Much respect.

[Roberta75]

She has had grandchildren since then and actually likes being a hands on grandmother just as she was a hands on mother. Also due to her age she tires more easily. I never thought about the possibility of a residency in the UK. She acknowledges the UK is indeed her most successful market but she seems happy enough to just tour domestically and be near her family.
Thank you for the kind words. Truly appreciated. Much respect.


Nice to have you back omn the forum, my dear friend.

Yours, with every good wish.

Roberta xxx

[Bluebrock]

It's easy to think she doesn't want to tour in Europe anymore but... She did a private show in Paris two years ago, she performed for Naomi Campbell in Asia, she performed two shows at the large Budokan in Japan.
What's the difference for her, between traveling for a private show or for a tour?
For a tour you need a promoter to take charge of the booking and all the expenses.
It's more reasonable to think that she is not in demands or that the offers are to low for her.
Private shows are very lucrative and usually only entail being away for a couple of days making it far more appealing, and as you rightly point out there are far fewer overheads. She did do a private show in London very recently, and also one last year but they were kept "private".

[Bluebrock]

Nice to have you back omn the forum, my dear friend.

Yours, with every good wish.

Roberta xxx
Thank you Roberta for all your support recently. Much love xx

[Roberta75]

Thank you Roberta for all your support recently. Much love xx

My pleasure dear. xxxx

[Circa 1824]

If Ross would hire a first-class promoter, she could play bigger and more prestigious venues. Currently, I think she spends little or no money on ads, etc. In her hey-day, she would run full-page ads in the New York Times and other publications. Now, she might only do one press telephone nterview leading up to a concert if ticket sales are sluggish.

[daviddh]

does she need ads? she seems to be selling out everywhere.
Bluebrock, you were missed and . yes, welcome back

[Bluebrock]

does she need ads? she seems to be selling out everywhere.
Bluebrock, you were missed and . yes, welcome back
Thank you David, and no she doesn't need ads. Her shows these days are put together on a virtual shoestring budget, and Diana makes more money as a result.

[jobeterob]

Thank you David, and no she doesn't need ads. Her shows these days are put together on a virtual shoestring budget, and Diana makes more money as a result.

Heavens! Now that'll be upsetting news to at least one. But nice to hear. And the concerts certainly draw a crowd.

[PeaceNHarmony]

J-Rob, you made me snort-and-spray a perfectly good mouthful of cheaxxx inexpensive, chilled white wine!

[TheMotownManiac]

Diana Ross is a unique tour book in that she generally requires no advertising or promotion. She always uses a promoter who, if they see the need, will advertise. Diana Ross has never run an ad or commercial for her shows - all of that is done by the promoter if they want to pay for it.

This is how it's worked:
CAA sends out a blast that "Diana Ross will be available here___________ during this time span__________." They include her standard rider and minimums, then get offers from promoters all over the area involved for a specific amount, guarantee and venue of their choosing. In the initial email blast, she may sometimes include her druthers for a specific venue, but not often. She then chooses her itinerary based on the deals she is offered, informs CAA and let's them handle the legalities and any negotiations she may require or attempt. Her standard deal is a guarantee - generally 135k and up [[depending on venue size & locale) plus 85% of the net after that amount. On rare occasions, to fill in an empty date or for personal reasons, accept a lower guarantee. The promoter signs the contract, sends half of the guarantee to CAA as a deposit, and goes to work selling the show. Just before showtime, Miss Ross is personally presented with the balance due including the percentage. Occasionally, should there be a discrepancy, it will be handled afterwards. She generally requires certified checks at the venues, but, knowing the hassle it is for the promoter after banking hours, will accept a personal check once a firm, trusting relationship is established. This is rare. Aretha and sometimes Patti require cash, and Aretha has been known to demand additional funds at the last minute or will not go on.

Casinos often just offer a flat rate based on their personal experience with the artist and casino business is strictly monitored on show nights. Artists that bring in $$$ at the tables, are brought back as often as possible regardless of box office take.

The following is hearsay, but from a generally reliable source:
She does not tour Europe, I am told, because during talks for summer 2010 tour, the promoter said something[[s) heinous to Miss Ross about MJ shortly after his passing and she evaporated him - and, I am told, once that happens, you never get a second chance with her. Perhaps Bluerock knows more about this. I worked for two promoters when I was at Illinois State and maintained those contacts but I have no real, verifiable, major insight about Europe.


Does Ross even use a promoter? She has such low overhead. I think she just leases the venue and hires PR for the show. She gets the entire box office. If so, her personal net take would always be north of $150k per show.

[PeaceNHarmony]

VERY interesting info, MM - especially about Ross' continued loyalty to MJ. In spite of what a sad few may say, a performer does not retain/maintain the popularity Diana does without being a sure thing for both promoters and audience.

[TheMotownManiac]

She has a very good rep in the industry: no nonsense, very professional and reliable - no demands not included in the rider - in short: the ideal booking. This is a change from the early - mid 80's when she was considered a holy terror, but this may have been due to her taking over her career and tour management as she mellowed a lot by the end if the decade. Also, however, she is not known for her friendliness as she rarely speaks to or even meets the promoter other than the absolute minimum required per gig. Not all promoters want to meet or hang with the artist, but they are SOL with Miss Ross in that respect as she mixes with as few people as possible.

[Bluebrock]

Diana Ross is a unique tour book in that she generally requires no advertising or promotion. She always uses a promoter who, if they see the need, will advertise. Diana Ross has never run an ad or commercial for her shows - all of that is done by the promoter if they want to pay for it.

This is how it's worked:
CAA sends out a blast that "Diana Ross will be available here___________ during this time span__________." They include her standard rider and minimums, then get offers from promoters all over the area involved for a specific amount, guarantee and venue of their choosing. In the initial email blast, she may sometimes include her druthers for a specific venue, but not often. She then chooses her itinerary based on the deals she is offered, informs CAA and let's them handle the legalities and any negotiations she may require or attempt. Her standard deal is a guarantee - generally 135k and up [[depending on venue size & locale) plus 85% of the net after that amount. On rare occasions, to fill in an empty date or for personal reasons, accept a lower guarantee. The promoter signs the contract, sends half of the guarantee to CAA as a deposit, and goes to work selling the show. Just before showtime, Miss Ross is personally presented with the balance due including the percentage. Occasionally, should there be a discrepancy, it will be handled afterwards. She generally requires certified checks at the venues, but, knowing the hassle it is for the promoter after banking hours, will accept a personal check once a firm, trusting relationship is established. This is rare. Aretha and sometimes Patti require cash, and Aretha has been known to demand additional funds at the last minute or will not go on.

Casinos often just offer a flat rate based on their personal experience with the artist and casino business is strictly monitored on show nights. Artists that bring in $$$ at the tables, are brought back as often as possible regardless of box office take.

The following is hearsay, but from a generally reliable source:
She does not tour Europe, I am told, because during talks for summer 2010 tour, the promoter said something[[s) heinous to Miss Ross about MJ shortly after his passing and she evaporated him - and, I am told, once that happens, you never get a second chance with her. Perhaps Bluerock knows more about this. I worked for two promoters when I was at Illinois State and maintained those contacts but I have no real, verifiable, major insight about Europe.
I could not possibly comment on that situation because i honestly do not know how much truth is in the allegation.

[Nitro2015]

Diana Ross is a unique tour book in that she generally requires no advertising or promotion. She always uses a promoter who, if they see the need, will advertise. Diana Ross has never run an ad or commercial for her shows - all of that is done by the promoter if they want to pay for it.

This is how it's worked:
CAA sends out a blast that "Diana Ross will be available here___________ during this time span__________." They include her standard rider and minimums, then get offers from promoters all over the area involved for a specific amount, guarantee and venue of their choosing. In the initial email blast, she may sometimes include her druthers for a specific venue, but not often. She then chooses her itinerary based on the deals she is offered, informs CAA and let's them handle the legalities and any negotiations she may require or attempt. Her standard deal is a guarantee - generally 135k and up [[depending on venue size & locale) plus 85% of the net after that amount. On rare occasions, to fill in an empty date or for personal reasons, accept a lower guarantee. The promoter signs the contract, sends half of the guarantee to CAA as a deposit, and goes to work selling the show. Just before showtime, Miss Ross is personally presented with the balance due including the percentage. Occasionally, should there be a discrepancy, it will be handled afterwards. She generally requires certified checks at the venues, but, knowing the hassle it is for the promoter after banking hours, will accept a personal check once a firm, trusting relationship is established. This is rare. Aretha and sometimes Patti require cash, and Aretha has been known to demand additional funds at the last minute or will not go on.

Casinos often just offer a flat rate based on their personal experience with the artist and casino business is strictly monitored on show nights. Artists that bring in $$$ at the tables, are brought back as often as possible regardless of box office take.

The following is hearsay, but from a generally reliable source:
She does not tour Europe, I am told, because during talks for summer 2010 tour, the promoter said something[[s) heinous to Miss Ross about MJ shortly after his passing and she evaporated him - and, I am told, once that happens, you never get a second chance with her. Perhaps Bluerock knows more about this. I worked for two promoters when I was at Illinois State and maintained those contacts but I have no real, verifiable, major insight about Europe.

Thank you TheMotownManiac.

This is fascinating stuff. And it really makes sense.

[imakicola]

It's interesting how touring revenue and ticket prices work for older artists. Madonna on her tour last year was grossing almost 3 million a night [[and 2 tours ago even more and set the record for solo artist), and was always sold out in a few minutes, and this is a younger artist [[relatively), who is decades passed her prime, but is making more per concert than she did when she WAS super relevant and IN her prime, but in twenty years from NOW she probably won't be making half as much. It's weird. So is it that newer acts aren't taken as seriously and are too young and inexperienced to have high ticket prices, and then as they get older they develop legend status and make LOTS, and then as they get even older they make less again?

My mother went to see Diana Ross in the eighties or nineties and said the price was through the roof. I went last year for the In the Name of Love tour and it was at was at a casino and the front row tickets were $160, and tickets weren't sold out even months after the date was announced. Like WHAT THE. Don't older people who were around in the fifties and sixties go to concerts anymore??

[PeaceNHarmony]

It's interesting how touring revenue and ticket prices work for older artists. Madonna on her tour last year was grossing almost 3 million a night [[and 2 tours ago even more and set the record for solo artist), and was always sold out in a few minutes, and this is a younger artist [[relatively), who is decades passed her prime, but is making more per concert than she did when she WAS super relevant and IN her prime, but in twenty years from NOW she probably won't be making half as much. It's weird. So is it that newer acts aren't taken as seriously and are too young and inexperienced to have high ticket prices, and then as they get older they develop legend status and make LOTS, and then as they get even older they make less again?

My mother went to see Diana Ross in the eighties or nineties and said the price was through the roof. I went last year for the In the Name of Love tour and it was at was at a casino and the front row tickets were $160, and tickets weren't sold out even months after the date was announced. Like WHAT THE. Don't older people who were around in the fifties and sixties go to concerts anymore??
In reply to the main question of this thread, I have no idea what Diana Ross earns for a single concert [[though I bet most of her contemporaries M'twn or otherwise wish they could earn the same!). Ross is one of the few performers who began in the 60's yet continue to draw an audience, and despite a non-sell-out here and there she continues to have great successes such as the 5-day sell-out run at NY's City Center. Smokey, Gladys, Dionne, on-and-on all regularly perform to well-under-capacity audiences according to Billboard's boxscore, and many more performers eek out a living at small, b-c level venues with well-below capacity audiences.

Now, regarding older people, I guess the interpretation would depend on what children would consider 'older'! I'm 61 myself and consider myself a senior. With a full-time job and regular weekend volunteer work at an HIV/AIDS residence plus monthly leading hikes for the Sierra Club there's not much time [[or energy!) for repeat performances by singers I've already seen [[and loved) more than once; I suspect many others my age feel the same. I'm assuming you are not too involved with national news; with health care costs skyrocketing [[along with housing costs) many my age and upward simply don't have spare cash for an evening's extravagance like a concert. Take a look at any number of available studies showing the amount of discretionary income left available monthly to people over 60 and you'll have your answer. Best of luck to you.

[imakicola]

In reply to the main question of this thread, I have no idea what Diana Ross earns for a single concert [[though I bet most of her contemporaries M'twn or otherwise wish they could earn the same!). Ross is one of the few performers who began in the 60's yet continue to draw an audience, and despite a non-sell-out here and there she continues to have great successes such as the 5-day sell-out run at NY's City Center. Smokey, Gladys, Dionne, on-and-on all regularly perform to well-under-capacity audiences according to Billboard's boxscore, and many more performers eek out a living at small, b-c level venues with well-below capacity audiences.

Now, regarding older people, I guess the interpretation would depend on what children would consider 'older'! I'm 61 myself and consider myself a senior. With a full-time job and regular weekend volunteer work at an HIV/AIDS residence plus monthly leading hikes for the Sierra Club there's not much time [[or energy!) for repeat performances by singers I've already seen [[and loved) more than once; I suspect many others my age feel the same. I'm assuming you are not too involved with national news; with health care costs skyrocketing [[along with housing costs) many my age and upward simply don't have spare cash for an evening's extravagance like a concert. Take a look at any number of available studies showing the amount of discretionary income left available monthly to people over 60 and you'll have your answer. Best of luck to you.

Yeah I don't live in the United States so where I live all basic health care is covered by the government. No need to pay or buy insurance. [[i live in Canada). your system doesn't sound very senior-friendly!

But I was talking about the market trends. I wasn't trying to insult anyone's age. Nor was I ever aware of what country any of you lived in and thus have no reason to think about health care costs because I don't assume everyone lives in the USA.

[PeaceNHarmony]

Yeah I don't live in the United States so where I live all basic health care is covered by the government. No need to pay or buy insurance. [[i live in Canada). your system doesn't sound very senior-friendly!

But I was talking about the market trends. I wasn't trying to insult anyone's age. Nor was I ever aware of what country any of you lived in and thus have no reason to think about health care costs because I don't assume everyone lives in the USA.
Ha! Trump-care will be neither senior- nor anyone-friendly, except to his billionaire cronies. Interesting to hear your viewpoint from a saner country than mine and I wish our gvmt would understand that if our population was not overwhelmed with health care costs we would indeed have more $ to put back into the economy.

[imakicola]

I support Bernie sanders' idea for single payer or Medicare for all. But I'm biased because that's how I have lived all my life. If you're sick? Go to the doctor. All they want from you is your health number. I didn't even know growing up and through my twenties that some countries except for undeveloped ones even HAD a system where you pay an actual BILL!

But I'm not American so I really have no right to say what Americans should do with their health care system. They have a different government and people with different views so they should do what they want as long as its democratic And the decision isn't made by cronies or the establishment, but the people.

[jobeterob]

I heard a CBC report yesterday saying in 1980, an artist might make $45000 on a million selling record. Today rather than selling records, they are mainly streaming and an artist might make a few hundred dollars from a million streams.

The income source for all these artists has changed - there is no income unless they tour.

Many artists have much less to live on than the public thinks. Only a few Motown artists are wealthy and they are the obvious ones

[imakicola]

This is very true. It's all about touring and merchandising now. That's just how it is. That's how they make the money back from recording And making music videos. Albums are recorded to keep the artist relevant enough to tour on it.

[RanRan79]

The albums are also an investment for the artists, as a lot of them are now putting up their own cash to get them done. This allows them to rake in more money from sales than they otherwise would have if the record company were footing the entire bill. But we know the artists today are getting a lot from touring based off of the price of tickets. I was interested in attending a Bruno Mars concert until I found out how much this dude was asking for a ticket. Dude might as well have asked me to donate a kidney. I'm a huge fan but I'll sit this one out.

[Guy]

Ross makes better-than-average revenue for her shows. She has low overhead and pockets most of the cash. She pockets at least $125k per show, more in Vegas and larger metropolitan areas. Festivals pay more than one night gigs.

Ross does not need the money. She has more money than she could spend in her lifetime. She continues to perform only to secure her family's future. She will leave this life with at least $80 mil in a family trust fund. She wants to make sure her grandchildren and their grandchildren are taken care of for the rest of their lives. NO ONE in the Ross family is going back to the Brewster Projects.