James Taylor show promoter denies ‘poor ticket sales’ rumors

Photo from James Taylor’s Facebook page

The promoter of five-time Grammy award winner James Taylor’s supposed concert in Manila has denied what it called “malicious” rumors circulating on social media that poor ticket sales prompted them to cancel the show.

Ovation Productions head Renen de Guia said “interest level” in Taylor’s Manila concert was “very high,” adding that they were “actually on track of selling out.”

“For an event two months away, sales [were] good, the buzz was strong, the market was very enthusiastic, we were getting lots of reservations, also lots of requests for complimentary tickets. Many radio stations and noted bloggers were wanting to be media partners. Real promotions haven’t begun; just an announcement on social media of the coming concert,” De Guia wrote on Facebook.

“James Taylor was a pretty strong attraction considering that he has a wide audience crossing over from baby boomers to Generation X and maybe even some millennials influenced by their parents,” he added.

Taylor on Wednesday announced the cancellation of the Manila leg of his tour of the Pacific concert as a “political statement” on the spate of extrajudicial killings amid the administration’s war on drugs.

READ: James Taylor cancels Manila concert due to PH drug, political issues

“For [a] sovereign nation to prosecute and punish, under the law, those responsible for the illegal trade in drugs is, of course, understandable, even commendable; but recent reports from the Philippines of summary executions of suspected offenders without trial or judicial process are deeply concerning and unacceptable to anyone who loves the rule of law,” Taylor wrote.

De Guia said Ovan Productions tried to change Taylor’s mind but had to respect his decision in the end.

READ: James Taylor cancels Manila show over EJKs

“It is indeed unfortunate that James Taylor has decided to cancel. Many of us are fans and we are now reacting just like jilted lovers who just got dumped. It is our defense mechanism at work and we understand. Having known his plan ahead of you, we have had our time to be upset and sort things out, and so will you,” he said.

“We appeal to those spreading malicious rumors to please be more considerate. James Taylor made a political statement; Ovation Productions did its part to make him change his mind and in the end, we have to respect his decision as he has his own personal reasons for doing so. We do not engage in any political discussion,” De Guia added. RAM