Cee Lo, B.o.B. and Flo Rida show canceled at Gwinnett Arena
Cee Lo Green. Photo credit: Courtesy Shore Fire Media
The Thursday “R You on the List” show at Gwinnett Center Arena with Flo Rida and Atlantans Cee Lo Green and B.o.B. has been canceled.
No reason was given, but shows in Las Vegas and Los Angeles are also canceled. The tour is slated to start Tuesday in Miami, the same day Flo Rida’s “Wild Ones” album arrives.
This is the second time in a year that Green, a star judge on NBC’s “The Voice,” has bowed out of an Atlanta appearance. Last summer he dropped off Rihanna’s tour, which played Chastain.
Refunds are available at point of purchase. Those who bought tickets via www.ticketmaster.com or by phone can call 1-800-745-3000 for refund assistance.
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By Melissa Ruggieri, Atlanta Music Scene
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© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
69 comments Add your comment
Michael
July 2nd, 2012
7:08 pm
The reason is given in your last sentence: “Those who bought tickets” etc. etc. etc.
Nobody BUYS tickets to see hacks like Cee Lo Green. What is he famous for? Name an iconic American song that captured the attention of tens of millions of fans that was done by Florida or Bob or Cee Lo. The answer is NONE. People aren’t going to pay for this junk because (A) the economy is tough, (B) entertainers charge WAY too much for tickets, (C) all the techno-vibe-rap-hip-hop stuff sounds pretty much the same these days (no real creativity or originality), and (D) the fan base are not concert-goers. There’s no special experience or feeling of a freakin’ rap show at Gwinnett that you’ll tell friends about years later… it’s just as easy to download a song and just bob your head to it.
Concerts are dominated by the realm of iconic rock groups — the tours that have been ultra-successful for the last 20 years are U2 and Bruce Springsteen and Bon Jovi and Rush and AC/DC and Journey and R.E.M. — musicians that play instruments, have songwriting talent, have some depth and layers to them, and who produce timeless pop/rock singles that serve as anthems for teenagers for many years. Unintelligible hip-hop stuff by interchangeable rappers doesn’t hold the same appeal. The over-35 crowd that have established careers and can afford rock concert tickets are what drive the market for live shows… not what the 18-year-old hip-hop crowd likes. Maybe in 20 years, these acts will sell out stadiums with millions of loyal fans, but right now, that’s not the case. It’s simple economics and sociology.
Good luck to these guys — but at this point, their music is more club-level, not arena-sellout level.
Kat
July 2nd, 2012
7:14 pm
Amen, Michael!
Chris
July 2nd, 2012
7:20 pm
Another show doesn’t sell enough seats so they cancel…shows some real character… (I was offered discount tickets through ticketmaster this week)
brock
July 2nd, 2012
7:21 pm
I give them credit for at least not lying about why it was canceled. Usually, it’s “scheduling conflict” or some other similarly transparent excuse.
atlgirl
July 2nd, 2012
7:22 pm
The reason is clearly because it wasn’t selling. There were still tons of tickets available.
TC
July 2nd, 2012
7:59 pm
I got an e-blast from Groupon for discount tickets for this show last night and instantly knew it was headed for the cancel aisle. That was almost as bad as having the Wolfman and Donna pitch tickets.
4XTRA
July 2nd, 2012
8:02 pm
have worked in the concert biz
The old school Rock and roll bands ALWAYS SELL WELL…ALWAYS.
More loyal following. (Grateful Dead and Jimmy Buffet were ABSOLUTELY GUARANTEED to sell out at ANY price…………….GUARANTEED.) At the time I was no even aware they were THAT popular.
Many of today’s “muzik fans” are bandwagon passengers and are always looking for that “next” hot act.
I like hip hop but Michael is CORRECT….100%
BTW……..I would NEVER go to a hip hop concert …………………AND I am black
kevintroy
July 2nd, 2012
8:27 pm
Michael- you’re an IDIOT… don’t speak on a genre you know nothing about Cee Lo is a LEGEND as a solo act, not to mention his Goodie material that is classic in and of itself.
His solo albums are not only commercially successful, but there aren’t any skips on any of those projects. every track is solid. the guy raps, sings well, and produces. Honestly one of the better rounded musicians of the last 25 years— but don’t let stereotypes prevent you from talking you stuff….
Your next door neighbor
July 2nd, 2012
8:37 pm
Shoutout, yeeah, Shawty. nowuddamean, dawg, G-money, yo?
Ticket Fee Hater
July 2nd, 2012
8:56 pm
@kevintroy – What you say about his creds may be true but I never heard of him until The Voice. That’s a problem when you want to pack a stadium. Ain’t happening as others have said.
And to “Your next door neighbor”, sorry but I don’t speak Manhattan.
Bob Chance
July 2nd, 2012
8:58 pm
Michael, I truly understand your personal preference as I share your taste in music but your views as it relates to other forms of music (i.e. rap and r&b) are just plain old and outdated. To suggest that a successful concert needs an “iconic rock groups” with “musicians that play instruments, have songwriting talent, have some depth and layers to them, and who produce timeless pop/rock singles” defies both reason and reality. If that were the case how do you explain black artist like Usher, Kanye West (with and without Jay-Z), Jay-Z (with and without Kanye West), Lil’ Wayne, etc. traveling the globe selling out arenas left and right. I wouldn’t pay 10 cent to see the acts that were cancelled in Gwinnett. But I’m not foolish enough to degrade a whole style of music simply because I wouldn’t care to listen to it. Especially in light of the fact that the successes of these black artist are so easily available, indeed a few minutes googling would have saved you from putting your foot in your mouth. Don’t let your pretentious attitude and personal opinions get in the way of understanding, reason and well published logic.
I’m not sure what concerts 4XTRA worked on but he needs to simply take a look at what comes through Philips Arena and he would see that the black shows seems to keep coming back. Someone is making money.
GUNGA DIN
July 2nd, 2012
9:32 pm
Gwinnett Arena is in the middle of white suburbia. they are not going to spend the bucks to see 3 tattooed black guys that are probably lip synching anyway. their kids may listen and buy the downloads, but when it comes to putting down the $$$ for a concert, the parents aren’t going to spend the money.
TRUTH
July 2nd, 2012
9:46 pm
All, Michael, in a somewhat crass way, is spot on. These artists are marginal at best. Although I appreciated Cee Lo when he was with Goodie Mob and a few of his tracks have been entertaining, his overall appeal is more fit for a smaller venue as opposed to Gwinnett Arena. The overall line-up was weak. I will disagree with Michael with regard to the more classic rock groups listed. The Jay-Z/Mary J. Blige Tour, Rap w/live musical instruments and Mary J. with the R&B. I think that tour sold out in all cities. Frankie Beverly & Maze, Prince, those are classic icons that rival The Eagles and can sell out arenas, but, today’s artists ARE NOT musicians. They may possess that talent but the music getting airplay is complete garbage.
To the concert promoters, what the hella was you thinkin’??
Mike in Georgia
July 2nd, 2012
10:02 pm
To the Truth….Dude, Frankie Beverly and Maze aren’t even in the same league as The Eagles as artists or concert legends. Now, Prince, for a short while was headed in that direction. Until, he went overboard with his zaniness….Stevie Wonder, Earth Wind & Fire, and Lionel Ritchie were always successful,to name a few. I spent 10-15 years in the business so I do know what I’m talking about. Michael’s underlying point is well taken. No talent…no longevity. No creativity, no longevity. Rap remains stuck in the “strip club” mentality.
mike
July 2nd, 2012
10:40 pm
Jay-z and Kanye West sold out Philips Arena two nights in a row.. just sayin’
Ticket Charges
July 2nd, 2012
10:43 pm
Does Ticketmaster charge a convenience fee on refunds? Wouldn’t surprise me one bit.
Summit Dawg
July 2nd, 2012
10:43 pm
Amen to Michael up at number one……You are right on the money, very well worded……If more
people felt this way, those money hungry entertainers would go broke, come off that high dollar ticket,or give more back to the community……!
Summit Dawg
July 2nd, 2012
10:44 pm
Amen to Scott also!!!!!!!!!!
RSX
July 2nd, 2012
10:48 pm
These are the most ignorant comments I’ve ever seen.
johnathon
July 2nd, 2012
10:54 pm
I still think that rap is packaged, produced and designed for ’suburbia’ ! why not try to bring the show to the fanbase?
The economy plays a big part in DISCRETIONARY SPENDING (which is what a concert boils down)! When black unemployment is flirting around 20 percent in some metro counties, its hard to see who one expects your average fan to spend north of a $100 per person for a ticket (you know, eating is also important!)
On a happier note, the back-in-the-day shows have been doing really well in the urban markets! At any given time, Maze, Keith Sweat, SOS band, Babyface, Con Funkshun and the like can be found touring in most major markets.
the truth two
July 2nd, 2012
10:59 pm
Michael and Scott for President and VP. Both spot on. Media would never admit it. Guess that enough Tech students have not been robbed yet to buy all the tickets. Know whatam sayin.
Shilka-Gunluvr
July 2nd, 2012
11:08 pm
I can imagine how upset certain people must be, it’s the center of their lives so they must be miserable. My deepest sympathies.
Jack Nasty
July 2nd, 2012
11:10 pm
TC – Thanks for that Wolfman and Donna comment. I needed that laugh!
Steve
July 2nd, 2012
11:34 pm
I just got back from seeing Coldplay and they were awesome. Also, the show was totally sold out at Phillips Arena. If you want to sell out shows you have to have talent.
MountainDawg
July 2nd, 2012
11:44 pm
Rap = cr@p = rap.
Carlos
July 3rd, 2012
12:06 am
Seems like these artists over extended their reach. I m sure they could have perform at tabernacle or lakewood amphitheater but not have sold as much tickets. Areas are best left to bands with die-hard loyal following or the few elite pop acts.
A
July 3rd, 2012
12:18 am
Another Coldplay fan who saw the show tonight and no surprise it was sold out. I was surprised they didn’t add a 2nd show, which probably also would have sold out. These guys write their own songs, perform them live and are really cool, so no wonder they do so well.
Music Fan
July 3rd, 2012
12:26 am
@Mike in Georgia,I’m not sure what planet that you are from, or what concerts/promoters that you worked with, but to say that Frankie Beverly & Maze are not iconic is nothing short of idiotic. Frankie Beverly & Maze have been touring as Maze for nearly 40 years, and consistently sell out any venue that they play. I’ve seen them at the Fox, the Superdome, Six Flags parks, the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, and in venues the size of Philips Arena in many cities around the world. They have never been highly commercial, never been television “stars,” or never been the “latest, most popular” group on the endorsement circuit. What they have done, and continue to do, is provide high quality, interactive, soulful and spirited performances. Unless you can say that you have seen them live, your comments are nothing more than a baseless opinion.
G-Stack
July 3rd, 2012
12:31 am
Enter your comments here
G-Stack
July 3rd, 2012
1:05 am
Well some interesting stuff has been said on here. Honestly in my opinion…Music is universal!! Race is not a factor and should not be. Everything always has to do with race and demographs…Why? Cee-Lo is certified and that’s why he is in commercials, ringtones, videos, and is often invited to alot of majority white functions. That’s the truth! B.O.B is a good break out artist and he was invited to the White House by the most powerful man in the free world! That’s the truth! Florida is a good artist that has made breakthroughs internationally with his music. Can all these guys be legendary? I would say yes because you never know when an artist will get that flash of brilliance and set them on a direction of greatness.. Nobody started off as a legend… but here are a few for you to review. Bob Marley, 2pac, Biggie, Kiss, AC/DC, Led Zeplin, Guns -N-Roses, Tina Turner, Sade, Madonna, Beatles, BB King, Muddy Waters, Elvis Presley, Michael Jackson, Marvin Gaye, Prince, The Temptations,Stevie Wonder, Ray Charles, Jay -Z, OutKast,Frank Sinatra… and the list goes on.. None of these people would have told you early in their career that all people of the world would enjoy their music and they would sell out any show they were in. People want to talk about how blacks have to rob to go to shows on here and how fights and stuff would happen but in reality worse things happen at mojority white rock concerts. Marsh Pits, lots of drugs (Not Marijuana) brawls and other stuff. And that’s why people love the older rock legends. You can get sloppy drunk and super high and listen to the lead guitars, drums, and scratchy screaming vocals.. The economy does have alot to do with the ickets not selling out and this concert did need 1 mega SuperStar to get the numbers up. Perhaps a great female like Mary J. Blidge or Alicia Keys. To many fellas on stage isn’t good and women are the people who want to attend concerts more these days. Gotta give the ladies some women power on stage especially when you talking bout Atlanta area where there are probably 13 to 1 female ratio. Wake up ignorant people and just enjoy music and if it’s not the type of music that caters to your ear then just don’t listen to it, and if you do listen to it and judge it harshly and make negative comments then get off the couch, get in the studio, and see what it is really like to make a hit record with your whole heart and let people critique you. 1 love
John
July 3rd, 2012
2:49 am
I still can’t believe they scheduled 2 JayZ/Kanye West concerts at Philips Arena and neither came close to selling out. What were they thinking, if you can’t sell out Philips Arena with that act, where can you sell out?
B.O.B and CeeLo get ATL luv
July 3rd, 2012
5:39 am
I’m down with B.O.B. and CeeLo! They should do a smaller venue in ATLANTA. They both have a fan base. Especially since Cee-Lo is rocking with Goodie Mob again. Keep the venue in Atlanta and the devout, TRUE CeeLo/Goodie Mob, B.O.B. supporters will show up! ATLANTA does and will support their own MICHAEL(the first commentor)!
CEELOISLOW
July 3rd, 2012
5:47 am
Giving NO reason for cancelling is not the same as telling the truth so they deserve no credit. Ceelo is just the KARDASHIAN of the HIPHOP world. He is proof that timing in life is everything.
HootyGoot
July 3rd, 2012
5:47 am
Cee Lo must do much for the Hispanic community that Gwinnett has become famous for.
6pack
July 3rd, 2012
5:48 am
@John what are you talking about. I believe that show was completely sold out in every city.
HootyGoot
July 3rd, 2012
5:49 am
That was supposed to be MUST NOT DO MUCH !
B.O.B and CeeLo get ATL luv
July 3rd, 2012
5:49 am
Michael’s point (C) shows he doesn’t know anything about B.O.B or CeeLo , they aren’t ordinary hiphip/rap performers. Don’t bash a music genre if you don’t know about the music. Like it not, Hip-Hop influences EVERYTHING in society. Look at advertisement and commercials, various cultures (especially Asian’s break dancing – that’s hiphop/rap!)
(Dear John) JayZ and Kanye West Watch the Throne tour sold out Phillips Arena (Atlanta) so a second night was added. What are you talking about John?
Thank God
July 3rd, 2012
6:48 am
Extremely over rated…..wouldnt go if there were free tickets, a limo ride and free food……
NotMe
July 3rd, 2012
6:52 am
Michael, very intelligent comment!
ADG
July 3rd, 2012
6:53 am
How does a cancelled concert turn into a debate over better music genres? Cee Lo is a great Artist….and he plays several instruments. @John, you have to be stupid to think Jayz/Kanye was not sold out, I went to second show, people were in the Rafters…Why do you think a second show was added? These comments are all pretty much race-based so I will excuse the ignorance. Some artist can sell shows, some can’t .. And that’s for all music.
The Cancel Tour on it's way to your city now
July 3rd, 2012
6:56 am
Ce Lo makes his money off commerical endorsements and tv appearances that does not qualify him to be a musician. He sold his soul to the 1%ers.
tool 69
July 3rd, 2012
7:10 am
Who is Cee Lo ???
ADG
July 3rd, 2012
7:16 am
Cee Lo has 5 Grammys, all non-rap/hip hop related. “Crazy” was voted number 1 song by Rolling Stone Magazine for best song of the decade (look it up!). I really do not understand how people can just hate a culture or a person without cause. He has never been in the papers for drugs, arrests, violence, etc.. The man has sold millions of records. Please people, if we not going to stick to the facts, and I mean the facts..what is the point of the opinion?
Morning Reads For Tuesday July 3, 2012 — Peach Pundit
July 3rd, 2012
7:30 am
[...] 6-5. – Those of you planning to head over to the Gwinnett Arena to see Cee Lo and Flo Rida Thursday needn’t bother. – Are Scientologists spying on Katie [...]
GREG
July 3rd, 2012
7:44 am
@ Michael … this was just a bad line up in a location that doesnt make sense, promoter did a terrible job. Also EVERY act has a life span. Legendary groups in all genres of music will ALWAYS do good. Britney Spears couldnt sell out Wild Bills now if she tried!!
@ John …LOL Jayz/Kanye tour is still selling out in every city and country it goes to!
brock
July 3rd, 2012
8:04 am
@CEELOISLOW, maybe saying nothing is not telling the truth, but in the end fans do not need to know why. I have seen some lame cancellation excuses designed to hide the real reason of low ticket sales. Better to not aggravate fans by insulting their intelligence, and simply say nothing.
Ticketmaster does not charge any fees for the cancellation, and will refund everything paid.
James C.
July 3rd, 2012
8:24 am
I do not understand the popularity of rap….it is nothing but garbage. You cannot understand the lyrics. When you can understand the lyrics they are about money, drugs, and ho’s. Rappers cannot sing for ****. They are all thuggy and uneducated. Yes, I know tons of people buy their crap yada, yada, yada. But bottom line, rap is a pox on America. Nothing but garbage. This is coming from a proud black man.
TrAci
July 3rd, 2012
8:27 am
Its all about the money. These artist make about .20 on a .99 digital song download. They try to make money on concerts and shows. Ceelo Green and B.O.B are from Atlanta, the promoter thought that people would come put on droves to see them. WRONG. I wouldnt spend $100 to see the walk across the stage lipsynching.
Ceelo, is learning the art of showmanship. But not sure if his 5 BIG songs can be considered ” a show”
As far as Rap,.. I wouldnt pay to see any of these “artist”
TrAci
July 3rd, 2012
8:29 am
ooops.. The Promoter thought they would come out in droves to see them. (sorry)
AnswerTicketSales
July 3rd, 2012
8:55 am
I agree with a lot of the comments it simply comes down to ticket sales. Today’s concert goers fall into 3 categories: 1)Teen idols 2) May Never See Again(the old groups that are lucky all members are still alive) and 3)SHOW seekers(Concert and Broadway in one ex Katy Perry) Rappers are not interesting for a concert and should stick to small venues and not large arenas. If these “singers” wanted to have success at selling out then they should have added more SHOW artist(that’s not Cee Lo dressed up like a pirate!).
As far as Cee Lo is concerned WHO PUT HIM ON THE SINGING MUSIC MAP? He should stick with being behind the scenes. His ONE song, which by the way PALTROW did SO much better on with GLEE should have put him back behind the studio once it left the charts.
And yes GROUPON was sending out coupon alerts HOWEVER the greed factor was still there! GROUPON was offering a “deal” where you paid $15 for a SHIRT BUT $68 dollars for concert tickets!!!! Obviously it was CHEAPER to pay the cancellation fee to the arena than pay for the concert.