Steve Miller Faces Accusations Over Tour Cancellation

Background of the Tour Cancellation

The legendary musician Steve Miller recently announced the cancellation of his highly anticipated summer tour, which was set to kick off on August 15. In a statement, Miller cited "extreme heat, unpredictable flooding, tornadoes, hurricanes, and massive forest fires" as the primary reasons for the cancellation, claiming that the associated risks for the audience, band, and crew were simply unacceptable.

However, this explanation has not sat well with many fans and critics, who have suggested that the real reason for the tour’s cancellation might be low ticket sales rather than concerns over weather conditions.

Fan Backlash and Accusations

Following Miller’s announcement, a wave of skepticism emerged among fans. Some took to social media to voice their doubts, sharing what they claimed were Ticketmaster sales pages that displayed a significant number of unsold seats for various shows on the tour. This led to accusations that Miller was concealing the truth about the tour’s financial viability.

Notably, music industry analyst Bob Lefsetz weighed in on the controversy, criticizing Miller for what he perceived as a lack of honesty. Lefsetz’s newsletters suggested that Miller’s explanation was merely a cover-up for poor ticket sales, stating, "This is what happens when old people [meaning, Miller] spew their b.s. and think the hoi polloi will buy it."

Kenny Lee Lewis Defends Miller

In response to the backlash, Kenny Lee Lewis, Miller’s longest-serving bandmate since 1982, came to his defense through a passionate Facebook post. Lewis dismissed the accusations of low ticket sales and spoke candidly about the challenges the band faced during their recent outdoor performances.

"You didn’t see Steve Miller hanging over a railing after our first outdoor stadium show opening in the sun for Journey and Def Leppard in Atlanta," Lewis wrote. He recounted the extreme conditions that Miller had to endure, including wearing frozen gel packs to combat the heat. "He looked like the Michelin Man!" Lewis added, emphasizing the physical toll that performing in such conditions took on the band.

The Reality of Extreme Weather

Lewis highlighted that the difficulties experienced during the tour were not unique to Miller but were increasingly affecting many artists. He referenced comments made by Chrissie Hynde of the Pretenders, who shared her own struggles with heat during outdoor shows. This serves to underline the growing concern within the music industry regarding the viability of outdoor events in the face of climate change and extreme weather patterns.

In his defense, Lewis also clarified that Miller had attempted to schedule the tour exclusively in indoor venues but faced challenges that ultimately led to the decision to continue with outdoor shows. "Unfortunately that didn’t happen for several reasons," he explained, stressing that Miller’s primary goal was to keep the band employed and provide fans with the performances they desired.

Addressing Low Ticket Sales

To further counter the narrative surrounding ticket sales, Lewis pointed out that the band had historically performed well with walk-up sales and last-minute purchases. "Even if sales were down, Steve has been concerned about this heat for years," he stated, providing context to Miller’s decision-making process regarding the cancellation.

He added a sobering note about the health risks associated with performing in extreme heat, recalling a day when their stage manager was sent to the hospital due to a mini-stroke. "It’s not just the band; it’s the crew as well," Lewis emphasized, underscoring the collective risk faced by everyone involved in the production.

Conclusion

The cancellation of Steve Miller’s upcoming tour has ignited a heated debate among fans and critics alike. While accusations of low ticket sales swirl, Kenny Lee Lewis’s defense sheds light on the legitimate concerns surrounding extreme weather and the well-being of performers. As the music industry grapples with the realities of climate change, it remains to be seen how artists will adapt their touring strategies moving forward.

FAQs

Why was Steve Miller’s tour cancelled?

Steve Miller’s tour was cancelled primarily due to concerns over extreme weather conditions, including heat, flooding, and other natural disasters.

Are there allegations against Steve Miller regarding ticket sales?

Yes, some fans and critics have accused Miller of lying about the cancellation reasons, suggesting that low ticket sales are the real issue.

How long has Kenny Lee Lewis been with Steve Miller?

Kenny Lee Lewis has been a bandmate of Steve Miller since 1982, making him Miller’s longest-serving collaborator.

What health risks were mentioned related to the tour’s outdoor shows?

Concerns were raised about the health risks posed by extreme heat, including instances of heat exhaustion among band members and crew, as well as a reported mini-stroke of the stage manager.