Nickelback tour announces first North American outing under Live Nation deal

Nickelback have announced details for the first tour under their “360-degree” recording and touring deal with Live Nation. The North American leg begins February 25 at Summet Center in Nashville, TN, and wraps April 23 at Colonial Life Arena in Columbia, SC.

The 28-date trek includes a February 28 concert at Joe Louis Arena in Detroit, MI, a March 9 show at the Wachovia Arena in Philadelphia, PA, and an April 17 performance at the New Orleans Arena in New Orleans, LA. Hard rock group Seether and rock newcomers Saving Abel have signed on as the opening acts for the tour.

Canadian onsales begin December 5, while most U.S. ticket sales start on December 13 with three exceptions. Public onsales begin on December 6 for the band’s April 10 concert in Tulsa, OK, the April 14 show in San Antonio, TX, and the April 16 gig in Houston, TX.

Members of Nickelback’s official fan club can access the band’s ticket presale beginning today (November 28). VIP packages will also be available, which include tickets and early entrance, as well as meet-and-greet and merchandise combinations.

Nickelback is touring in support of “Dark Horse,” released November 18 on Roadrunner Records. The band owes the label one more album before the recording portion of the Live Nation deal can take effect. Under the terms of the partnership, Nickelback will complete three albums and touring cycles for the concert and tour promoter, with an option for a fourth cycle. Published reports valued the deal at anywhere from $50 million to $70 million.

Live Nation has secured similar deals with industry heavyweights over the past year, including a 360-degree deal with Latin superstar Shakira worth approximately $70 million, and a less comprehensive multimillion-dollar touring deal with teen heartthrobs the Jonas Brothers

Meanwhile, pop majesty Madonna signed a 10-year, $120 million contract, and rap mogul Jay-Z inked a 10-year, $150 million deal with the company, both agreements covering subsequent albums, tours, merchandise and more. While Live Nation did not announce a dollar amount for its 12-year deal with U2, the pop-rock giants did receive 1.56 million shares of company stock, worth an estimated $19 million at the time of the deal.

“Dark Horse” is Nickelback’s sixth studio album and the follow-up to 2005’s seven-time Platinum record, “All the Right Reasons.” In the week since its release, the new record has already hit No. 2 on the Billboard 200. According to a statement from the band, the rockers have sold more than 30 million albums over the course of their careers and grossed more than $100 million from their previous tours.

Nickelback itinerary:
(Dates are subject to change.)