After all, US parent company Live Nation has concert legends such as Madonna and Shakira on its books, and many A-list performers have now expressed a desire to perform in the UAE.
Since this year’s takeover of local concert organiser Mirage Promotions by the American firm – worth some $4.4 billion (Dh16.16bn) – there has been constant speculation about the next big acts set to perform in the UAE. The company has already confirmed a December 12 show featuring Police frontman Sting and musician Edin Karamazov.
Before Maroon 5’s confirmation, rumour mills had the city abuzz with excitement, especially when news broke that the band had signed a 60-show deal with the company for 2008.
So just who else are the region’s music fans talking about since the debut of Live Nation Middle East? We cherry pick our top choices – and while none have been confirmed, we’re keeping our fingers crossed they will be here soon.
Madonna
The one name that refuses to go away is that of the Queen of Pop herself, who is currently on tour in Britain.
Ever since Live Nation Middle East was launched, rumours have been rife that the 4 Minutes hitmaker is to bring her sell-out show to the country. The reason? Madonna is virtually the face of Live Nation, after signing a 10-year contract worth $120 million. The deal encompasses music and music-related businesses, including the Madonna brand, albums, touring, merchandising, fan club and website, DVDs, music-related television and film projects, and associated sponsorship agreements.
“The paradigm in the music business has shifted and as an artist and business woman, I have to move with that shift,” Madonna said when the deal was announced. “For the first time in my career, the way that my music can reach my fans is unlimited.”
U2
Last March, U2 signed a 12-year deal with Live Nation to handle its merchandising, digital and branding rights. The firm has managed the band’s tours since 1980; but this latest contract makes Bono and Co even bigger favourites to play here.
Speaking about the deal, which involves Live Nation managing U2’s tours and collaborating with the band on its official website, Bono said: “We’ve been dating for over 20 years now; it’s about time we tied the knot.”
Jay-Z
The superstar rapper and Beyonce’s other half, sealed an approximate $150m deal with Live Nation that includes financing for the rapper’s own entertainment venture, in addition to recordings and tours for the next decade. The deal will come into play once Jay-Z leaves his longtime record label Def Jam.
Nickelback
Finally, Canadian rockers Nickelback are the latest superstar act to sign a contract with Live Nation, handing over rights to touring, recording and merchandise business. The group’s frontman Chad Kroeger, who has scored hits with songs including How You Remind Me, and Photograph, said it was an exciting venture that would “help maximise the band’s opportunities in all areas of our career.”
5 Live
Tickets are now on sale for Maroon 5’s December 10 show. Priced from Dh235, they can be purchased online at Livenation.ae/maroon5.
The award-winning pop-rock band play their first ever show in the Middle East at the Palladium Dubai.
“We have followed the progress of the band from their early years, and we are delighted to finally present them in the region,” Elissa Murtaza, Managing Director, Live Nation Middle East said.
With hits including This Love, She Will Be Loved, and Sunday Morning, Maroon 5 has become the second big act Live Nation has confirmed for the UAE this year.