Tillybean

Yas Island arena seems to be becoming a popular venue. I preferred the set up at Em Palace when they built the stage for Bon Jovi, Christina, Elton and Andrea Botcelli.

I remember the days when people used to play the (British) Club car park...Bryan Adams anyone?

I went to Em Palace for the Al Jarreau concert last night which was great. At least its comfy seats with AC and nice loos although there is something reminiscent about the lobby of an underground metro station!

weasel central

I have heard Penny Lancaster say the same thing

Paracletus

It's almost an impressive list of bands that have played the Dubai Desert Rock festival over the years..

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dubai_Desert_Rock_Festival

Word on the street is due to bad organization bands were more reluctant to come over.

Blue Cat

they have been before

Blue Cat

it worked well at DCC, when that closed the new venue didn't do as well.

kittycat1

I cannot stand Shikira, amazing body but her music is awful and irritates the hell out of me

lionheart

My seven year old daughter worships her.

Meow

It's not the organisation, it's the cost (travel, licences etc) and in some cases perception. If there is just one gig here it's costly, the insurance is very expensive and some bands simply won't get the audience size that they are used to. AC/DC is a case in point. Brian Johnson is good friends with someone here and hsi comment was that he doesn't feel right unless the audience is at least 50,000 these days and that won't happen in the UAE, even if there was a big enough venue.

I have discussed the possibility of a gig with a well known band who are clients, but it barely seems worthwhile when you factor in the cost and hassle. You have to get an event almost 100% sponsored to make it viable. If not, ticket prices have to be so high, that the bands get accused of ripping off fans and they don't want that.

I like Emirates Palace as a venue, but it is a total pain to get out of afterwards. ADNEC is better as is Yas.

Millhouse

didn't she play YAS last year?

I'm out of the country for Moby - Pity, he's the only one worth seeing.

Blue Cat

I would love to see AC/DC but I know it won't be here. I think they are on tour currently, I will have to see if they are doing Newcastle Arena.

lionheart

I think Shakira may have played the Dubai Sevens venue but not 100% sure. It was definitely NOT Yas Island.

Millhouse

you are right. I remember now, it was NYE at the palace.

NorthernLad

It was the Dubai Autodrome. We were out that night trying to get home to The Ranches was a nightmare.

Autonomy

...and the only reason that gig went ahead was the very large amount of corporate sponsorship. The amount paid was pretty damn decent....

Spugsy

got to say, I'm impressed they've got Snoop.