I don't think that the UK arena tour sold out. When I saw them at London o2, it wasn't full. I'd say a reasonable estimate would be that it was around 95% full. Perhaps it's because the band have now been touring again for over 2 years and anyone who wanted to see them has had their chance. If there really are going to be tour dates in 2026 then perhaps smaller venues would be more appropriate, nothing wrong with that.

If they offer a free plane ticket i'm willing to go to one of the date.

(i guess even half filled, with those tickets prices, it's still very profitable)

Agreed about the O2 Ian and I thought it had just the right amount of people there, to get to and from the bar without any hassle and still get a decent view of the stage.  I'm in two minds about having a massive venue that's not filled with enough people to detract from the vibe.  O2 was a good atmosphere because people were clearly there to watch Pulp and thankfully not too many people looking at their phones instead of the band, or at least not where I was.  The lighting was good too, so that the main focal point was the stage.  It was the same for when I saw Pulp in Amsterdam, albeit with a slightly smaller venue than the O2 (or it seemed the case).  It helped that Pulp had loads of energy for both and the gigs were fantastic.  In comparison when I saw the Manics in the Brighton Centre a few years ago, the lighting was too bright and really showed how empty the standing area was and reflecting on that now, I think to an embarrassing level.  There weren't too many people singing along to their then new songs either, which really put a dampener on the gig.  I went to the Birmingham NEC earlier for another this year too and although the standing area wasn't packed, the lighting made all the difference to the atmosphere.  Not knowing any of the US venues, I'm sure Pulp will smash it anyway - of course they will.  For 2026, I'd be happy with a few other locations across the UK - but frankly, I'd see them again anywhere as long as they continue with the same energy!

Standing in a park with nearly 50,000 people behind me at Tramlines earlier this year was actually a bit of a nightmare tbh. Especially when it came to leaving and you're funnelled into an exit you don't want to use. We ended up having a very tiring walk home and didn't get back until midnight.
Jarvis did mention how Pulp had never played an outdoor gig in Sheffield before with a "hmm now there's an idea" tone in his voice so who knows, maybe a big outdoor gig might be on the cards.

I would assume that there is a break-even point which varies with the venue/location.

The band would never share this info with us (quite rightly) but it would be interesting to know how much they make from live performances and if there any where they have made a significant profit/loss over the years.

Yeah, I can see how the tickets were the price they were given the numbers of people on stage and all of the props and screens.
Were the tickets pricier in the US and Canada maybe with having to ship a lot of gear etc. Isn't travel to the US down in general this year? Perhaps that's a bit of it. 

-- Edited by Jean on Tuesday 26th of August 2025 09:44:58 PM

Honestly, when I saw they are playing in Budweiser Stage, 16000 capacity, in Toronto. I was wondering why and doubting they can fill the stadium. I love Pulp from the bottom of my heart and they are the only one. But they are not that popular in Canada. When Spike Island came out, Acrylic Afternoon made a chart about air plays. Canada only got 4 plays Also, they came here last year, History, 2500 capacity, so 2 nights, we assume 5000. 5000 vs 16000.
I really want to go, but I have family issue this year so I cant! I met a couple who are from Montreal last year, I dont know if they can make it this time. I am so sad and worry about the North America tour.
On the other hand, if the tickets sales is not as good as expected, when will they com here again? I dont think they will, next year, at least. And will they keep making new album and music? They are not those singers/bands who make music just for money.

Last year they left the string section at home (Emma was the string section!), as well as most of the multimedia. I expect they'll do something similar this year, especially in light of the weak sales.

And while they did sell 5,000 tickets in Toronto, I suspect they sold them to around 3,500 people, many of whom attended both shows (that's a wild guess based on no actual information).

If it's practical to change venues, it could happen. It probably isn't, so deep discounts on tickets are almost certain. They'll want as many people as possible inside buying merch and creating a fun atmosphere. A 2/3 empty venue is not fun. And I'm sure venues and promoters want a full house buying the $20 beers.

-- Edited by Pulp Friction on Wednesday 27th of August 2025 10:12:50 PM

Pulp Friction wrote:

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Last year they left the string section at home (Emma was the string section!), as well as most of the multimedia. I expect they'll do something similar this year, especially in light of the weak sales.

And while they did sell 5,000 tickets in Toronto, I suspect they sold them to around 3,500 people, many of whom attended both shows (that's a wild guess based on no actual information).

If it's practical to change venues, it could happen. It probably isn't, so deep discounts on tickets are almost certain. They'll want as many people as possible inside buying merch and creating a fun atmosphere. A 2/3 empty venue is not fun. And I'm sure venues and promoters want a full house buying the $20 beers.

-- Edited by Pulp Friction on Wednesday 27th of August 2025 10:12:50 PM

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Your wild guess has some merit. 5 of us attended both nights and I did see others both nights. 
Know the next Toronto show will be empty is heart breaking.