Hance
“This will sell out before it really gets started,” Texas Tech University System Chancellor Kent Hance said at the Buddy Holly Center Wednesday.
At the press conference, Tech President Duane M. Nellis announced Sir Paul McCartney will perform a concert in Lubbock on June 14 — in Tech’s United Spirit Arena.
Hance said Tech and the City of Lubbock worked hand in hand to make this venture become a realization.
McCartney — who was a founding member of the Beatles — had his team reach out and request to come to Lubbock and Tech, Lubbock Mayor Glen Robertson said. There is no other location better suited than the USA in Lubbock, he said, and it is historic that a celebrity of McCartney’s level is choosing to play in Lubbock.
Nellis
According to the press release, Lubbock will serve as the starting location of McCartney’s 2014 “Out There” tour in the U.S. — the first of only 10 U.S. shows currently announced for 2014. The tour already visited select U.S. cities in May and June of 2013.
This will be McCartney’s first concert in the hometown of Buddy Holly — a musician McCartney credits as his inspiration, the press release said.
Robertson
Robertson said The Beatles’ first song recording was that of Buddy Holly and The Crickets. As a big fan of Buddy Holly and The Crickets, McCartney purchased their entire music catalogue in 1976 because of the influence the band had on his career, Robertson said. McCartney also produced and hosted a Buddy Holly documentary in 1985.
This past February marked the 55th anniversary of Buddy Holly’s death and the 50th anniversary of The Beatles’ famous Ed Sullivan performance — known as “The Night That Changed America.”
“The McCartney live experience is a once in a lifetime opportunity; in just three hours some of the greatest moments from the last 50 years of music are relived; music which for many has shaped the very soundtrack of their lives,” the press release said.
Tickets will cost $250, $165, $89.50 or $59.50 — depending on seat location, and will go on sale Friday, April 25, at 10 a.m. American Express Card Members will be able to purchase pre-sale tickets at 10 a.m. on April 21.
Statue of Buddy Holly across the street from the Buddy Holly Center
USA Associate Director Cindy Harper said there are attempts in the works to get pre-sale tickets available for Tech students, but nothing has been confirmed or approved thus far, but the option will be disclosed on TechAnnounce if it works out.
Harper said the university will receive a portion of the concert sales, but most of the money goes back to the artist and his team.
More information is available on Paul McCartney’s website.
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