Tickets go on sale today to see Paul McCartney at First Niagara Center. They aren't expected to last long. Buffalo audiences are proving to be eager ticket buyers, a trend that has national promoters taking a closer look at the region's potential.
Though he's been performing for over a half-century, Paul McCartney is making his first appearance in Buffalo this fall. His area debut has little to do with sentimentality, says local promoter Michael Montoro. It's about dollars.
The promoter of the McCartney tour is AEG Live, the same company which brought the Rolling Stones to Ralph Wilson Stadium this summer.
"They did $8.6 million here in Buffalo. The biggest grossing date of the tour," Montoro told WBFO News.
With nearly 50 years of experience promoting shows in the Buffalo area, Montoro offers a unique perspective. He's currently a co-owner in BPO Nation and a partner with Parkanna Shows out of Florida.
"Back when I started in this business in the 70's, Buffalo was the place," Montoro said.
"Every single superstar artist in the 70's came to Buffalo."
Though that trend faded over the ensuing decades, Montoro said enthusiasm for the region is building.
"I can tell you on any particular day that goes by I will get 15 to 20 e-mails from agents looking for dates in Buffalo because they see the numbers."
Comedy is doing particularly well with Buffalo audiences. Montoro says most of the top comics are looking to book shows in Western New York.
After decades of sifting through ticket numbers and dealing with agents, Montoro says he still loves his business. He's just as excited as the rest of Western New York over the coming of McCartney.
"He will put on a show for the ages. To hear him play 'Hey Jude,' just saying it right now gives me goose bumps," Montoro said.
"Paul McCartney is history. We're passing through it. Paul McCartney is history."
