August 9, 2008 17:32

REM forced to move Cardiff show due to poor ticket sales

Gig moves from stadium to indoor venue

REM's forthcoming gig at Cardiff's Millennium Stadium has been switched to a smaller indoor venue in the Welsh city after sluggish ticket sales.

The show, due to take place on August 25, will instead be at the nearby Cardiff International Arena. Tickets are still valid, but fans can get a refund if they wish.

About 18,000 tickets had already been sold for the stadium, against a capacity for the show of about 35,000.

Bob Gold, the band's European manager, told the BBC sales had not met expectations and it was decided it was better for the band and the audience to move into "a smaller, more intimate venue".

Fans who have already bought tickets have been contacted about the change.

They can use their stadium tickets, or get a refund, and have been offered discounts on other REM shows at Twickenham and Southampton.

Gold blamed the general economic situation for the lack of sales, although he said tickets for REM's other UK shows were "satisfactory".

REM play four shows on the second leg of their European tour, having already played a headline slot at the T In The Park festival in Scotland last month (July 13).

The dates are:

Manchester Lancashire County Cricket Club (August 24)
Cardiff International Arena (25)
Southampton Rose Bowl (27)
London Twickenham Stadium (30)

To check the availability of REM tickets and get all the latest listings, go to NME.COM/GIGS now, or call 0871 230 1094.