Full Breakdown
Drowning Pool Cancels First South American Tour Amid Low Ticket Sales and Logistical Concerns
5/20/2026, 9:20:30 PM
Tour Cancellation Details
The Dallas-based nu-metal band Drowning Pool announced the cancellation of its inaugural South American tour on the eve of its start. The series of shows, slated to begin in Bogotá, Colombia on May 20 and conclude in Coritiba, Brazil on May 31, was called off after local promoters cited “low ticket sales recorded in all cities on the tour.”
Planned South American Run
The itinerary included dates in multiple countries, many of which the band had never visited. Organisers had marketed the tour as the group’s first full-scale engagement on the continent, aiming to expand the band’s presence in Latin America.
Key Figures and Stakeholders
- Ryan McCombs – frontman, who expressed enthusiasm for performing in new markets.
- CJ Pierce – guitarist, who discussed logistical challenges on the Teaser Talk podcast.
- Local promoters in each host city, jointly responsible for the cancellation decision.
- Ticket-sale companies in each market, tasked with processing refunds.
Chronology
- May 19, 2024 – Cancellation announced by promoters; statement released in Spanish.
- May 20, 2024 – Planned opening night in Bogotá, never took place.
- May 31, 2024 – Intended final show in Coritiba, also cancelled.
Ticket Sales Data
Promoters reported uniformly low ticket sales across all scheduled venues. No specific attendance figures or revenue estimates were disclosed in the public statement.
Official Statements & Responses
Promoters’ announcement emphasized the joint decision due to insufficient sales and outlined the refund process, directing ticket purchasers to contact the local ticket-sale provider for assistance. The band’s public comments highlighted a desire to perform in South America and noted that logistical deadlines had not been met, contributing to the cancellation.
Band’s Counter-Argument (Criticism & Opposition)
While promoters attributed the cancellation to sales shortfalls, guitarist CJ Pierce attributed the halt to “red tape” and missed logistical deadlines, suggesting that administrative hurdles, rather than demand, were decisive.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
The primary discrepancy lies between the promoters’ low-sales rationale and the band’s logistics explanation. No independent verification of ticket-sale numbers or logistical impediments was provided, leaving the precise cause unresolved.
Impact on Fans and Market
Ticket holders are instructed to request refunds directly from the respective ticket-sale companies, potentially delaying reimbursement. The cancellation postpones Drowning Pool’s first live exposure to several South American audiences, which could affect future touring prospects in the region. The incident aligns with a broader pattern of recent tour cancellations by artists such as Kiefer Sutherland and The Pussycat Dolls, also attributed to weak ticket sales.
Verbatim Quotes
- “There’s a lot of, you know, again, red tape and stuff like that because we didn’t meet the deadline for it,” — CJ Pierce, guitarist
- “So, I’m hoping to go back. Love South America. We really want to play there. I want to go so bad. But yeah, that’s going to be it.” — CJ Pierce, guitarist
- “ Frontman Ryan McCombs added: “It’s very rare that you see something come up on your calendar that you haven’t done before.” — Ryan McCombs, frontman
- “The decision was made jointly by all local promoters involved due to low ticket sales recorded in all cities on the tour. Customers who have already purchased tickets must request a refund directly from the company responsible for ticket sales in their respective city. For more information and specific guidance regarding the refund process, please contact the local promoter. We appreciate your understanding.” — Local promoters (translated statement)
What’s Next
Drowning Pool will reissue its debut album *Sinner* for its 25th anniversary on June 5, 2024. The band is also confirmed for the Download Festival lineup scheduled for the following month.
