Scouting Hollywood

A roundup of news, gossip and history of the entertainment business brought to you from Hollywood, Calif.

Country Western star Zach Bryan announced a summer tour titled “Burn Burn Burn North American Tour,” but the only thing he wants to burn is Ticketmaster. The tour being promoted by AEG Presents, a Live Nation/Ticketmaster competitor, will be held in arenas not controlled by Ticketmaster in an attempt to break the firm’s stranglehold on live event ticket sales. Bryan will appear at the Sioux Falls Denny Sanford Premier Center on Monday, Aug. 14, 2023.  The U.S. Senate this week held hearings to investigate the business of ticketing for live events.

Let’s hope disaster doesn’t run in threes for Jay Leno. Jay was burned working on his White Steam car in November. I saw him live at a local comedy club in December, and he looked great as well as joked about the injury. Now it’s been reported he was injured in a motorcycle accident, fracturing his collarbone as well as both kneecaps. I’m sure his wife, Mabel, is going to put an end to the cycle joyriding, although he’s scheduled to appear live again this weekend.

Theme Parks seem to be a bright spot for entertainment giants Universal and Disney. Despite massive losses over the pandemic, both companies are reporting strong attendance. Universal is also planning on adding a park in Texas and a horror movie themed attraction in Las Vegas. Disney, meanwhile, has lowered some prices for its domestic parks and added additional available days to yearly pass holders. These actions were in response to the restrictions that the ousted CEO at Disney had instituted and which caused lots of dissension from fans.

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