Chilis gigs smash world record

12 July 2004

More than 258,000 eager fans piled into Hyde Park to watch the band's three massive shows last month, after all tickets were snapped up within hours of going on sale. The gigs raised $17,187,234 (around £9,115,282) setting a new world record.

And there was still acres of space in the Golden Circle arena?!

The Bonnaroo Music Festival, in Nashville, held the previous record after bringing in around $14.5 million, but the draw of seeing Flea and co blew that record apart.

Michael Rapino, European president of Clear Channel Entertainment, which promoted and produced the shows, told Reuters: "It blew our minds. The first show sold out in a couple of hours, then we put up a second show and it went clean just as quickly. I think we could've done another two or even three if the venue had been available."

The Chilis also sold out their stadium gigs in Manchester (58,000), Cardiff (61,000) and Edinburgh (50,000). 

Click here for a review of the band's Manchester show.

A commemorative album, which was recorded across the three record-breaking events, is due to be released in August. It will be called simply, 'Live In Hyde Park'.  

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