The Pussycat Dolls have cancelled the US leg of their highly anticipated comeback tour due to significantly low ticket sales. Originally planned as a 53-date run encompassing the UK, Europe, and North America, the tour will now exclude all 33 scheduled dates in the United States and Canada.

Ticket Sales and Cancellations

This decision follows reports that arenas were operating at only 80% capacity, even after ticket prices were reduced to as low as $30. Ticketmaster has issued notifications to purchasers informing them of a full refund. Rehearsals, initially slated to begin last month, were postponed prior to the official cancellation announcement.

Reunion Lineup and Member Exclusions

The reunion features Ashley Roberts, Nicole Scherzinger, and Kimberly Wyatt as a trio, marking their first performance together in 16 years. However, three original members – Carmit Bachar, Jessica Sutta, and Melody Thornton – were not invited to participate in the comeback.

Original Members Express Disappointment

Both Carmit and Jessica have expressed their surprise and disappointment at being excluded, learning of the reunion through public announcements. Carmit Bachar shared a video from a former producer criticizing the incomplete lineup, emphasizing the importance of all original members in defining the Pussycat Dolls brand. Jessica Sutta confirmed she was not contacted during the year-long planning process.

Past Disbandment and Reunion Attempts

The initial disbandment occurred in 2010, with Kimberly Wyatt citing limitations on creative growth within the group. A previous attempt at a reunion in 2019 resulted in the single 'React,' but a planned tour in 2020 was thwarted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

European Tour to Proceed

The European leg of the tour remains unaffected and is scheduled to commence in Copenhagen in September, with subsequent performances in cities like Paris, Warsaw, and various locations across the UK. The group’s representatives have been contacted for comment.

Challenges for Established Acts

The cancellation highlights the challenges faced by established acts in regaining their audience in the current music landscape. The decision to proceed with the European dates suggests a stronger fan base and ticket demand in those regions. The situation also underscores the internal dynamics and complexities surrounding reunions, particularly when original members are excluded, leading to public expressions of disappointment and questioning the authenticity of the 'reunion' itself.

The tour's failure in North America raises questions about the band's current appeal and the effectiveness of their promotional efforts. The absence of key members appears to have significantly impacted the tour's viability, demonstrating the importance of a complete and unified lineup for a successful comeback.