Are the Days of Arena Rock Numbered ???

   As we're halfway through the summer festival and "shed" concert season, it's a good time to look towards the fall (and beyond) touring and CD release schedules.  Word of tours by AC/DC, Eric Clapton, Stevie Wonder, Mariah Carey, Christina Aguilera, Depeche Mode, Shakira, Green Day, Kid Rock, Usher, Robin Williams, Mylie Cyrus, Slipknot, John Mayer, Keith Urban and Tim McGraw, KISS (tentative).  And in 2009 touring acts include OneRepublic, Plain White T's, Jack's Mannequin, Cross Canadian Ragweed, Brad Paisley, Rascal Flatts, Weezer, the Killers and Journey, among others, according to various booking agents at a recent industry summit.  There are also talks of a non-Christmas version of the annual Trans-Siberian Orchestra tour.  Sounds like a great time, but many in the business wonder if the days of "arena rock" and 20,000 seat shows are numbered as the legendary "heritage" acts (Rolling Stones, Rod Stewart, Billy Joel, Jimmy Buffett) have propelling the touring industry for decades and are slowing.  As they age and reduce their tours, will the younger acts be able to fill the arenas?  See this interesting story from the Cleveland Plain Dealer newspaper, here.