How the Death of L’Wren Scott Could Cost the Rolling Stones $10 Million

A Stones tour is like the biggest aircraft carrier you can imagine:  big, complicated, expensive and difficult to pilot.  So when something unexpected arises and a tour has to be adjusted, it’s a giant, expensive headache.

From the moment the news broke of designer L’Wren Scott’s suicide broke–she, of course, was Mick Jagger’s longtime girlfriend–everyone knew that the current Stones tour would have to be postponed. That’s a little more difficult than just ringing up a couple of venues and saying “Sorry, mate.  We won’t be able to make it next week. Can we re-book for October?”

Both Billboard and The Hollywood Reporter have done some math regarding how much it will cost to postpone things, given (a) the number of pre-sold ticket: (b) the 60 trucks’ worth of gear; (c) the touring staff; and (d) that this tour was in Australia and New Zealand, not exactly the easiest place for a UK band to tour.

And let’s not forget insurance issues.  EVERY tour needs cancellation insurance.  But when a cancellation does happen, you have to convince the insurer to pay out.  There really shouldn’t be much of an issue given Mick and L’Wren’s 13-year relationship, but you never know.