Modern pop-country still rules at the Show Me Center

~Martina McBride drew more fans than either Tool or Merle Haggard

Merle Haggard is a legend.

Tool is a rock band with a large, devoted following.

But neither could bring in more fans than pop-country star Martina McBride.

In June the Show Me Center hosted three concerts by big-name artists: McBride, Tool and Haggard.

Despite the hype around Tool's show -- the biggest rock concert to hit the venue in several years -- and Haggard's major country cred, McBride destroyed the two in attendance. The "Independence Day" singer drew about 4,000 people to her concert with Little Big Town, while Tool only brought in 3,849 people and Haggard drew only 2,466.

The numbers only prove that the status quo still applies to Show Me Center concerts -- modern country is the only genre of music that can draw large numbers. Even established country legends like Haggard and Willie Nelson, can't fill the seats the way the artists they inspired can.

Tool was hyped as a possible savior for local rock fans, who hoped a sell-out might inspire other big-name rock acts to visit Cape. The show didn't come close to a sell-out (the upper sections were blocked off and closed), but Show Me Center Marketing Director Shannon Buford said he doesn't think the poor turnout will turn away other rock groups looking for a place to play in between other already-scheduled Midwest tour dates.