The My Love Is Your Love World Tour (advertised as the World Tour 1999) was the eighth concert tour by American singer Whitney Houston. The tour was in support of her fourth album, My Love Is Your Love (1998). Beginning in the summer of 1999, the tour played over 60 shows in Europe and North America. The tour marked Houston's final concert appearances in North America.
After My Love is Your LoveâÂÂHouston's first studio album in eight yearsâÂÂwas released, the singer embarked on her first world tour since 1994 to promote it. For the North American leg of the tour, Houston turned down most arena dates in favor of theaters because she wanted "to do something where people can feel [her] and [she] can feel them." Performing in theaters allowed Houston's shows to have a jam-session atmosphere. Since theaters have lower capacities than arenas, Houston played in most North American cities for two nights each.
Houston signed a deal with Dolce & Gabbana to design all of her clothes for the tour. This deal gave Houston a more hip and contemporary look to match her music; this look contrasted with her previous tours. Houston first showcased her new wardrobe on The Oprah Winfrey Show prior to the tour opener in Chicago.
In July, Houston made a surprise appearance at the 13th Annual New York City Lesbian and Gay Pride Dance. At the event, the singer gave a rare performance of the popular remixes to "It's Not Right But It's OK" and "Heartbreak Hotel".
Controversy arose during the North American leg of the tour. There were reports of strange and erratic behavior behind the scenes. Houston cancelled some concert dates, including two shows in her hometown of Newark, New Jersey. The singer pulled out of her San Francisco show at the Concord Pavilion 15 minutes before it was scheduled to begin; the city demanded $100,000 in compensation after public outcry. Houston blamed all the cancellations on an ongoing throat ailment. Still, these actions would further spark tabloid rumors of drug use.
The tour was successful. The concerts featured Houston's highest ticket prices. With many shows, Houston commanded up to $150 for a ticket, making her just one of a few artists to break the $100-per-ticket barrier.
The tour was an even bigger success in Europe. It was the highest grossing European arena concert tour of the year, playing to almost half a million people. Every date was sold out in advance. As a result, the tour was extended to November due to high demand.
During the European leg of the tour, DoRo Productions filmed and produced a documentary of the tour: Whitney â Close Up. The documentary showcased behind-the-scenes footage, rehearsals and live performances throughout Europe. Close Up was originally set to be aired as a TV special in early 2000 following the release of ', but did not air at the time. Some footage from Close Up was also used in the documentary '.
A similar but different documentary, also titled Close Up was broadcast on February 11, 2018, on the German TV channel ServusTV.
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