Detroit Skipped On Tours

[deadbydesire]

Anyone can shed some light for me and figure out why not many bands visit Detroit? There are a few concerts I would like to attend to and not any Detroit dates.

[DJ Nocker]

Anyone can shed some light for me and figure out why not many bands visit Detroit? There are a few concerts I would like to attend to and not any Detroit dates.

I dont know very many bands that dont come to detroit, i guess it depends on what you listen to...

[jcheeka]

I dont know why more bands dont come to detroit but I do know I am sick of paying ticket prices that are way to high. What happend to tickets that didnt go much over 25. Now with all the extra shit added on tickets are getting way to high.

[Onyx]

I've heard a few comments over the years about the high crime rate being a reason. Actually a couple years ago one band had a lot of their gear stolen after a Detroit gig, can't remember the details.

I hate that though. I am equal distance between Detroit and Chicago, have been to concerts at both places from the same bands and the Detroit crowds are always more fun and more enthusiastic. (Sometimes the lower turnout for some bands is disappointing though too).

[Guest GodfallenPromos]

Anyone can shed some light for me and figure out why not many bands visit Detroit? There are a few concerts I would like to attend to and not any Detroit dates.

I think I can help clear this up a bit.

Some bands have attended Detroit before attaining a certian level of popularity, and had a bad crowd draw. Due to that, they choose to not visit Detroit again, or at the very least, that often.

Other bands are afraid of the crime rate, and I can't say I blame them...loosing all your gear...or even any of your gear, while on tour, can kill a tour rather quickly...and when it comes to a choice of playing on gig, and loosing your stuff...or finishing a tour...yeah...finishing the tour is more important.

Then there are some bands that just can't fit it into the schedule....sometimes it's just better, and easier, to route a run from Ohio to Chicago, skipping both MI and IN in the process, then to wait around for someone to give you the date you need. Those bands...well...at least the ones I know about personally, always try to fit in those places for tours later on....doesn't mean it always happens, but they do try.

and then there is payment. For those that don't know...your average mid level band gets about $300-600 per gig while touring, plus rider. Lot of places in MI, because of our VERY poor ecomony, are skipped because they can't, or refuse, to pay the prices.

[Onyx]

and then there is payment. For those that don't know...your average mid level band gets about $300-600 per gig while touring, plus rider. Lot of places in MI, because of our VERY poor ecomony, are skipped because they can't, or refuse, to pay the prices.

Oh man.

I had no idea that's all they would make for a gig - and that's split up between the whole band and crew? Somehow I thought it would be more. (I don't know anything about the business myself though). Interesting.

Pretty important for us to support them then by actually buying their CDs too.

[Fin]

Hell even the big names skip the D.

I've been waiting for Radiohead to come back for nearly 20 yrs.

[Rev.Reverence]

Oh man.

I had no idea that's all they would make for a gig - and that's split up between the whole band and crew? Somehow I thought it would be more. (I don't know anything about the business myself though). Interesting.

Pretty important for us to support them then by actually buying their CDs too.

Please correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't the 'merch' an integral part of tour profit?

..that's what I heard... Detroit as a venue, doesn't really BUY that shit so much as other venues...

..this could play a factoral in the tour date decision process....

..If you wouldn't mind I would love to listen to you talk shop... I'm trying to do some things, musically...

[Reaper]

I know so far that Type O Negative has not scheduled Detroit on their upcoming tour yet. They are hitting Toledo and Grand Rapids, and that is it.

[Hellion]

Who knows maybe the poor publicity of the city did not help,Blame it on Kwame,LOL!!!

[Homicidalheathen]

I hear we scare people away or they can't make enough money

[deadbydesire]

Bands on tour I really wanna see are Destroid, 16 Volt and London After Midnight. It's ashame that this happens to a big city. I really can't get the time off to go to another city to see a show. I guess I'll just sit at home and search for shit on youtube.

[DJDeadbeat]

I've heard a few comments over the years about the high crime rate being a reason. Actually a couple years ago one band had a lot of their gear stolen after a Detroit gig, can't remember the details.

I hate that though. I am equal distance between Detroit and Chicago, have been to concerts at both places from the same bands and the Detroit crowds are always more fun and more enthusiastic. (Sometimes the lower turnout for some bands is disappointing though too).

Faith and the Muse?

[Onyx]

Faith and the Muse?

Yes, I think it may have been them. Didn't they get a lot of gear stolen after a Detroit area performance?

[Hellion]

Crime,and alot of venues dont pay at all,or very little,its mostly original bands that get shafted,cannot blame them a all,also places like Harpo's you have to pay to play(sell tiox tha is)

[DJDeadbeat]

Yes, I think it may have been them. Didn't they get a lot of gear stolen after a Detroit area performance?

I think so, it was after a show. They haven't been back since.

[Davo]

......(Sometimes the lower turnout for some bands is disappointing though too).

there's your answer right there. it's all about economics. if they can't make enough money to stop here, they don't.

..although it's shocking that radiohead isn't playing here...

[Guest GodfallenPromos]

Please correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't the 'merch' an integral part of tour profit?

..that's what I heard... Detroit as a venue, doesn't really BUY that shit so much as other venues...

..this could play a factoral in the tour date decision process....

..If you wouldn't mind I would love to listen to you talk shop... I'm trying to do some things, musically...

Ehh...yes and no...it depends on the band, really.

So lets break down your basic, mid level, band's expenses as it sits now!!! YEAH!!!

Gas: It's fucking almost $4 a gallon...sometimes a week long run hits about $1300 average easy.

Food: Many of your mid level bands live on chips, pizza, and Ramen. Most DECENT promotors and booking agents get meals included, but thats not always the case, and if your in-between gigs...your kinda shot in the foot that day(s) if your on the road.

Room n Board: it can go anywhere from $35 to $100 a night, depending on company and regional area...and your still fitting 4-5 guys in a room. If you got road crew, you usually end up getting two rooms. While some venues can give a band discounts on rooms, if bands don't think to ask, don't expect most venues to offer.

Merch Cost: Mid level bands, even if having sponsors, still have to pay for certian merch. Cd's, custom shirts, etc...thats all stuff the band has to pay for, even if their "label" pays for it first...consider it a loan..you have to pay it back, and there is interest. Also...sponsor merch, like Jager and Ernie Ball...those are GIVE away promo items. Bands don't get to sell that...and if your gonna get a shirt....pay for it...or get it free...hmm...

Also...merch money is usually split between label and band, or some bands pay the the Merch out of their pocket, and then sell it so they HAVE extra money for stuff.

So lets do it up....Average shows in a week a mid level band gets? about 4 average....5 if your lucky...but we'll go 4 shows a week...$400 a show..k?

$400 x 4= $1600

$1600 - $1300 (gas) = $300

$300 divided up among 5 ppl: $60 a person

Food Expense for the week: $75 total (this is done as $5 meal average per member, then multiplied by the 3 days your not working)

We are now currently $15 in the hole, not counting what is made from merch

and then we have hotel..lets go $50 average?

thats $350 a week just to have a roof over your head....all so you can make it by exposing yourself and getting fans....

your $365 in the hole, which Merch money gets to cover...IF you made any.

Lets not even go into "fixing the van", tires, oil change, etc, etc...the hazards of driving a vehicle all over the US.

Hope this helps everyone understand the struggle that a band goes through...and the only way it gets better...is to tough it out, and hope someone discovers you and can get you higher on the ladder.

Also...most bands don't have "day jobs"...so there isn't really too much, if any, money saved up

now, mind you...all these figures are changable...some venues pay more...some less...some will even do up meals 7 a room...a bands pay depends on venue, area, possible fan base, day of the week, time your playing, sponsors, and if it's an all ages show or not...all these things are figured into prices when your presenting a band to a venue.

[Hellion]

Ehh...yes and no...it depends on the band, really.

So lets break down your basic, mid level, band's expenses as it sits now!!! YEAH!!!

Gas: It's fucking almost $4 a gallon...sometimes a week long run hits about $1300 average easy.

Food: Many of your mid level bands live on chips, pizza, and Ramen. Most DECENT promotors and booking agents get meals included, but thats not always the case, and if your in-between gigs...your kinda shot in the foot that day(s) if your on the road.

Room n Board: it can go anywhere from $35 to $100 a night, depending on company and regional area...and your still fitting 4-5 guys in a room. If you got road crew, you usually end up getting two rooms. While some venues can give a band discounts on rooms, if bands don't think to ask, don't expect most venues to offer.

Merch Cost: Mid level bands, even if having sponsors, still have to pay for certian merch. Cd's, custom shirts, etc...thats all stuff the band has to pay for, even if their "label" pays for it first...consider it a loan..you have to pay it back, and there is interest. Also...sponsor merch, like Jager and Ernie Ball...those are GIVE away promo items. Bands don't get to sell that...and if your gonna get a shirt....pay for it...or get it free...hmm...

Also...merch money is usually split between label and band, or some bands pay the the Merch out of their pocket, and then sell it so they HAVE extra money for stuff.

So lets do it up....Average shows in a week a mid level band gets? about 4 average....5 if your lucky...but we'll go 4 shows a week...$400 a show..k?

$400 x 4= $1600

$1600 - $1300 (gas) = $300

$300 divided up among 5 ppl: $60 a person

Food Expense for the week: $75 total (this is done as $5 meal average per member, then multiplied by the 3 days your not working)

We are now currently $15 in the hole, not counting what is made from merch

and then we have hotel..lets go $50 average?

thats $350 a week just to have a roof over your head....all so you can make it by exposing yourself and getting fans....

your $365 in the hole, which Merch money gets to cover...IF you made any.

Lets not even go into "fixing the van", tires, oil change, etc, etc...the hazards of driving a vehicle all over the US.

Hope this helps everyone understand the struggle that a band goes through...and the only way it gets better...is to tough it out, and hope someone discovers you and can get you higher on the ladder.

Also...most bands don't have "day jobs"...so there isn't really too much, if any, money saved up

now, mind you...all these figures are changable...some venues pay more...some less...some will even do up meals 7 a room...a bands pay depends on venue, area, possible fan base, day of the week, time your playing, sponsors, and if it's an all ages show or not...all these things are figured into prices when your presenting a band to a venue.

I roadied for a couple of bands and yes this is all very true.

[Destroit]

Ehh...yes and no...it depends on the band, really.

So lets break down your basic, mid level, band's expenses as it sits now!!! YEAH!!!

Gas: It's fucking almost $4 a gallon...sometimes a week long run hits about $1300 average easy.

Food: Many of your mid level bands live on chips, pizza, and Ramen. Most DECENT promotors and booking agents get meals included, but thats not always the case, and if your in-between gigs...your kinda shot in the foot that day(s) if your on the road.

Room n Board: it can go anywhere from $35 to $100 a night, depending on company and regional area...and your still fitting 4-5 guys in a room. If you got road crew, you usually end up getting two rooms. While some venues can give a band discounts on rooms, if bands don't think to ask, don't expect most venues to offer.

Merch Cost: Mid level bands, even if having sponsors, still have to pay for certian merch. Cd's, custom shirts, etc...thats all stuff the band has to pay for, even if their "label" pays for it first...consider it a loan..you have to pay it back, and there is interest. Also...sponsor merch, like Jager and Ernie Ball...those are GIVE away promo items. Bands don't get to sell that...and if your gonna get a shirt....pay for it...or get it free...hmm...

Also...merch money is usually split between label and band, or some bands pay the the Merch out of their pocket, and then sell it so they HAVE extra money for stuff.

So lets do it up....Average shows in a week a mid level band gets? about 4 average....5 if your lucky...but we'll go 4 shows a week...$400 a show..k?

$400 x 4= $1600

$1600 - $1300 (gas) = $300

$300 divided up among 5 ppl: $60 a person

Food Expense for the week: $75 total (this is done as $5 meal average per member, then multiplied by the 3 days your not working)

We are now currently $15 in the hole, not counting what is made from merch

and then we have hotel..lets go $50 average?

thats $350 a week just to have a roof over your head....all so you can make it by exposing yourself and getting fans....

your $365 in the hole, which Merch money gets to cover...IF you made any.

Lets not even go into "fixing the van", tires, oil change, etc, etc...the hazards of driving a vehicle all over the US.

Hope this helps everyone understand the struggle that a band goes through...and the only way it gets better...is to tough it out, and hope someone discovers you and can get you higher on the ladder.

Also...most bands don't have "day jobs"...so there isn't really too much, if any, money saved up

now, mind you...all these figures are changable...some venues pay more...some less...some will even do up meals 7 a room...a bands pay depends on venue, area, possible fan base, day of the week, time your playing, sponsors, and if it's an all ages show or not...all these things are figured into prices when your presenting a band to a venue.

Wow...that was actually pretty interesting to read. I didn't know about most of that.

[Tryp]

Recently a lot of bands have decided not to come to Detroit because of the recent crime/murder list update. Detroit made the top once again and most bands are afraid. SOme other reasons are booking is a bitcha nd expensive in Detroit and they rather go to "hot" towns.

[Homicidalheathen]

Like I said, we scare them.

Boo ya mother fuckers!

I talked to a few band members who said Detroit is out of our way and we dont have a big enough fan base, and would LOSE money blah blah blah

yah sure ya chicken shits.

DETROIT AUDIENCES ROCK hard thats all...

[Guest GodfallenPromos]

Like I said, we scare them.

Boo ya mother fuckers!

I talked to a few band members who said Detroit is out of our way and we dont have a big enough fan base, and would LOSE money blah blah blah

yah sure ya chicken shits.

DETROIT AUDIENCES ROCK hard thats all...

there ARE instances where, even a better known band, loses money on coming to Detroit...and they went OUT of their way to come here.

IF anyone here remembers the Nonpoint tour last year? In Dec, they came to harpos...and there were like 300 ppl that came out...they hardly even sold merch...and before anyone wants to despute that...I got that directly from my boy Red, who happens to be the main booking agent at Harpos, as well as a few of my boys that work security there.

plus...and I'm saying this wheither anyone likes it or not....the MAJORITY of our music scene...at least in the metal aspect...SUCKS ASS....it's DROWNED in bands that can't perform to par to properly support national or regional acts.

Then there is the "why should we sell tickets to play" shyt that I am frankly TIRED of hearing....for some instances, like St. Andrews, I can understand, because wheither you sell all the tickets or not, their gonna get their money out of you....Alvins is the same way.

However....while the Set time at Harpos isn't the best....they haven't stiffed anyone in the past 3-4 years, and they even let bands play the show even if they didn't sell the required min. tickets. Bands that bitch either didn't work hard enough to sell tickets, or obviously don't care.

Ok, so it's a $1 a ticket....maybe $2 if you know how to swing it...and it's suck ass pay for hustling your ass...I realize this...but if you think that SOMEONE from those nationals isn't watching you play, be it a band member or the tour manager....your stupid....they watch EVERYONE...at both main and 2nd stage.

It's called WORK...and some bands (I won't name who) need to try it....you think that Static X, Mushroomhead, and even Alice Cooper just popped out of the ground as the musical phenoms that many consider them today??...nope..they worked..they hustled...the suffered...but in the end...work +luck+talent=" ALL HAIL THE GODS"....if your SERIOUS about your music...SERIOUS about preforming....and SERIOUS about wanting to get somewhere....you'd all do less bitching and more scratching out a corner of the scene to dominate.

[Hellion]

there ARE instances where, even a better known band, loses money on coming to Detroit...and they went OUT of their way to come here.

IF anyone here remembers the Nonpoint tour last year? In Dec, they came to harpos...and there were like 300 ppl that came out...they hardly even sold merch...and before anyone wants to despute that...I got that directly from my boy Red, who happens to be the main booking agent at Harpos, as well as a few of my boys that work security there.

plus...and I'm saying this wheither anyone likes it or not....the MAJORITY of our music scene...at least in the metal aspect...SUCKS ASS....it's DROWNED in bands that can't perform to par to properly support national or regional acts.

Then there is the "why should we sell tickets to play" shyt that I am frankly TIRED of hearing....for some instances, like St. Andrews, I can understand, because wheither you sell all the tickets or not, their gonna get their money out of you....Alvins is the same way.

However....while the Set time at Harpos isn't the best....they haven't stiffed anyone in the past 3-4 years, and they even let bands play the show even if they didn't sell the required min. tickets. Bands that bitch either didn't work hard enough to sell tickets, or obviously don't care.

Ok, so it's a $1 a ticket....maybe $2 if you know how to swing it...and it's suck ass pay for hustling your ass...I realize this...but if you think that SOMEONE from those nationals isn't watching you play, be it a band member or the tour manager....your stupid....they watch EVERYONE...at both main and 2nd stage.

It's called WORK...and some bands (I won't name who) need to try it....you think that Static X, Mushroomhead, and even Alice Cooper just popped out of the ground as the musical phenoms that many consider them today??...nope..they worked..they hustled...the suffered...but in the end...work +luck+talent=" ALL HAIL THE GODS"....if your SERIOUS about your music...SERIOUS about preforming....and SERIOUS about wanting to get somewhere....you'd all do less bitching and more scratching out a corner of the scene to dominate.

So True and so well said man,it takes alot of hard work,which will pay off in the end,as long as you stick to it.

Now I wish Suicidal Tendancies would play here again.