9/24: AC/DC NEWS AND THE TOURING BUSINESS.

AC/DC have officially announced their new album Rock Or Bust out 12/2 with a single titled “Play Ball” hitting as soon as this weekend. The song will debut in clips during the MLB playoffs. It is also now confirmed that Stevie Young has replaced Malcolm in the band. Nothing about a tour has been announced but my sources tell me that will be next year. Sucks that Malcolm is that ill and not a part of it, but good to know there is new music and at least one more run left in this iconic band.

Ace Frehley has announced the first run of dates for his Space Invader tour. Hearing from many upset about how few dates there are and how limited the initial run is. I’m sure if things go well Ace will add dates. However what many don’t realize is that very few bands at Ace’s age and current draw level actually tour in the traditional sense. This is due mainly to the cost of touring. I’m not talking about AC/DC or Aerosmith who can afford to fly private and have every amenity. Talking about the acts at a different draw level. The days of getting a bus and big crew to do clubs or theaters and knock out 200 shows are pretty much over. Especially for artists in their 50’s and 60’s. Most do weekend fly dates. Leave on a Thursday, do a couple weekend shows, home on a Sunday. Rented gear, low overhead. TONS of bands “tour” like this now. And like any live shows they are mainly based on two things; money and how much the artist wants to do. A promoter in the area must be willing to make an offer that the artist feels makes sense for them to come there. It’s as simple as that really. It isn’t some bias against a certain part of the country or world. It is simply a case of money talks and are there promoters willing to meet the price any artist is asking to play. It has to make financial sense for artist and promoter to happen. Lastly when artists get older they also aren’t as ambitious in how extensive they want to commit to touring. Some have spent 40 years on the road and unless they feel up for a large amount of dates or are assured a certain level of comforts they stay home. So many times I hear from people on my radio shows “why doesn’t ____ tour?”. It all has to make sense for all parties and that word Music BUSINESS looms large as always.

56 Responses

  1. Great news about AC/DC. Actually, their official website HAS announced a tour in support of the album in 2015…dates/locations to be announced. It was also confirmed that Malcolm will not be part of the tour, and that Stevie Young will continue his role as replacement.

    1. Get what ? That promoters that lost money last time he toured are not willing to lose many again ? An artists asking price is based on their power to sell tickets.

    2. It’s not just Ace most can not draw anymore except few big bands or if they do a Festival. The Age group that see’s those shows do not see shows on any regular basis anymore. at least not in big numbers.

  3. So cool that AC/DC & MLB have teamed up, they both have great taste. Looking forward to hearing the new song, and album. What a perfect song title to begin the MLB playoffs, “Play Ball”. It does suck though that Malcolm won’t be able to participate in the upcoming tour, but from what I hear, Stevie is really excellent on guitar, must be in the Young blood! Get well Malcolm, we salute you! Cheers! 🙂

  4. Thanks Eddie for the Trunk Report. Well said. I’d like to give a special shout out to a certain birthday boy, ME, so Happy Birthday me. Lets go party. Hell yeah.

    Thanks for taking my call last Monday about the Devil City Angels show at Gas Monkey Bar and Grill, and also for tweeting me about the picture Blitz wanted me to share with you. Such a nice guy and a kick ass singer. I don’t know if you remember when you were at Trees in Dallas last year right before you went on stage to intro Overkill I said to you that I’m taking off, and you said “what, that’s crazy, right before Overkill comes on, their my favorite band”, and I said Ok, i’ll stick around for a few songs. Well, you’d be proud of me this time around, I stayed nearly to the end of the show and enjoyed every bit of it. I even brought Donna with me and she too liked the show and isn’t an Overkill fan. Honestly, I wasn’t a huge Overkill Fan myself, but Electric Age just rocks and now the new White Devil Armory is starting to grow on me too.
    Thanks for introducing us to new music and to the bands that you love.

    Bryan

  5. I’ll definitely go see AC/DC when they come here, but it will be strange to not see Malcolm onstage, but his health is the important thing. Hopefully his nephew will do a great job.

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