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. Eddie, isn’t the major part of touring , to sell more records? I understand the downloading age has changed everything. How much has it changed this aspect?
    Thanks for posting these kind of topics.
    I always appreciate and respect your insight of the music business.

    1. it’s reverse now bands put out CD’s to promote touring/shows. bands are lucky to sell 50,000 to a 100,000 copies of a really popular CD now. part of that is the age of downloads and pirating but part of it is a change in music.

    1. I respect your opinion, but Kiss has had it. They stayed way too long at the party. Kiss fan since ’76 here.

    3. Hey Rooker, I guess the only time Gene and Paul let you get up off your knees is to post idiotic crap?

    4. Calm down and take your meds Edward. Its just music, or which Ace has pretty much sucked at since he left the cradle of Gene and Paul. But hey, Eddie gives him a platform so I’m good with that.

    6. Why does it seem like every freakin’ topic on this site devolves into an argument about KISS? Personally I think 90% of their music sucks, has always sucked, and always will suck. They’re more about the spectacle of their show than actual musical talent, but you know what – that’s fine. If you like them and they make you happy, great – you have the right to spend your money on whatever you want. From what I’ve heard of Ace’s material, I tend to think he’s somewhat better than KISS. And you sound like Gene still referring to Ace and Peter as druggies. Why do you refuse to recognize at least Ace (don’t know about Peter, I just don’t care that much about these guys) has cleaned up his act? Paul and Gene are no angels either. I saw a KISS tribute band a few years ago, they were good, for what they were. I have no need to go see the “real” KISS – those guys took care of that. If Ace came around, eh I might go see him. I think he’s more of an actual musician.

  4. Album sales are in the toilet, bands don’t tour like they used to, commercial rock radio is a joke, and other than TMS, there’s no tv outlets for hard rock and heavy metal any more. I’m 45 and I grew up in what I cherish as the greatest age of rock music and I feel so fortunate to have been around for that. But the young people these days and the generations after them won’t get to experience what my generation did and that’s sad.

    1. I largely agree with what you’re saying, though as far as no TV outlet for hard rock and metal – also mostly true – I have to say Palladia airs a fair amount of decent stuff. I’ve caught various Rush, Iron Maiden, Priest, Alice In Chains, and more shows on several occasions. If you’re talking about an outlet for NEW stuff, well maybe it’s not so good for that. I was surprised (and pleased) a couple nights ago to see Iron Maiden’s “Somewhere Back In Time” concert followed immediately by a (very short unfortunately) Priest show from a recent festival.

  5. Digital is today’s way of music but I don’t like digital download I prefer the look and the feel of the vinyl LP records of the 70’s and 80’s it’s more fun for me to go to flea markets garage sales and hunt down that AC/DC record im missing or to find a great metal record from the 80’s it’s the fun of it it’s like a treasure hunt. What’s the fun of downloading that AC/DC album you’ve been looking for its to easy. Plus the look of the vinyl LP is so nostalgic. But a lot of old bands don’t tour as much or any more cause they feel no money is to be made or what ever the reason. I’m super happy for the new ac/dc album there albums are allways great look at the last album black ice I believe it was called my brain is having a brain fart right now that album was terrific. They can still rock and hang with today’s bands. Ace I’m just glad to hear he’s still touring no matter how little dates he has for his age hes still got it that’s what counts.

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