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.
I completely understand Eddie’s points, but maybe Ace should’ve done at least a few shows as an opener too…he hasn’t been around much in recent years and his major touring days outside Kiss have been over since the reunion with Kiss (I think) so he is a risk and with Anomaly it was a smattering of shows. Space Invader was well received but that doesn’t translate into $ for a tour and without recent tour success solo, he is a risk beyond a few dates for promoters. I just can’t believe that he couldn’t play the same venues Paul did a few years ago and fill them with 900-1500 a night and sell more albums, make more money…I don’t get Ace. I know what Eddie is saying, but I believe maybe Ace out-bid possibilities of future dates and even with even 3 legs of 11 shows each, we are not talking about a ton of money or exposure…The iron is hot Ace and there are many out there who would pay to see you, sober, in a club or theater setting…100 shows is less than 2 a week…Just saw Jack White at the Fillmore Miami Beach…2 sold out shows, place holds 3500. Tickets were $60 and the entire place was general admission with about 2000 seats and the rest standing room…point is, if he can do it and pay a band of 5 plus make cash himself at that price, to that amount of people, then why can’t other artists?? I say because they are negotiating themselves out of the contract by there demands vs what they bring to the table so the promoters are reluctant with the exception of a very few. The Fillmore is a LiveNation venue, so last I checked there is no bigger in the industry than Live Nation…and they are who Jack White negotiated with…and his shirts were $25 too…
Different George…
Ace’s last tour, the promoters LOST money.
Excellent point. Always wondered why Ace didn’t try to get an opening slot on a bigger bands tour. I think also around the same time Anomoly was out Joe Perry and Slash had albums out, not exactly the same time but close, why not a “co-headliner” type tour with another big name guitar player?
Almost every answer has to do with money and budgets and what makes sense. Ego comes into play too when it comes to who opens, etc
Even in the 80’s Ace could not sell out arenas, bottom line is without Kiss, Ace is not that big of a draw. So just suck it up and go support Ace no matter where he plays.
I don’t get it that it’s cheaper to buy plane tickets for at least 7 or 8 people just for 3 shows, and rent gear, than to use your own gear and everybody is on one bus. You’d think that if no one is using tour buses anymore that the busing industry would lower it’s prices. But I hear a tour bus goes for $1,000 a day, yowza! Lower your fees!
reality is a lot of these guys are in there 60’s and young people just aren’t interested in them. I took my son to see Queen recently and it was sold out and he loved it but prior to going he had reservations about seeing them. I seen DEVO and Blondie two years ago and it was half full maybe 3/4 at best so it effects all styles of music.
I’m just not going to be able to see AC/DC with Malcolm being replaced by an impersonator! The guy will stand with a guitar; he’ll play all of Malcolm’s rhythm guitar parts; he’ll probably be skinny, wear jeans, and a t-shirt – IMPERSONATOR!
Peace and love. Peace and love.