Not A Cash Grab?

All the bands we love monetize the heck out of everything possible: sky high concert tickets, meet and greets, overpriced merch, online auctions for special experiences, etc. Yesterday's post about Aerosmith's new museum in Las Vegas drew cries of "cash grab!" While I don't disagree, I tried to think of a single instance of a band doing something over the past three years that would not be considered a cash grab. I legit could not think of anything.

I recently saw Kings of Chaos. Two tickets were $180. That's a lot for a cover band. Cash grab.

KISS farewell tour and related merchandise. Cash grab.

Aerosmith, Guns n' Roses, Def Leppard stints in Las Vegas. Cash grab.

The Mega Cruise (Megadeth) this October. Cash grab.

But isn't that the point? This all based on capitalism. These bands have something we like and want, namely music and memories. We are happy to exchange our money for the music and more memories. I will be the first one to say concert ticket prices are out of control. Most folks can't afford shows anymore - and there is no reason why a crappy seat costs upwards of $100 or more these days. That is greed. But what is the limit? Who really gets to set the line of basic business versus cash grab? Each consumer votes with her wallet and that applies to everything: concert tickets, hair cuts, ice cream, anything. When I get priced out of something, I walk away or I compromise.

I used to go to tons of shows. That got way too pricey so now I do like two or three bigger shows a year. That seems to be working for me and my budget. Plus I just don't buy things anymore so that frees up more money for shows (or experiences) when I want to see one.

How do you determine a cash grab?

Comments

[Kixchix]

The sweet spot in terms of price is an art. Economy is strong and people are spending money. Simple.

When our next recession hits things will change a bit. People who haven’t saved and with no will power will bitch. The savers will continue to spend their entertainment dollar wisely. The already wealthy will continue to be wealthy and do whatever they want. Capitalism.

[steverox]

I agree. A lot of these are cash grabs, and like you, if I can't afford it or don't think it's worth it, I will simply skip it.

It's one of the reasons I'm going to more and more tribute band concerts vs. "the real thing". And I'm lucky that between Louisville, Lexington and Cincinnati, there are tons of good options for those at some nice small venues. Most of the time I get in for free or a very small charge in venues like the Mercury Ballroom, Bogart's or Lexington Music Hall.

Bands like Hairbanger's Ball, Departure (Journey), Blizzard of Ozzy, Thunderstruck, the 4 Horsemen, Def Leggend, Firehouse (Kiss), Running with the Devil, Appetite for Destruction ... great shows all of them with music and vocals that are true to the real thing (and I dare to say in many cases better). Plus you get to see musicians on stage that actually want to be there and are not in it for the money but purely for the kicks of playing a rock star on stage on the weekends. Of course, the stage show isn't a pricey million dollar production, but they do the best they can with the resources they have, and the focus is on the music.

The only big headliner that has blown me away the last year or so was Pink, and that was worth the price of admission. For those real special acts I will pay up ... like Pink, and Rammstein this summer on their European Stadium Tour, and GNR's reunion in Cincinnati a few years ago. But for every one of those, I can see 10+ tribute shows and leave just as happy!

[Bkallday]

Metallica just put out a great album with Hardwired. Kiss is on a farewell tour & GNR is still on their “reunion tour”. Just my opinion but that’s totally different than touring when you haven’t put out a good album, in over 20 yrs. Like DL & Aerosmith.

[GNR]

People that are into these bands have larger disposable incomes, plain and simple. We become older and choose purchasing decisions more wisely. And you are right, it is all supply and demand. The problem is they hook you buy being a farewell, last time, epic, intimate, etc... you have a little more dough and you do want to see them again and it is a sacrifice.

I think the "cash grab" comes into play when you feel taken advantage of. Absurd amounts for "experiences" and the value ? I think we all know here how to sort through the BS, but other people just don't care on what it costs. I don't think you see repeat customers on these bands "experiences" because they realize after the fact on how much of cash grab vs. value it is. A paid meet and greet will never satisfy your soul or make the little hairs stand up on your neck like meeting a band organically in the wild (public).

BTW - that Aerosmith museum should be in the hallways of every Aerosmith concert going forward for FREE! Talk about an incredible hype piece to get you ready for them about to take the stage and you become part of that history lesson that was shown to you right before you found your seat. Missed opportunity vs. a cash grab :)

[Mike]

A "cash grab" is doing anything where the primary motivation is money.

"I have a collection of really amazing songs which I am excited for people to hear"
- not cash grab

Paul Stanley in 2006: "We are never going to put out another album" ...(AC/DC releases Black Ice as a Wamart exclusive, huge success, gets paid) .... Paul Stanley "it's time for a new KISS album called Sonic boom and it's our best record ever" - no it's your worst album ever and a total CASH GRAB

Judas Priest: "here is our new album Nostradamus, it's a concept album and we worked really hard at it" (album tanks and nobody goes to the shows)... Judas Priest: "it's time we do a farewell tour and we will play one song from every album" - well we all saw that wasn't a farewell tour, it was a total CASH GRAB

Not everything should be labeled "cash grab"t, performers will perform and deserve to be compensated... Aerosmith doing a Vegas thing,, well if someone offers you a gig, and people want to pay to see you, then take the gig.

But when an artist does something so pointless and obviously driven by money, it's usually quite transparent and pathetic (like the aforementioned Sonic Boom)

[Bkallday]

Thats a fine "opinion", Mike. However strongly i may disagree.

[Mike]

A "cash grab" is doing anything where the primary motivation is money.

....how can anyone strongly disagree with that???

[Bkallday]

Imo when you're just touring nonstop, without releasing any new music, it's an obvious cash grab. To me thats the definition and a perfect example, of a cash grab. We all have our own opinions as to what it is, exactly.

[Gary]

My point was that you're already paying an exhorbitant amount up front for the show. No harm,no foul. Capitalism is a wonderful system. But to tack on extra sheckles for the museum experience when you're already paying for the show to me is a blatant hand in my back pocket. If I just want to hit the museum, by all means charge me. Once again, I'd expect nothing less. (Once again,Capitalism is a wonderful system.) That's just my opinion. It carries as much weight as a helium balloon at a child's party. Just ask my wife....😂😂👍

[Mike]

Touring nonstop constitutes as "working". Performers need to perform, otherwise the mortgage and child support doesn't get paid.

I don't see gigging as a "cash grab" unless the artist is trying to incentivize their audience by offering something disingenuous.

[Bkallday]

Agree to disagree

[David ( Belfast )]

As most people have stopped buying C.D.'s....touring is one of the few ways bands can make money.
I saw a interview with metallica's management , where they said they realised they could add a "0" to ticket prices ( and even add "00" to prices ) and people were happy to buy.
If a ticket price is over £100 i will not pay ....people need to stop paying the crazy prices .
Def Leppard charge about £50 . rammstein tickets cost less then £100 and they must spend a fortune on their stage show.
We need to vote with our feet , and walk way away from the "silly priced" gigs...

[Jimmy R.]

I still buy CD's from all my favorite bands. I just can't afford to go to any more big concerts though. Ticket prices are outrageous. Nose bleed seats and bad sound outdoors. Add parking, a beer, a rare t-shirt, etc. I go to see tribute bands too now, or possibly catch a less popular band at a small club. They're charging $100+ for some tickets to see Vince Neil in DC with Queensryche opening. Seriously?! It was $50+ also to see Tesla. Give me a break?! I saw Queensryche / Armored Saint at a small club in Dallas two years ago for $30. Front row at an awesome show! And I didn't feel like a needed to donate a kidney to attend.

[Metalboy!]

Check out Hank Von Hell on tour in the U.S. right now ...

I gave his album, “Egomania”, Best Album of 2018.

What’s hilariously ironic about him is his schtick of giving the appearance of being a Cash Grab with his white top hat and white quasi-tuxedo outfit, KISS-like make-up and two dudes all in white cranking dual white Flying V’s on either side of him, along with the rest of the band in white, when he’s actually NOT a Cash Grab.

There are so many great new or newer bands out there with recent and new albums to discover who are kickin’ a*s ...

A few that come to mind and some Allyson has posted about or BBG!ers have flagged that are TOTALLY BADA*S are:

Hardcore Superstar (Natch!)
Crash Diet (Back Again!, Thank The Metal God’s!)
Blood Red Saints
Texas Hippie Coalition
Babylon Shakes
Bulletrain
Loud N’ Nasty
Confess
Diemonds
Pretty Wild
Tempt
Station
The Poodles (RIP 2018)
Shiraz Lane
The Night Flight Orchestra
Crying Steel
The Brink
Love Dänger
Palace of the King
DeVicious
Electric Mary
Crazy Lixx
77
Blackberry Smoke
Pennywise
Them Evils
Lucifer
Thunderp*ssy
Blackstone Cherry
Renegade
Starbreaker
Thundermother
Weezer (“Paranoid” cover off their latest!)
Baroness
Riot City
Hang Them High
Riot V
Maverick
Rust n’ Rage
The Wild!

Please let me know if any others we should know about!

p.s. Yes, David! Rammstein! How do they do it? Their videos look like million dollar productions and are also among the coolest, most clever and hilarious concepts I’ve ever seen, too! That, the stage shows you mentioned, plus, most importantly, their music, sure don’t make their ticket prices seem like a cash grab to me. Also, you mentioned people aren’t buying CDs anymore ... Look, I’m glad Vinyl is back but it’s a crime CDs are out. It’s gotten SO bad, nobody wants them even if they’re one-of-a-kind CD rarities, still sealed Gold Ultra Discs, out-of-print CDs, or rare CD singles. Nobody cares about the amazing artwork, etc. What’s sad about this is tons of rare 80’s and 90’s Metal, Hair Metal, Sleaze Metal and Hard Rock is destined to virtually disappear because CDs are the only way the music exists save for MAYBE finding the music on Spotify to burn MP3s of or off YouTube (that is, if they’re even on those!).

[William Hendricks]

We as fans caused the steep increase in ticket cost when we decided to stop buying music releases.

[Bkallday]

I hope ppl keep that up too, MB. At least for my own good, it makes finding affordable cds that much easier. I have nearly 600 & that number is increasing by the day. Cds are absolutely the way to go!

[JCD]

Here's one for ya, Geddy Lee is doing a Q&A at a club here, tickets are only $95. That's right, I said 95 dollars. You get his new bass book for him to sign but no signing of memorabilia or even bass guitars. A lot of Rush fanboys will pay top dollar for this but damn, talk about a cash grab. I was once a Rush "fanboy" but after decades of subpar music I just fell off their radar. They just absolutely abandoned the very music that made them popular. Sorry Geddy, No Thanks !!

[Bkallday]

Yeah JCD, im not gonna say any names but most times the fanboys of these bands cant see through the fog enough, to tell it like it is. There's even one in this very thread that refuses to see the truth. Sad indeed!