This clip was shared with me today, that has Eddie Trunk (DJ, TV Host, Author), going on a rant today when a fan named Jeff called about Stryper singer/frontman Michael Sweet and his whereabouts. You can listen to it below. I have to agree with Trunk on this as I am asked many times about artists/bands etc., all you have to do is Google them. The music industry as all know is no longer what it used to be, so if you want to know about a band or an artist do you your due diligence and search them out. The fans of bands on the rise have a better argument about whatever happened to so and so, but when you have a star as big as Michael Sweet, there is no excuse to not know what they are doing. That’s on you.
I don’t know how many times I have heard the following, I didn’t know they have a new album, song, video, are on tour and so on. Really? If you’re a fan, you at the very least follow them on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and even better, check out the band or individual artists website. But to Trunk’s point, this is just part of a bigger problem. He did touch on record sales, and that the fans don’t care for new music. I think that’s wrong, I think a lot do, I know I do. I think it’s streaming that has become the main way people listen to their music, no longer feeling the need to buy it anymore. But this is all adding to the “rock is dead” theory.
I think it’s not dead, but it will never be what it once was. Something major would have to happen. It’s sad to think that streaming is acceptable and that the artists/bands don’t get paid for their product like they should. Many so called fans of music that I have spoken to have stated that’s how it is and if they want to move forward they need to accept it or become irrelevant. How sad is that? The bands have to find other ways to make a living, so ticket prices go up, they add all types of merchandise in hopes that you will buy it. The band needs support from the fans, not lip service.
I find it interesting that fans will pay big money for a tribute artist or band, just look at Britt Floyd, Rain, or even Jason Bonham’s Led Zeppelin Experience. At least Bonham has a bloodline to the original band. The rest of these so-called tribute artists are just people playing others people music. You won’t pay $10 to see a local or a regional band play original music but $65 for a tribute, come on people, that is just sad! More so from my perspective, disappointing. It’s all about support. Get out there and see the bands and artists live. You keep doing that and maybe they will crossover and become the rockstars they should be.
Finally, my pet peeve is when people say so and so is their favorite band. Are you, I have asked people to name me all the members of the band, some albums, five songs and other things and they look at me like I’m crazy. But when you say fan, that’s what it means to me. You know about them, otherwise, you are a radio listener who likes a particular song, or a casual fan at that. Worst of all. they don’t even buy that song or an album or anything from them! There is such a great amount of talent out there that needs to be heard, not just the ones you know, but up and comers. I believe you would be surprised if you checked them out. At the very least, I do what I can and hope you check out the ones I share with you. Anyway, I said my piece.I’ll end with go see the bands as they come to the clubs and concerts that come your way and show support them because the music industry and radio don’t. You can listen to Trunk’s rant below.
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