Innovation: How to Save the Concert Industry

To stay relevant, all businesses must innovate. This is especially true of the music industry which, to be honest, has been on life support for years now. The touring industry suffered this past summer as the economic lag finally swept across ticket buyers. Suddenly, it seemed like all of us were sick of paying over $100 bucks for a single concert ticket. Then there's the fees...

What if there was a way to inject some much needed life into the music/touring industry while not ripping off the consumer? How about the side benefit to another industry? What if movie theatres save the concert industry?

Recently, The Big Four were featured on the silver screen. That is, American movie-goers got to see Metallica, Slayer, Megadeth, and Anthrax via satellite. While The Big Four were performing live in Bulgaria people in, say, Cincinnati were also watching this show. A few other bands have also tried this recently. I think the core idea is brilliant - so let's expand it.

For our example, we'll use the Rolling Stones. So, the Rolling Stones are playing a show in Seattle. Why couldn't that show then be beamed to movie theatres that are at least 1,000 miles away from the venue? The 1,000 mile radius shouldn't impact ticket sales to the actual concert - and that imaginary buffer would move along the country with the tour. This could be replicated pretty much all over the world. And let's be clear: I am talking about showing actual, live-as-they-are-happening events only.  

I'll argue that seeing a concert in a movie theater is a fun experience that will help the margin of the theaters by patrons buying concessions (an obvious test could be the upcoming Bon Jovi engagement that will show portions of the Circle tour). Ticket prices would be the same as any movie. I don't think seeing a satellite feed of a concert would actually deter a person from seeing the show in person. After all, concerts are a special experience but for some, the movie theatre option may prove more appealing. Also, bands could even sell merch at the movie complexes. Really, the possibilities are endless. If, say, Live Nation and AMC joined forces for an exclusive deal, I think they could get some alpha that they both really need. Oh and if those companies team up and take my idea without crediting me, maybe I'll sue. Ha!

Nelson Has a New Video, Did You Catch It?

Nelson just released their first rock video in 15 years. The clip is for "You're All I Need Tonight" from the forthcoming album Lightning Strikes Twice (due for an American release in early 2011). The Nelson twins consider the album a follow-up to After the Rain.

Lightning Strikes Twice will be released via Frontiers.

Suggestion: 'Glam Garage'

I'm impressed with all your comments of how to bring back Glam. Along those lines, longtime reader Marc wrote me an email yesterday with a great suggestion. Here's what he said:

"To help bring your community together and kept them active together perhaps offer what I would call the Glam Garage where people could sell and trade glam CDs, shirts, DVDs, autographed material, and everything related to Glam."

I think this is a great idea! Sadly, I have no idea how to do this - does anyone have any suggestions? I guess it would be a site plugin or something? I wouldn't charge any money for people to trade/buy/whatever. It would be cool to see what sort of rarities everyone has in their personal collections.

So, would you be interested in such a site addition? I can probably nag the Glam husband to make it happen - but only if there is enough interest. Leave your suggestions/opinions below.

What Else Can Be Done to Bring Back Glam?

We're coming up on four years of BBG! Can you believe it? In that time, it really seems like the bands we love have honestly come back into fashion. There was Rocklahoma, then M3, then Shiprocked. The constant touring by Poison and Motley Crue. Just last night, the popular show How I Met Your Mother made two Guns n' Roses Chinese Democracy references.

We can do more. But what? What else can we - the people who love classic Glam bands - do to make sure the genre continues to rise out of history?

I'm always amazed at the people I meet via this website who constantly say "Yes! Let's bring Glam back!" The passion is amazing. It is these same people who go to club shows in the middle of the work week in a snowstorm or spend their entire vacation budget to see bands in 100 degree heat. These same people buy retro T-shirts on eBay and legally buy all the new albums put forth by our classic faves.

But what else? How do you personally Bring Back Glam?

Feels Like the First Time

Some covers just impress me.

I was out and about over the weekend and I heard Daughtry's version of “Feels Like the First Time.” You know, the old Foreigner hit. Well, the song gave me pause. I'm not a big Daughtry fan but I had to listen close – at first it was hard for me to tell the difference between the cover and the original. Then, there was some signature Daughtry vocal moves and I knew what was going on. (I'm talking about a lot of vibrato here).

You already know I'm not a big fan of covers. Usually, I'd just rather listen to the original and be done with it...but I really liked this updated version of “Feels Like the First Time.” I guess Daughtry recorded the song for CNN during the 2008 presidential campaign...for their “first time voter” series. Yeah. But anyway, I think the song rocks just as hard as the original. Have a listen.

And the original

Songs That Make You Move?

Are there any Glam songs that always make you move? I listen to my iPod a lot at work and sometimes I'll catch myself actually chair dancing. And since I usually work with the door to my office open, this can be embarrassing. Below are a few songs that always get me moving.

London Quireboys - "7 O'Clock"

Jetboy - "Feel the Shake"

Bon Jovi - "It's My Life"

Extreme - "Decadence Dance"

So, what songs always make you move?

Best Overlooked Power Ballads?

What is the best “overlooked” power ballad? That's the question of the day.

Awhile back, dedicated BBG! reader Travis wrote in with that question as a topic suggestion. I think the question is brilliant. For his part, Travis suggested Tesla's “What You Give” as one of the best overlooked Glam power ballads.

For me, I think one of the best overlooked power ballads has to be “I Will Remember” by Queensryche. Everyone here knows I love Queensryche, but “I Will Remember” never gets much praise. If you don't remember (ha!), the song is from Rage for Order.

Does “Sister Christian” count? I like Night Ranger and I always dig singing along with the band in concert...but seems like people don't mention “Sister Christian” much when we talk about power ballads. So, I guess I cheated and selected two songs, but that's okay. You can too. Tell me, what are your choices for best overlooked power ballad? Please, no “I Remember You” on this list!