Papa Willie wrote:Here's the deal.
1. A lot of these guys are used to living high on the hog. They're not making money off of their music anymore, as everybody steals it off the internet. The only way a lot of them can pay their hefty bills - is to go out and play concerts.
2. If there's still a big audience who goes and sees them, why wouldn't they?
3. If you've never played in front of an audience that really likes you, then you wouldn't understand. It's a hell of a buzz and a great feeling. This past Saturday night, I played in front of about a thousand people that absolutely loved us, and that's what makes me keep playing out in front of people. It's something you're not going to get anywhere else.
Damn Willie, great points and here's my two cents on each one.
1. This is honestly my biggest bugaboo with the state of music today. Streaming and stealing music off the net is raping artists financially these days. I still refuse to take any song or movie off the web and will continue to pay for my entertainment. If this makes me a sucker, so be it. I still enjoy having an album, or book or movie presented just as the artist intended it and don't mind paying for it. As a performer or a film maker, this is understood.
But a brother has to eat and pay the rent, so playing live for a band is a must. It doesn't justify cheating via pre-recorded tracks or lip synching, but I addressed examples of where it's okay in another thread.
2. Agreed, if people will pay, take the money, end of story.
3. There are few things as amazing as a great live performance. Live theater is where entertainment began. The electricity that is generated between a performer and their audience can be transcendent. It can also be embarrassing, but it is always worth the risk, just for the chance to connect with somebody at a live show. The only adrenaline rush I can relate to that would be as great or greater is the one time I went sky diving, in an advance, solo free fall.
The relationship between an artist and their audience live cannot be replicated. It's a unique experience each and every time. No one should ever advocate giving that up, unless of course the performer can no longer do what it was that made them who and what they once were and there is a compromise that affects the relationship. Some artists past their prime are still worth seeing, most others aren't. But if there is somebody willing to pay to see a show, then go ahead and keep giving it to them till the bitter end.