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April 23, 2009
Expect More Classic Acts To Opt For Exclusive Retail Deals
The Eagles have done it. So has AC/DC and Guns ‘N Roses. Exclusive deals with major retailers seem to be a growing trend with veteran artists these days and it is a trend that seems to be heading in an upward direction.
The music industry continues to struggle with questions surrounding the issue of dwindling profits that are blamed on the easy availability of music in digital format that can be downloaded from the internet from an almost endless supply of sources by way of numerous techniques such as P2P (peer-to-peer) file sharing programs, bit torrents and large file sharing websites.
Popular contemporary artists don’t seem to have as much trouble earning the big bucks from sales of their albums, but the challenge is more daunting for classic acts that don’t get as much attention from the pop scene and whose music is pretty much limited to airplay on classic or oldies radio stations.
One classic group that appears convinced that exclusive deals are the wave of the future for the artists of the past is Def Leppard. Frontman Joe Elliot now believes that these relatively new arrangements between artists and retailers is “the only way to put records out.”
Elliot, referring to the success that Australian hard rockers AC/DC have enjoyed as a result of their exclusive deal with retail giant Wal-Mart, said that, “Look what AC/DC just achieved — it’s phenomenal what they did, and if there is a blueprint to keep your eye on, it would be the way that Journey’s album and the Eagles and AC/DC has done.”
Although some contemporary artists have dabbled a bit with exclusive deals, it’s not something that the majority of them seem to have much interest in due to the exposure they are able to receive from generous helpings of airtime in major markets, not to mention television and movies.
In 2007, a RIAA survey revealed that the majority of consumers buying music are in the over-45 age group. Perhaps some of us aging music lovers just aren’t savvy enough when it comes to using the internet to download music, but there surely could be other contributing factors as well. Maybe we just want to give the artists their due or perhaps it’s that desire to hold something “real,” like a CD or DVD, that can be stacked or lined up on a shelf like our old LPs.
Whatever the cause for the success of these new exclusive deals, it is refreshing to see at least some in the music industry adapt to the challenges it faces from recent developments like internet file sharing. Keeping the profits from album sales flowing should only improve our chances of seeing more new material from old favorites like AC/DC, the Eagles and Def Leppard.
Few people want to work for free, and the older these classic artists get, the more difficult it must be to travel from venue to venue while touring. I’m sure the relative comfort of the studio is still appreciated by those that can still sell enough albums to put food on the table and pay the mortgage.
You can read more at the Providence Journal.
November 24, 2008
Classic Rock Briefs For November 24, 2008
Joe Walsh Comfortable With Eagles Pecking Order
Joe Walsh certainly seems to have mellowed with age. The guy that sang about trashing hotel rooms is now 60, and according to Walsh himself, has sobered up and discovered sleep.
Walsh readily accepts that the Eagles fly in whatever direction that Don Henley and Glenn Frey decide, and reports that he knew from the beginning that it was “truly is Don and Glenn’s band,” although that does not prevent him from speaking his mind when he wants to.
For example, he’s not too crazy about the coordinated clothing the group is wearing on their current tour and would prefer to decide for himself when it comes to wardrobe, but accepts the black suits, white shirts and black ties that were the brainchild of Glenn Frey. “I don’t know exactly why we’re doing it. I guess Glenn came up with it,” he said.
With his wild days behind him, Walsh sounds content to show up and do his job and collect his paycheck. Doesn’t sound like a bad gig. Full Story.
Geddy Lee And Alex Lifeson Scheduled For CBC’s ‘The Hour’
Rush bassist/lead singer Geddy Lee and guitarist Alex Lifeson will appear on The Hour this coming Wednesday. Lee was on the program most recently during 2007.
The Hour is hosted by George Stroumboulopoulos (say that three times fast!) and airs Wednesday night on Canada’s CBC at 11:00 PM. Full Story.
Now You Can Get Your Rock From Round Rock
Round Rock, Texas-based Dell computer has recently begun offering a new option with the purchase of a PC. For $25 you can get 50 songs pre-loaded on your new Dell PC or go for 100 songs by paying an extra $50.
With Apple’s dominance in the music space these days, Dell hopes the new deal with Universal Music will lure some customers who otherwise might fall under the spell of the iTunes crowd.
For classic rock fans, a bundle of music called “Rock Titans” is available and features material from the likes of ZZ Top, AC/DC and Meat Loaf. There are bundles available featuring other genres as well, but here at Real Rock News, we really don’t care.
I’m sure the execs at Dell are hoping this new idea will fare better than their 2006 effort to compete in the music space with Apple when they abandoned the player they had been offering. Full Story.
Rolling Stone Keith Richard Slows Things Down With Possible Easy Listening Album
I can never avoid thinking about actor Johnny Depp when I hear Keith Richards’ name come up. That’s because I once heard Depp talk about how he used Richards as a model when he honed his role as Captain Jack Sparrow in the blockbuster Pirates of The Caribbean movies. Depp even persuaded Richard to take on the role of his father in Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End.
Swaggering pirates aside, the real news this time is that Keith Richards may be working in an easy listening album. Apparently, twenty or so cover songs performed by Richards were leaked to the internet and people began to ask questions.
Reported to be on the album are versions of Judy Garland’s iconic "Over The Rainbow” as well as Perry Como’s “I Wonder Who’s Kissing Her Now,” Tammy Wynette’s “Apartment No. 9” and Andy Williams’ “Let It Be Me.” Now that is easy listening.
Once the tunes were leaked on the net, Richards was asked if he would consider releasing them and replied that he might decide to do it. Keith Richards covering an Andy Williams tune? I guess sometimes truth really is stranger than fiction. Full Story.
November 17, 2008
Classic Rock Briefs For November 17, 2008
Soaring With The Eagles
In a recent e-mail interview with Don Henley of the Eagles, The Enquirer of Cincinnati asked the veteran country rocker about such matters as his activities during the recent Presidential campaign. Unlike the celebrities that were making news with very public support of their chosen candidates, Henley took a different approach.
“I was quite active in this campaign, but I focused my efforts more on various bids for House and Senate seats. And I didn’t do any of that work in front of cameras. I kept it relatively low-key and private. That’s what felt right to me this time,” Henley said.
There was also discussion about the band’s long history and included questions regarding how the band chose their name, why they decided to reunite and the price of tickets to their shows.
Bon Jovi plans Busy 2009
According to Richie Sambora’s recent comments while talking with Billboard, the New Jersey rock group has plans for a new greatest hits album, as well as work that remains to finish up on a documentary that is being made about the group, and a live DVD from their Lost Highway tour.
Although the new album is being talked about as a “greatest hits” compilation, Sambora says that there will likely be some new content included as well.
“…I think we’re looking at doing a greatest hits album next year. Jon and I are writing some new songs for it and to just load up for the next Bon Jovi record,” Sambora reports.
As for Sambora’s thoughts on the group’s eligibility to be inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall of Fame, he certainly seems to appreciate the opportunity.
“Time flies man, but yeah there’s talk and rumors. Boy that would be nice. It’s something certainly I’ve been shooting for all my life. I think if you have a career in the music business, you want to get inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum, he says.
November 14, 2008
Eagles Extend Tour Into Next Year
The Long Road Out of Eden just got a bit longer. The Eagles have decided to extend their tour into next year and although that’s good news for fans who have wanted to see them live and have not yet had the chance, there’s even more good news to report.
The cost of the tickets for the newly-added shows will not be accompanied by the additional fees fans have had to endure in the past. The elimination of the fees comes days after TicketMaster acquired a controlling stake in Irving Azoff’s Front Line Management Group, whose roster of acts includes the Eagles. Azoff himself is now the CEO of the new entity, dubbed Ticketmaster Entertainment.
TicketMaster is making moves towards transforming itself into an “all-encompassing entertainment company,” according to a statement from Azoff.
The new shows will commence in January with dates in the Eastern U.S., including Hampton, VA; Charlotte, NC; North Charleston, SC; Greensboro, NC; Greenville, SC; and Birmingham, AL.
Although I’m sure many fans were never sure about the justification for “convenience fees” that had been customary in the past, I am sure that fans will be happy to note their absence when they purchase tickets for next year’s Eagles shows. These days we don’t see prices dropping on many things other than fuel, so it’s commendable that Ticketmaster Entertainment has decided to give fans a break by eliminating those fees.
The current leg of the Long Road Out of Eden tour is scheduled to complete early next month and give the group a little time to rest up and enjoy the holidays. For more details and full tour itinerary, see Live Daily.
October 17, 2008
Classic Rock Briefs For Friday, October 17, 2008
Jimmy Page Says Led Zeppelin Does Not Desire A Star on Hollywood Walk of Fame
Although Page expressed his appreciation for the efforts of dedicated fan Rocky Dickerson, who organized a campaign to secure a star for the legendary rockers, Page’s spokesperson says, “He (Page) has asked me to thank you for this interest but he does not feel that this is something that he can endorse.” Full Story.
Geddy Lee And Neil Peart of Rush To Appear on Upcoming Radio Show
Always refreshing to hear compared with a lot of other rock stars, the guys from Rush often come across as a bit more down-to-earth and brainy, but usually manage to be pretty funny and entertaining at the same time.
Bass player Geddy Lee and drummer Neil Peart (sometimes referred to as “The Professor”) will join Joe Benson for his syndicated radio program, Off The Record, on Sunday, October 19. For the full scoop on what station you can hear the program on in your area, or on the net, check out the Off The Record website.
Eagles Return For CMA Performance This Year
Once again, the Eagles will be performing on the Annual Country Music Awards. Also scheduled to perform at the event are Brad Paisley, Carrie Underwood, Trace Adkins, Brooks & Dunn, Kenny Chesney and The Wailers, Alan Jackson, Kid Rock, Lady Antebellum, Miranda Lambert, George Strait, Sugarland, Taylor Swift, and Keith Urban.
The 42nd Annual Country Music Awards will take place at the Sommet Center in Nashville, Wednesday, Nov. 12 (8:00-11:00 PM/ET) and be aired on the ABC Television Network. Full Story.
