“I’m not really sure that touring sells records,” Buck said. “What sells records anymore? It seems like less and less people are buying albums, so do what you want.”
So says Peter Buck, guitarist of the 80s hipsters REM.
Great point.
Tours costs tons of dough and as we have seen the entire tour industry is on its knees. ” Collapse Into Now” now officially released wont have a back up promotion tour.
This is way different than the ‘alt’ bands I see who tour non stop yet rarely record. Could this be a maturity trend? Those older bands with fan bases with 9-5 jobs and mortgages aren’t getting the night out crowd? Could be. Teenagers still get dropped off at venues, REM fans need baby sitters and to pay for parking, that gets pricey.
Would I go see REM? No. Would I buy their CD? No, but I may buy a song or two.
What sells music now? Its not the hype of a tour, its not a stint on Leno.. what sells music is fan hype. REMs fans are too busy watering the lawn.