Will MMJ become an 'Arena Band'?

[ALady]

the answer to this is entirely up to the band I reckon.  They have the ability to be as big as they wanna be.  It may be a case of them saying "hey, this will do, we're big enough for our liking now" and pull back their efforts or they may reach for the stratosphere.  Either way i cant see that meaning too much down here, it'll always be intimate venues for us!

(And on an aside, U2 were good, if not brilliant once.  Things just got all fucked up when Bono decided he needed to save the world, prevent poverty, and appear in every music documentary to be filmed in the last decade... Also, they should stop remaking the same album over and over...)

I'm reminded of a question I asked the guys when they all ended up together in the hotel lobby the morning after the Portland, ME show.  I hesitantly asked if they were "comfortable" with where they are, in terms of the size of venues, the amount of touring (as MMJ and in other projects), album/music sales, etc.  The consensus from their responses was that they could remain happy where they are- musically, financially, etc.  But I got the impression they would let fate dictate where they go next and wouldn't necessarily shun moving to the next level.  The best feeling I got from my impromtu interview was that they seem driven to tour and add dates like Portland NOT to generate income but to be playing music in as many places as they can.  They clearly like the smaller venues, which may give hope to more out of the way places like northern New England.  

Good stuff, and this gives me more hope that one day the boys will play in another out-of-the-way place such as, oh, I don't know, like, Cain's Ballroom, 423 North Main Street, Tulsa, OK, 918.584.2306.

I'd go.  Love to see a show there someday.

[TGMC421]

the answer to this is entirely up to the band I reckon.  They have the ability to be as big as they wanna be.  It may be a case of them saying "hey, this will do, we're big enough for our liking now" and pull back their efforts or they may reach for the stratosphere.  Either way i cant see that meaning too much down here, it'll always be intimate venues for us!

(And on an aside, U2 were good, if not brilliant once.  Things just got all fucked up when Bono decided he needed to save the world, prevent poverty, and appear in every music documentary to be filmed in the last decade... Also, they should stop remaking the same album over and over...)

I'm reminded of a question I asked the guys when they all ended up together in the hotel lobby the morning after the Portland, ME show.  I hesitantly asked if they were "comfortable" with where they are, in terms of the size of venues, the amount of touring (as MMJ and in other projects), album/music sales, etc.  The consensus from their responses was that they could remain happy where they are- musically, financially, etc.  But I got the impression they would let fate dictate where they go next and wouldn't necessarily shun moving to the next level.  The best feeling I got from my impromtu interview was that they seem driven to tour and add dates like Portland NOT to generate income but to be playing music in as many places as they can.  They clearly like the smaller venues, which may give hope to more out of the way places like northern New England.  

Good stuff, and this gives me more hope that one day the boys will play in another out-of-the-way place such as, oh, I don't know, like, Cain's Ballroom, 423 North Main Street, Tulsa, OK, 918.584.2306.

Please?   :o

[Crispy]

the answer to this is entirely up to the band I reckon.  They have the ability to be as big as they wanna be.  It may be a case of them saying "hey, this will do, we're big enough for our liking now" and pull back their efforts or they may reach for the stratosphere.  Either way i cant see that meaning too much down here, it'll always be intimate venues for us!

(And on an aside, U2 were good, if not brilliant once.  Things just got all fucked up when Bono decided he needed to save the world, prevent poverty, and appear in every music documentary to be filmed in the last decade... Also, they should stop remaking the same album over and over...)

I'm reminded of a question I asked the guys when they all ended up together in the hotel lobby the morning after the Portland, ME show.  I hesitantly asked if they were "comfortable" with where they are, in terms of the size of venues, the amount of touring (as MMJ and in other projects), album/music sales, etc.  The consensus from their responses was that they could remain happy where they are- musically, financially, etc.  But I got the impression they would let fate dictate where they go next and wouldn't necessarily shun moving to the next level.  The best feeling I got from my impromtu interview was that they seem driven to tour and add dates like Portland NOT to generate income but to be playing music in as many places as they can.  They clearly like the smaller venues, which may give hope to more out of the way places like northern New England.  

Good stuff, and this gives me more hope that one day the boys will play in another out-of-the-way place such as, oh, I don't know, like, Cain's Ballroom, 423 North Main Street, Tulsa, OK, 918.584.2306.

I'd go.  Love to see a show there someday.

Yay! We'll have a T5 reunion in Tulsa! (And everywhere else we can)

[ALady]

I'll bring the real beer.   ;)

[capt. scotty]

While I certainly think they are talented enough and make music worthy of arena size venues, Im not sure theyll ever get there. Their music doesnt reside in any easily identifiable, single genre, and these days I kind of think you'd need too. Theyll never be fully accepted by the jam band crowd, they arent really indie anymore, and I cant think of any other type of music to categorize them as besides rock. Popular music is a funny thing, it can change at the drop of the hat, but right now the "arena bands" are people at the top of country, rap, and pop music, with bands who have made a name for themselves for 20 years or longer like U2, PJ, Springsteen, etc also in there.

I would think the only way they start consistently playing venues like arenas would be if they had not only 1, but at least 2, major radio hits. Im Amazed Id assume is their biggest chart topper to date (as EU was as an album) - but Id call it a moderate hit at best. Those bands Gardenparty threw out: Kings of Leon, Linkin Park, Killers, Phoenix, Muse - all have had at least 2 bigtime singles (I cant speak for Muse as Im not familiar with them) and also fit into certain genre moreso than MMJ.

[Crispy]

I'll bring the real beer.   ;)

Thank Jeebus.

[ophidiophobia]

the answer to this is entirely up to the band I reckon.  They have the ability to be as big as they wanna be.  It may be a case of them saying "hey, this will do, we're big enough for our liking now" and pull back their efforts or they may reach for the stratosphere.  Either way i cant see that meaning too much down here, it'll always be intimate venues for us!

(And on an aside, U2 were good, if not brilliant once.  Things just got all fucked up when Bono decided he needed to save the world, prevent poverty, and appear in every music documentary to be filmed in the last decade... Also, they should stop remaking the same album over and over...)

I'm reminded of a question I asked the guys when they all ended up together in the hotel lobby the morning after the Portland, ME show.  I hesitantly asked if they were "comfortable" with where they are, in terms of the size of venues, the amount of touring (as MMJ and in other projects), album/music sales, etc.  The consensus from their responses was that they could remain happy where they are- musically, financially, etc.  But I got the impression they would let fate dictate where they go next and wouldn't necessarily shun moving to the next level.  The best feeling I got from my impromtu interview was that they seem driven to tour and add dates like Portland NOT to generate income but to be playing music in as many places as they can.  They clearly like the smaller venues, which may give hope to more out of the way places like northern New England.  

Good stuff, and this gives me more hope that one day the boys will play in another out-of-the-way place such as, oh, I don't know, like, Cain's Ballroom, 423 North Main Street, Tulsa, OK, 918.584.2306.

I'd go.  Love to see a show there someday.

Yay! We'll have a T5 reunion in Tulsa! (And everywhere else we can)

I didn't make the T5 shows but I pray for MMJ to come to the Cains, Crispy and I were talking about that at a show we saw a few weeks back.

[gardenparty]

(I cant speak for Muse as Im not familiar with them)

lucky you :)

also, well stated on all points you mentioned above.  i agree

[kydiddle]

You host it and I'll be there, Crispy.

And I think Scotty hit the nail on the head. Everything is about marketing, particularly to the teenage girl. It sounds like a blanket statement/assumption to make, but if MMJ could ever become appealing to the screaming masses (that does not include us crazies), then they could certainly become an arena band and never look back. However, part of their appeal for all of us is that they seem to be happy playing for their current fanbase and don't seem to be working toward anything "bigger".

Plus...standing in the crowd during the "One Big Holiday from hell" at T5 had the intensity and energy of any arena, so if you ask me...they're already there.

[Crispy]

You host it and I'll be there, Crispy.

And I think Scotty hit the nail on the head. Everything is about marketing, particularly to the teenage girl. It sounds like a blanket statement/assumption to make, but if MMJ could ever become appealing to the screaming masses (that does not include us crazies), then they could certainly become an arena band and never look back. However, part of their appeal for all of us is that they seem to be happy playing for their current fanbase and don't seem to be working toward anything "bigger".

Plus...standing in the crowd during the "One Big Holiday from hell" at T5 had the intensity and energy of any arena, so if you ask me...they're already there.

WHEN MMJ plays at the Cain's, I'll host for sure! We'll rent out the Brady Theater for the pre-show party.  ;D

You're right, Ky, OBH at T5 had the energy of being in an arena -- in fact, of all the arena shows I've seen, none have ever actually felt that powerful. Well, Phish maybe, but that was long ago. The only other times I've experienced energy like that were O Is the One That Is Real at T5, and other instances of OBH, such as the one at Radio City in '08 -- unbelievable the way the crowd exploded at that one.

[Ruckus]

I agree with much of what was said above.  I feel that if they wanted to, they could pull it off if they continue to put out songs like I'm Amazed.  For them, if that's what they want, go for it.  For me, selfishly, I feel like they've already gotten too big but am content with where they are.  I like being able to see smaller shows in intimate venues w/o putting a dent in my wallet.  But hey, that's just me. :)

[iLikeBeer]

I agree with much of what was said above.  I feel that if they wanted to, they could pull it off if they continue to put out songs like I'm Amazed.  For them, if that's what they want, go for it.  For me, selfishly, I feel like they've already gotten too big but am content with where they are.  I like being able to see smaller shows in intimate venues w/o putting a dent in my wallet.  But hey, that's just me. :)

I'm with you Ruckus!  I just don't want their shows to turn into more of a place to be for the teenie bopper crowd like Dead shows became at the end and how DMB shows have become!  If MMJ growing in popularity means having to deal with that whole out of touch teenie bopper scesne, than i don't want any part of it!  I am miore than content with keeping it right where it is!  

[el_chode]

Let's put success in perspective:

They're huge. And for the T5 shows I paid less "per ticket" than it costs to see Mumford and Sons or Passion Pit a smaller venue where I've seen Ryan Adams and Flaming Lips for roughly $30.

Perspective: Ryan Adams and Flaming Lips have an extensive discography. Do I think MMJ could play there? No, it's too small. Yet if they did, with their extensive discog I'd still pay less than it costs to see two recent "hit it big" artists. And Passion Pit/Mumford do not have the same discography to justify $60 seats BEFORE service charges

[CTdeadhead]

I can kinda picture them kinda being like Wilco, legendary and prolific but still being able to play smaller venues.  

[ALady]

I would be so cool with them having a Wilcoesque career trajectory.

[gardenparty]

I would be so cool with them having a Wilcoesque career trajectory.

in the grand scheme of things it really is the best route.

successful/respected/calling their own shots (for the most part)

i like it

[Seeker]

I haven't checked in on the board for a awhile but this has been a real thoughtful and interesting thread.  I agree that to get to arena level MMJ will need more FM radio love than they get right now.  I am trying to think of an arena band without a single mainstream hit. Widespread Panic and Phish are the only ones I can think of, but jam fans probably go to ten times as many shows a year than normal rock fans and certainly these bands have a disproportionate number of travelers.  It's a way of life for them.

I was actually pretty surprised how well MMJ drew at Red Rocks in '09 considering I had seen my first MMJ shows a year earlier at the Ogden theater. But Red Rocks is only 8,000, and the venue is like Mecca for hard-core fans of any band. It's worth the effort to get there, and the band is usually inspired by the place.

At the Mile High Music Fest, I thought they pulled a sizable crowd, although I suspect many were keeping their spots for DMB. But did you notice when the webcast switched to the stage with Weezer, who had started about 15 minutes before the end of MMJ,  the crowd was clearly larger. Sure Weezer is not in MMJ's league, but younger casual festival fans were likely attracted to the fact Weezer has a few recognizable hits. It's the casual fans who come for the hits that make it possible to sell arenas.

I will be perfectly content to see MMJ at Red Rocks every summer, thank you. If they get bigger they can play two nights!

[brn2plybal]

I live in Montclair, NJ...I really hope the band hits up The Wellmont Theater on their next tour.

I also see them doing a 3 night Radio City (Fri-Sat-Sun) run instead of 1 MSG show.

I'm guessing more multiple night runs in smaller venues to build buzz and word of mouth for the first leg in the spring.

Summers, mostly festivals with some other dates mixed in.

Fall, depending on new album sales, radio hits, ect...Arena's in major markets (Boston, NYC, Philly, ect.)

But hey, what the hell do I know.

[el_chode]

[highlight]I live in Montclair, NJ...I really hope the band hits up The Wellmont Theater on their next tour. [/highlight]

I also see them doing a 3 night Radio City (Fri-Sat-Sun) run instead of 1 MSG show.

I'm guessing more multiple night runs in smaller venues to build buzz and word of mouth for the first leg in the spring.

Summers, mostly festivals with some other dates mixed in.

Fall, depending on new album sales, radio hits, ect...Arena's in major markets (Boston, NYC, Philly, ect.)

But hey, what the hell do I know.

There's an old Aerosmith song for something like that...

By the way, even if MMJ played there, I don't think they'd cost nearly as much as Passion Pit or Mumford & Sons (both going for $60+ per ticket, or in my mathematical mind, $8 per song)

On to another topic for you "will they be like Wilco?" folk
I Am Trying To Wake You Up

Then again, if MMJ did that it'd probably only be the watered-down decaf version.

[ALady]

Wilco has had some really interesting merch over the years - vinyl doll versions of the band members, and an ex got me a Wilco soccer scarf they had one tour. Hope it's just a matter of time till MMJ figures out we fanatics will buy anything they slap their name on  ;D

I'm actually getting my brother that coffee for Christmas  ;D  Intelligentsia is probably the best roaster in Chicago (though of course that's a matter of some debate).