What do y'all think, will MMJ at some point become labeled an Arena Band? I know I recently read an article somewhere...I think it was a review of the Ramble, that called them that...but I don't think they're quite there yet. But....do you think it's inevitable? Will they join the likes of U2, Rolling Stones, Pearl Jam, etc.?
I will continue to see them no matter where they play, and I'm not asking this question in a negative light, I don't feel it's necessarily a bad thing to be labeled as such. But...will we some day say "10 years ago I saw these guys in a small venue in NYC" or "I remember seeing them on NYE at the Fillmore". And I know there are plenty of folks who will be able to say....I saw these guys at the coffee shop in Louisville.
Thoughts?
You know, I've wondered about this a lot over the past two years. I saw my first show in Boston in 2008, at a venue that holds about 5000. They sold out in Louisville recently, over 10,000 I believe. Still, they played Portland, Essex Jct., Holyoke, Birmingham, and many other venues with under 2000 "seats".
I think, even if and when they can sell out larger arenas, they will seek out smaller venues because they want to be intimate with fans. It will be interesting to see how the 2011 tour pans out; will they schedule only major cities and, therefore, bigger venues (I'm thinking, yes) and save smaller theaters for their off years?
Like you, I'll be there- big or small, near or far. I just hope they can keep offering the GA pit, like at N'ville's Municipal Auditorium and the Yum! Center in L'ville. Portland's State Theatre was an ideal mix of GA floor and GA seating, a large part of what made it the best show.
For a long time I thought they would especially after the success of Evil Urges. But lately I have been thinking they will continue to play large theaters and and large clubs.
However I do think a lot of this depends on how quickly they can get the next album out and how much touring they are willing to do following it.
I don't think they will ever been filling venues like U2, Rolling Stones, Pearl Jam. Probably more like the White Stripes who in 2007 played a bunch of arenas but most were 75% full. But more "indie" bands are starting to make it to the Arena level. Both Phoenix and the Arcade Fire both headlined MSG this year. And although MMJ played there on NYE I am not sure their attendance would be so good on other nights.
It takes time. One day, yes. Look at Pearl Jam's rise.
U2 is a poor comparison because they also appeal to people with absolutely no taste in music, an easy-to-capture market
QuoteIt takes time. One day, yes. Look at Pearl Jam's rise.
U2 is a poor comparison because they also appeal to people with absolutely no taste in music, an easy-to-capture market
Pearl Jams rise was very meteoric though. Their second album sold 800,000 in the first week and they were playing large stadiums by that point.
By the 6th album they had about 15 "mainstream" hits
MMJ's trajectory is more word of mouth. I don't know that have an actual hit single.
I would liken it more to the Allmans and Gov't Mules. A band that will continue to grow in popularity but will probably spend the career playing large theaters and the occasional big big shows.
nice work on the U2 call, btw ;)
Quote
Pearl Jams rise was very meteoric though. Their second album sold 800,000 in the first week and they were playing large stadiums by that point.
By the 6th album they had about 15 "mainstream" hits
I agree with you, although one could argue...things have changed quite a bit in the music industry between then and now. Who buys records anymore? MMJ is one of the few bands I actually will buy the record, because I enjoy supporting them, but for the most part...it's all free, nobody buys it. And the radio world has changed so much too, bands don't really have 'hits' anymore the way they used to, tied in part to the change in the recording industry. Now, it's more about the live shows, people are drawn to bands that impress them live.
A band like Gov't Mule isn't seeing the huge upswing in public praise and adoration like MMJ seems to be experiencing right now. People like Fricke, and the Rolling Stone in general, are all going nuts for MMJ right now...their popularity is exploding in Europe, Australia...everywhere. We shall see...time will tell.
QuoteQuote
Pearl Jams rise was very meteoric though. Their second album sold 800,000 in the first week and they were playing large stadiums by that point.
By the 6th album they had about 15 "mainstream" hits
I agree with you, although one could argue...things have changed quite a bit in the music industry between then and now. Who buys records anymore? MMJ is one of the few bands I actually will buy the record, because I enjoy supporting them, but for the most part...it's all free, nobody buys it. And the radio world has changed so much too, bands don't really have 'hits' anymore the way they used to, tied in part to the change in the recording industry. Now, it's more about the live shows, people are drawn to bands that impress them live.
A band like Gov't Mule isn't seeing the huge upswing in public praise and adoration like MMJ seems to be experiencing right now. People like Fricke, and the Rolling Stone in general, are all going nuts for MMJ right now...their popularity is exploding in Europe, Australia...everywhere. We shall see...time will tell.
good points.
I'll agree the industry has changed.
But bands do have hits. and those bands are playing stadiums now (See: Kings of Leon, Linkin Park, Killers, Phoenix, Muse)
PJ was essentially one of those bands 15 years ago. They've just been able to do an exceptional job at maintaining a core fanbase since. at least one or two of the above mentioned bands will not.
I think this thread was posted at a great time as the next album will be very pivotal in determining yay or nay. I bet the band is somewhat aware of it
I probably should have said
I'd prefer if they played theaters and the occasional stadium :)
Either way, as long as they keep it real, i hope they get to whatever level they would like to.
I hope not. I guess through a fiscal lens, becoming an arena band would be your best bet...but keeping the art and the mystery embedded in their music, alive? Yeah, your best bet there is to stay at the smaller venues.
Arena shows always feel so detached and commercial. The only reason I got "into" the recent Louisville Yum Center show was because I was about 3 people back in the GA floor section. I saw Muse back in March at Nashville's Bridgestone Arena, and even though my seats were at the bottom of the stands, it felt horrible being so far away from the band.
But maybe this is just my opinion....
I don't see them becoming an arena band. WILCO is a more popular than MMJ and they have managed to "keep it small".
QuoteQuoteIt takes time. One day, yes. Look at Pearl Jam's rise.
U2 is a poor comparison because they also appeal to people with absolutely no taste in music, an easy-to-capture market
Pearl Jams rise was very meteoric though. Their second album sold 800,000 in the first week and they were playing large stadiums by that point.
By the 6th album they had about 15 "mainstream" hits
MMJ's trajectory is more word of mouth. I don't know that have an actual hit single.
I would liken it more to the Allmans and Gov't Mules. A band that will continue to grow in popularity but will probably spend the career playing large theaters and the occasional big big shows.
nice work on the U2 call, btw ;)
Pearl Jam's rise was meteoric, but album sales are not venue sales.
Also I never hear a PJ song in Kohls, but that goddamn store is why I can't listen to I'm Amazed anymore.
I think the important point from a marketing standpoint is that you need a band that can span generations to sell out a stadium. That can happen one of two ways: you go all KOL and sign a deal with the devil (a/k/a a 360 deal that gives your creative control over to a marketing department unless you're Jay-Z) or you just put in the work and you endure long enough to actually reach out to new generations.
Part of PJ's ability to fill a stadium is because they hooked people like me who were in 5th grade when Ten came out, they hooked the guys who were 10 years older than me, and they likely hooked a bunch of kids in middle school (not an insult) 10 years after I was there.
The only way to do that is to make really good music.
On the flipside, U2 and Bon Jovi just pump out crap that moms can bring their daughters do and have a bonding moment together while screaming over some talentless hack.
QuoteI don't see them becoming an arena band. WILCO is a more popular than MMJ and they have managed to "keep it small".
I think Wilco has really dropped off the "mainstream" map lately. They were on for a while with Sky Blue Sky, but they seem to have taken the artistic route and buried themselves in Solid Sound and whatnot.
I think the test will be how radio and Entertainment Weekly handle the next album. If they splooge on it like EU, they'll definitely get a lot more prominence (no insults intended with that comment, it's just a by-product of self-generated buzz). If they deem it to be too artsy, out there, or not suited for a focus group in Minneola, then the band will just be as they are.
On an unrelated note, I consider Circuital to be a worthy Arena Rock song, not like OBH, but much in the same way as a Boston song (not Amanda)
QuoteWhat do y'all think, will MMJ at some point become labeled an Arena Band? I know I recently read an article somewhere...I think it was a review of the Ramble, that called them that...but I don't think they're quite there yet. But....do you think it's inevitable? Will they join the likes of U2, Rolling Stones, Pearl Jam, etc.?
I will continue to see them no matter where they play, and I'm not asking this question in a negative light, I don't feel it's necessarily a bad thing to be labeled as such. But...will we some day say "10 years ago I saw these guys in a small venue in NYC" or "I remember seeing them on NYE at the Fillmore". And I know there are plenty of folks who will be able to say....I saw these guys at the coffee shop in Louisville.
Thoughts?
It's possible, but I don't see it happening out west anytime soon. The last show they played in Portland was not sold out (Edgefield capacity = 5000). *updated capacity from first post
However, I once saw this band called Phish at Bogarts in Cincinnati (capacity at Bogarts = 1500ish). ;)
This is a really interesting question right now. I don't really think Wilco is appealing to any kind of mainstream audience and have no ambition to be. I think MMJ has the potential to draw a Kings Of Leon type of appeal but they have a Wilco mentality. Jim doesn't use as many hair products as kol, but just look at his thighs.
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...)
"Either way i cant see that meaning too much down here, it'll always be intimate venues for us!"
Great line.
If they do play arena shows it will be because something bent towards them rather than them bending towards something.
Quote
"Either way i cant see that meaning too much down here, it'll always be intimate venues for us!"
Great line.
If they do play arena shows it will be because something bent towards them rather than them bending towards something.
you said bend
QuoteQuote
"Either way i cant see that meaning too much down here, it'll always be intimate venues for us!"
Great line.
If they do play arena shows it will be because something bent towards them rather than them bending towards something.
you said bend
(http://images.cheezburger.com/completestore/2009/9/8/128969106948888995.jpg)
Quotethe 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.
QuoteQuotethe 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 (http://www.cainsballroom.com/), 423 North Main Street, Tulsa, OK, 918.584.2306.
QuoteQuoteQuotethe 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 (http://www.cainsballroom.com/), 423 North Main Street, Tulsa, OK, 918.584.2306.
we need to start a petition for you, Crispy
QuoteQuoteQuotethe 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 (http://www.cainsballroom.com/), 423 North Main Street, Tulsa, OK, 918.584.2306.
I'd go. Love to see a show there someday.
QuoteQuoteQuotethe 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 (http://www.cainsballroom.com/), 423 North Main Street, Tulsa, OK, 918.584.2306.
Please? :o
QuoteQuoteQuoteQuotethe 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 (http://www.cainsballroom.com/), 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'll bring the real beer. ;)
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.
QuoteI'll bring the real beer. ;)
Thank Jeebus.
QuoteQuoteQuoteQuoteQuotethe 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 (http://www.cainsballroom.com/), 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.
Quote(I cant speak for Muse as Im not familiar with them)
lucky you :)
also, well stated on all points you mentioned above. i agree
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.
QuoteYou 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.
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. :)
QuoteI 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!
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
I can kinda picture them kinda being like Wilco, legendary and prolific but still being able to play smaller venues.
I would be so cool with them having a Wilcoesque career trajectory.
QuoteI 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
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!
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.
Quote[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 (http://consumerist.com/2010/11/the-best-part-of-waking-up-is-wilco-in-your-cup.html)
Then again, if MMJ did that it'd probably only be the watered-down decaf version.
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).
QuoteWilco 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).
The only reason I'm drinking coffee from a Wilco+Intelligentsia mug right now is because MMJ hasn't sold one yet.
QuoteQuoteWilco 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).
The only reason I'm drinking coffee from a Wilco+Intelligentsia mug right now is because MMJ hasn't sold one yet.
My Morning Coffee! I'd buy it (and every time you open the pack, the cymbal opening for OBH plays)
(http://www.surfersam.com/funny-pictures/funny-pictures-morning-coffee.jpg)
Quote[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.
Wow Jersey just keeps popping up on this board. :)
I've never been to that theater but I'd be there in a heartbeat!
QuoteWilco 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. [highlight]Hope it's just a matter of time till MMJ figures out we fanatics will buy anything they slap their name on [/highlight] ;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).
My Morning After (Jacket) pill? :o
QuoteI 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!
Where do you live fellow Colo
RADan?
Given how much they seem to love touring and how much their reputation is based on their stellar live performances, I would say that if they keep up this pace, it is inevitable that they will be an "arena" band. Whether that is their intention or not is a different matter. However, I do think they are pretty hooked on being rock stars and they will do what it takes to keep the party going.
QuoteIt takes time. One day, yes. Look at Pearl Jam's rise.
U2 is a poor comparison because they also appeal to people with absolutely no taste in music, an easy-to-capture market
::) U2 was the first group of musicians to make me fall in love with music. I'm sure some of their fans don't have a real appreciation for music, but you could say that about most bands. As for Pearl Jam, they started off big and their fan base has never withered, so there was no rise. They've played sold out shows at arenas ever since I first saw them in '98... they attract all kinds of music fans. I don't know if MMJ will ever be like that, which is fine, perhaps it's better. But they certainly CAN rock an arena (and of course they have -- MSG).