Bill Kelliher, the talented guitarist of the heavy metal band Mastodon, is not shy about addressing the “irreparable damage” that the music industry has endured over the past few years. During a candid discussion on “The Break Down with Nath & Johnny” podcast, Kelliher pulled back the curtain on the harsh realities musicians face today, especially in the aftermath of the pandemic and the economic shifts that have rocked the industry.
The past few years have seen a chorus of musicians voicing their frustrations about the unforgiving landscape of the music business. Economic turmoil, fueled by the pandemic, has compounded existing challenges like the rise of streaming services and the gradual disappearance of intimate live music venues. Unfortunately, these factors hit smaller acts the hardest, but no band has emerged unscathed.
Kelliher explained how the pandemic created a ripple effect that impacted every aspect of the industry. “During COVID, no one toured, and a lot of places shut down,” he recounted. “A lot of people changed careers. Everyone’s scrambling for money. It was a f**king disaster. The trickle-down effect of supply and demand—petrol, gas—it all trickles down to economics.”
The impact on touring was evident, particularly for Mastodon. Kelliher elaborated on the logistical nightmare of European tours, where expenses can quickly outweigh potential profits. “Everything relies on transportation,” he noted. “Especially for our band, we had to turn down a couple of tours in Europe just because we were going to basically break even. We have the biggest production we’ve ever had, but in Europe, it’s much harder to pull off.”
He pointed out that high fuel costs and limited transportation options make European touring especially challenging. “The trucks are much smaller, so we’d have to get double the amount of trucks we have over here. And then, the drivers are hard to find,” he added, emphasizing the complications of taking their show abroad.
When comparing touring in Europe to the U.S., Kelliher highlighted a significant disparity in production capabilities. “We can’t have the huge production that we have in the States. If you go over there with a backdrop, you could make some money. But if you bring lasers, a video wall, and all your crew and techs, you can’t do that.” The reality is that fans often don’t grasp these logistical challenges. “The crowds are going to be like, ‘Oh, why don’t you have that here?’ And they’re not gonna comprehend what I just told you.”
Despite the challenges, Kelliher remains optimistic about the industry’s recovery, acknowledging that things are starting to bounce back. However, he warns that the damage done is significant and lasting. “There’s definitely irreparable damage done to the whole industry,” he stated.
As artists adapt to the new landscape, many have resorted to creative hustles to make ends meet. Kelliher shared his own journey: “I’ve always been a hustler, even before Mastodon. I don’t have a college education, never took guitar lessons. I’m just a fucking dude from the streets, and it’s like, ‘How do we make money?’ Sell stuff, sign stuff, play the guitar on stage, and sell it.”
This shift in mindset is often lost on fans. Kelliher explained, “A lot of people don’t understand, out in the audience. You know, they go to the merch stand, and they’re like, ‘Wow, their t-shirts are $60, they’re just raking us over the coals.’ Let me explain the details.” He elaborated that venues typically take 20 to 30 percent off merch sales, a practice that many believe is unjustified. “If you play with a bigger band, like Slayer or Metallica, the price matches with their shirts. So, there’s a lot of things that are hidden from the general public.”
In shedding light on these issues, Kelliher invites fans to see the struggle behind the scenes. The music industry may be on the mend, but as Mastodon continues to navigate this challenging landscape, it’s clear that the hustle never stops. Kelliher’s insights serve as a reminder that behind every ticket sold and every T-shirt purchased, there’s a musician working tirelessly to keep the music alive.
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