GOJIRA Followers Complaining About Merch Costs Are Misinformed And It is One thing We Ought to Focus on

As you might know, Gojira have not too long ago discovered themselves within the sizzling seat when a bitter UK live performance attendee took a photograph of their merch listing, and blasted the band over the costs. Since then, many metalheads adopted go well with, voicing their opinions on the matter and dragging the band down with phrases like “disgusting,” “greedy,” and “pompous.” However this is the factor – I really feel these of us should not solely misinformed, however reckless to tug a band’s good title down for one thing that is solely a portion of a a lot greater dialog we needs to be having. 

I really like Gojira and have been watching them reside on each tour since they first set foot within the US again in 2006. So in an effort to be an understanding fan, I will do my greatest to clarify my place by breaking this down. That is after all my opinion, primarily based on my years of expertise on this trade, however take it as you’ll. 

The Band Members Aren’t Accountable For The Pricing

In what world do you really imagine Joe Duplantier is sitting backstage questioning what he appears like charging you every night time? Each expertise I’ve ever had with the person would lead me to imagine he’d desire to present it to his followers without spending a dime if it was a viable method of sustaining The Gojira Firm. Which in all probability employs near 100 individuals on any given night time, by the best way. The reality is, there are a dozen variables and companies that go into figuring out pricing primarily based on prices, together with labels, administration, venues, crew,, promoters, manufacturing, and a lot extra. I guarantee you the band members are to not blame, and utilizing their band title as an umbrella time period to your ailment is a bogus factor to do. 

Merch Cuts Are Nonetheless A Factor, And Larger Than Ever

If you happen to’re not conscious, venues are notorious for taking merch cuts from each band that performs on their stage. I am not totally certain when this priority came about, but it surely’s ongoing and stays a relentless criticism amongst touring bands. If a band is fortunate, they may lose solely 20% of their merch gross sales going towards the venue, however this yr we’re seeing extra bands complain in regards to the hike in cuts – some going as excessive as 47%. This naturally has a extreme impression on the bands (within the model/firm sense) and so they don’t have any selection however to lift their merch costs to offset the prices of delivery, printing, the venue charges, and shirt manufacturing. Let’s not overlook that merch gross sales are successfully the one method for bands to interrupt even today. 

Inflation Is World Vast And Everybody Is Nonetheless Taking A Lower

You already know this, and all of us really feel it. Though your paycheck might stay the identical post-quarantine, the costs on practically the whole lot from housing, flights and automobiles to easy manufactured items have gone up. This contains practically the whole lot a touring band requires to remain on the highway together with gas, and a world vast tour bus scarcity that has brought on costs to soar past means. It is the brand new motive many excursions are pressured into cancellation, and one thing not sufficient persons are discussing an answer for. Bands who’re fortunate sufficient to discover a bus, are paying premium costs today simply to make it to work. Think about your commute to work all of the sudden went up 500%, that may change issues a bit for you, I am certain. 

Gojira’s Merch Costs Aren’t That Unhealthy

I do know it is taboo for a metallic head to enterprise exterior of the style. I personally do not do it a lot myself, however I’m all about life experiences. I’ve personally been to chunk of non-metal reveals as a result of I wish to dip in and see how issues work on the earth, even when I do not like them or perceive them. That mentioned, I may let you know first hand £40 for a shirt from one in every of your favourite metallic bands is just not “disgustingly expensive” however an precise cut price while you evaluate it to the larger artists of different genres. I’ve even witnessed rock bands cost twice as a lot at venues like MSG, pre-pandemic. Meals for thought. 

Gojira Prints On Natural Eco-Pleasant Shirts

In case you have not observed, Gojira are males of motion, particularly in the case of the surroundings. Joe Duplantier is a proud vegan, animal rights activist, an Amazonia conservationist, amongst many different acts of altruism he is displayed over time. Naturally, this has discovered  its solution to the standard of merch they provide to their fanbase. The band has been recognized to print on Natural Eco-friendly shirts which might be higher to your well being, the surroundings, biodiversity, and water conservation. Naturally, this premium high quality comes at a worth that’s a lot greater than your customary T shirt. The truth is, GOTS-certified natural cotton merchandise are typically 20-30% dearer than standard cotton which impacts what manufacturers are in a position to promote their merchandise for. 

Conclusion

Merely put, bands are at present confronted with the most important challenges we have seen in touring historical past. If artists aren’t in a position to assist their staff and even themselves, they might be pressured to cease. Then all of us undergo. I am not saying everybody should purchase merch, but it surely definitely helps the artists keep on the highway throughout essentially the most making an attempt occasions of their profession. 

On the very least, nobody needs to be shaming a band for his or her merch costs, however as a substitute applaud their resilience to proceed. In spite of everything, if you cannot afford it, that is fully comprehensible. However do not blame the band for doing what they should do with a purpose to carry out for you.