Well, the blog's popularity is growing and growing! On Friday, we had a record 72 hits (Kudos, everyone!), and we recently gained out first follower (Thanks to The Damn Nation for following us!) So, I figured now is the right time to pull the trigger on a new addition to the blog!
So, you may have noticed to your left that we have a poll on the blog now! It's bright red so you won't miss it! For the first question, I decided on a topic that has a lot of relevance to the frustrations of many of the metalheads in the area: Attendance at concerts. Most metal shows that come through here don't get amazingly high crowds. It's a problem that has came up more than once, and led to a lot of discussion over what to do in response.
But I'd love to hear from you guys as to what you think. So, I pose the question to you: What do you think is the biggest reason that many fans don't go to metal concerts in Sault Ontario? I've gave 11 options to vote from, so let me go over each one quickly to explain why they're a choice in the poll.
Don't like the bands - Some people don't like many bands that come here, and as a result, won't pay to see them. Would you say this is an issue of lack of support or pickiness, or could bookers get some different types of bands to raise attendance?
Friend's band isn't playing - Yes, some people decide not to go to shows because none of their friends are among the performers. I've heard this excuse a lot, but is it a big enough issue that it needs to be focused on?
General laziness - I'm the first person to say this ISN'T the reason, but there's a few people in the Sault that believe that others won't go to shows because they're too lazy. I don't agree, but would you say that about people who don't attend local concerts?
High ticket prices - Not every local show can be paid for with a ten dollar bill, and that's where many fans opt not to attend. However, high ticket prices are often needed depending on the size of the band. Can cheaper admission rates help, or is that unrealistic?
Lack of alcohol license - Lots of you like to have a beer at a local show, that's no big deal. But what happens if there's no alcohol at all, or they cancel it from a show? There are people that won't go for that reason. Is this at all a concern for attendance?
Minimal advertising - In the Internet age, that's where many of us get our concert info. Posters still appear in town here & there, but not at high levels like they once were. Can attendance be helped through increased advertising, or is that behind us now?
Not many big name artists - Some people decided whether to go or not by if they've heard of the band, or if they're big enough to warrant buying a ticket. Do promoters need to get better known bands, or is this a problem with fans being unsupportive of developing talent?
Quality of venue - There are plenty of concert spots in Sault Ontario, but many fans won't go if they don't like where a show is held (i.e. The Oddfellows isn't as high end as The Grand, etc). Is location at all a key for attendance?
Staff & security crackdowns - There's a few people who won't go to a show due to restrictiveness & rules set up by staff, organizers, and/or security. But, it's often needed for a safe concert environment. This isn't at every show, but is it worth looking into?
Underage restrictions - I've heard this problem a lot, that there's too many shows that aren't all ages. Truth be told, most 19+ shows I've attended weren't packed, but then again, most shows here are all ages. At least in terms of 19+ shows, is this a concern to discuss?
Other - Got another belief that isn't a choice? Vote for other, and tell us what you think is the biggest problem with a comment on this post!
So yeah, I'd love to hear what you guys have to say on this issue! Hopefully we'll get some worthwhile adult discussion and info about why attendance isn't great at many local metal shows!
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