In a recent interview with The Break Down With Nath & JohnnyMastodon guitarist Bill Kelliher shared his views on the growing economic challenges facing musicians since the pandemic. Between increasing travel costs, logistical constraints in Europe and commissions imposed by concert venues on merchandising revenues, Kelliher describes a music industry fighting for its survival.
A difficult return after the pandemic
For several years, many musicians have testified to an increasingly ruthless sector, exacerbated by the economic repercussions of the pandemic. According to Kelliher, who toured with Mastodon during theAshes Of Leviathan Tour alongside Lamb Of God, the health crisis has not only interrupted touring, it has also pushed many technicians and entertainment professionals to change careers. “During COVID, no one was filming, a lot of places closed, and a lot of people changed jobs. It was a fucking disaster,” he confides.
The economic impact has also led to a sharp rise in logistics costs for touring. Kelliher notes that Europe presents unique challenges: “Fuel is much more expensive, the trucks are smaller, so we need twice as much, and it’s difficult to find drivers.” A situation so complex that Mastodon had to give up certain European tours, unable to hope for a satisfactory financial return.
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Financial pressure on artists
Kelliher expresses her frustration with a situation that is little known to the public: “Viewers wonder why we don’t bring the same effects to Europe as in the United States, like the video wall and lasers. But we can’t afford to come to Europe for a month and not earn anything.” Although conditions are gradually improving, he considers that the sector is suffering the after-effects of “irreparable damage”.
Furthermore, revenues from derivative products sold during concerts are also being undermined. “Theatres take 20 to 30 percent of your merchandising money, even though they have nothing to do with it,” he emphasizes. Furthermore, when Mastodon shares the bill with big names like Metallica or Iron Maiden, it is often required to align the prices of their derivative products with those of the headliners, which further reduces their margin.
Mastodon, a group in full evolution
Despite these challenges, Mastodon continues its creative journey with ambitious projects. Their latest album Hushed And Grima double LP produced by David Bottrill, was widely praised, particularly for the title Pushing The Tidesnominated for a Grammy Award. Most recently, the band collaborated with Lamb Of God on the single Floods Of Tritonrecorded in their own studio in Atlanta and produced with Tyler Bates, known for his soundtrack compositions.
Kelliher points out, however, that adaptation is now crucial to surviving in the music industry: “People are finding different ways to make money. You have to adapt, sell, sign things, play the guitar on stage and then sell it. That’s what musicians do today.”
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