Gig confirmations

noelindublin · Loudmouth

Gig confirmations

suss · In the Long Grass

For those that attend Rats gigs, or might want to, the risk of cancellation and wasted outlay always looms, and has been realised for many of us. This understandably leads to caution/delay in booking tickets, which in turn increases risk of cancellation. Vicious circle.

Reason I post is whilst browsing official site it was interesting to note that Biggleswade festival is highlighted on home page, yet there are potentially 5 gigs before that. Going via 'on tour' link it reveals two of those, both festivals.

Easy conclusion is a festival is far less prone to cancellation than a gig dependant on sales for one band, but begs question when is it 'safe' to book travel/hotels etc to see the band? Can we rely on official site to publicise the nailed on gigs (barring the unforeseeables such as illness obviously)??

In other words, does BTR get the nod when gig is confirmed and only then load details to official site? Is that the green light to book?

My other related point concerns promotion (had to look up spelling as it's not a word in Palace fan vocabulary). If I were a fan from way back living in south Wales or Yorkshire casually browsing I'd 'probably' seek out/find official site ahead of this forum (no offence obviously), and certainly ahead of RAM site. I'd therefore be oblivious to chance to see current Rats in Porth or Ripley respectively.

I'm intrigued whether site should actively promote all gigs (if it acknowledges current Rats at all, which it does, as opposed to being a nostalgia site only). I think it should, in hope of spreading the word, boosting sales and increasing likelihood of gig happening.

Would be interested to hear views of others, and see response from official site.

Should the official site list all gigs or should we rely on it for confirmed only?

Lisa · Mondo Bongo

I think all gigs should be listed. As you say, then more chance of spreading the word and more tickets being sold. And would be good if same gig info appeared on official site and RAM. When I first joined the forum seeking info about whether a gig was going ahead, one site listed it and one didn't which obviously leads to confusion (though I admit to being confused very easily!), but also pot-luck depending on which one you look at, though I try to keep an eye on both, time permitting

I agree festivals are a safer bet, took a risk with the Swindon gig, especially as had encouraged friends to buy tickets and book a weekend away, but fortunately went ahead. Overall I think more promotion is needed - am sure loads of people of a similar age to most of us would like the chance to hear the music again, even if they didn't count themselves as true Rat fans. And just more gigs please - in the south east preferably

Lisa · Mondo Bongo

noelindublin wrote:
I think most of the Rats gigs take place in shall we say, less fashionable provincial towns, where the bulk of the audience will be fairly local and most likely will have heard or read about the gig in local media-any 'travelling support' will be quite small in number.

Maybe, as Suss seems to be the main travelling support, he could wear a t-shirt with a special write on/wipe off covering, and then he could advertise them wherever he went! Just an idea. Also, as well as our forum t-shirts, perhaps we could have some badges that we could wear/give out, and some car stickers too, and, well the possibilities are endless ........

ArrGee · Back To Boomtown

You will have to contact BTR aka Chris. He does have contact details on his site.
I do put dates up on my blog when I hear of them, but I suspect few read there.
The only Rats/Geldof gig I have got tickets long in advance for was the 100 club date as I expected there would be a lot of demand. There wasn't!
I have to admit Geldof/Rats is like a secret world. But for this forum, I'd not know either were a going concern.

BTR · Tonight

Hi Suss,

Gigs listed on the BTR website are the confirmed gigs.

PB's website includes unconfirmed gigs and dates of unavailability so that promoters can see when the Rats are available/unavailable should they want to book the band.

noelindublin · Loudmouth

On a micro scale wonder how the gig in Ripley, Yorks would be promoted? Or the one in Porth, Wales. Must admit had to reach for Google maps to find out if these towns were nearer any bigger, well known towns like Leeds or Cardiff?

I'm just curious as to how the gigs are promoted. How would one try to ensure they are sellouts? Is it all hit and miss or more targeted 'marketing'.

I have always felt promoting gigs imaginatively was very important, so wonder how its done for small gigs like the Rats.

I doubt there will be a problem selling the Dublin gig, but knowing the Rats awkward relationship will Ireland who can tell. BTW Whelans capacity is 400.

suss · In the Long Grass

BTR wrote:
Hi Suss,
Gigs listed on the BTR website are the confirmed gigs.
PB's website includes unconfirmed gigs and dates of unavailability so that promoters can see when the Rats are available/unavailable should they want to book the band.

Thanks mate. My next quesion has to be so what constitutes confirmed??

Given that Porth is 8 weeks away, not that long, and tickets are on sale I'd consider that as either 'confirmed' or in desperate need of someone admitting it is. Surely advertising tickets means the promoter thinks he's in business?

If so, then the chances of boosting sales must be increased by referencing on official site, IMHO obviously. Would also help many of us in decision to spend or not to spend.

Is there some reserve sales number that has to be hit before it's fully confirmed? Again, seems counter productive to me if gigs are kept under wraps until 50 locals who've seen posters in these smallish towns shell out and make it viable. Do you get a message to say 'confirmed'?

Won't pretend too many people will venture too far to see band, but awareness might yield half a dozen more than blissful ignorance. Official site is the one place I'd expect to find details. 'Boomtown Rats' facebook page also rarely promotes but again might make the diference in sales that prevent cancellations. Not having a pop I hasten to add, just puzzled, and can't help thinking they're missed opportunities.

Happy to discuss via email or PM if you prefer but thought others might want to join debate, hence post.

BTR · Tonight

suss wrote:
BTR wrote:
Hi Suss,
Gigs listed on the BTR website are the confirmed gigs.
PB's website includes unconfirmed gigs and dates of unavailability so that promoters can see when the Rats are available/unavailable should they want to book the band.
Thanks mate. My next quesion has to be so what constitutes confirmed??

Contracts signed and returned.

suss · In the Long Grass

Sorry, should have made question more specific. I know about contract angle; perhaps question should have been what conditions come into play, if any, to ensure contract is fulfilled.

Put simply, are they signed based on fees alone, or do ticket sales come into the equation? If so, at what point? Are the band entitled to pull out if ten punters have booked even if promoter says he'll pay. Similarly is promoter obliged if band want to play for ten people (i.e. he's on a big loss)?

Feel free to say it's none of our business. My sole reason for asking is to get a better idea of when to commit money to a gig, with the side chicken/egg question about promotion.

Thanks for replying.

BTR · Tonight

suss wrote:
Sorry, should have made question more specific. I know about contract angle; perhaps question should have been what conditions come into play, if any, to ensure contract is fulfilled.
Put simply, are they signed based on fees alone, or do ticket sales come into the equation? If so, at what point? Are the band entitled to pull out if ten punters have booked even if promoter says he'll pay. Similarly is promoter obliged if band want to play for ten people (i.e. he's on a big loss)?
Feel free to say it's none of our business. My sole reason for asking is to get a better idea of when to commit money to a gig, with the side chicken/egg question about promotion.
Thanks for replying.

From the point of view of the band, they don't specify X number of tickets have to be sold - they will play regardless of ticket sales as they would never want to let anyone down and they love playing gigs.

However, a promoter might pull a gig by any band for any number of reasons that are outside the control of any bands.

For any gig by any artist, I would say to buy tickets as early as possible and then a promoter would be less likely to cancel a gig.

suss · In the Long Grass

BTR wrote:
I would say to buy tickets as early as possible and then a promoter would be less likely to cancel a gig.

Quite agree, hence the persistent query about promotion.

I think we've concluded that other not necessarily refundable costs (saver hotels/rail fares etc) are best held back until official site publishes, as that means it's confirmed. Whether the good deals are still on offer that late is a chance we take I guess.

Thanks for getting back and addressing some of the queries smile

noelindublin · Loudmouth

The Ripley gig on August 11 is well within the catchment area of Leeds, Bradford, York and very close to Harrogate so anyone wishing to target an audience should be looking in this area.

Not commenting on the business side of the Rats, in general the music industry can seem quite mysterious in its business dealings.All genuine Rats fans wish that all the gigs would sell out, and that everything is being done to promote them ,and that fans aren't left feeling badly dealt with through late cancellations.

Maybe having a back up plan is a good idea, so those planning to go to Ripley might like to bring their hiking boots, as the Yorkshire Dales National Park is close at hand.Just watch out for suspicious characters asking 'Are You local?

-- Edited by noelindublin on Monday 5th of March 2012 01:35:38 PM

ArrGee · Back To Boomtown

suss wrote:
'Boomtown Rats' facebook page also rarely promotes..

Is there one?

Although I take the point about booking tickets in advance, I suspect many don't as they have had Geldof and The Rats both cancel gigs, some of them very late in the day. I am amazed that promoters rarely bother to look for fourms or websites to promote their gigs. Only one ever did was Perth Concert Hall with a nice freebie a few years ago ...

http://boomtownrats.activeboard.com/t4922168/free-tickets-for-fans-perth-gig/

BTR · Tonight

Arrgee, you could add this code to the forum etc.

-- Edited by BTR on Tuesday 6th of March 2012 02:45:35 AM

ArrGee · Back To Boomtown

noelindublin wrote:
...having a back up plan is a good idea

...hence my policy of never venturing outside city limits. I never have backup plans!

When I was living in Paris and I got the sack a few weeks before I was due to see Bowie and was in Amsterdam instead.

Will leave booking my Dublin flight until September time. BTW Ryanair have the May flights up now. About £60-£70 for weekend return on weekend of 19th May.

suss · In the Long Grass

ArrGee wrote:
suss wrote:
'Boomtown Rats' facebook page also rarely promotes..
Is there one?

Run in conjunction with official website

https://www.facebook.com/boomtownrats?sk=info

ArrGee · Back To Boomtown

BTR wrote:
Arrgee, you could add this code to the forum etc.

Added to blog, but forum doesn't allow inline HTML. Have put it in news item and on control bar.

ArrGee1991 · Dave

Lisa wrote:
So am I always going to get Forum News displayed when I log in with all the gigs listed? When I click Show All, I get stuff dating back to 2007 - was it always there?

No, you can clear it (see bottom right of message - Dismiss News Item)

Yes, there has been news since 2007. Not much, but a bit.

I'd like to pop a simple list up, but alas I don't have the technology available on this forum. However, http://theboomtownrats.blogspot.com/ does.

-- Edited by ArrGee on Tuesday 6th of March 2012 10:33:44 AM

Lisa · Mondo Bongo

So am I always going to get Forum News displayed when I log in with all the gigs listed? When I click Show All, I get stuff dating back to 2007 - was it always there? Sorry any new techie stuff confuses me! But great if gigs are going to be listed here, am not on Facebook and really want to hold out as don't want to get sucked into anything else! Must admit to being on myspace - yeah I know that's so yesterday, and no one else uses it. Sent a message a year ago to the Rats via that - never been read, I think their last log-in was August 2010!! Anyway I digress - just want it kept simple really, and all gigs listed on official website or here would be great.

So Wales, Scotland, or Biggleswade? So many to choose from, decisions, decisions ...

Has any one ever heard of Biggleswade???

Lisa · Mondo Bongo

That's great, thanks. Didn't want to clear it - just worried it was only there temporarily and might not appear again! And then I'd be worried about what I was missing out on

ArrGee1991 · Dave

Try clicking on "Live Dates" - That is the best I can do

suss · In the Long Grass

Lisa wrote:
as Suss seems to be the main travelling support

Should point out that Wes goes to 90 odd % and has, unlike me, been going right from the Rats renaissance, and there are others (Mark and Kay spring to mind) who go pretty much everywhere, including abroad.

The more the merrier is all I can say...

ArrGee · Back To Boomtown

suss wrote:
Lisa wrote:
as Suss seems to be the main travelling support
Should point out that Wes goes to 90 odd % and has, unlike me, been going right from the Rats renaissance, and there are others (Mark and Kay spring to mind) who go pretty much everywhere, including abroad.
The more the merrier is all I can say...

I admire the devotion of you all. I used to think I was a big fan, but I've been exposed as a bit of a lightweight in recent years. But I have never travelled for gigs. Whyteleafe is as far as I've ever gone.

I suspect that is because living in London, every band comes here, so there is no need to travel. I used to travel a lot following Arsenal up until 6 years ago, but these days I'm more of an armchair fan. Just two home games this season, tsk, tsk.

suss · In the Long Grass

ArrGee wrote:
I used to think I was a big fan, but I've been exposed as a bit of a lightweight in recent years. But I have never travelled for gigs. Whyteleafe is as far as I've ever gone.
I suspect that is because living in London, every band comes here, so there is no need to travel. I used to travel a lot following Arsenal up until 6 years ago, but these days I'm more of an armchair fan. Just two home games this season, tsk, tsk.

Interestingly, or perhaps not smile , I've pretty much replaced a football obsession with one for gigging in last couple of years. Was a time when I'd get to 40 games a season (never did manage every home and away in a season cry , just one or the other at best). Since marriage and especially kids that's been more like 30 games tops, but I've become increasingly disillusioned with the footy. At least with gigs you're 'almost' guaranteed a strong performance every time. If there's a conflict with gig versus home game it's a no-brainer for me nowadays.

Appreciate I'm lucky to have continued income and a very understanding wife, but I travel for gigs with much same intentions as with football. Chance to experience somewhere new, different accents, attitudes, etc etc etc, with the bonus of an event in the middle of it all. For me it was never all about get there, see the show, get home.

Can all be done "relatively" cheaply booked in advance (e.g. £100 to fly to Dublin, prob best part of that to drive car to Manchester and back nowadays), which is why I'm keen to know about confirmations.

I'm more than happy to share travel costs in car for UK gigs if anyone on here wants to travel from London region anytime, or think they're en route from London.

ArrGee · Back To Boomtown

suss wrote:
For me it was never all about get there, see the show, get home.

That's normally my plan, but the getting home part was often optional, especially when I crashed the after-show party. I have woken up on many sofas down the years.

suss · In the Long Grass

Another one for the diary (in pencil until it's confirmed) is a rearranged Manchester (Prestwich) gig - 21/12, so no rush....I'll get my coat.

suss · In the Long Grass

Looks like Braintree 4/8 has bitten dust. Shame, fairly local for me.

ArrGee · Back To Boomtown

suss wrote:
Looks like Braintree 4/8 has bitten dust. Shame, fairly local for me.

Oh dear, that was the one that was going to break my M25 duck. I'll just go the whole hog now and go to Dublin in December.

Lisa · Mondo Bongo

ArrGee wrote:
suss wrote:
Looks like Braintree 4/8 has bitten dust. Shame, fairly local for me.
Oh dear, that was the one that was going to break my M25 duck. I'll just go the whole hog now and go to Dublin in December.

Well if you fancy an M25 coach tour to compensate .......

http://uk.cars.yahoo.com/news/highway-to-heaven--m25-coach-tour-that-sets-out-to-make-you-love-britain-s-most-maligned-motorway.html