There is no hiding it, I love 80s rock music. The bigger the hair and the shinier the leopard print vest the better. However I can’t help but feel us Aussies are being ripped off by our indignant isolation.
For artists to come ‘down under’ to Australia it involves a lot of time, money and resources. The sheer isolation of our continent to the rest of the world is enough to deter touring artists from coming here, or at the very least scale back their show production due to the logistics. This is a real issue for me as most 80’s rock metal makers require a full scale production to showcase their enormous talent (enormous enough to match their egos and hair!)
For example, not being able to see Poison’s world tour of the 80s the way it was intended, could severely alter the way they are represented and thus taken in by the audiences. It is common theory, that the foundations of rock and roll are embedded in the live performance and production of place. The distance of Australia from the rest of the world will thus affect this relationship and the central connectivity to the audience.
Tours like Bon Jovi’s Slippery When Wet and Motley Crue’s Girls Girls Girls are examples of this scaling back idea when it comes to Australia. The pyrotechnics and acrobatics of both tours were not reproduced for Australian audiences due to the high costs of insurance and legal frameworks. These details were commented on by the band in the VH1 series, Behind the Band Bon Jovi. It is these important characteristics of their show and persona that makes Bon Jovi and Motley Crue who they are. Without that, they may as well be a covers band, playing at the RSL, wearing spandex.
The recent sell out of the ACDC Black Ice tour set for February next year is an example of how in demand these types of all out productions are, with audiences promised a no holds bar extravaganza from the Back in Black foursome. This really highlights the current demand for such ‘stage show’ productions. Let’s just hope that my glittery 8o’s rock heroes have taken note and recognize that there truly is a call for large scale gigs. As Brian Johnson, the lead singer from AC/DC stated – we give our fans a pub gig – except ours is on steroids!
For artists to come ‘down under’ to Australia it involves a lot of time, money and resources. The sheer isolation of our continent to the rest of the world is enough to deter touring artists from coming here, or at the very least scale back their show production due to the logistics. This is a real issue for me as most 80’s rock metal makers require a full scale production to showcase their enormous talent (enormous enough to match their egos and hair!)
For example, not being able to see Poison’s world tour of the 80s the way it was intended, could severely alter the way they are represented and thus taken in by the audiences. It is common theory, that the foundations of rock and roll are embedded in the live performance and production of place. The distance of Australia from the rest of the world will thus affect this relationship and the central connectivity to the audience.
Tours like Bon Jovi’s Slippery When Wet and Motley Crue’s Girls Girls Girls are examples of this scaling back idea when it comes to Australia. The pyrotechnics and acrobatics of both tours were not reproduced for Australian audiences due to the high costs of insurance and legal frameworks. These details were commented on by the band in the VH1 series, Behind the Band Bon Jovi. It is these important characteristics of their show and persona that makes Bon Jovi and Motley Crue who they are. Without that, they may as well be a covers band, playing at the RSL, wearing spandex.
The recent sell out of the ACDC Black Ice tour set for February next year is an example of how in demand these types of all out productions are, with audiences promised a no holds bar extravaganza from the Back in Black foursome. This really highlights the current demand for such ‘stage show’ productions. Let’s just hope that my glittery 8o’s rock heroes have taken note and recognize that there truly is a call for large scale gigs. As Brian Johnson, the lead singer from AC/DC stated – we give our fans a pub gig – except ours is on steroids!
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It's interesting to observe that in juxtaposition to Grunge, Punk and other genres requiring or even demanding bare bones production for the liver performance, this may actually benefit their authenticity in live performance and their credibility. Whereas Hair Metal and Glam rock groups are dependent on the fanfare and drama of the stage show, other rockers in the genre simply make do.
ReplyDeletePerhaps the sheer amount of fanfare and the stuffiness of a genre constantly overblowing its own limits and ridiculous standards is what ultimately contributed to its fall in the 80's? It might also explain the rarity of such shows by such bands through to the present? Such theatrics are expensive, you are certainly on the mark there.
I agree that it's too bad more bands don't go 'all out' in their Australian tours. Live performances are long awaited expensive for Australians that don't get to see the big names coming to 'a city near them' very often. It can almost be a disappointment if compared to the same gig in other countries (US for example). I think that even though it may be a little harder or a little more expensive for bands to recreate the same theatrics, it is important to communicate to the fans that they may only come once in a while so they'll make sure its good. By toning down they actual send the message that "our music is not as important here". Well I would disagree, music is very important to Australians and they deserve better!
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