Just days before the first leg of the European tour Weezer puuled out. Not only disapointing many fans but also leaving many out of pocket too. The Official explanation, coming from Karl at weezer.com, was a finacial comitment not met by the record comany. Check out Karls responce to my e-mail. Personally I find it hard to swallow. Rivers has recently taken over the full time management of the band after firing long term management. I understand the complications of air travel post-terrorist attacks. However, the band will now use the time to tour America again, 4th set of gigs within a year. And remember the hijacked planes were internal American flights, not internation ones. I believe that a bands number 1 commitment should be to the fans, and European fans are just as important to a band like Weezer. British fans may not compete in number, but their commitment to the band is equal. Plus fans over here are what I would call hardcore, there isn't the reaction currently being felt in America of a teeny-bopper audience, Weezer are respected and percieved as a rock band not a "boy-band". Even if the "postponed" tour over here was run on a loss, the subsequant media atention and increased profile whould have pushed single sales inevitably up, more fans would buy the album, therefore greater royalties. There is now a danger of a anti-weezer feeling, and long term European fans may feel margionalised. I simply think that the bad feeling surrounding this descion could mean a lot more trouble than an unprofitable month of touring. My personal situation is that twice in 6 months I have bought numerous tickets, and I have lost my own money because credit card charges and booking fees are non-compensatory. On top of this are travel tickets and work arrangements that were for nothing.So as well as pissed off, I am out of pocket. Once is annoying, twice is really unacceptable. The Manchester and Glasgow shows should have been top-priority, especially after cancelling to film a video that was later rejected. Filming was even started later and gigs could have been played afterall!
Anyway, that is my personal attitude. But I would be especially interested to hear your points of view. As well as the poll at the bottom, there is an oppertunity to have your say. Record your comments on this specific matter, and I will endevour to post the different views. If you are mad, angry, upset or on the otherhand disagree with me, get it recorded. Everyones personal statement is valid, but please try and have a direct argument. Anyone who simply bashes European fans will get short shrift. I will start recording your arguments, click here to see current entries. Either use the form below or e-mail me at [email protected]. I will look forward to your individual stories and input. |
