The Biggest Challenge For Live's Future Success Is... Options

[FishOutaWater]

I'd buy tickets to that show. All day.

Yeah baby! So we have at least two of us!

Even if CCP are cooking up something with Candlebox, and for all I know that could be very possible because it has been mentioned by Kevin, then I would like to give them my suggestion for branding and promoting that tour as the "Working-Class Rock Revolution" or something like that. They need something more than just "Hey.. Live with a new lead singer you never heard of and Candlebox who had one hit song are going on a biker bar tour." And I'm sorry, releasing Hold Me Up is not going to be the messiah for Live. They need a hook.

Just to tie this into the Ed deception thread - look at what Ed is doing. He is a master at this. He has the "I Alone" Tour by Ed Kowalczyk of Live. He has done so many interviews on TV, newspapers, radio, You Tube, Blogs, I can't even count them all. Ed launched his website over night, and when he did, he had a blog, a store, bootleg recordings, and a free fan club membership (from which he undoubtedly collected valuable contact informatoin from fans for promotion). His angle may be a deceptive angle, but Ed has identified an angle and he is milking it. He has clearly put some forethought into his approach and he is managing it well. I love Live and I love Adam Taylor, but look at how Live has managed the announcement of the new lead singer and launch of the new website. There is nothing on that site and no activity. Even the hard core fans who signed up within an hour of its launch have stopped going to the site because there is nothing there. I am trying to blog my a$$ off on my site to try and keep some content going and to try and gin up some interest in the site and in Live, and the official channels are dying on the vine.

I hate to be a broken record. I just want to see some well orchestrated, well-thought-out stuff happening to get this show onthe road.

[+Ed+]

Ever thought that Kowalczyk has a pile of specialists working for him, Fish?

[OutToDry]

Couldn't they do what I described with Candlebox, TGF, Live and perhaps an undercard of a band singed to Questionable? They would all control their own destiny.

a lot of folks would like that but its relative to timelines and cb's tour. I think at some point we could get that bill, I'm not sure that's in the immediate offing.

[OutToDry]

I think Candlebox is the logical choice. Even if TGF isn't an official part of the bill they could do short sets each night. Heck have Lotus Crush open the show and the C-Box guys can pull double duty too.

It seems so simple and perfect that I'm sure something stupid and contractual is preventing it.

I believe Live will headline a tour with an opening act (of Lives choosing) as their first step back.

[World Dreamer]

I believe Live will headline a tour with an opening act (of Lives choosing) as their first step back.

I heard there is a new band called Eddie K and the Deceivers that could use a hand getting some recognition.

[OutToDry]

Yeah baby! So we have at least two of us!

Even if CCP are cooking up something with Candlebox, and for all I know that could be very possible because it has been mentioned by Kevin, then I would like to give them my suggestion for branding and promoting that tour as the "Working-Class Rock Revolution" or something like that. They need something more than just "Hey.. Live with a new lead singer you never heard of and Candlebox who had one hit song are going on a biker bar tour." And I'm sorry, releasing Hold Me Up is not going to be the messiah for Live. They need a hook.

Just to tie this into the Ed deception thread - look at what Ed is doing. He is a master at this. He has the "I Alone" Tour by Ed Kowalczyk of Live. He has done so many interviews on TV, newspapers, radio, You Tube, Blogs, I can't even count them all. Ed launched his website over night, and when he did, he had a blog, a store, bootleg recordings, and a free fan club membership (from which he undoubtedly collected valuable contact informatoin from fans for promotion). His angle may be a deceptive angle, but Ed has identified an angle and he is milking it. He has clearly put some forethought into his approach and he is managing it well. I love Live and I love Adam Taylor, but look at how Live has managed the announcement of the new lead singer and launch of the new website. There is nothing on that site and no activity. Even the hard core fans who signed up within an hour of its launch have stopped going to the site because there is nothing there. I am trying to blog my a$$ off on my site to try and keep some content going and to try and gin up some interest in the site and in Live, and the official channels are dying on the vine.

I hate to be a broken record. I just want to see some well orchestrated, well-thought-out stuff happening to get this show onthe road.

You flipping out again?

Lives Facebook likes are back to 85 a day for the past 2 weeks after stalling for a month. People will come. They are going to do it when they're ready.......

[OutToDry]

I heard there is a new band called Eddie K and the Deceivers that could use a hand getting some recognition.

I don't think there is a budget to cover the singers tour rider.

[Good_Pain]

I may have a T-shirt made up for Eddie K and The Deceivers, maybe I need to license that name as it seems to be gaining traction

[possum]

I don't think there is a budget to cover the singers tour rider.

Although I hear he's a devout Christian so he has to be a stand up guy. Right?

[possum]

I may have a T-shirt made up for Eddie K and The Deceivers, maybe I need to license that name as it seems to be gaining traction

Once it takes off Eddie K will then steal the license from you in a secret contract.

[OutToDry]

Although I hear he's a devout Christian so he has to be a stand up guy. Right?

I don't believe this christian angle whatsoever. It's all part of a business plan.

[Good_Pain]

Amen OTD, preach on brother (Yes puns fully intended )

[themaestro]

Yeah baby! So we have at least two of us!

Even if CCP are cooking up something with Candlebox, and for all I know that could be very possible because it has been mentioned by Kevin, then I would like to give them my suggestion for branding and promoting that tour as the "Working-Class Rock Revolution" or something like that. They need something more than just "Hey.. Live with a new lead singer you never heard of and Candlebox who had one hit song are going on a biker bar tour." And I'm sorry, releasing Hold Me Up is not going to be the messiah for Live. They need a hook.

Just to tie this into the Ed deception thread - look at what Ed is doing. He is a master at this. He has the "I Alone" Tour by Ed Kowalczyk of Live. He has done so many interviews on TV, newspapers, radio, You Tube, Blogs, I can't even count them all. Ed launched his website over night, and when he did, he had a blog, a store, bootleg recordings, and a free fan club membership (from which he undoubtedly collected valuable contact informatoin from fans for promotion). His angle may be a deceptive angle, but Ed has identified an angle and he is milking it. He has clearly put some forethought into his approach and he is managing it well. I love Live and I love Adam Taylor, but look at how Live has managed the announcement of the new lead singer and launch of the new website. There is nothing on that site and no activity. Even the hard core fans who signed up within an hour of its launch have stopped going to the site because there is nothing there. I am trying to blog my a$$ off on my site to try and keep some content going and to try and gin up some interest in the site and in Live, and the official channels are dying on the vine.

I hate to be a broken record. I just want to see some well orchestrated, well-thought-out stuff happening to get this show onthe road.

I'd like to see Live, CB, and TGF too but I'd also just go see Live if they toured. So would everyone here. Adding CB, and TGF is a bonus but not really going to draw many that wouldn't see Live anyway. Conversely, adding a fresh buzz worthy band will bring not only those that would see Live but a whole new set of fans, possibly even more to see the new band. Imagine landing the next Awolnation or Neon Trees. The Killers in fact did bring out Neon Trees. They pretty much gave them their shot. They had a good following and The Killers liked them. Live should find someone to sign to Questionable that already has a good following, Maybe a strong regional band from the East Coast. Or maybe find a few strong regional acts and put some tours together with them to capitalize on their followings. A young band would jump at the chance to open for a legendary band, even if they might draw nearly as many in their hometown because they know it's good exposure.

Just putting a tour together with a clever name isn't going to do it either. There's too much cross over with Live, CB, and TGF. There are only so many 35+ year olds that are going to go see them and most are fans of at least CB and Live anyway so you aren't gaining that much by touring together. Just my .02c

This post has been edited by themaestro: May 18 2012, 4:25 pm

[FishOutaWater]

I'd like to see Live, CB, and TGF too but I'd also just go see Live if they toured. So would everyone here. Adding CB, and TGF is a bonus but not really going to draw many that wouldn't see Live anyway. Conversely, adding a fresh buzz worthy band will bring not only those that would see Live but a whole new set of fans, possibly even more to see the new band. Imagine landing the next Awolnation or Neon Trees. The Killers in fact did bring out Neon Trees. They pretty much gave them their shot. They had a good following and The Killers liked them. Live should find someone to sign to Questionable that already has a good following, Maybe a strong regional band from the East Coast. Or maybe find a few strong regional acts and put some tours together with them to capitalize on their followings. A young band would jump at the chance to open for a legendary band, even if they might draw nearly as many in their hometown because they know it's good exposure.

Just putting a tour together with a clever name isn't going to do it either. There's too much cross over with Live, CB, and TGF. There are only so many 35+ year olds that are going to go see them and most are fans of at least CB and Live anyway so you aren't gaining that much by touring together. Just my .02c

I am not talking about what would get any of us to see a show or whether Live would like to tap into some new regional band's local following. I am talking about taking their best shot at breaking into the national headlines and media stream and touring in major markets throughout the country, reviving interest in Live and showcasing new music. I agree that they can't just label the tour like a gimick. I think they do need to thoughtfully orchestrate a public relations campaign and do something unique to garner attention.

I am happy to see 6 tour dates between Baltimore and Allentown in 2013, among a crowd of 250 in a bar that has a stage. That would please me just fine. If Live is content with making great music and satisfying hard core fans primarily in the Mid Atlantic Region, then that's OK with me. But if they want to make a point of this and have something big to show for their effort, then I think they need to figure out what will give them their very best chance, and let fate and the music Gods sort it out.

[themaestro]

I am not talking about what would get any of us to see a show or whether Live would like to tap into some new regional band's local following. I am talking about taking their best shot at breaking into the national headlines and media stream and touring in major markets throughout the country, reviving interest in Live and showcasing new music. I agree that they can't just label the tour like a gimick. I think they do need to thoughtfully orchestrate a public relations campaign and do something unique to garner attention.

I am happy to see 6 tour dates between Baltimore and Allentown in 2013, among a crowd of 250 in a bar that has a stage. That would please me just fine. If Live is content with making great music and satisfying hard core fans primarily in the Mid Atlantic Region, then that's OK with me. But if they want to make a point of this and have something big to show for their effort, then I think they need to figure out what will give them their very best chance, and let fate and the music Gods sort it out.

We're talking about the same thing actually, just different approaches. I don't see CB, Live, TGF as garnering that much national attention at this point. When I said regional I didn't mean just small markets. I'm sure there are plenty of buzz worthy bands in places like NY, Chicago, Southern California, Atlanta, etc that have strong followings. In the absence of being able to make a huge national splash maybe they could do it regionally. They may get more attention in those markets anyway by partnering with a band that has connections to local media. More grass roots approach but still gaining the type of recognition you are looking for. Unless they have a major PR firm, major labels, etc behind them I think it may be difficult to garner the type of attention you are talking about.

By the way, what I am suggesting is not too far off from what some bands do. It's not unusual for a national tour to have several different openers on different legs of the tour. Many times these are bands that have strong followings in those particular markets. Hell, you could even call the tour the same thing, The Working Class Tour, supporting working class regional bands that people in those markets actually know and would love to support. That's something right there that might be worthy of national recognition.

This post has been edited by themaestro: May 18 2012, 4:50 pm