The ShadowMusic Web Community

Following poor support for our concerts this year we have decided to stop with two final concerts. Solihull Arts Centre on the 6th September and then the very last concert at our home theatre Porthcawl, Grand Pavilion, on the 1st November. Last year at this theatre we did have a great following and this year it will be even bigger because it is a better date and our farewell concert. The band has found some very loyal fans from all over the world and people are travelling hundreds of miles to be with us on the final two concerts. One couple are coming over from Canada for the Solihull concert. To those loyal fans of the band we are very grateful for your support. Thank You Zoe McCulloch.

Sorry to hear that, Zoe, as, from what I have seen and heard on Youtube, you were a good band. I think that generally it is difficult these days to earn sufficient money from playing live, unless you are a mega band such as the Stones or Iron Maiden. (or the Shads!!!) There are a number of reasons for this, one of them being that there doesn't seem to be the disposable income out there at present for people to be able to support the bands to the degree that they might/would have a few years ago. I read an interview with Morgan Lander from Kittie the other day in which she explained that they all had 'day jobs' outside of the band because it was just impossible to make enough money from touring to support themselves. Of course, we'd all like to do it for the 'love', but if the money ain't there, then it becomes a problem.

Hi Chris We all have day jobs to earn our living. I play because I love it. The fact is the theatres are too expensive to hire and make them work. There are also a lot of great acts on tour that compete your the audiences. After the 1st November it is time to change and move no. Zoe

Yeah, that's more or less the point I'm making. It's an expensive business and the returns, apart from for the select few, appear to be getting smaller. Appealing to a particular niche market can also either work for you in a big way or against you. It's a shame that there is such a discrepancy between the money going out and the money coming in or you'd probably still be touring in ten years time! A lot of people seem not to realise that although we all love/loved doing it, there often comes a point where the balance is tipped a bit too far in one direction and the whole thing just becomes too difficult to maintain.

Yes, it's the (selfish) reason I do a lot of charity gigs - to get my playing 'fix'!

Really looking forward to the Porthcawl gig (again). Anyone who hasn't seen Zoe and the girls - don't miss this last opportunity!

Yeah, charity gigs are, of course, the exception to this as no-one playing expects or intends to earn a penny from the proceedings. Battle of the bands gigs are also an exception and are usually loss-makers for everyone concerned!!! Strangely enough, wasn't it just such a gig that brought Hank and Bruce to London in the first place...

Apparently, some of the venues in the North East are now charging the groups to play there.

Very sorry to hear that Zoe. I've "followed" you from the early Shadowmania days,& saw you in Maidstone. Great performances each time.
I accept what the others have said above, but can you not change your minds!
Perhaps add Maidstone to your Final! All the best anyway.

Just been to Porthcawl, booked our tickets & one for our 15 year old grandaughter, many thanks for that offer. Looking forward to the concert, but with mixed feelings as it's the last. Will have to continue with the dvd.
Dave

Hi David so pleased you are bringing your 15 year old daughter to see our final concert. Nia our rhythm player was taught to play my me and is still only 16. She joined the band when she was 14 and we all love her. It is so nice that young people get to hear this music live. Thank you Zoe