sector. Here, there was no doubt about the primary preoccupation – ticket prices and their seemingly inexorable rise. “Bring down ticket prices is the simplest answer – that will solve everything,” remarked one
10 15 20 25 30 35
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Loudspeakers /amplifiers
contributor, while another urged artists and their representatives to be “more realistic with ticket prices. Production values in shows could come down to [help] reduce the cost of touring shows. That would give rise to a
V5: NUMBER ONE PRIORITY FOR NEW AUDIO SPEND IN 2011-2012
2011 2012
better value experience.” As in last year’s report, there
were some concerns about the continued emphasis on heritage acts and a request for more attention to be given to new and emerging performers. As one respondent remarked: “We need to be seeing more lesser-known artists. There are some great ones out there who should be given a chance!” There were also calls for
V6: NEW AUDIO EQUIPMENT BUDGET TO RISE/FALL IN 2010-2012
2010 2011 2012
greater co-operation between various industry interest groups, and even between venues themselves. “We co-operate with other venues who are our rivals, so if we cannot fit people in we pass them over. It works really well for us,” said one survey participant. Across the board, there was a feeling that increased investment in market research could be an asset. There should be time and effort spent on “identifying the wants and needs of the public”, observed one interviewee, “because if they are not interested then there is no point in doing it!” Amen to that.
SUMMARY In the midst of the economic blizzard, venue operators are holding steady and maintaining a relatively optimistic outlook. Work continues to be fairly plentiful, and live music is still an essential contributor to the overall mix. There are undoubtedly worries about the longer-term – where, some venues wonder, are the next generation touring giants to replace those older acts who must surely leave the stage forever in the not-too-distant future? – but for now, business is robust. In the current climate, it might be regarded as churlish to ask for anything more. PSNLIVE 2012
A great deal – we are taking a keen interest To some degree – depends on time/resources Not at all – it’s years away for us Don’t know