Tuesday, November 4, 2014

Own a Piece of Queensrÿche?

With bands and labels looking for different avenues for revenue, it doesn't really phase me what they are offering nowadays.  But this one was something out of the blue I have never heard before.  And it's got me tied in mixed emotions.  This could be a really good thing or a really bad thing.

Legendary rockers Queensrÿche have now turned to fans not only to fund their new album, but also a full investment in the band.  For those that follow Queensrÿche, you might remember some rather nasty split with founding member Geoff Tate and the lengthy lawsuit that followed for right to the Queensrÿche trademark name and rights to some mad $$$.

(Screen shot of Pledge Music URL)

So as you can check out on their Pledge Music campaign, they are offering a lot of goodies for donating to the cause including a round of golf with the guys, and even owning studio used instruments.  But the bottom piece was the biggest eye popper.  $50,000(US) will get you a piece action.  So for those with an extra 50K (or 56K for Canadians) for investment and looking to be part of a 30 year project, dive on in!

"That's rÿght!  Scott, Michael, Todd, Eddie and Parker - Queensrÿche - are on the road. But this is a different kind of show. The band is looking for investors who want to be part of history and join in building the empire. It's a unique way to get involved. In conjunction with the PledgeMusic campaign, this is an opportunity to actually own a piece of the band - well actually it's a piece of the company that is wrapped around the band. But you get it." -Queensrÿche

(Screen shot of Pledge Music URL)

Now the real question is whether or not this is a good idea.  Some fans have looked at this as a great opportunity while others have cited it's nothing more than a cash grab.  I find myself indifferent from the situation.  Some fans spend thousands of dollars on albums, merch, vinyl, autographs, and more so how is this any worse?

I guess it comes down to your level of dedication from the band.  Since the entrance of their new singer Todd La Torre and the release of their self titled album in 2013, the band found themselves back in the limelight and gaining popularity once more.  The album sold 13,659 copies in it's first week on the shelves and [as reported by La Torre] has pushed 80,000 copies worldwide.  Keep in mind this does not reflect online and digital sales/streams.

So it's time to ask who the hardcore fans are.  Do you think something like this will catch on with other bands or does it seem like an avenue less traveled by others?

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