I recently surveyed 200 people over a month, which I thought was a robust sample size. Astonishingly, 180 of them shared a consistent viewpoint. I asked them: Why do you think certain bands are struggling to sell tickets right now? I wanted to validate my own observations and see if others felt the same.

In 2024, bands like The Black Keys, Bad Bunny, Pink, and many others are facing venue adjustments and struggling to fill large arenas. The reason? Over 50% of their fanbases felt alienated during 2020-2023 when these bands engaged heavily in virtue signaling, telling audiences what to think and do. This contrasts with claims of high ticket prices or poor management they’ve cited. This sentiment was echoed by 180 out of 200 respondents who didn’t know each other.

The notion that thinking independently and considering alternative opinions became risky or foolish was pervasive. Remember when Joe Rogan was wrongly accused of promoting horse paste? He was vindicated, receiving apologies that avoided legal action. Similarly, some bands demanded proof of a certain shot and a card for entry to their concert— a ‘show us your papers’ scenario that’s reminiscent of the Soviet era.

Adding my perspective, I resonate with the majority opinion. As one respondent put it, ‘Dave would’ve been rolling in his grave over this!’ At a time when people needed healing and hope, music could have played a vital role. Instead, many artists acted more like overlords than healers, revealing a lack of integrity behind the scenes.

Here’s a business tip from one artist to another: No amount of rebranding or $25 tickets can sway fans who feel betrayed by 2020’s ideological currents. Many won’t support these bands, even for free. Ironically, $25 ticket sales, initially a joke, are now a reality in desperate attempts to fill venues in certain markets.

Fans are canceling the artist-fan contract, especially those who supported the destruction of small businesses and dreams during that time. They’re saying, ‘Like the petrol dollar in Saudi Arabia, the relationship is over.’ Some boldly declare, ‘You can’t bully us anymore!’ Armed with social media receipts, fans have seen through the veneer.

Meanwhile, the censorship apparatus is crumbling, with funding drying up. Corporate artists who aligned with their agendas are now being abandoned. This period revealed who was authentic and who wasn’t. It also revived the need for alternative music, reminiscent of the ’90s when alternative wasn’t just a genre but a stance outside the system.

To emerging artists: Your existence hinges on your fans. Choosing corporate interests over them risks losing both. Remember, the internet and social media democratized art, revealing countless once-popular bands that faded into obscurity.

As we navigate this new era, support independent artists and seek out music that resonates. ‘Independent’ doesn’t just mean unsigned; it means artists who challenge norms and think independently. The future belongs to those who embrace authenticity, as mediocrity fades away.

I speak passionately not to criticize but because I deeply care about music and its integrity. Truth in art matters now more than ever.