The cost of concert tickets continues to climb, a trend that Twisted Sister guitarist Jay Jay French attributes to a fundamental shift in how musicians earn a living. Once reliant on record sales, artists now depend heavily on touring revenue, a reality French describes as a consequence of a “criminal” record industry that effectively gives music away.
French, a founding member of the iconic glam metal band, recently shared his perspective on the evolving music landscape, highlighting the pressures faced by artists in the streaming era. The conversation around making a living in music has intensified as fans grapple with increasingly expensive live shows, and artists themselves confront the challenges of sustaining a career on the road. Understanding the economics of music today requires looking at how streaming has reshaped revenue streams and the impact on artists like Twisted Sister.
“The record industry is a criminal organisation,” French stated in an interview on the Pod Scum podcast. “They screw artists left, right and sideways. They always have. And so what? Artists are gonna get screwed some way, somehow.” He explained that the dynamic has flipped: “In those days you made money selling records and you lost money touring. Now you create money touring and you give your music away for free, which is why tickets cost so much.”
The Streaming Revolution and Its Discontents
The shift French describes is directly linked to the rise of music streaming services. While offering convenience to listeners, these platforms often provide meager royalty payments to artists. According to a 2023 report by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), streaming accounted for 84% of total revenue for the U.S. Recorded music market, but the distribution of those earnings remains a contentious issue. This disparity forces artists to prioritize touring as their primary income source.
This isn’t a new observation. Jack Gibson, guitarist for the thrash metal band Exodus, recently likened the current situation to being “travelling t-shirt salesmen,” as reported by Louder, a sentiment that echoes French’s frustration with the industry’s economics. The reliance on merchandise sales and live performances underscores the financial precarity many musicians face.
The Toll of Constant Touring
While touring can be lucrative, it’s not without its drawbacks. The relentless schedule and physical demands can take a significant toll on artists’ well-being. Recently, the metalcore band While She Sleeps announced they were stepping back from touring, citing the immense pressure and challenges of maintaining a life on the road. Metal Hammer reported on the band’s decision, highlighting a growing concern within the music community about the sustainability of constant touring.
The report from Metal Hammer warned that if the current model persists, more bands may be forced to abandon the stage altogether. This raises questions about the long-term viability of a career in music and the potential loss of artists who contribute significantly to the cultural landscape.
Jay Jay French: Beyond the Stage
Jay Jay French’s career extends beyond performing with Twisted Sister. Born John French Segall on July 20, 1952, in New York City, he is also a manager, record producer, columnist, author, and motivational speaker, overseeing licensing and intellectual property rights for the Twisted Sister brand. According to his Wikipedia page, his mother was a political consultant who worked on John F. Kennedy’s presidential campaign.
French’s multifaceted career demonstrates a proactive approach to navigating the complexities of the music industry. His involvement in various aspects of the business allows him to advocate for artists’ rights and explore alternative revenue streams beyond record sales and touring.
Looking Ahead: A Sustainable Future for Musicians?
The issues raised by Jay Jay French and others point to a necessitate for systemic change within the music industry. Finding a sustainable model that fairly compensates artists for their work remains a critical challenge. Discussions around alternative revenue streams, fairer streaming royalties, and greater support for musicians’ well-being are ongoing. The future of live music, and the artists who create it, depends on addressing these concerns.
The conversation surrounding artist compensation and the sustainability of a music career is far from over. As the industry continues to evolve, it will be crucial to prioritize the needs of musicians and ensure they can thrive creatively and financially. Share your thoughts on the changing music landscape in the comments below.
