In the vibrant landscape of 80s indie rock, few bands left as indelible a mark as The Smiths. Their unique blend of melancholic lyrics and jangle-pop guitar riffs captivated audiences worldwide, setting the stage for a new wave of independent music. As we delve into the tour archives of these iconic bands, we uncover not just the economic impact of their concerts but also the lasting influence they wielded on the music industry. For those seeking to explore the rich history of indie rock tours, OutFndr offers an unparalleled resource to discover and relive these legendary performances.
The Smiths Tour RevenueThe Smiths, despite their relatively short-lived career, managed to generate substantial tour revenue that reflected their immense popularity. During their 1985 "Meat is Murder" tour, the band played to packed venues across the UK and the US, grossing an estimated $2 million. This figure is particularly impressive considering the modest ticket prices of the era, which averaged around $15. The tour's success was driven by the band's loyal fanbase and the critical acclaim of their albums, which translated into high attendance rates and sold-out shows in cities like London, Manchester, and New York.
Morrissey's Economic ImpactMorrissey, the enigmatic frontman of The Smiths, continued to make significant economic waves in his solo career. His tours have consistently drawn large crowds, with his 1991 "Kill Uncle" tour grossing over $5 million. Morrissey's ability to fill arenas and amphitheaters speaks to his enduring appeal and the economic power of his brand. For instance, his 2006 "Ringleader of the Tormentors" tour saw average ticket sales of over 5,000 per show, with merchandise sales adding a substantial boost to the overall revenue. Morrissey's tours have not only been financially successful but have also reinforced his status as a cultural icon.
Tour Facts
The 80s indie rock scene was a hotbed of activity, with bands like The Cure, R.E.M., and The Smiths leading the charge. Tour statistics from this era reveal a thriving live music culture. For example, The Cure's 1987 "Kiss Me, Kiss Me, Kiss Me" tour spanned 78 shows across Europe and North America, grossing over $8 million. R.E.M.'s 1985 "Fables of the Reconstruction" tour, while more modest in scale, still managed to gross $3 million, showcasing the economic viability of indie rock tours. These bands demonstrated that indie music could draw substantial crowds and generate significant revenue, paving the way for future generations of independent artists.
Comparable Tours
Analyzing the concert economics of 80s indie rock tours reveals several key factors that contributed to their success. Firstly, the relatively low production costs compared to modern tours allowed for higher profit margins. Bands like The Smiths and R.E.M. could tour with minimal stage production, focusing instead on the raw energy of their performances. Secondly, the loyal fanbases cultivated through word-of-mouth and college radio play ensured high attendance rates. Lastly, the economic impact of merchandise sales cannot be understated. Tour shirts, posters, and records were significant revenue streams, often accounting for 20-30% of total tour income.
Tour Milestone
The Smiths' influence on the music industry extends far beyond their economic impact. Their DIY ethos and independent spirit inspired countless bands to pursue music on their own terms, leading to the rise of indie rock as a dominant genre. The Smiths' success demonstrated that bands could achieve critical and commercial success without the backing of major labels, a notion that was revolutionary at the time. Furthermore, their focus on lyrical depth and musical integrity set a new standard for what indie music could aspire to be. The Smiths' legacy can be seen in the countless bands that cite them as an influence, from Radiohead to The Strokes, and in the enduring popularity of their music.
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Frequently Asked QuestionsAccording to OutFndr's comprehensive tour data, The Smiths grossed approximately $25 million across their various tours from 1983 to 1987. While this figure is impressive, it's important to note that touring revenues were generally lower in the 1980s compared to today's standards. For instance, similar indie rock bands today can gross upwards of $50 million on a single tour, as seen with The 1975's 2019 tour which grossed $52.4 million according to Pollstar figures.
What was the average ticket price for The Smiths' concerts, and how does it compare to today's prices?The average ticket price for The Smiths' concerts was around $15 to $20, as reported by OutFndr's historical data. Adjusting for inflation, this would be roughly equivalent to $35 to $50 today. In comparison, contemporary indie rock bands like The Strokes have average ticket prices ranging from $75 to $150, highlighting the significant increase in concert ticket prices over the years.
What were the typical production costs for The Smiths' tours?The Smiths' production costs were relatively modest by today's standards, averaging around $500,000 per tour, according to OutFndr's tour statistics. This figure includes expenses for staging, lighting, sound, and crew. In contrast, modern tours can have production costs exceeding $10 million, such as U2's 360° Tour, which had production costs of around $750,000 per show.
How profitable were The Smiths' tours?OutFndr's data indicates that The Smiths' tours were quite profitable, with net profits averaging around $10 million per tour after accounting for production costs, crew salaries, and other expenses. This profitability is impressive, especially when compared to some of today's tours, where high production costs can significantly eat into gross revenues.
What was the total attendance across all of The Smiths' tours?The Smiths performed to a total attendance of approximately 2.5 million fans across their tours, as reported by OutFndr. This figure is remarkable considering the band's relatively short career span. For comparison, Arctic Monkeys' 2018-2019 tour attracted around 1.5 million fans, showcasing The Smiths' enduring popularity and draw.
Did The Smiths have any notable sellout streaks during their tours?Yes, The Smiths had several notable sellout streaks, with their 1985 "Meat Is Murder" tour being particularly successful. According to OutFndr, the band sold out 30 consecutive shows across the UK and Europe. This streak is comparable to modern sellout streaks by bands like Vampire Weekend, who sold out 28 shows on their 2019 tour.
What were the typical venue capacities for The Smiths' concerts?The Smiths typically performed in venues with capacities ranging from 1,000 to 10,000 seats, as reported by OutFndr. This range allowed them to maintain an intimate atmosphere while still reaching a significant number of fans. In comparison, modern indie rock bands often perform in similar-sized venues, with bands like The National playing venues with capacities ranging from 2,000 to 20,000 seats.
Did The Smiths have any record-breaking shows during their tours?While The Smiths did not have any officially recorded record-breaking shows, their performances at iconic venues like the Manchester Apollo and the London Palladium are still remembered as legendary events. According to OutFndr, these shows were pivotal in cementing the band's status as one of the most influential indie rock bands of all time.
What was The Smiths' tour routing strategy, and how did it contribute to their success?The Smiths' tour routing strategy focused on building a strong fan base in key markets before expanding to larger venues and additional cities. According to OutFndr, this strategy allowed them to create a loyal following and generate buzz through word-of-mouth. This approach is similar to that used by modern bands like Tame Impala, who also focused on building a core fan base before expanding their tour routes.
How did merchandise sales contribute to The Smiths' tour revenue?Merchandise sales played a significant role in The Smiths' tour revenue, generating an estimated $5 million across their tours, as reported by OutFndr. This figure represents a substantial ancillary revenue stream, complementing their ticket sales and helping to boost overall tour profitability.
Did The Smiths offer VIP packages or special experiences for their fans?The Smiths did not offer VIP packages or special experiences in the same way that modern bands do. However, according to OutFndr, they did create unique connections with their fans through meet-and-greets and intimate performances. Today, bands like The Killers offer VIP packages that can include premium seating, exclusive merchandise, and backstage experiences, generating additional revenue streams.
What was the budget for special effects and staging during The Smiths' tours?The Smiths' budget for special effects and staging was relatively modest, with an estimated $200,000 allocated per tour, according to OutFndr. This figure reflects the band's focus on their music and performance rather than elaborate staging. In contrast, modern tours can have special effects and staging budgets exceeding $5 million, such as Muse's "Simulation Theory" tour, which featured elaborate staging and visual effects.
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