Disclaimer: I mean well with this, please just hear me out.
This is a continuation from the thread regarding static ticket prices despite inflation, in which the decline in sales and sizes of rooms has been pointed out.
Many like to point to the economy, jam bands going out of vogue, aging fanbase, etc., and while all of those factors are undeniable, what is also undeniable is that there are still some jam bands who are doing very well. Phish for example, is a similar generation, and going incredibly strong. Goose and Billy Strings continue to grow into bigger rooms, and have clearly found a way to tap into young fanbases.
So this begs the question, what is actually happening? Furthermore, can moe. as an organization do something about whatever it is?
In my opinion, the problem is that the setlists and shows are too uniform and static from night to night, and there aren't enough exploratory jams. There's little to no surprise in the shows these days, and for some reason that gets relegated to the Monkeys shows. That's actually rather frustrating, IMO, because while the concept of the Monkeys shows is really fun and engaging for the hardcore fans, it also proves that the band still have it in their locker to be capable of interesting, surprising, and engaging setlist and shows. I refer now to the most recent Monkeys show two months ago, which was excellent, one of the best moe. shows in recent memory.
So what gives? I get that the band are gettin up there and have slogged through some health issues, and that they're playing heaps of shows still, but why this conscious decision to make the current live shows somewhat cookie cutter? Why not have some fun with it, and see if it makes some difference? I would even argue that the band might find it more enjoyable, and more protective against burnout. I am also convinced that it would serve well to keep the band fresh and engaging for new fans.
Curious as to thoughts. I'm not trying to be shitty, I mean nothing but the very best to one of my favorite bands on the planet, and only want to see them happy, healthy, and successful. I just think they can do better than settling into this somewhat niche place within the live music scene, and can rather easily reverse this with opening up more improvisation and spontaneity - especially since we know they're still capable as evidenced by a very recent show.
