Why Do Some Bands Tour Together?

Bands often decide to tour together for a multitude of strategic reasons, including shared audience, cost sharing, creative collaboration, marketability, exposure for emerging artists, and variety for fans. This common practice can lead to significant benefits for all parties involved, both financially and creatively.

Shared Audience and Market Exposure

One of the primary reasons bands choose to tour together is the shared audience. Bands with similar musical styles or fan bases can attract a wider group of attendees by pooling their resources. This collaboration can lead to increased ticket sales and greater exposure for both acts. The combined efforts can result in a more substantial fan base and higher visibility in the music industry, making it easier for each band to reach new listeners.

Cost Sharing and Financial Benefits

Touring can be incredibly expensive, and sharing the financial burden is often a key motivator for bands. By sharing expenses such as transportation, accommodation, and production costs, bands can significantly reduce their financial liability. For example, touring infrastructure such as lighting, sound equipment, stage crews, and tour buses can cost thousands of dollars each day. By sharing these costs, each band can spend less, making the tour more economically viable. This shared cost model allows bands to take on tours they might not be able to afford individually, thus expanding their reach and fan base.

Creative Collaboration and Camaraderie

Touring together can also foster creative collaboration between bands, leading to potential future projects, features, or even joint albums. Prolonged tours provide ample opportunities for bands to connect, exchange ideas, and even work on new material together. This collaboration can enhance their bond and result in more exciting and engaging performances, benefiting both the bands and their audiences.

Making Tours More Attractive to Fans

Another significant advantage of touring together is the enhanced variety for fans. Instead of attending a single band's shows, concert-goers can experience multiple acts in one event. This can significantly enhance the overall experience and make the event more appealing. For instance, a tour featuring both a well-known act and a rising star can attract a diverse audience that benefits both artists. Additionally, the combined marketability of two headline acts can draw more attention and create buzz, leading to higher ticket sales and greater media coverage.

Historical Context: Collaboration in the Early Days of Rock'n'Roll

Australia, being geographically remote, presents a unique case study. In the 1950s, 60s, and early 70s, international acts faced significant challenges in touring the country. To make these tours financially viable, promoters often organized group tours where headliners brought local backing bands, resulting in a single bill featuring multiple acts. This model, although scaled differently, still provided the logistical benefits of shared expenses and expanded market reach. Similarly, in the United States and Europe, touring with a locally-sourced supporting act could also reduce the overall cost and make tours more feasible.

Conclusion

While individual band tours are common, touring together offers numerous strategic advantages. From shared audience and increased market exposure to cost sharing and creative collaboration, these tours can be a win-win situation for all involved. The historical precedents set by these collaborations demonstrate the enduring benefit of band touring, making it a valuable approach in the modern music industry.