Fan Inquires Regarding The Upcoming Tour Addressed
As is always the case before I embark on a tour, I like to check various fan sites to see what fans are saying. One thing that I find interesting is that, as time passes, a lot of people begin clinging to some of the most outlandish ideas as if enacting them is the simplest of affairs.
Over the last week I have received countless emails asking me if I’ll be performing certain songs, and one of the most common inclusions in such emails is why I’m not employing an orchestra to perform songs such as Born To Kill, Weapon, and so forth.
That said, I would like to address a few realities that I think fans should understand with regards to touring and, specifically, this tour.
Live Strings
For those of you that are unaware of the cost of employing an orchestra, let me be the bearer of very bad news – it is devastatingly expensive. So much so that to do so pretty much guarantees that you won’t make a cent on those shows in which they are included unless ticket prices are extremely expensive.
When employing orchestral players, union rates have to be paid, and that includes rehearsing material as well. When I made Avalanche, for example, the cost of having just over twenty players come in for a single session was literally tens of thousands of dollars. Certain restrictions apply as well, such as mandatory breaks after certain periods of time unless double time is paid, and so forth.
While numerous Canadian artists have performed with orchestras over the years, I can guarantee you that their overhead was considerable and that ticket prices to those shows were considerably more than if the artist were performing without them.
In the past, when I have performed with a four piece, I have used samples taken directly from recordings to do songs such as Weapon and Born To Kill. While I would love nothing more than to perform with a live orchestra, it is simply not economically in the cards unless fans are willing to pay upwards of $75 dollars a ticket, or more, and would so do in such numbers as to fill 2,500 seat theatres on a routine basis.
Material And Choices
Another popular query is how I go about choosing what material to perform. This morning, for the first time, I sat down with a calculator and added up all of the songs from every release from Last Of The Ghetto Astronauts to Hospital Music, adding only three songs from In A Coma that were previously unreleased. The total number of songs is one hundred and two, including two hidden tracks and discounting The Man From Harold Wood. Were I to include Can’t Get Shot In The Back If You Don’t Run and If I Was A Tidal Wave, it would be one hundred and four. That does not include Annabelle, Dusk, or All Together.
That said, how do I go about choosing what material to perform given present circumstances?
Well, the most important thing to remember is that circumstances have changed. I am not playing with a group of musicians that have three years of rehearsed and performed material under their belts, which makes it far easier to perform a wide variety of songs. Nor am I playing with a band that has recorded four records as a band and knows them intimately. I am performing with new musicians that, prior to the first show next Tuesday, I will have rehearsed with for 10 days.
Now, the first, and most obvious question that will be uttered an numerous computer screens at this point is - “why didn’t you rehearse longer and learn more material?”. The answer to that question is quite simple – cost.
Believe it or not, being a solo artist, I have to pay musicians to rehearse, just as I have to pay them to perform while on tour. That said; I’ll not bullshit you. Were I to spend three weeks in rehearsals with production it would cost me somewhere to the tune of 30,000 dollars.
Now, I could employ players of a lesser caliber, use an inexperienced crew, do a fly by the seat of my pants show every night replete with technical disasters, but how would you feel, having paid the money you have, to see that show for the sake of a few extra songs being learned that, given the length of a performance, might not even be on the set list that night? Would you rather have Giant rip your head off, or would you rather it be fumbled through so that you could then be treated to something else performed at a level that I would consider unacceptable?
I’ve been playing live shows for a long time – for fifteen years in fact. During that period of time I have played tiny clubs, arenas, huge festivals, and theatres. And as the years have passed I have achieved a level of professionalism that is reflected in my performances, which, I believe, fans have come to expect from me. That said, whether in clubs, at Massey Hall, or at V Fest, that level of excellence must be ever present. If it isn’t, then I am letting down both my fans and myself.
I fully realize that there are many of you that would love nothing more than for me to drop those songs that have been repeatedly performed over the years and replace them with songs that haven’t been. I am sure that there are many of you that would love to attend a show that was replete with those album tracks that are rarely, if ever, played. I am not so far gone as to realize that the last thing that many diehard fans want to hear is Hello Time Bomb and Load Me Up for the thousandth time. Then again, I am also aware of the fact that there are a lot of fans that do want to hear those songs performed because of their popularity, and that their numbers are just as significant and those that don’t. That said, those are merely two songs out of thirteen or fourteen that will be performed in the set along side numbers such as Blue Skies Over Bad Lands, Avalanche, Champions Of Nothing, and 99% Of Us Is Failure.
Is the set geared more towards newer material? Yes, I will admit that it is. The reason? Because I haven’t performed it live with a band before. That’s not to say that if I am urged back out on to stage for a second encore that I won’t gladly strap on an acoustic guitar and perform Fated, Advertising On Police Cars, The Fine Art Of Falling Apart or any number of other songs. Having played acoustically for the last two years, my repertoire is obviously considerably larger.
It’s difficult to put into perspective just how challenging it is to place new musicians in the position of having to master 20 songs in ten days and be able to perform them at a level that I feel is acceptable. Over the last week I have found myself in the position of having to make very difficult choices regarding cutting potential songs to ensure that the band is comfortable on stage and able to perform at a consistent level every night that will justify the price of your ticket. To do any less would be, in my opinion, extremely irresponsible.
May 16th, 2008 at 7:00 am
matt, ill be picking up 2 tickets to yoru kitchener show asap. you will see me there holding a MATT GOOD FOR PRIME MINISTER sign. im dead serious. id vote for you.
May 16th, 2008 at 7:19 am
Can’t wait for Halifax next week!
No matter what the song choice, it’s guaranteed to rock as always. Still love if there was a chance of RFH, but I’m not greedy.
May 16th, 2008 at 7:32 am
Makes sense.
I find it astonishing that you would even take the time to address the fans or explain why you make the decisions you do. Seriously, who else would do that?
I, too, have no requests other than do what you do - go up there and play that amazing music that’s been keeping us all happy for years. And, most of all, just know that we appreciate all the hard work that you DO put into the shows and this site. Thank you for including us in the process.
May 16th, 2008 at 7:34 am
I’ll be happy just to stand amongst a bunch of sweaty people and watch you hold your guitar, it doesn’t even have to be yours…Cloud 9….
May 16th, 2008 at 7:36 am
All right, I get it… Just for the Record I would pay 75.00 for the Ticket I paid 300.00 for the Massey Hall one FRS, but business is business and it must be challenging financially… If I win the Lottery I’ll pay for your tour and thats a promise… 25 million Super 7… 2.5 Million for the tour… the Orchestra will be all hotties!!!
May 16th, 2008 at 7:36 am
Half the thrill of concerts for me is ” what songs will he play?”. I love the fact that you mix it up every show.
I look forward to whatever songs you choose to play in WPG!
Just don’t leave out “blue skies over bad lands” LOL
May 16th, 2008 at 7:46 am
I think the songs you picked, juxtaposed each night to insure various forms of variety, will do just fine. I figured it would be heavy on Hospital Music music. It may sound a bit “hokey” but playing a song early in the set with the band and then later, in the encore perhaps, play it acoustically… like Load Me Up…. might be interesting.
also… any chance of learning or polishing up new tunes while on the road?… I am sure the band you have employed have their favorites that they may want to add into the mix as the tour progresses.
May 16th, 2008 at 7:46 am
It all makes sense. I think if CBC ever approaches you about doing a for TV concert a full orchestra should be in your list of demands.
May 16th, 2008 at 7:57 am
One of the things that I always assumed about how artists pick various songs from their repertoire is that they choose, at least partially, based on boredom. Is it any wonder that Keith Richards would rather chew off his own arm rather than play Satisfaction one more time? The songs’ 40 years old! How many differnet ways can you play that and still keep it fresh? New material must be like a breath of fresh air - the music is new, the feel is new. Makes you understand why some jazz musicians choose to do the improv thing.
I did not see anything about swinging out over the audience on the cable and body-harness - I guess that’s not going to happen.
May 16th, 2008 at 8:00 am
Wow!
“That’s not to say that if I am urged back out on to stage for a second encore that I won’t gladly strap on an acoustic guitar and perform Fated, Advertising On Police Cars, The Fine Art Of Falling Apart or any number of other songs. ”
Please please please, anyone from Halifax… help me make this happen!
Now what are the odds of having these three songs, and Suburbia acoustic for a second encore? It’s been a whole eight months since I’ve seen you play and I am losin my fuckin marbles waiting!!!
Have fun in our little city my friend, and thanks for coming back!
May 16th, 2008 at 8:07 am
It’s great you took the time to explain how touring works for your fans. I am just happy that you are coming back to Fredericton. No matter how much the tickets, I will be there. Seeing you play live, is for me, an experience that just gets better every time. Hope you have as good a time this time as the last.
May 16th, 2008 at 8:09 am
i’ll be happy with whatever you play. can’t wait to have my face rocked off in halifax next week. perhaps an FAQ for your site would help stem the tide of redundant questions about orchestral backing and song choices, etc that you receive?
May 16th, 2008 at 8:11 am
I just want to see you play /w a band. Giver, do whatever you like, who are these people writing and complaining??? are we, as individuals that delusional that we think our opinions of songs and band members are important. Jeeze how many fans do you have matt?? How would one EVER be expected to please all of them. Seriously people, this is just another point for me to add to my list of why I believe that humans grandiose sense of self ruined everything.
Sorry for the rant, but honestly….it’s your album, your show and YOU should be the only one to have a say in what we, as fans pay to see :P
….PS: I realize this is going to get quoted a lot so whatever
May 16th, 2008 at 8:18 am
What’s merch like for this tour?
May 16th, 2008 at 8:36 am
Can’t wait for the show Matt, as usual.
May 16th, 2008 at 8:40 am
whatever the outcome, it is sure to be nothing less than spectacular <3
it doesnt matter what you play, its the fact that it’s you playing it. although i am quite excited to hear the hospital music tracks with a band :)
i cannot wait any longer for the show at Massey, only two weeks away, im having trouble containing the excitement ^_^ definately catching the Mississauga show too.
have fun onstage matt!
May 16th, 2008 at 9:10 am
“And as the years have passed I have achieved a level of professionalism that is reflected in my performances, which, I believe, fans have come to expect from me. That said, whether in clubs, at Massey Hall, or at V Fest, that level of excellence must be ever present. If it isn’t, then I am letting down both my fans and myself.”
That’s why you are one of my favourite musical artists. Bar none.
“I just want to see you play /w a band. Giver, do whatever you like, who are these people writing and complaining??? are we, as individuals that delusional that we think our opinions of songs and band members are important. Jeeze how many fans do you have matt?? How would one EVER be expected to please all of them. Seriously people, this is just another point for me to add to my list of why I believe that humans grandiose sense of self ruined everything.
Sorry for the rant, but honestly….it’s your album, your show and YOU should be the only one to have a say in what we, as fans pay to see :P”
Fuckin’ A’ Suzie! Seriously, who are we to say “oh please play this. I’ve seen you like, 25 times and I would just LOVE it if you played (insert song here). It’s my pet goldfish’s favourite song EVER!”
You try and learn every nuance of 104 songs, and be able to call them up at will to satisfy a dozen people’s whims. I couldn’t imagine as a solo artist, let alone a band.
Anyway, Matt, when in Ottawa, could you stop by my place for a spell, as I have a deck that needs staining, a baby that needs changing, and a wife who’s a BIG fan that needs some GOOD love, lol!
May 16th, 2008 at 9:31 am
Sorry if I offend anyone here but a few have said they aren’t overly impressed with the fact that alot of new songs will be played (HM songs, that is)…. HM is and has been Matt’s life and experience for 2 years or longer, why wouldn’t he sing Hospital Music material?
May 16th, 2008 at 10:28 am
Shenanigans.
I think it’s obvious by now that you could just use Rolling Rock’s technology of “moonvertising” and broadcast a show on the face of the full moon twelve or thirteen times a year. This would give everyone the opportunity to see the show, everyone would have to settle for lawn seats, and you could totally get an orchestra positioned right in the Sea of Rains. Would you have to pay union fees if the orchestra played on the moon? I’m pretty sure labor rights don’t apply there. Hell, gravity as we know it doesn’t even apply there.
C’mon man. You owe it to your fans.
May 16th, 2008 at 10:35 am
I always enjoy hearing ‘newer’ songs at your shows because I always find your songwriting so articulate. A lot of the time, especially with bands that get heavy radio play, concertgoers demand the popular songs because they know the words and enjoy singing along. I feel the same way a lot of the time, but the thing that I really love about Matt Good shows is that when you play songs that are a bit more obscure, people actually take the time to be quiet and listen to the words.
Looking forward to a great tour.
May 16th, 2008 at 10:37 am
So you know, I was overjoyed when I went to your Arlington performance and it only cost me $15 per ticket. So many shows are overpriced or too expensive, and I always appreciate that your shows and merch are not ridiculously costly.
Personally, when I go to a show, I expect to hear at least a couple of the “hits,” but beyond that, I enjoy being surprised by whatever the artist wants to play. I don’t see the necessity of being sad that one song wasn’t played if 14 other great songs were. Also, yes, from my one time seeing you live, I think you have great professionalism and don’t know why fans would ever complain.
Of course, some DO. I just don’t know why they feel the need. :)
May 16th, 2008 at 10:37 am
Honestly, on the shows being more geared toward Hospital Music, I’d rather hear more of the new stuff. It seems to feel more authentic to me - more representative of the person who now is, rather than the person who was. I find myself listening to Matt’s stuff in two seperate chunks on my iPod… it feels as if there’s a distinct shift somewhere between the ‘classic’ and ‘contemporary’ - and I’m finding myself more drawn to the ‘contemporary’. I could sit through a performance of Hospital Music from start to finish and could be the happiest person in the crowd.
May 16th, 2008 at 11:58 am
I just want to hug you =) hehe.
May 16th, 2008 at 1:25 pm
Quoting Matthew;
‘Now, I could employ players of a lesser caliber, use an inexperienced crew, do a fly by the seat of my pants show every night replete with technical disasters, but how would you feel, having paid the money you have, to see that show for the sake of a few extra songs being learned that, given the length of a performance, might not even be on the set list that night?”
Sweet, sweet Matthew…as I’ve laid awake and thought a million nights, “the money you have” paid will come nowhere near to repaying what you (and your band/backing musicians/orchestra) have given me for far, far less. Whatever/however/whenever you play it is of little consequence to me. The fact that you will KEEP ON DOING IT is the most important thing. I love you, Matthew Good. I love what you have done for me personally and, more importantly, for the world. Just don’t stop. Ever…
….and, if the show WAS replete with “technical disasters” I, for one would forgive you – technically flawed.?…now there’s something I would relish….in a perverse, stripped back way…
For sure I can’t wait to see you in Kingston, but I beg you…please come to Europe soon. We love you here too…
xx
May 16th, 2008 at 3:31 pm
Never having seen one of your live shows and buying tickets for the Kamloops show recently I said wow what a wicked deal!
Now, having read the above and the professionalism you have displayed is going far beyond. It is convincingly clear you are an artist not a profiteer!
Looking forward to the Kamloops show…great venue for us fans
A second encore you say?…i’m i guy.. but i will take off my shirt…will that help… LOL!!!
Have some fun m8 and kick some ass!
Sativa
May 16th, 2008 at 3:36 pm
I’ve just traveled 200 miles back home to Buffalo and listened to you all the way.
Just got tix for Hamilton….6th row
Blue skies will make me cry………and don’t forget Avalanche.
Tudors on Showtime is all mixed up too.
See you soon,
Love from Buffalo,
Michelle
May 16th, 2008 at 4:08 pm
” The Inescapable Us”. Just wondered why it hadn’t made it to an acoustic set list or other list that I’ve seen posted recently (I have never had an opportunity to see you live so if it is a live standard I wouldn’t know and delete my question!). Probably no real reason other than you have a lot of songs! It happens to be one of my favorites and I figured it probably is pretty do-able live as it is fairly bare-bones.
May 16th, 2008 at 4:09 pm
I think it is terrific that your tickets are so inexpensive, but, you know, some of us would be very willing to pay more–if you can figure out a way to make the tickets ‘whatever you can afford’ (with a base starting price), you may find you don’t have to worry as much about costs. I would willingly pay hundreds to see you (I’m not rich enough to offer thousands).
Not to imply that I think you need an orchestra, or more rehearsal time, or a longer list of songs, or anything like that. Just saying that I’ve paid multiply more for really shitty uninspiring shows than I’ve ever paid for one of your always excellent shows.
New stuff, old stuff, as long as it is Matt Good stuff.
May 16th, 2008 at 7:29 pm
Very excited for halifax! Though I ddidn’t expect/demand you perform with an orchestra- I was very interested to see your break down as to why you cant do it. I think symphony nova scotia has some sort of deal with dalhousie and that’s how they’re able to do so many mashups with east coast musicians. Thanks for answering my question! :)
Still going to bother you for more autographs and photos! Good luck!
May 16th, 2008 at 8:29 pm
Matt,
I would just like to thank you for touring at all. The reality of the situation is you don’t have to come anywhere near my city and I’m just happy you decided to play Edmonton again. Anything you play will be fantastic.
May 16th, 2008 at 8:53 pm
Most people do not realize the cost of touring they always figure you are racking in the cash, blah blah. I’ve been to three of your shows and I must say, I have appreciated each and every time no matter the material. I have to admit tho, that I am looking forward to some rocking out! :)
May 16th, 2008 at 9:18 pm
It always amazing to me how fans of any well known person can think that they can demand or dictate what there going to play as a musician or if you are on a TV show they always want you to recreate the role that they played.
Fior once I wish fans would just appreciate the fact that we have the opportunity to hear great music, see great TV shows and other forms of entertainment. The fact that Matt is extremely talented and produces some great music should be appreciated and not made to feel that you are pressure to perform it.
I for one have never had the privilege of hearing Matt’s music live, I still buy and listen to it with the same appreciation for great music.
Just be thankful the Matt has shared his talent and creative passion for the music with his fans on the road.
May 16th, 2008 at 10:41 pm
To be quite honest, you could stand there and sing 99 Bottles of Beer in it’s entirty and I really wouldn’t give a shit. :P I just want to see you live.
That reminds me - I have to Facebook my friend. I have someone who’s going to buy my existing tickets off me so I can buy her extra ticket off her and sit near my friends…in third row center. :)
May 17th, 2008 at 1:06 am
I guess everyone has certain songs in their hearts that they long to hear live. I know I do, but I won’t reveal. At the end of the day I count myself as blessed just to be able to BE there. The fact that you have such an amazing repertoire of totally awesome material is enough for me, although I understand your predicament. As the man said, “you can’t please all of the people all of the time” so the best policy is to please yourself. As for costs, you are very astute for keeping your feet on the ground, but I would say (again) that the ticket costs seem very modest. I’m sure that I speak for everyone here when I say that nobody will walk away disappointed.
Me? I’ll be floating for years…. :0)
xx
May 17th, 2008 at 4:51 am
Matt, To tell you the truth, I wouldn’t be disappointed if part of your show included more stand-up comedy and power-point presentations, because you make me laugh. You can’t please everyone, you do enough for your fans as it is. Just have fun and don’t sweat the small stuff.
:)
May 17th, 2008 at 12:59 pm
Seeing as this will be my first time seeing Matt live, and I will be flying across an ocean to get there, I’m not sure I would even care if the show sucks, since I’ll just be happy to be there. That says, the great shows that seem to be coming my way have more psyched than I have ever been for a concert. I might be a little afraid to expect too much, but I have a feeling it will probably be justified in about a week and a half. Can you tell I’m looking forward to it?
May 17th, 2008 at 1:37 pm
[quote comment="52907"]Seeing as this will be my first time seeing Matt live, and I will be flying across an ocean to get there, I’m not sure I would even care if the show sucks, since I’ll just be happy to be there. That says, the great shows that seem to be coming my way have more psyched than I have ever been for a concert. I might be a little afraid to expect too much, but I have a feeling it will probably be justified in about a week and a half. Can you tell I’m looking forward to it?[/quote]
Where’you coming in from?
May 18th, 2008 at 10:05 am
I would pay $75 for a ticket regardless if there was an orchestra or not.
May 18th, 2008 at 4:48 pm
Well, as you know Matthew- in all of your efforts, you will not be able to staify everyone 100%, that is essentially impossible.
However, being that you have been in this line of work for so long- I am sure that everyone trusts your decisions in what gets included and what gets tossed. Cost, time, resources, and being that you are with a new band are obviously huge factors in your decisions.
I am sure for you it is just as painful to have to cut a song as it is for us to hear that it simply can’t be played. And really, what little disappointments that some people will experience, will certainly be long forgotten after you strap on your guitar and your lyrics fill the air…!!
Thank you for addressing people’s concerns, I know you care deeply for your fans and want everyone to have a better understanding about how you go about things.
You’re methodical, extremely professional, and a perfectionist- but you won’t be able to satify everyone’s wants and needs, and you almost go out of your way at times, to try and do just that.
Rock hard my friend, best of luck!!!!
May 18th, 2008 at 9:19 pm
After missing shows on BOTH coasts last year (flew out morning of Hfx Marquee show) and could not change flights to catch any BC shows while I was out there for a conference, made myself crazy fighting with West Jet, Air Canada and my boss… I was beyond upset. Especially after friends emailed/sent shots of the great shows I missed to make me feel ever worse. You are coming to Halifax May 22 and I am so grateful you are going to be here and do a live show, you could pretty much go up on stage and just burp and I would be f*cking happy. Seriously. Whatever you play, however you play - it will be wonderful. Thank you.
May 23rd, 2008 at 4:59 pm
I wouldn’t care if it was the 80,000th time I heard Giant…(actually, it probably would be!)….I wouldn’t care. I can’t believe anyone actually asks/tells you what to perform, and to not realize that anything and everything costs money. Count yourself lucky that you can even see this tour!