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OPINION | by Michael Bridge

As major tours begin rolling out across the world again, many are worried it maybe too soon and that the ongoing Covid-19 breakouts could force shows or even entire tours to be postponed or canceled. 

Already the likes of Maroon 5, Justin Bieber, Guns N Roses and Billie Ellish are due in Bangkok in 2022 at the National Stadium or Impact Arena.

Tours now are big business for these bands, who make more money touring than selling records these days.

Maroon 5 are charging up to THB12,000 a ticket to stand in a football stadium, which is known for its dreadful transport links. 

But still, people are willing to pay that much to see their heroes.

Older Rock Stars

Now although the above-mentioned concerts in Thailand are being performed by relatively young performers, another reason shows are canceled is because of the artist’s health.

Guns N' Roses who are due to play in both Bangkok and Singapore in November, recently had to postpone their Glasgow show due to "illness and medical advice". 

The band – with icons Axl Rose, Slash and Duff McKagan, return to Asia for a couple a one-night-only concerts in stadiums. 

They will also head to Japan for shows in November ahead of their Singapore concert and then onto Australia. 

Quite a heavy schedule for these old rockers.

Meanwhile, Carlos Santana, the virtuoso guitarist who turned 75 years old this month, had to postpone his next six shows in the States to recover after collapsing on stage earlier this month.

“Doctors have recommended that Mr. Santana gets rest to recuperate fully.”

But money talks and many legends are putting away their rocking chairs and zimmer frames to go out on the road to entertain us.

It seems that there is a huge appetite to see these legends who are not only attracting their older fans but a whole new generation as well.

Who wouldn’t want to get up to Bangkok to see the Rolling Stones before they eventually stop touring?

Some think it is a miracle Keith Richards can actually still play a full set!!!

Same for the Who, Bruce Springsteen, Queen, and Sir Paul McCartney, all who can sell out in minutes wherever they go.

However, as you pay for your tickets, sometimes up to months in advance, just remember to check with their doctors to see if they will allow them to fly to SE Asia.

 

-- © Copyright  ASEAN NOW 2022-07-23

 

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1 hour ago, webfact said:

see their heroes.

maybe use another word ? heroes ? what a retardation of the words meaning. 

Better just stay home and hide then 

2 hours ago, stoner said:

maybe use another word ? heroes ? what a retardation of the words meaning. 

Military culture in Thailand... ????

3 hours ago, webfact said:

Already the likes of Maroon 5, Justin Bieber, Guns N Roses and Billie Ellish are due in Bangkok in 2022 at the National Stadium or Impact Arena.

Think I'd rather go see a bunch of K-Pop women.

I wonder if Elvis plans on doing a show in Bangkok.  I heard he was seen recently in Memphis, but I’ve not been able to confirm it. ????????????

Last 3 concerts I went to in Bkk recently were 140 and 170 baht, 12k for a view 100 yards away no thanks.

10 minutes ago, DBath said:

I wonder if Elvis plans on doing a show in Bangkok.  I heard he was seen recently in Memphis, but I’ve not been able to confirm it. ????????????

Nah, he's working in a chip shop in Barnsley.

Bands have been touring for awhile now.  Get over it.

36 minutes ago, rwill said:

Bands have been touring for awhile now.  Get over it.

Perhaps they will book the Monkees tribute band to perform in Phuket ????

I saw the Rolling Stones on their "Final Tours" in 1986 and 1988. The "Grateful Dead" have been touring for 25 years after the death of Jerry Garcia.

 

Instead of retiring these mega brands they seem to slowly replace musicians until the logo is the last remaining member of the band ????  

I rather put a record on the turntable, and look at the picture on the cover for my memories, instead of seeing some old men performing karaoke on stage

2 hours ago, RichardColeman said:

Think I'd rather go see a bunch of K-Pop women.

BTS 

2 hours ago, DBath said:

I wonder if Elvis plans on doing a show in Bangkok.  I heard he was seen recently in Memphis, but I’ve not been able to confirm it. ????????????

You mean someone who can actually sing planning a show in Bangkok?? Maybe Roy Orbison could join him.  ????????????

3 hours ago, Mutt Daeng said:

Nah, he's working in a chip shop in Barnsley.

Oh no, that’s not good, especially given his struggles to keep the weight off.

If people fans are willing to pay the on going prices quoted good luck to them 

I am getting  on a bit so watching YouTube and Netflix is more for me 

As the saying goes each to their own 

4 hours ago, RichardColeman said:

Think I'd rather go see a bunch of K-Pop women.

Like these? almost 2 billion views

 

 

4 hours ago, DBath said:

I wonder if Elvis plans on doing a show in Bangkok.  I heard he was seen recently in Memphis, but I’ve not been able to confirm it. ????????????

Apparently walking through the gates?

Guns and Roses old? Nope. The stones and McCartney in their 70s still touring

8 hours ago, webfact said:

Some think it is a miracle Keith Richards can actually still play a full set!!!

Kieth is a chemical miracle...

7 hours ago, sikishrory said:

Better just stay home and hide then 

Or just stream there music at home with friends.

 

I never saw the enjoyment of seeing concert's in packed arena's. 

 

To each his own. 

 

 

4 hours ago, RichardColeman said:

Think I'd rather go see a bunch of K-Pop women.

.... Or a car show with a loads of "pretties".

What a pointless article!

 

If a band cancels a gig, the punter gets his/ her ticket money refunded.

 

Bands and promoters take out insurance against such cancellations, and the cost of this in the current climate is one reason for the high ticket prices.

 

I remember when Bangkok was a cheaper place to watch gigs. Not any more it seems.

3 hours ago, Wuvu2 said:

 

Instead of retiring these mega brands they seem to slowly replace musicians until the logo is the last remaining member of the band ????  

That's been going on for 60 years or more.

1940's big bands used to tour long after the big name bandleader had passed away.

4 hours ago, peterfranks said:

I rather put a record on the turntable, and look at the picture on the cover for my memories, instead of seeing some old men performing karaoke on stage

I agree - I watched Paul McCartney at Glastonbury (on TV) and was saddened to hear him attempt to perform some of the great Beatles songs that he co-wrote. I love PM but he just doesn't have the vocal range he had in his youth.  The audience seemed not to mind so maybe it's just me?

Who are Maroon 5 that they can charge 12000 baht to stand in a stadium? Never heard of them.

"rock" and "stars".

Well there's an oxymoron.

You tube is free 

"Some think it is a miracle Keith Richards can actually still play a full set!!"

 

Apparently, a few years ago Keith was being interviewed, and he said "A few doctors have told me  that if I carried on with my lifestyle, I would be dead in 6 months. I've been to all their funerals!" ????

5 hours ago, Spock said:

Who are Maroon 5 that they can charge 12000 baht to stand in a stadium? Never heard of them.

I hadn't either, but apparently they are huge in the States. They do a wonderful track called "Memories" which "turned me on" to them - by the way - I'm 76! P.S. From Wikipedia:- Maroon 5 has sold more than 135 million records, making them one of the world's best-selling music artists.^[7]