Coming Out On The Other Side

There was a ’60’s TV show called “Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea.” A huge submarine exploring the deep oceans, and one day came up to see the skies all red like they were on fire. I don’t remember what happened next, but I can remember that sub crew freaking out at seeing that fiery red sky.

We are over a year into the sky being on fire. We adapted. We are still adapting. The word “optimistic” is being used. Had my two Pfizer shots and am still careful, but truly optimistic.

But as we surface the ship, the sky is still red but we are not as afraid. We are getting shots and learning ways to keep from passing the bug around.

But is this the same world we left a year ago? No, it’s not. Did we put life and events on fast-forward, maybe? That’s possible. TV and radio was changing without the virus. The virus forced faster changes due to economics and necessity. No one seems to be doing things they did, the way they did, 54 or so weeks ago: the office, Zoom, work at home, how we make money, how we will make money in the future. Things we took for granted, maybe didn’t notice, are staring us in the face. Making money on the road. Mission impossible, still!

Think about it. Humor is even different now. The way we watch and what we watch on TV/radio is way different.

The ratings are reflecting that, too, with award show ratings feeling the sting firsthand. The ACMs are on the horizon, and I sure hope they are not in a dreamland thinking no audience energy is OK. Anyone feeling the excitement? Or any for the Oscars? No.

This, therefore, is the problem. The audience is different. Their mood has changed a bunch in 54 weeks. They are distracted, tired of the pandemic, war weary of show biz/music biz mixing with politics, and the cancel culture.

What music stars working right now get the fans excited? Which ones get them to stop what they are doing and watch, tune in, set a recorder? It’s a hard question to bet your money on. Sports on TV seem to be the only sure thing.

Are we set for the roaring ’20s post pandemic kind of future, or more of the cautious last 12 months? We are in uncharted waters, but at least know we are in uncharted waters.

Great to see Billy Bob’s in Texas booking acts and selling out those socially distanced shows. Five sellouts for Miranda Lambert! The festivals are starting to come online, too. Optimism!

Kenny Chesney’s folks backed off the 2021 touring, as have a few others. CMA Fest and so many other events are regrouping for 2022. Most can’t hold out that long. They’re broke or soon will be, running out of oxygen under the water. Going to have to face that red sky somehow. But how and when? MLB is starting up, as Europe and much of the Americas are closing.

Eric Church is on the cover of Billboard getting a Covid shot. That’s the kind of leadership I’ve been talking about.

We must fight our way out of this. Still, millions don’t want the shot because of politics. Soldiers like strong generals to lead them into battle. That’s where we are now. Industry leaders LEAD! We need Music Row workers back on the road and everyone back to work. The clock is ticking.