The High Cost of Metal: VOIVOD’s Struggle and the Bigger Picture
What happens when the roar of the crowd can’t drown out the sound of rising costs? That’s the question Michel ‘Away’ Langevin, drummer for Canadian metal pioneers VOIVOD, recently posed in an interview. His candid remarks about the financial challenges of touring aren’t just a band’s lament—they’re a microcosm of a much larger crisis in the music industry. Personally, I think this story goes beyond VOIVOD’s balance sheet; it’s a wake-up call about the sustainability of live music in an era of economic instability.
The Numbers Don’t Lie, But They Don’t Tell the Whole Story
Away’s comments about skyrocketing fuel prices and post-pandemic inflation hit hard. ‘It’s really hard to justify going on the road sometimes,’ he admitted. What makes this particularly fascinating is how it reflects a broader trend: the live music industry is still reeling from COVID-19, and now geopolitical tensions are adding fuel to the fire—literally. Gas prices, driven by conflicts like the one in Iran, are just one piece of the puzzle. Hotels, crew wages, and even merchandise production costs have surged. For a band like VOIVOD, whose loyal fanbase is their lifeline, these expenses aren’t just numbers on a spreadsheet—they’re existential threats.
From my perspective, this isn’t just about VOIVOD. It’s about every mid-tier and independent artist struggling to make ends meet. The romanticized image of the touring musician often obscures the harsh reality: margins are razor-thin, and one bad tour can spell disaster. What many people don’t realize is that even bands with decades of experience, like VOIVOD, aren’t immune to these pressures. Their resilience is admirable, but it shouldn’t be necessary.
Merch Sales: A Lifeline or a Band-Aid?
One thing that immediately stands out is Away’s gratitude for VOIVOD’s fanbase. ‘They show up at the shows, and they buy a lot of merch,’ he said. This isn’t just a pat on the back for their fans—it’s a survival strategy. Merch sales have become the lifeblood of many touring bands, especially in an age where streaming royalties are pennies on the dollar. But here’s the kicker: relying on merch sales to keep a tour afloat is a risky gamble. What happens when fans can’t afford to buy that $40 t-shirt?
If you take a step back and think about it, this raises a deeper question: Should artists have to depend on merchandise to sustain their careers? The music industry has long been built on exploiting artists, but the current model feels particularly unsustainable. VOIVOD’s success with merch is a testament to their fanbase’s loyalty, but it’s also a symptom of a broken system.
Innovation in the Face of Adversity
What’s truly inspiring about VOIVOD is their refusal to be defined by these challenges. Their recent collaboration with the Quebec Symphony Orchestra, Symphonique, is a prime example. This isn’t just a live album—it’s a bold reinvention of their sound, blending their futuristic metal with orchestral grandeur. A detail that I find especially interesting is how this project showcases their adaptability. In an industry where innovation is often rewarded, VOIVOD isn’t just surviving; they’re thriving creatively.
But here’s the irony: even projects like Symphonique come with their own set of financial risks. Orchestras, recording costs, and production expenses don’t come cheap. What this really suggests is that artistic ambition often comes at a steep price—one that not every band can afford.
The Bigger Picture: A Crisis of Accessibility
VOIVOD’s struggles aren’t unique, but they’re particularly poignant given their legacy. As one of the ‘big four’ Canadian thrash metal bands, they’ve influenced generations of musicians. Their documentary, We Are Connected, is a testament to their impact, featuring tributes from metal icons like Tobias Forge and Jason Newsted. Yet, even with this level of acclaim, they’re grappling with the same issues as lesser-known acts.
This raises a broader question: If a band as influential as VOIVOD is struggling, what does that mean for the future of live music? From my perspective, it’s a warning sign. Rising costs aren’t just making it harder for bands to tour—they’re making it harder for fans to experience live music. Ticket prices are soaring, and smaller venues are closing at an alarming rate. If we’re not careful, live music could become a luxury only the wealthy can afford.
Looking Ahead: What’s the Solution?
Personally, I think the solution lies in systemic change. The music industry needs to rethink its priorities. Streaming platforms, promoters, and venues all have a role to play in ensuring that artists are fairly compensated. Fans, too, can make a difference by supporting independent artists and advocating for transparency in the industry.
VOIVOD’s story is a reminder that music isn’t just about the notes—it’s about the people behind them. Their resilience is inspiring, but it shouldn’t be necessary. As we celebrate their legacy, let’s also work to create a future where artists like them can thrive without constantly worrying about the bottom line.
In the end, VOIVOD’s struggle isn’t just their own—it’s ours. And how we respond will determine the future of music itself.
