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If This Is How Advertising & Music Converge, I’m Not Impressed

October 27, 2008 – 11:43 am | by Daryl Tay

The music industry is in a period of pretty big change. I could go on and recap how the music industry continues to miss opportunity after opportunity in the digital realm, but I won’t. Instead I will tell you about my recent experience of music and advertising coming together. And I don’t like it.

Over the weekend I attended a “concert” called Rockband Live, featuring Panic At The Disco, Dashboard Confessional, the Plain White T’s and The Cab. I say “concert” because I felt it was really one long advertisement.

Why? Because in between sets, we were treated to music videos like this:


Toronto: Panic At The Disco, Dashboard Confessional, Plain White T’s (Rockband Live Tour) - Rockband 2 Music Video from Daryl Tay on Vimeo.

As if that wasn’t enough, we were also shown numerous 30 second spots pimping either Rockband 2, the Xbox360 or both.

As if that wasn’t enough, we also had to sit through four “bands” of teenagers playing Rockband 2 live in between sets.

Now I realise that the Xbox is turning into a great way to sell music, but shoving this much “ad time” into a concert is bordering on offensive. I was fine with the first two “bands”, but when there were another “two” between set changes, it was really becoming a bit much.

As someone who was part of a media club including backstage setup, I can guarantee you that the the time the two “bands” took to finish their Rockband 2 songs was enough for the setup for the next real band. Instead? Once the Rockband “bands” left, we were treated to more Rockband music videos on the screen. What gives?

In all honesty, this show felt like one big ad-supported YouTube channel surfing session. Click on a few kids playing Rockband, click on a Plain White T song, throw in an Xbox commercial between them, watch another set of kids playing Rockband… Wash, rinse repeat.

So here’s the thing, Microsoft and whoever else is behind this, or similar concerts: I’ll tolerate your advertising if it isn’t overpowering. If you are going to make your ads overpowering, at least slash the price of my ticket because I’m not paying money to get advertising shoved down my throat. Considering the amount of ad time you got from me, my experience should be subsidised by advertising.

So in a sentence: If you’re not a huge fan of either of these bands (like me), save your money. You can thank me for it later.

If you’re interested in what I thought about these bands musically, you can check out my review of them on my personal blog.

Tags: advertising at concerts, dashboard confessional, live music, music advertising, panic at the disco, plain white t's, rockband, rockband 2, rockband live, the cab, xbox 360