End of '60's Music

After all the energy and excitement of the 1960's -  '70's rock music was horribly dull.

In Like a Lion

In the '50's and '60's - rock music was the realm of teenagers. It was about teenagers full of vigor and pent up energy. Teenagers wanting to hang out with their peers - listening to music performed by their peers. 

Photographer:Alfred Eisenstaedt Search LIFE Images

Sometimes, if lucky - a record label took interest in the band and would book them to play  in small local clubs.  Here they would  hone their chops and develop a local following. 

 

If the band still looked promising, the record label would then increase the artist exposure by sending them on the road playing in small halls.

Small clubs and band members supported themselves this way. 

Frank Cascone performing at Teen Club 'TV's Hullaballoo Scene

July 1966: Photographer: Bob Gomel

Teenagers dancing at 'TV's Hullaballoo Scene

1966 Photographer:Bob Gomel

In the 1970's, this formula changed dramatically.

'70's Biz Take Over

Marketing strategies aimed to maximize profits. Music industry accountants figured out it was more lucrative to focus on well known bands that could sell out large arenas. The name of the game was draw.

Industry bigwigs, investors, lawyers, accountants, promoters, and agents focused attention on the packaging and promoting rock superstars who could sell-out large capacity arenas.

One of the biggest and most successful regional rock concert promoters in Los Angeles was Wolf & Rissmiller (Concert Associates).  They booked the Rolling Stones, Jethro Tull, Elton John and The Who.   

Concerts were marketed as events -  which were often big slick production spectacles.  

Promoters looked for acts with the largest appeal.  Many bands were often re-issued popular bands from the 1960's.  The average concert goers was older now - as were band members.

Seating in the arena was far back from the stage.  Better seats were expensive or reserved for VIPs. The sound was lousy, the visibility poor. But these arenas were the realms of rock god.

This formula worked for the music industry. The '70's became the era of decadence, indulgences and excesses. 

Proceeds were divided up: 

• 50% to the band
  
• 10% to the venue
  
• 20% for advertising, staff, ticket printing, insurance, royalties
  
• 7-8% for sound and lighting. 
  
• What's left over - 12% or so - to the promoter 
  

Dark Days For L. A. Rock Clubs

Of course, the losers in all this music mania were teenagers, creativity and the small clubs. 

Most small clubs could not survive without music industry support.  

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