Re: Stop Michael Cohl!
Date: December 3, 2005 18:00
The way I undestand it is that Cohl guarantees the band a certain amount of dollars/euros, then he has to try to recoup his investment. Staging, transportation, food, dope, etc. cut into this pile of cash. On one of the DVD's, they discuss a certain show being the break-even point of the tour. The Stones sign the contracts, take the cash, and do the show. I'm not sure they have much say in the ticket pricing as they are already under contract and can't tell Cohl what to charge.
Not trying to defend either Cohl or the Stones, just trying to discuss facts. They could tour more cheaply with less staging, effects, etc., but people (casual fans) continue to go see them because of the spectacle. Theatre shows with no effects, just music would suit me and most die-hards, but not the average person on the street.