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Stray From The PathGabe Becerra

Stray From The Path, Khemmis, He Is Legend, Etc. Members Vent On Merch Cuts


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While never a popular practice among artists in the live industry, the merch cut has increasingly found itself under fire in the public forum these days. A recent decision by experimental metaller Igorrr to refuse to sell merch at their show at the O2 Kentish Town Forum in London, UK last week has led to even more uproar on the matter.

Taking to social media last weekend, Igorrr announced that they were refusing to sell merch during their show at the aforementioned venue in protest of its alleged 25% merch cut (you can find their statement here.)

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If you’re not aware, many venues require that they receive a guaranteed percentage of the income from merchandise sold by the artist within the venue amid the concert they are hosting. These percentages are generally negotiated well in advance by the manager, promoter, etc.. In an unfavorable blow to the artists, these cuts can also require a percentage of the gross income, rather than the net.

With little income earned from streaming royalties for the majority of live artists, merch sales remain the chief factor in making or breaking a tour. Sadly, the continued rise in merch cuts experienced by artists who have hit the road post-pandemic is only exacerbated by the effects of current inflation.

Igorrr were the latest in a growing line of artists to rail against merch cuts, you can read more on some other recent participants here.

Speaking of Igorrr‘s situation and their own experience, Stray From The Path drummer Craig Reynolds has weighed in, offering some extra clarity, which led to some interesting discussion on the topic.

Reynolds decision to once again speak out also comes just as his band are playing a string of O2-owned venues within the UK. Taking to Twitter last night (March 15th), he offered:

He Is Legend vocalist Schuylar Croom responded to Reynolds:

Stray From The Path guitarist Tom Williams also engaged in some discussion:

Other artists have chimed in on the matter as well, including former Every Time I Die bassist Steve Micciche:

Khemmis also weighed in across a series of tweets as well:

While some artists have suggested that bands be entitled to a cut of the bar sales at a show, Architects drummer Dan Searle recently suggested that artists go on strike to protest merch cuts.

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