Tweet
Posted this for amusement in the comments on VHND...now, your postulations, please...
I'm a Dave loyalist, not a Sammy hater but definitely a "Sammy in VH" hater. Dave is VH. With that out of the way...
We all know the latest rumble on this is nothing more than media clickbait - or is it? Let's perform an economic analysis. Class is in session.
---
Let's all not lose sight of the fact that given current state, there are practically two VH markets - Dave VH, Sammy VH, or "swirly VH logo" versus "classic VH logo" if you will.
This is a business challenge which few other bands face - the division of their fan base between two fundamentally different groups. While both are *** extremely *** loyal, theoretically they are never "happy customers" at the same time. This can be a negative, or a positive - depends on the band's (and their management's) decisions.
It's safe to say that for the most part, the sales of music (and more importantly, the schwag) to those markets is proportionately inverse at any one moment, depending on the state of the band. Let's analyze the issues.
(1) Ed has effectively countered this imbalance to protect his revenue stream with the successful push of his EVH gear (which is badass, btw).
(2) Dave may or may not have several projects in the works (John 5, EEAS reunion, etc.).
(3) Sammy has made his money several times over with booze and Cabo schwag, and basically says he doesn't even need to make music any longer and can retire.
(4) Mikey has hot sauce, and a new Schecter bass series.
(5) Wolfgang has Tremonti, maybe Alter Bridge, and who knows what else. Plus, Eddie Van Halen is his dad. Enough said.
(6) Alex doesn't give a shit.
(7) Valerie is enjoying a "revival" with her cooking shows, appearances, etc.
(8) Even Kody the dog has a Facebook and Instagram following. Hell, if they released a Kody Van Halen stuffed doll, people would buy it. Enough said.
Now, consider the following from a business/marketing perspective:
(1) While everyone has their fair share of alternate revenue streams, they cannot ignore the glaring fact that there remains an untapped market right now for the dormant "swirly logo" fans. The only way to revive that market base (other than someone dying) is to push a reunion and a tour - IMO, new Van Hagar album would be advised but not mandatory (refer to my loyalty comment above).
(2) The "classic logo" fans have been drained by three tours worth of tickets, only a handful of "new" (recycled) material, and a bunch of remasters. The only viable way to generate revenue from that group at this point is to either go full international with a tour, or release a new studio album with Dave.
The only way, therefore, for the VH business to maximize both of those revenue markets would be to have a reunion/combination tour with Sammy-Mike, Dave-Sammy-Mike, Dave-Sammy-Mike-Wolfgang-Kody, or some combination thereof (whacky, I know, but stay with me on this).
Following outcomes would be achieved:
(1) This combines the revenue streams
(2) This pushes yet another era of the band
(3) As a secondary effect - because everyone is active again, everyone's alternate revenue streams also benefit from the publicity.
(4) Even the Dave-Sammy feud, which we all know is inevitable and probably largely for show, is good for both markets.
(5) Finally, from a lifespan perspective, this combined effort would (could) bring a natural closing chapter to the band (if that's the way they want it) - they all announce this is the last tour, they announce retirement
(6) Both groups of fans walk away satisfied
(7) There is unity in the universe - and in the bands' wallets.
If you're awake at this point, feel free to discuss. Or not.
Love you crazy fuckers. Mean it.
I'm a Dave loyalist, not a Sammy hater but definitely a "Sammy in VH" hater. Dave is VH. With that out of the way...
We all know the latest rumble on this is nothing more than media clickbait - or is it? Let's perform an economic analysis. Class is in session.
---
Let's all not lose sight of the fact that given current state, there are practically two VH markets - Dave VH, Sammy VH, or "swirly VH logo" versus "classic VH logo" if you will.
This is a business challenge which few other bands face - the division of their fan base between two fundamentally different groups. While both are *** extremely *** loyal, theoretically they are never "happy customers" at the same time. This can be a negative, or a positive - depends on the band's (and their management's) decisions.
It's safe to say that for the most part, the sales of music (and more importantly, the schwag) to those markets is proportionately inverse at any one moment, depending on the state of the band. Let's analyze the issues.
(1) Ed has effectively countered this imbalance to protect his revenue stream with the successful push of his EVH gear (which is badass, btw).
(2) Dave may or may not have several projects in the works (John 5, EEAS reunion, etc.).
(3) Sammy has made his money several times over with booze and Cabo schwag, and basically says he doesn't even need to make music any longer and can retire.
(4) Mikey has hot sauce, and a new Schecter bass series.
(5) Wolfgang has Tremonti, maybe Alter Bridge, and who knows what else. Plus, Eddie Van Halen is his dad. Enough said.
(6) Alex doesn't give a shit.
(7) Valerie is enjoying a "revival" with her cooking shows, appearances, etc.
(8) Even Kody the dog has a Facebook and Instagram following. Hell, if they released a Kody Van Halen stuffed doll, people would buy it. Enough said.
Now, consider the following from a business/marketing perspective:
(1) While everyone has their fair share of alternate revenue streams, they cannot ignore the glaring fact that there remains an untapped market right now for the dormant "swirly logo" fans. The only way to revive that market base (other than someone dying) is to push a reunion and a tour - IMO, new Van Hagar album would be advised but not mandatory (refer to my loyalty comment above).
(2) The "classic logo" fans have been drained by three tours worth of tickets, only a handful of "new" (recycled) material, and a bunch of remasters. The only viable way to generate revenue from that group at this point is to either go full international with a tour, or release a new studio album with Dave.
The only way, therefore, for the VH business to maximize both of those revenue markets would be to have a reunion/combination tour with Sammy-Mike, Dave-Sammy-Mike, Dave-Sammy-Mike-Wolfgang-Kody, or some combination thereof (whacky, I know, but stay with me on this).
Following outcomes would be achieved:
(1) This combines the revenue streams
(2) This pushes yet another era of the band
(3) As a secondary effect - because everyone is active again, everyone's alternate revenue streams also benefit from the publicity.
(4) Even the Dave-Sammy feud, which we all know is inevitable and probably largely for show, is good for both markets.
(5) Finally, from a lifespan perspective, this combined effort would (could) bring a natural closing chapter to the band (if that's the way they want it) - they all announce this is the last tour, they announce retirement
(6) Both groups of fans walk away satisfied
(7) There is unity in the universe - and in the bands' wallets.
If you're awake at this point, feel free to discuss. Or not.
Love you crazy fuckers. Mean it.
Comment