THE FUTURE OF ABNEY PARK
Added 2022-09-08 18:55:59 +0000 UTCOur last show, in Lincolnshire U.K. was absolutly wonderful. t was actually the third show of three perfect sellout shows in row, and it was such a beautiful event in a beautiful location...b ut...
Well, first off, we all left in perfect health, but it was 20 hours of travel time to get there. Stuck in a plane with hundreds of people...stuck in airports with thousands of people. Some masked, some not.
Then, we had a meet & greet on day one of the event. Did the meet and greet, and fans from all over the world wanted hugs, and selfies...
...by the time of our show the next night I had COVID so bad I almost had to cancel the show. (I would have cancelled, had I known it was covid, but I thought it was jet lag at first.)
I barely made it through the set, I almost passed out midway, and lost my voice during the last couple songs. After the show, still thinking I just had sever jet-lag, I took pictures with fans. There must have been at least 1,000 people in the audience, all exposed to each other, and now exposed to the band.
Returning home was scary: they won’t let you on a plane if you have covid, and I had several plane changes to get home. (I didn’t know it was covid till I tested at home, but I was starting to suspect.) At any moment one of the countries we passed through could have denied me to get on my plane, at which point I would have had to quarantine in a foreign country, at my own expense, for weeks. This would have cost me, not only every dime I made performing, but likely most of my life savings as well. Last minute stays in Europe for the whole band would have been very expensive!
And of course, had we had shows immediately following that show, I would have had to cancel them as well, being even a greater financial loss to the band. We just don't have savings big enough to cover all that.
So, now, 3/5th the band had covid, and my whole family as well, and possibly other band members families. Though I’m finally covid-negative again, I still can’t walk up a flight of stairs without panting.
So I’m trying to find a way to lower exposure for myself, and the band, by setting rules about shorter flight times, and no meet & greets/selfie sessions. I loved meet and greets, but I think meet & greets are a thing of the past that just no longer work, as they risk your health, the show, upcoming shows, and a TON of money.
Many bands in our scene are giving up in-person shows entirely. I wont name any names, but I'm sure you can think of a few bands that have just stopped altogether. We’ve been considering this as well, and we’ve for-sure been turning down shows based on this risk. We just don't get paid enough to offset the possible loss of money and health, due to covid exposure. WHICH IS WHY THIS PATREON IS SO IMPORTANT! THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU! If it wasn't for your support here on Patreon, and if it wasn't for fans buying tickets to our streaming, concerts, there would be no point in being Abney Park anymore. You guys mean the world to us. Our world, this shared Abney Park world that we all inhabit. Thank you! Oh, next streaming concert is next week! Dont miss the fun! Get tickets here: https://igg.me/at/apbEEZsb6fM/x/8617783#/
Comments
My sister and I have attended all of your streaming concerts and after parties and plan to do so for all of the future ones if possible. Take care of yourselves and we will do what we can to support you! If everyone isn't up to a streaming concert, maybe there is something else like fun or interesting stories or Q&A? Something more sedentary that might give everyone more time to recover?
K Kranz
2022-09-12 03:29:34 +0000 UTCThe world has changed so much due to Covid,we act differently,we think differently and people are still scared,in a changing world we have to rethink and adapt to new ways,i think Abney Pary did an amazing job to keep us all entertained through the pandemic and lockdowns,i wish more bands had put in the effort that you did.If you as a band have to change how you do things to protect yourselves and earn a living,then so be it,the streaming shows are fantastic. Keep doing what youre doing and we'll keep supporting you.
John Smith
2022-09-11 16:40:52 +0000 UTCWell, shoot. I was going to pass on your next streaming event because my schedule is kind of tight. So instead I'll grab the download and I may need to buy a t-shirt. You and your family are in a difficult place and I'm happy to do what I can to support you (afraid it isn't much but it is all yours).
Jim Folsom
2022-09-08 19:49:45 +0000 UTCYou're definitely not the first act I know of who's pulling themselves off the road until things get more sane and predictable. Glad you're recovering and hope others do as well. Don't underestimate the lingering effects of this disease. I've enjoyed all your streaming shows so far but will need to miss this one as I'm traveling for a wedding. Kick ass and take names!
DrWex
2022-09-08 19:29:17 +0000 UTC
