Why bands tour

[Yesspaz]

Why do bands tour? Sounds like a simple question, but there are numerous reasons a band will go through the rigor of a road show. I read something that I think most of you would enjoy; it's an insight into the mind of the traveling musician. After the first few paragraphs, I was drawing conclusions about Yes, Rush, and many other bands that tour and tour without releasing new material. It's very interesting.

I came across an essay today by Dan Haseltine, the singer for Jars of Clay, one of my favorite non-prog bands. It was originally published in April, and today is September 22.

Jars of Clay is a band of Christians but doesn't really consider themselves a "Christian band," so to speak, and the article is in Christianity Today. An element of a Christian man and musician writing to an audience of Christian readers is the context of the piece, but even if that is not you, the essay has much to say on why musicians tour, period. I think you'll enjoy it.

Jars of Clay: Why Tour? Why Now?