I know I'm In The Minority (Page 1 of 2)

I'm not into the merchandise thing either but I think your choice of terminology eg 'whore' is what will really offend. If you don't like it. don't buy it. All artists do it as a way for paying bills tax tour costs etc. Just pick your words and comments wisely.

Let's do a quick analysis here.

Your initial point, if I'm reading between the lines correctly, is "Do some of you find Mr. Bonamassa's exploits into signature merchandising a bit excessive and subsequently creating an unintended image as gauche?" Of course thats what you meant. Some people may side with you, others not, just depends on your point of view. It is a great way for artists to get additional income with a high markup, i.e. more funds for tours, albums, etc.

"Merch whore" perplexes me. When read literally, it means offering up your body intimately (trying to be appropriate here) in exchange for merchandise. A better example of that would be what's commonly referred to as a "Gold Digger" - i.e. a lower or middle class person, usually referring to a female but not always, who marries someone excessively wealthy for their inheritance and material possessions they can provide in exchange for physical favors and an off perception of "love", and they usually target someone older so that they don't have to wait long to gain said inheritance and marry off to their trashy partner on the side, who is in fact their true "love". Alternately means a prostitute who barters.

But thats neither here nor there, as I don't believe it was written to be read literally. But I'm having fun with literal analysis, so moving on!

When applied to JoeB and his band literally, does this mean you've seen Joe pimping out Tal on the street before a gig in exchange for EL84s? Of course not, its bad for the band image. So is it one of those higher class escort services in exchange for guitar strings? Could save alot of money, string purchases add up. But then, he probably has a deal with Ernie Ball. Either way, those tour buses are very high class and provide a discrete location.

More information would be helpful, I can't come to a reasonable conclusion.

Aw come on people this guy obviously is just trying to start a ruckus. He hasn't been on in 2 years and now this. He knew by his choice of words that people would get worked up. Why give him the satisfaction.

Obliviously you don't know how we work around here. Takes a lot to get banned unless you spam. Being a jerk isn't necessarily one. We give you an opportunity to voice your opinion but this is Joe's forum and he doesn't provide it as a vehicle to attack him or his organization. You sir are attacking a guy we consider here a friend. I took the most offensive statement out of your subject line and allowed your opinion to be expressed however it will be put in the basement where posts like this belong. You insist on attacking Joe and his company and your wish will be my command.

Well said.

Just bought two JB Radio City Tee Shirts! Hey Jus Sayin....January 24th can't get here fast enough.
No won't wear it at the show, don't want to be "That Guy." After a certain age wearing a football jersey to the game or Concert tee to the concert....I dunno, my opinion I guess. I actually think it's cool to see people at another show with a Joe B shirt. Just saw Neal Vitullo and there were two Vintage Bonamassa guys there.

Never really thought about it Phil but it would explain why a young guy was aggressive towards me at a Rolling Stones concert when I had on a Tom Petty t shirt.

Yes, I thought about that night after typing the post above, Ian. If you hadn't been wearing a JB shirt I wouldn't have approached you with the comment "good to see a Joe fan here", or similar and asked if you were a Forum member. I think it was a Forum member who made the comment to me about not wearing another artists t-shirt.

I agree that it's all a matter of choice and we can all make our own. We're all rockin' in the free world.