This weekend, the 22nd year of the South by Southwest music festival wrapped up in Austin, TX. While the event has long been a place to see up-and-coming bands, it has increasingly become a place where big name bands show up to show off at ”secret shows.”
But, does having a huge band show up at this fest add to the fun, or just steal the spotlight from a new group who should’ve had a chance to shine?
Thrashy ’80s metal relics Metallica showed up at the formerly indie-minded music event over the weekend, for a “secret” show at Stubb’s, a concert venue that holds about 2,000 people-a far cry from the stadiums and arenas the band normally plays.
The major label metal and anti-music-sharing attitude of Metallica is the antithesis of indie rock in every way possible (although, nostalgia, irony and the band’s increasingly emo lyrics might endear them to some of the kids).
Do big bands like Metallica belong at SXSW at all?
On one hand, having big-name bands play the festival might attract new fans, or give old fans a chance to see a big band in a small venue.
Plus, any time there’s a chance that some kid might skip a Decemberists show and go see some heavy metal is probably a good thing. (Seriously, why are the Decemberists so popular?)
Clearly, the spirit of SXSW is changing, but is it a good thing?
Daisy says...
03.23.09 4:16 pm
I belive it is ok to have the big bands play for small venues such as this but W. T. F! Why choose one of the most sold out bands in history hmm? First of all we should be havin someone a little less selfish and more into bringing music and happiness to the world and not trying to keep the “poor” people away from free music. I feel its ok but make a better choice other than Metallica. Geeze, first the hair, free music, and now this? Holy Crap