Canada has a strong affinity for rock and roll, and there are plenty of big venues in major cities like Toronto and Vancouver that host the modern era of guitar-wielding superstars.
However, the old guard of rock are more frequently found strutting their stuff at the country’s string of land-based casinos, rather than rattling eardrums at urban stadia.
There are a few reasons behind this slow and steady shift, so let’s look into what’s fueling the trend of heritage rockers wowing crowds at gambling venues.
It’s Safe Money
Casinos have traditionally hosted live events to provide customers with something to do when they’ve had their fill of gambling. That means the financial side of the shows is a little different from a typical gig.
Selling every ticket to a heritage rock group’s tour show simply isn’t necessary, because the casino knows it’ll make money from the fans who show up in many more ways. They’ll see the show, splash out on dinner, spend time enjoying the casino’s table games in person, and play online slots like these while chilling in their rooms.
Because of these multiple revenue streams, casino venues can afford to pay bands competitive fees, with little risk attached. The money’s safe for all parties.
Fans are Affluent
Another upside to casinos booking heritage rock tours for their on-site venues is that they tend to attract an older crowd with much more disposable income. And when people visit casinos with spare cash, they’re much more likely to spend some of it on the gaming floor, even if the main reason they’re at the property is for a show.
This is an upside for casino revenues and reflects that the price of food and drink at these venues can be quite a bit higher than at an equivalent location on a standard city street. Affluent fans are less likely to recoil from a $10 beer than a teenager looking to watch the latest pop act.
The Logistics Make Sense
Canada is a big country, to put it mildly, so touring is a struggle on any scale. Casino venues take the sting out of this by creating a logical series of stopping points from west to east, or whichever direction suits the band best.
Moreover, casino venues are generally smaller-scale than stadiums, so they’re not only easier to sell out and create a good atmosphere, but also don’t require the same level of complexity from a production standpoint. Lighting, sets, and effects needn’t be a burden on the budget, while in-house tech teams iron out any other kinks quickly.
Comfort Sells
Last of all, if you’re an aging heritage rock act, you’ll have had quite enough of staying in sleazy motels and cold tour buses. So the prospect of being put up in a five-star suite by a casino, and only having to get the lift down to the venue where you’re playing, will be tantalizing.
So, from the Fallsview Casino in Niagara to the Hard Rock Live in Ottawa, Canada’s casino venues will continue to be a top pick for heritage rock tours.
The post How Canada’s Casino Venues Have Quietly Become A Backbone Of The Heritage Rock Touring Circuit appeared first on Sonic Perspectives.
