Live in the Philippines

Live in the Philippines helps expats with visas, moving and other services regarding the Philippines.

Washed up performers

Entertainment / by

Over the years, I have noticed time and time again that the Philippines seems to be a lingering stage for washed up performers.  Time and again, bands that were popular 25, 30, even 50 years ago tour in the Philippines, and often to sold out audiences!  I mean, we are talking about people who were popular in the States back in the 60’s, even in the 50’s.  We are talking about bands and singers from the USA, Australia and other places in the world.  These people were famous in their home countries, or even worldwide in their day, but sadly their day seems to have passed.  Many of these performers would have a hard time drawing much of a crowd back home in the USA, yet they play to sold-out audiences here in Davao, and in other Cities in the Philippines like Manila, Cebu and Cagayan de Oro.

donovan playing
Of course, most of these people play in Manila, but more and more they are venturing south.  With the latest troubles in Mindanao, I can’t be certain that they will continue this trend, but in the past couple of years this has been the case.

One thing that I have a hard time understanding is how people can afford tickets for these events.  Tickets for such events here in Davao often go for as much as P3,000 (about $70 or so), and this is at fairly large venues that can hold thousands of people!  Often, even the lowest priced tickets are a minimum of P500 or so, which would seem to be totally out of reach of even middle class families here.  I mean, P500 is about $12 or so, and the average salary here is only around P4,000 to P6,000 per month.  That is as much as 1/8 of a month’s salary!  Wow!

What do you think?  Does it surprise you that these seemingly washed up performers can still rake in a few bucks here in the Philippines?

 photo credit: artolog

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Nothing surprizes me any more and maybe some of the people that buy tickets were busy on the streets pan handling..{ begging for bucks} ..but as u said it is hard to figure when the average wage there is what you menitoned Bob…and maybe most that go to those things are not aware of U-tube…you can all most find any band there was on U-tube and listen for nothing if you have high speed internet..but maybe most average in Phillipines not have high speed internet and the net cafes maybe not like to many watching You-tube taking up band width on their connection.

  2. @Dan, it's so disappointing that you have bad views about the Philippines and even about Filipinos. First of all, Filipinos are born music lovers. Concerts go sold out because they save money for it months before the actual performance, and they do not beg bucks for it. Second, the Philippines do have fast internet, fast enough to stream YouTube. I guess you did not do your homework about the connectivity of the Philippines and just commented without knowing a single thing. And going to concerts is one way Filipinos pamper themselves after a long days work and YouTube is not enough to attend to their music passion.

    @bob- sorry that i have to comment on the first commenter. Anyway, I'm glad that you kinda point out that issue of washed up performers enjoying sold out concerts in the country. But I'm kinda disturbed by the figure you posted. 4k-6k/month?

    I don't actually know the minimum wage in Davao. But I'm pretty sure an office job won't give them that low wage. And I don't think those earners you are talking about are not the ones who made the sold out concerts possible. Hehe, perhaps the middle class families of Davao are. I know a lot of high end families living in there and they do go to a lot of concerts both in Davao and Manila. Have a nice day ahead.

  3. Hi Bob
    I wondering if you could give me an example of what bands or singers are performing there. You might be suprised to know that many of the Heavy Metal/Hair Bands of the 70's and 80's are doing pretty well with reunion tours here in the States. Some of them are even putting out new cd's. I can remember back in the mid 80's that Deep Purple did a concert in Manila at a pretty big venue/concert hall and I was there. Please let me know who is playing over there even though I'm pretty much into OPM singers now.

  4. Hi Bob – Considering that some who have very few pesos in their pocket somehow have cellphones, iPods, access to shabu, and other expensive "toys & hobbies," I can understand how high-priced tickets for low-level performances find their way to customers. (:sad:)

    Also, there are many who "live for today" and will "eat all of their rice" without saving any for tomorrow. I'll be hungery again, tomorrow, but I'll have a satisfying, aching-full stomach now! (:lol:) They can "afford those tickets and worry about poverty tomorrow.

  5. Hi Dan – Well, I don't think that the people at the concerts are the ones who are begging in the streets… Still, though, it surprises me that so many people can come up with those kind of bucks!

  6. Hi lad madrigal – Thanks for stopping by and for your comment. Please note that I said that the average salary is P4k to P6k per month, and an office job is not what the average person has. Anyway, suffice it to say that people spend a lot of money for such events, more money than I would be willing to spend.

    Regarding Dan's comment, I don't think he meant anything bad by what he said.

  7. Hi Dan Mihaliak – I am aware of those bands that you are talking about, and some of them are big crowd drawers, no doubt. In the last few months, here in the Philippines we have had the Osmond Brothers, Air Supply, The Lettermen and such.

  8. Hi Paul – I do get surprised at how many people can afford super high priced cellphones! I mean, you can see people who can barely afford rice for dinner with cellphones that cost $500 and more! It's amazing!

  9. Reguarding cell phones, I have noticed that the younger generation is getting very prone to the American "instant gratification" problem. Indeed they will spend money of stuff that would have been unheard of 10 years ago.

    As for the bands, a quick glace at a karaoke machine playlist will show all of the bands listed above. Philippinos in general are into slower songs and love songs although there is a group that listens to heavy metal and you also have your wannbe gangsters who listen to mostly West Coast Rap. Those bands from the 50-70's have a timeless sound to them and as long as they are willing to play they will have an audience over here.

    @Dan on comment #1 – I can understand your frustation with panhandling here but I can say that beggars here are not like the ones in the states. They live in squatter housing by the river mostly and live a life of squalor whereas most beggars in the states are scam artisits making more money a day than most middle class businessmen.

  10. Hi BrSpiritus – I have noticed the same thing with the "instant gratification" that is going on in the Philippines these days. It is very similar to what is happening in the USA over the past 20 years or so.

  11. a lot of the bands you are talking about are the ones that play County fairs here in the summer. Ths summer I saw the Beach Boys at the county fair here in Jackson county. Only two of the members were the orginals as the rest have retired. The venue was packed and everyone was having a good time. The cost was included with the fair admision price.

  12. @Bob Wow those are some pretty washed up performers. I saw the Osmond Borthers on public tv recently and it's a wonder they didn't show up with walkers.

  14. Hi don – Yeah, I was thinking that…. I remember seeing a lot of these kind of bands doing the County Fair circuit in the States! You certainly didn't have to pay $70+ to see them! 😆

  17. Hi Robert G – Yes, we have Earth Wind & Fire coming here too, but I have been told that it is not the real band. It is a group that is advertiing the "Earth Wind and Fire Experience". 😆

  19. Musicians put on a show, music fans are happy to pay for a night of entertainment. Sounds like a win-win to me.

  20. Let's not put everyone in the Philippines in the same bucket. Assuming a population of 90 million people and 15% of them are financially very comfortable, that's almost 15 million people who have some money to spare. It is therefore not surprising that we'll see people buying expensive stuff and attending these concerts.

  21. Hi Gary – Yes, it is a win-win for them. I didn't really say it was bad, I was just writing about something that I had observed, that was a little different for me. 🙂

  22. Hey Bob,

    Yeah..like here, and I am talking about myself. I remember when I was younger and not making too much money at the time..and no help from my parents..my parents made us go out and earn our money. But I remember saving up for many concerts back in the 80's. I was lucky enough to live 15 minutes from the Capital Center in Largo, Maryland..where many popular bands played back then.
    I would think the same thing, the filipino's love there music there…even my Rose…she is only 26 years old..but you would be surprised at the variety of music she enjoys, and listens to. She enjoys a wide rage of music, from different genres and eras. I had her listen to a Louis Armstrong song I have always loved, "What A Wonderful World", and she replied..yeah..I love ole "Satchmo"..he play good trumphet…lol. I was so surprised at that, so I am not surprised at them being able to save for concerts from time to time..somebody they really want to see, and it would be a great treat for them. Kinda of like us saving for a vacation, something we really can't afford all the time, but is something we think is worth spending our money on, and a treat for the whole family.
    But your right about the price of some of those tickets…I mean..unless it meant that Led Zeppelin was getting back together..I would not pay $70bucks for a ticket either….but thats just me…being cheap. I am not sure I would see the Beatles for that much money..hehe..lol :mrgreen:

    Goodbye for now, 😯 😆
    Danny

  23. Hi Aldel – I don't think I put all Filipinos in the "same bucket" – I am just observing that I am surprised that people would pay that kind of price to see acts that are a little beyond their prime. I have the money to afford such prices, but I wouldn't even think twice about it. Of course, we are all free to spend our money on what we see fit.

  24. Hi Danny – Ha ha… yeah, I'm like you… too cheap to pay that kind of money for a ticket! 😆 I can think of lots of things that I could enjoy more for $70. 😯

  25. Hi Bob- I agree with what Lad Madrigal said about Filipinos being music crazy.When Marilou was in CdeO in 2007 she went with some friends to see Marie Jose Chan play to a packed venue.She even came home with his autograph and a CD of his music.Her verdict was a terrific concert.
    When we went to the US in 1997 Englebert Humperdink was playing in Reno just before we arrived and moved to Vegas after we left and she was so disappointed as she always wanted to see him in person.Not to be outdone the same Englebert was playing Sunderland Empire which is about 10 miles from our house here in England in November that same year(we returned from the US in September) and she eventually had her wish to see him perform.So if there is a will there is a way no matter what it costs or sacrifices if your love is music.Whilst like you Bob I often wonder how they manage to climb on to the stage never mind sing or play due to their age but I think people see them as they once were rather than what they have become now.
    Whilst you are amazed at how people can afford to go and see these veterns of the stage they obviously can and until they can't or wont "the show will go on"as they say.

  26. Hi jim – Thanks for sharing your thoughts. Oh, and by the way.. I don't consider Jose Mari Chan to be washed up.. I love his singing! To each his own, I guess! 😆

  27. kamusta bob
    i did notice alot of old music is very popular there in phil.i heard some abba coming from a house full of teenagers and i was surprised to hear that for sure.i have see alot of old bands at country fairs here and the concert was
    free with admission.
    salamat bob

  29. Hi Bob- Just by concidence this morning I have read that Neil Diamond has promised to refund the entire audience 11,000 people after his Monday night concert in Columbus,Ohio where he admited he had underpeformed and some people walked out.Cost of tickets where from $20 to $120 this gesture is apparently unprecidented.
    Now in the future we may see less veterns of the stage taking a chance if they also have to refund the audiance for a less than satisfactory performance.
    Regards.
    Jim.

  30. Bob,
    Alot of the "oldies" groups have been doing shows in the US. Maybe it is because of the old folks in Florida where I have seen the ads. I even went to see the Lettermen with my mom a few years back. I was surprised, most of the group were originals and they still could carry a note.
    Also in Southern California at Knotts Breey Farm, an amusment park, they had alot of "Oldie" groups.
    Doesn't it make us feel old when groups we grew up with became "oldies"? :-))

  31. What we really need is a good Jimmy Buffett concert… Parrotheads of the Philippines unite!

  32. We were driving though Manila last week and there was a huge billboard for a "Journey" concert. Journey?????? I looked at the billboard photo, and there was at most only one of the original members of the original band that was so popular in the 1970's. I doubt they could draw many people here in the U.S. , but I'll bet they will draw huge in Manila. Yep ,the Philippines is certainly in a musical time warp.

  37. Hi Bob,

    It's funny that you wrote about this. I noticed this, too, not just in the Philippines but here in the States. There are a lot of "revival" concerts going around – Madonna, Bruce Springsteen, Billy Joel, Rolling Stones… Now don't get me wrong, they may be older but they're still great performers (if you can ignore the fact that they don't look as good anymore) 😆

    In the Philippines, it's more of you take what you can get. Filipinos are big music lovers and adore international performers. I remember back in 2006, I gifted my parents, an aunt and an older cousin with tickets to The Four Aces concert. I asked them how the concert was and they seemed to have really enjoyed it. I think it brought back memories of when they were in their prime…

    I think all these concerts are more of giving in to nostalgia, reliving the "good old days". I think it also depends on the kind of music being played. Older performers, like Tony Bennett, still draw a huge crowd. Personally, I think watching someone on stage past their prime playing rock and roll is way too depressing! 🙁

  40. I just checked the Journey website out of curiosity. I know why thy are so popular in the Philippines now. Their new lead singer, Arnel Pineda, is a Filipino!!!

  41. Two nights ago I watched Donna Summer to a full pack audience at Caesar's Palace Collosseum in Windsor, Ontario. For a boy of 10 years old, this disco icon stirred my first interest in anything that's campy. Past talents have markets anywhere in the world. Filipinos in partcular like retro music since we cling to the old and familiar.

  45. hi bob,

    I am not a very old person but i do like the music of 60's, 70's and specially the 80's, one of the reason is, music nowadays is not a music anymore, it is more of a noise and out-of-tune songs, i don't really appreciate the new musics of this era, as a matter of fact, there are lots of old musics that is being revived nowadays, there's a lot of filipino out there that might be like me, and for sure if there are any washed-up performers who will perform the music i like, then, i would instatly see the concert.

  46. Hi dans – That's a great way to look at it. For anybody who enjoys that kind of music – go for it! Why not? Regarding today's music, I guess it all depends on what type of music you enjoy whether today's music is "noise" or "music"…..

  47. Bob and others,

    I can't believe that you miss a very basic cultral point about Filipinos.

    Filipinos, like most Asians, have a very deep respect for older/elder persons. They look on the older person as more wiser because of their experiences and when they see a famious musical/vocal group from the 60s, 70s, or 80s and still getting up on the stage to perform, they are going to go to that performance. All you have to do is look at Dolphy the great Filipino comic. Filipinos of ALL ages love him. Even with a "colored" past, he is much loved even by young people who show him great respect.

    Another point, Filipinos hate many of the things that they "received" from their former American "guests" but the one thing that they took to their hearts was American music. Filipinos have a great natural talent when it comes to the arts and new, struggling musicans in many cases follow the American music with the hopes of making in the "Big Time USA." Many Filipino musicans now perform in the USA and not to just Fil-Am groups. Many are now headliners in LAs Vewgas.

  48. Follow-up:

    I am reall y sorry for the misspellings in my post. I have to admit is was written in a hurry as I am trying to do a couple of things all at once. Multi-tasking sucks! You know what I mean Bob 😉

  49. Hi Bob,

    This is not directly related but, what I don't understand is how some stars and starlets that frequent noontime variety shows in the Philippines come over to the US and expect that people will pay upwards of $100 for seats for their concerts. I understand inflation has hit everywhere but come on! Even the Beach Boys now charge less than that!

  50. Hi John Adams – Thanks for adding that tidbit. Not 100% sure if I would agree, but can't flat out disagree either. I mean… I am thinking that if an old star sings music that you don't like, I doubt that you would go to his concert just because he is your elder. Know what I mean?

    Thanks for sharing that, though.

  51. Hi mia – I was aware that a lot of those stars went to perform to Filipinos in the USA, but I was not aware of the seat cost! Wow… that is indeed quite high. It would be hard to bring your whole family to an event like that.

  52. To Joe Parisi,

    Journey just played here in West Palm Beach..with in the last two weeks..to sold out shows…and yes there new lead singer is a filipino..and is amazing that he sounds just like Steve Perry..there original singer. He is a very talented singer.
    Journey has been touring with Cheap Trick, and Heart…good 70's-80's music. I was lucky enough to see Journey back in 1981 in Washington, DC..was a great concert.

    Good day to you all,
    Danny

  53. Mr. Martin! What the heck is this reference to 'washed up'? I'll have you know I resemble that remark. LoL.

    serioulsy, Bob, I do note a lot of ancient acts coming here, but I doubt the Philippines is much more of a popular venue than is say, japan, which is also a place where many acts go in later years … and too much higher ticket proces I might add … those who think those prices in Davao are expsnsive probably haven't seen what things cost in the US lately ;-).

    One hting that would attract any group here is the fact that themusic tendsto be at least 40 or 50 years old … almost every radio station or TV karaoke channel is 'old enough to be your daddy' ;-). So the bands see that their old fans have retired and oved to Miami or Manila.

    But it's hardly unique to the Philippines … last night I watched Letterman's show (the "leader in late night TV") and who d you think was the feature musical guest? Little Anthony and the Imperials … their first release was a mega-hit, "Tears on My Pillow", released in 1958 … I was 12 when itcame out. So I am not really sure that touring 'washed up' performers are unique to the Philippines.

  54. To Danny,

    I still like some of that old 70's rock. I saw Cheap Trick back in 1978. They put on a real good show. I would still go to see bands like the Roliing Stones, or a Led Zeppelin reunion. However, I start to lose interest when there are only one or two members of the original band left. When I go to see a a band like that it always seems like a cover band that is just trying to make money on past glories.

  56. Hi Dave Starr – Sometimes, when writing titles… you gotta go for the controversial sounding one to get the most buzz out of your post! 😆

    Yes, I agree that such acts are not unique to the Philippines, if I implied that they were, that was not my intention. I do find it interesting that such acts are very common here, though, and that they seem to "pack the house" when they play.

  57. Hi Joe Parisi – I'm like you…. when it is mostly new performers, it hardly seems right to even use the same band name any longer! Seems almost like false advertising to me.

  58. hi bob,

    if the "washed-up" performer is something like this
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sh_c9CQjeOc&fe…

    the lettermen, it is really worth to pay high price, this group tried their very best to sing filipino songs, their accent are almost perfect, you would not think they are americans. this i say is worth to see when they perform again.

  60. Hi Bob,

    I just read somewhere that Gary Lewis and the Playboys are coming to Davao! OMG! Have you heard of them? I didn't think they were still around! I was just a kid when they came to Manila. The big buzz at that time was Gary fell in love and married a Filipina, Jinky Suzara. Hmmmm, I wonder if they're still together. I think he's Jerry Lewis' (the comedian) son. So Bob, if you missed them then, now is the chance to see them! 😆 See, it's one thing about touring performers who have been relatively active and have still produced music from time to time. But, if you hear of a performer coming to town who hasn't had a music released in decades, makes you wonder what they sound like and if it's worth your money to go see them… 😕

    To all Americans out there, have a good Labor Day weekend!!!

  61. Hi Tina – I have heard of Gary Lewis and the Playboys, but I know nothing about them.. afraid they are from before my time! 😆 Not saying anything about your age, Tina… I promise! 😯

    Happy Labor Day!

  62. 😆 Heeeeey… they were popular during OUR time, Bob! 😆

    Don't miss their show! Your chance of a lifetime!!! 😆

    I have to admit I know most of their songs and I'm sure a lot of Filipinos do – the younger generation just doesn't know who the original singer is.

    Check the link below, you may know their songs too 😉
    http://www.garylewisandtheplayboys.com/

  63. Hi Bob. I too won't call them washed ups 😉 . In fact, they used to be just black and white:
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vATh0br3_kM&fe…

    now they are colored:
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dQPzkbXXYYo

    Yeah, those were the days when 'woke up this morning feeling fine' was a song….used to be romantic but a bit cheesy now yet still entertains.

    I'm sure these old bands are having the time of their lives 😆 .

    For Filipinos $70 is worth it …for old times' sake so to speak.

    Indeed the American oldies has started this trend in touring the third world….the British for sure won't be far behind.

  64. Wow – I can't believe the number of responses to this article – kudos Bob!!

    I'd like to compare the $70 ticket price in the Philippines to see a washed-up performer vs. the $8 admission to the county fair. Sure, at face value the county fair seems like a bargain, but $8, plus $5 parking, is just admission. Once inside the fair goers are a captive market. Let's consider the $6.50 cokes, $7 hotdogs and the rigged carny games the kids must play in hopes of winning a stuffed animal. Then you've got the $30 t-shirts and other souvenirs, more overpriced junk food and (phew) by this time dad's got to drink a warm, flat beer served in a wax cup for $9 – no, make that a large for $11.

    There is also the little matter of currency. With the exception of admission and parking, none of this wonderful experience is paid for with US currency. Everything is priced in "fair tickets". You get to stand in line to buy these fair tickets at the rate of 9 for $14. All the above prices are based on that exchange rate, and the calculations in your head start to get a little fuzzy after that large beer, and pretty soon you just give up calculating since you know you're getting gouged anyway.

    Then at the end of the night, when you're ready to go home, with the songs of the washed-up performer still playing in your head, you realize you have 3 fair tickets left in your pocket. All you can think of at this point is (sigh) $70 sure seems like a bargain 🙂

  65. free parking at the store where I caught the bus to the fair gate for $1. round trip. Two people to get in $16. One taco salad at the 4 H both for $3.50. $4 for two irce creams. No beer at the show. Free food at the booth for the store where we parked. Five hours of looking at all the fair animals and 4 H projects. Also the other free shows going on all day for free. All the fun priceless 😎

  66. Filipinos in general are not only MUSIC crazy but also FOOD crazy. Here in US, the ordinary citizens perceived that filipinos are poor and hungry,( Philippines is still a 3rd world country) but if you are in Manila, the restaurants are full to capacity, the movie houses are also full and people shop like there is no tomorrow. I always believe there is an underground economy in the Philippines. Any one want to comment about the underground economy in the Philippines?

  67. i haven't perused the comments but to me it's fairly easy to see why these past prime performers are doing well in the philippines.

    i wouldn't use the county fair comparison because living in the US, we get used to having acts tour & watch them. it's easy to take for granted to seeing REM, U2, Pearl Jam or older acts like Brian Wilson & Neil Young.

    in the Philippines, it might be a once in lifetime thing.

    Heck, you could find a recognizable "has been" in a nearby casino, maybe motown acts in nearby vegas. or $15 weekend gig for a nearby 90s one hit wonder in a nearby bar.

    pinoys don't have that luxury. and never in their lives do they expect to see the original acts perform live. it is a major treat for them. this is the same feeling they have when NBA stars come over for promotional tours.

    & if these performers make it to their city, its "wow, they 're coming all the way here?!". that must be a big deal.

    the american labelling of performers as "has beens" is not that common in the philippines. so that is another way to look at it.

    Here in the US, the tables are also turned & Filipino celebrities tour the US & make a killing. Even movie actors & B -list tv stars who don't sing come over & put up a concert. The ticket prices compare to American pop stars all the way to the $100+ range. And they sell out! not only in small venues but large arenas. I see their posters & my first though is "wha? they sing? and people pay that?".

    i also get a chuckle over the how these old guys are treated like the stars they were 3 decades ago. but that's how pinoys luuurve their music.

    on the ticket prices & cell phones, i've already given up on figuring out how they do it. hey, it brings smiles to their faces.

  69. Hi Dr. Sponk Long – Oh, I think that the Brits are already on the bandwagon. Look at the Stones, and other such bands! 😆

  70. Hi Gary – Like you, I am quite shocked at the number of comments on this post! I was kind of having a hard time coming up with a topic to write about (which is unusual) when I wrote this one, and I didn't think it would get many comments.

    I hear what you are saying on the money angle! 😯

  72. Hi David B Katague – I have to agree on this one…. food is a big draw here. I have no doubt about an underground economy here.

  73. Hi macky – Smiles are priceless! Or at least you don't want to think about what the price was! 😆

    Thanks for your insight.

  74. Bob, as you may remeber I get an old-fashioned 'dead tree' newspaper twice a week … Saturdays and Sundays … just to remind Mita and I how things used to be 😉

    I had to laugh this morning because the two big headlines in the Entertainment section (one of the 12 sections of the 16 secrion Sunday paper themed on 'Entertainment' … was two 'really big' shows coming to the Philippines for September. Petula Clark (I first saw her in concert in Coventry, England in _1968_) … seems like yesterday … and Paul Anka, who already was a top selling performer 10 years earlier than Pet Clark.

    As you mentioned, I have no doubt these folks will sell out … talk about living in the '50s … wow.

  75. Hi Dave Starr – I saw a TV ad for Petula Clark yesterday. When I saw it, I debated whether to make a follow up post, announcing this "hot" concert coming up! I decided it wasn't worth the effort!

    Hey, I am sure that she has fans, though…. especially here in the Philippines!

  76. I don't know if I would really refer to some of these performers as " washed up " if they are still packing in the crowds ( and the gate money ) at these venues regardless of where in the world they are playing. The acts mentioned in this post are all from a prior generation of todays top acts that are high in demand in more affluent parts of the world and command a performance fee that may be prohibitive in many parts of the Philippines today.

    Traditionally for the past 3 or more generations, each has it's own style of music they can call their own and for the most part discard the musical trends of their parents and grandparents generatrion. There are some exceptions to this but I am making this comparison on a mass market basis. Could many people in the Philippines have had the money it would have cost to see Paul Anka perform there in his peak years of the late 50's or early 60's ot The Osmonds in the 70's when they were one of the hottest acts going ? Probably not so those with the memories of those eras may be able to afford to save up ahead of time ( a few peso in the cookie jar each week ) to enjoy a live performance of them now. Obviously these performers may not look the same or sound exactly the same as they did on their hit records but for the audience watching them today, the memories of a bygone era are still there.

    Speaking for myself, I never really cared for live performances by a lot of the hit recording artists or groups then, or now. I bought the Hit Singles of the day when they were on the charts and still have them all too. If you play a recording enough you kind of memorize the sound and that is what I bought the record for, basically, the sound. It just dosn't sound the same at a live performance. It may sound better than the record but it is still not the same sound that attracted me to buying it in the first place. Occasionally there are still programs on TV ( primarily these days on PBS Stations ) featuring top acts of the 50's of the doo wop era. When I see the performers it kind of makes me feel older than I really want to feel so I don't often watch them.

    I think it's great that these more " mature " acts continue to perform for audiences world wide, it keeps the music alive, it brings a lot of fond memories back to those in the audience, it can be a boost to local economies and provide local jobs where the performing venues are located.

    There does seem to be a lot of music in the Philippines and I have listened to some of their home grown talent since learning about the Philippines. Although todays " Rock " Heavy Metal, Punk and other types of music that appeal to todays youth are there it has also been nice to discover performers doing their own original material to appeal to a " slightly " older audience as well.

  77. Hi Bob New York – Thanks for sharing your thoughts about music acts touring the Philippines. It seems like we have a lot of fans on the site of these "more mature" bands….. 😆

  78. Tid bits:

    Ringo Starr (with Paul McCarthy -Larry King Live) said that it's not the money anymore but the satisfaction of performing, "That's what we do".

    ——————

    This is not the oldies only. 'Beyonce' makes her money touring around the world. She has no market in the U.S.

    Celine Dion is not an oldie yet but she closed Las Vegas. I'm sure she'll tour the world including the Philippines soon.

    ——————-

    For Paul Anka and Petula Clark—perhaps nobody goes to Branson. MO anymore. $70 is better than $10-20 in Branson.

    ——————–

    The recording industry is in flux. It's not making any money. Artists are better off getting 40-50% of the gross in live shows than getting .01% with Steve Jobs ( itunes/ipod). None— with ones' songs and performances already available in youtube for free.

    ———————

    Karaoke makes it possible for these oldies in high demand.

    ———————

    Cheers!

  79. Hi Dr. Sponk Long – One comment you made really surprised me – about Beyonce. I am shocked that she has no following in the States any longer!

    Regarding Ringo and Paul – they are in a little different class than many of the people we see touring here. They have all the money they could ever want or need, so I perfectly understand how they would do it ofr the satisfaction.

  80. Hi Bob- I think the vetern of veterns must be Brian Wilson between botox and formaldahyde he still manages to climb on to the stage but he is so bad he is embarrassing.On the otherhand I would watch the plastic surgeons dream, Mick and the Stones all day every day.
    I'm giving away my age now lol.
    Regards.
    Jim.

  81. i'm not a pop fan. but i have to respectfully disagree with the beyonce comment. she's still pretty popular here. she & her beau (jay-z) are huge in the R&B/hiphop market. they sell out arenas & she's all over the tube with endorsements.

    ugh, i feel dirty now. sorry for the entertainment update.

  82. Hi Jim Cunningham – From what I've heard about Brian Wilson, I think he is the only member of the group who is still performing, isn't he? Mick and the Stones… I can still take them, but not with much excitement! 😆