Paying U2 $100 to get into the show doesn’t create the feeling I get when I go to there show. The money doesn’t cause the result.
Paying Jerry Seinfeld $100 to get into the show doesn’t make him funny and cause me to laugh all night. The money is just the price to get in.
Paying someone $100 to clean your house causes your house to get clean. It’s a transaction where I give $100 worth of money and a company gives me $100 worth of cleaning services. It equals out. Zero sum.
But artists like U2 or Seinfeld give me something I can’t really compensate them for. I get much much more from Bono than he does from my $100. It’s a feeling, an inspiration, hope, community…it’s invaluable.
That’s what artists do. They understand that their true gift is to give, knowing that the transaction will leave the audience with far more than the artist will take home in their guarantee.
That’s why when we find artists who get this and can do this and connect with us, we line up to pay, to get inside, to receive and experience a gift that can’t possibly have a price tag.
I’m always interested in your perspective, whether affirming or dissenting. Continue the conversation anytime: gabethebassplayer@gmail.com