Younger bands and musicians often have to license their songs to advertising in order to make money. I understand this. But more established players who have other options might want to think twice.
A few years back this song was used in a car ad. I don't remember the company. But I do remember that the music and vocals were turned down for most of it while the spiel guy did his 1000-word-per-minute spiel. Then when he was done with that "The best I ever had" blasted out.
Pete Townshend said in essence that it was his song and if he wanted to put some extra money away from ad royalties that was his right. He wasn't wrong. But realize that some people in younger age brackets are hearing the song for the first time, in a context that's annoying enough that some will just tune it out. Then the question becomes whether it's worth it.
2 comments:
Do you remember The Who Sell Out? I see what you mean about younger bands selling their songs in order to make some money. The music business has long been a hard slog but I'm sure it's even more difficult now when there aren't many huge crowds going to the bigger stadiums. There are some but it's far more rare now than when we were young.
Pete sold The Who catalogue in 2012 according to Rolling Stone. It's creepy that somebody would mistreat a song so badly as you've described but once it's out there on the open market there's nothing to be done. From what I understand most of the songs, well, the famous ones, are sold to young musicians so they can play them legally at their shows. That means kids can listen to the music as it's meant to be heard - loud, sexy and fun.
Pete himself was tired of doing the big venue shows, unlike the Rolling Stones who haven't given up the glory yet. But Pete is thinking ahead to estate planning and doing other things in general - like finishing a rock opera he began to write in 1971..
Anyway, there's this:
Pete Townshend Air Force Public Service Announcement
https://youtu.be/_1VR-QnIw3Y?si=QvAvP1bl9FWpfM8m
and this from Jer - great rendition
https://youtu.be/VNFoNBz9Dbs?si=HrxzSdDYqhop9oDw
The Who Sell Out is absolutely brilliant. I still have it on CD. It has product placement on it, but somehow that's all just part of the picture. The music industry has collapsed in terms of both recording and touring, so it's hard to hold it against any young band that chooses to enhance things. That's why I gained new respect for Van Morrison and Eric Clapton when they chose to keep touring five years ago, so their backing musicians and roadies would at least make something.
As I found out from a little extra digging, the ad I was thinking of actually came out in 2000. (Yes, I'm at the point in life where some things could be five years ago or twenty-five.) So I think he was still in control back then. I do like the fact that his catalogue can be played by young musicians now without too much hassle. It's what you could call paying it forward.
Mick Jagger really loves the limelight, which isn't necessarily a bad thing. Not everyone is like that, though. Pete does sound like he's got some interesting things up his sleeve.
I have to admit that I'm at a loss as to that Air Force spot. A British rock star? How much can he really tell you about the USAF? Jimi Hendrix was at least a veteran of the US armed forces, albeit the Army rather than the Air Force.
That a capella rendition of "I Can See For Miles" is absolutely captivating. I noticed that one of Petra's backup singers was heavily pregnant. Some in the audience must have wondered how big a finish this performance would have.
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