How we almost lost $17,000 on tour

Summary by Krater

Adam Neely breaks down the financial realities and expenses of touring as an independent band in 2022, detailing every cost from gas and lodging to COVID-19 cancellations and why touring has become financially unsustainable for independent musicians.

From the video

Answers: How much does it cost an independent band to tour?

• Independent band tour budgeting
• Touring expenses
• Musician compensation and gig guarantees
• COVID-19 impact on live music
• Music industry economics

What it concludes

• Touring as an independent band has become extremely risky and financially challenging due to exorbitant operating expenses like hotels, airbnb rentals, and gas.
• Insurance companies do not cover COVID-related tour cancellations and quarantines, making live touring a severe financial gamble for independent artists.
• The financial model of touring relies on fans and industry expectations that musicians should struggle, leading to widespread criticism when bands face financial losses.
• Sungazer's 2022 tour resulted in a total expense of $17,363 against a gross income of $135,983, ultimately breaking even despite unexpected costs and COVID-19 disruptions.