EVERYBODY WAS GOING… AFTER WE CANCELED IT

Ten days before a metal show at the venue, we had sold seven tickets. Then we canceled it. And apparently everybody was going. This episode is about the giant difference between what people say they support and what they actually support with a ticket. We get into: Why social media engagement means almost nothing if nobody buys. Why venues can’t just “wait for walk-up.” How much financial risk can be tied to one show. Why bands and their teams need to actually promote. Why comparing one successful local metal show to another show proves almost nothing without knowing the economics. Why the “this venue doesn’t allow moshing” story was bullshit. And why presale is one of the most important signals in live music. Because ticket sales don’t just tell us how many people are coming. They tell venues what to book. They tell agents where demand exists. They tell bands where they should come back. And sometimes they decide whether the show happens at all. If you’ve ever wondered why bands skip your city, why certain shows disappear, or why promoters obsess over presale, this is the episode. Follow Mikey In The Pit for more from the side of live music most people never see. Until next time… I’ll see you in the pit.