The Biltmore Theatre in Oshawa has officially announced that it will transition to become a zero-percent merch-rate venue.
General Manager Jacob Hamayda shared the news in a press release today, saying that the decision is part of a larger commitment to the artists who play there.
"We believe one of the best ways to support artists is by putting money back into their pocket and one way we can help do that is by keeping our hands off their merch sales," the statement reads.
Although Hamayda didn't clearly state what inspired the decision, it's hard to imagine that Jeff Rosenstock's social media championing last week didn't have any impact after he called out several of the venues slotted for his ongoing tour, including Toronto's Danforth Music Hall and Montreal's Corona Theatre.
"It makes no sense that at the end of these killer shows where we're all having a nice time, someone who was our friend all night low-key robs us and goes 'have a safe trip to the next gig buddies!!' That's fucking weird!!!" Rosenstock said. "Unfortunately, during the pandemic AEG & LiveNation bought so many of the types of venues that we play, that dodging these super high cuts is nearly impossible."
Dan Mangan (October 20) and hometown heroes Dizzy (October 14) are just a couple of the acts slated to take the stage at the Biltmore in the coming months as the venue moves away from taking merch cuts.
General Manager Jacob Hamayda shared the news in a press release today, saying that the decision is part of a larger commitment to the artists who play there.
"We believe one of the best ways to support artists is by putting money back into their pocket and one way we can help do that is by keeping our hands off their merch sales," the statement reads.
Although Hamayda didn't clearly state what inspired the decision, it's hard to imagine that Jeff Rosenstock's social media championing last week didn't have any impact after he called out several of the venues slotted for his ongoing tour, including Toronto's Danforth Music Hall and Montreal's Corona Theatre.
"It makes no sense that at the end of these killer shows where we're all having a nice time, someone who was our friend all night low-key robs us and goes 'have a safe trip to the next gig buddies!!' That's fucking weird!!!" Rosenstock said. "Unfortunately, during the pandemic AEG & LiveNation bought so many of the types of venues that we play, that dodging these super high cuts is nearly impossible."
Dan Mangan (October 20) and hometown heroes Dizzy (October 14) are just a couple of the acts slated to take the stage at the Biltmore in the coming months as the venue moves away from taking merch cuts.