Saturday, June 14, 2014

Foo Fighters Fans Crowdsource an Unscheduled Concert

Photo: www.monstersandcritics.com
Some might call it the ultimate pull strategy. Others would view it as the 21st Century version of the Field of Dreams mantra: Build it and they will come.

A group of ambitious Foo Fighters fans in Richmond, Va., decided in March to launch a Crowdhoster campaign designed to get the band to play a gig in their city.

They noted in a clever video that the band hadn't played a show in Richmond since the late 1990s. That is quite an absence, particularly when one realizes that Dave Grohl, the band's founder, grew up in Northern Virginia.

The terms of the group's campaign? Fans could pledge $50 for a ticket (with a maximum of six tickets). The funds would be refunded if the band turned down the offer. If Grohl decided to come, the group promised that supporters would have their "faces melted by the best band in the world."


Here is the group's short video:


In three months, the group collected more than $70,000 from 515 backers. Local radio station XL102 signed up to drum up interest. Two businesses, Brown's Volkswagen and Sugar Shack Donuts, chipped in $5,000 each, agreeing to give away their tickets. That is, if the band would show. The very public challenge had been made.

The crowdsourcing world should be rejoicing after the Foo Fighters tweeted yesterday that:


This is a huge milestone for crowdsourcing because it shows that a savvy group can create demand through innovative market. It certainly helped that Grohl is a savvy guy - the offer and his surprising response are trending well on Facebook and other social media sites. Will their be copycats? I have reached out to the organizers and the large sponsors to see what they think is next for this aggressive form of concert promotion. I will update this post should they respond.

No date has been set for the concert, but one thing is certain. I am going to do all I can to get to the show and, if successful, will blog about the experience. Wish me luck!

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