If Live Music Isn't Dead, Then Where the Hell is Everybody?

There are several factors to be considered here and there isn't a simple answer.  There are aspects to the answer that could be considered simple, but there don't appear to be any easy solutions.

Throughout my life, I've been a part of 4 distinct "scenes" that were each different and unique, but all shared the commonality that there was strength in numbers.  That strength is no longer felt here in the Berkshires and from what other touring bands have shared, it is lacking everywhere.  Sure, there are pockets of true scenes still left in the underground community, there would have to be, but instead of growing over time, the scenes have slowly withered away.

All this talk of "the scene" locally is a joke, there is no scene.  There is no support of friends, there is no support of other bands, there is no support of touring bands, there is no support of shows, there is no support of much of anything unless your band is playing, then the rest of the world must drop everything and come to "your" show, but what about the other shows?  This isn't a competition.  In order to build something, in this case a true scene, people need to be supportive and conscious of what's going on around them.  What good is a scene if there are 20 bands in an area but when one of the bands has a show, the other bands stay away because they're not playing the show?  Bitterness and jealousy are scene killers and this is truly a sad state of affairs because all of the control lies in your hands.

Successful show:

Typical Pittsfield show: