First of all, a disclaimer: I am a huge, unabashed, long-time fan of Steve Miller, from the time I discovered his music in the ninth grade. I still recall sitting in algebra class and hearing the potheads chirping (pardon the pun) about the song and album, “Fly Like an Eagle” that had just been released. And while he had had a Number One hit two years earlier with 1974’s “The Joker,” (and had been around since the late 60’s) this was the tune and LP that put truly put him on the map and began his trajectory to superstardom.
All of these years and a Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction later, I recently purchased tickets to see the Steve Miller Band in concert. I’ve seen him previously but knew that, at 81 years of age, his future touring days could be uncertain. It was time to see (and hear) him again to relive some childhood, college and early radio days memories. And then the statement and, evidently, the weather struck.
If you did not see the full statement from the band posted to their official website and social avenues, I am reprinting it here:
Dear Steve Miller Band fans,
You make music with your instincts
You live your life by your instincts
Always trust your instincts…
The Steve Miller Band has cancelled all of our upcoming tour dates.
The combination of extreme heat, unpredictable flooding, tornadoes, hurricanes and massive forest fires make those risks for you our audience, the band and the crew unacceptable. So…
You can blame it on the weather…The tour is cancelled.
Don’t know where, don’t know when…We hope to see you all again.
Wishing you all Peace, Love and Happiness,
Please take care of each other.
Steve, The Band and Crew
As a longtime communicator, I have always trusted my instincts and first impressions. Miller obviously feels similarly. And while I greatly respect anyone’s desire for safety, the statement struck me (and others) as odd and off the mark. When communicating, one must always consider the audience. In this case, he needed to speak to his fans, including those who had already purchased tickets, more effectively.
Upon reading the statement, a few words and terms came to mind: Dismissive, trite, lacking in warmth, and potentially divisive. Unsympathetic to those looking forward to seeing him perform. It also left much room for questions and speculation. Was this a comment on climate change? Was he sick? And speculation is exactly what has occurred since, including, most notably in followup media stories, the question of whether slow ticket sales contributed to the decision.
What should he have done differently? If asked (and I would have been thrilled)I would have suggested he had taken a more personal approach, including taking the time to create a YouTube video to deliver his message more fully and completely, beyond just the written word. And/or, what about a video “chat” to take questions from his fans. They would have appreciated that. I know I would have. Making himself more available for outside media inquiries would also have helped as well. As we always recommend to clients, if you are going to be referenced or part of a story, why not participate to provide your perspectives.
When it is all said and done, though, I think we all want the same things. A relief somehow from devastating weather events and safe conditions for day-to-day living, travel and leisure. And we want the opportunity to relive musical memories with a community of like-minded individuals and the artists we collectively love and admire. Here’s hoping Miller is not done forever with jumping on a big ol’ jet airliner and coming again soon to a concert venue near you (and me). I might just be among the first in line at the box office.