Silent Planet found a unique way to push back against venue merch fees during their European tour stop in Milan, Italy on June 9, handing out free shirts to fans instead of selling merchandise under what the band described as unfair terms.
With touring costs continuing to rise, merch cuts remain a major point of contention for artists. The practice allows venues to take a percentage of merchandise revenue generated during a show, with rates often hovering around 20% of gross sales. Additional taxes and venue-mandated merchandise staff can further reduce a band’s profits.
Ahead of their performance opening for The Plot In You at the Alcatraz in Milan, Silent Planet revealed that they would not be selling merchandise at the venue due to the financial terms imposed upon them.
In a statement shared via social media, the band explained:
“Tonight’s venue in Milan is not allowing us to sell our own merch, and demanding a 25% gross vendor fee (merch rate) and an additional 22% tax. We believe this business model is predatory and cannot afford to lose money on our own merch, especially so far from home.
However, I’ve spoken with so many of you outside the venue already, and I know many have traveled far to be here. So we will be throwing out shirts during the set, and will also provide a discount code for those who want to purchase our merch online.”
The band followed through on that promise during their set, with vocalist Garrett Russell tossing shirts into the crowd between songs. Footage from the performance quickly circulated online, drawing praise from fans and reigniting discussion surrounding venue merchandise fees.
This isn’t the first time artists have publicly criticized merch cuts in Milan. Back in 2023, Monuments also voiced frustration over similar venue policies while touring through the city.
Despite the challenges, Silent Planet continue their European run and are scheduled to conclude the trek with two performances in Ukraine later this month amid the ongoing conflict in the region.
Remaining Tour Dates
With Rain City Drive
- 06/10 Innsbruck, AUT – Music Hall
Festival Appearances
- 06/12 Donington, UK – Download Festival
- 06/13 Hradec Kralove, CZE – Rock For People
- 06/18 Warsaw, POL – Summer Punch Festival
Headline Dates
- 06/15 Nurnberg, GER – Z-Bau
- 06/16 Hannover, GER – Faust
- 06/20 Kyiv, UKR – Atlas Club
- 06/21 Lviv, UKR – Festrepublic Club
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Kanonenfieber also had the samme situation earlier this year. A lengthy statement was posted about it.
As a freelance merch manager I get super furious about merchcuts and how either promoters or venues try to exploit bands for every cent on tour.
Cost of touring have increased drastically since covid and so have rent and saleries for venues, but raise the beer prices or coat check instead