In a recent interview with Rock 100.5 the KATT FM’s Cameron Buchholtz, Shinedown’s drummer Barry Kerch discussed the band’s approach to merchandise and their philosophy behind it. When asked whether Shinedown had been approached to endorse products like beer or whiskey, Kerch emphasized their commitment to authenticity:
“Yeah those things have happened and here’s the thing, I’m not going to put my name or my band’s name on anything that we wouldn’t either actually use or are a part of. It’s like yeah I could sell a whiskey but none of us are really whiskey drinkers. When it comes to beer, it’s much like hot sauce. I’m the beer drinker. I’m the hot sauce guy. The rest of the guys aren’t as much.”
Kerch highlighted that for Shinedown, merchandise isn’t just about revenue but also about genuine connection. He compared this to KISS, acknowledging their extensive merch offerings but stressing that Shinedown’s approach is rooted in passion rather than profit:
“So it definitely has to be a passion project and something that truly represents Shinedown. We’re not just putting stuff out there. No offense to KISS but it’s not just about making the money off the merch. We also want to actually have something that we are part of.”
In a related conversation, Shinedown guitarist Zach Myers addressed fan concerns over merchandise pricing. Speaking with Jeremy White, Myers explained that the cost of tickets and merchandise has increased due to economic factors. He defended the band’s pricing, detailing the costs involved:
“We try to keep our tickets super low, that’s something that we really fight for. You gotta sell a lot of tickets if you’re gonna keep a low ticket price and luckily, knock on wood, we’ve done that. But yeah, it’s a lot. The people b*tching about the shirt thing, a $40 shirt, a $45 shirt, I’m like, ‘Listen man, the venue has taken %30 of this off the rip. Then it cost another $9-$8 to print the shirt, then I gotta pay a manager, I gotta pay a businessman.’ Everyone’s making this money before all the bands are.”
In contrast, KISS has been known for its extensive merchandising strategy, with Gene Simmons spearheading efforts that include over 5,000 items such as T-shirts, comic books, and even coffins. Some critics argue that KISS’s focus on merchandise might overshadow their musical endeavors, but the band has certainly made a significant profit from these ventures.
You can watch Barry Kerch’s full interview for more insights into Shinedown’s approach to merchandise and their dedication to authenticity.
