Watch: Metal Band Frontman Calls Out Venue Onstage For Taking Cut of Merch Sales

During a recent show of the Australian metalcore band Alpha Wolf, frontman Lochie Keogh called out the venue from the stage for taking a big cut off the merch sales of all the bands on the tour, as reported by Loudwire.

While addressing the crowd at the end of a show that took the group to North America, Keogh went off on a rant, saying:

“Before we go, I want to mention every band on this tour is selling merch over there — we’re all trying to get the same shit done. It doesn’t matter whose merch you buy, any bit of money you spend helps, especially when these dirty fucking venues are taking 20 percent of it from the bands playing tonight.”

“It’s like… we’re not making any fucking money anyway. You’d think venues doing that could afford some good fucking air conditioning but apparently not. All right, so if you have any money to spend, fuck the bar, spend it on a shirt.”

Fan reaction to the vocalist’s statements has been divisive, with several fans showing support for the band and outrage at the venue, while others complained about Keogh’s conclusion, saying that the bar employees hold no blame for the venue’s faults.

Alpha Wolf will continue touring North America until early September, and you can check out all dates and venues here.