Garth Brooks Gives the Love in LA
Posted on March 14th, 2008
I was fortunate to attend the Garth Brooks concert in Los Angeles in January and was amazed at how Garth continually demonstrated The Rock Star Attitude™. There were at least six instances during his five show tour:
#1- He connected with his fans from every part of the large oval stage – not just to the enthusiastic women clamoring for his attention at the front of the stage – but to those people behind and to the sides.
#2- He asked workers to reposition a lighting boom so it didn’t block the view of people sitting in an area towards the back.
#3- He gave his guitar to San Diego firefighter Brooke Linman, who was critically burned in last year’s Harris fire.
#4- Garth gave another guitar to a fan whose sign merely asked for a pick.
#5- Just before playing “The Dance” to close the set, Garth looked out and said, “That couple dancing 10 rows in, I see you…That couple that’s dancing between Sections 309 and 310 in the balcony, I see it all.”
#6- As he returned for his second encore during the fourth show, he told the crowd that a young concession stand employee backstage had just asked him what it was like to be in front of all those people. He then brought her out on stage and asked the audience to take photos. In the flashing of the cameras he gave her his hat.
More than Garth’s talent, it is The Rock Star Attitude™ that created a fan base that purchased more than 105 million albums and sold out five concerts at Staples Center concerts in just 59 minutes.
In The Power of the Pitch, I point out that successful musicians have The Rock Star Attitude™. When they show their fans how much they care about them, the fans reciprocate by attending their concerts and buying their music. I illustrated the concept with Garth Brooks, the # 1 selling solo artist in U.S. history.
Although Garth is talented, he struggled in mediocrity for many years until he learned to “give the love” to his audience. Once he changed, he landed a contract with Capital Records and grew to outsell the Beatles, Elvis, Elton John and the Rolling Stones.
Gary: This is a fabulous example of giving back to the audience. I am curious, since you only attended the show in LA, how did you find out about his generous acts at other venues?
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You’re welcome, Caroline. Stay tuned in 2012 for much more frequent posts.
Happy new year!
Gary
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