SODOM's TOM ANGELRIPPER Reflects on the Financial Challenges of Touring in the U.S.: 'It's Very Expensive'
In a candid interview with This Day In Metal, bassist and vocalist Thomas 'Angelripper' Such of the German thrash metal pioneers SODOM, delves into his recent decision to scale back the band's touring commitments. With a family to consider and a desire for a more balanced lifestyle, Angelripper is choosing to prioritize his personal life over the road. But this isn't just about the personal; it's also about the financial strain of touring, particularly in the U.S., where the costs of visas and travel can be astronomical.
'I have two kids, my daughter is 31, and my son is 28,' Angelripper explains. 'So now I could spend more time with them and doing other things. I'm gonna do the re-releases for BMG. I also do some other things. I start writing new lyrics. I have new ideas for new songs already. You never can stop it. The only thing I stop is touring and all that stuff.'
The financial burden of touring, especially in the U.S., is a significant concern for many international musicians. The process of obtaining a U.S. artist visa is complex and expensive, costing up to $2,000 per person for working papers. This, coupled with the time spent on travel and the pressure of constant touring, can be a major deterrent for many artists.
'Visa, especially to go to the U.S., America, it's so much paperwork to do,' Angelripper laments. 'And it's so hard to get to the U.S., America, just for a couple of shows. And I don't wanna live in the U.S. I just wanna make a couple of shows and go back home. I don't wanna stay there. But it doesn't matter. They don't take care. You have to do all the paperwork. And I remember the last shows in the U.S., America was really hard. In the end, we go to the embassy, to Frankfurt, get an interview, what they call, and then you get the stamp, and it's very expensive.'
The financial strain of touring is a point of contention for many musicians, and Angelripper is no exception. 'I know that we are gonna lose a lot of money because [we are not playing] all the festivals — just in Germany, we have 50 festivals around — and I know we're gonna lose, I especially will lose a lot of money, but I don't care,' he says. 'I'm 63 years old. I have to calm down a little bit doing other things. My doctor said, 'You're in a very good condition, but calm down a little bit. Do other things.' But I know being on stage, it's my life — it's the biggest part of my life. But I don't wanna waste so much time for traveling around. Sitting on airports and hotels, backstage. If you are at my age, you think about the next years, what you're gonna do.'
The decision to scale back touring is not without controversy. Some may see it as a sign of weakness or a lack of commitment to the music. But for Angelripper, it's about finding a balance. 'I love my fans, but I also love myself. I also love my family. I also love my old friends. Now it's time to stop [and] just [concentrate on] doing other things. That's very easy. I'm still healthy. I'm able to do it. I'm still creative. Maybe the day will come I don't know what to do, I'm not more creative, I cannot write lyrics, I cannot play bass. Then it's gone. It's just a break. But I don't know how long it takes.'
The financial challenges of touring, particularly in the U.S., are a significant issue for many international musicians. As the industry continues to grapple with these issues, it remains to be seen how the landscape will change. But one thing is certain: the days of the relentless touring lifestyle may be coming to an end for many artists, and that's a controversial topic in itself.
