[spottrax]

Obviously everything we say on here about the status of the Hip is speculation. However, I firmly believe the band re-evaluated itself financially after the 09 tour and decided to make substantial changes to the way it does business. I posted on here before somewhere that I'm thinking the 09 tour (probably my favorite tour ever) was not financially successful. The overhead on that tour would've been huge! An extra musician, a larger lightshow and backdrop, a secondary acoustic set-up each night (probably required another head or two in the crew) and much more rehearsal time. The WC album was probably very expensive (Bob Rock, probably large production and manufacturing costs) as well as most likely large promotional costs from Universal. All of this overhead would've been made back if the tour made a large amount of money but I'm guessing it probably didn't. So the Hips other option would be to become a "dinosaur act" and play higher paying festivals and casino shows. The Hip wouldn't have to lug around a PA, they could use minimal lights, no extra production costs (eliminate the extra musician, the extra acoustic stage setup). Also, most the shows, the band doesn't pay for an opening act. Either they don't have one (hence the "an evening with" tag) or the festival organizers pay for the openers...but not the Hip (or the record label). The NFPA tour was about as minimal as they come. I'm sure the band's goal was to make maximum cash and there is absolutely nothing wrong with that. I am about the same age as the band members. Pure speculation here but I'm guessing their kids are either in HS or early college.....very very expensive. Another interesting thought is the boarder crossing is now by passport or enhanced license. As of 2010, fans could no longer cross with little effort to catch a Hip show. That eliminates the larger, money making possibilities in boarder cities (ie Detroit). It's all an interesting enigma. My biggest question on the Hip's status is...Why not release remastered cd's, B-sides and the backlog of live stuff to us fans? Does the band feel there is no need and that is a step backwards? Is the overhead to high to provide a profit on those sorts of releases? I would think the band needs to keep fan interest up in order to fill casino and festival gigs in the future. GD solo does that a little but not like official Hip stuff would. I just guess we (on hipbase) can only hope for a surprise and a rejuvenated band in the fall or 2015.