Now, I'm not the type to make these type of threads- I am a huge fan of ATP- I think the last 4 gigs I have been to have been ATP promoted, and I've enjoyed most of those thoroughly. ATP is pretty much the one promoter who consistently put on bands I want to see and will pay to see.

Yet, having just got back from Monotonix has made an itch I've been bearing for a while that little bit more itchy. I paid £10 for a ticket, and I got an (admittedly highly entertaining) 45 minute set. With no support. I realise that the event didn't sell that well, which was probably why there was no support. Admittedly I don't care that the venue wasn't rammed, but it also brought to mind my last ATP gig, which was an £18 trip to see Built To Spill. I love Built To Spill, and I did get excellent value, as it was an incredible set, but the support was ropey to say the very least, and the price for that ticket was to be honest, astronomical. Which makes me think, why aren't bands being put in venues they can actually fill, which are cheaper to hire, and cheaper for the audience to attend?

Especially if the band playing have only 2 releases, which total between them 5 songs. And even more especially if they played a £3 date in Leeds, and a reasonable £7 date in Glasgow, each of which had support. I shelled out because I was desperate to see them and I can't afford to make it to ATP this year, but I am left with a pretty bad taste in my mouth, and it's not from being kissed by the lead singer. I know that times are hard, but guys, please, if you promise support, for that price, you have to deliver, or offer me compensation. Why couldn't the gig have been moved to somewhere else and downscaled when it was clear it wasn't selling? It happens plenty of times before, so why not tonight? Why couldn't there have been a rebate? I am a poor man, working as an intern for very little money, and when I spend, I want value. I've come to expect value from ATP, but tonight, and the last time, if I'm being honest, I didn't get value. So this is an open plea to ATP and all promoters: Get bands to play in venues that are reasonably priced, and can be reasonably expected to fill out enough so that costs can be met. And don't rip off your adoring and loyal customers.