BLIND GUARDIAN Premium - Patreon explained by Hansi Kürsch

Patreon explained by Hansi Kürsch, we hope this will give you an idea about the concept. Get exclusive content for only 5.99 Euros per month! / blindguardian
If you become a Patreon you will get access to exclusive videos and photos you won't find anywhere else. This includes insights into the studio production making our new album "The God Machine", exclusive live videos, Tour Videos, Behind the scenes and much more.
#blindguardian #blindguardianpremium #patreon

[@123MetalManiac123]

Leute, ich hab euch ja wirklich gern und ich mag es überhaupt nicht, was Negatives zu euch zu sagen, aber ein wenig konstruktive Kirtik kann ich mir nicht verkneifen. Eure Shows wurden von den Öffis in Profi-Qualität aufgenommen und sind gratis auf KZbin zu finden. Dafür zahlt keiner 'n Abo-Service obendrauf. Für Patreon würd ich mir eher was in die Richtung vorstellen: Videochat, meet & greet und/oder Gästeliste bei Konzerten, exklusives Merch, vllt. Verlosungen oder n gewisser Pool bei Konzertkarten, wo die ersten 10% erst mal von Patreons gekauft werden können, sowas. Ich denk nur mit Behind-The-Scenes-Videos und den Making ofs, die es von 1000 Bands kostenlos auf KZbin gibt, werdet ihr nicht so weit kommen wie ihrs mit eurem Kult-Status könntet und eigentlich auch verdient hättet. LG

[@A_Ducky]

Agree 100% And I've been saying the same thing since I first saw the teasers.. i have all those gigs and more already. Hopefully they don't hate me, it was meant as constructive criticism but English is not my native language, and don't speak German, so it might have come across as mean.. which wasn't my intention at all. But in the middle of worst recession since 2007-08 they do this? If it was something really cool and unique like the examples you mention.. that would be excellent. However, with prices they way they are - I love them to death but i just can't afford it for this little crumbs of stuff I've seen years ago. And I'm not interested in all the technical details of how music is produced, so why would I even consider paying? Already buying everything they issue physically, I believe that's enough from any fan.. esp. someone who can't work & is on low income. Sorry Hansi, but you didn't convince me it's worth it. I still love the band more than any other in existence!!!!!

[@KiroProstoto]

I like this idea! I already a part of it, but hope to have many options for the future. A chat will be amazing❤❤❤

[@adorebowes]

We're all suffering in this economy. It's extremely difficult to survive in the arts and this world will continue to punish you for the rest of your life if you dared to choose a career in the arts. The entertainment industry has changed and this is just the way things work nowadays in the digital era - and I'm saying this as someone with a postgraduate degree in Visual Communication and Fine Arts. Apart from producing art, it is also expected of writers, musicians, fine artists, etc., to be active on social media, constantly produce interesting and highly professional video material, and interact with fans, which is extremely time-consuming and takes a lot of effort and energy. At least, Patreon helps artists financially, because, it may come as a shock to many, they also need to be able to survive. Show some mercy and compassion. They aren't greedy and nefarious sell-outs who are out to get you and discriminate against the poor. And if anyone is wondering, I'm a lower class potato peasant from South Africa and the exchange rate between our currency and the euro, is murder. However, the Patreon content is worth it. I'm truly sorry for everybody's financial woes and stressful circumstances and hope that things will improve.

[@adorebowes]

@@austinwoods466Wintersun is on Patreon. Both Wintersun and Devin Townsend have launched crowdfunding campaigns in the past. The members of Rammstein are millionaires.

[@adorebowes]

@Minicrom The video is quite clear. I don't understand what you don't understand.

[@lttledandelion]

I don’t think Blind Guardian deserves such offensive attitude just because they introduced a platform nobody is forced to join. If you want you can pay for it. I think the problem is that some people think that the content isn’t worth to pay but they still want to watch these videos. If you think they’re not worthy, then you can live without them. I can give example from my other favorite band, Pearl Jam. They have an official fan club. Fans pay either 20 or 50 dollars per year just to get a chance to buy concert tickets before they’re sold out. The band doesn’t offer extra videos, songs etc. So far, I haven’t seen a single Pearl Jam fan complaining about it. I hope BG Patreon will become a great platform for the fans and hope they’ll release official bootlegs in the future.

[@A_Ducky]

Who has offended them? Those of us who don't think this decision is a good one at this time and that not enough is even explained what we're gonna get.. are RESPECTFULLY disagreeing. It's free speech and if they were sensitive to differing opinions of others, they'd have never become stars they deservedly are. But nothing wrong in sharing an opinion that's not all sunshine and roses, not all "omg we love you even if you shit on the floor we'd buy it". Sorry.

[@WALDENSOFTWARE]

Pearl Jam caters to one type of audience. Unfortunately for this patreon deal, BG audience seems uninterested. He did say some are getting it tho. Maybe the young fans are buying it?

[@A_Ducky]

@@WALDENSOFTWARE Ppl who didn't catch it free - this is new to them. And ppl who have so much money they don't have to count it every month. And people who are happy to call it a FAN CLUB when they're really just getting some extra footage that's been sitting in a dark recesses of Twilight Studios all these years...and one day someone (probably that dolt who calls Hansi "Hensi" and overproduces every album) figured:. Hey, our fans love us so much, why not sell them all this crap we have that can't be sold in any other way? Yipeeeeeeeee 💰

[@WALDENSOFTWARE]

@@A_Ducky Hey, people that have the most money are also the ones that count it the most, so I don't agree with that statement. I however, do agree with you that this is NOT a "modern day fan club". I never liked fan clubs, but if the old school ones ever worked in the old days it was because these bands were so cult that you could not find any material on them almost ever, and a fan club provided rare opportunities for cult material. A modern day fan club on the other hand would need to include something remarkable to even consider it. On top of that we're mostly all borderline homeless in these times and we don't even own a tv to watch this, just an old broken phone for yt.

[@A_Ducky]

@@WALDENSOFTWARE I did say that badly, it was supposed to be ppl who live month to month paycheck (entire USA except a few.. middle class is gone now, you only have poor & rich). Yes, providing anything unique would work. Even something so simple like Sabaton's "Camouflage" magazine which you get free with any order. It's just ads + interviews and member opinions and such.. but it's a collectable. It's worth something in the eyes of us who prefer tangible vs. non tangible. And you're right about old time fan clubs, I almost became a member of NKOTB fan club in my youth 😂 what can I say, I like certain songs or bands from every genre. But BG is on a special pedestal. P.S. just got a new phone. It was $200. I've paid more than that in just one order (of several) this year to get BG set of sweatpants & sweatshirt. Shows you my personal priorities.

[@sebastianrenaud3876]

Es ist sinnig Patreon anzubieten, wenn die Einnahmen einer Band sinken. Man darf hier nichts unterstellen, man muss es sich genauer ansehen. Blind Guardian ist eine Band, die aus Menschen besteht, die eine GbR gegründet haben, die ihren Lebensunterhalt ausschließlich mit dem Verkauf ihrer Musik bestreiten. Sie opfern ihre Lebenszeit für alle möglichen Aktivitäten um von ihrer Musik ein Einkommen generieren zu können. Sie enthalten ihre Musik den Leuten nicht, sie bieten aber den Hardcore Fans gegen Spenden exklusivere Einblicke. So, wie Blind Guardian das machen, ist es authentisch, nahbar und charmant.

[@xiontw3018]

Ich freu mich so drauf,ehrlich ! Gruß aus Bonn.

[@aeronbern1769]

I really hope Blind Guardian can make a living without this form of income! I stick to buying cd's!

[@elainecastillo6231]

Have this and it is like so worth it you get to see what they do before they go on stage and and how they make their albums then there's stuff but it's worth the money you pay for it it's for eight to $6 a month and they give you a lot of stuff I like the videos where they show you how they form and make the albums and then they have it out video of what they do backstage before they go on the show.

[@Skullpainting]

Zu teuer, sorry. Ich liebe euch und eure Musik, die mich schon ewige Zeiten begleitet. Aber ich bin kein Fan von Abodiensten. Wenn nur die gut Betuchten in euren "Fanclub" dürfen, sei's drum, ich kann mir das nicht leisten.

[@A_Ducky]

Yea, this feels like "if you're not rich enough, you're not fan enough". Screw that, after I've been buying everything they ever created (multiple times over) for years.. while being homeless!!!

[@kd73600]

Could you consider adding cheaper tiers? The only existing one is quite expensive considering that it's a long term subscription.

[@comfylain]

Thanks for this video. I think that people reacted negatively because most people are accustomed to KZbinrs explaining why they're making a Patreon before they advertise it. But I recognise that you guys come from a different lifestyle and so maybe aren't used to that kind of culture. I plan on joining the Patreon once more is put on there and we have a better understanding of the content.

[@A_Ducky]

KZbinrs are also not huge celebrities who have a real studio. The money they get usually goes to buy better camera, mic, stand, editing software, etc. They have a label and their physical product sell out in a few days, so I don't think this is okay.. at this point in time especially when whole world is in post Rona recession. I still love their art to death, but not gonna lie that this hurts.

[@erislashg]

@@A_Ducky Stop crying in every single comment, please. You're pathetic

[@lordmarioh]

I am loving it. Becoming a Patreon was the best thing I did.

[@A_Ducky]

Could you please explain why? Thank you in advance.

[@lordmarioh]

@@A_Ducky Yes, of course! BG has been my favorite band since I heard their music when I was 12 (I am 39 now) and they had and still have a huge importance in my life. Actually I just finished an MBA on Data Science and my final paper was no BG. So, you get the picture. As for the Patreon, I love it because it is a way for me to fund a cause that I trully believe. Honestly, even if they didn't post a thing I would still be part of it. I live in Brazil and when I buy any of their cds from Europe (because that's where the special versions are), most of the cost are spent you shipping and taxes. I also know that even the part I paid for the product itself goes mostly to the record label. So event when I get multiple versions of the same album, and don't feel like I am trully supporting the band. Also, even though I do it all the time, what is the point of getting multiple versions of the same album. It is not like I am going to get new music out of those, right? But when I pay for the Patreon, besides knowing that my money will go, mostly, direct to the band (I know that Patreon also gets a lot fom it), I get new content. The only difference is that this content is not in any physical form. You know, if they recorded a DVD and shipped to people, no one would be talking about paywalls or anything like that. Also, you can see by the teasers that they are putting a lot of work on this material. Having Dirk at all times shooting and editing new material is not a cheap thing, and most of his work is being delivered free. Blind Guardian never released 2 videos from the same album, and now they released 6 (countin with the unreleased Life Beyond the Spheres). And these things cost money. So yeah, even though there are plenty of cool stuff on Patreon, BG is still putting their best for free on the internet. So, to sum it up, I would totally pay for it for free. But the material they are putting there is great and shows that they are really putting some effort in it. And since I can, at the moment, support them with my money, I gladly do. And that's why this was the best thing they I did.

[@A_Ducky]

@@lordmarioh I can understand that. You're one of the lucky ones whom spending 💰 won't hurt much in this recession. I'm super happy for you! I have more to say, a completely different situation from yours.. but I'm unable to do so just now coz pain. I'll get back here later and explain, if you care.. but we do share the whole "shipping costing more than the product" thing.

[@lordmarioh]

@@A_Ducky yes, you can say that. I only do it because I can afford to support BG at the moment. But the best part is that they are making a lot of great content and they are posting the best part for free on youtube. Heck, nowadays you don't even need to buy their albums because they are all available here for free. So yes, since I am one of those lucky ones I share my luck with the band I love and help them keeping making free content, and they give me a few extra behind the scenes or live footage.

[@lordmarioh]

Also, great nickname. I keep thinking of Duck King from Fatal Fury, or the artist Duck Edwing.

[@GaidenFreak]

So for the cost of several albums per year I get some behind the scenes footage and maybe the occasional song or two? No thanks. How the mighty have fallen. RIP BG.

[@A_Ducky]

I refuse to believe it's RIP but I'm not joining. Even if I was rich this is a slap in the face for all those who aren't, but they still bought actual physical everything BG for years..... while struggling to survive in the first place (I was homeless but buying their albums & merch, everything they made, several times over). And now, during the worst recession since 2008.. this is what they (brilliant minds) have thought up? 🤦‍♀️

[@CurryFeatures]

So back in the day when bands had paid fan clubs, were they all immediately dead and worthy of dropping?

[@A_Ducky]

@@CurryFeatures If they did this back when they were just starting out, or before they had their own studio, or before they got signed by a HUGE LABEL, or before they held one excellent open air festival (promised second for 2022 but never mentioned that again)... We'd all support! It's not those times and they're a band big enough and smart enough to know that this is insulting people's intelligence (everything in teasers I already have).. by selling us crap they can't sell any other way. And they don't need to do that, there's million other better ideas for which we'd scream SHUT UP & TAKE MY MONEY, PLEASE!!!! Also, this isn't a fan club. You'll never get to talk to any band members one on one.. or even in a chat like KZbin livestream (I'd pay for that!). You'll be served what their "band manager" or "social media grunt" wants you to see...that's it. Fan clubs had actual interaction with fans.. hell, they used to send ppl signed pics and even letters! Real written ones. I'll pay a year's worth of Patreon for one postcard from Krefeld written by Hansi or Marcus. 🤷‍♀️

[@WALDENSOFTWARE]

RIP BG because of this?? Wow, you must not listen to any bands at all anymore.

[@CurryFeatures]

@@A_Ducky How do you know Patreon members will never talk to the band? Also there wasn't much talking to the band back in the day with the old fan clubs. But how could you possibly know what they will offer in the future? Fan club members have gotten perks like early chances to buy show tickets, maybe they'll do that with Patreon? I think that'd be pretty cool. Also, it's like 5 pounds (GBP) a month which is literally nothing to me. Sorry that it's too much for you, but I'm fine with it.

[@A_Ducky]

It hurts me physically to thumb down this, but I still don't think it's worth it... and that it's a bit tone deaf to do this in the middle of worldwide recession. Thanks all the same, favorite band & singer. 🤘

[@lttledandelion]

Well maybe the same recession affects your favorite band as well. People who can afford it can support their favorite band and you should be happy about it. Nobody forces you to become a member.

[@A_Ducky]

@@lttledandelion Is that the extent of the possible conversation with you when you meet someone who doesn't nod at everything you deem correct? Just "don't listen, don't watch, stop thinking, don't you dare have a critical thought!!!". I'm sorry for you. Maybe try to understand that no one will ever agree on everything.. and that no band or celebrity or person will ever please EVERYONE. IT'S OKAY TO AGREE TO DISAGREE. mind blown, huh?

[@A_Ducky]

@@lttledandelion Could you please explain me how it affects them after a successful tour in Europe just this very year PLUS an album we all purchased? Did YOU earn that much this year?

[@acuman99.9]

How dare people run a business. The audacity. It's a shame they put a gun to your head and demanded your milk money.

[@CurryFeatures]

I love the explanation of calling this the modern day 'fan club'. I remember the old days of paying money for the exclusive stuff and now that's what this Patreon platform is providing. And hey, it's not too bad cost-wise. I spend more when I impulse-buy food. And for the fans that don't want to pay, don't worry too much - though it is nice to get the behind the scenes stuff for someone like me who can afford it, you're not missing out on super exclusive stuff like unreleased songs or Patreon-only versions of albums.

[@WALDENSOFTWARE]

Well, also patreon is a pain to deal with accounting wise. You always have to do the math of how much you spent on what, and then you can't forget patreon will throw your numbers off. If you buy an album, and just pay cash, then boom, no math.

[@CurryFeatures]

@@WALDENSOFTWARE Hey if you have had problems in the past then I'm sorry to hear it but I've literally never had problems. I'm perfectly fine with letting it trickle out of my account each month. And hey, if I find I can't afford it, I'll just cancel it! Just like I do with any of the multiple streaming services I use. As for purchasing albums, I do all of that too. But the £7.20 that it costs me to be a member of this doesn't phase me at all. I literally spend more than that on food on my break at work. However I will say that AT THE MOMENT, I won't disagree with someone for saying the content isn't amazing. However, for me (someone who can afford the cost) I'm happy with the current content because I'm looking forward to the exclusives that will come in the future!

[@WALDENSOFTWARE]

@@CurryFeatures I've never had problems with patreon because I never dealt with it. I understood clearly what it is and I don't agree with it's business model. I think this is what the BG audience is referring to in general. Many have already stated that it's not about "affording it or not", but rather the principle if it. This is just the wrong product for this type of audience and I think people feel bad because this means there may be a disconnect with who BG thinks their audience is.

[@CurryFeatures]

@@austinwoods466 Bahahahaha yeah OK friend. Sure! Hahaha

[@fabyconnolly]

💚💛🇧🇷

[@idorion9096]

Patreon is such a bogus way of asking your fans to support. I'll give you my money in other ways. But I will never join Patreon. I payed $150 to see BG live. Yet you will never get me to join this

[@idorion9096]

I've spent hundred of dollars, maybe even $1000+, on albums, shirts, DVDs. Now content is being hidden behind a paywall for my favourite band ever. Yet still I refuse to join.

[@A_Ducky]

May I just sign my name under both your posts.. coz they reflect my exact feelings to a tee!!! 🤘

[@idorion9096]

@@A_Ducky yep. It sux when it's your absolute favourite band. I'm sure we're not the only ones feeling let down by this.

[@A_Ducky]

@@idorion9096 Yes, it does. I love them like no other band...and I know many, I'm not a kid but an almost 46yo woman whose religion was music/metal since the age of 9. We're not the only ones by a long shot. If you check all the current comments on this video, and translate those in other languages, you'll see there's more people who feel like we do, and only 2 who support the decision they made. I assume those are the ones who don't turn on critical thinking, just BUY BUY BUY no matter what's advertised to them. I have a few bridges to sell such people.

[@A_Ducky]

@@idorion9096 In short, coz I've explained it in other posts - I was buying their albums & merch & importing it from Germany for years, while homeless. I own everything they ever made, some things several times over. My mom's dying and i don't know how I'll be able to afford to bury her in current inflation.. and I need a $30k life saving surgery. THROUGH ALL THAT I've always pre-ordered everything they made.. and my closet is full of BG merch. I believe I've given enough, and don't deserve to be relegated to "a poor fan = not good enough fan" just coz I literally can't afford this at the moment.