The following article was submitted via Facebook by Christopher Clayton Powell:

Sad to say, [music is about music] and [more about] making money [these days]. I am stationed in Vilseck Germany with the Army. Luckily I have been blessed to attend Wacken; deemed the largest metal festival in the world. Three days long, [and] all for 80 bucks.

Just before I got here [to] Afghanistan, I got to go to a concert called Sonisphere, in Prague, Czech Republic. Volbeat (a rockabilly  band from Denmark, anybody who likes rock would love them), Anthrax, Megadeth, Alice in Chains, Slayer, and Metallica, plus many more. Again, all for the equivalent of about 80 dollars. It’s nuts; in the states a ticket like that would run you $200 or more.

I’m very dissapointed in the turn of the economy for the US and its also affecting music also. I remember when CDs were $9.99 when they came out and now they’re all $18-$20 in the stores.  And we wonder why people download everything illegally. I’ve seen other bands like Dying Fetus and Cannibal Corpse, even Snoop Dogg live for under $40.  The merchandise here in Europe is cheap as hell. A mere shirt would cost you $25-$30 dollars when here they’re $10 dollars.

And what happened to eclectic people? That’s another thing that’s really hurting the industry right now. People used to listen to a band and [stick with them]. That’s why I am a new fan of The Wild Honey Pie. I am a fan of ALL music, ranging from any type of metal to the grungiest hip hop that the streets offer. I listen to country and jazz and even orchestra. To me, music is art. And I’m sure others on the site can relate. Too many people are sticking [to a] black and white picture instead of indulging in this world of colorful music!