What caused the end of the Big Band era? I read they got too expensive. Weren't the always expensive?

Question

I meant weren't they always expensive. Sorry for the typo.

Answer 1

Greed on several levels. Rock allowed bands to have just three to four musicans. People made more money spliting the money three to four ways than 10 or more ways. Even the directors became producers because they made more money doing less work. Without the big talent they just became want-to-bes and they couldn't keep up the fan interest.

Also clubs' entertainment areas got to be smaller. Look at the stages for clubs now. They can, at best, hold five people. Without the big clubs with the big entertainment areas, they ran out of places to play.

Answer 2

Due to mass communications the expenses were too much to afford. What I'm saying is that yes they have always been expensive but they can't make the money like they use to so the expense stayed the same but the imcome didnt....get it

Answer 3

A large factor would be the invention of the electric guitar. It made it possible for a four piece band to produce the volume necessary to fill dance halls.

Answer 4

I never heard that one. But they sure were great while they were at it. Some great music.