Did you hear that Keith and Kidman are now into ripping off Keith Urban fans? Yes, for the gosh awful sum of whatever the overpriced merchandise will sell for, the average concert-goer is making Nicole Kidman richer. According to a recent article Keith and Kidman have licensed the name Hank and Evie and are selling all related merchandise on keithurban.net or at concert venues under that label.
Well guess what? I will not buy any of it.
Merchandising is one of the ways an artist can make a lot of money from fans. The ticket price goes to too many; the venue gets its cut. For the most part, the proceeds from the shirts, hats, jewelry, etc., that are sold in the venue go back to the artist. Well, now that it is going into Nicole Kidman’s red scaly hands, I for one want no part of it.
So to paraphrase a song many of us know:
Take your T-shirt
Well guess what? I will not buy any of it.
Merchandising is one of the ways an artist can make a lot of money from fans. The ticket price goes to too many; the venue gets its cut. For the most part, the proceeds from the shirts, hats, jewelry, etc., that are sold in the venue go back to the artist. Well, now that it is going into Nicole Kidman’s red scaly hands, I for one want no part of it.
So to paraphrase a song many of us know:
Take your T-shirt
take your bracelet
leave ‘em hanging
I don't need ‘em
leave my money for awhile
I won't pay for your lifestyle
but you'll need me someday....
Hank and Evie... the rumor is that that it actually wasn't about Kidman at all, but about others, and when cornered at a backstage experience this past August, Keith tried to cover his lies. There is a reason he never made a movie. He is a rotten actor...
49 comments:
If Nicole isnt Evie why did he thank her using that name? People evidently are making up crap left and right. And if you think about it those of you that hate NK so much probably wont be seeing Keith. And i doubt those that actually are, would buy merch regardless of the Hank&Evie label. So really it makes no difference if you decide to boycott some t-shirts. There are plenty of fans with cash in hand ready to buy.
BTW, Keith was never "cornered". A fan asked who Hank and Evie were. The whole BSE story was posted on (gasp!) Monkeyville. More drama made up to fan the flames and cause an uproar here on UMyths!
Well, urban myths, kidman already shills for Chanel and Nintendo. What with the failure of her movie career, it wouldnt surprise me that she would begin to sell t shirts. That's what has-beens do. Next it'll probably be Burgerking or more likely, designer goat meat, and gourmet goats cheese, grown right on her own goat ranch in Tennessee! The next step naturally, is her own reality show... follow hank and evie as they run their own farm... watch as hank hilariously and clumsily tries the keep his whisky still a secret from Ma evie and Boss Hogg. Watch as evie gets all in a snit when the hung over hank mistakenly signs for a truck load on pigs, and watch as evie is forced to slop those pigs in her 4 inch pumps and chanel bedazzled gown!
But when your a failure and a hasbeen, you'll do almost anything to cling onto that ellusive popularity.
I don't know about your Hank and Evie bull, but you're quite wrong about merch money that's for sure.
Keith sees a small portion of the profits of the merch money. First the money goes into producing the merch for the shows. Now because of the hour of the evening, I cannot think of the Borman woman who is dating McHugh but she decides what shirts, bracelets, stupid tour books, sizes, fabrics, ect ect, ect are going to be made. SHE determines prices of shirts and then it's Carson's job to move the merch.
Then the venue at the end of the night take a 20% cut (maybe more depending on the size of the house, because I'm baseing my knowledge on smaller known venues) and of course Carson and his crew will be paid as well for his portion of work. Then the remainder of the money going BACK into the pressing of reprints of things being replaced that they run out of mid-tour depending on demand and tour schedule.
I spoke to Carson on the first leg about it and then was shocked to see the same shirts on the 2nd leg considering that this was not usually the norm as it had been in previous years. It was due to her (Not the ice-queen) and not Keith as I had been told and Carson was out of deciding.
So, before you go blaming the pale one like you always do, maybe you should be looking into the mgmt.
Thank you kusnob for the real story. Merch is expensive because so many people get a cut of the price. Nicole Kidman is by no means going to be able to get rich through this.
Well if the Hank & Evie story is true I highly doubt he's uninvolved in the process. While I think his management company has some say in the merchandise, I think he has final approval on what his name and face are being printed on and sold. I think in the past he's commented on his Mom helping make the merchandise decisions. Given the lack of color in this new crop of apparel - I bet his wifey is helping him now. I'm not sure who this Carson person is but, from the amount of lip flapping he/she was doing with a stranger about company business, he/she doesn't sound like a loyal trust worthy person - possibly disgruntled and misinformed?
Please! How is this poster disgruntled or misinformed? He's stating the truth and unfortunately since Nicole cant be blamed its discredited here. Kusnob wasnt giving away trade secrets. Betsy and Carson are known to KU fans. Ive met Carson myself at one of the shows.
Just wanted to add - those $29.95 shirts probably cost about $3.50 wholesale. My MIL is a Manufacturer's rep for as we like to call trinkets and trash. She's help us get some great deals on shirts for school and work functions at much lower volumes than I'm sure KU's tour sells. Other than paying for the cost of goods, giving the venue a cut and paying the "sales people" it doesn't seem that many people are getting a piece of the pie. The majority of the cash is still going back to the artist's camp.
Hmm- I didn't call the poster disgruntled I was referring to the employee who was flapping his gums. A little trigger happy?
I may have misread that but Nicole will still be the one blamed. Of that I'm certain.
Not anon, this whole rinky dink "merchandising " of what I see of urbans paltry tshirts, caps and what the hell are those things, earrings of a cracked heart? It is a pretty paltry and pathetic attempt at squeezing every little bit of chump change from the gullible followers over there at monkeyland. But considering his last 2 cds tanked... or should I say, 1 cd and a fraction... it wouldnt surprise me that they both would now try and jump on the bandwagon of their own clothing line of tshirts, caps and tin trinkets. And I have no doubt they would come in handy as future free giveaways to his dwinding concert members and her movies low theater count. Or who knows, they may be useful in a tax right off when they get donated to some discount resaler.
... no but seriously, I have no doubt this so called new line of steve and edie clothes line will be just as successful as kidmans movie production company... which signed a deal way back in April '06 with 20th cen. to produce 3 films, which as of this coming april, will make 2 years now.... and has produced no less than how many blockbuster hits? Oh, yeah, zero...
And as for urbans 2 previous and lackluster selling albums released since he fatally tied his so called "country" horse to kidman's fading "lone"star, I have no doubt his next cd will really be great... really. He'll wisely announce that every song on this one was specially inspired by his very business savvy and notorious movie attracting spouse... and those cds will really start to sell like hotcakes... and in that I mean, he'll be personally selling each cd in the lobby of a ihop near you. But make sure you wait until they promote their special offer of a free urban cd with every order of a pig in a blanket. And, if this clothes line is sold to urban monkeys... Id advise they dont make the same fatal mistake urban made, and put a picture of kidman on them... really.... its bad for business.
lol maclen....i know i'll not spend one more penny on any of his junk no matter who gets the money. and i agree, those earrings are hideous....blech
i imagine for the next tour, carrie underwear's merch will sell alot better anyway...her fans will be out in droves
I think your name is funny, reality check. The irony of it.
Anywho -- I won't be buying Hank & Evie anything either. I'd have to go to a concert to do that.
Why would I go to a concert if I haven't bought Mr. Kidman's last two albums?
So, before you go blaming the pale one like you always do, maybe you should be looking into the mgmt.
The management who convinced Keith this marriage was good for him and his career.
Yes, we blame Gary Borman for lots of things.
Carson will talk to anyone. He gets his self-esteem that way.
Yes, that is just another indication of urban's continuing professional demise, rather typically trying to ride the coat tails of another blonde... only in this case, a far more popular blonde performer than his Ole' ball and chain. Next up after underwood, it's onto chesney's tour bus... as Ive said before, the sight of those reportedly half empty stadiums of last years disastrous tour no doubt sat heavy on urbans fragile psyche. So perhaps this extra order of t-shirts is in anticipation of an explosion of urban's extraordinary comeback... and maybe underwood or chesney can give the forever sidekick and cameleon in the making, sadly and ever more slightly disapearing into the background, a slight opportunity to shine once again. And maybe, just maybe, the t-shirts will lead the way.
I would be surprised to learn Keith really paid attention to his merchandise. Just like I'd be surprised to learn he paid attention to anything other than his Nicole.
I heard from some the Hank and Evie story was made up, that it never happened at the BSE....anyone else hear that?
Aside from cds and dvds I only own a hat. Im not one to wear someone elses face on my chest....or their symbol or whatever he's putting on shirts these days.
As for Betsy....I'd heard she'd been let go, and as for Carson, great guy but blabs to anyone. If you got info from Carson trust me a thousand other people got it too.
Boy, wastedemotion, it really does sound like a veritable jungle over there at monkey land... ( and yes, pun intended) You think the whole "steve & edie" bit may be made up? My take is they felt left out of the whole power celeb media christened nick names... you know, "brangelina", the "tomkat"... the earlier "bennifer", but they are not popular or interesting enough to be bestowed one. So this is perhaps their very little hint to the tabs that they are now to be referred from now on as "hank&evie"... really catchy huh? I predict it will sweep the country.... seriously dude.... stop laughing!
I dont think the whole thing is made up....I thought there was some issue with if Keith ever talked about hank and evie at a BSE.
Anyone see on another site they're trying to figure out why the names hank and evie?! Seriously why cant some things just be left a mystery?!
Sweep the country huh?! Maybe that's why they bought that Swifter at Target that one time when you know the paps just happened to also be at Target...sorry didnt mean to get off topic!
No, Maclen, sadly it's not made up. A friend was at the BSE when the question was asked.
Also, his merchandise already has the Hank & Evie label. One can buy it online or at a show. We first noticed the label during his last tour.
notbuyingitinnashville, youre laughing so hard you cant see the truth!
Umyths, thank you for stating the truth. I read the whole thread posted about it on Monkeyville. It happened. And for the record the Hank & Evie label was secured by Ansel Davis, Keith's lawyer, over 6 months ago.
Betsy hasn't been let go... she is
still there along with her husband..
and she is Keith's employee too
and the BSE story is true
no one said boycott- the author stated that they were not going to buy the crap merchandise
and he is making money from the sales
if he wasn't Kidman wouldn't have an interest in it...
wonder if there will be baby wear for the little monkey at home?
Thanks to all for clearing it up...as I said when the story originally surfaced about Hank and Evie this summer I thought some tried to discredit it by saying it didnt happen....I never bothered to follow up. As for Betsy if she's still employed she was MIA for most of the last tour.
Call their merchandise whatever you want it's still crap, always has been.
boycott - To abstain from or act together in abstaining from using, buying, or dealing with as an expression of protest or disfavor.
They are in fact boycotting.
Urban Myths said...
"No, Maclen, sadly it's not made up. A friend was at the BSE when the question was asked.Also, his merchandise already has the Hank & Evie label. One can buy it online or at a show. We first noticed the label during his last tour."
so basically this is just about the leaking of the meaning of the names? Just another PR release. Their so called cutesie pie nicknames for each other? Thrilling. I'd suspect the sales must be pretty lousy to put out a press release on the meanings.
so basically this is just about the leaking of the meaning of the names? Just another PR release.
It's definitely another PR release, her baby bump isn't attracting enough attention obviously.
I do need to clarify that Keith seemed reluctant or hestitant when answering the question about the meaning of Hand & Edna at the BSE. Whether he was caught off guard or embarrassed, I dunno.
I noticed on the website every item from before NK has been removed except the previous albums - even the non-album specific items. Even the logo earrings have been changed (I like the old ones better).
I was told years ago (04? maybe 05) by two of the website order fulfillment ladies at different times that the "generic items" - like the brown shirt with black monkey logo - would be available at all times. Album specific items would only be available for a "limited time" ie 2-3 years after an album release. I guess NK changed that - no items not under her label will be sold anymore.
And yes, Keith used to offer many more colors - browns, blues, greens, pinks, etc. Guess her blahness rubbed off on the merchandising too. Stay tuned, there will probably be "Australia Shirts" promoting her next movie soon.
In addition to higher prices (I paid $15.95 for shirts off the website before NK came in and took over) every shirt listing on the website makes a point of saying "100% Made in Los Angeles for HANK AND EVIE." That wouldn't be there if Keith didn't want it known she has her hands in it. So much for them not encroaching on each other's career - she can't seem to stay out of his business even if she isn't singing with him - yet.
Oh, Tara, Keith used to offer several baby and child sized shirts. Now I see one in kids size. Guess she doesn't even want to be around kids clothes.
Maybe people would like to know they arent buying a t-shirt made out of crappy material from China.
For the record, most of my merch info didn't come from Carson. I've worked with other tours and know the ends and outs of the merch business. 20% is what a normal bar/club take would be. I can't imagine what a actual venue cut would be since they vary so often.
Betsy was off getting married this fall, so maybe she was too busy making plans to concern herself with designing new t-shirts.
I am also aware that website sales don't go to Carson (let's just use him as an example) as they would at the show. So prices always vary. So maybe Keith(or Nicole for you skeptics) gets a much bigger cut since there's less of a middle man in which they're able to offer you special "web exclusive" bullshit they wouldn't on tour.
I know that when Sharon ran the club the merch online was atleast better. The earrings were sterling silver and something that was worth the money you were paying. Now I'm not saying she was the best person in the world, but atleast some of the shit was worth the price.
Carson is a wealth of information, good and bad. But you learn information along the way and learn to take it with a grain of salt. I will say he's never lied to me and told me 2 years ago that Garth would be back on tour and he'd be back out on the road with him, and he was. I saw him. Can't be all wrong.
I always figured if they had pet names for each other they would be Tom and Yes Dear. Makes more sense than Hank and Evie.
Fascinating! Can't recall the award show but I distinctly recall Keith giving a shout out to Hank and Evie. So if this merchandising fable is fact then he was talking to himself? Maybe Brittany isn't the only one with multiple personalities.
kusnob and I agree. Carson doesn't lie. Nearly 3 years ago he stated Nicole Kidman would be the ruination of Keith Urban. Truer words have never been uttered.
Merchandise-- on a good night with a venue of about 8 to 10 thousand the booths will take in about
$100K.
cricket said...
"I always figured if they had pet names for each other they would be Tom and Yes Dear. Makes more sense than Hank and Evie."
Or more keeping with the theme of Oz, cricket, something like "Dorothy" and "Toto." While she looks for a brain, urban could use some courage, and the rather phoney theme of the whole relationship, not unlike the wizard himself, could use a little more convincing heart. But no doubt the very unimaginative and meaningless choice of "Hank" and "Evie" even has their very faithful followers scratching their heads and wondering..."Huh?"
"Fascinating! Can't recall the award show but I distinctly recall Keith giving a shout out to Hank and Evie. So if this merchandising fable is fact then he was talking to himself? Maybe Brittany isn't the only one with multiple personalities"
Get a clue....It was Hunter and Jake, Niki Taylor's kids he gave a shout out to! GEEZ!
WHAT? He actually SAID, "Go to bed Hunter & Jake" not Hank and Evie? Where do you people get your information?
"WHAT? He actually SAID, "Go to bed Hunter & Jake" not Hank and Evie? Where do you people get your information?"
Same place they get all there info...they pull it out of their asses!
I believe he said both. The go to bed comment was to Nikki's boys. I cant remember which awards show that was at. Him thanking Hank And Evie was when he won ETOY for the second time.
Keith actually thanked Hank & Evie at the CMA's in 2005. It's on YouTube if you want to check it out. I'd thought it was an earlier award show, but someone just pointed me in that direction not long ago, and it's true. He did in fact refer to Hank & Evie in Nov 05 ...just days before the pictures of he and NK in Boston...and of course she was wearing a ring...though they were just friends, of course.
Referring to Nikki's kids was quite a few years ago! You guys should check your facts before blowing other people off.
Wow, imahick shoots and scores! All the self proclaimed "insiders" pwned by imahick! Im very impressed imahick.
What I find so interesting in the whole regard to this "Hank & Evie" tshirt biz is why it bothers you guys so much. Is it because they're trying to capitalize on money? Or because they're using their pet names to capitalize?
I mean by all accounts when you become famous in any genre isn't that what it's all about? To capitalize on your name? I assume that you don't have blogs about Jessica Simpson and her designer clothes, or Britney, Hillary Duff, Gwen Stefani? Ect ect?
I mean, I understand it's Keith and the wicked witch of the outback but isn't it something that they should be doing as a real married couple and cashing in on their net worth? I'm sure all those years of lugging in his own gear and paying his band, and not having a crew and all those other things when you first start out, is something you want to make sure that you never have to go back to again.
Maybe he's just making sure he doesn't have to work again, or that he has some business he can pass down to his monkey kid, who knows. And I get that blaming her makes it easier to hate everything, but business is business and not everything comes down to her trying to swindle his loving and adoring fans out of 29.99 or well, maybe it does in this case, but I highy doubt that she sits at the $30,000 Aussie pine desk and plans out ways to take your money today.
Just food for thought. By the way, Sean John's colonges smell really great!
I think it might "bother" people because they didn't realize Keith - and the wife - owned the merchandising line. Keith fans would rather the wife have nothing to do with him - or at least his career. That also ups their profit potential from just buying from another company and reselling. It also shatters the allusion that his business is kept separate from her business - making it harder to disentangle themselves in the event of a split. Just a thought.
Maclen said:
"Wow, imahick shoots and scores! All the self proclaimed "insiders" pwned by imahick! Im very impressed imahick"
Thank you! Sometimes ya just gotta say it like it is!!
Your welcome imahick, but all of these obvious monkeyland refugees post such dull and tedious... and oh so meandering comments... it's quite obvious that they are overwhelmed by the lively and spirited commenting on this blog. Of course having subjected themselves to the mind numbing and thought resistance of the monkeyland and nku boards....they are constantly subject to hissyfits and hyperventilation. But then again, looking at it as a positive for Urban myths, the traffic is way up. Thats something, but not for us, huh?
In answer to the question of "why it bothers you guys so much?", for me it's mostly that this is a man who used to keep his private life private. Now it seems he milks his private life at every turn to promote his career. He tried to sell the Painful CD as "the sound of my marriage," and the OIAL single as inspired by a conversation after the Oscars. Why do we even know about this so-called conversation? Because a formerly private man talked about it incessantly in nearly every interview promoting his music.
Then there's when the wife interrupted one of his radio interviews to talk about baking banana bread and who could forget when Keith had to call his beautiful, beautiful princess while on the air in another interview! I could go on and on with more examples of how he blends his personal life into his music career. So, the clothing line is just the latest example of how shameless he is in using his celebrity marriage for professional gain all the while still pretending to be a private man.
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