[electrical]

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So most underground bands would turn down a big record deal and national promotion so they can continue to work the local scene for free beer, and finally retire to a carpet cleaning business or whatnot?

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So much you do not understand. So many words it will take to teach you. Okay.

I don't suggest that most bands would turn down big deals. Most would take them and be worse off eventually. Luckily, most bands are not offered deals, and so don't have to make such choices, and the question is therefore moot.

Of those bands who are offered deals with big record labels, many of them (not a majority, but enough to prove my point) are already comfortable on independent labels that serve them well, and they see no need to move to a more bureaucratic situation that works less efficiently and cares less about them specifically. Not all bands think this way, but quite a few (especially those who have been paying attention and can do their own math) do.

National and even international promotion and touring is available to bands of no stature and no resources through the extremely efficient fan-and-band network that has supplanted the mainstream outlets for independent bands.

If you're talking about payola, okay, that single example of the incredibly inefficient music business is only available to big label acts. Whoop de doo. If you're not satisfied with selling records and concert tickets, and getting played on enthusiastic independent/college/internet/satellite stations, but also insist on getting played on am and morning zoo fm radio, then you have no choice.

Independent bands tour the world and play in front of crowds in the many thousands. To suggest that they will be playing "Proud Mary" in local taverns forever is to display utter ignorance of the music economy. Some of these bands can command fees better than $10,000 a night, and a few can get a multiple of that. Hardly beer money.

As for the carpet-cleaning business, where do you think major-label artists end-up once their advance has been spent? In the palaces of the old rock star gated retirement community?

No, they end up getting jobs, just like everybody else. Where's the shame in embracing that reality instead of deluding yourself about it?

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I mean you make a nice living, you have a skilled techincal profession, I am speaking more of band members that have nothing else to lean on. Does 'keeping it real' trump all?

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If you will starve unless you become a rock star, then you have bigger problems than whether or not you are a rock star.