To tell you the truth, the mere fact that anyone would raise such a question disturbs us deeply, for it means that some of you are questioning the ethics of men and women who have dedicated their lives to maintaining the delicate infrastructure responsible for presenting Sting, George Strait and Van Halen on the concert stage. To suggest that anyone of them, from the lowliest promoter’s assistant to the most powerful booking agent who can make one disappear with only a nod and a wink, might at times utter a falsehood in the course of arranging a show for Neil Diamond or negotiating an appearance fee for Kylie Minogue, means that some of you out there have your doubts as to the integrity and honesty of those in the live music profession.

But what is truth than that which appears to be truthful? We are reminded of our founder, Festus Pollstar, who once carried a lantern throughout the hallowed halls of the concert industry in an attempt to seek out honesty and sincerity. Sure, Ol’ Festus was crazy, a man who didn’t mind the occasional sharp stick to the eye or a blunt instrument to the head if it lead to success at day’s end. And success he did find – in the honest eyes and truth-speaking lips of those who make the concert stage sparkle with the likes of a Bob Dylan or a Yanni.

How honest is the concert industry? For an answer one might look to the proverbs and adages that have arisen from the live music business over the years. Sayings like “As honest as the day is long,” “If I’m lying I’m dying,” and “As far as I can throw him” arose from the industry that constructs tours, such as the routing for Clint Black or Brian Wilson, and combine the dates as finely as the combination of intricate gears, switches and pulleys that comprise an exquisitely manufactured watch. Make no mistake about it, if honesty had a name it would be “Concert Industry.”

In fact, one might say that working in the concert industry is as honest an endeavor as campaigning for president. However, while we’re hesitant to make such a grandiose statement, we will agree on one thing.

When it comes to honesty, the concert industry is pretty much on par with running for vice president. And that says a lot right there.