Just to update this Here are some pix of STEPHEN CARPENTER's (Deftones) updated rig. Like just about everyone else, he has ditched the massive, overly complex, truck load of gear and bits, and has gone to an AXE EFFECTS, power amp and one Marshal Cab. THe entire rig fits in two flight cases.

Don't get me wrong, I have HUGE respect for anyone who can find the patience and funds to build out one of those monster, two ton rigs with all the trimmings, they look great on stage! But that day has passed in big leagues (with a few exceptions which make the rule of course) and folks are going for an axefx or kemper, solid state power amp, one cab, maybe two and thats it. So now , it's more about what your playing and how you configure your presets than about what bits you load in the truck Such is life in the big city!

Deftones are big but not THAT big, in terms of music business/income, I think Out of what I know, this is a time in which a lot of big artists are earning a lot less than they used to and of course, they are searching for ways to keep the smashing sound and diminish the costs. In Romania, for instance they had about 3500-4000 folks at their show in 2011. For Deftones that's a very small crowd if you ask me... and I am a BIG fan!

They aren't METALLICA For sure, but they are all "Pro" so not working day jobs anymore. Which is in itself a MASSIVE achievement these days It took AMON AMARTH more than a decade to turn pro. They were doing HUGE festival tours and had to go home and delivery pizzas until about two albums ago.

So yeah, cost plays a BIG part The AXE FX is like stuffing a massive rig in a tiny box. So all you really need is the unit and a cab if that. You could really get by with just the unit and go direct if need be Which is very good news for keeping costs low! Every ounce of gear on tour costs MONEY to move around. So smaller is cheaper

4,000 fans seems like a pretty good size? They are a big "underground" band here. They don't get much radio play and your average listener has no idea who they are. But folks in to Rock/Metal/Indie/underground etc. would know them. Then again, a band like BLIND GUARDIAN plays huge crowds in Europe and pretty small crowds here. There's much different levels of awareness on some bands between countries it seems.

You're right mate - but the 'small' Deftones is still HUGE These guys have changed the course of history in modern music - that's pretty much amazing, innit?

Very Some great bands never turn full pro and still make enormous contributions to music. It's great to see bands be able to suport themselves with just music though. It's a borderline miracle


quote name='Cosmin Lupu' date='Oct 25 2013, 05:26 AM' post='663412']
You're right mate - but the 'small' Deftones is still HUGE These guys have changed the course of history in modern music - that's pretty much amazing, innit?
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Yeah, but for instance, Korn and Limp Bizkit are way bigger then Deftones and they revolutionized things TOGETHER in the same period late 90s early 00s - what made the difference tho?

One could argue that both of those bands released "singles" from their albums that actually got some radio play and videos that got in HEAVY rotation on MTV. Deftones have had semi popular singles/videos but not to the degree that those other bands did.


quote name='Cosmin Lupu' date='Oct 29 2013, 04:10 AM' post='663820']
Yeah, but for instance, Korn and Limp Bizkit are way bigger then Deftones and they revolutionized things TOGETHER in the same period late 90s early 00s - what made the difference tho?
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That's true as well man - I definitely see them like that sort of band deserving way more recognition! Just like Sevendust, which seem even more into that situation.

I agree SEVENDUST are a KILLER band from right here in Georgia. They have played tons of festivals and tours but never quite broke through.

I am a big fan! I also have Clint's signed solo EP - he sent it to me with a dedication

Nice!!!!! Great guys and a great band I still hope they break through.

Clint is a great songwriter, tho all his music is very, very sad.. Have you ever listened to 'Hello demons, meet skeletons'? It's his side project from Sevendust and it's some sort of a personal purging after his fight with drugs, that's why this music is so sad.

Cool stuff! I hand't heard this before now. Thanks for the tips!!

Glad to share the music mate Clint is one of my favorite musicians!