Description: Rock and roll bands have more to worry about than whether fans like their music. The volatility of international markets and currencies can make it difficult to schedule concerts, pay bills, and maximize profits.

Source: N. Shah, “Overweight in Metal, This Band Tries to Play Tunes in Forex,” Wall Street Journal

Date: December 5, 2011

Article Link: http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052970204630904577056123331660042.html

Questions for discussion:

1. Do bands like Metallica have to be concerned about global management? Why or why not? Make a case for why Metallica needs a manager and why someone like Cliff Burnstein must be a global manager.
2. After reading the story about Duff McKagan’s suit purchase, discuss the importance of cultural intelligence even for band members.
3. Discuss the ways that rock and roll bands are global businesses. The article ends with Mr. Burnstein saying that his bands are a U.S. export. Do you agree? Why or why not? Are playing concerts the only ways bands have to “go global?” What other options might exist?