Greetings from San Francisco. I hope all of you are as well as can be during these tough times. I’d like to bring you up to speed on fulfillment of Blue Hearts vinyl ordered through Red Star, fulfillment of both versions of Distortion across several retail outlets, and ticketed Solo Electric tour dates.
First, Blue Hearts. Virginia-based Red Star Merchandise has been a business partner of mine since 2014. Red Star manufactures merchandise you buy at my concerts, as well as physical goods you purchase from my online store. I am aware of the pandemic-related delays on the shipping side, particularly with the colored vinyl version of Blue Hearts. In addition, there is heavier than expected demand for the black Blue Hearts shirt. Please know that Red Star is shipping your orders as I type.
Second, Distortion. London-based Demon Music Group has been a business partner of mine since 2012. Demon has originally set a release date of Friday, October 2 for the 24 CD Box Set and the first Vinyl Box edition. I was informed that the release dates have to be moved to Friday, October 23. This will not jeopardize any orders that are currently in process, but it will cause a short delay in fulfillment across the entire system. From Demon Music Group:
“Due to the complexity of the box set, we have a slight delay as we wanted to ensure this was perfect and matched the expectations of Bob and his fan base. Apologies for the delay, but we promise it will be worth the wait.”
Finally, Solo Electric touring. Back in April 2020, the March shows impacted by the initial outbreak of COVID-19 were rescheduled to November 2020. At that time, everyone involved in the touring component (myself, my longtime booking agents, all contracted venues) hoped we would be clear to proceed with the tour.
As of today, the dates scheduled for November 2020 are postponed due to ongoing concern and uncertainty surrounding COVID-19. We are in the process of rescheduling these dates for the fourth quarter of 2021, and will announce the new tour dates when we are able. As always, the venues will honor all outstanding tickets for the rescheduled dates in late 2021. If you prefer a refund, please go directly to your point of purchase. You will be given a refund.
Please know that I have been doing everything I can to remedy these various issues. I’ve been handling the management duties this year — any and all responsibility falls directly on me. Please accept my apologies for these inconveniences.
COVID-19 has created many unforeseen challenges for all Americans. I’m feeling it as much as any of my fellow small business owners, shopkeepers, and independent contractors. I’ll be one of the last people in America to go back to work — there’s no chance of me yelling in a packed music venue anytime soon. The overall pandemic-related slowdowns in both manufacturing and distribution of goods have made running my small business a real challenge. Everything will end up fine, but it’s been a long summer and early fall.
I appreciate you taking the time to read through this update, and I hope this note addressed and answered your main concerns. I’ll be back soon with links to interviews, reviews, and podcasts that mention Bob Mould, Blue Hearts, and the Distortion Box Sets.
Yours in music,
Bob Mould
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