FLOTSAM AND JETSAM's Eric Knutson on Tough U.S. Touring: 'It’s Just Not Worth It'
In a candid exchange with Dimitris Kontogeorgakos of Metal Kaoz, FLOTSAM AND JETSAM's frontman Eric "A.K." Knutson laid bare the harsh truth of touring the U.S. for metal veterans like his band. With their highly anticipated album, "Rats In The Temple" set to unleash hell on August 28, 2026, via Napalm Records, Knutson expressed his frustrations about the state of the American concert circuit. "The U.S. is so hard to tour in. I mean, if you're not with a good package deal, it's just not worth it money-wise,” he lamented, underscoring the grim financial realities that plague many bands.
Knutson further elaborated, sharing that Europe consistently offers a better financial return for the band, making it a more appealing destination for live shows. “We just don’t get out in the U.S. very often,” he said, revealing that with double the fans and income, it pains him to prioritize European tours over their American loyalists. “I hate to do that to our U.S. fans, but bottom lines are bottom lines,” he added, clearly torn between the love for his domestic following and the stark economic necessity.
The grind of touring is all too real for FLOTSAM AND JETSAM, with Knutson admitting he often drives the band around due to budget constraints. “We can’t afford a driver, a bus, or even a proper crew,” he explained. “Once we start taking all that stuff out of the budget, we go home with $5 in our pocket.” This raw honesty paints a vivid picture of the struggles faced by metal bands trying to make a living in the current landscape, highlighting the disparity between established acts with hefty guarantees and those still fighting for survival.
Despite these challenges, FLOTSAM AND JETSAM boasts a lineup that’s arguably at its peak, with Knutson's vocals evolving into a formidable force and an exceptional guitar tandem in Michael Gilbert and Steve Conley. The powerhouse drumming of Ken Mary (who’s graced the stages with legends like Alice Cooper) and the technical prowess of bassist Bill Bodily round out a band that continues to push the envelope after four decades of existence.
With "Rats In The Temple" looming on the horizon, marking a monumental 40 years since their groundbreaking debut, "Doomsday For The Deceiver," FLOTSAM AND JETSAM are poised to unleash another chapter in their storied legacy. As they navigate the treacherous waters of the music industry, one can only hope that the tides will shift in favor of American metal's finest.