VOIVOD's Michel 'Away' Langevin Laments Rising Costs of Touring Amidst Global Turmoil

In a raw and revealing conversation with Bill Bailey on the Today's Boondoggle Podcast, Michel 'Away' Langevin, the powerhouse drummer of Canadian progressive sci-fi metal legends VOIVOD, laid bare the financial strain that skyrocketing fuel prices are placing on the band's touring ambitions. With military action in Iran sending gas prices through the roof, the once-glorious road to metal glory is now lined with daunting bills. 'Man, it's really hard to justify going on the road sometimes,' Langevin lamented, pinpointing the post-pandemic surge in costs that has turned touring into a precarious balancing act of budgets and expectations.

As VOIVOD emerged from the shadows of COVID-19, the band was met not with a triumphant return, but with a stark reminder of the industry's inflationary pressures. Hotels, tour buses, crew costs—everything has become a financial struggle as the world attempts to recover from two years of inactivity. Langevin expressed his fears about the band's summer tour, stating, 'We planned a budget…but I'm not exactly sure the numbers are gonna match in the end. So it's always a scary experience.'

Yet, amidst this gritty reality, there’s a silver lining. VOIVOD's die-hard fanbase continues to show up in droves, their loyalty shining through the chaos of rising costs. 'Thank God the people into VOIVOD are really loyal, and they show up at the shows,' Langevin noted, praising the fans who consistently support the band by purchasing merchandise—a critical lifeline for their tours. Their recent U.S. stint saw an overwhelming response, with merch sales so high that they had to place additional orders after just one show.

To add to the fervor, VOIVOD's latest sonic offering,