King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard, the prolific Australian psych-rockers, have made a bold move, leaving Spotify and embracing a fan-first approach on Bandcamp. Their decision follows their vocal protest against Spotify CEO Daniel Ek's investment in Helsing, a German company developing AI military technology. The band expressed their disapproval earlier this summer via Instagram, urging others to join their stance against what they perceive as unethical technological advancements.
Instead of relying on streaming platforms, King Gizzard has adopted a ‘name your price’ model on Bandcamp, making their extensive catalog more accessible and affordable than the previous $10 minimum. This strategy has proven wildly successful; the band currently dominates Bandcamp's top 25 best-selling albums chart.
Fans who purchase their music through Bandcamp gain unlimited streaming access via the platform's free app. This shift highlights a growing trend of artists prioritizing fan engagement and ethical considerations over traditional streaming revenue models. The band joins a number of other prominent acts, including Xiu Xiu, Deerhoof, and Godspeed You! Black Emperor, who have also withdrawn their music from Spotify for similar reasons.
This isn't just a quiet protest; it's a statement. King Gizzard is actively demonstrating that artists can successfully navigate the music industry while maintaining their principles. This bold strategy allows fans to directly support the band while accessing their music at a price point that works for them. The band’s active demonstration against tech ethics through their own business practices has certainly paid off.
The band is set to embark on a world tour this fall, featuring a mix of orchestral shows supporting their latest album, *Phantom Island*, and high-energy 'rave sets.' Their tour kicks off on Halloween in Manchester, UK, and spans various European capitals before concluding in December in Melbourne, Australia. Check out the full tour dates below to catch them live!
**King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard 2025 Tour Dates:**
10/31 – Manchester, United Kingdom @ Aviva Studios ^
11/01 – London, United Kingdom @ Electric Brixton ^
11/02 – London, United Kingdom @ Electric Brixton ^
11/04 – London, United Kingdom @ Royal Albert Hall *
11/05 – Paris, France @ La Seine Musicale *
11/06 – Tilburg, Netherlands @ 013 Poppodium ^
11/07 – Den Bosch, Netherlands @ MAINSTAGE *
11/09 – Gdańsk, Poland @ Inside Seaside Festival *
11/10 – Berlin, Germany @ Columbiahalle ^
11/11 – Prague, Czech Republic @ SaSaZu ^
11/12 – Vienna, Austria @ Gasometer ^
11/14 – Copenhagen, Denmark @ Poolen ^
11/15 – Gothenburg, Sweden @ Gothenburg Film Studios ^
12/02 – Sydney, AU @ Sydney Opera House *
12/03 – Sydney, AU @ Sydney Opera House *
12/05 – Sydney, AU @ Enmore Theatre #
12/07 – Brisbane, AU @ Fortitude Music Hall #
12/09 – Brisbane, AU @ The Princess Theatre *
12/12 – Melbourne, AU @ Sidney Myer Music Bowl %
12/13 – Melbourne, AU @ Sidney Myer Music Bowl &
* = Orchestral show
^ = Rave set
# = Rock show w/ Party Dozen
% = Orchestral show w/ Folk Bitch Trio
& = Rock show w/ Barkaa
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Originally published at: https://consequence.net/2025/09/king-gizzard-and-the-lizard-wizard-bandcamp-name-your-price/
