It's in concert, rather than in the recording studio, that such performers make and maintain their names. CDs are less important for them, and the Web is where the word is spread. While the band is hardly unknown, it's remarkable it did those kinds of numbers without a hit single that year. One way to attract the curious and bring back the faithful is to keep ticket prices low. The energy will be better for the whole scene.
People are grateful for the value.
Most artists are geared towards selling records. Our thing is geared to having fun, but also being able to eat every night. Bell is well-fed. Call it the Grateful Dead Paradigm. The Dead broke the mold and became music legends, selling out stadiums nationwide while barely acknowledging the record business.