bankable commodities

[Ksenia]

Hello.

Critics of the Live Nation strategy question the decision to sign up older members of the music industry on long-term deals. They ask whether these artists are still bankable commodities. Indeed, the members of U2 will nearing 60 when their deals end and there is debate over whether Madonna still has three albums and three tours left in her.

1 I am not sure of the exact meaning of "bankable commodities"? Could you explain its meaning, please?

2 'Critics of the Live Nation strategy question the decision...' Is it the same as 'The decision of critics of the Live Nation strategy question...'?

Thank you.

 

[Tdol]

1 Old pop stars are probably not worth much in today's market. They may have sold millions before but they won't now.

2 No- it means that some critics think the decision was a bad one.

 

[SoothingDave]

"Bankable" in this case means that money can be made from the artists (selling albums and tickets).

 

[Tdol]

1 Old pop stars are probably not worth much in today's market.

PS It is talking about older pop stars in general, so it doesn't that none of them at all are bankable.