Conspiracy Theory #101.

[Edgeof27]

People,

(let the flaming begin)…………….

g….:angel:

[LukeA]

not this again :rolleyes:

[kennation]

Poor EDGE of 27... Friend- this is all true. We are at the mercy of concert promoters... It's a dog's life. LOL

[wolfontherun]

The last 2 Stevie tours I waited and waited and waited till finally 3 days before the concert I got 5th row and 7th row.

Is there anyone here who waited for good seats to come up but none ever did?

[LukeA]

The last 2 Stevie tours I waited and waited and waited till finally 3 days before the concert I got 5th row and 7th row.

Is there anyone here who waited for good seats to come up but none ever did?

For in-demand/sold out shows? good tickets rarely get dropped close to show time for those.

[WelshWitchPMD]

For the Two Voices show in Mansfield, Ma. nothing good ever came up.

[Regina]

There were a few. I remember, specifically, PNC in NJ and a few of the Borgata shows for Stevie.
I can't say I always got fabulous tickets last-minute. And, previously, I almost always had "insurance tickets," that I either sold on ebay, if there was time, or ate the cost of and just gave away on the day of the concert.
But I won't be doing that this time. Too expensive and there isn't enough to tempt me, this go-round, to be so foolish.

(Now, when new material is involved--all bets are off).

It's always a gamble, to answer your question.

[Glittermoondust]

I don't know how everyone always gets great seats by waiting until the last minute...... I have looked and looked for just about every FM or Stevie concert in the Detroit area and it just never happens for me..... I usually just buy mine when I can...... now I have heard of people getting good seats at the box office right before a show but I'm not that big of a gambler ;) Are these people just buying 1 ticket and that's it?? Maybe that is the difference????

[Regina]

Well, last minute for me is not the day of the show.
Although, I think I did that twice and was successful.
It's a bit earlier than that and, yes, I'm looking for single tickets.

[macmar71]

The only time I had success waiting last minute was when they did the second show in Worcester back in 2003, a week before the show 2nd row came up and I jumped on it. I gave my other ticket to a friend to get him closer than his original ticket (so I ate the cost on that one) I cannot afford to do that anymore.

[Villavic]

People,

I believe that all the Ticket sales are “designed” to fill the various venues, by selling tickets all over the arena, but not all of the “best available” tickets, leaving good tickets available for later sales.

g….:angel:

probably... but all vip and presales were sold just for credit card with US billing address.. :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad:.

I finally got a floor ticket for the Dallas show but zone 16, like row I guess

[Musicman408]

I've never had super amazing seats, as in first 15 rows... ever. And we've always bought out tickets right when they go on sale, so I'm thinking, if we're even interested in going, my family and I are going to wait until a couple days before or something.

[David]

My peeps & I got front row center seats at Fleetwood's opening night at Arrowhead Pond in 2003. We called the morning of the show. Does that sort of thing still happen?

[kennation]

Yeah, this will be the first time that I will have super close seats. I have always been that kid in the top of the venue who paid like 20-80 bucks a seat and looked down and wished to be the people with the VIP passes and seats within the first few rows. I guess it's all gonna happen. (TEAR, lol...)

HOWEVER- I am shocked at this presale game... After the presale and a few days pass of open sales you could log onto Ticketmaster and get like fifth row in the sections closest to the stage! I was like: What the F??? lol

Now, I have been keeping an eye on STUBHUB.com because I wanted to see what seats I could have got for certain with the same amount of money spent otherwise... That site has tickets front row for like $500-$1000... That is amazing! Great seats still available there for, what I consider, a reasonable price.

If anyone gets seats on the last day of the show I would like to hear what kind of seats you got. I have never done that so... I am super interested.

[Tusk!]

Now, I have been keeping an eye on STUBHUB.com because I wanted to see what seats I could have got for certain with the same amount of money spent otherwise... That site has tickets front row for like $500-$1000... That is amazing! Great seats still available there for, what I consider, a reasonable price.





$500 to $1000 is a reasonable price?? It is attitudes like that for many fans that have created these inflated ticket prices for decent seats through Ticketmaster, StubHub, etc.

Too bad we can't return to the days of waiting in line for tickets and the best seats went to the true fans!

[Regina]

Now, I have been keeping an eye on STUBHUB.com because I wanted to see what seats I could have got for certain with the same amount of money spent otherwise... That site has tickets front row for like $500-$1000... That is amazing! Great seats still available there for, what I consider, a reasonable price.





$500 to $1000 is a reasonable price?? It is attitudes like that for many fans that have created these inflated ticket prices for decent seats through Ticketmaster, StubHub, etc.

Too bad we can't return to the days of waiting in line for tickets and the best seats went to the true fans!

Exactly.
When I was a teenager (many moons ago), you stood on line in front of the venue the day the tickets went on sale and that's how you got front row.
Not this game playing of let's sell the worst tickets first, let's hold back the best for those who we can get to pay super-inflated prices, etc.
The most devoted fans are the ones who get screwed the most, IMO. Either by buying the packages, or buying insurance seats first and then attempting to get better seats as time goes by. If you put in one "floor" seat for Madison Square Garden on ticketmaster (and this has been the case since a couple of days after the seats went on sale), you get the "sold out" window. It's not sold out AT ALL. There are over 1000 tickets on the ticketbrokers sites for this concert. And front row seats are something like $1700 and only sold in pairs. It's crap!
If you want to hold back tickets for brokers or other things--keep back half and at least throw first 10 rows into the mix every day or so. It's still a crap shoot, but a bit more fair.

[kennation]

Now, I have been keeping an eye on STUBHUB.com because I wanted to see what seats I could have got for certain with the same amount of money spent otherwise... That site has tickets front row for like $500-$1000... That is amazing! Great seats still available there for, what I consider, a reasonable price.





$500 to $1000 is a reasonable price?? It is attitudes like that for many fans that have created these inflated ticket prices for decent seats through Ticketmaster, StubHub, etc.

Too bad we can't return to the days of waiting in line for tickets and the best seats went to the true fans!

Maybe your idea of reasonable is different from mine? As a true fan, myself, I will pay anything. To be honest, I have waited my fair share of years to be able to do this. Now I can so... I don't feel bad about it. It's a shame that you had to say, "with attitudes like that..." What was that about? Seriously?

[kennation]

Exactly.
When I was a teenager (many moons ago), you stood on line in front of the venue the day the tickets went on sale and that's how you got front row.
Not this game playing of let's sell the worst tickets first, let's hold back the best for those who we can get to pay super-inflated prices, etc.
The most devoted fans are the ones who get screwed the most, IMO. Either by buying the packages, or buying insurance seats first and then attempting to get better seats as time goes by. If you put in one "floor" seat for Madison Square Garden on ticketmaster (and this has been the case since a couple of days after the seats went on sale), you get the "sold out" window. It's not sold out AT ALL. There are over 1000 tickets on the ticketbrokers sites for this concert. And front row seats are something like $1700 and only sold in pairs. It's crap!
If you want to hold back tickets for brokers or other things--keep back half and at least throw first 10 rows into the mix every day or so. It's still a crap shoot, but a bit more fair.

This is true. I am a devoted fan, and I got screwed by an upcharge from an already HIGH package price just to meet Mick. We did it, because we can, but still it's not fair, but that is how the game is played. It's not the 80's anymore... times have changed. It's about money.

I must say: tickets are handled very poorly. Very poorly. That is a shame. I look at it this way: we paid over $700 to have madonna floor seats and I feel like I should have shelled out more for the Mac. These are living legends! So to our pocket, $1640 was steep, but worth it. We will see...

[carrie721]

Maybe your idea of reasonable is different from mine? As a true fan, myself, I will pay anything. To be honest, I have waited my fair share of years to be able to do this. Now I can so... I don't feel bad about it. It's a shame that you had to say, "with attitudes like that..." What was that about? Seriously?

this statement alone undermines any credibility you may think you have in saying what prices are "reasonable."

what on earth makes a "true" fan anyway? are people not true fans if they aren't willing to pay any price for whatever scrap fleetwood mac & stevie throw their way?

maybe the "true" fans are the ones who know that at one point, FM and SN weren't completely artistically void and who aren't interested in digging into their checkbooks for one more jukebox tour. yes, it has always been about the money. but at least they used to have something to say.

[kennation]

this statement alone undermines any credibility you may think you have in saying what prices are "reasonable."

what on earth makes a "true" fan anyway? are people not true fans if they aren't willing to pay any price for whatever scrap fleetwood mac & stevie throw their way?

maybe the "true" fans are the ones who know that at one point, FM and SN weren't completely artistically void and aren't interested in digging into their checkbooks for one more jukebox tour. yes, it has always been about the money. but at least they used to have something to say.


I wasn't attacking or defining, "true fans." The original response basically said that becuase we spent so much money on our tickets that we were causing this type of ticket/money mess... It pretty much said that true fans wouldn't pay this price... I was maintaining that I AM A TRUE FAN... To me, IMO- Me being a true fan means I pay what I have to get the best seat and package that is available. If that is not the way you view it, that is you. All I am stating is my view, FOR ME...

And to me- this band is NOT artistically void... AT ALL. They still have things to say and will. They just wanted to go back out there and play the songs that brought them to this point. If you don't like that then...

[carrie721]

I wasn't attacking or defining, "true fans." The original response basically said that becuase we spent so much money on our tickets that we were causing this type of ticket/money mess... It pretty much said that true fans wouldn't pay this price... I was maintaining that I AM A TRUE FAN... To me, IMO- Me being a true fan means I pay what I have to get the best seat and package that is available. If that is not the way you view it, that is you. All I am stating is my view, FOR ME...

in your short tenure here, you have used the phrases "true fans" and "die hard fans" several times to mean people who ...

would be happy to hear from their band in any way.

those are your words.

i don't care on which side of the divide i or anybody falls in your mind. it's just an interesting definition.

it's kind of like if you don't support the war, you don't support the troops! and if you don't support the president, you're not a true patriot! right?

And to me- this band is NOT artistically void... AT ALL. They still have things to say and will. They just wanted to go back out there and play the songs that brought them to this point.

dude, they haven't performed without an army of backup musicians and singers in years. they really don't give a sh*t about giving it their all. they are there to present the fleetwood mac product and pick up their paycheck. if it were something more than that, it would be the four of them with one keyboardist playing more modest venues that they actually have a prayer of filling. instead, they are taking the fleetwood mac orchestra on another arena tour. do they really think they have a chance of filling up those 20,000-seaters?

If you don't like that then...

then i won't go see them. trust me, i won't.

[kennation]

in your short tenure here, you have used the phrases "true fans" and "die hard fans" several times to mean people who ...



those are your words.

i don't care on which side of the divide i or anybody falls in your mind. it's just an interesting definition.

it's kind of like if you don't support the war, you don't support the troops! and if you don't support the president, you're not a true patriot! right?



dude, they haven't performed without an army of backup musicians and singers in years. they really don't give a sh*t about giving it their all. they are there to present the fleetwood mac product and pick up their paycheck. if it were something more than that, it would be the four of them with one keyboardist playing more modest venues that they actually have a prayer of filling. instead, they are taking the fleetwood mac orchestra on another arena tour. do they really think they have a chance of filling up those 20,000-seaters?



then i won't go see them. trust me, i won't.

Carrie,
I wasn't the first person to say, "TRUE FANS/DEVOTED FANS..." It was a comment made to me that I rebuddled about how I feel about ME being a TRUE/DEVOTED fan... It had nothing to do with you or anyone else. I do stand by my saying, "true fans are glad to hear from their band in any way..." I stand by that. I always will sorry if that offends you, but there it is...

I have things to say about you not going... However, I want to maintain a level approach to this discussion. So I will just say, I would rather not be seated next to someone who feels the way that you do about this band. I especially would hate for a new fan to set next to you, goodnesss knows how they would feel when they left the concert. That is about all I can say about that. If you feel they are "ARTISTICALLY VOID," and you refuse to go see them it doesn't mean that you think very highly of them.

As for my short tenure here... This is not a secret society or some senority issue. I could care less if you find my statements to your liking. My length of time here does not mean that my opinion will be quitened, kept to myself, or considered lower than your's...

[sodascouts]

In 2003, I got first row for Indianapolis the week before the show. In 2004, I got 2nd row tickets for Charlotte, NC the morning of the show. A couple months ago, at an Eagles show in Cincinnati, I got 5th row two hours before the show started. It's doesn't always happen, but it happens enough to be worth your while to check.

[carrie721]

Carrie,
I wasn't the first person to say, "TRUE FANS/DEVOTED FANS..." It was a comment made to me that I rebuddled about how I feel about ME being a TRUE/DEVOTED fan... It had nothing to do with you or anyone else. I do stand by my saying, "true fans are glad to hear from their band in any way..." I stand by that. I always will sorry if that offends you, but there it is...

it so does not offend me. :lol: as i said, it is an interesting definition.

I have things to say about you not going... However, I want to maintain a level approach to this discussion. So I will just say, I would rather not be seated next to someone who feels the way that you do about this band. I especially would hate for a new fan to set next to you, goodnesss knows how they would feel when they left the concert. That is about all I can say about that. If you feel they are "ARTISTICALLY VOID," and you refuse to go see them it doesn't mean that you think very highly of them.

right. :shrug:

if i did go, i really don't think any new fan would care what i did, as long as i wasn't screaming drunkenly and interrupting the show.

at lindsey's toronto show a couple years back, paula (skcin) and i were literally the only people in the audience standing up and dancing, and it certainly didn't affect our perception of the show or lindsey at all. so i'm not sure what you're trying to say.

As for my short tenure here... This is not a secret society or some senority issue. I could care less if you find my statements to your liking. My length of time here does not mean that my opinion will be quitened, kept to myself, or considered lower than your's...

where did i say that your opinion should be "quitened" (whatever that means)? all i said was that although you haven't been here very long, you've already used that phrase or its equivalent quite a bit.

and trust me, my opinion doesn't hold that much clout around here ... :laugh:

[kennation]

if i did go, i really don't think any new fan would care what i did, as long as i wasn't screaming drunkenly and interrupting the show.

where did i say that your opinion should be "quitened" (whatever that means)? all i said was that although you haven't been here very long, you've already used that phrase or its equivalent quite a bit.

and trust me, my opinion doesn't hold that much clout around here ... :laugh:

Honestly, when I am at a concert and I hear people say around me, "they are artistically void... they are all about their money... these tickets were overpriced..." It makes me want to scream. It brings me down. When I was new to Stevie I had people who said things like that behind me and it almost ruined my experience. I just think to myself, "WHY ARE YOU HERE? Stay the frap home!" LOL

I have used those terms a lot. I have. Because that is what I thought this site was about. It seems as though since I am still NEW to this site that my opinion shouldn't matter, or I shouldn't say what I would like. That I should, "quieten" down about how I feel as a true fan and devoted fan. That's just not the case.

So once again, sorry if my opinion doesn't match that of your own.

[carrie721]

Honestly, when I am at a concert and I hear people say around me, "they are artistically void... they are all about their money... these tickets were overpriced..." It makes me want to scream. It brings me down. When I was new to Stevie I had people who said things like that behind me and it almost ruined my experience. I just think to myself, "WHY ARE YOU HERE? Stay the frap home!" LOL

I have used those terms a lot. I have. Because that is what I thought this site was about. It seems as though since I am still NEW to this site that my opinion shouldn't matter, or I shouldn't say what I would like. That I should, "quieten" down about how I feel as a true fan and devoted fan. That's just not the case.

So once again, sorry if my opinion doesn't match that of your own.

reality check: when people challenge your opinion, it doesn't mean that your opinion doesn't matter. it also doesn't mean that you've offended the tender sensibilities of whoever challenged you. you don't have to apologize for having a different opinion. that's ridiculous.

[Regina]

I think, most of us "oldies" on the board have spent thousands of dollars on FM. I know I have. All my debt is FM-related (and that's not an exaggeration). And, I personally have done it--mostly, without complaint.
But, that money paid for seeing FM, Stevie and/or Lindsey probably about 20 times (I never counted). Not for one concert.

And they were giving us new material and times were not as tough.
It's very difficult to not feel slighted by FM themselves when ticket prices are high to start out with and then they do things like the packages and ticketmaster's "premium tickets" (and I have no idea if this is a ticketmaster racket or something sanctioned by FM)--and making fans who really would like to see them as close as possible shell out MORE money than those casual fans who will pass by a venue and say, "oh, Fleetwood Mac. Yeah, I liked them back in the day. Let me get a ticket" and don't give a rat's behind where they sit.

I work. I'm single and don't have kids. But I can't shell out these huge amounts of money and don't think I would if I could. If you can, that's great. HOWEVER, it irritates me that the people with the packages are being sold a mystery prize of some sort. WHY can't they tell you--right now--that you have front row center seats? Or second row? For that money, those tickets should be in their hands and they should guarantee you an exact place in that venue without you having to wait until the day of the show. Ticket brokers are selling front row tickets for these shows. Why do they know the exact location of the tickets they are selling, and FM--who is selling them for, in some cases, even MORE than the brokers, not telling you until the day of the show? It's just not right.

They did the whole FM fanclub thing where you could buy tickets, during the SYW tour. If I'm not mistaken (I just don't remember this exactly anymore), they weren't that much more than the value of the ticket. And they were also mystery tickets until a week (or maybe a few days?) before the concert. And then they emailed you your seat numbers. But, you had an option to cancel. I don't even know if this All Access thing gives you that option. And, how many people can afford to dump it at that late date, if they really have their hearts set on it?

I don't know. It really doesn't affect me because I'm not doing it, but I get annoyed at the concept. You want to believe in the integrity of the people you admire most, and this sort of chips away at all of that.

And, FWIW, Lindsey is sort of excluded in this. Is he in it for the money? Yes. But, he's sort of stated that he is. But, he gave us two wonderful, inventive, creative tours and didn't rob us blind. If anything, he robbed himself (money-wise). That counts for a lot in my book. And, the two times I've spent a few minutes with him off-stage--he was beyond nice. (And didn't reach for my pocketbook for some extra dough!)

[shebop]

I completely agree with the two posts above this!

Perhaps the label should not be "true fans" - but - "experienced fans".

Those of us who have been following this band, and its members on solo ventures for many, many, years (more than 30 for me) have seen many changes and know the difference between tours that have artistic merit
and tours that are for the almighty dollar.

Does anyone truly believe that a "Greatest Hits" tour is invigorating for the band?

[michelej1]

Does anyone truly believe that a "Greatest Hits" tour is invigorating for the band?

I think it makes them feel unleashed.

Michele

[kennation]

I completely agree with the two posts above this!

Perhaps the label should not be "true fans" - but - "experienced fans".

Those of us who have been following this band, and its members on solo ventures for many, many, years (more than 30 for me) have seen many changes and know the difference between tours that have artistic merit
and tours that are for the almighty dollar.

Does anyone truly believe that a "Greatest Hits" tour is invigorating for the band?

Honestly, I do... I know that sounds naive, but I do. I mean, they are working, of course it's about money, just like us... We go on the road nearly everyday to make the money, right?! I just think that they will have a better time doing this tour because they know these songs will please the crowd and don't have to worry about the new material. I know that's not the popular opinion, but that's how I look at it.

[shebop]

Life must be nice on your planet!

Ignorance is bliss - sometimes I wish I could feel that way.

[shebop]

I think it makes them feel unleashed.

Michele

I REALLY wish I had said that.......

[kennation]

Life must be nice on your planet!

Ignorance is bliss - sometimes I wish I could feel that way.

Life is great here on my planet. I am not sure if ignorance is the word to use. OPTIMISM is BLISS. Absolute BLISS!!! lol

[Nicks Fan]

In my oppinion it is about the all mighty dollar and the fact that their egos couldn't take it if they had to play smaller venues. If this tour is a bust that may change their minds regarding a new album and tour. For me I have always hated bands that go out for the money and nothing more. I mean look at The Eagles. Sure they have a new album to promote but how many fans going to a show honestly care about the new stuff anyway., They are here for the hits and to charge upwards of 200.00 for the tickets to hear just that is absurd and a slap in the face to the average joe who can barely afford the basics of life (Food,Clothing,shelter etc).

Matt

[wolfontherun]

I don't know how everyone always gets great seats by waiting until the last minute...... I have looked and looked for just about every FM or Stevie concert in the Detroit area and it just never happens for me..... I usually just buy mine when I can...... now I have heard of people getting good seats at the box office right before a show but I'm not that big of a gambler ;) Are these people just buying 1 ticket and that's it?? Maybe that is the difference????

I always buy 2 at a time. When i have waited to get good seats I have had the luxury of checking every 10 minutes while at work on ticketmasters website.

[WelshWitchPMD]

I think, most of us "oldies" on the board have spent thousands of dollars on FM. I know I have. All my debt is FM-related (and that's not an exaggeration). And, I personally have done it--mostly, without complaint.
But, that money paid for seeing FM, Stevie and/or Lindsey probably about 20 times (I never counted). Not for one concert.

And they were giving us new material and times were not as tough.
It's very difficult to not feel slighted by FM themselves when ticket prices are high to start out with and then they do things like the packages and ticketmaster's "premium tickets" (and I have no idea if this is a ticketmaster racket or something sanctioned by FM)--and making fans who really would like to see them as close as possible shell out MORE money than those casual fans who will pass by a venue and say, "oh, Fleetwood Mac. Yeah, I liked them back in the day. Let me get a ticket" and don't give a rat's behind where they sit.

I work. I'm single and don't have kids. But I can't shell out these huge amounts of money and don't think I would if I could. If you can, that's great. HOWEVER, it irritates me that the people with the packages are being sold a mystery prize of some sort. WHY can't they tell you--right now--that you have front row center seats? Or second row? For that money, those tickets should be in their hands and they should guarantee you an exact place in that venue without you having to wait until the day of the show. Ticket brokers are selling front row tickets for these shows. Why do they know the exact location of the tickets they are selling, and FM--who is selling them for, in some cases, even MORE than the brokers, not telling you until the day of the show? It's just not right.

They did the whole FM fanclub thing where you could buy tickets, during the SYW tour. If I'm not mistaken (I just don't remember this exactly anymore), they weren't that much more than the value of the ticket. And they were also mystery tickets until a week (or maybe a few days?) before the concert. And then they emailed you your seat numbers. But, you had an option to cancel. I don't even know if this All Access thing gives you that option. And, how many people can afford to dump it at that late date, if they really have their hearts set on it?

I don't know. It really doesn't affect me because I'm not doing it, but I get annoyed at the concept. You want to believe in the integrity of the people you admire most, and this sort of chips away at all of that.

And, FWIW, Lindsey is sort of excluded in this. Is he in it for the money? Yes. But, he's sort of stated that he is. But, he gave us two wonderful, inventive, creative tours and didn't rob us blind. If anything, he robbed himself (money-wise). That counts for a lot in my book. And, the two times I've spent a few minutes with him off-stage--he was beyond nice. (And didn't reach for my pocketbook for some extra dough!)

EXACTLY! At least for Motley Crue (not that I bought any) but for the Mohegan Sun show you can get a single premium ticket for about $400.00 but you know exactly where it is located at that moment on Ticketmaster. Why couldn't Fleetwood Mac do something like that? At least you KNOW where you will be sitting and you have the option NOT to purchase it and you can also purchase ONE ticket.
Fleetwood Mac have never been a band that does things the right way. EVER!

[trackaghost]

That site has tickets front row for like $500-$1000... That is amazing! Great seats still available there for, what I consider, a reasonable price.


In what world is that a reasonable price? Honestly, I would like to know.

Maybe your idea of reasonable is different from mine? As a true fan, myself, I will pay anything. To be honest, I have waited my fair share of years to be able to do this. Now I can so... I don't feel bad about it. It's a shame that you had to say, "with attitudes like that..." What was that about? Seriously?

So the difference between being a true fan and just a fan is being able to afford overpriced tickets? So the woman struggling to survive every day on minimum wage with three kids, who has loved the band for the last 30 years and their music has meant a lot to her, is less of a fan because she can't afford a $600 package to meet Mick?

I'd also be interested to know just how many years you've waited because you can't be that much of a "true fan" if you've waited so long to see them. Maybe a true fan goes to see them even if they have the worst seats in the arena and have no chance in hell of meeting Mick or anyone else in the band.

Carrie,
I wasn't the first person to say, "TRUE FANS/DEVOTED FANS..." It was a comment made to me that I rebuddled about how I feel about ME being a TRUE/DEVOTED fan... It had nothing to do with you or anyone else. I do stand by my saying, "true fans are glad to hear from their band in any way..." I stand by that. I always will sorry if that offends you, but there it is...



"true fans are glad to hear from their band in any way..." That's ridiculous. I can only assume you've only been a fan for a short while from that statement because if the band released a terrible record you'd be disappointed, of course you would.

Honestly, when I am at a concert and I hear people say around me, "they are artistically void... they are all about their money... these tickets were overpriced..." It makes me want to scream. It brings me down. When I was new to Stevie I had people who said things like that behind me and it almost ruined my experience. I just think to myself, "WHY ARE YOU HERE? Stay the frap home!" LOL


Wow, you must be thin-skinned if that almost ruined a good concert for you.

[trackaghost]

I think, most of us "oldies" on the board have spent thousands of dollars on FM. I know I have. All my debt is FM-related (and that's not an exaggeration). And, I personally have done it--mostly, without complaint.
But, that money paid for seeing FM, Stevie and/or Lindsey probably about 20 times (I never counted). Not for one concert.

And they were giving us new material and times were not as tough.
It's very difficult to not feel slighted by FM themselves when ticket prices are high to start out with and then they do things like the packages and ticketmaster's "premium tickets" (and I have no idea if this is a ticketmaster racket or something sanctioned by FM)--and making fans who really would like to see them as close as possible shell out MORE money than those casual fans who will pass by a venue and say, "oh, Fleetwood Mac. Yeah, I liked them back in the day. Let me get a ticket" and don't give a rat's behind where they sit.

I work. I'm single and don't have kids. But I can't shell out these huge amounts of money and don't think I would if I could. If you can, that's great. HOWEVER, it irritates me that the people with the packages are being sold a mystery prize of some sort. WHY can't they tell you--right now--that you have front row center seats? Or second row? For that money, those tickets should be in their hands and they should guarantee you an exact place in that venue without you having to wait until the day of the show. Ticket brokers are selling front row tickets for these shows. Why do they know the exact location of the tickets they are selling, and FM--who is selling them for, in some cases, even MORE than the brokers, not telling you until the day of the show? It's just not right.

They did the whole FM fanclub thing where you could buy tickets, during the SYW tour. If I'm not mistaken (I just don't remember this exactly anymore), they weren't that much more than the value of the ticket. And they were also mystery tickets until a week (or maybe a few days?) before the concert. And then they emailed you your seat numbers. But, you had an option to cancel. I don't even know if this All Access thing gives you that option. And, how many people can afford to dump it at that late date, if they really have their hearts set on it?

I don't know. It really doesn't affect me because I'm not doing it, but I get annoyed at the concept. You want to believe in the integrity of the people you admire most, and this sort of chips away at all of that.

And, FWIW, Lindsey is sort of excluded in this. Is he in it for the money? Yes. But, he's sort of stated that he is. But, he gave us two wonderful, inventive, creative tours and didn't rob us blind. If anything, he robbed himself (money-wise). That counts for a lot in my book. And, the two times I've spent a few minutes with him off-stage--he was beyond nice. (And didn't reach for my pocketbook for some extra dough!)

Great post. I agree completely.

[Tusk!]

I think, most of us "oldies" on the board have spent thousands of dollars on FM. I know I have. All my debt is FM-related (and that's not an exaggeration). And, I personally have done it--mostly, without complaint.
But, that money paid for seeing FM, Stevie and/or Lindsey probably about 20 times (I never counted). Not for one concert.

And they were giving us new material and times were not as tough.
It's very difficult to not feel slighted by FM themselves when ticket prices are high to start out with and then they do things like the packages and ticketmaster's "premium tickets" (and I have no idea if this is a ticketmaster racket or something sanctioned by FM)--and making fans who really would like to see them as close as possible shell out MORE money than those casual fans who will pass by a venue and say, "oh, Fleetwood Mac. Yeah, I liked them back in the day. Let me get a ticket" and don't give a rat's behind where they sit.

I work. I'm single and don't have kids. But I can't shell out these huge amounts of money and don't think I would if I could. If you can, that's great. HOWEVER, it irritates me that the people with the packages are being sold a mystery prize of some sort. WHY can't they tell you--right now--that you have front row center seats? Or second row? For that money, those tickets should be in their hands and they should guarantee you an exact place in that venue without you having to wait until the day of the show. Ticket brokers are selling front row tickets for these shows. Why do they know the exact location of the tickets they are selling, and FM--who is selling them for, in some cases, even MORE than the brokers, not telling you until the day of the show? It's just not right.



And, FWIW, Lindsey is sort of excluded in this. Is he in it for the money? Yes. But, he's sort of stated that he is. But, he gave us two wonderful, inventive, creative tours and didn't rob us blind. If anything, he robbed himself (money-wise). That counts for a lot in my book. And, the two times I've spent a few minutes with him off-stage--he was beyond nice. (And didn't reach for my pocketbook for some extra dough!)

Very well said Regina. I have been an experienced fan since 1975 and seen FM on every tour since then(even the Time tour). I guess we are all a little disappointed that this tour seems to be a money grab to beef up their retirement funds. I'm planning on attending 2-3 shows, but I will be very selective on seat selections and have no intention of sitting in the nosebleed sections or paying a house payment for premium seats. I really hate the way Ticketmaster runs these ticket sales and long for a better system. I'm hopeful the tour will still be going when it reaches Phoenix, but I have a feeling the group reunion will be a little rocky by the end of May.

[kennation]

In what world is that a reasonable price? Honestly, I would like to know.



So the difference between being a true fan and just a fan is being able to afford overpriced tickets? So the woman struggling to survive every day on minimum wage with three kids, who has loved the band for the last 30 years and their music has meant a lot to her, is less of a fan because she can't afford a $600 package to meet Mick?

I'd also be interested to know just how many years you've waited because you can't be that much of a "true fan" if you've waited so long to see them. Maybe a true fan goes to see them even if they have the worst seats in the arena and have no chance in hell of meeting Mick or anyone else in the band.




"true fans are glad to hear from their band in any way..." That's ridiculous. I can only assume you've only been a fan for a short while from that statement because if the band released a terrible record you'd be disappointed, of course you would.



Wow, you must be thin-skinned if that almost ruined a good concert for you.

Let it die... You don't know me. Get off it, please. Just let it die.

[sparky]

I don't think there is any grand conspiracy at work here. It is called a ticket rollout. Promoters want a full house. And even if it isn't a full house they want the illusion of one. So, a certain amount of tickets are released in each section slowly. That way, the house fills in. Not everyone can afford the top tier prices, so at different times, different seats are made available.

Is ticketmaster a gouging, nasty monopoly? Absolutely. Every monopoly is.

However, they are not in charge of the ticket prices. The ticket prices and based and predicated on one thing and one thing only - the guarantee the band's management can demand in the contract. That, divided by house capacity, with factors of tier pricing, venue overhead, and perceived sales is what determines the ticket price. Madonna's ticket prices are simply a reflection of how much she wants a night. I do not know her guarantee, but I am certain it is over a million.

It is a pretty well known fact that the reason the SYW tour went on so long is that the first leg had some terrible sales in certain cities and the tour was extended to secondary markets and fertile city repeats as an act of good
will on the part of band management towards promoters who lost their shirts in cities with bad sales. Also, on the second leg the band lowered their guarantee so the promoters could make their money back. I don't know the actual numbers, but my sources have said the second leg saw the decrease their guarantee by about 33%. This was a business decision, and a wise one at that.

As far as the prices go, of course they are ridiculous. There is no way on God's green earth that a concert of the type this band puts on should cost 150-200 bucks. It isn't as if the show is a visual feast on the scale that a Madonna or Cher show is. There are not dancers, changing scenery, huge production numbers, or any of the trappings that make a concert seem like an evening seeing Cirque Du Soleil. That is actually worth 200 bucks. There
are dozens of performers, utter sensory overload, and a profusion of talent involved in the sets, costumes, lighting and original music. It is truly a spectacle.

Make no mistake folks. The prices are what they are because of how much
the band wants to be paid to go onstage. I have my minimum price to leave the house. Everyone does.

If you are lucky, people pay it.

If people won't, and you get desperate enough, you lower your price.

Anyone who pays the high prices is participating in the system and has no
reason to complain.

On one level, I understand those who will literally go into debt to see the band. As a man who obsessively followed the band for three decades, I have spent an easy 20 grand since the late 70's on this group of people.
Probably more with inflation adjustment.

In fact, the first tour I was able to see many times over was Street Angel.
I was finally in a region where I could go to lots of shows, had plenty of disposable income, and wanted to take advantage of it. Was Stevie far past her peak? Without a doubt. I didn't care. I finally had my chance and I maximized it till the end of tour when I was taking piss breaks during Rhiannon, Destiny and GDW.

It was fun.

Would I do it now? Not on your life. The reasons for that are many.
And they are obvious.

I don't begrudge anyone the opportunity to go into debt or spend every
last cent of their extra income to go see these musicians. Go ahead and line their pockets if you want to. Depending on the person, the emotional payoff can be worth it.

There were plenty of people 15 years ago who scoffed at my insistence on seeing
Stevie. They laughed and said her voice was shot, she was fat, and she was
not only uncool but utterly over.

:lol:

Maybe she was.

The prime years were 75-80 and there is no disputing it.

But I got what I could get when I could get it. And I had my fill.

It was past her peak, and the peak of the band, but it was damn sure my peak.

So like those people who dismissed me and said they couldn't be bothered to go in 91, or 94 or 97 or 98, cause they saw the legendary shows in the 70's, I now say I don't want to see the shadow of the greatness anymore either.

I don't want to hear the shifted keys, the changed melodies due to aging voices, the go through the motions Stevie performances that are more often than not just pantomime since her sobriety.

But for those who are willing to shell out those indecent amounts of money,
I say get while the getting is good and the band is still alive.

But don't bitch about the price.

The price is what the band asks for.

I won't pay it anymore. I got them when the goods were fresher and cheaper
and more relevant. And frankly, it was when they meant more than me. It was a fluke of timing. I got lucky.

Life is all about timing and money.

So take what you can get, and pay what you can pay.

[shebop]

Well said....

[LukeA]

It is a pretty well known fact that the reason the SYW tour went on so long is that the first leg had some terrible sales in certain cities and the tour was extended to secondary markets and fertile city repeats as an act of good
will on the part of band management towards promoters who lost their shirts in cities with bad sales. Also, on the second leg the band lowered their guarantee so the promoters could make their money back. I don't know the actual numbers, but my sources have said the second leg saw the decrease their guarantee by about 33%. This was a business decision, and a wise one at that.

Not really. With a few isolated exceptions, the first leg (Columbus thru Portland or so) was 100% AEG/Concerts West (the exceptions being a couple dates where they co-pro'd with Clear Channel). Conversely, the '04 tour was mostly Clear Channel sheds. The big disasters on the SYW tour (Grand Forks, and the canceled Memphis show) were ineligible for make-goods or give-backs to their respective promoters, because said disasters literally bankrupted them. AEG/Concerts West came away pretty well, after all was said and done.

The '04 tour was basically the only way they could make second trips to most major markets, and attempt third, or in a few cases, FOURTH trips to a market. Clear Channel offered the only viable model for them to play venues with a palatable (read: moderately lucrative) seating capacity/gross potential. While the band got no g'tee upfront, they did receive 90-95% of the gate after expenses (Clear Channel makes most of their revenue off shed shows by selling lucrative sponsorships to their summer concert season). When one date didn't work out (ex. Tinley Park, their fourth Chicago date in less than a year), the band & CCE made the joint decision to switch it out for another (Scranton). If this sounds familiar, they just did the same thing on the Unleashed tour, putting the Albany date out of its misery and replacing it with a 2nd date in Toronto.

[WildHeart69]

My peeps & I got front row center seats at Fleetwood's opening night at Arrowhead Pond in 2003. We called the morning of the show. Does that sort of thing still happen?

Paula got front row center for the Stevie/Chris Isaak show in Camden, NJ the day of the show... that was like 2007 I think...

[LukeA]

Paula got front row center for the Stevie/Chris Isaak show in Camden, NJ the day of the show... that was like 2007 I think...

They used to drop front row tickets all the time on the SYW tour. I got front row center tickets in the fan club presale for Moline, and a couple days before the show, I picked up a single in the front row (adjoining our seats, actually) so a friend could go with us.

This was not an isolated incident. I used to see 1st/2nd row tickets pop up all the time a few days prior to the show. The promoter releases ticket holds for either the band, the record label, the venue, or their own promoter holds leading up to the day of the show- its not some nefarious scheme or conspiracy theory, no matter how much some of you would like it to be.

[DavidMn]

Not really. With a few isolated exceptions, the first leg (Columbus thru Portland or so) was 100% AEG/Concerts West (the exceptions being a couple dates where they co-pro'd with Clear Channel). Conversely, the '04 tour was mostly Clear Channel sheds. The big disasters on the SYW tour (Grand Forks, and the canceled Memphis show) were ineligible for make-goods or give-backs to their respective promoters, because said disasters literally bankrupted them. AEG/Concerts West came away pretty well, after all was said and done.

The '04 tour was basically the only way they could make second trips to most major markets, and attempt third, or in a few cases, FOURTH trips to a market. Clear Channel offered the only viable model for them to play venues with a palatable (read: moderately lucrative) seating capacity/gross potential. While the band got no g'tee upfront, they did receive 90-95% of the gate after expenses (Clear Channel makes most of their revenue off shed shows by selling lucrative sponsorships to their summer concert season). When one date didn't work out (ex. Tinley Park, their fourth Chicago date in less than a year), the band & CCE made the joint decision to switch it out for another (Scranton). If this sounds familiar, they just did the same thing on the Unleashed tour, putting the Albany date out of its misery and replacing it with a 2nd date in Toronto.Luke I will make one minor correction on your comparison of 09 VS 04. I was in the middle of all those cancelled shows. I had tickets for D.C on May 26, Holmdel May 29, Scranton June 1, and Camden June 3. Stevie became ill anad they had to rearrange alot of those shows at that time. That was a major headache believe me.

[trackaghost]

Let it die... You don't know me. Get off it, please. Just let it die.

Look, I'm not saying you're not a "true fan", I'm just saying that if people can't afford to go it doesn't make them any less of a fan. I have no idea why you would post your opinions on a public forum if you don't want people to respond to them.

[DavidMn]

Let it die... You don't know me. Get off it, please. Just let it die.Wow, you really dont get it do you? I've been to alot of shows, and spent alot of money on everything related to Fleetwood Mac, but you dont see me thumping my chest trying to assert my "Superiority" by talking down to other fans. You're just making an ass out of yourself when you do that. Cmon man just let off the gas pedal a little k?

[David]

The prime years were 75-80 and there is no disputing it.And even during those prime years (when the band sold albums & singles, concerts, & magazines), there were occasional unfilled arenas & albums that didn't rise quite to the top of the charts & awards that went to other acts & all that. It was a running theme throughout the Tusk tour. Despite the tour's doing well (Billboard reported that it was the best-selling tour that year for arenas), the press treated advance announcement of many shows -- like those here in L.A. -- as occasion to wonder whether the schedule was overreaching. Not only was there a recession at the time, but the band itself was not as stratospherically popular in 1979 as it had been in 1977. It had faded somewhat, even then. Not all five nights at the Forum sold out, & only the first night at the Hollywood Bowl sold out. Fleetwood Mac wasn't as cool in 1979 as it was in 1976 or the year after. Aside from statistics & other data, it's a feeling in the air. I remember it & maybe you remember it.

But I got what I could get when I could get it. And I had my fill.

It was past her peak, and the peak of the band, but it was damn sure my peak. Good post, Sparky!

[carrie721]

I have my minimum price to leave the house. Everyone does.

i don't. :lol:

rock star post.

[kennation]

Wow, you really dont get it do you? I've been to alot of shows, and spent alot of money on everything related to Fleetwood Mac, but you dont see me thumping my chest trying to assert my "Superiority" by talking down to other fans. You're just making an ass out of yourself when you do that. Cmon man just let off the gas pedal a little k?

I am not talking down to anyone. I just post what I think. If that offends... :sorry: And as for making an ass out of myself? "I think that is rude of you" and "I certainly wouldn't say that to you."

[DavidMn]

I am not talking down to anyone. I just post what I think. If that offends... :sorry: And as for making an ass out of myself? "I think that is rude of you" and "I certainly wouldn't say that to you."I'm not saying youre a bad person. Just back off a little that's all. You can take that for what it's worth.:nod: