Difficulties Finding Decent Tickets

[olive]

all i get is high demand and a link to platinum seats
hope someone is having luck

[loverly13]

Same. This is ridiculous.

[Ali]

I was hoping to improve my seats for the DC show but nothing even remotely good is coming up. Just 4 pairs of seats (ONLY through the Amex listing, not the regular one) all towards the back of the arena (2 back of the floor, 1 lower bowl, 1 middle bowl).

[BLY]

I was hoping to improve my seats for the DC show but nothing even remotely good is coming up. Just 4 pairs of seats (ONLY through the Amex listing, not the regular one) all towards the back of the arena (2 back of the floor, 1 lower bowl, 1 middle bowl).



I have decided to wait to even try to get tickets to the DC show. I might even decide on missing this tour if there is no new music. I have seen the band 10 times over the years and really like when new songs are added to the set list.

[loverly13]

I'm just really bummed because I've never seen them before - my mom has, several times, but I haven't. Ughhhhh. I really think I'll have to do StubHub. Will prices go down or go up the longer I wait?

[elle]

all i get is high demand and a link to platinum seats
hope someone is having luck

in DC i get not only links to pull-your-seats (all crap of course, if anything!) and plats but also straight to resale (also all crap, highest bleachers) - right there on TM site, one of the 3 tabs. wow! :laugh:

[kak125]

yeah just wait it out now stubhub lowers the prices of the tickets the closer to the date so that is you best bet now. if you want an even better deal wait until the day before or the day of the show.

[SadAngel86]

in DC i get not only links to pull-your-seats (all crap of course, if anything!) and plats but also straight to resale (also all crap, highest bleachers) - right there on TM site, one of the 3 tabs. wow! :laugh:

I saw those resale tabs too when I was browsing through Columbus (just because). What are those anyway? Did people already sell their tickets back to TM? Or are those tickets that have been bought back by TM from radio or places like StubHub?

[Lee]

Same for Philly. It is either nosebleed or nothing comes up.

I will just wait then.

Lee :distress:

[loverly13]

yeah just wait it out now stubhub lowers the prices of the tickets the closer to the date so that is you best bet now. if you want an even better deal wait until the day before or the day of the show.

Good/decent seats? Or nosebleeds?

[Macfanforever]

I noticed TM does not sell tix for the XL Center in Hartford .I was redirected to their partners website. I tried 5 times and had no problem with getting shut out.

The XL center box office site was fast and got through the process with no problems and no stress worrying about getting timed out.

Their selection sucked probably due to the presales BS,radio station give away and other promotional deals.

I was just happy to get inside.If it was a Stevie show .It would be a different story.

[kak125]

always good seats i dont sit anywhere but floor and i dont like to be any further than 5-10 rows back at the most. i also check ebay as well i have this like obsession with finding good seats for face value or less.

[TsnFan4Ever]

This is so discouraging--and the reason I rarely go to shows in So. Cal. The prices have gotten ridiculous and the lack of availability makes it such a hassle. So very sorry that you're all having that experience. I'm not even going to try for tickets to LA (will be in a meeting at work when they go on sale today anyway).

I hope you're able to find tickets closer to show dates!!

[SadAngel86]

Just a heads up everyone - the Chicago general sale has been changed to 12pm CDT instead of 10am. Ticketmaster apparently did this last night but there was no announcement at all.:shrug:

[deluge]

Similar experience for Atlanta regular onsale today. For the first 15 minutes or so, the only tickets that came up were lower level (I wanted floor). Then I was able to get an occasional single floor ticket come up, but half way back or even further back on the floor. Too far back from the stage for what I want.

I again saw a variety of "Platinum" tickets available in the first 3 sections on the floor (sections 1, 2 and 3) for like $500-$750 depending on how far back they were. Too expensive for me.

I kept trying, and about 35 minutes after tickets went on sale, I was about to give up, then was surprised to see a single ticket in Section 2, row T come up. Still further back than I would like, but I went ahead and purchased that ticket.

Anyone else get a better ticket in the Atlanta regular onsale today?

PS... After I got 1 ticket, I kept checking to see if maybe an even better ticket would come up, and when I was switching back and forth between Platinum and regular tickets, Ticketmaster's automated systems apparently determined I was doing something their algorithms don't like, and they blocked my IP address from their website. GRRRRRRRR. Not sure why they did that at that point. Earlier, I had checked MANY more times, so not entirely sure that it was the number of times I checked for tickets. Anyway, cleared all my cookies, in case it was cookie-based, but that didn't change anything, it appears to be a block on my IP address based. Of course, I can still use the TM app on my iPhone though via 3G connection. But this is a pain in the neck. Ticketmaster blocks real fans like me, but the scalpers always seem to do okay. Go figure.

[louielouie2000]

Just a heads up everyone - the Chicago general sale has been changed to 12pm CDT instead of 10am. Ticketmaster apparently did this last night but there was no announcement at all.:shrug:

Same thing with Dallas. This tour seems to be off to a messy start! :laugh:

[WildHearted]

Similar experience for Atlanta regular onsale today. For the first 15 minutes or so, the only tickets that came up were lower level (I wanted floor). Then I was able to get an occasional single floor ticket come up, but half way back or even further back on the floor. Too far back from the stage for what I want.

I again saw a variety of "Platinum" tickets available in the first 3 sections on the floor (sections 1, 2 and 3) for like $500-$750 depending on how far back they were. Too expensive for me.

I kept trying, and about 35 minutes after tickets went on sale, I was about to give up, then was surprised to see a single ticket in Section 2, row T come up. Still further back than I would like, but I went ahead and purchased that ticket.

Anyone else get a better ticket in the Atlanta regular onsale today?

PS... After I got 1 ticket, I kept checking to see if maybe an even better ticket would come up, and when I was switching back and forth between Platinum and regular tickets, Ticketmaster's automated systems apparently determined I was doing something their algorithms don't like, and they blocked my IP address from their website. GRRRRRRRR. Not sure why they did that at that point. Earlier, I had checked MANY more times, so not entirely sure that it was the number of times I checked for tickets. Anyway, cleared all my cookies, in case it was cookie-based, but that didn't change anything, it appears to be a block on my IP address based. Of course, I can still use the TM app on my iPhone though via 3G connection. But this is a pain in the neck. Ticketmaster blocks real fans like me, but the scalpers always seem to do okay. Go figure.

I wasn't able to find anything in the front sections at all. Going to keep searching periodically throughout the day just in case.

Best I pulled up was second row in the outer middle sections... but I really want in the front section so I can attempt to rush the stage.

[elle]

Anyway, cleared all my cookies, in case it was cookie-based, but that didn't change anything, it appears to be a block on my IP address based. Of course, I can still use the TM app on my iPhone though via 3G connection. But this is a pain in the neck. Ticketmaster blocks real fans like me, but the scalpers always seem to do okay. Go figure.

don't go to TM from your computer anymore for now. they block for 24 hrs from the time you last checked. i think they add up all your tries since the moment you first started.

scalpers have software, i guess.

[teedeerocks]

:mad:I got on the computer AND the phone at exactly 10 a.m. All I got on the phone was high demand.The computer put me on hold and I finally got through on the phone.I was so excited but when the lady answered she said I GOT THROUGH BECAUSE THEY WERE COMPLETELY SOLD OUT.Unf....ing believeable...I 'll have to check around maybe a couple of days before the show and see if I can find something do-able.:distress::(

[Macfanforever]

They probably log you IP number on their servers plus the cookies.probably your TM screen name too.


Thats probably how it works.

An IT person could answer that.

I wonder why the time change for Chicago and Dallas.

Could it be TM server overloads.

This is really going to suck when the solo tours come up.

WARNING. I got a feeling this tour will sellout quickly so try to pick a seat to just get inside.



I had a show soldout when I was to fussy getting good seats and got bummed out because a concert got sold out right under me .

[Ali]

Got a map to come up for DC. Nothing on the floor available at list price, only the corners of the stage in the lower bowl. Not much better on the 200 and 400 levels. Row B center is going for $2K a piece resale and Row Z on the floor for $600 a piece.

[louielouie2000]

:mad:I got on the computer AND the phone at exactly 10 a.m. All I got on the phone was high demand.The computer put me on hold and I finally got through on the phone.I was so excited but when the lady answered she said I GOT THROUGH BECAUSE THEY WERE COMPLETELY SOLD OUT.Unf....ing believeable...I 'll have to check around maybe a couple of days before the show and see if I can find something do-able.:distress::(

A venue has sold out within an hour? Which one? :confused:

[Macfanforever]

:mad:I got on the computer AND the phone at exactly 10 a.m. All I got on the phone was high demand.The computer put me on hold and I finally got through on the phone.I was so excited but when the lady answered she said I GOT THROUGH BECAUSE THEY WERE COMPLETELY SOLD OUT.Unf....ing believeable...I 'll have to check around maybe a couple of days before the show and see if I can find something do-able.:distress::(

I had gut feeling this was going to happen this morning.

I hope they can drum up more seats and release them soon.I blame those presales on this.

[wondergirl9847]

I have decided to wait to even try to get tickets to the DC show. I might even decide on missing this tour if there is no new music.

I also might just skip this tour if they don't have any surprises to make it worthwhile. Probably won't even try for regular sale today as I feel all the decent tickets went to VIP/Platinum/scalpers.

MEH.

[louielouie2000]

I also might just skip this tour if they don't have any surprises to make it worthwhile. Probably won't even try for regular sale today as I feel all the decent tickets went to VIP/Platinum/scalpers.

MEH.

Agreed. I was initially very excited, but this is looking like yet another bungled cash grab oldies tour. If I don't pull up and decent seats at noon, I think I'll put the money towards a much needed vacation, instead. :)

[Lauren]

hey all- same

i can't even get seats? I got on right at 10

presale was bad too

don't get it

[Lauren]

also can't read the letters half the time so that takes forever..

[Lauren]

thing is with the presales- last tour the presales were worst than the onsale date and I got a presale and was bummed I didn't wait. This time I waited and now I have nothing. Unless I want nosebleed. no thanks.

also now if you click on premier seats, they want 550 EACH for section 146??? I could have had that section at presale

this is horrible

[wheart]

I've had success with stubhub and similar places. I paid more than face value but I'm sitting where I want to sit. I probably wouldn't go that route for anyone other than The Mac. For me, it's worth spending the extra $$.

[kak125]

when i first tried for pittsburgh seats i got nothing but now i keep pulling up the club sections like 102 & 111 and i pulled up section 4 but i am not bothering to get anything right now unless something better comes up.
what i do like about ticketmaster is that if you find better seats later they will just exchange them for you.

[tothegypsy]

Another Boston show has been added on October 25th, so Boston folks will have another chance. I'm interested in seeing what other cities get multiple dates.

[teedeerocks]

A venue has sold out within an hour? Which one? :confused:

Wells Fargo Center Philly,PA.

[loverly13]

Another Boston show has been added on October 25th, so Boston folks will have another chance. I'm interested in seeing what other cities get multiple dates.

Well then, fingers crossed for another NYC date. They definitely left room for another date between the 6th and the Today Show on the 9th.

[louielouie2000]

When I try to pull up 2 tickets in Dallas, I get the High Demand message every time. When I try with 1 ticket, I only get really crappy stuff. So I will probably be sitting this tour out. Boo. I was really looking forward to finally seeing Christine. :(

[kak125]

so 70 minutes later and i have just pulled up 17th row for pittsburgh show so they are giving out better and better seats. so keep checking.

[sodascouts]

I think this high demand - 2 min wait stuff is BS to get you to panic and buy whatever seat pops up and/or get you to buy "platinum"... But maybe I'm just cynical.

Nothing but the back of the floor, if that, for Chicago and Atlanta. I'll wait and see if better tix show up later.

[kak125]

When I try to pull up 2 tickets in Dallas, I get the High Demand message every time. When I try with 1 ticket, I only get really crappy stuff. So I will probably be sitting this tour out. Boo. I was really looking forward to finally seeing Christine. :(

just wait till the week before the show i am sure you will find something good its so far away now.

[wondergirl9847]

When I try to pull up 2 tickets in Dallas, I get the High Demand message every time. When I try with 1 ticket, I only get really crappy stuff. So I will probably be sitting this tour out. Boo. I was really looking forward to finally seeing Christine. :(

Same here, Louie. :(

Concerts have always been something to look forward to and I like to travel so I try to incorporate visiting various places with going to see FM or LB. These days....I'm just over all of this crap. Finding gold in my yard would be easier than finding a decent ticket to a show. They have taken all the joy out of seeing a concert for me with this BS ticket crap.

I will go see LB, but looks like I'm out as far as FM are concerned.

[HelloMonster]

We got floor in Sacramento. Still some showing up too! Guess other California residents forgot about that one. :shrug:

[SadAngel86]

WOW, there's only ONE listing left for Chicago on Platinum seats. The closest I ever got was Sec. 5, Row 8 on the Floor. But that was only for one ticket and someone's probably already bought it. I'm glad I got what I got when I did because everything else is pretty much resale.:distress:

[HomerMcvie]

Same here, Louie. :(

Concerts have always been something to look forward to and I like to travel so I try to incorporate visiting various places with going to see FM or LB. These days....I'm just over all of this crap. Finding gold in my yard would be easier than finding a decent ticket to a show. They have taken all the joy out of seeing a concert for me with this BS ticket crap.

I will go see LB, but looks like I'm out as far as FM are concerned.

Me too. Second section floor seats are $628!!! Seats on the side are $440!!!
AND THEY ALL HAVE TO BE PURCHASED IN PAIRS!!! And there are 3 of us, so I'm volunteering to be thrown under the bus, so my friend and her daughter can try to get a pair of good tix.

The concert experience has been ruined for me. $628? KISS MY ASS.

[goldustsongbird]

Another Kanata, Ontario show has been added. It's too far for me, and there's a night open before the October 18th Toronto show that I've been trying for, so I hope they add another TO date.

[David A]

I tried TM on line, no luck, I Called TM, Best they had was Floor J, which is floor seating, great, but basically mid / half way point of the floor. I am looking for 1 ticket, stage, as close as i Can get, and its not looking like I am going to find any luck with this tour, and dont get me started on Stub Hub Or BArrys Tickets, freaking insane pricing. I wonder if physically going to the forum to buy a ticket would be better ?

The best I could find was Floor J, thats not close enough for me

I am so sad at this moment :(

[sywlindseyfan]

Would you mind posting the link to the Stubhub ticket selection for the forum? I am sorry you are going through this. I feel the same way. I feel that it's unfair that because I don't have an American Express card I missed out on the presale. From one Mac fan to another, my condolences David A.

[David A]

FLOOR J WAS via phone with ticket master

Stub Hub, dont bother, tickets start at like $500-$1536

[mottabam]

I tried TM on line, no luck, I Called TM, Best they had was Floor J, which is floor seating, great, but basically mid / half way point of the floor. I am looking for 1 ticket, stage, as close as i Can get, and its not looking like I am going to find any luck with this tour, and dont get me started on Stub Hub Or BArrys Tickets, freaking insane pricing. I wonder if physically going to the forum to buy a ticket would be better ?

The best I could find was Floor J, thats not close enough for me

I am so sad at this moment :(

I generally find looking for 1 ticket anywhere from day of show to 2 weeks out directly from ticketmaster is the best bet. Last year I got center stage floor 4th row for opening night two weeks before concert.

Honestly I wouldn't fret or be overly concerned considering the shows are so many months away. Another thing you could try is waiting till platinum seats drop in price and split a pair with another fan. Sometimes Auction4Cause post single tickets on eBay as well.

Good Luck.

[olive]

I never had anything like today ever happen not a single seat available at face value lots of offers from ticketmaster to purchase Platimum seats

[pattyfan]

Hi. Just to chime in, I have bad floor seats (row 39) and was trying to get better today. I had the same experience as everyone else here. Nothing other than seats way in the back came up.

I have bought tickets for Mac in big arenas throughout the years and this is by far the worse ticket experience I've ever had. Before, I've always been able to get on line when they went on sale and have gotten at least row 20 or better.

And as for Stub Hub, I decided last minute to go see Lindsey at one of his SF shows 2 tours ago. I got tickets the day before the show on Stub Hub. Row 5, for less than face value. It was awesome. That said, it's really a crapshoot. I'm guessing that because scalpers will be getting so much for tickets for this tour, there will be very few if any reasonably priced good tickets there. But you can always try. Also, try Craigslist. I once got a really good ticket to see Natalie Merchant very last minute because someone's friend couldn't go. It can happen. :)

Anyway, I'm just going to be happy to see them with Christine, but the fact that they are keeping good seats for people who can pay $750 really shows that the don't respect the fans. On the Dance tour, I won 5th row tickets from a local radio station. It was awesome. But I was horrified when people up front started leaving 3 or 4 songs before the end. Obviously they had also won tickets or got comped form their business or something but they were not big fans. It made me so mad because I know that there were tons of people who would have just loved to be up close.

Also, I have a friend who is working for an investment company in LA. She is just doing data input but she told me that her company handles the retirement funds for a lot of entertainers. She told me that Stevie is one of them. I didn't ask her for specifics because I don't really care, and I don't think she should give info out, but she told me that Stevie is set for life. I kind of figured that anyway, but it was interesting to get that confirmation. So when they talk about how much they love their fans, I really just have to take it with a grain of salt. Like other people have said, there are groups out there (Pearl Jam, the Indigo Girls, for example) who won't play certain venues because they refuse to charge more than a certain amount for their tickets.

Anyway, I will go twice and I will love both shows I'm sure, but only because I've willfully decided not to let their greed bother me. But they are very very greedy.

Kevin

[AnthonyMI]

damn. Makes me super glad I did the Facebook presale and took the first set of tickets it came up with. And I was only 5 minutes late and the cheapest ones were sold out.

[TsnFan4Ever]

I had the same experience during presale. And for those of you who don't have AMEX cards: it didn't matter; the choices were the same last Monday. The only choices I got were horrible, just like these were. I refuse to pay $200+ to sit all the way back--especially considering that when everyone stands up, you won't be able to see (at least I can't since I'm shorter than all the tall people who seem to gravitate to the seats in front of me).

This has been the worst time buying tickets that I've ever had and will probably be the last time I see FM if this is the same next time (if there is a next time). I really hope the strategy of waiting until the last minute works for the rest of you. I'm not trying it for LA. Forum's in a horrible area so I'm glad I'm seeing them in San Diego. If any of you go there instead, maybe we'll see each other at that show?

[TsnFan4Ever]

I think what we're really seeing is what happens when big corporations and concerts converge--we lose. As many of you have said, these prices are ridiculous and this experience has taken the joy of going to shows that many of us have had throughout our lives and turned it into a freaking nightmare. My husband and I were both on computers trying to buy my single ticket the minute they went on presale last week and not only couldn't get anything decent in 3 different cities. It really sucked.

After hearing all of these reports, I will not go through this again. I was blessed with seeing FM in their prime and almost every year they toured from 1977-1997 and most tours since (except for The Dance). The only reason I'm going this time is because this may be their last tour together and I want to see them one last time. I'm also very glad that in the midst of the frenzy we went through that I scored a second row center VIP ticket for San Diego for what will be my last Fleetwood Mac concert.

[teedeerocks]

I think what we're really seeing is what happens when big corporations and concerts converge--we lose. As many of you have said, these prices are ridiculous and this experience has taken the joy of going to shows that many of us have had throughout our lives and turned it into a freaking nightmare. My husband and I were both on computers trying to buy my single ticket the minute they went on presale last week and not only couldn't get anything decent in 3 different cities. It really sucked.

After hearing all of these reports, I will not go through this again. I was blessed with seeing FM in their prime and almost every year they toured from 1977-1997 and most tours since (except for The Dance). The only reason I'm going this time is because this may be their last tour together and I want to see them one last time. I'm also very glad that in the midst of the frenzy we went through that I scored a second row center VIP ticket for San Diego for what will be my last Fleetwood Mac concert.

I am disgusted with this entire situation too.Having said that,I am still going to make every effort to attend because I feel that this is going to be their last tour(or next to last tour) By the time the show comes around Mick and Chris will be 71 years old for God's sake and John's situation is iffy(although they say he's fine-they say ALOT).
At the end of their last tour Stevie said they write these songs after strugging,crying,etc.over them and they throw them out to us to take us away from our everyday struggles for a while and we throw that love back to them with our devotion and admiration.What she forgot to mention was that what they're throwing is covered in sh..t.
The Dire Straits song "Money for Nothing" keeps playing in my head-can't understand why though.....

[BigAl84]

I didn't pay this much to see Paul Mccartney! It's nuts.

There has to be better seats that will be released. I can't believe this many people are paying these kinds of prices for "Lower Bowl" seats. If I'm going to spend 200+ bucks on tickets, it's not going to be on lower bowl and have to crank my neck for two hours straight just to see.

[TsnFan4Ever]

I'm still kicking myself for not going to see Paul McCartney (because his tickets were $200+ and if we pay these ridiculous prices, they'll keep raising them). How ironic that his prices now seem a bargain.

Really good point about their ages and John's health. Although I hope they continue to tour for at least a few more years, I bought my ticket because there is a chance that this could be their farewell tour.

And I guess this means the Buckingham Nicks tour is out, doesn't it?

[FM77]

PHX had very good seats available last night--floor and lower bowl for $192.

[Macfanforever]

After reading about the high FM tix prices on here.

I was thinking about the Eagles last night when they toured years ago.

I remember the big uproar about the inflated tix prices for their shows.

They say they quit but they are still touring and FM wont quit either.

Its probably cheaper to see the Eagles .

My sister seen them last year at the casino.They were great she said.

[Nicks Fan]

Another Kanata, Ontario show has been added. It's too far for me, and there's a night open before the October 18th Toronto show that I've been trying for, so I hope they add another TO date.


Where did you get this info. I am from that area and there is no info that I can
find.

Matt

[BigAl84]

I know this could technically be in another thread, but I wanted it to be a heads up for everyone.

Ticketmaster is totally screwing around with how many tickets are actually being sold vs what's available. Earlier today the columbus show had the "few seats remaining" warning and tonight, there are two entire lower bowl sections opposite the stage that are completely unsold and available. Those two sections were definitely not even available for sale earlier today....and the "few seats remaining" warning has been removed.

[goldustsongbird]

Toronto says "not that many left," but when you search ALL prices, it shows nothing. Last time I looked, only one or two VIP tickets were available. So, it looks like it's sold out, but then they say there are a few left. That's definitely misleading. It makes it sound as if there are a few <i>other than</i> VIP available.

[Nicks Fan]

I read these posts and just get more angrier. How is it that I can be first in line and all the good seats are gone. Go onto the Capital Tckets site though and see all of the platinum tickets for sale.
The show isn't even sold out though as you can buy crappy tickets way in the back on the floor. It just makes me so mad.

Matt

[J.Miller]

This is why I try to save money in other areas so we can go to something great like this. Tonight I saw that the Atlanta show was possibly going to sell out soon. We didn't take any chances and grabbed the last pair of tickets that were showing on Ticketmaster platinum on Christine's side that were on the floor. Christine was the one that got me interested in Fleetwood Mac in the first place. I have never seen her in person before. This is very huge for me.

[HomerMcvie]

This is why I try to save money in other areas so we can go to something great like this. Tonight I saw that the Atlanta show was possibly going to sell out soon. We didn't take any chances and grabbed the last pair of tickets that were showing on Ticketmaster platinum on Christine's side that were on the floor. Christine was the one that got me interested in Fleetwood Mac in the first place. I have never seen her in person before. This is very huge for me.

How much did you pay for the pair?

[HomerMcvie]

Yay! My friend Michelle is a ticket buying expert, and got us 15th row(Lindsey side) in Indy, for $350 each.

She was like, "if we hold out, I might be able to do better".

Imma like, "hell NO. I can live with both 15th row, and $350!!!"

[BigAl84]

Just a heads up - more tickets were released for Columbus. If you want to sit directly to the side of the stage, two big sections just opened up. Also, more seats in the center section, lower bowl, at the end of the floor.

[J.Miller]

How much did you pay for the pair?

Our tickets for Atlanta are in section 3 row H seats 7 and 8. They cost $675 each.

[luminol]

This is my very first post... but I wanted to chime in that I never had a single ticket some up for Atlanta on the public sale date. I was there many minutes before 10am and jumped as soon as the sale opened, but it never pulled up a thing.

I've been a fan since I was 7 (my age when Tango came out) and have never seen them live. I am particularly keen now that Christine is back.... they're on my bucket list for sure!

I'm looking for 2 decent tickets (ideally, the lower level sections nearest the stage rather than on the floor) if anyone is selling or knows of someone trying to unload two tickets. :)

[JerseyGirl]

in philly it is 725$ for a center stage 5th row plus 100$ fee...and you are required to buy 2 tickets....so thats 1850$ total. WTF?! i expect that from a broker but not ticket master or any other 1st party seller.
i ended up with a section 4, 6th row for 179$. not a happy camper!:mad:

[loverly13]

http://www.forbes.com/sites/jesselawrence/2014/04/08/prices-on-secondary-market-for-fleetwood-mac-tickets-following-release-of-primary-market-seats/

[SadAngel86]

http://www.forbes.com/sites/jesselawrence/2014/04/08/prices-on-secondary-market-for-fleetwood-mac-tickets-following-release-of-primary-market-seats/

Interesting. Wonder why the Philly shows are the most expensive when last year it was NYC?

[olive]

Sorry. No concert is worth that

[HomerMcvie]

Our tickets for Atlanta are in section 3 row H seats 7 and 8. They cost $675 each.

And that's what they were going for here, too. I don't know HOW "Michelle" found these 15th row for $350. I was just so happy to get them! Because I had put my foot down, that $500 was my limit.

And I'm not someone who would spend $500 on a ticket! NEVER for a band for which I was only a casual fan! However.....this is FM. An obsession since 8th grade. Literally the reason I became obsessed with music, and play in a band, and do sound and lighting for bands....it all began with them.

I think $500 is ridiculous(let alone, $675)! But let's face the facts. Christine is back. And 70. John has been battling cancer, and hopefully winning the battle(even though he looks really weak). The end of FM is in sight now. I HAVE to see this tour, as(as Stevie said, many years ago) this could very well be the last time... And if this is the last time, I need to know that I was there for the last time.

[Lee]

And that's what they were going for here, too. I don't know HOW "Michelle" found these 15th row for $350. I was just so happy to get them! Because I had put my foot down, that $500 was my limit.

And I'm not someone who would spend $500 on a ticket! NEVER for a band for which I was only a casual fan! However.....this is FM. An obsession since 8th grade. Literally the reason I became obsessed with music, and play in a band, and do sound and lighting for bands....it all began with them.

I think $500 is ridiculous(let alone, $675)! But let's face the facts. Christine is back. And 70. John has been battling cancer, and hopefully winning the battle(even though he looks really weak). The end of FM is in sight now. I HAVE to see this tour, as(as Stevie said, many years ago) this could very well be the last time... And if this is the last time, I need to know that I was there for the last time.

These are my same thoughts. And I explained this to my husband as I told him about me buying tickets. Let's face it, they are getting older, John has cancer. You never know. This could be the very last time that they are together. A sad thought, but could be true. And I wanted to get tickets for Philly through Wells Fargo because even though they are high, they will be even higher through Stub Hub, ridiculously higher.

Lee :)

[HomerMcvie]

These are my same thoughts. And I explained this to my husband as I told him about me buying tickets. Let's face it, they are getting older, John has cancer. You never know. This could be the very last time that they are together. A sad thought, but could be true. And I wanted to get tickets for Philly through Wells Fargo because even though they are high, they will be even higher through Stub Hub, ridiculously higher.

Lee :)

Good luck. I hope you find some really good seats!

[Lee]

Good luck. I hope you find some really good seats!

I already got tickets during the presale. They are in the lower section on Christine's side. Hey, I'm happy with them. I'm not in the nosebleeds. Believe me, they may not be on the floor but @ least they aren't up in the 200 section. I was up there for U2 & I was really scared. And I am not normally afraid of heights! But I loved the U2 show anyway.:nod:

Lee :)

[HomerMcvie]

I already got tickets during the presale. They are in the lower section on Christine's side. Hey, I'm happy with them. I'm not in the nosebleeds. Believe me, they may not be on the floor but @ least they aren't up in the 200 section. I was up there for U2 & I was really scared. And I am not normally afraid of heights! But I loved the U2 show anyway.:nod:

Lee :)

Great!

I'm on Lindsey's side(wishing it was Chris's) but I can't complain!

The last show I saw at this venue(Bare Naked Ladies), I was in the balcony, and it was SO steep(I'm terrified of heights), that I always had a hand ready to grab something, prior to me catapulting to my ultimate demise!:laugh:

[elle]

if anybody's looking for NYC tickets today, i just got pulled sec 3, row 18, seat towards the middle aisle for Oct 7 - that's much better than what seems to be reported for other general onsales.... so maybe worth a try today?

edit: disregard, false alarm. that section is all the way in the back of the floor. one needs secs A-C for the front. and of course all these floor tickets in MSG are still $226, face. :(

[loverly13]

if anybody's looking for NYC tickets today, i just got pulled sec 3, row 18, seat towards the middle aisle for Oct 7 - that's much better than what seems to be reported for other general onsales.... so maybe worth a try today?

edit: disregard, false alarm. that section is all the way in the back of the floor. one needs secs A-C for the front. and of course all these floor tickets in MSG are still $226, face. :(

The only floor seats it's showing me are either resale or Chase preferred.... as if I expected anything different. :rolleyes:

[bethelblues]

I've looked at the MSG tickets and not once did I have seats come up for sections A, B, and C (the forward floor sections).

I think one day I could get seats in the lower rows of the 100 tier (just above the floor). Now the only seats available there are in the higher parts of the 100s. Also, I noticed I kept getting seats for the same sections, probably the only sections they were making available. I hate how there is no selection and you can't properly see what is there like you can for sports games/non-Ticket Master concerts.

[Jondalar]

How r ticket sales?

[wondergirl9847]

How r ticket sales?

Are we talking to actual fans or the people reselling them for upcharge of 4,000%?

[HelloMonster]

Nothing for the third LA show. Can't even search, just says high demand and resale. Go figure! At least now I have time to save up for scalped tickets. :laugh:

[TsnFan4Ever]

I just checked the two LA shows that are on Saturday nights. For Nov. 29, there are finally two great seats available--for second row in the front section but guess what they're selling for? Both are resale tickets (TM is now distinguishing between "venue" and "resale," including color coding) and they can be ours for just $1500+ each. For the Dec. 6 date, ticket prices in the front sections on the far sides (also resale) are ranging from $450-721). There are venue tickets available on the side in the lower balcony for $225 but they are right by the stage and they'll either be great seats or blocked by equipment, depending on stage configuration.

As everyone is saying, worst concert buying experience EVER!!!! If this is the future for concerts, I'm done with them.

[HomerMcvie]

I just checked the two LA shows that are on Saturday nights. For Nov. 29, there are finally two great seats available--for second row in the front section but guess what they're selling for? Both are resale tickets (TM is now distinguishing between "venue" and "resale," including color coding) and they can be ours for just $1500+ each. For the Dec. 6 date, ticket prices in the front sections on the far sides (also resale) are ranging from $450-721). There are venue tickets available on the side in the lower balcony for $225 but they are right by the stage and they'll either be great seats or blocked by equipment, depending on stage configuration.

As everyone is saying, worst concert buying experience EVER!!!! If this is the future for concerts, I'm done with them.
It is the worst experience. But I don't think that it's FM's fault(hell, maybe it is - please show me), but this whole RESALE garbage is f*cking bullsh*t, and someone (whether Ticketbastard or FM) should be legally charged, accordingly. Hang em high, whoever it is!

[michelej1]

I remember there was some kind of lawsuit against Ticketmaster for a similar practice. I think they had a section they owned called "Marketplace" or something where they sold premium tickets and people complained because they were taking the good tickets away from the public and selling them in the "Marketplace" for a premium price.

So, I thought they had to change their practices after that case against them, but what they're doing now seems 10x worse than what they were doing then. These tickets are more expensive than those "marketplace" tickets were.

Apple has threatened to get into the ticket selling business and, if they do, that might be our only salvation. They will create competition for Ticketmaster. That's the only way to get them to stop doing this, it seems.

Michele

[TsnFan4Ever]

I just want to clarify my comment: I love Fleetwood Mac and have been a huge fan since my very first concert in the 70's. I will always love them and will support the band, including buying their music, DVDs, etc. What I find appalling is the way ALL of the good seats have gone to the "resale" market and are being scalped for outrageous prices.

I moved to the LA area several years ago and quickly learned how difficult it is to buy tickets to shows so I rarely go to them. The few concerts I've attended have been FM and Stevie's because it just isn't worth the hassle of going through this process--and most presales are held when I work so I usually miss the good seats. (If I don't have a good seat in the front, I won't waste my money, no matter who it is. I admit to being spoiled that way but there are too many other things I can do here to waste time and money seeing something from a bad seat).

I hope that FM's management is reading our comments and that this does not happen in the future. I agree that TM should be prosecuted for this practice; it smacks of fraud and unfair business practices (allegedly--don't want to get sued since businesses now have constitutional rights). Also, it would be great if Apple went into ticket sales. I think they would be more even handed about this. I wonder how Lindsey feels about this; it seems like he would be upset about it from what I've read but who knows how much the band knows about what TM is doing? Let's hope something changes so we can all go back to enjoying our favorite artists!

[elle]

I wonder how Lindsey feels about this; it seems like he would be upset about it from what I've read but who knows how much the band knows about what TM is doing? Let's hope something changes so we can all go back to enjoying our favorite artists!

i have no doubt he's happily stashing away the millions he's getting from this and doesn't give a sh*t.



PS that thumbs down is for him and the rest of FM, not you. they couldn't care less about the fans.

[goldustsongbird]

There are some $147 level tickets for Toronto, if anyone's interested. They're going fast, but they're in the lower bowl, the next level up from the floor. I just got mine last night :) There are also a lot of balcony seats left.

[FM77]

Great singles still available for PHX lower bowl.

[carol7lynn]

They just dropped second row section D VIP tickets ($750) for two L.A. shows-Nov.29th (2 seats) and Dec 6th (6 seats).

Be warned that these sets are off sides on Lindsey's side but they are on the outside aisle so it will mean easy stage access. :blob2: I live in L.A. so I can afford to wait for cheaper floor seats. But for you out-of-towners that want a M&G this is your chance.

Just checked and they also released 5 VIP tickets for San Diego (Dec. 3rd)-much better seats-second row section BBB-one is almost dead center and one is one over from the inside aisle-Lindsey side.

[loverly13]

They just dropped second row section D VIP tickets ($750) for two L.A. shows-Nov.29th (2 seats) and Dec 6th (6 seats).

Be warned that these sets are off sides on Lindsey's side but they are on the outside aisle so it will mean easy stage access. :blob2: I live in L.A. so I can afford to wait for cheaper floor seats. But for you out-of-towners that want a M&G this is your chance.

Grr.... Here's what's available for night 2 at MSG. Highway robbery.

[olive]

Originally Posted by TsnFan4Ever
I wonder how Lindsey feels about this; it seems like he would be upset about it from what I've read but who knows how much the band knows about what TM is doing? Let's hope something changes so we can all go back to enjoying our favorite artists!


who do you think set the prices ?

do you think ticketmaster is charging hundreds of dollars over the base price and keeping it with out the BANDS knowledge ?


he's probably thrilled that people are willing to spend that much money ! and maybe they should ask for more.


the only way things will change is .... if people refuse to buy tickets at that price ...and from places like stubhub( the band gives them the tickets and they get a cut )

[HomerMcvie]

Originally Posted by TsnFan4Ever
I wonder how Lindsey feels about this; it seems like he would be upset about it from what I've read but who knows how much the band knows about what TM is doing? Let's hope something changes so we can all go back to enjoying our favorite artists!


who do you think set the prices ?

do you think ticketmaster is charging hundreds of dollars over the base price and keeping it with out the BANDS knowledge ?


he's probably thrilled that people are willing to spend that much money ! and maybe they should ask for more.


the only way things will change is .... if people refuse to buy tickets at that price ...and from places like stubhub( the band gives them the tickets and they get a cut )
The whole situation needs legal investigation! I don't know how Ticketbastard can have "RESALE" tickets on their website, and they're not getting the extra money. So a $200 ticket becomes $630? I can't believe that legal intervention hasn't taken place.

For me, Fleetwood Mac is close to entering the swan song of their career. I would NEVER pay these ridiculous prices for anyone else(or honestly, if they tour again, I might not pay it again, even). But Chris is back, and I MUST see her one more time.

[loverly13]

The whole situation needs legal investigation! I don't know how Ticketbastard can have "RESALE" tickets on their website, and they're not getting the extra money. So a $200 ticket becomes $630? I can't believe that legal intervention hasn't taken place.

For me, Fleetwood Mac is close to entering the swan song of their career. I would NEVER pay these ridiculous prices for anyone else(or honestly, if they tour again, I might not pay it again, even). But Chris is back, and I MUST see her one more time.

Exactly. How does a $200 become $2,000!? It's absolutely insane, and if it's being hosted on the Ticketmaster site, I'm sure they're getting a cut. Even StubHub collects 15% of each ticket sale... If Ticketmaster has similar practices, that means that for those front row seats that are literally selling for $2400, they could be making $360 - $130 more than the original face value of the ticket. It's ridiculous and infuriating...

[olive]

Exactly. How does a $200 become $2,000!? It's absolutely insane, and if it's being hosted on the Ticketmaster site, I'm sure they're getting a cut. Even StubHub collects 15% of each ticket sale... If Ticketmaster has similar practices, that means that for those front row seats that are literally selling for $2400, they could be making $360 - $130 more than the original face value of the ticket. It's ridiculous and infuriating...

but as long as someone is willing to pay them , the prices will escalate

[HomerMcvie]

but as long as someone is willing to pay them , the prices will escalate

And that honestly boggles my mind...because I wouldn't think a casual fan would be willing to spend that kind of money on good tickets. I guess there are too many people, that dropping a couple grand on a pair of tickets, is no big deal!:mad:

[TsnFan4Ever]

(QUOTE/)For me, Fleetwood Mac is close to entering the swan song of their career. I would NEVER pay these ridiculous prices for anyone else(or honestly, if they tour again, I might not pay it again, even). But Chris is back, and I MUST see her one more time.[/QUOTE]

This is the only reason I bought a VIP ticket for this tour and considering what the prices are for the front rows, it looks like I got a good deal. I'm appalled by the way these prices have escalated for this tour and would never even consider paying this outrageous price for anyone else. I'm only doing it this one time because--in my opinion, considering everything we've discussed--chances are good that this may be our last chance to see Fleetwood Mac together. But this price fixing has changed my opinion about concerts and they thrill is gone. If I can't buy a ticket for a front section seat at face value and not feel ripped off for future concerts, I'll spend my money elsewhere.

[Musicman408]

Anyone else notice this? I don't know if there are some new things going on at Ticketmaster, but at no point during this sales process have any decent floor seats popped up at face value. Anyone else notice this? $200 is enough as it is - won't be spending more for stubhub or anything.

[guitarchick82]

Honestly, I've been keeping an eye on the ticket prices and I'm totally disgusted by them. Fat chance that I'm ever going to pay $1000 to see ANYONE--I just can't afford to drop that amount of cash on a concert ticket. Right now I'm counting on waiting until the last minute to find a halfway decent ticket. I'll pay $200, even $300, but I draw the line at $500 and up. :distress:

[Kena]

Decent tickets? Heck I can't even get 2 seats next to each other for Atlanta through ticketmaster. Resale? Are you kidding me? $300 for crappy upper level seats... So high up you need to wear a seatbelt and use binoculars. Not gonna happen. Just gonna hope for resale to go down or ticketmaster to release some tickets. Crossing my fingers and toes.

[Nicks Fan]

What bothers me is that people bitch about the prices but pay them anyway. I know someone who was very vocal about the rise in price for Mickès VIP tickets and the TM Platinum seats but then ended up buying them anyway for several shows.

It has become this sick obsession for some people where no amount is too much and this notion that they must be there and in some cases they must go to every special event the artist does regardless of the price.

I know two people in the Melissa Etheridge fan community who are so obsessed with her it is quite scary to see how far their obsession has gone. Melissa has not been very popular for some time now and when you look at her tour dates the majority of the shows are really small towns and really small venues (Riverside, CA, Eagle ID, Grande Ronde OR, Danbury CT etc). Her ticket prices have not reflected this though as her prices are still in many cases well over 100 dollars. She used to have a fan club that was run through Fan Asylum and for anywhere from 900-1200.00+ you could at select shows get a front row ticket, Backstage meet and greet which was anywhere from 10 seconds to 10 minutes (You are with a small group of other fans), you get a personalized autographed photo, a group picture with all of the fans and sometimes there is an audience Q/A and or a chance to watch the soundcheck. You also get hotel accommodations and a pre-show party the day before the concert. You do have to find your own travel arrangements though. I never did these Travel Packages but many of my friends did and they warned me about how much of a rip off they were because in many cases Melissa and would shake your hand and say hi and then leave and go onto the next fan.

The two rabid fans I am speaking off have seen her 200+ times and they go to almost every show she does no matter where it is. Anytime it is announced she is doing some special event or political fundraiser one or both of them is there. One of them spent 20,000 on two autographed guitars. They also post routinely comments like "Melissa touched my hand tonight I could get used to this". At her show in Lincoln City on Aug 30 a radio station posted this on Facebook. Last night at Melissa Etheridge, there was a superfan named Frank... it was his 200th time seeing her in concert. 200!!!! Crazy! What band/artist have you seen the most times in concert? -Tammy. Frank is so obsessed that he follows her everywhere she does anything and he also has this thing for anyone who has ever had any interaction with her (Opening acts, played on a record of hers, was in her band etc). If she is not on tour he turns his obsession to them. I stopped seeing Melissa in concert because the sick fans ruined it for me as they had to be in the front row, they had to have that recognition from her and it became too much for me. Plus with her fan club tickets you were paying more for the tickets then you would if you bought them through TM and when some of us complained the rabid fans jumped all over us and I finally said I have had enough.

I bring this up because it is people like them who ruin it for others because as long as there are fools willing to spend untold amounts of money on these artists the prices will never go down.

Last year I stood in line for tickets to the Ottawa show and got front row on Lindsey's side. This year nothing good was being offered so I walked away. I am checking daily for for a ticket to Ottawa and Minneapolis but so far nothing. I am willing to pay a little more than face value but not much more.

I can already see how much money they will charge for VIP tickets on the next tour.

[Nicks Fan]

The other thing I notice is so many people seem to have this deluded obsession where they can't go on living unless they go to tons of concerts of blank artist.

It is a free country and you can do with your money what you wish. I just hope these people are saving for their retirement.

Matt

[TsnFan4Ever]

These are all the reasons I rarely go to concerts anymore. When I moved to So. Cal., I quickly discovered how many people will pay scalpers ridiculous prices for decent seats--so missed many FM and SN tours the first few years I lived here.
If this happens again, this is probably my last FM concert.

And I agree about these hardcore fans of some artists do detract from the enjoyment of shows for others. Rick Springfield also attracts a small base of fans who follow him everywhere across the country and exhibit the same behavior as Melissa Etheridge's fans. His fans have run up huge credit card bills and even taken second mortgages on their homes to afford their "Rick addiction" (including paying $300 for sound checks, $750 to sit on side of the stage, etc.). It's sad to meet people who are ruining their lives (at least financially) to do this. I'm glad most of the people on this board have more sense.

[Macfanforever]

I will still go if they keep it under $200 bucks.

I would not pay anymore then that.I'll will stay home and watch somebodies shaky YT video footage of the concert for free.

Its getting sickening with these inflated price gouged prices.

This is the main reason I had to cut back on more shows of this tour.

If the tix were reasonable .I would of add a few more shows.

I like to know how Garth Brooks and other artists keep their seats cheap.

I look at this upcoming tour special with Chris with them.

In the meantime this ticket scheme pricing is a game and a ripoff.

For those big bucks. I better get a complete meet and greet with ALL members of the band with my Rumours vinyl signed be each member.

Stevie and FM is the only people that I see live now.I cant not afford to see others at those inflated prices.
.
I like catching shows at fairs where the tix price is the admission of $20 bucks also the local town fests that sometimes have big name artists come to sing for free.

I seen alot of top name bands and solo artists this way.

[Nicks Fan]

Garth keeps his tickets low because he has never been one to rip off his fans. He has always had cheap tickets and I respect him for that.

Another singer who does it right is Bruce as his prices have been 115.00 since 2003 and you get your money's worth for sure.


Bob Seger also does something unique. He keeps some of the best seats in the house for sale later on close to the show and the prices are higher then his 80 something regular price. The thing is though the most you might pay is 250.00 a ticket. It seems high but when you know what scalpers try to get (which I am told is why he does these VIP tickets) it isn't so bad. I got 4th row tickets for Ottawa for about 150.00 through the VIP so I was fine with that. I wasn't mad that he does this as I get that he is trying to stop scalpers from hogging all of his tickets.

[Nicks Fan]

The other thing that pissed me off about MLE and her tickets is that the rabid fans were always getting the prized from contests and front row ticket draws.

The way it used to work was that if the show had no Travel Package seats then a random draw (So they said) determined who sat in rows 1-2. All other seats were assigned by seniority. If you drank the Koolaid enough times you were always rewarded and if by chance you posted that you have been a member since blank date and never won the draw for front row then suddenly you won a bunch of times.

I think what happened was that as her popularity declined the fan club started rewarding the sick and deluded fans to keep them coming back for more time and again. I have been told by some of the normal fans that they are aware of the crazies and they give them just enough access to keep them happy.

One fan is so sick she actually thinks they are dating. She will gush on and on about being on the same plane (by sheer coincidence she says) with MLE , having her touch her hand or call out her name at the shows. One fan told me she hasn't had a GF in years because Melissa is her GF.

The other guy Frank lost his wife to drugs I am told and now because his wife was a Janis fan and MLE is considered the new Janis he has latched on to her and her music /friends and entourage.

Melissa was in D.C for a special swanky political event and he bought a ticket. She tended bar at the Que Sera gay bar where she got her start last year at a fundraiser for some female politician and also performed an intimate show and he and some of the sickos were there.

Some of them posed at reporters to get into a gated community for another political event she did.

I could go on and on. (Cancer event where she sang I run for life to fans on a pink coloured plane before performing on the Today show, Hard Rock symposium on cancer, appearing on Broadways's American Idiot etc and they all went. Frank I am told is a nuclear scientist so he may have deep pockets but he is sure going through the cash. He actually just got married again I am told at age 61. I hope the wife knows about the other woman LOL.

[PenguinHead]

Same. This is ridiculous.

Welcome to the Big Machine. Corporations have supreme control. The system is rigged and unfair.

I'm so glad I can have more organic experience when getting tickets for smaller less incorporated shows. I recently attended an Aimee Mann/Ted Leo show in a beautiful old vintage venue. A month earlier I went the to the venue to purchase the tickets (50$ for two tickets) I went to the venue a little early, and could hear the band rehearsing. Later, when the doors opened, I walked into the theater and chose my seats, four rows from the stage. It was such an intimate experience. Got some drinks and good local food at reasonable prices at the concession. It's not like anything like going to a big, somewhat soulless corporate show, where your remove from the essence of the event.

[TsnFan4Ever]

Just for fun, I checked prices at the San Diego show. Front row center (available through "resale" market) are listed for $2022 each; front row on left side are going for $1400; and seats a few rows back are ranging in the $700-850 range. There's also the option to buy through TM's platinum seating where you can get a really great deal: seats going for $350-650. Anyone want to buy a dozen?

I've never seen a company take advantage of fans like this before and frankly, if this is how TM/LN wants to operate, this may be my last concert (except for small venues). After 35 years of seeing FM and following their career, the greed of all of those involved (band, promoters, TM) is disheartening.

Let's hope Stevie and Lindsay go back to touring at smaller venues (and the long-awaited BN tour) after this tour.

[Nicks Fan]

There are few artists not out to gauge the fans. Bruce is one of the few who tours because he enjoys it and he clearly isn't phoning it in for a buck.

[Macfanforever]

Garth keeps his tickets low because he has never been one to rip off his fans. He has always had cheap tickets and I respect him for that.

Another singer who does it right is Bruce as his prices have been 115.00 since 2003 and you get your money's worth for sure.


Bob Seger also does something unique. He keeps some of the best seats in the house for sale later on close to the show and the prices are higher then his 80 something regular price. The thing is though the most you might pay is 250.00 a ticket. It seems high but when you know what scalpers try to get (which I am told is why he does these VIP tickets) it isn't so bad. I got 4th row tickets for Ottawa for about 150.00 through the VIP so I was fine with that. I wasn't mad that he does this as I get that he is trying to stop scalpers from hogging all of his tickets.

Yes Garth seems to be honest and I enjoy his tunes.Yes .Bruce was the singer that keeps the tix low.I remember he had a couple fights with TM about this issue.

If FM hits the road next year for $250 bucks .I stay home.

[Macfanforever]

I blame those TM-Livenation AMEX.CitiBank presales on losing the good seats.But reading some posts on here saying the TM site is bringing up crap seats during the presales.Where they go.

Who is hording the good tix.Is it the brokers.

I know some go to radio contests.I have no idea if the winners are getting good seats.

I know some venues hold some good seats for its local box office for concert goers to come buy them in person and some for people that call by phone.


I scored front row seats for a Stevie show years back just calling the venue box office about a hour later after they went on sale on the day the tix went on sale.I almost died when the lady said I have front row seats available.

[michelej1]

Syracuse.com By Mike McAndrew | [email protected] 1/28/2016

http://www.syracuse.com/state/index.ssf/2016/01/best_concert_tickets_are_kept_from_public_ag_schneiderman_says.html

Best concert tickets are kept from public, AG Schneiderman says

SYRACUSE, N.Y. -- More than 50 percent of the tickets to Fleetwood Mac, Steely Dan, Jay-Z and other performers' shows at New York state venues were reserved for insiders and not available to the public, Attorney General Eric Schneiderman said Thursday in a report.

He called on the music industry to reform its ticketing practices and the New York State Legislature to pass laws to prevent such abuses.

None of the concerts Schneiderman cited in his report were held in Central New York. Most were in New York City.

For the most popular concerts, the investigation found that many tickets are never made available to the general public in the first place. A majority of tickets for major entertainment events are either put on "hold" and reserved for a variety of industry insiders including the venues, artists or promoters, or reserved for "pre-sale" events and made available to non-public groups, such as those who carry particular credit cards.

On average, more than half of all tickets -- 54 percent – are reserved for insiders. Those reserved tickets are split between insider holds (16%) and pre-sales (38%), Schneiderman said.

The investigation cited the following concerts where more than 50 percent of the tickets were kept from the public, with the artist, venue, year and percentage of reserved tickets:

Jay-Z and Justin Timberlake, Yankee Stadium, 2013, 71 percent
ColdPlay and Jay-Z, Barclays Center, 2012, 70 percent
Steely Dan, Beacon Theater (NYC), 2013, 65 percent
Fleetwood Mac, Madison Square Garden, 2013, 61 percent

"Ticketing is a fixed game," Schneiderman said. "My office will continue to crack down on those who break our laws, prey on ordinary consumers, and deny New Yorkers affordable access to the concerts and sporting events they love. This investigation is just the beginning of our efforts to create a level playing field in the ticket industry."

In addition, the investigation found that venues and ticket sellers like Ticketmaster regularly tacked on fees that added more than 21% to the face price of tickets.

The AG's investigation found that third-party brokers resell tickets on sites like StubHub and TicketsNow at average margins of 49 percent above face-value -- sometimes more than 1,000 percent.

Some of the brokers are using illegal specialty software – called "ticket bots" -- to quickly purchase as many desirable tickets as possible and resell them at a significant markup. The investigation, for instance, found that on December 8, 2014, a single broker used a bot to purchase 1,012 tickets to a U2 show at Madison Square Garden within the first minute they went on sale. The investigation confirms that hundreds of thousands of tickets are being acquired using illegal software.

Read the Attorney General's report

[michelej1]

The Attorney General's Report is Here:

http://www.ag.ny.gov/pdfs/Ticket_Sales_Report.pdf

On page 10 it says:

Figure 3. Ten Popular Shows Reserved Over 50% of Tickets
Through Pre-Sales Events, None Explicitly Earmarked for Fan Clubs.
Source: Live Nation/Ticketmaster (2012 – 2013)24

[Fleetwood Mac is listed as having 61% reserved tickets]

[michelej1]

Why It's So Impossible To Get Face-Value Tickets To The Hottest Concerts

BY CHRISTOPHER ROBBINS IN NEWS ON JAN 28, 2016 The Gothamist

http://gothamist.com/2016/01/28/ticketmaster_live_nation_bots.php

If you’ve ever screamed at the computer trying to get tickets to a sold-out concert while a Ticketmaster captcha calls you a “hipster assboal,” New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman just confirmed that your rage is rational. “Ticketing is a fixed game,” Schneiderman said in a statement accompanying his infuriating report on Big Ticket.

First, those captchas are largely futile: resellers employ captcha-dodging robots, or "bots," that buy thousands of tickets in minutes—one purchased 1,012 tickets to U2’s MSG show last July in 60 seconds. Ticketmaster has revealed that bots can account for 90% of their web traffic, but they only enforce ticket-purchasing limits at the request of the artist, which seldom happens because that would entail canceling thousands of purchases.
“A single broker used 149 different American Express cards to make more than 38,000 purchases totaling over $12 million just from 2013-2015, while other brokers racked up similarly shocking volumes of purchases, sometimes using just a handful of credit cards,” the report states. The report describes bots' stranglehold on ticket sales as "an epidemic."

And if resellers aren’t gouging you, the ticket sellers themselves are. State law allows sellers to only charge fees associated with “special services,” and stipulates that the fees must be “reasonable.”

Yet the AG’s office “found an average surcharge of 21% of the face value of a ticket, which amounts to almost $8 in fees on average.”

This only matters if you’re lucky enough to get a ticket in the first place: many shows hold huge percentages of their tickets for presales to corporate vendors or rich people with fancy credit cards—artists like Kanye West and Fleetwood Mac have held as much as 29% of their tickets for these privileged buyers, while Steely Dan and Coldplay withheld as much as 70%.

"I’ve worked with artists to make ticket prices affordable, only to see those same tickets on sale on the secondary market for much more than face value,” David Taylor, an independent promoter with Empire State Concerts, said in a statement released with the report. “It’s what happens when bots are involved, and consumers are left with the choice of not attending events or paying a lot to see their favorite artists."

Despite the seemingly endless fodder for legal action, the AG’s office only announced two enforcement actions with today’s report: $80,000 and $65,000 settlements with unlicensed ticket resellers.

The report urges the state legislature to draft stricter laws (ha), most specifically in ending a state ban on non-transferrable paperless tickets. From the report:

A solution that most industry participants agree is effective at reducing broker activity is the use of non-transferrable “paperless tickets.” Unlike paper tickets and electronic tickets that are freely transferrable from the buyer to another person, non-transferrable paperless tickets require an event attendee to present the credit card that was used to purchase the ticket. As a result, the initial purchaser typically must be present to use the ticket. State law creates a de facto ban on these paperless tickets, but this rule makes New York an outlier - ours is the only state that bans the practice - and this ban should be repealed.

In his comments, Schneiderman also says, “This investigation is just the beginning of our efforts to create a level playing field in the ticket industry.”

[elle]

First, those captchas are largely futile: resellers employ captcha-dodging robots, or "bots," that buy thousands of tickets in minutes—one purchased 1,012 tickets to U2’s MSG show last July in 60 seconds. Ticketmaster has revealed that bots can account for 90% of their web traffic, but they only enforce ticket-purchasing limits at the request of the artist, which seldom happens because that would entail canceling thousands of purchases.

............................

A solution that most industry participants agree is effective at reducing broker activity is the use of non-transferrable “paperless tickets.” Unlike paper tickets and electronic tickets that are freely transferrable from the buyer to another person, non-transferrable paperless tickets require an event attendee to present the credit card that was used to purchase the ticket. As a result, the initial purchaser typically must be present to use the ticket.

FM tickets are much easier to get than some others though.

i've been trying to get Springsteen tickets for the DC area shows of the last 3 tours he had - it is impossible though TM, and i don't want to pay $1000 on stubhub to sit behind the stage.

his show in DC is tonight. i tried getting into TM when tix first went on sale, it was impossible. i tried when more tix supposedly dropped. you get in, it makes you wait for 10 mins, only to tell you "no tickets available at this time, try again later". i've been trying for the last 2 days, and today too. TM doesn't say that it's sold out, but you cannot get a single ticket through their web site - you keep getting try again later after going through "bots-battling" steps, captcha, etc. and supposedly his tix for DC are paperless credit-card based. so it's all complete bs. not being able to get a single ticket, anywhere in the arena since the day tix went on sale?? ridiculous.

Bruce announced new dates of his tour. i can bet it will be the same again.

[soul_drifter333]

http://http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/video/investigation-alleges-massive-markups-popular-tickets-36574277

[Macfanforever]

I say corrupt racket.

I was involve with the Katz v. Live Nation Settlemen that happen a couple years ago.

I get emails weekly for shows in NJ.Some artists and bands are great and some I never heard of.

I just got this email a couple days ago.

Event Artist(s): Heart/Joan Jett/Cheap Trick
Event Date and Time: 7/31/2016 at 6:30 PM
Event Location: BB & T Pavilion
Number of Free Tickets Available: 1000- lawn

Event Artist(s): Heart/Joan Jett/Cheap Trick
Event Date and Time: 9/10/2016 at 7:00 PM
Event Location: PNC Bank Arts Center
Number of Free Tickets Available: 1000- lawn

Event Artist(s): Duran Duran
Event Date and Time: 7/21/2016 at 7:00 PM
Event Location: BB & T Pavilion
Number of Free Tickets Available: 1000- lawn


I would not mind seeing them.Maybe Stevie schedule a show on the night before or after.I would go for the freebie,

[michelej1]

TM doesn't say that it's sold out, but you cannot get a single ticket through their web site - you keep getting try again later after going through "bots-battling" steps, captcha, etc. and supposedly his tix for DC are paperless credit-card based. so it's all complete bs. not being able to get a single ticket, anywhere in the arena since the day tix went on sale?? ridiculous.

Bruce announced new dates of his tour. i can bet it will be the same again.

Wow. The only thing I can say is that if Bruce gets wind of these complaints, he seems to be more responsive than other headliners and maybe he will tell his management to do something to try to resolve this problem.

Michele

[elle]

Wow. The only thing I can say is that if Bruce gets wind of these complaints, he seems to be more responsive than other headliners and maybe he will tell his management to do something to try to resolve this problem.

Michele

well, when you compare to Mac or the Stones, Springsteen ticket prices are set up really low for what he can charge (max price for DC show was $150). yet the only thing that does is make scalpers more money, and fans don't get to have any benefit from it. Springsteen tickets were the hardest to get of any i tried, for this same venue (other than the Stones cheap tickets, but you could get expensive ones without going to re-sellers). i don't know maybe something like 1D would be harder, never tried those? younger bands that are huge now and teenage girls are into like 5SOS are certainly not nearly that hard to get.

so i don't know about Springsteen's management. it doesn't seem to be a smart way to do it if they care about regular people getting tickets. it's not like this same article / stats you posted above were not posted in reaction to his MSG show 2 days ago, with the title "Here’s Why You Couldn’t Get Tickets to Bruce Springsteen at MSG Tonight (Thanks to venue holds and brokers who use illegal bots, buying tickets to see your favorite artist is a fixed game, according to Attorney General Eric Schneiderman)."

http://observer.com/2016/01/heres-why-you-couldnt-get-tickets-to-bruce-springsteen-at-msg-tonight/

[Macfanforever]

They should wake up and do cheap tix instead of inflated money grab prices.
Maybe the word BOYCOTT the artists and bands will scare them for the inflated tix prices would work and wake up the promoters and anybody else is behind it.

Look at Garth Brooks.He's doing great with the cheap tix prices.

If FM went out on tour this year doing the same old game tour like the last several .I may sit out this time around.

BTW .My guilt feelings probably will kick in and tell me to go to atlease one show because it could be the last tour.

[michelej1]

so i don't know about Springsteen's management. it doesn't seem to be a smart way to do it if they care about regular people getting tickets. it's not like this same article / stats you posted above were not posted in reaction to his MSG show 2 days ago, with the title "Here’s Why You Couldn’t Get Tickets to Bruce Springsteen at MSG Tonight (Thanks to venue holds and brokers who use illegal bots, buying tickets to see your favorite artist is a fixed game, according to Attorney General Eric Schneiderman)."



I think it was really cool the way Tom Petty cancelled tickets that had been sold to fans (through the fan clubs) that turned up on scalper sites. The band cancelled those tickets and resold them to fans again. Now, of course, I can't see FM doing something like that, but it was conscientious and it would be great if other acts took the Heartbreakers' lead.

Michele