Standing at the stage - On with the Show tour

[ThunderHappens]

Just curious what the experience has been like for fans being allowed up to the stage on this tour, so far. I know it seems to be different at each venue.

How many rows have been allowed up?

Are others on the floor allowed to move up to the empty seats/rows while the original occupants are at the stage?

How has security been on this subject? Strict? Relaxed?

I know this has been discussed in date-specific threads, but I thought it would be nice to have a dedicated thread for people to share and discuss their experiences on this. So please do! :)

[Eugene]

My observation in Philadelphia was that there is a security person sitting in the aisle around the 3rd row, thus preventing anyone sitting beyond that point from getting to the stage.

[kak125]

In Pittsburgh for the floor sections 2 & 3 they only let up the first row but for section 1 floor they let pretty much anybody up there. I was super pissed about it (I had 3rd row in section 3) because I think it was due to a guy in a baseball hat in the front row of section 2 that was complaining to security on our side for about 20 minutes before the show. I have no idea why he cared though. Total jerk!
The last 2 shows in Pittsburgh security was so lax and nobody cared about anything but this time they were jerks pretty much the entire time.

[loverly13]

At MSG they said that their policy was first three rows could rush because after that, the band hand selected other people they wanted at the stage. I ended up running up the aisle from row 17 and into the third row of the center section, where I climbed over the seat in front of me and worked my way over to the aisle.

[Boston Steve]

I don't like the concept of allowing people to "rush the stage". I had front row seats which I paid for and was forced to stand up for the whole show- people standing where my seat was spilled stuff all over my seat and ruined one of my autographed pictures from MF. I am probably in the minority here but if someone buys a seat in the front row- they should be entitled to sit in it occasionally and not be obstructed .People with seats in the 4th row on have their seats downgraded by having three extra rows of people standing in front of them. If the band is so concerned about the "real fans" getting close then make the ticket prices less expensive and do away with VIP packages platinum seats, etc. Last year at Jones Beach people were in front of me- I went form the 6th row to the 10th row with all the extra people- and I paid for a platinum seat. There were people standing in the aisles- a fire hazard and general overall lack of respect for the purchaser of the ticket/Finally if this type of "festival seating" is a practice then it should indicated as such on TM where tix are purchased- otherwise when one buys a ticket in the 4 row- and really sees the show from the 8th row- then the customer, not knowing at the time of purchase this could happen has been defrauded. The tix are "Reserved Seats", not "General Admission".

[APerfectLie]

I don't like the concept of allowing people to "rush the stage". I had front row seats which I paid for and was forced to stand up for the whole show- people standing where my seat was spilled stuff all over my seat and ruined one of my autographed pictures from MF. I am probably in the minority here but if someone buys a seat in the front row- they should be entitled to sit in it occasionally and not be obstructed .People with seats in the 4th row on have their seats downgraded by having three extra rows of people standing in front of them. If the band is so concerned about the "real fans" getting close then make the ticket prices less expensive and do away with VIP packages platinum seats, etc. Last year at Jones Beach people were in front of me- I went form the 6th row to the 10th row with all the extra people- and I paid for a platinum seat. There were people standing in the aisles- a fire hazard and general overall lack of respect for the purchaser of the ticket/Finally if this type of "festival seating" is a practice then it should indicated as such on TM where tix are purchased- otherwise when one buys a ticket in the 4 row- and really sees the show from the 8th row- then the customer, not knowing at the time of purchase this could happen has been defrauded. The tix are "Reserved Seats", not "General Admission".

I have to agree and disagree. Honestly, I think all seats she vary in price by location, and if they all did letting people rush the stage would be unacceptable. However, technically (aside from platinum seats) all floor seats have the same face value. Someone in the very back row pays the same as someone in row 1. This of course doesn't always hold true when you factor in "platinum seats" and sites like stubhub.

[Boston Steve]

I have to agree and disagree. Honestly, I think all seats she vary in price by location, and if they all did letting people rush the stage would be unacceptable. However, technically (aside from platinum seats) all floor seats have the same face value. Someone in the very back row pays the same as someone in row 1. This of course doesn't always hold true when you factor in "platinum seats" and sites like stubhub.

I think many floor seats do vary in face value price. Perhaps you know, but for those who don't , Platinum seats are sold on Ticketmaster by most artists. (not stub hub or a ticket broke site) and the only way to get a front row seat was to got to the M&G ( which was very good). I had a "front row VIP package" My ticket - which I got from will call- has a price of $750 on It- far from most floor seat face value price.

[elle]

I think many floor seats do vary in face value price. Perhaps you know, but for those who don't , Platinum seats are sold on Ticketmaster by most artists. (not stub hub or a ticket broke site) and the only way to get a front row seat was to got to the M&G ( which was very good). I had a "front row VIP package" My ticket - which I got from will call- has a price of $750 on It- far from most floor seat face value price.

yes and if i pay that much (and possibly much more for platinums!), i'm paying that price so i can have my right to stand right at the stage.

so while you are paying the price to sit and watch, if i was willing to pay it, it would be so i can be sure to be able to stand at the stage (not at my front row seat) and watch. if i wanted to sit and watch in peace, i'd get a side seat at the stage. other than FM, i usually get that for most shows i go to anyway. sound is much better from there too.

[Boston Steve]

yes and if i pay that much (and possibly much more for platinums!), i'm paying that price so i can have my right to stand right at the stage.

so while you are paying the price to sit and watch, if i was willing to pay it, it would be so i can be sure to be able to stand at the stage (not at my front row seat) and watch. if i wanted to sit and watch in peace, i'd get a side seat at the stage. other than FM, i usually get that for most shows i go to anyway. sound is much better from there too.

I have no problem if you have a front row seat and want to stand at the stage in front of your seat- I agree with you; my issue is with those who do not have a ticket for the front row.

[michelej1]

I don't like the concept of allowing people to "rush the stage". I had front row seats which I paid for and was forced to stand up for the whole show- people standing where my seat was spilled stuff all over my seat and ruined one of my autographed pictures from MF. I am probably in the minority here but if someone buys a seat in the front row- they should be entitled to sit in it occasionally and not be obstructed .

I agree with you completely. And keep in mind, people who are standing are not just standing, they are flailing around wildly, obstructing views with their cameras, elbowing those around them and everything else that is obnoxious under the sun. People always say they want to dance to the music. They can dance at home. When I'm at a concert, I want to SEE the performers in the flesh. I can't do that at home. Michele

[michelej1]

I have no problem if you have a front row seat and want to stand at the stage in front of your seat- I agree with you; my issue is with those who do not have a ticket for the front row.

Yeah, let the first 3 rows go stand by the stage if they want, but ONLY those rows. Let everyone else stay back. Cordon them off. Tie 'em up. I don't care.

Michele

[Boston Steve]

Yeah, let the first 3 rows go stand by the stage if they want, but ONLY those rows. Let everyone else stay back. Cordon them off. Tie 'em up. I don't care.

Michele

No- I did not say "let the first 3 rows go stand by the stage if they want, but ONLY those rows"- I said if the concert is Reserved Seating- not general admission- your ticket entitles your to the space at your seat- not my seat.

[kak125]

I think what the Mac needs to do is to just sell say 50-75 general admission tickets at each show for people to stand at the front of the stage. They seem to want people at the front so I think if they did that then only those people would be allowed up there. I have gone to many shows like that and they just give you a wristband so they know that you belong there and aren't just trying to get up front. I think it would help a lot and then people wouldn't be so pissed off about it.
I've had front row and have also not had front row and have been allowed up to the front so I can see both sides of it. I do think what people need to realize is that just because they spent an insane amount of money on their ticket it doesn't give them anymore privileges than the person next to them that spent like 1/4 of the amount.
One more thing too I will say is if you want to sit at a rock concert and actually see the show then get the seats in the 100 level of an arena. DO NOT get floor seats. Everybody on the floor stands so please dont think you are going to make an entire section sit down because you dont want to stand.

[ejb1969]

Just curious what the experience has been like for fans being allowed up to the stage on this tour, so far. I know it seems to be different at each venue.

How many rows have been allowed up?

Are others on the floor allowed to move up to the empty seats/rows while the original occupants are at the stage?

How has security been on this subject? Strict? Relaxed?

I know this has been discussed in date-specific threads, but I thought it would be nice to have a dedicated thread for people to share and discuss their experiences on this. So please do! :)

Security In Indianapolis was pretty cool. As long as the aisles were clear, they were okay and would just walk through occasionally and ask folks to return to their seats if things got too crowded. There were some older people sitting through the show, but everyone was kind and seemed to peacefully co-exist.

With respect to those who pay for Platinum seats, it is reasonable to expect to stand and is--in my opinion, it is not practical to expect fans that close to the stage at a rock concert to be seated and remain so. For those who have special needs (such as my fiance--who has some mobility issues), arrangements can be made in advance to accommodate. (Laura MacFan had a wonderful time at her first FM show!)

For the more genteel crowd--who were willing to spend the additional funds to see the show--those who want a more controlled, comfortable experience should consider a suite.

Again, I am sharing my experience and opinion only, and no disrespect is intended.

[Boston Steve]

I think what the Mac needs to do is to just sell say 50-75 general admission tickets at each show for people to stand at the front of the stage. They seem to want people at the front so I think if they did that then only those people would be allowed up there. I have gone to many shows like that and they just give you a wristband so they know that you belong there and aren't just trying to get up front. I think it would help a lot and then people wouldn't be so pissed off about it.
I've had front row and have also not had front row and have been allowed up to the front so I can see both sides of it. I do think what people need to realize is that just because they spent an insane amount of money on their ticket it doesn't give them anymore privileges than the person next to them that spent like 1/4 of the amount.
One more thing too I will say is if you want to sit at a rock concert and actually see the show then get the seats in the 100 level of an arena. DO NOT get floor seats. Everybody on the floor stands so please dont think you are going to make an entire section sit down because you dont want to stand.

You make many good points in your post- the GA idea is a good one and FM may wish to consider it. I have no problem with a person who has a legitimate seat next to me to stand up near the stage, dance, sing, etc. If the ticket is a legitimate ticket for the same section and row then of course that ticket holder has the same rights as others in the section. People without tickets to the section/row do not have the same rights as one who has a legit ticket. And please do not misunderstand me- I do not prefer to sit an entire show. As a matter of fact I prefer to stand most of it. The problem with the current system is, if I went to sit down for one song, a person, without a legit ticket to the section and row will take my spot which I am entitled to.
I had stuff ruined because of some careless person spilled fluid on my bag of merchandise. I was not able to keep a eye on it nor go back to check on it.
I don't expect people in their appropriate seat to sit- Stand all they want! I don't want a seat to a "front row MF m&G package" to be overtaken nor by view blocked by people who do not belong there and have no right taking my space. If FM allows GA - then it should be clearly expressed at or before the time of purchase. Otherwise when people rush the stage from other sections or rows and get n front of those who paid- the people with a legit ticket in, say, row 4, now have three or four more rows of people standing in front of them. No other band have ever seen, in a reserves seating arena, allows this type of practice in the 35 + years I have been going to shows,. I am including, The Stones ( when they do not do GA), Bob Seger, The Eagles , Steely Dan, J Geils band,Roger Waters and many other groups.

[Boston Steve]

Security In Indianapolis was pretty cool. As long as the aisles were clear, they were okay and would just walk through occasionally and ask folks to return to their seats if things got too crowded. There were some older people sitting through the show, but everyone was kind and seemed to peacefully co-exist.

With respect to those who pay for Platinum seats, it is reasonable to expect to stand and is--in my opinion, it is not practical to expect fans that close to the stage at a rock concert to be seated and remain so. For those who have special needs (such as my fiance--who has some mobility issues), arrangements can be made in advance to accommodate. (Laura MacFan had a wonderful time at her first FM show!)

For the more genteel crowd--who were willing to spend the additional funds to see the show--those who want a more controlled, comfortable experience should consider a suite.

Again, I am sharing my experience and opinion only, and no disrespect is intended.

As a platinum ticket buyer, I agree that one cannot expect to see the show if seated, nor to sit the entire show. I certainly don't sit an entire show- just during one or two songs that I may not like as much as others.However if a ticket is bought for the 8th row, then there should be 7 rows of people ahead of me. If people rush up to the stage and 3-4 more rows of people are in front of me, I did not, in effect, get the row I paid for. I cannot understand why this is hard for people to understand. And, I am not one of the more genteel members of the crowd who wants to sit in a suite- just want the rights and privileges that come along with the ticket I purchased. The band needs to do a better job of letting ticket buyers knowing their practice. As an experienced concert goer for many years I too, am sharing my opinion and by no means any disrespect to anyone on the board

[kak125]

BostonSteve, I totally get your point but this has been going on for a long time now I think at least since the Say You Will tour in 2003. I do think they should just sell the general admission seats already but do agree that maybe they should put some sort of message on the ticket that the first so many rows are allowed up to the stage but then again I think it just depends on the venue. This time in Pittsburgh people in the 12th row of floor section 1 were allowed up to the stage and sections 2 & 3 were not unless they were front row. In my experience though when I did have front row and people decided to rush the stage, I was not pushed out the way or anything. Everybody was really nice and they stood behind me so I was against the front of the stage. I think a majority of FM fans are this way which is nice because I have been to many other concerts and people can be real jacka**es!

[Macfanforever]

I think its unfair if somebody came down to the front row from the nose bleed sections if or I was in the front few rows.

On the otherhand .

I plead guilty because I got up there for some Stevie shows from other sections .I was lucky nobody was pissed.At some shows the security did not give a hoot.

On this tour I will be in the cheap seats and will stay put unless a drunk next to me gets on my nerves.I'll walk.

[streetangel27]

I hope to stand by the stage this concert (Sunday- yay!).
In 2009, I remember it being so controlled and nobody allowed to move up near the stage- security was blocking it.
In 2013, we were told 'first three rows' could move up by the stage, but if you did you lost your seat to somebody else. I chose to stay at my seat, which was fine...But my second row seat quickly became more like 4th/5th row:lol:

[michelej1]

No- I did not say "let the first 3 rows go stand by the stage if they want, but ONLY those rows"- I said if the concert is Reserved Seating- not general admission- your ticket entitles your to the space at your seat- not my seat.

I didn't say you said that. That's what I think should happen. I think the band should let the first 3 rows up (or the first 5 if they like) and that the venue should put up barriers so that no more than that can get up to the stage.

Michele

[rhiannondontgo]

I was at the front at my shows on this tour. All depends on venues. MSG seemed cool. There were a ton of people at the stage and security didn't seem that insane. In Philly however, security is NUTS. Apparently venue security at Wells Fargo Center nixed the whole tradition of pulling up girls or something because there wasn't a line on the side of the stage and nobody was making it to the front. It didn't even look like the first 5 rows were even making it up. I've actually never seen so little space between the stage & the first row of seats at any concert before. We had permission in advance to go straight to the front with Stevie's guard. As lights go out, our group went to walk to my spot at the front where I was the show before and the venue's security guard physically barred us back and said "nobody moves an inch past this point." And sent us away even though we were just standing there and had permission. I was freaked out a bit but SN's guard came and found us and pulled us back to the front to help us past the jerky venue guard. He continued to give us attitude until the band's guard pulled out his "official fleetwood mac" guard pass thing around his neck and told him he was with the band and then the guy finally said "oh I didn't know." and escorted us up. Literally got to our spot the second the spotlights hit the band while The Chain started.
My advice on making it to the front is to run as soon as lights go down, never while they're on. Always have your tickets with you. I've seen them send people back to get their tickets and then not let them back past security once they leave. And if you're young and female, go ask a guard if you can go up. Simple as that. The worst they can say is no. They brought up my entire group of me, my 2 friends, my friend's sister in law, and my friend's mother. Just because they recognize some of us in my group of friends and know that we are always very fun and exciting and interactive at the front. And if you do make it up, don't be obnoxious. People spend good money to have really great seats and they don't deserve to have to have anything spilled on them, or to have to see nothing but your camera flashes, or have you smash into them or push through them. Be courteous. You're more likely to get sent away from the stage if somebody complains about you or if any guards see you being annoying.

[michelej1]

I was at the front at my shows on this tour. All depends on venues. MSG seemed cool. There were a ton of people at the stage and security didn't seem that insane. In Philly however, security is NUTS. Apparently venue security at Wells Fargo Center nixed the whole tradition of pulling up girls or something because there wasn't a line on the side of the stage and nobody was making it to the front. It didn't even look like the first 5 rows were even making it up. I've actually never seen so little space between the stage & the first row of seats at any concert before.

When that space is small, I guess they have to keep people back for fire safety reasons.

Michele

[Boston Steve]

I didn't say you said that. That's what I think should happen. I think the band should let the first 3 rows up (or the first 5 if they like) and that the venue should put up barriers so that no more than that can get up to the stage.

Michele

I am sorry I misinterpreted your post. Please forgive me for that. I meant no disrespect.
Secondly I think of the band did as you suggest it is fine- provided people buying tickets are told so before time of purchase.

[Stu]

At Wembley Arena in 2009, I had tickets in the seats at the very back of the arena in the stands.
About 20 minutes after the doors had opened and before security were really in place down the front, I bought two beers and went and stood at the stage. There was already a gathering of about 30-40 people.
My ticket had only been checked to get into the Arena, not specific seating sections. While down there, I got chatting to two great women who’d been to all the UK shows and they gave me one of their tickets, on the proviso that any time I went to the bar, I got them a drink! It was a small price to pay for being right at the stage! I got Lindsey’s plectrum that night (interestingly, a plectrum with a “no plectrums” sign on it – genius!).

The moral of the story, it’s worth chancing it sometimes.
I know I didn’t pay to be there, but I wasn’t doing anyone any harm. It was cheeky, but a once in a lifetime opportunity to get that close.


I also got seating in section 111 (first tier) of the three O2 Arena gigs, despite being in the fourth tier of the venue – but I can’t tell you how I did that, because it’s my little secret for that venue!