Meet & Greets ?

[HejiraNYC]

Originally Posted by elle

were these really m&gs or just catching artists before/after the shows or behind venues? many artists seem to be very open to meeting with fans after shows, without any structured m&gs.


this is the topic i'm very interested in after having several discussions with lesser known or up-and-coming artists on twitter. they mostly say they love meeting with fans afterwards, but are sometimes in a rush and really don't feel like they can do it.

re m&gs, there seem to be 2 extreme ends of the spectrum, and then everything in between - older bands and artists who charge something like $800 for VIP tickets which in some cases come without really meeting them, or in other cases with meeting some of the band members or individual artist - which might end up being basically taking the photo with them and that's it.

on the other end are artists who make it almost a part of the show to meet fans as they exit the venue.

one of the in-between variations seem to be what LB has been doing this tour - charging what is almost a nominal amount for a guaranteed m&g.

now, LB seemed to have been very approachable before or after the shows during the last few tours too, but that could be hit or miss, depending on the timing.

personally, i prefer current version of m&g that LB has been doing the last few months over the random behind the venue meetings. there is time set up to meet people and you actually know you will get to ask him a question or 2, and get a signature or a photo if you want these things.

wasting time hanging behind venues is not my preferred activity if i can avoid it.

I suppose I could get behind some kind of "nominal" charge for a M&G if the proceeds were going to a worthy local charity or something like that. Or if you're going to charge for a M&G, make it a total immersive experience and charge accordingly- like $1000. But considering that Lindsey is a very successful, very wealthy musician with an incredible career, it seems kind of ridiculous that he would choose to do these M&Gs just to make a few hundred extra dollars; it kind of cheapens his brand as well as the Fleetwood Mac brand. It is not unlike setting up a booth at Comic-con and charging for autographed pictures...

[Macfanforever]

Originally Posted by elle

were these really m&gs or just catching artists before/after the shows or behind venues? many artists seem to be very open to meeting with fans after shows, without any structured m&gs.


this is the topic i'm very interested in after having several discussions with lesser known or up-and-coming artists on twitter. they mostly say they love meeting with fans afterwards, but are sometimes in a rush and really don't feel like they can do it.

re m&gs, there seem to be 2 extreme ends of the spectrum, and then everything in between - older bands and artists who charge something like $800 for VIP tickets which in some cases come without really meeting them, or in other cases with meeting some of the band members or individual artist - which might end up being basically taking the photo with them and that's it.

on the other end are artists who make it almost a part of the show to meet fans as they exit the venue.

one of the in-between variations seem to be what LB has been doing this tour - charging what is almost a nominal amount for a guaranteed m&g.

now, LB seemed to have been very approachable before or after the shows during the last few tours too, but that could be hit or miss, depending on the timing.

personally, i prefer current version of m&g that LB has been doing the last few months over the random behind the venue meetings. there is time set up to meet people and you actually know you will get to ask him a question or 2, and get a signature or a photo if you want these things.

wasting time hanging behind venues is not my preferred activity if i can avoid it.

It was nothing special.A couple were M&G's But I had time to talk to them.No one was pushy to get me out.The country artist are great for their fans.They are not like rock and rollers.

[elle]

Originally Posted by HejiraNYC

I suppose I could get behind some kind of "nominal" charge for a M&G if the proceeds were going to a worthy local charity or something like that. Or if you're going to charge for a M&G, make it a total immersive experience and charge accordingly- like $1000. But considering that Lindsey is a very successful, very wealthy musician with an incredible career, it seems kind of ridiculous that he would choose to do these M&Gs just to make a few hundred extra dollars; it kind of cheapens his brand as well as the Fleetwood Mac brand.

see, but i don't want "total immersive experience" if what you mean is "backstage" access to food, laminates, posters and crap like that. now soundcheck on the other hand... that i wouldn't mind.

and what i might consider worthy charity might be very different than some artists' management.

i understand and have heard before what you are saying about "cheapening the brand" but a way to think about it is that he charges $100 for front row middle tickets, and $50 for the rest of them, if that's what you are worried about. i've seen him in small venues last fall where i paid more for 3rd row side than i paid for front row middle w/ m&g this year. so the money really is nominal, at least it has been so far. the other thing i can tell you is that it has been easier to get these slightly more expensive front row tickets that come with m&g than getting front row tickets at non-m&g events last fall. not sure whether it's the way they have set up the sale sites, or people go for cheaper tickets, but i was never able to get front row last fall even if i tried within first minute of sales, but i was able to do it in the same timeframe this tour when there were m&gs involved.

having been to several of these m&gs (and you had the experience of going to the free 92Y one last year), i think he really enjoys these and would be surprised if they are set up to make a few extra bucks... $50 for 20 m&gs is $1000 per show, and he did i think only 6 shows with m&g last leg, so he really cannot be doing it for profit, no?

can you tell i would say just about anything to make sure he doesn't stop doing these m&gs?? i really really loved them, it was great having the opportunity not only to meet him but also ask him some of the questions that i've been curious about for a while... it's really amazing to have that chance. (not to mention he looks really good in photos with me. )

[michelej1]

Thinking ahead to next year, the Fleetwood Mac (Live Nation) people better put some better VIP tickets out there this time around. I don't even think guaranteeing the first 5 rows is good enough (let alone the first 10). Promise me the first 2 rows, if I pay the money.

Michele

[CADreaming]

Originally Posted by michelej1

Thinking ahead to next year, the Fleetwood Mac (Live Nation) people better put some better VIP tickets out there this time around. I don't even think guaranteeing the first 5 rows is good enough (let alone the first 10). Promise me the first 2 rows, if I pay the money.

Michele

The money is what kills me. Of course, last year I waited by the wrong da** door for LB, so that didn't work out either....

[mezzoforte]

Originally Posted by HejiraNYC

I suppose I could get behind some kind of "nominal" charge for a M&G if the proceeds were going to a worthy local charity or something like that. Or if you're going to charge for a M&G, make it a total immersive experience and charge accordingly- like $1000. But considering that Lindsey is a very successful, very wealthy musician with an incredible career, it seems kind of ridiculous that he would choose to do these M&Gs just to make a few hundred extra dollars; it kind of cheapens his brand as well as the Fleetwood Mac brand. It is not unlike setting up a booth at Comic-con and charging for autographed pictures...

Oh, Ed.
You know perfectly well that if Stevie sold any kind of meet and greet, you'd be the second person in line. (I, of course, would be the first.)

[Tango]

Originally Posted by michelej1

Thinking ahead to next year, the Fleetwood Mac (Live Nation) people better put some better VIP tickets out there this time around. I don't even think guaranteeing the first 5 rows is good enough (let alone the first 10). Promise me the first 2 rows, if I pay the money.

Michele

The Eagles are already doing that this year. They actually deliver on their packages.

[sodascouts]

Originally Posted by elle

see, but i don't want "total immersive experience" if what you mean is "backstage" access to food, laminates, posters and crap like that. now soundcheck on the other hand... that i wouldn't mind.

and what i might consider worthy charity might be very different than some artists' management.

i understand and have heard before what you are saying about "cheapening the brand" but a way to think about it is that he charges $100 for front row middle tickets, and $50 for the rest of them, if that's what you are worried about. i've seen him in small venues last fall where i paid more for 3rd row side than i paid for front row middle w/ m&g this year. so the money really is nominal, at least it has been so far. the other thing i can tell you is that it has been easier to get these slightly more expensive front row tickets that come with m&g than getting front row tickets at non-m&g events last fall. not sure whether it's the way they have set up the sale sites, or people go for cheaper tickets, but i was never able to get front row last fall even if i tried within first minute of sales, but i was able to do it in the same timeframe this tour when there were m&gs involved.

having been to several of these m&gs (and you had the experience of going to the free 92Y one last year), i think he really enjoys these and would be surprised if they are set up to make a few extra bucks... $50 for 20 m&gs is $1000 per show, and he did i think only 6 shows with m&g last leg, so he really cannot be doing it for profit, no?

can you tell i would say just about anything to make sure he doesn't stop doing these m&gs?? i really really loved them, it was great having the opportunity not only to meet him but also ask him some of the questions that i've been curious about for a while... it's really amazing to have that chance. (not to mention he looks really good in photos with me. )

I'm with you. I've done the 'hanging outside the venue' routine and gotten a CD signed quickly - that was years ago, back in 2006. It seems he isn't really doing that so much anymore, at least not at the shows I've gone to. In fact, in Atlanta last year, he sent out Brett, Neale, etc. to "distract" people who were waiting outside the venue (there were about 12 of us) while he snuck off. It was rather lame, frankly, and it left a bad taste in my mouth.

This meet'n'greet experience, on the other hand, means you're guaranteed a nice unhurried signature and a few words without worrying that he will view you as an annoyance... and it's affordable. I don't don't know what a "total immersive experience" is either but I daresay there aren't a huge amount of people wanting to pay $1000 to hang around while he does his soundcheck.

The only way I got to meet Stevie was by paying for it - $1000 donated to AHI. It was for a good cause, yes, and that was nice. However, it didn't matter to me what she did with the money. I was paying to meet Stevie - and it was worth every penny!

[CADreaming]

Originally Posted by sodascouts

In fact, in Atlanta last year, he sent out Brett, Neale, etc. to "distract" people who were waiting outside the venue (there were about 12 of us) while he snuck off. It was rather lame, frankly, and it left a bad taste in my mouth.

And, I wasn't even over there because I figured it was too obvious. Still had the wrong door! lol

[sodascouts]

Originally Posted by michelej1

Thinking ahead to next year, the Fleetwood Mac (Live Nation) people better put some better VIP tickets out there this time around. I don't even think guaranteeing the first 5 rows is good enough (let alone the first 10). Promise me the first 2 rows, if I pay the money.

Michele

Originally Posted by Tango

The Eagles are already doing that this year. They actually deliver on their packages.

Since they're all managed by Azoff, I see pretty much the same thing happening for Fleetwood Mac as happens for the Eagles (see the column on the right at the below link):

http://vipnation.com/programs/eagles-2012/

You don't meet the band or any of its members, but you can buy:
1) a front row seat for $995;
2) a seat in rows 2-10 for $695; or
3) a seat in rows 11-20 for $495.
The third option doesn't come with the rockin' bag of merch and free buffet that are included in the first two, though.

Hopefully, Fleetwood Mac's prices won't be as high. Dropping a grand is something I was happy to do in order to meet Stevie, but not something I'll happily do just to get a front row ticket (even if it comes with a free dinner and a couple T-shirts).

[elle]

Originally Posted by sodascouts

Since they're all managed by Azoff, I see pretty much the same thing happening for Fleetwood Mac as happens for the Eagles (see the column on the right at the below link):

http://vipnation.com/programs/eagles-2012/

You don't meet the band or any of its members, but you can buy:
1) a front row seat for $995;
2) a seat in rows 2-10 for $695; or
3) a seat in rows 11-20 for $495.
The third option doesn't come with the rockin' bag of merch and free buffet that are included in the first two, though.

Hopefully, Fleetwood Mac's prices won't be as high. Dropping a grand is something I was happy to do in order to meet Stevie, but not something I'll happily do just to get a front row ticket (even if it comes with a free dinner and a couple T-shirts).

yeah see that's the crap i was talking about re "immersive experience" -

• Pre-show party, including dinner & drinks
• Exclusive Eagles gift bag
• Hassle-free entrance to venue
• Crowd-free merchandise shopping
• Eagles VIP commemorative laminate
• On-site VIP host

i have too much trash already in my small house, i don't need to get more just so that selling first 20 rows for so much can look a bit better.

although i guess people are paying anyway so much for these rows to scalpers so i'd rather the money goes to the band, but don't try to tell me you are giving me "VIP experience" . parking on the other hand... that would be ok. and hassle-free exit (that they don''t offer).

i also love how they give you "crowd-free merchandise shopping" - after you drop $1000 you can also have a hassle-free opportunity to drop some more


just checked these Eagles VIP packages and, you don't even know where in front row you are sitting (or rows 2-10). guess you can sit completely on the side in front row for that money? which in FM case, considering various fans prefer different FM members... well let's just say i would not be happy to pay the money and have to spend the evening on SN's side of the stage. especially when for that money i could get 4-5 front row center with m&g tickets for LB solo shows plus gas for travel and staying in nice enough hotels.

[mezzoforte]

Originally Posted by sodascouts

Since they're all managed by Azoff, I see pretty much the same thing happening for Fleetwood Mac as happens for the Eagles (see the column on the right at the below link):

http://vipnation.com/programs/eagles-2012/

You don't meet the band or any of its members, but you can buy:
1) a front row seat for $995;
2) a seat in rows 2-10 for $695; or
3) a seat in rows 11-20 for $495.
The third option doesn't come with the rockin' bag of merch and free buffet that are included in the first two, though.

Hopefully, Fleetwood Mac's prices won't be as high. Dropping a grand is something I was happy to do in order to meet Stevie, but not something I'll happily do just to get a front row ticket (even if it comes with a free dinner and a couple T-shirts).

WOW.

Who else read that and suddenly found Stevie's ticket prices fair and reasonable?

[michelej1]

Originally Posted by sodascouts

You don't meet the band or any of its members, but you can buy:
1) a front row seat for $995;

#2 is no good. The difference between row 2 and row 10 is too great a variable for $695.

However, I like #1. It's cheaper than you would pay to a scalper and also cheaper than what I paid for the Unleashed VIP packages (well, depending on the venue location). So, I would jump at this.

Michele

[michelej1]

Originally Posted by elle

guess you can sit completely on the side in front row for that money? which in FM case, considering various fans prefer different FM members... well let's just say i would not be happy to pay the money and have to spend the evening on SN's side of the stage. especially when for that money i could get 4-5 front row center with m&g tickets for LB solo shows plus gas for travel and staying in nice enough hotels.

I just think it's important that it be front row center. They can't put you off to the side of the arena or it's a rip off. People should stampede if that happens. Plus, sometimes the way the stage and or speakers are set up, sometimes, if you are on the side your view is obscured. That's maddening.

But if it's front row in the center section, you can probably go stand where you want at the stage anyway, but you also have a pretty good view of both Stevie and Lindsey. I feel that I've made eye contact with both of them, even while being on one or the other's side of the stage. Also, Lindsey crosses over for ISA and GYOW anyway (or maybe he won't anymore), so I think you get to see your favorite.

I do like to look at Lindsey during Stand Back and when he's sitting in the wings during World Turning though. Sometimes, that is hard to do if you're on the left side.

Michele

[elle]

Originally Posted by michelej1

I do like to look at Lindsey during Stand Back and when he's sitting in the wings during World Turning though. Sometimes, that is hard to do if you're on the left side.

yeah, if i need to listen to all the songs that i don't like and normally skip on CDs and DVDs , i want to at least be able to look at what Lindsey's doing during that time...

or maybe FM show is really not for me.


EDIT: really sorry guys to bring the above up on SN board, it was just where conversation went. i'm trying to figure out whether to even go to an FM show next year, and if so whether to just go for the bleachers (since i've never seen FM live). and by songs i don't like i don't actually mean SB or WT, i mean Dreams, Rhiannon, Sara, etc - songs that FM will do for sure. Viv and my other roadtrippers always laugh when we are listening to LiB CD in the car and i just have to skip through almost every other song.