Brian Wilson 2016 Tour Thread (Pet Sounds 50th Anniversary Tour)

[Marty Castillo]

Can someone explain why in the list of tour dates posted  on Brianwilson.com,  for the July 23 show at the Horseshoe Casino it specifically includes an asterisk indicating that this show "features Blondie Chaplin" ?
Blondie is part of the entire tour. Why is this the only show that has Blondie specifically singled out ?

It is very strange. I'm going with a typo. It is clearly stated on the tour page that Al and Blondie are featured at all shows.

[John Manning]

Any know of a Glasgow pre-sale please?

[Marty Castillo]

I secured a front row seat for the Fox Theatre in Detroit. Last time I was stage left and right in front of Brian. This time I am stage right (though I tried for stage left), assuming a similar setup, I should be right in front of Al. Huge thanks to my wife, who rolled her eyes last night when I mentioned going to my third Brian Wilson show within an 18 month span.

I did some searching on the ticketmaster seat locator and it appears the rows 1 and 2 are set aside for the VIP soundcheck and meet & greet, which totals 44 tickets. Rows 3 and 4 are set aside for the VIP soundcheck only and total 42 tickets. I found this interesting since the top level VIP offer stipulates a ticket within the first 5 rows.

I'll bit interested to hear initial reports on how the meet & greets are conducted. I'm crossing my fingers to have at least one outside item signed (beyond the poster and sheet music), as I would like to complete my Rolling Stone cover already signed by Mike and Bruce. Also, it's not explicitly stated that Al and Blondie will participate, but I assume they will.

How did everyone else do?

[37!ws]

Can someone explain why in the list of tour dates posted  on Brianwilson.com,  for the July 23 show at the Horseshoe Casino it specifically includes an asterisk indicating that this show "features Blondie Chaplin" ?
Blondie is part of the entire tour. Why is this the only show that has Blondie specifically singled out ?

Probably for the same reason the web site specifically said that the St. Charles, IL show in 2011 would include a performance of the Gershwin album in its entirety until just a few days before the show.

[EgoHanger1966]

I secured a front row seat for the Fox Theatre in Detroit. Last time I was stage left and right in front of Brian. This time I am stage right (though I tried for stage left), assuming a similar setup, I should be right in front of Al. Huge thanks to my wife, who rolled her eyes last night when I mentioned going to my third Brian Wilson show within an 18 month span.

I did some searching on the ticketmaster seat locator and it appears the rows 1 and 2 are set aside for the VIP soundcheck and meet & greet, which totals 44 tickets. Rows 3 and 4 are set aside for the VIP soundcheck only and total 42 tickets. I found this interesting since the top level VIP offer stipulates a ticket within the first 5 rows.

I'll bit interested to hear initial reports on how the meet & greets are conducted. I'm crossing my fingers to have at least one outside item signed (beyond the poster and sheet music), as I would like to complete my Rolling Stone cover already signed by Mike and Bruce. Also, it's not explicitly stated that Al and Blondie will participate, but I assume they will.

How did everyone else do?

I was gifted the soundcheck package (very generous!). For my venue, the first five rows (a/k/a the pit) was reserved for super duper VIP and the first two actual theatre seat rows were set aside for the soundcheck VIP. I went with the first row of theatre seats, right center, where presumably Brian will be facing. I'm actually concerned I'll be TOO close, as I don't want to experience the piano blockage of Brian's face, but it's totally worth the risk. I was dreading having to do the whole TicketBastard/LiveNation try-to-grab-tickets-the-moment-they-go-on-sale-and-see-if-you-can-actually-get-one. It's frustrating.

I love dealing with non-LiveNation venues that actually open up all of their seats (or most of them, anyway), and don't stagger on sale times, don't play games, and charge reasonable fees. Not sure why Ticketmaster can't do some version of the same.

Anyway, the eight month countdown begins. Super psyched!

[KDS]

No information on the 9/20 show at the Strathmore in Bethesda. 

There's nothing on the Strathmore website about the show, and there's no link in BW's website about it. 

[Marty Castillo]

If you aren't doing one of the VIP packages for the Fox Theatre in Detroit, I got an e-mail this morning stating they have a  presale beginning Thursday morning at 10am and the password is ICONIC.

[37!ws]

I secured a front row seat for the Fox Theatre in Detroit. Last time I was stage left and right in front of Brian. This time I am stage right (though I tried for stage left), assuming a similar setup, I should be right in front of Al. Huge thanks to my wife, who rolled her eyes last night when I mentioned going to my third Brian Wilson show within an 18 month span.

I was at stage right in New Buffalo. (My wife and I complimented you on your shirt.   ) Let me warn you: if the stage is as high up as it was in New Buffalo, this is what your view of Brian will look like:

[EgoHanger1966]

I wish he would ditch the white grand piano. It would make it a lot easier to see him.

[KDS]

I wish he would ditch the white grand piano. It would make it a lot easier to see him.

I had the same issue at Montgomery College in November.  Got a second row seat and saw the top of Brian's head for most of the show. 

I'd like to see him bring back the black keyboard he's used in the past. 

[mikeddonn]

I had a seat in Row 2 at a show in Newcastle during the SMiLE shows.  Brian had the keyboard.  N fortunately all I could see were his legs as the Teleprompter he used to use was covering his face.  At least I knew what he looked liked as it was about the third or fourth show I'd been at on that tour in 2004!

Edit:  prices are now up for VIP packages on Brian's website.

[RubberSoul13]

The Strathmore is a great choice for Brian...SO there on 9/20. I'll probably opt for a seat one tier up just so I don't play the 'Brian's bobbing head game' over the piano from the floor!   Besides, after the 2nd row seats at Montgomery College (and a SUPER view of Brian), I'd like a more aerial approach to see the whole band, especially on a masterpiece such as Pet Sounds.

But alas, the Maryland show is the ONLY one that does NOT have a ticket link up yet.........

[mikeddonn]

Can anyone confirm that if you buy a VIP package (1 or 2) a ticket for the show is included, or is it just additional to what you have already paid?  For example VIP1 is £275 but doesn't mention a ticket.  It doesn't say you need to buy one either!

[AndrewHickey]

Can anyone confirm that if you buy a VIP package (1 or 2) a ticket for the show is included, or is it just additional to what you have already paid?  For example VIP1 is £275 but doesn't mention a ticket.  It doesn't say you need to buy one either!

On the page for the Worldwide VIP tickets, it says "* This package does NOT include a ticket to the show. You must also have a ticket to show in order to purchase this package."

[KDS]

The Strathmore is a great choice for Brian...SO there on 9/20. I'll probably opt for a seat one tier up just so I don't play the 'Brian's bobbing head game' over the piano from the floor!   Besides, after the 2nd row seats at Montgomery College (and a SUPER view of Brian), I'd like a more aerial approach to see the whole band, especially on a masterpiece such as Pet Sounds.

But alas, the Maryland show is the ONLY one that does NOT have a ticket link up yet.........

I was informed, from a poster on the BW Forum who called the Strathmore, that tickets for the 9/20 don't go on sale until Friday, March 4th. 

[mikeddonn]

Can anyone confirm that if you buy a VIP package (1 or 2) a ticket for the show is included, or is it just additional to what you have already paid?  For example VIP1 is £275 but doesn't mention a ticket.  It doesn't say you need to buy one either!

On the page for the Worldwide VIP tickets, it says "* This package does NOT include a ticket to the show. You must also have a ticket to show in order to purchase this package."

Thanks Andrew.

I notice that too but it only says it after package 2 and says "this package" instead of "these packages" as it should if referring to both 1 and 2 packages.  Also there is a star in the text above referring to shows in NZ/AUS/JPN.

That's why I wanted clarification.  I suspect you need a ticket first but how does that work.  The US VIP includes front row seats but I don't think the UK does.

[AndrewHickey]

Can anyone confirm that if you buy a VIP package (1 or 2) a ticket for the show is included, or is it just additional to what you have already paid?  For example VIP1 is £275 but doesn't mention a ticket.  It doesn't say you need to buy one either!

On the page for the Worldwide VIP tickets, it says "* This package does NOT include a ticket to the show. You must also have a ticket to show in order to purchase this package."

Thanks Andrew.

I notice that too but it only says it after package 2 and says "this package" instead of "these packages" as it should if referring to both 1 and 2 packages.  Also there is a star in the text above referring to shows in NZ/AUS/JPN.

That's why I wanted clarification.  I suspect you need a ticket first but how does that work.  Others have said the VIP includes front row seats but if I need to buy a ticket first how do I get those ones?

Clicking through to the pages to buy VIP tickets where they're on sale (the Japan and Australia dates), the sale pages all say that the ticket isn't included.

I *think* what happens is that you buy your normal ticket  and then the VIP packege gives you an upgrade to a reserved seat in the front few rows. So in other words I have a ticket for row F for Manchester. Were I to buy a VIP package for Manchester, I would have a seat in maybe row D or E, but I'd only be able to take that seat with my row F ticket.
Which makes no sense, because it would mean there would definitely be empty seats...
Is this how it works, anyone who's done this before?

[mikeddonn]

Can anyone confirm that if you buy a VIP package (1 or 2) a ticket for the show is included, or is it just additional to what you have already paid?  For example VIP1 is £275 but doesn't mention a ticket.  It doesn't say you need to buy one either!

On the page for the Worldwide VIP tickets, it says "* This package does NOT include a ticket to the show. You must also have a ticket to show in order to purchase this package."

Thanks Andrew.

I notice that too but it only says it after package 2 and says "this package" instead of "these packages" as it should if referring to both 1 and 2 packages.  Also there is a star in the text above referring to shows in NZ/AUS/JPN.

That's why I wanted clarification.  I suspect you need a ticket first but how does that work.  Others have said the VIP includes front row seats but if I need to buy a ticket first how do I get those ones?

Clicking through to the pages to buy VIP tickets where they're on sale (the Japan and Australia dates), the sale pages all say that the ticket isn't included.

I *think* what happens is that you buy your normal ticket  and then the VIP packege gives you an upgrade to a reserved seat in the front few rows. So in other words I have a ticket for row F for Manchester. Were I to buy a VIP package for Manchester, I would have a seat in maybe row D or E, but I'd only be able to take that seat with my row F ticket.
Which makes no sense, because it would mean there would definitely be empty seats...
Is this how it works, anyone who's done this before?

And someone else could have had your Row F seat.  I don't understand it either.  Hopefully someone can explain it to us.

[John Manning]

Can anyone confirm that if you buy a VIP package (1 or 2) a ticket for the show is included, or is it just additional to what you have already paid?  For example VIP1 is £275 but doesn't mention a ticket.  It doesn't say you need to buy one either!

On the page for the Worldwide VIP tickets, it says "* This package does NOT include a ticket to the show. You must also have a ticket to show in order to purchase this package."

Thanks Andrew.

I notice that too but it only says it after package 2 and says "this package" instead of "these packages" as it should if referring to both 1 and 2 packages.  Also there is a star in the text above referring to shows in NZ/AUS/JPN.

That's why I wanted clarification.  I suspect you need a ticket first but how does that work.  Others have said the VIP includes front row seats but if I need to buy a ticket first how do I get those ones?

Clicking through to the pages to buy VIP tickets where they're on sale (the Japan and Australia dates), the sale pages all say that the ticket isn't included.

I *think* what happens is that you buy your normal ticket  and then the VIP packege gives you an upgrade to a reserved seat in the front few rows. So in other words I have a ticket for row F for Manchester. Were I to buy a VIP package for Manchester, I would have a seat in maybe row D or E, but I'd only be able to take that seat with my row F ticket.
Which makes no sense, because it would mean there would definitely be empty seats...
Is this how it works, anyone who's done this before?

Hmm… makes sense to the vendor who's sold two products to one person - seats might not be filled but his wallet is.

[AndrewHickey]

Can anyone confirm that if you buy a VIP package (1 or 2) a ticket for the show is included, or is it just additional to what you have already paid?  For example VIP1 is £275 but doesn't mention a ticket.  It doesn't say you need to buy one either!

On the page for the Worldwide VIP tickets, it says "* This package does NOT include a ticket to the show. You must also have a ticket to show in order to purchase this package."

Thanks Andrew.

I notice that too but it only says it after package 2 and says "this package" instead of "these packages" as it should if referring to both 1 and 2 packages.  Also there is a star in the text above referring to shows in NZ/AUS/JPN.

That's why I wanted clarification.  I suspect you need a ticket first but how does that work.  Others have said the VIP includes front row seats but if I need to buy a ticket first how do I get those ones?

Clicking through to the pages to buy VIP tickets where they're on sale (the Japan and Australia dates), the sale pages all say that the ticket isn't included.

I *think* what happens is that you buy your normal ticket  and then the VIP packege gives you an upgrade to a reserved seat in the front few rows. So in other words I have a ticket for row F for Manchester. Were I to buy a VIP package for Manchester, I would have a seat in maybe row D or E, but I'd only be able to take that seat with my row F ticket.
Which makes no sense, because it would mean there would definitely be empty seats...
Is this how it works, anyone who's done this before?

Hmm… makes sense to the vendor who's sold two products to one person - seats might not be filled but his wallet is.

Yeah, but they could, instead, have sold the VIP thing, ticket included, for the price of the current ticket+VIP, and still had the row F ticket to sell to someone else.

[mikeddonn]

Can anyone confirm that if you buy a VIP package (1 or 2) a ticket for the show is included, or is it just additional to what you have already paid?  For example VIP1 is £275 but doesn't mention a ticket.  It doesn't say you need to buy one either!

On the page for the Worldwide VIP tickets, it says "* This package does NOT include a ticket to the show. You must also have a ticket to show in order to purchase this package."

Thanks Andrew.

I notice that too but it only says it after package 2 and says "this package" instead of "these packages" as it should if referring to both 1 and 2 packages.  Also there is a star in the text above referring to shows in NZ/AUS/JPN.

That's why I wanted clarification.  I suspect you need a ticket first but how does that work.  Others have said the VIP includes front row seats but if I need to buy a ticket first how do I get those ones?

Clicking through to the pages to buy VIP tickets where they're on sale (the Japan and Australia dates), the sale pages all say that the ticket isn't included.

I *think* what happens is that you buy your normal ticket  and then the VIP packege gives you an upgrade to a reserved seat in the front few rows. So in other words I have a ticket for row F for Manchester. Were I to buy a VIP package for Manchester, I would have a seat in maybe row D or E, but I'd only be able to take that seat with my row F ticket.
Which makes no sense, because it would mean there would definitely be empty seats...
Is this how it works, anyone who's done this before?

Hmm… makes sense to the vendor who's sold two products to one person - seats might not be filled but his wallet is.

Yeah, but they could, instead, have sold the VIP thing, ticket included, for the price of the current ticket+VIP, and still had the row F ticket to sell to someone else.

Cheers Andrew, that's what I meant! 

[Wrightfan]

I secured a front row seat for the Fox Theatre in Detroit. Last time I was stage left and right in front of Brian. This time I am stage right (though I tried for stage left), assuming a similar setup, I should be right in front of Al. Huge thanks to my wife, who rolled her eyes last night when I mentioned going to my third Brian Wilson show within an 18 month span.

I was at stage right in New Buffalo. (My wife and I complimented you on your shirt.   ) Let me warn you: if the stage is as high up as it was in New Buffalo, this is what your view of Brian will look like:

SOON 

[Don't Back Down]

How does the internet presale work? Do we get a code from the Brian Wilson Fan Club email list?
(Sorry if this has already been asked)

[beatle608]

Which show? Seems like the venues themselves are sending out the codes.

[AndrewHickey]

How does the internet presale work? Do we get a code from the Brian Wilson Fan Club email list?
(Sorry if this has already been asked)

The presales are working differently for each venue. For example the Manchester O2 Apollo presale was for only those people with a mobile phone on the O2 network -- you had to sign up on O2's website and they'd text you a registration code -- and started at 10AM yesterday. On the other hand the Liverpool Philharmonic's presale was only for venue members -- people who've paid £32 a year to get priority access for shows -- and started at 5PM yesterday.
Brian's website seems to be listing these at the top of the page now, but only as they find out about them.