The Smiley Smile Message Board

Can we start a thread for people to share their experiences with the VIP packages?  There have been a few reports mixed in with the show reviews, but not nearly as many reports as I would have expected.  Has anyone else been through the VIP experience yet?

This would be interesting to hear; but I imagine that most of the people buying the VIP's don't post here
I would like to know, tho, when someone buys the VIP package, can they have others in their family/ friends circle be in the picture they get with the BBs, or do they have to pay individually for every person in their picture?   (Dave Beard, where are you? You must know the answer to this, and probably have had your pic taken at least twice?  )

Thanks for starting this. I found this account on tumblr and it seems pretty consistent with what I have read elsewhere:


Also the set up of the pictures look reallllllly awkward. Kind of disappointing but I'm still excited.

For anyone who has been to one of these, do you get to meet the band? Jeff and Scotts and Darian, etc?

It would be neat if you could actually talk to each of them for 5-10 minutes but I wouldn't pay so much even for that. I like them but they are just people like you or me albeit with more talent.

In St. Augustine, meeting the Beach Boys for the photo lasted all of 30 seconds, tops. A few folks were able to get stuff signed if they were at the very end of the line. Expect security to tell you to move on, and the VIP host will say that nothing can be signed. Perhaps if you plead your case...

If you & your family/friends bought the VIP ticket, I'm sure you could all get a photo with the BB. Brian was seated, Mike & David were on side, Al & Bruce were on another.  VIP Nation hasn't released my photo yet, so that's all I can offer. You can probably get a few sentences in to whichever Beach Boy you're standing next to, but keep in mind that the VIP host may take the photo while you're talking... Personally, I wish they would allow more interaction with the band due to the steep price.  The backing band was not present for the photo session. I take that back for a second -- Jeff Foskett was there. I wish they all had been.

Getting to see the soundcheck was the biggest thing to me. Beware: The T-shirt they give you is really crappy. You can just about see through it. Probably cost them a few dollars at the most. But the black VIP tote bag was cool. I wish they had used the pic on the tote bag [Beach Boys 50th with classic Brother logo] for the t-shirt.

I would appreciate it if somebody posted pics of the tote bag & shirt. I don't believe anybody has yet.

I would appreciate it if somebody posted pics of the hot wife! ;)

No seriously, Mike and Bruce once again let down the group with the shirt and shorts in that picture.

(http://i713.photobucket.com/albums/ww134/jeremylr/beach011.jpg)


(http://i713.photobucket.com/albums/ww134/jeremylr/beach009.jpg)


Here you go. The shirt just came out of the clothes dryer. The image used for the tote bag is very similar to the black t-shirt being offered for sale on the official BB's website. Except it costs $35, doesn't have the band member's individual names on the bottom, and has the tour dates on the back. I was talking to my mom -- I think I've convinced her to take the tote bag to a graphic tee artist & use it to make a brand-new shirt for me. Kind of an early birthday present.

http://thebeachboys.shop.bravadousa.com/Product.aspx?cp=55723&pc=BGCTBZ02

(http://i713.photobucket.com/albums/ww134/jeremylr/beach008.jpg)

Nice. That tote bag is pretty sweet. Thanks for posting.

I don't think I said it above -- but the main reasons I went with the VIP thing:

1.  I figured it was my only opportunity to be in the band's presence.
2.  I wanted to sit close to the stage.
3.  Access to the soundcheck (it lasted an hour)
4.  Photo with the band


I could have paid $450 for front row seats, but I stuck with $375 for tickets within the 1st five rows. I wound up in the second row, since I purchased my package the minute it went on sale. As others have said, concerts in larger cities commanded much higher prices. Regardless, it's the most I've ever paid to see an artist, but it seems reasonable that the guys may not tour together again...

I didn't splurge on the VIP packages for a few reasons, the biggest one being that I've already met all of them in the past, albeit separately, and have had the privilege of being at some soundchecks.  However, I did splurge on tickets to 3 shows, with good seats for all of them, and taking dates to 2 of them.  Total ticket costs for 5 tickets to 3 shows: Roughly $500!  But for the reason you stated above, it will be completely worth it!  :) One of my biggest regrets after becoming a fan in 1991 is getting the cheap seats at one of the post-baseball-game shows at Jack Murphy Stadium in 1994, and sitting behind the band, which was very far away.  It was the only time that I got to see Carl, and there I was watching thru binoculars. For a measly $5 or so, I could have at least had a front view of the stage, and for about $20 more, I could have had some decent seats.  I never want to repeat a mistake like that again when it comes to the Beach Boys.  I'm going to take every opportunity I can to see them.

How do they get the picture to you?  Do they send you a link to an online download?  I'm a bit nervous about this.  I've never been to a meet and greet where they didn't let you use your own camera.  But, it will be nice to have a profesional take the picture.  The group picture with the whole band is what I'm really looking forward to.

Yes, VIP Nation will send an email approximately 2 weeks after the show is over. I think the photos will then be available on smugmug, and VIP Nation will give everyone a unique password to retrieve their photo.

Eric...now I envy you. At least you were in Carl's presence from afar. Thanks for sharing your story.

Hey - thanks for starting this thread. I got my itinerary last night for the Saturday show at Mohegan Sun. To be honest, I feel pretty sick over the amount of money I've spent on this. The Saturday show was one of the first to go on sale, if not the first, and it was before VIP packages were being offered. So you could only get an "upgrade" meaning you missed out a huge part of the VIP package, i.e. seating in the first couple of rows. Even though I bought my tickets as soon as they became available, we're still in the nosebleed section. Anyway, later on the "upgrades" became available for $350 a piece (I think). Turns out all I'm really getting for this is access to soundcheck, the photo, and ten seconds with the Beach Boys where I'm lucky if they acknowledge my presence. All told, I probably spent $800-900 for two tickets where there is apparently NO MEET AND GREET (not cool that they advertise it as such) and nosebleed seats. Sorry to complain - but I just feel like a dunce, to be honest. Nevertheless, I'm still very excited and am really looking forward to it.

BY THE WAY! - the itinerary includes a link to photos from the other meet and greets so I checked em all out. I agree with the poster that the arrangement is a little weird, BUT - BUT - wait for it.... everyone is smiling and happy (except Mike).... even including... wait for it.... BRIAN!!!!! Seriously, every single picture I looked at he was smiling and looked genuinely happy! It was really cool, and it will be AWESOME to have ME in a picture with BRIAN WILSON -SMILING! how cool is that??? It also confirmed for me that despite his ways on stage, etc., I think he is genuinely happy to be on this tour, and although awkward, loves the adulation. Two things come to mind: 1) he's said over and over again that his desire is to bring people pleasure. Well, here he is doing that in bigger numbers that anything he's seen in the last 15 years. the idea that he's being forced to do this is ridiculous. 2) Although estrange from them for the past 15 years, we cannot underestimate how much the Beach Boys are a part of Brian's soul. He loves the Beach Boys and always wanted this to happen (his past inconsistent statement, to the contrary, I think).

Thanks for hearing me out as I procrastinate at work waiting for Saturday to come!

"I would appreciate it if somebody posted pics of the hot wife!"

Ha---you just made my wife's day saying this! :lol

I'll admit it: when I took our tax refund and used it for the meet and greets, I had dreams of a spiritual communing with each individual Beach Boy saying such awesomely Chris Farley insightful things like, "Hey Mike, I can't decide whether I like the 4/4 or the 3/4 version of 'Big Sur.' What's your pref?" Or to Brian: "Hey, remember that time in 1980 at the Saginaw Civic Center when a ballcap came flying out of the audience in the middle of 'Goin' On' and hit you in the shoulder, sending you about 8 inches off the piano bench? Yeah, that was my idiot friend Craig whom I beat the sh*t out of on the way home bc he did that." I even dreamed of pulling out my 1977 BBFUN newsletter and dazzling the guys with the longevity of my fandom. Ultimately, I would imagine talking with each and everyone of us would tire the guys out more than 100 concerts in 100 dates. At some level, it has to be exhausting to have people tell you all the time how much their music has added to their lives, yadda yadda. Granted, not as exhausting as  ditchdigging. Still, all of the guys were very cool during our 30 seconds in that room. They said hello, made eye contact, smiled. They respected what it meant for us to (yes, pay for) that opportunity. Maybe that's as much as a fan has a right to ask for---I dunno. I do know the experience must have been enough for me bc ten days later I'm still reliving every one of those 30 seconds. So I feel lucky Uncle Sam refunded us enough to splurge and have a memory I'll treasure.

Oh yeah, Jeff Foskett was behind the VIP Nation host as everyone stepped forward to get their pic with The Beach Boys. He told Brian several times to smile. So maybe it is working.

It's a disgrace that any group would agree to a "for fee" meet and greet.  This should have been free to the fans, as a thank you for their support of the band over all of these years.

Right, because that's so practical for the crowds at these venues.

BLAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH


And by "let down" do you mean "turn the heat up to a tropical fever pitch of awesomeness"?



Yes I have fully come to terms with the fact that I spent way too much money on this but the mere fact that I'm going to be able to come face to face with my heroes ultimately justifies it for me. Really, I think I would pay twice as much for that (since I haven't been as lucky as others who have had the experience before.)

Maybe I'll try to like..... put an elbow on Mike's shoulder or do a from-behind hug to Brian. I just really don't like the idea of just standing there.

Anyway, thanks to everyone who posted pictures and told accounts.

 It would probably be hard to let 10,000 people a night get a personal picture with the band.

Thanks Kirk - that was an awesome (and hilarious) post

Yeah, Kirk, that was good.   ;D

BBFUN (Beach Boys Freaks United) newsletter in the 70's from good ol' Alice Lillie.  Good times....

I don't regret splurging for the VIP package at the Dallas show. True, the "meet and greet" is really neither meet nor greet; it's step behind the boys and smile for 5 seconds. Still, there were remarks from Bruce, Mike, and Al while waiting in line that were fun to hear and respond to. Brian's main concern was getting to the food...but I knew my fantasy encounter with him would likely remain a fantasy. The resulting picture, though, is just great and everyone who's seen it has been jealous or awe-struck.
I would gladly have done without the limited-edition poster, tote bag, and ticket for a really cool-looking shirt that was not available for sale elsewhere. As remarked earlier, the shirt we got is very cheap feeling and (I think) rather feminine in design.
Observing sound check was fun. Hearing the interaction of the band members and realizing that they were literally still figuring out how to do some of the songs was very interesting.
And my front-row, center seat was just awesome. I felt immersed in the concert. It was probably the 8th or 9th time I've seen the BBs, but it was more meaningful and sentimental than any of the others. Three memories from the encore, when people were able to swarm down front: 1. A small girl, about five or six, seated on her mom's shoulders, reaching out toward the stage as though she was seeing an angel, the look on her face was awe and pure childlike joy. Bruce spotted her, left the stage for a moment, and came back to give her a cap or t-shirt. 2. A middle-aged woman in the crowd. Her left hand had no fingers on it. Her right arm ended abruptly halfway down the forearm. Yet, when I looked back at the crowd, I noticed her, waving both arms in the air and wearing the biggest grin on her face. It truly felt like a religious experience and, knowing how Brian defines music, it may have actually been a case of hearing God's voice. 3. Another young girl, this one about 10 or 11. She came down front with her dad during the encore. She was obviously wearing what felt like high fashion to her, a flapper-style dress covered in silver sequins, with a matching silver hairband. After the concert was over and the arena had mostly cleared out, I found myself walking behind her and her dad and I overheard her say, "That was like the best day of my whole life." Still makes me a little teary.
That's what was so great about this show and this tour. Forget the autotune crap, forget the songs missing from the list, forget the past hard feeling among the BBs. This was a night of harmony--in every way--and I am content, even if I never see another Beach Boys show, that there has been closure and a fitting postscript to 50 years of music which changed the lives of not just those five guys onstage...it changed me, too.

Still waiting for the picture of the hot wife.  :smokin

Over the years I've met Al, Bruce, Mike, along with Jeff F. Couldn't imagine paying for it tho.
I've been really lucky. I rode with Al in his limo and got back stage passes to his show when he was with Friends and Family in Green Bay WI. I was one of only four people to get into the sound check at Brian's first concert in Milwaukee. I slept on the same restricted access floor with the Beach Boys in Madison in 96. Rode up the elevator with Bruce, who didn't want to let me get on, until I showed him my key for the special elevator. So yeah, I know what it's like to have something special happen. ( BTW- GoofyJeff from this board can verify that this was all true)

Still, I would not have paid anything extra to have make any of those happen. Just sayin'

My meet & greet is scheduled 2 weeks from today in Chicago.  Do they specifically tell you not to say anything to the guys aside from "hi"?  Do they say no putting hands on anyone's shoulder for the photo or something like that?

It was enough of a crack to the ribs paying $115 for a floor ticket, so as a 20-year old with a part-time job I could never imagine paying 375 bucks just to get a picture with the guys. If I was entitled to at least a 2-5 minute conversation with one of them, I might have actually splurged for it. But with my tendency to take really awkward pictures, I think the quick snapshot would've done more harm to my only live Beach Boys experience than good. Would be very cool to be in the presence of my musical heroes though, if it were 225 or less I would've gone for it no question! But ever since meeting my other main musical idol (Mike Watt of the Minutemen/fIREHOSE) next to a pizza joint before a gig last year, where I got 5 minutes of musical words of wisdom for zilch and two closeup/arm-on-shoulder pictures for nada, I would feel a bit chumpy to fork over big bucks to meet someone who after all the talent and legacy, is just another human being.

We get it.  Just sayin'.

Hi Pet Sounder,

Say what you want when you get to meet the Beach Boys. Again, it will go by very fast. I got a small conversation going with Al, but only a couple of sentences before the host wanted to take the photo. I'm sure you can put your arms around them. I just kinda stood in the middle of them behind Brian's chair.

 The guy in front of me was smart enough to shake all of their hands. Somehow I missed Mike. I just had my arm on the back of Brian's chair. Had rehearsed what I was gonna say to him, but could just think to say it was a pleasure to meet him. Got a quick "Thank you" from him.

I would encourage you to be last in line. You have a better chance of getting something signed then. Also, introduce yourself to Jeff Foskett. He stood in the back [behind the VIP Nation host, out of the picture], and I was stupid & didn't say hello to him. Again, it all goes by so quickly. That can also probably increase your chances of getting something signed. Say hello to security; say hi to the VIP Nation host. You never know, this could increase your chances of getting something signed.

Also, take a Sharpie or two with you. The guys might not have one, and if you have a marker in hand, another chance of getting something signed. Mainly, just be nice, but don't be afraid to take the moment & run with it. Life is too short.

Kirk. Your wife lets you blow your tax refund on the Beach Boys and seems to have a good sense of humour.

She is a keeper! ;)

Not everyone is lucky enough to be in the right place at the right time, or have the right contacts. Just sayin'.

Thanks for the advice jeremylr!  About how many others were part of the VIP with you?

Can anyone tell me what the free poster looks like that comes with the package? Is it the same one they are selling at the merchandise stands? Thanks

I had a very disappointing VIP experience at Mohegan Sun on Saturday night. The event is billed as a "Meet and Greet", NOT JUST a photo opportunity. In fact, in the way the VIP package was marketed, the "meet and greet" was its own distinct benefit and was listed separately from the personal photo with the beach boys.  And the lanyard we were given says "meet and greet", not "photo op".  Thank God for this message board. If I had not read this board beforehand, it would have been a crushingly devastating experience, instead of a merely disappointing one.  In any event, from this Board, I understood that we would be lucky for them to even acknowledge us when it was our time to take the photo. So I was prepared for that, but then I spoke with the VIP host beforehand who insisted, that of course we could speak with them and introduce ourselves, etc. So my expectations shifted once again. But alas, the reviews on this board were correct, they did not acknowledge us at all. It was really weird. The only interaction I had at all was with Al. I basically had to tap his shoulder (which I really did not want to do) to get his attention. It was a 5 second conversation, but he was very, very nice. As I was leaving, I turned around and said "Bruce!" and held out my hand for him to shake. He limply extended his hand but said nothing and looked like he wanted to either or kill me. It was a cold, depressing moment and one that put me in a very weird way for the concert. I'm still not quite over it actually. The show was amazing, and experiencing the soundcheck was absolutely surreal, but overall the VIP was just a weird experience, and I'm just not sure how I feel about it. I have to say they have a very imposing presence. It just would have been nice for them to say "hi". That seriously would have made my night, but other than Al, I got just blank stares (if that). 

It's totally lame (although one of the other VIPers I was speaking with - very nice lady - absolutely loved it).  It's a cheap looking silhouette of 5 beach boys (presumably Dave, Mike, Brian, Al, and Bruce) holding a surfboard, against a blue cloud background, which basically just lists all the dates. It's pretty small and it sucks. I considered not even taking it, but didn't want to be a jerk.

Timmy, thanks for the info. That's too bad about your expierience. I've got mine next month and from what I've read I realize there won't be any kind of conversations but I'm hoping for at least a quick friendly handshake from each. That doesn't seem to be asking too much. I'm curious, were you one of the first ones to go through, or at the end? Not that that should have mattered.

Hey J.G. -  I was more towards the end. Not sure if that made a difference or not! That was one of the frustrating things about the experience (for me at least).  I was constantly wondering whether we as a group were being treated to the same experience as the VIPers at the other shows, and whether or not I was getting the same experience/treatment as the other VIPers in my group. I felt there was no accurate direction at all as to really what we could expect and what would be appropriate to do or not do. The vibe I got from the VIP host was totally different from the vibe I got from the Beach Boys when I was actually in the room.

My advice is this - stay cool, don't say excitedly "David! Mike!" (like I did which elicited the blank stares from David and Mike), pick ONE Beach Boy (my advice is either Mike or Al), and have ONE thing you want to say. My mom (took her for mother's day... aw....) had a extraordinarily brief but friendly interaction with Mike and Al.

Now, don't get me wrong, there were plenty of other people doing things OTHER than that, but unless you're really aggressive, my advice is to lower your expectations, and just focus on being cool and having a brief interaction with Mike or Al (although you may have to work to get their attention!).  As far as shaking their hands go, it's up to you as to what you think is ok to do.  A young girl in front of me kissed them all, and that seemed to go over well (I think - it's all kind of hazy). But I was NOT getting the vibe that walking in FRONT of them to shake their hands before standing behind them for the photo was AT ALL a cool thing to do.

The whole thing left me weirded out a bit, but writing about it is therapeutic, so thanks!

PS - I'm sure you will have a great time. The soundcheck was insane (as in amazing). Although the only acknowledgment we received from anyone was two hand waves from Bruce.

Although I understand that the guys must get quite tired of all these meet and greets/pictures, if VIP Nation are charging so much for top VIP tickets you do really expect more. After all, the people who are buying those are true fans who are willing to part with savings. I don't reckon it's the band's fault at all, they are almost certainly just told what to do and want to focus on the gig but it is sad to hear people's accounts on here that have left them a little disappointed. That really shouldn't be the case. These are lifelong fans.

I am glad that this message board has given people the correct information about the gigs but isn't that sad? On the other hand, to be in the same room as a Beach Boy, well that is amazing itself and we should think of it like that.

I hope that future VIPers here get a better deal and that if they bring that kind of thing over to the UK, it isn't too expensive and is not as badly organised!

Totally agree.

I'm just curious if there were any fans who have contacted the promoter(s) and organizers of these events to voice their disappointment or the feeling that it wasn't quite what was expected. The flip-side of it is the question are there more dissatisfied fans who paid the extra price for this than fans who feel the experience exceeded their expectations?

See, that is the thing. Basically, we are paying a couple hundred dollars more for this VIP pass. When I hear words like Meet, Greet, I get this feeling that there should be some vocal interaction when these two things occur. The pic thing is listed as a separate item and can see not getting anything more or less. Whatever occurs during my visit in June, I am not going to let it ruin the overall experience and concert.

I'm sorry you had a bad experience. I hope that you contact VIPNation, politely expressing your displeasure, and report back on their response. It could be that the folks at the head office don't know what's happening on tour. Maybe it'll get fixed for future events. Maybe you'll get some kind of compensation. Maybe they won't care. But if you don't tell them, you'll never know.



If the band signed up for a meet and greet, are taking money to do a meet and greet, and are promising a meet and greet then I don't think it's unreasonable for people to expect a meet and greet.

It's impossible to say whether it's the fault of the band for not living up to their commitments, or the fault of the promoters for promising more than the band had agreed. Either way, there's some miscommunication somewhere.

Wow.  After reading about Timmy's experience, I'm glad I didn't spring for the VIP tickets. I woulda been disappointed too.

Limp handshake from Bruce? Not surprised. Met him in the early 80's when he was helping Mike promote the Beach Boys line of clothes at Macy's. I brought along Brad Elliott's Surf's Up book for he and Mike to sign. The line for autographs was moving along. Mike signed the book, but was flirting with some model and wouldn't give me the time of day. "Hi, my name is "Looooove. Michael Love", he said to her. I got to Bruce and asked him to sign my book. He signed it, but the whole time he pretty much ignored what I was saying to him, and was too engrossed in a dumb conversation with a fat sales lady. No handshake, and the line moved on. I came away with a bad taste in my mouth...

Timmy, sorry to hear that you had an iffy time at the Meet/Greet.  These things can be hit or miss.

But, I can't imagine anyone really expecting much from these corporate meet/greets.  These things are run with such precision that it's impossible to assume you'll be getting quality time with the band.  And when you have about a hundred people to get through...how exactly would they guarantee everyone getting the same experience?  Sure, you're not actually having time to sit and talk to them but to argue semantics that it's not really a meet and greet...a little silly.  You did get to meet them.  It's not like they were cardboard cut-outs of the guys...they were right there.  Right next to you in the same room.  So...the "meet and greet" so to speak was delivered.  ;) Had they only sold maybe ten passes for these meet/greets, I think you would've seen a more calmer expereince with time for everyone to mingle and say a few words.  From the sound of it, they moved you in like cattle to get through the large number of people.  That's just how it's going to go.  Plus, I'm sure the band themselves doesn't want to exert too much energy way before the show has started.  They probably want to make it as effortless for the band as possible.  So they just sit there whlie everyone passes through.  It doesn't sound like a fun time...but I totally see their point.  I'm not saying that you have no right to be upset about the whole thing but when you look at the logistics of this when you keep in mind how many people they have to go through for each meet/greet and plus they have to do this every night on the tour...you can kinda see how they made it easy for them...but not so great for us... :-\

Thanks everyone - I really appreciate your thoughts. This is the therapy I needed (I acknowledge how sad and pathetic it is that I needed therapy as a result of my Beach Boys meet and greet experience!!! Damn you Bruce!!!!  :lol)

A paid meet and greet is a lot like going to a hooker. You're going to get screwed and it isn't going to be very good!!! ( so I've been told)

Wow, all of this sounds quite sad

 Was anyone able to get autographs from the guys?

 man I couldn't disagree more!  When people pay for a "MEET AND GREET" they rightly expect an experience  to be treasured, not simply being in the same room with them and getting to pose with a picture before being rushed off for the next "chump" in line.   And for anyone to claim that the Beach Boys as a group/individually don't know what's going on is almost beyond belief.
It doesn't matter how many people are in the line! They're selling a product( the meet and greet) and they have to allow timer for everyone or not sell them. I'm certain they're only to happy to have the $$. 
 based on these reports I'm doubly glad I haven't gone for the VIP packages. 
If I were Timmy C, and I had paid for this with a credit card, I'd be contacting VIP nation to express my disgust and asking for a substantial refund of the amount; and if that doesn't fly, I'd be contacting the credit card carrier and protesting that you didn't get what you paid for. In Fact, I'd contact the card company first, and then VIP. You stand a good chance of getting some $$ back. Screw the BBS if this is the best they can do.
Limp-wristed pricks be damned

I know the BBs are legends and all that, but other bands that have meet and greets actually GREET their fans and chat with them for a little bit. And are friendly. If the BBs don't want to do that, they shouldn't have a meet and greet. People don't want to pay $200 or whatever to bask in their presence. Well, maybe some people do, but most are probably expecting them to at least say two words. (Except Brian-- I excuse Brian for obvious reasons.)

The way it's described here-- pay your money, get basically ignored, and pose for a photo-- sounds like a cash grab and like the band cares more about money than their fans. Again, I know it's hard to do meet and greets every night, so if they don't want to do it right, they shouldn't do it at all. I don't think anyone would be upset.

There were maybe 70 people at the meet & greet in St. Augustine. After the soundcheck, the "meet and greet" lasted less than 10 minutes for 70 people.  So I was definitely not happy. For nearly $400, I at least expected to shake their hands. The hooker analogy mentioned above is very appropriate.

Anyway, the advice about focusing on one Beach Boy was definitely worthwhile. And that was Al. Cool that others have had such a good experience with him. A friend of mine actually flew on a plane with them as they left Raleigh & traveled to St. Augustine. Al talked to him the whole time about agriculture, The Civil War [he had several magazines on the plane] & revealed he had lost his wallet in Raleigh. Maybe someone found it for him.

While I understand the concept and the reasons why fans want to do this, I find it difficult to understand why the group decided to do it. Brians issues alone make it a silly idea but are the rest of the group in that much need of cash?

I can only go by what I'm reading here but it sounds down right cheap and nasty and does not appeal at all. Perhaps more of a mix and mingle for 30 minutes for those who go for that kind of thing but to be walked by like livestock?

1.) Almost all bands do this now. Easier than dealing with all the people who want passes from band members, etc. Take a look at the other artists doing it on LiveNation.

2.) Yes, everyone needs the money. CDs aren't selling anymore, and this is another revenue stream.

3.) Only a fraction of the money paid goes to the meet and greet. A lot of it is for sound check access, extra merchandise and priority seating. Yes, if it cost hundreds of extra dollars to only see the band quickly, that would suck. But people who pay that do get a great number or other things.

4.) I've seen BW in a meet and greet that wasn't paid, and it was still pretty darn prefunctory.

https://v2.iloveallaccess.com/tours/beach-boys/50th-anniversary-tour/4f10181b5d4b1d25163c41253a558b91VwR5ZlV%3D/b3bb96d729b02a9f2c912b9ae93811a2VwDjZQLv

If only all bands were as good to their fans as this incredibly patient lady here. I don't think she charges money, either.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V2GvVWzRE5s&feature=related

I must say, I too am pretty glad I didn't fork over $375 (square or plus fees?) for the so-called "Meet & Greet". It's downright false advertising to call it that; at the VERY LEAST I'd expect a quick handshake and a 'Hey' or 'Hello' from each BB, which would take all of 45 seconds. Hell for that much money, I'd feel entitled to at least be able to thank them all personally for the reunion and ask a question or two, but it's quite understandable that it would take up too much time. This would have been a much more graceful affair if it were A) purely and plainly advertised as a photo-op, B) sold in very limited quantities that would allow for some kind of interaction, or C) not so freakin' expensive!

Either way, I was quite content to just be able to see them perform in person with my own two eyes. I love these guys for their timeless work, not so much the kind of people they are (sans Al and Carl from what I've heard). Plus I've had a few awkward/disappointing encounters with musicians that have soured me to their work for a couple months, wouldn't want anything hindering my ability to enjoy my BBs discs!

This sounds cool. I'd love to meet Al. He seems like a genuinely nice fellow.  Anyone think if I show up real early for the show I can catch him walking in the venue? Or perhaps I can catch him leaving if I stay late?

That's not what the Meet and Greet costs. That is the cost of a ticket to the show (which can be a couple of hundred bucks), sound check access, and a bundle of  merchandise. And you get to have a picture taken with the guys.

Yes, if that was truly what they were charging for that one segment of the experience, it would be ridiculous. But they're not doing that. At most, the M&G adds $50 to $75 bucks to the cost of a ticket.

Well, you can make a big stink about the term "meet and greet" all you want but nowhere did they promise that you would be able to speak at great lengths with the Beach Boys or be guaranteed several minutes with a Beach Boy or that there would be a roundtable discussion with the Beach Boys.  You walk in...you meet and greet them and you're on your way...with a photo with the band among a few other goodies.  As far as they're concerned, they followed through with everything that they promised.  I'm not saying they're completely right to charge whatever prices and limit this or that during the meet and greet...but some people simply have unrealstic expectations for this thing.  Some people it seems wanted this meet/greet to be an autograph session where they signed whatever record(s) you brought in, stopped and spoke to every Beach Boy, all while taking pictures with them on your camera and/or phone with one and/or all of the members.  Now multiply all that times the 70-100 people there with you and then multiply that for every city on the tour and you can see where there'd be problems.

 Sure, whatever. I'm betting that to most people their idea of Meet and Greet is much closer to the definition from Merriam-Webster:
>>Definition of MEET AND GREET
: a reception at which a public figure (as a politician or rock star) socializes with press members and other guests << 

than the BBs version:  "Hi, glad you could come, get in line for your photo, then get the heck out of our way"

 If they don't want to give people a real M&G, they should call it  what it is and see if people would still pay;

Hey, what if people had paid and then only Bruce and Mike were there for the M&G/photo?. That would still be " the Beach Boys"; and no one could be mad, right?
. at least not how you describe it

Yup, I would not have been surprised if I heard that happened too.  I believe in the package summaries they wrote that you'd meet "members of The Beach Boys"...which could be a great way of putting that only a few of them would show up at any given time during the meet/greets.  Luckily, it seems they haven't been doing that and all the members have been there for all of them.

Hey, I'm on both sides of the argument here.  I think they (meaning VIP Nation) could definitely offer more to the fans with this but time restraints and logistics prevent them from doing any more (the fact that Brian seems urgent to get these over with is a huge sign).  As far as what they've promised fans...they came through.  Everyone got their VIP setas, their picture, everyone got their tote bags, shirts and posters etc.  Transaction completed.

From the link you posted, it looks like a $100 upgrade.
(Unless you think people are paying for an upgrade to rows 2-5 as opposed to rows 2-10. I'd just take my chances.)


Except, of course, for the "greet" part of "meet and greet".
(Most probably the "meet" part too, if one doesn't think that just being in the same room/photo as someone counts as a meeting.)

Or, to put it another way, if "exclusive meet & greet" is exactly the same as "personal photograph," why not just say "personal photograph"?



$100 x 50 people. Multiply by 50 shows.  Divide by five band members.

I'd like to think that the band didn't expect to do more than the quick photo session, and it's VIP Nation that's unnecessarily hyping the experience.

Trying to get seats up front is impossible. The only way is to buy the VIP package. I didn't expect to have dinner with them. I've met them all at various times and let's face it, I'm nobody. Not pretty, not rich, not connected. What I am is a fan. Just sitting up front is worth the price anything else is a bonus. Ran into ML and BJ after a concert and ML came up to our table just to say hi. Cowsill is cool ,as is Stamos although I don't like him playing with them. BW is BW. That's so sad. DM's got to be loving this and Al is just having a ball for him its the music.

Zach95,

You never know.  You can probably make a few friends while you wait. I think that depends on the venue location as to whether you might see a Beach Boy before or after a show. If it's a theatre, you might have a better chance [buses may be parked closer to venue]. By the way, as the VIP folks were filing into the venue in St. Augustine, David Marks walked by, on his way to soundcheck.

I have a VIP thing for Thursday's show, should be interesting to see how that goes.

Their prices aren't that bad compared to some of the other bands that are doing that (I've read that some of Bon Jovi's cost thousands of dollars).  You actually are paying typical scalper prices for seats that are close, and the other bits are throw-ins (sound check, meet & greet, souvenirs).  If their wasn't as much demand for it, a lot of those seats would go unsold and they'd be put back on Ticketmaster a week or so before the show at face value.  I gather that the Beach Boys have sold out of their VIP packages at most locations, so that's not happening, and people who wanted to be in the first ten or twenty rows are getting what they wanted.  The band really doesn't have time to do a true meet and greet for fifty or seventy people and wouldn't if they gave a half hour to it.

I did the VIP thing in Tucson, mainly to avoid a lawn seat. Other venues I have seen people in lawn seats jammed in like sardines so I figured for 3x the lawn ticket price I would get a good seat and the soundcheck would be gravy. I didnt think the merch would be anything special and as you have seen that is certainly so. I had low expectations for the Meet and Greet from the start. As someone noted the package says you meet members of the beach boys band, so I figured if we were lucky it would be Dave and Bruce.

VIP could do a lot better advertising and coordinating with the venues but cant say how much it can improve as it really seems to be a seat of the pants affair and its not clear if some of the snags are coming from the band management side or VIP. Sticks (not how he spells it but he seems more of a Sticks than Stix) sent out an itinerary via email that clearly stated the BBs would not be signing anything during the meet and greet or soundcheck, no cameras or recording devices. This was all unequivocally stated in the email.

The operation, at least in Tucson, looks like Sticks hires some young girls to help him sign people in and hand out the merch. When everyone was finally signed in, he announced that we could take photos during the soundcheck as long as there was no flash and it was a non detachable lens. Then he says that the band will NOT sign any of the merch we were given such as the shirt or poster, but will sign something "if you have had it for a long time" or "paid a lot for it", completely contrary to his email. The sound check had been going on for some time by this point, at least a half hour to 45 min. Sticks said he was waiting for security because we could not be in the venue without a security escort but he was telling the casino he needed to get us in now. As he was talking I heard over the walkie talkie held by one of the staff that security would be there in 10 min. I used that as the chance to go to my car and get my cameras and cell phone. Not sure who was responsible for the rule changes but at least I brought the cameras with me but because I came in from out of state I didnt bring anything BB related that was old or that I paid a lot for. Security turned out to be casino staff who told Sticks where we should sit (back of the middle seat back section).

As we took our seats Bruce greeted us from the stage. There were sporadic groups of people already in the seats, BB affiliated in some way. I later learned some were wives or in the case of Marilyn Rovel, ex wives. I already went into some detail of the soundcheck in the first show thread but I will restate that during the soundcheck Scott Totten (sp?) was calling all the shots. Al seemed annoyed with him. Brian seemed completely tired and drained. Mike seemed to be in the Carl role, not as band director but trying to keep things going smoothly and peaceful. When they finished Thats Why God, Bruce announced to the crowd that it would be the new single. Alan Boyd was there the entire time at the edge of the stage taking photos with a pro camera.

The soundcheck went on so long I thought they might cancel the meet and greet but once it ended they lined us up and made sure we were wearing blue tags and said put away phones and cameras. Then here comes Bruce, Mike and Brian. It was the cattle call everyone has described but because it was the first one it seemed to take some time. I was in the first half of the line and it was more than ten minutes before they got to me so if they were knocking out 70 people in 10 min by the time they got east they must have gotten it down to a science. As for Brian smiling in the photos, it isnt surprising to hear because I noticed Mike and Brian would "be on" when the photo would be taken and then go serious or blank after the flash. They have been in show business for 50 years so im sure they know when to be on when it counts.  They all perked up when a young attractive female posed along with her boyfriend.

Since I am not a hot girl, or connected or lucky when it comes to getting access to see these things, the VIP package was well worth what I paid. I will remember the experience long after I forget what I paid for it.

The good vibrations continued into the next day when I saw all of the band, wives and backup musicians at the airport. Well everyone but Mike. Probyn Gregory is a classy guy, a real gem.

I was talking to a couple VIP'ers while in line to go into Mohegan on Saturday night. One girl said they went last. She was with a man in a wheelchair. She said beacause it took so long to get him into and out of position for the pic, and they were last, she had an opportunity to get her SMiLE book signed. However, based on other's descriptions, this situation sounds like a rare instance.

This thread is disheartening in some ways. I avoided commenting on anything, just asking if anyone had contacted the promoters if they were disappointed or felt misled by the actual event versus what they thought they had paid for.

What i don't like to see is how the entire notion of meeting and interacting with a band or artist has been sterilized to the point where it sounds like a cattle chute, military-like "hurry up and wait" line-up...some things can't be reduced to a process or procedure, and some things cannot be reduced to a formula.

My opinion is just that, and as I said a few months ago on this board, if someone wants to spend the extra money for this kind of thing and it makes them happy, then by all means go for it and enjoy it!

But if the band members act like they'd rather be a thousand miles away or not feeling good about having to interact with the fans who paid for this experience, I'm tempted to say "tough sh*t" or even more harsh "f*** off". If they didn't want to do this kind of thing, they should not have signed the contract to agree to do such a thing. At least put some kind of smile or enthusiasm into it, considering these fans paid and are here to see *YOU* and a little acknowledgement wouldn't hurt.

They should not take a cue from professional athletes who make a second income on appearing at autograph tables for a fee at collector shows...some actually acknowledge fans, some do the assembly line thing. I have stories about both.

They could take a cue from a number of country artists past and present who actually appear to *care* when fans come to see them and interact for a few moments...and even the staged, paid events like "Fan Fest" and other similar shows seem to be handled more personally and less machine-like than some of these "VIP" things we're hearing.

Again, if it makes you happy, that's an awesome thing. But hearing the less positive reports of a band going through the motions is upsetting.

Well, I wouldn't say this sounds like a total bust. It sounds like there are a fair amount of positive reviews, but the majority are dissapointing ones...but what was everyone honestly expecting? If you've ever done this before, you sort of know how it goes. I've only done it once, and it was not paid for, but it was with Roger Hodgson of Supertramp. By chance, I was last in line, and we talked about his music, he asked about MY music, about the show, the beatles, and he signed my tour book, took a few pics, for about 5-7mins. But, I was the only autograph of the evening, and everyone else was easily less than 3 mins each.

...so if you're looking for me at Merriweather next motnh during the meet n greet...I'm the guy at the BACK of the line!!! :o

To future VIP'ers...

When it's time to take the group photo, and everyone is quiet, I'd like someone to shout out -

"Okay...everybody say DING DANG!"

Love to see what would happen :lol

For Virginia Beach it is $275 for Soundcheck Package and $325 for M&G Package.


The $50.00 extra gets you Row 2-5 instead of 2-10 and "meet and greet" (a photo with the boys).

Hardly outrageous, I would have thought - especially considering how scalping works in the US.

Compared to what is being said here and what I've experienced for free in the past with the Beach Boys, yeah, I expect more when paying $375.00 for a VIP Pass. When it is free they can do what they feel like, but doing this for money they need to make it worth the expense.

I'll describe how it was last night. You can decide whether it's positive or negative.

All the V.I.P.'s are lined up outside a little room. The Beach Boys are seated in a specific order inside the room. They came right from the sound check. As it turned out, Mike and Brian had the same clothes on for the sound check and concert. Bruce, Al, and David changed clothes/shirts AFTER the photo and before the show.

The V.I.P.'s are given instructions by the guide/hostess that no autographs are allowed. They tell you where to retrieve your photo on-line (SmugMug). There was a security guard right at the door of the room, but he wasn't paying close attention. Jeff was inside the room, in front of the guys, telling all of the guys when to smile, as was the hostess. There was some joking around and small talk among the band, mostly by Mike and Jeff. When it was your turn to walk around the back to pose, you almost had to graze Mike. Sometimes he would make eye contact, sometimes not. A few people had the guts to put their hand on Brian's shoulder; I did not. A BB buddy of mine said to Bruce while leaving, "I liked your political comment last week." Bruce responded, "The check's in the mail..." I don't know what that meant. Al was gracious and made short comments like, "Hello" or "Welcome" or "Thank you". David smiled really well.

I am totally serious when I say the Meet And Greet lasts 15-20 seconds. You walk in, stand there, smile, and leave. So, you're basically paying the V.I.P. fee for the picture and great seats up front.

I knew from reading this board what to expect. But I was slightly disappointed in this: You are kind of rushed; it's very assembly line. You would almost feel guilty to stop, even for a second or two, to shake even one hand or even utter a few sentences. You might be able to say, as you're walking around to the back to pose, "It's an honor..." or "Thanks for the music..." or whatever. But that's it. There's no way they would allow you stop and have any kind of conversation. But, this is what really surprised me the most: The person taking the picture was the guide/hostess, and she was using just a regular hand-held camera. Who was she and how do I know she can take good pictures? I expected at least Joe's Photography to be present with a camera on a tripod or something. I mean, this was The Sands and The Beach Boys and we're paying big bucks for this. Instead we got some chick holding a camera going "Cheese!" :o

Well really, that price isn't all for the VIP pass. In my case, it was $375 as well, and the top price ticket is $125. So once you take that out, you are down to $250. The merchandise would easily be sold at the booth for about a total of $75,so you are down to $175 for soundcheck access and a photo/minute with The Beach Boys. That would be worth it to me. I know I'll never get to meet these guys again, or see them in concert, or ANYTHING relating to a live setting. As you said, you've already met them, so I suppose your views are going to be different.

I've done sound checks for free, as many have here too. I know part of the cost is the seat, but the people who are buying these VIP Passes are their biggest fans and the ones who supported their career through the years. I feel the band should at least address the groups as they arrive back stage. I mean, I understand they can't meet everyone one on one, but they should talk to the fans as a group before or after the soundcheck.

i have a question, how have the seat placements been?  i paid for a VIP, i'd be pretty annoyed if i'm on the far edge of a row, closest to bruce or something. 

What time is the sound check, as in how far in advance of the show starting time?  I'm not doing the VIP thing, but just wonder how much earlier to the venue they have to get prior to the show and how much waiting around there is.  That would seem like a drawback right there, on top of the price.

I did the 5/22 VIP in Chicago, I'll post my experience in full later.  The show started at 8pm and the soundcheck was probably around 5:30 by the time we got in the auditorium (we were admitted in the building at 5pm).  After the sound check and the QUICK photo op (AKA meet & greet, though there wasn't much true meeting and greeting) we were were told to come back and to line up at the side entrance at 6:45 to get in early (general public was allowed in at 7pm).  But after the meet & greet were told we could check out merchandise before we left and I'm glad I stayed around because after almost everyone else left our VIP host came out into the lobby with Al - he was wanting to see some of the architecture in the theatre and she was giving him a mini tour.  They were like 3 feet away from me just having a converstation.  Then Al went to check out the merch table, saying somthing about his album.  When I came back at 6:45 I ran in to Jeff Foskett in the loby.  He was having a conversation with someone so I just quickly shook his hand and said hi.   

My show was in the Chicago Theatre.  Our 4 rows of seats were right at the edge of the stage in the pit.  I was in the 2nd row, almost right in the center.  I was basically right in front of Mike the entire show, but I also had a great view of Brian since he was angled to face my direction.  Also very close to Dave and Al also.  Bruce was furthest from me.  There were seats all the way down by Bruce.  I'm sure it's just determined the the order of when the tickets were purchased. 

$1250 a pop here in Australia!! Includes free piss and food before the gig.

I said 'NO!' and opted for the Diamond Tour Package. A T-Shirt, two drinks and download of an album I already have for an extra $200 on the face value of the ticket.

I might be a sucker bit I wanted good seats and was not interested in the potluck draw tomorrow morning.

Anyhow I've already done a 'life splurge' on Brian having flown to Chicago for a weekend in 2000 to see him play ... and it was worth every cent!

No meet and greet at all?

Yes, it includes a (brief) photo op.

I really appreciate reading this thread, as I was sorely tempted to buy the VIP package for the Hollywood Bowl show.  I'm sort of glad I didn't now.

It does sort of suck that the band acts that way at its meet-and-greets.  One thing I think we all should remember about this group is that they all became very famous at a very young age.  And this is a harsh thing to say, but none of these guys (save perhaps Mike) has ever worked a real day in a real job at any time in their lives.  They don't understand what it's like to struggle for a paycheck and to make the choice to spend that paycheck on something like a VIP package at a concert.

I don't want to speak for anyone here, but if I became a rock star at 35, and I learned that fans were paying several hundred dollars a pop just for the opportunity to be in my presence, I'd be a little humbled.  I'd be more humbled if I knew I was going to be earning several thousand dollars for maybe 1-2 hours (if that) of "social interaction" time.  In fact, I'd probably feel a duty to earn that money and give people their money's worth.   It would be no-holds-barred, baby.  I'd be MR. PERSONALITY the whole freaking time.  ;D    I'd have my arm around fans, calling them by their first names, wanting to know what they loved about my work, what they hated, where they were from, etc.   Fans would be leaving that room either completely sick of me, or ready to buy up the entire souvenir stand based on their experience.

And why not?  They're paying good money for the experience.


  

Good points!

With a $70m turnover for what is now 60 plus gigs (?) I'm sure each BB is getting a good cut even after everyone else takes their percentage.
 

Don't let the Beach Boys fool you on these types of experience, some are just like what you said....not from the BB's, but other artists.

I am week away from my VIP show in Camden, New Jersey and I haven't heard a word from Live Nation. How close to the show date until they send out the email for the ticket and instructions?

About 5 days.  If you don't hear quickly, call their toll free number, do not email

Has anybody else had problems getting their itinerary from VIP Nation?

Don't fret if it doesn't come five days beforehand...I forgot to share earlier, but mine showed up today so, two days before the day of the show.

I'm a little concerned though, it says report time is 5PM, and the gates open at 6:30PM, thats a lot to get done in an hour and a half before everyone else shows up! Maybe they'll do the Meet N Greet/Photo-Op thing in a secluded area from regular concert-goers instead of in front of the stage?

Soooo...

is the meet n greet BEFORE or AFTER the show ?

It's always before and right after soundcheck. At least it was this setup before my show.

Mmmm/....thanks..that's a good heads up. I only have Sound Check level, not meet and greet, so my 'blend in with the crowd' chances just improved slightly. I would have bought the meet and greet package...it's not the money..that level was already sold out by the time I was ready to buy my ticket.

You get different colored passes for soundcheck vs. M&G I remember.

I don't think there's much of a chance for anyone to sneak into the meet and greet.

what songs have been played at soundcheck?

Any rarities just as "one-offs" to warm up to?
Backing band play Pet Sounds or Transendental Meditation as a warm up jam?

Bruce play I Write the songs or anything?

I object to the term 'sneak'. I prefer 'blend'.

Yet, it's obviously not blending. Whatever you prefer to call it, It's sneaking

What's sneaking? Who's sneaking?

I'm just sitting here at the ranch.

They did Runaway at my soundcheck!

really? strange...Al take lead?

Yep Al sang lead. It was great!

Good ...that's one of their oldest songs. I think they did that in 1963.

I have a rather lengthy review of my VIP experience on the Columbia thread, link below,...it was much better than all of you said. You just have to know how to work the circumstances.  :wink

http://smileysmile.net/board/index.php/topic,13378.25.html

. deleted

...what?

 :p ;) :smokin :lol

"Don't Worry. Be Happy" -Meher Baba

Ah, finally!  They posted the pictures from my meet and greet.   Pics came out alright although the first one is slightly blurry.  Now I gotta find room on the wall to hang these puppies.

(https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-PSjFFMmmy3Y/T96VAx4LiyI/AAAAAAAAJlk/8pQekSUpQ2M/s720/dsc_0561.jpg)

(https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-vbT1ZiNq5PQ/T96VIy7bIkI/AAAAAAAAJls/pDQUceVqd8M/s800/DSC0698.jpg)

CLASSIC Brian in both of these! You got great shots.

Does Bruce think he has great looking legs or something? Get some trousers, Bruce.  ::)

I did the Meet and Greet in Grand Prairie (Dallas). It was an experience of a lifetime, well worth the price (which I acknowledge was quite expensive).  I arrived on time at 4 pm for an 8 pm show. After a brief wait in line, I checked in and got my goodies - a reasonably nice XXL (I'm 6'5'') white T-shirt (with the Beach Boys 50 logo), a black tote bag, a badge with lanyard, a nice poster, and a ticket in the 5th row. 

We waited around about an hour while the souvenir stand was set up. They didn't let us get near it as they were not set up yet. 

They then ushered us into the Verizon Theater, and there they were, my heroes.  Al and Mike welcomed us from the stage.  We sat about 20 rows from the front. Scott was running the rehearsal.  They did Little Deuce Coupe, and it was fantastic.  Then there was another number with a great Dave solo.  I had no problem yelling my approval and leading the applause. Al's singing sounded as great as he ever has.  Me, and everyone around me, said "this is so much better than we were expecting. This is good, really good!"  They then rehearsed Sail On Sailor.  Brian was singing very badly out of tune.  They key part of the rehearsal was deciding how the ending would go.  I noticed that Melinda Wilson was pacing the aisle next to me.  Scott played his idea for how the ending should go.  There was some good-spirited arguing.  Al then said, "well, for those of you who paid to attend the soundcheck, I guess the majesty of the experience is starting to wear off, huh?"   Very funny line. Then Darian said, "here is how Brian does it", and he played the version he wanted.  I yelled, "do it that way!", and Melinda yelled, "thank you!"  One of the other fans yelled, "careful, you'll split up the band again!"  Well, Brian's version won out.  For the remainder of the tour, that's the ending they do for Sail On Sailor.  I guess I was the musical director for the Beach Boys for about 1 second!  Anyway, you read about and see films about your heroes all your life, and there I was, in the middle of it!  They did a full run through of TWGMTR.  Bruce said, "this is our new single", and I yelled, "it's great!" and led the other fans in applause.   

Brian then said, "well, we need to get going, we need to do the meet and greet, and then there's the catering."  Scott said, "I need to rehearse the band a little more, but you can leave if you want to."  Brian, of course, stayed.   They rehearsed the transitions between the car songs at the end of the first act.  Scott said, "ok, let's start at the bridge of I Get Around, so we save time", to which Al replied, "yeah, these songs are so long to begin with!"  Very funny moment.

Then they rolled out a backdrop that said "Beach Boys 50" right in front of us, and the 5 of them came up and sat down.  A couple of people tried to get Brian to sign albums (despite having been warned that they wouldn't do this), and Brian said, politely, "we are not going to sign anything."   When my turn came, I stood between Mike and Brian, and they snapped the picture. Brian was grinning from ear to ear. It was a fantastic photo that I will treasure forever. It's like a spiritual experience to be standing right next to them. I said, "thanks very much guys for doing this tour."  Bruce said "thanks!  Don't worry, the show will sound better than the soundcheck!"  Bruce was very, very nice to everyone.

Well, if you have the means, I highly recommend it!

What???

The stripes on Brian's pants match the colors of his shirts in both pics!

Is there an echo in here???

I said...RUNAWAY.... One of their oldest songs. They did it in 1963.

What do you see at no.4 ??

SETLIST..Aug 17 1963

1. Surfin Safari
2. 409
3. Little Deuce Coupe
4. Runaway
5. Blue City
6. Farmer's Daughter
7. Monster Mash (Mike)
8. Movin N' Groovin
9. Silly Boy (Dennis)
10. Papa Oom Mow Mow (Brian)
11. Honky Tonk
12. Shut Down
13. Louie Louie (David)
14. Surfer Girl
15. Let's Go Trippin
16. Surfin USA
17. Johnny B Goode (Brian)

Nice.  Second shot is obvioulsy a Sunday.

Looks like TWO separate M&Gs; or did everyone change clothes?

1st is Santa Barbara?  but how did you pick the second for Irvine?

Here we are! With me cheesin' behind Brian, and Brian actually smiling! Still thinking about this moment!

(https://sphotos.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-snc7/s480x480/577522_3730280333043_1086556819)

I'm getting an "invalid request" error from Facebook on that one.

Here's me and my father from the same show...

(http://atroxi.smugmug.com/Music/When-Around-The-Corner-Came/i-TrCQTdR/0/M/dsc0842-L.jpg)

Half the fun is going through everyone else's pictures on there....  ;D

Do you know everyone else?

Seemingly, I do now.

If you look closely, Mike Love is wearing his "All Access" pass.  This is the first time I've ever seen Mike wear any type of pass.  I always assumed that security would know who he is.

Let's try this again!

(http://vipnation.smugmug.com/BeachBoys50thAnniversaryTour/Columbia-06152012/i-SFk6G2t/0/M/DSC0821-M.jpg)

I noticed that...didn't seem to make sense that he'd need it.  Only odd thing I can think of specific to that show is he was running behind the rest of the band for some reason before the sound check.  Perhaps that had something to do with it?

...or (more likely) it was just a touch of harmless facetiousness.

Which one is you? ( whoever you are)

The one behind Brian with the dorky smile. :lol

The woman would be Grandmother. Bruce thought she was my mom, we went with it :lol

Great stuff

The Hawaiin shirt is a must

*starting to be thankful I'm not 'in line' for meet and greet.*

I've already had the privilege of speaking with Brian, Dennis, Carl and Audree. I'll reserve yakking with Dave Marks for some LESS obvious and predictable moment. Got some questions that might lead to more beer than 'meet and greet' would allow.  8)

Mike acknlowedged both my shirts and my "Good Vibrations/Thirty Years Box Set" Surf Board pin seen in the pic...SO worth wearing it all. :-D

Two things jump out at me from seeing all of these photos.  First, David Marks is clearly the best dresser of the group.  Second, why hasn't anybody given Mike Love rabbit ears yet?

Sorry for those with bad experiences at the Meet And Greets. Could be the opportunity of a lifetime or a huge letdown. Glad that the concert experiences have been much better!

My guess, from having checked hundreds of these photos:  everyone did, but they were digitally edited out

Cause they are giving him a wedgie instead!

Had my meet n greet and soundcheck last night in Bangor. I've been reading everyone's reviews so I had a pretty good idea of what to expect.
Sound check was a fantastic experience. We filed in and the BB's were already on stage. Brian was sitting motionless at the piano and only his eyes were moving. Very surreal. It rained during the sound check which was kind of a bummer but it was all good. It was very enjoyable. At the end, Scott told the BB's they should go to the meet n greet but that he needed Dave to stay and work on Pet Sounds. Once I heard that, that was my cue to get in the back of the line since I knew the first several pics were going to be done without Dave.
The MnG tent was set up back stage in front of a tour bus. As we left the stage area we filed around the tent to line up along the bus. As I was last, I was walking by the tent and Mike was there seated early by himself. I stopped for a moment said hello and told him that I had seen them the night before last in Montreal and that this was my 4th show on the tour. He responded "really?, nice". Then I was told to catch up to the line by the VIP hostess. Wasn't as if I was holding anything up, the other BB's weren't even there. I can tell you that VIP's charge is to make sure the fans have as little interaction as possible with the BB's. They were pushing people through at  about an 8 to 10 second clip. The only exception was when Mary Ann Jardine went up to fix Al's hair. A funny moment. When it came to my turn, I was not gonna settle for 8 seconds with my heroes. The Beach Boys owe me nothing, but VIP Nation sure as hell owe me more than 8 seconds of a silent photo op when I shelled out big $ for a "MEET & GREET". Well, instead of walking behind the 5 of them I walked right up to Bruce, said hello and shook his hand, then I quickly went to Al, did the same thing, and then to Brian. My goal was to shake each of their hands and say hello. by the time I got to Brian the hostess and the other security guys were pitching a fit saying no, no, you need to get behind them! Well too late I had already shaken three of their hands. All three were gracious, but I could tell they were a little surprised. They all had a look on their face like " I think he might be breaking the rules" but they were cool.
I then got behind Brian and as she was snapping the pic, Mike turns around to me and says, "so you were at the Montreal show huh?". I simply said, yes, I sure was. I thought it was nice of Mike to make a point of saying something to me and then I reached out my hand and he shook it. Well that set off the VIP people again; "you need to leave now!". Said hello to Dave on my way out. Even with my "extra" time, it went by so fast, but it was a thrilling moment for me and I can't wait to see how the pic comes out.

Wow, I enjoyed reading that. Way to show those VIP people how it ought to be, that's funny how the band seemed cool but the VIP people weren't. I'm glad it worked out!

Tara is pretty hot though!

VERY edumacational.  :smokin

I'm certainly glad, now, that I didn't spend the extra dough for "meet 'n' greet".

I've been to meet and greets before with big name acts, and it was always very casual - no rush rush . Usually the 'stars' would  'hang' for as long as it took to satisfy the fans who bothered to yak with them.

The big difference being that those 'meet and greets' took place AFTER THE SHOW when there wasn't any pressure.

WHY are the Beach Boys allowing this kind of *slam, bam, glad to meet you, 'mam* kind of treatment for their fans who shell out the hard-earned money to prove how long they've been faithful fans?

8 to 10 seconds?  :P

"Move along briskly now, fan-person. We got your money and you're due at the merchandise table!"

So anyway.....after making a post on this topic, I have been sent this. Anyone else?

If anyone wants to contact this guy, knock yourself out!


Hey there. I'm a writer with SmartMoney, the personal finance magazine of The Wall Street Journal. I'm doing a piece on VIP experiences of all sorts — first-class air travel, concierge lounges at hotels and, yes, VIP experiences at concerts.
 
I'm looking at how customers have felt about their VIP purchases for some recent tours, including the Beach Boys one. Saw your comments on a message board. I'm hoping you will be wiling to speak to me. Please get back and let me know how I can get in touch. Thanks!
 
Charles Passy
Staff Writer, SmartMoney
Contributor, The Wall Street Journal


1211 Avenue of the Americas
New York, NY 10036
            (212) 416-2003      
            (646) 415-2179       (mobile)
charles.passy@dowjones.com<mailto:charles.passy@dowjones.com>

Wanna see something weird?  Someone used my group photo on their ebay auction for a signed 8x10 that they're selling.  Is this seller on this board? 

(http://i.ebayimg.com/t/Beach-Boys-50th-Tour-VIP-Meet-Greet-8x10-SIGNED-ALL-5-Brian-Wilson-PROOF-/00/s/MTAwMlgxNjAw/$T2eC16RHJGYE9nooh7lrBP7zTmJ-0g~~60_12.JPG)

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=261056690567

If they were apparently at the meet and greet why not post THEIR picture on the auction?  The sad thing I think I know who this seller is.  One of those ebay autograph hunters.  Gag.

Wow, Justin that is really messed up  :o

Tell me about it.  I sent him a message asking how/why they chose my photo. 

I was just browsing ebay checking to see how much new signed stuff from the tour have been popping up---(a few signed CDs from the merch table are up) and was saddened to see how much stuff was up there.  Then I come across this auction, I look at the picture and was like "What the F??" 

It was great except that part when Bruce "Historical" Johnston touched me inappropriately. I can show you on the doll. I will be forever haunted by Al Jardine's mocking laughter.

We just had the VIP experience in Detroit.  Tara was a wonderful host, the seats and soundcheck were priceless, and the picture is what I've been waiting 22 years for.  It was great, except VIP Nation is not getting the pictures uploaded very fast.  There are people who are still waiting for their picture from the Boston show.  With as much money as they charge us for the package, I'd of thought that the pictures would be posted rather quickly.  I'm not really complaining, just being impatient.

Bottom photo looks better (only kidding :))

May I suggest reporting the seller citing infringement of owned material (your photo)?

HA!   :lol

Yeah I've already emailed him and he said he chose a "random" photo because they took his down.   ::) Yeah ok.  So he offered to take mine down, which is good.

Nah it's just because you're one sexy male! look at you!!!  :afro

A bunch of us are still waiting for our pictures to be posted.  VIP Nation has been terribly slow at uploading pictures lately.  And to make things worse, I just got an email from them stating that in observance of July 4th, they will be closed until July 9th.  So I guess this means we don't even have a chance of seeing our picture for at least another week?  Unbelievable!  This has to be about the worst customer service I've ever seen! I'd like to email our host directly, but the only email address VIP Nation has given out is there generic one which gets you nowhere.

haha nice Ziggy.  Maybe he should show the full pic with me in it if he really wants his stuff sold! :lol

FYI, they posted my pics almost three weeks after the show.  So, while you might be lucky and get it "soon"...be prepared to wait.

Would somebody please describe what the 'host' actually does beside ushering you to your seat ?

Does every VIP ticket holder get their own host or do a few hosts cover all the VIP ticket holders?

How does that work? I don't want some philistine hovering over me for the whole show, that's for sure.

The host takes care of the entire group:  both VIP/Meet and Greet and Soundcheck Only groups.  After she checks you in and hands you your tote bag, she ushers you over to the soundcheck, when that's over, she asks the Soundcheck-only people to leave and then leads the Meet and Greet group over to the picture area.  She is the one who takes the picture and directs the line to keep moving.  Our host, Tara, ran a tight ship and kept it moving switftly.  After it's all over she escorts you out of the backstage area and she's done for the day.

What has been performed or ran-through at soundcheck that hasn't made it to the shows? I know that Runaway and Custom Machine were...did Al do the lead on Runaway and Mike lead on Custom Machine?

Excellent! That's precisely what I wanted to hear.
I didn't really think there would be one on one. That would be a bit TOO crowded.... :smokin

I'll have a eargasm if they do the awesome 'Custom Machine'. If they perform 'No Go Showboat' my head will explode! (in a good way)  ;)

I've been curious about this since I read this post a while back.  In looking at a couple recent performances of "Sail On Sailor" I haven't noticed any difference in the way they end the song from before.  It still vamps at the end with "Sail on, sail on sailor" three times and then Scott Bennett comes in with the lead vocal with a soulful "Sail on, sail on, sail ON!" which signals the last time its sung and the song ends on a powerful "sail on SAILOR!" (sung by the group but led by Scott).  Just curious, could you describe the different ending that they tried in soundcheck?

6/24/12
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dkwT9Uj4IXM

5/12/12
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=152c3XlHyNU

Has anyone received their VIP tickets for the UK shows yet?

If it's anything like how VIP Nation did it in the US...you won't be receiving actual tickets for the VIP packages before the show.  Print out your email confirmation for your order and when you meet up with the rest of the VIP group at the venue right before the show, you will then receive your gift package which also comes with your hard ticket.  Look out for an email from them about a week before the show for more specific instructions.

Al sung Don't Be Cruel at the Calgary soundcheck..

And the backing band played an awesome "Pinball Wizard" in Sydney.  If only they'd added that to the set...

Cheers,
Jon Blum

I purposefully did NOT spring for the meet and greet. Why shell out an additional $125 to be hearded thru like cattle by some VIP hosts, who wouldn't know The Beach Boys from Iron Butterfly, to have a cookie cutter snapshot taken on an assembly line basis by a machine like crew?

At the show, they promised to send the T-shirt in the mail due to not having any at the show. Ok...fine.
Thing is, when the T-shirt arrived it was of the wimpiest fruit-of-the-loom wieght; so thin you can see thru it. Dopey '15 Big Ones' era graphics. YUK. Stingy short sleeves. Just crap.

The tote-bag? Gimme a break. What a totally useless product. Who needs it? Ugly black.......awful and useless.

The poster? Ho 'freakin' Hum. A poster. Paper and ink molecules. Dopey '15 Big Ones' style graphics.

What did I get that was worth the VIP cost? Not much.

Got to stand in line in the sun for 90 minutes waiting, and then finally herded like cattle into the so-called 'Sound check' which was a really poor excuse for a quality experience, mostly due to being scolded and warned about all the stuff you couldn't do.

The sound check lasted about 25 minutes and was not really a sound-check at all, since they failed to solve any of the P.A. issues that plagued the band most of the night. Mostly just a moment of frivolity by the hamster himself....Bruce Johnston.

I'm glad the rest of you relished that kind of treatment. They say you get the government you deserve (so true) and evidently the same thing applies to VIP and the Beach Boys.

I still love Mike Love and The Beach Boys, and Brian Wilson too, even though he sleep-walked thru most of the show.
VIP can go screw.

if I had the money to blow I totally would've done it. why not?

My VIP went like this: I was told, "you cant be here turn around and go back." I was subsequently escorted in the "turn around" direction to be met by the next set of mini-gestapo to be told, "you cant be here, turn around and go back". Thing is I wasnt in any area that was marked as off limits and as it was around 200m in front of the stage, could hardly be classed as "backstage". Concert security - you gotta love 'em. Especially when they sell clothes they "found" of the BBs on the internet from the same concert all the while telling you how much of a security risk you are.

Local security can be unecessarily nasty sometimes.  But out VIP host Tara was actualy quite nice.  She took her job seriously, but we were able to visit with her for awhile before the soundcheck.  She knew more about the band than I would have expected.  At out show, she did make a effort to see that everyone was satisfied.  Our VIP experience was worth every penny we paid and more.

Tara did do a great job!  She rocks!

And ditto on the local security.  But their job is to protect the band.  And see to any emergency health issues of the concertgoers.  Little true story from The Reunion...At one of the shows, a friend, had a heart attack, while coming back from intermission, and one of the "security/usher" types could see he was having some difficulty, and got him medical attention, thusly saving his life. (Now, doing very well.)  They were able to locate the people he was with and let them know what hospital he was taken to.  So, we might think they are stealing our fun,  but do serve a meritorious purpose.  In an emergency, they are on our side.

So, it is a balance of interests.   ;)

If Tara's job was to rush everyone through the picture making sure you didn't interact with the Beach Boys, then yes, she did a great job.

Zing!

Come to think of it, there was 'one' VIP item that is actually useful. It's a plastic strip about 1.5" wide and maybe 6" long. It's a fakey complimentary ticket replica.

It's worthless, but I use it as a bookmark while reading all the absurdly worshipful, factually inaccurate, profit-driven Brian Wilson Books written by all the absurdly worshipful, factually vacuous, name-dropping authors who dream them up.

Why do I bother reading them?

Amusement.

I was just at the Indy show for Jason Mraz and had the VIP experience that sounds a little similar but not really. We also got a tote bag for goodies (with the LOVE is a 4 letter word logo) with over 70$ worth of tour merch.

(http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m96vwnkRnU1qzzpi4o1_400.gif)

Can someone help me help someone out? A guy I know sprang for the VIP but has lost the email with details on how to pick up the photo Tara took of him and the guys. I know it involves logging into a website with your email address but couldn't tell him which one.

Try this http://vipnation.smugmug.com/Other/Past-Tours/BeachBoys50thAnniversaryTour/ (http://vipnation.smugmug.com/Other/Past-Tours/BeachBoys50thAnniversaryTour/Camden-06162012/n-338bf/i-rg7HPbs)

Much obliged! :) Will pass it on.

sounds like getting your picture taken with Santa Clause only much more expensive.   Paying for it just ruins the fun of the experience of getting to meet someone.......sort of like going to a pimp instead of meeting a person in a bar......so, in a way, bands that do these things could be referred to as ............

You fill in the blanks......

I wonder if the meet and greets with Brian, Al, and Blondie are going to be the same on this tour?

Photos will be up for download on mikelove.com - pretty sure the previous link you were given is for the C50 tour. I'm assuming the VIP was for a show this year ?

Maybe it's a UK thing, but the VIP wotsit at the RAH shows were pretty nice: little tour of the venue (surprisingly interesting), free drink in the bar, soundcheck & photo/signing, free programme (which was pretty impressive). The interaction with the band at the soundcheck was much more than 50 seconds of "hi"/handshake/photo/sign/"bye". But then, of course, I am on Mike's payroll. Probably.  :)

Tara & Betty did a fine job against considerable odds (the RAH staff didn't seem to have a clue: I believe our little group did at least three circumnavigations of the Hall).

  If so, you will no doubt do a great job writing the liner notes for the archival release of MIKE LOVE PRESENTS ATLANTIS RISING.

VIP for the up-coming Honeys gig - $100. Just seen it on Facebook.

Where was The Honeys gig listed on Facebook? I can't seem to find a page for them.

"why give it away when they're willing to pay for it?"


(Source:  annonymous )

You have to have a Honey (or two) as a friend.

What happened to club Kokomo?  >:D

Mike's web page does not show any VIP links for the summer 2015 tour.  Are they done selling these packages?

Seems to me the VIP packages go with the seats........you look for the most expensive seats and go from there.   and you can contact the venue in many cases.   If you can get an actual person to answer they are often very helpful.

That has not been my experience. In the two cases I've sprung for VIP experiences, it was through an entity totally unconnected with the venue, i.e. VIP Nation. They buy up the very choicest seats and then set the prices and extra bonus stuff. Then they sell the package through their own site. I didn't even get to choose my seats, but because I bought early, they ended up being front row center. Seats like those won't even show up on the venue site, though.

That's correct.  I would not assume that the seats up front automatically come with VIP packages.  Some venues probably can't accommodate for such a thing.  I'd say, if there's no mention anywhere on the ticket site or on Mike's website--there isn't one for that show.  I don't know if that Club Kokomo thing was only for a set period or if the contract for that has expired already ---I haven't seen it in a while.