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Author Topic: Thread For VIP Experiences  (Read 45344 times)
Amy B.
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« Reply #50 on: May 14, 2012, 04:10:52 PM »

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.
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« Reply #51 on: May 14, 2012, 04:14:03 PM »

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.
« Last Edit: May 14, 2012, 04:17:44 PM by jeremylr » Logged
Pretty Funky
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« Reply #52 on: May 14, 2012, 04:14:56 PM »

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?
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Wirestone
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« Reply #53 on: May 14, 2012, 04:21:26 PM »

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
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Amy B.
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« Reply #54 on: May 14, 2012, 04:32:04 PM »

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
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Waspinators
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« Reply #55 on: May 14, 2012, 04:32:25 PM »

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!
« Last Edit: May 14, 2012, 04:35:29 PM by Waspinators » Logged
Zach95
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« Reply #56 on: May 14, 2012, 04:37:13 PM »

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.

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?
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« Reply #57 on: May 14, 2012, 04:42:51 PM »

I must say, I too am pretty glad I didn't fork over $375 (square or plus fees?) for the so-called "Meet & Greet".

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.
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Justin
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« Reply #58 on: May 14, 2012, 04:54:50 PM »

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

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.
« Last Edit: May 14, 2012, 04:56:20 PM by Justin » Logged
bgas
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« Reply #59 on: May 14, 2012, 05:12:56 PM »

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

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
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« Reply #60 on: May 14, 2012, 05:20:43 PM »

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.
« Last Edit: May 14, 2012, 05:25:32 PM by Justin » Logged
darling
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« Reply #61 on: May 14, 2012, 06:24:14 PM »

At most, the M&G adds $50 to $75 bucks to the cost of a ticket.

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.)

Everyone got their VIP setas, their picture, everyone got their tote bags, shirts and posters etc.  Transaction completed.

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"?


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.

$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.
« Last Edit: May 14, 2012, 06:25:45 PM by darling » Logged
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« Reply #62 on: May 14, 2012, 07:21:46 PM »

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.
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« Reply #63 on: May 14, 2012, 07:50:40 PM »

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.
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« Reply #64 on: May 14, 2012, 08:05:57 PM »

I have a VIP thing for Thursday's show, should be interesting to see how that goes.
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« Reply #65 on: May 14, 2012, 08:50:12 PM »

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.
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Kamandi
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« Reply #66 on: May 14, 2012, 10:27:20 PM »

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.
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J.G. Dev
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« Reply #67 on: May 15, 2012, 04:40:38 AM »

Was anyone able to get autographs from the guys?

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.
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« Reply #68 on: May 15, 2012, 09:10:46 AM »

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.
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« Reply #69 on: May 18, 2012, 02:55:20 PM »

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!!! Shocked
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« Reply #70 on: May 18, 2012, 03:14:46 PM »

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
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« Reply #71 on: May 18, 2012, 03:46:53 PM »


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.

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« Reply #72 on: May 18, 2012, 04:14:17 PM »

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!!! Shocked
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.
« Last Edit: May 18, 2012, 04:16:14 PM by drbeachboy » Logged

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« Reply #73 on: May 18, 2012, 04:29:17 PM »

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!" Shocked
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RubberSoul13
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« Reply #74 on: May 18, 2012, 04:31:22 PM »

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!!! Shocked
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.

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.
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