First presale with new LR

[Amicustoall]

Get Your Pre-Sale Tickets TOMORROW For BNL's Canadian Tour- Find Out How
posted by Barenaked Ladies on January 25, 2010 in Gigs, New Album, Tickets, Tour, Twitter

If you're a member of the Barenaked Ladies "Ladies Room" fan club, you'll be able to purchase your pre-sale tickets TOMORROW!

Click here to become a member of The Ladies Room and for $35 a year, you'll receive:
- Fan club welcome package (including fan club t-shirt, membership card & welcome letter from the band)
- 24/7 Access to this members-only fan site
- Exclusive photos, video blogs and audio
- Periodic contests with exclusive prizes and random giveaways
- Access to ticket pre-sales & priority access to VIP packages (where available)

If you're a member of the club, you'll get an email by tomorrow morning with your special link and pre-sale code to purchase tickets. All dates for the upcoming tour begin their pre-sales TOMORROW, but see below for the following general on-sale dates:

6 Apr - Victoria, BC - Save On Foods Centre - On Sale 1/29 - Buy Tix
8 Apr - Calgary, AB - Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium - On Sale 1/29 - Buy Tix
12 Apr - Saskatoon, SK - Sid Buckwold Theatre @ TCU - On Sale 1/29 - Buy Tix
13 Apr - Regina, SK - Conexus Arts Center - On Sale 1/29 - Buy Tix
14 Apr - Edmonton, AB - Northern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium - On Sale 1/29 - Buy Tix
17 Apr - London, ON - John Labatt Centre - On Sale 1/29 - Buy Tix
20 Apr - Kingston, ON - K-Rock Centre - On Sale 1/29 - Buy Tix
24 Apr - Halifax, NS - Metro Centre - On Sale 1/30 - Buy Tix
28 Apr - Hamilton, ON - Hamilton Place Theatre - On Sale 1/29 - Buy Tix
30 Apr - Montreal, QC - Metropolis - On Sale 1/30 - Buy Tix
1 May - Oshawa, ON - General Motors Centre - On Sale 1/29 - Buy Tix

[Amicustoall]

More info

http://www.barenakedladiesroom.com/news/your-first-ladies-room-presale

[NiceyDoodle]

Finally, some info! Now im 50% less freaked out!

[PolyesterAngel]

Dumb question: Is the "premium" t-shirt in the VIP packages the same or different as the shirt we'll be getting as LR members?

[Amicustoall]

Presale email in hand

[PolyesterAngel]

Check your e-mail! I just got my pre-sale email. Not much more info than previously provided, but those of you who need the presale code for ticket master have it there.

[bayouBNL]

Oh, it's gonna be a long winter and spring until we get U.S. shows. :D

Have fun, Canadians!

[mjhendren]

I'm going to be watching this with great interest to see what kind of seats they give out.

[Super Dave]

I am pretty disappointed that Ticketmaster is involved. Uggh!!

Dave

[Amicustoall]

Super I am always disappointed when ticketbastard is anywhere near my tickets............but unfortunately they hold the majority of the market of ticketing!!!

[NiceyDoodle]

I see my prices for public sale at $61 to $75. I imagine the VIP is well over a $100. I too have my presale code now. I am very curious what we will get for tickets.

[RockShrimp]

I am pretty disappointed that Ticketmaster is involved. Uggh!!

Dave

OT: Hooray, the DOJ is going to let the TM/LN Merger happen! WHEE!


On-T: the email seemed intruiging - so there's presale, and then the two VIP packages have "premium" seats - I wonder if that means there are better seats set aside for the VIP packages than general "presale"... My assumption would be yes but I'm anxious to see what the pricing ends up being. Glad y'all get to be the guinea pigs. :cool:

[PolyesterAngel]

I see my prices for public sale at $61 to $75. I imagine the VIP is well over a $100. I too have my presale code now. I am very curious what we will get for tickets.

They aren't even listed yet on my venue's website, so I have no idea what except, other than assumptions based on past shows I've seen there.

[NiceyDoodle]

We went to ticketmasters website to look at the general info for the public show. It told us the prices.

Jubilee is not a GA venue, thank gawd.

[MoodyCat]

My biggest question is if there will be VIP packages for those venues whose presales are through ticketbastard?

I was quite disappointed to see I could only purchase tickets through them for the Hamilton show. Got tickets to see the Nutcracker in Dec as a special treat for my son (he was begging to see it.) They were offering a special price of $5 on children tickets, but TM had to get their grubby paws in and charged their normal $8. The $5 ticket ended up costing $15 with all the taxes and fees.

[MoodyCat]

I found the answer to my question. If you click on "Onsale Dates and Times" it'll tell you if a VIP package is available. Still no prices listed for the VIP packages though.

[scratchy]

good luck to everyone with the presale! hoping the ticket gods are with you!

[Amicustoall]

Barenaked VIP tickets for London are sold out.

[PolyesterAngel]

That was easy! I'm done and off to class!

[Amicustoall]

Now those VIP seats are showing available. Must have had people holding them.

[MoodyCat]

I went back and bought generic presale tickets b/c they were slightly better than the barenaked VIP tickets. Both 2nd row, but w/ a child I'd much rather be on the aisle than 8 seats in.

[Amicustoall]

What is the LR ticket limit?

[jojomc]

The limit is four tickets per member.

[MoodyCat]

4 tickets. Is that per show, or just total?

[Amicustoall]

That is what I figured, but did not go digging back to have it confirmed. Thanks jojo and moody.

Getting geared up for the fun for Calgary.

[TheHYPO]

I have to say that I am starting to get into a VERY bad mood regarding this presale (and before anyone replies and tells me I don't have a right to be in a bad mood or that I'm spoiled or that I shouldn't post anything negative on this board, I feel I have the right to keep other future customers fully informed of the buying experience):

The following is a list of things I did not expect and am not pleased about the ticket buying process, so please be aware:

1) Tickets were half sold through Ticketmaster, and half through ArtistDirect (via Ladies Room site). Ticketmaster, having a ".ca" site and being affiliated with Canadian venues and artists, I guess, charges in Canadian dollars. For a $175 dollar vip package (as advertised), the total billing price would total 180 (and change) Canadian dollars after $5-ish in TM fees. Upon checking a show on the Artist Direct site, I found that a $175 vip package would come to a total bill of 190 (with $15 in fees). I could find absolutely no reference to currency on the presale site (which lead me to presume that I most likely would be paying in USD) This wasn't confirmed to me until I got my email receipt (I will admit right now that I didn't waste time looking around very hard, so it may have said USD somewhere on the site, but it wasn't made very obvious, which I believe it should be if you're booking a Canadian tour, charging the same price as is being charged in Canadian dollars elsewhere - You ought to be clear that THIS site is in USD. So 190 US vs. 180Cdn. I never thought I'd see ticketmaster win my praise on anything, but there you go.

2) This probably isn't anyone's fault, It just adds to my frustration that I was pondering which package to buy to Oshawa, being GA, but seeing priority entry for VIPs, not knowing if Barenakeds will get priorty over Nakeds or just both over everyone else, etc... Meanwhile, Barenaked sells out. So I refresh for about 30 seconds, and nothing changes. So I bite and buy a lower package. As soon as I check out? Barenakeds available again. That's disappointing, but understandable. I'm not complaining about this, it's just a lesson to anyone out there that if you really want a higher package, consider waiting for it to be released by others.

3) The one that really got me ticked. I was informed VERY clearly in advance of the presale by email that the Barenaked package would include certain front rows (I was quoted 1-10) and Naked would include further rows (11-20). I thought this might be odd to be so universal at so many different sized venues, but whatever. I beleived at least in the concept that barenaked would be the best tickets. So I bite the bullet and decide: I've met the band - I appreciate and respect that that adds value to many, but It's not worth triple the price of a ticket to me personally. I don't need a t-shirt. The CD adds value, but I could buy that separately. A laminate doesn't really add value to me either. The only thing that added value for me was the claim that front rows would be held exclusive for Barenaked members.

For the reason above, that I was specifically told that this would be the ticketing arrangement for front row seats, I decided I would bite the bullet and buy into the Barenaked Package. I bought in Hamilton and ended up with BB (which is the second row; I am not sure if AA was available, as I haven't yet checked around the board to see what tickets people got). I was ok with this at the time. It was cheaper than artist direct anyway. I also attempted to pull tickets again after I checked out, just to see what was available and I got CC tickets. Happy with my selection, I went to chat about it. 12:30 rolls along and I realize, I never even tried regular tickets, just to see where I would have ended up. I might as well try. Imagine how I felt to goto the regular tickes and pull CC... two seats over from the seats I pulled half an hour earlier. Ditto for the naked package tickets.

Now, I would LIKE to assume that this was some ticketmaster screwup and that it was always intended for the rows to be separate, but I don't care right now. I paid triple the face value of the ticket because I was willing to do so for the premium of a better seat. To find out that I was given false information leading me to spend this extra money has me very disappointed, and a bit outraged.


So for the record, I am acknowledging fully that even though I don't/didn't like the price points, I was willing to jump into paying 180 Canadian (on top of the 45/55/whatever US I already paid to get into the fan club) for better tickets. The only reason I am now looking at this transaction in a negative light, and posting this is because I feel that I did not get what I paid for now that facts I did not have before I bought have come to light. I encourage everyone to know what they are paying for BEFORE they pay, and to some extent, yes, I blame whoever is running the fan club (CAM 8? Artist Direct? I don't know) for not giving us candid and complete information to make an informed decision (this is not even mentioning that we had NO information until about 24 hours before onsale, leaving very little time to even ask questions of them).

This has left a bitter taste in my mouth. I will fairly certainly get over this, but I need to inform others, and to some extent, vent about what just occurred.

Edited to add: It was also just brought up to me that the seating is advertised as "premium reserved seating" if it's not GA. This seems to be an additional claim that the seats are somehow better, which doesn't appear to be the case.

[Lacey]

Thanks, hypo.

[Amicustoall]

TheHYPO you have a right to post that. I have never said you didn't.

[Amicustoall]

Of course, I have an equal right to express my opinions about your post.
1. I really don't get the bitch about the price being different for different shows. That is more than typical. The fact that some venues use one ticket seller and some use ticketbastard, umm well that is more than typical as well.
2. The fact that you are always gambling when you pick your tickets that better ones will be more available is a fact of life. Of course, that is true about anything you buy. You might decide today to buy the best computer and tomorrow they come out with a better one, that is cheaper. I do not understand why that is such a difficult concept to grasp.
3. Doesn't there have to be a dividing line between ticketing of different tiers? I mean isn't someone always sitting next to or just a row ahead of a person that paid considerably less money for "comparable" tickets?

I just don't get the attitude that they owe you something different than reality.

[TheHYPO]

I just want to go on record and say that there IS a small indicator that prices are in US dollars that is somewhat easy to notice if you buy "Regular tickets" on artist direct, but it's the same colour and size as the "what's in the VIP package" if you choose naked/barenaked and is easily missed.

I also want to add that I've tested the tickets on ticketmaster with the only other available venue (TCU place in SK) and got the same results - CC seats with regular price.

HOWEVER, I went to Artist direct (oshawa was GA so I never saw seat numbers there). I looked at the JLC in London and found that "regular" tickets got me a P while Naked package got me an H. Other venues' "regular" tickets are unavailable in the floor price range, but VIP still brings results.

It's POSSIBLE that Aritst Direct has the capability to split the rows among VIP packages, but Ticketmaster does not, or that someone messed up the presales posted on TM. The bottom line seems to be that if you buy on ticketmaster, it's worth trying regular price if your main goal is close tickets without paying too much.

[MoodyCat]

Hypo, I have to agree with your point on TM.

If I had gotten to Hamilton and found out that someone who paid $62.50/tix was sitting in the front row, while I had paid $175/tix and gotten 2nd row, I'd be mighty upset. But, knowing that I bought a 2nd pr of tix at the $62.50 price in the 2nd row, where I want to be (with only 2 other seats in the whole house being "better") I'm ok if the person in front of me says they paid $62.50/tix. But, I also hope to sell the other 2 tix I purchased.

[Liam]

TheHYPO you have a right to post that. I have never said you didn't.
I don't believe that TheHYPO mentioned your name at all.

[Amicustoall]

Did I say he did Liam? I was merely pointing out that I for at least one believes that he has the right to post a bitchfest if he wants. Freedom of speech is an incredibly important right to me.

[Liam]

Your post insinuated that his original "venting" was somehow directed at you. Freedom of speech is important, yes, but it's almost as though you took it like it was personally directed at you, which confused me.

[Amicustoall]

I did not insinuate anything. I was expressing my thoughts and opinions. If you read it that way, you were putting your own slant on it, not the one that was intended. :)

[Lacey]

Your post insinuated that his original "venting" was somehow directed at you. Freedom of speech is important, yes, but it's almost as though you took it like it was personally directed at you, which confused me.

Don't be confused, it's absolutely 100% normal in this case. She does it all the time.

[Liam]

Of course, I have an equal right to express my opinions about your post.
1. I really don't get the bitch about the price being different for different shows. That is more than typical. The fact that some venues use one ticket seller and some use ticketbastard, umm well that is more than typical as well.
2. The fact that you are always gambling when you pick your tickets that better ones will be more available is a fact of life. Of course, that is true about anything you buy. You might decide today to buy the best computer and tomorrow they come out with a better one, that is cheaper. I do not understand why that is such a difficult concept to grasp.
3. Doesn't there have to be a dividing line between ticketing of different tiers? I mean isn't someone always sitting next to or just a row ahead of a person that paid considerably less money for "comparable" tickets?

I just don't get the attitude that they owe you something different than reality.

I didn't say you couldn't post that.

(That, to me, is just as out of the blue as your response to Allan).

[Amicustoall]

Liam not in light of the beginning of his post: "I have to say that I am starting to get into a VERY bad mood regarding this presale (and before anyone replies and tells me I don't have a right to be in a bad mood or that I'm spoiled or that I shouldn't post anything negative on this board, I feel I have the right to keep other future customers fully informed of the buying experience):"

Sorry Liam if my response is out of the blue from your perspective. Assuming that it is, it certainly is not the first one that is. And I am sorry I confuse you. I have reread my post and am really unsure what would be confusing about it.

[sarah11918]

Re: the unknown currency issue.

That's a huge pet peeve of mine. Why wouldn't anyone assume that a concert in Canada is being charged in Canadian dollars, and so therefore, why isn't it VERY clear that the price isn't? When I buy tickets for the US shows, I expect to pay USD.

We have a US dollar credit card in addition to our Canadian ones because we have some of our income and expenses in USD; avoiding currency conversion (especially the horrible hit you get when you use a credit card) by using the correct credit card is not only easy for us to do but part of our strategy. It really pisses me off when currency isn't explicit and easy to find, or we end up with conversion charges because the site charged in a currency we weren't expecting.

[Amicustoall]

I have to say that even though I loath giving ticketbastard a penny, the reality is I have to in order to see many shows................BUT that being said, that process was really painless. Did my usual refresh every 20 seconds until I am in, then grab two seats.................can't really do much better than second row in the Pit in the center section, hit check out and bam two seats for Calgary will be waiting on the day of the show.

[Liam]

What confused me was the way you took it upon yourself to say this to start with:

TheHYPO you have a right to post that. I have never said you didn't.

That implies you took it like Allan was speaking to you personally, when he wasn't. Your second reply is fair game; you disagreed, fair enough. But this first post makes it sound like you are giving Allan "permission" to say what he wants - which is strange, seeing as you are quick to point out the importance of free speech. That was all I meant. Perhaps 'confused' was the wrong way to describe how I was feeling.

[Amicustoall]

sarah even if you purchased the tickets from a Canadian ticket seller?

[Amicustoall]

Well Liam you read a lot into my post. Here is what I meant...............TheHYPO you have the right to freedom of speech, so I for one will not say you do not have the right to express your opinions.

[therealshell]

Perhaps 'confused' was the wrong way to describe how I was feeling.

Maybe gobsmacked ?

[orangey]

Re: the unknown currency issue.

That's a huge pet peeve of mine. Why wouldn't anyone assume that a concert in Canada is being charged in Canadian dollars, and so therefore, why isn't it VERY clear that the price isn't? When I buy tickets for the US shows, I expect to pay USD.

We have a US dollar credit card in addition to our Canadian ones because we have some of our income and expenses in USD; avoiding currency conversion (especially the horrible hit you get when you use a credit card) by using the correct credit card is not only easy for us to do but part of our strategy. It really pisses me off when currency isn't explicit and easy to find, or we end up with conversion charges because the site charged in a currency we weren't expecting.

I can understand that. I noticed right away when buying tickets for Montreal that on the bottom of the page to select tickets it said on the bottom of the page that the prices were in USD. I thought maybe they had added that after seeing the complaints about currency for the LR sign up. Perhaps it was less noticeable for people buying tickets that showed a seating chart- the USD info was below the image.

[iled]

I honestly thought that buying the Premium tickets at $175 would give you a pretty good chance at getting front row. We got 5th row at $175 and 2 other sets of friends got front row centre for $75. Slightly disappointed.

[Amicustoall]

iled, it has always been interesting to me how each venue thinks of their premium seats, which is typically how the tickets are sold. They do not always think that the closer is the better. They frequently go straight up the center, starting a bit back from front.

[garyrulez]

I shouldn't post anything negative on this board

Amicus, I think he was talking to me. So there.

Seriously, though, it is a bit crappy if you're getting better seats for $75 than $175. I get that the pricey seats include a meet and greet and all that good stuff, but still, it should also come with better seats.

Having said that, is it a ticketmaster problem or a BNL/Ladies Room problem? Because from my skimming this page, it sounds like some of the shows worked exactly as advertised. If it's a BNL problem, I have no doubt they will fix it. Because I will defend to the death BNL's right to charge whatever the hell they want for tickets (as well as your right not to pay if you don't want to), but what's fair is fair, and I think they aren't in the business of unfair ticket policies.

Expensive tickets? Hey, that's the way the free market works. They charge, you decide. Unfair tickets? Well, that's a different story, and I just don't see BNL being in favor of unfair ticketing policies.

[Amicustoall]

If there is anyone that is privy to booking agreements, please speak up. gary from what I understand most contract that provide for fan club ticketing do not specify exact seat locations, they usually give a number of seats each tier of ticketing prices. The venue has their priority of best seats to worst seats. This is a matter of personal taste to some extent. I mean for some front row off the side is better than 5th row center, and for others 5th row center is better than front row off the side. Some venues go from one section in the front from first row to last row, and then move to the next section. Some venues to the entire front row first. There seems to be a large variety of ways. This is why I rarely take the first tickets I grab. I usually play with them for a bit and see how they are selling. For some venues it is easy to find the pattern and try to play the system.

[swiss lady]

I totally agree/understand Allan.

Here is my frustration:

I will go to 2 shows and I figured since I'm flying in from Switzerland and pay already lots of $ for flight and hotels; I might as well pay some extra $ to get good seats.

So I decided I will get
- the Barenaked Package for London
- the Naked Package for Kingston
(since the Barenaked Package for London gets me all the extra stuff, I only chose the Naked Package for Kingston to get BETTER seats)

Now, for London I got
Floor 1, Seat A-18 --> I'm pretty happy with this seat
for Kingston I got
FLR3, Seat 11-14 --> After looking at the seating chart, I assume this is 11th floor WAY on the side.
Now my guess is Barenaked got Rows 1-10 and Naked got Rows 11-whatever.
I'm pretty sure rows 1-10 will not be sold out for Barenaked Packages.
Which means, I could probably have waited for the regular onsale, paid much less and maybe even gotten a seat in first row. I guess those who use the Fan Club Pre-Sale for regular tickets get even more screwed as they have to get the seats behind the Naked Packages (which most likely will not all be sold to Naked Packages). So non Ladies Room members get better seats once the regular sale starts.
:(

I know BNL do all they can, to get the fans the best seats.
Unfortunately though the Fan-Club-Ticket-Mafia does not know how to handle this sales fairly and logical.

Maybe I should get into that business and do it right!
It should go something like this:
Fans have a certain time to buy Barenaked Packages, Naked Packages and regular Packages.
Only AFTER that presale time, tickets should be assigned
- the best seats for Barenaked Packages
- after that the best remaining seats to Naked Packages
- after that the best remaining seats to regular Fan Club tickets
- after that the regular sale can start
--> that way Ladies Room members will always get better seats than non LR members.
Of course there are also the Radio-Promo seats and whatever. But still, it's not that difficult to do this in a fair way, is it?
I really don't mind paying twice as much for a better seat, but it SHOULD be a better seat.

Now I probable use the regular sale as well and might end up paying 3 times as much for a good seat (next time I better go for the Barenaked Package for all the shows I attend, and give the extra fee stuff (CD, T-Shirt away).

[Amicustoall]

swiss your process has the possibility of problems as well. I mean when LR used to do their tickets that way many venues handed out tickets in alphabetic order, rather than by time orders were placed..............which by the way I totally understand is way easier than by time of order. Other times it appeared to tickets were prioritized by other selection criteria. Lets face it, there is no perfect way.
I personally like knowing where my seat is, that way I can make an informed decision before purchasing.

[swiss lady]

swiss your process has the possibility of problems as well. I mean when LR used to do their tickets that way many venues handed out tickets in alphabetic order, rather than by time orders were placed..............which by the way I totally understand is way easier than by time of order. Other times it appeared to tickets were prioritized by other selection criteria. Lets face it, there is no perfect way.
I personally like knowing where my seat is, that way I can make an informed decision before purchasing.

Whatever, I still believe there is a way to do this better.
Though, I'm a perfectionist and not everybody is.

I just think fans should not be screwed for paying extra.
(Ladies Room fee, extra cash for VIP packages)
However in this process every Ladies Room member who buys tickets that are NOT for the Barenaked VIP Package will get worse seats than anybody who uses the regular On-Sale (at the time when it starts) and does not pay anything for Ladies Room.
That is what I call screwing the fans.
(Of course it's not BNL but it's the Fan-Club-Ticket-Mafia who doesn't care about fans, just about getting some extra money from these stupid fans.)

[PolyesterAngel]

I have never been happier that my venue is GA.

I hate to see all of you going through so much frustration, for something that should be bringing us so much joy.

[iled]

I see what you are saying about 5th row might actually be a better seat and it if you look at it like sitting in a movie theater or hockey game, it is a better seat.....but still ;)
I know the concert will be awesome and in the end I know that I will be happy with my seats...but still ;)
I just sat in row K in the same venue and it was really great (pics on FB of a Blue Rodeo concert) and it is a wonderful place to see a show

[Liam]

Don't worry Barbara, I knew what you meant and agreed that your idea is a better way than the existing one. :)

[Liam]

Oh - and congratulations for making the trip Barbara, I am very happy for you!

(and a bit jealous! :P )

I'm very relieved that UK shows are always GA, because this looks like a right pain in the ass. Get there early, get a good spot. Simple.

[swiss lady]

Don't worry Barbara, I knew what you meant and agreed that your idea is a better way than the existing one. :)

Thanks Liam, I know most people got it.
I just tried to rephrase for those who don't.
(maybe my English is not good enough to make myself clear)

;)

[Amicustoall]

While there might be a better way, I do not believe a perfect way exists. That was my point.

I am not certain what you are saying about non-LR buyers getting better seats than LR members. I guess until tickets go on sale that can't really be established, and if I had to make an educated determination, while it might work that way for some, it will not be across the board by any means.

I bought tickets to Calgary with LR and am in row BBB in the pit, I have seen others for AAA available since I bought, so where would there be room for non LR purchasers to get better seats? That is of course assuming that the best seats on the most front seats.

[Amicustoall]

iled, there are some venues that I would rather sit 5th row center than first row off the side to see BNL or GBS or GS etc.

[swiss lady]

Don't worry Barbara, I knew what you meant and agreed that your idea is a better way than the existing one. :)

Thanks Liam, I know most people got it.
I just tried to rephrase for those who don't.
(maybe my English is not good enough to make myself clear)

;)

ETA: a seat WAY on the side is never better than any other seat in the same row. No matter what kind of weird taste anyone might have.

[scratchy]

i'm sorta glad we aren't going on this leg - just reading about the tix drama is stressin me out.

[Amicustoall]

LOL scratchy, I could have gotten you awesome seats to Calgary show!;)

[swiss lady]

I did NOT say I have a perfect solution.
I only said I have a BETTER solution.

[Amicustoall]

Ah well better is a matter of taste and opinion. I prefer by a long shot knowing what I am buying before I buy it.

[Liam]

I think the only perfect solution to the ticketing is to have a mud wrestling contest and the winner gets front row. On their own. Noone else in the venue.

[TheHYPO]

Of course, I have an equal right to express my opinions about your post.
1. I really don't get the bitch about the price being different for different shows. That is more than typical. The fact that some venues use one ticket seller and some use ticketbastard, umm well that is more than typical as well.
2. The fact that you are always gambling when you pick your tickets that better ones will be more available is a fact of life. Of course, that is true about anything you buy. You might decide today to buy the best computer and tomorrow they come out with a better one, that is cheaper. I do not understand why that is such a difficult concept to grasp.
3. Doesn't there have to be a dividing line between ticketing of different tiers? I mean isn't someone always sitting next to or just a row ahead of a person that paid considerably less money for "comparable" tickets?

I just don't get the attitude that they owe you something different than reality.


.

As brought up by others, I said nothing to reference you specifically, and your response "I have never said you didn't [have a right to post]." Very clearly denotes someone taking what I said personally (or else, you think it's appropriate if all 2,500+ members of this board respond "I didn't say you didn't either"). If you don't feel personally accused, there's no reason to respond with a defense.

In absolute fact, the comment was aimed at everyone, because there are plenty of people who aren't you who I have seen get a negative taste from someone who has something to say about having a negative experience. I feel as though I tried to be very clear in assuring everyone reading that my main issue was to inform future buyers of what to expect, and to voice my displeasure at the one specific instance of being explicitly misinformed by management.

And yes, I agree; you absolutely do have a right to express your opinions, and I'm happy to discuss your questions/points that you addressed to me.:
1) I felt it confusing as to whether what currency was used on the Artist direct site. I felt it might be useful to inform readers so they would be clear in advance on exactly how much they will be paying. I'm just information for others that I would have liked to have had in advance myself. I hoped it to be helpful, not rude.

To respond to the two things you called "typical", I agree with you: It's very typical both for different venues to have different ticket sellers, and differently priced tickets. My personal feeling is that it is unfair (in the strictest definition of "not everything being treated equally") for those who live near a venue that sells on ticketmaster to be charged in Canadian dollars and get 5 dollars in fees vs. someone living near a venue sold on artist direct and being charged a higher total, USD (which means the price in CDN$ is even higher). But it is important that I stress that this is not a Barenaked-exclusive complaint. Other venues have their own personal ticketing sites and some charge more convenience fees than TM, and some charge less. If I'm charged 15 dollars convenience fee direct from the venue, I still get the same feeling of "that is a very high convenience fee." And if I go down the street to a box office and am charged in US dollars, I have the same feeling of "I'm a Canadian living in Canada, trying to buy tickets to a show in Canada. Why am I being billed in US dollars?". I don't agree with that policy, but I don't have a say in the policy either, so I'm forced to pay it. I simply think that if you're going to charge me in US dollars, you could discount the fixed price (125 or 175) to the USD equivilant. BNL don't owe this to anyone; they can price tickets any way they wish and buyers are free to buy or not buy. I simply think that having the equal prices in the same currency would be a fairer way to price tickets than the current system.

2) Your analogy is flawed. I don't go into Best Buy knowing that 50 other people want the best computer and that if I don't get there first, I might not get the best computer. And if I put down this computer box, someone might snatch it and I'll be stuck with a worse computer. There absolutely is gambling when you buy a computer, but it's not the same gamble, because (unless there are other facts involved) there is absolutely no rush to get the first computer that comes along. You can survey the market, find the absolute best computer out there. The only real gamble (if you research everything) is WHEN (not if) a better computer will be available.

But it absolutely is a different type of gamble, and I still don't understand why you are antagonizing me over it. To be frank, I don't even know what part of my post you are referring to in this question that you think I don't grasp the concept of the risk you take when you accept the ticket. I said two things about accepting tickets and having a negative result;
* I said I bought and then found out that package that was "sold out" before, was not anymore. I described this as "probably [not] anyone's fault", meaning I don't blame anyone, I was just bummed. I assure you there are poker players out there who grasp the risks of gambling and are still upset when they lose. I clearly put it there to warn future buyers that if something is sold out, consider the possibility that it will subsequently not be.
* The other thing I said was that I bought the expensive package and later found out that the regular priced tickets were in the exact same place as mine. I very very clearly indicated that the only reason I didn't even check regular tickets was because I was directly informed by someone at management that rows 1-10 would be allocated to the barenaked package, and rows 11-20 would be in the naked package. I took this information on faith (I could have risked checking regular tickets first and losing time on getting the better VIP seats, but I had no reason to doubt their management's claim of what tickets were available, along with the email's claim that you'd get "premium" tickets with the VIP package.) So I assert that my problem in this case is the misinformation directly given to me by the band's management who is in charge of the fan club, which lead to my ticket choice, and not about complaining that my risk didn't pay off. To put it in a computer-shopping analogy, it's as if you bought a $3000 Macbook Pro for the sole purpose of checking your email because you were informed by the Best Buy guy that it was the only laptop that could use the internet. You bought it right away and then later found out that the $700 Dell on the next shelf would have done the exact same job if he hadn't told you it wasn't what you wanted. Yes, you still got all the extra toys and whistles with the Macbook, but if all you wanted was to surf the net, it's paying extra for no reason.

3) I think maybe you missed part of my post or misread something. What I'm saying is that I went to ticketmaster.ca. I went to the Hamilton show page, I bought Barenaked VIP package because I was told I needed to to get seats in the the first rows. It brought up tickets in row BB. I then had a buddy check while I held these seats to see if anything better came up and that person came up with CC, seats 5-7 (this venue has only odd seats on the left site, so that's 5 & 7). Half an hour later, I thought about checking the regular seats just to see where they would have put me, and I checked. I pulled up seat CC 9. That is the seat directly next to what my buddy pulled up half an hour earlier. I checked the Barenaked Package at that time and got the same CC 9 seat. This means there was NO divider between what seats were offered to me at $175, and what was offered to someone esle at $62. As I've said above, since my first post, I've found that it seems like there IS such a division at some or all venues sold on ArtistDirect, but not at the two shows on sale at ticketmaster. This creates a massive problem in that I don't know whether I should be looking at the regular priced tickets if they don't tell me whether regular price will get me any tickets, or limit me to beyond row 20. So to clarify, I never complained here about the fact that rows 1-10 were being reserved for people paying top dollar (which is what I was told). I only complained [I]after I acted on it, and then found out what I was told was not true.

I just don't get the attitude that they owe you something different than reality.

It is an objective fact that what I was told is apparently not to be true, at least for Hamilton and TRU (if not others).
It is a (perhaps subjective?) fact, which I can only ask you to believe, that the information they provided resulted in my decision to buy the VIP package, and thus spending more than I likely would have otherwise.
It is my opinion that fans and consumers should not be misled this way, which is an opinion I think others share; And since there are entire Acts of law written about consumer protection, I imagine, that it's an opinion that quite a few people share. If I have suggested that I'm owed anything in the post above, it is that I, and everyone here, deserves to have clear, accurate information about things like prices and what you get for your money. If you disagree, I respect your opinion and I'm not going to try to change it.

[garyrulez]

I've literally never asked this before on any BNL-related board...but has anyone tried to ask the band what they think about all of this?

[swiss lady]

I am not certain what you are saying about non-LR buyers getting better seats than LR members. I guess until tickets go on sale that can't really be established, and if I had to make an educated determination, while it might work that way for some, it will not be across the board by any means.

You are right on that!
Though I am pretty sure not ALL row 1-10 seats will be sold to Barenaked VIP and not all row 11-20 (or wherever) will be sold to Naked VIP.
If it ends up being that way though, I take back my frustration and will be happy with my row 11 WAY on the side for $ 137.50.
(this is just the worst seat I ever had at a BNL show and I paid extra money for the Naked package)



I bought tickets to Calgary with LR and am in row BBB in the pit, I have seen others for AAA available since I bought, so where would there be room for non LR purchasers to get better seats? That is of course assuming that the best seats on the most front seats.

If you got regular seats or Naked Package; congratulations maybe the Calgary Fan-Pre-Sale actually works.
If you got Barenaked Package; this does not surprise me, now that I think I know how this Fan-Sale works.

For anybody who has not purchased tickets yet; my advise would be (if not GA): get Barenaked VIP or wait for the Public On-Sale!
Though this works only if the Pre-Sale works as I assume now!
So do it at your own risk ;)

[RockShrimp]

Thanks Liam, I know most people got it.
I just tried to rephrase for those who don't.
(maybe my English is not good enough to make myself clear)

;)


I've never had a problem understanding you Barbara. I think in general, you probably make more sense than most of us.

[garyrulez]

Fans have a certain time to buy Barenaked Packages, Naked Packages and regular Packages.
Only AFTER that presale time, tickets should be assigned
- the best seats for Barenaked Packages
- after that the best remaining seats to Naked Packages
- after that the best remaining seats to regular Fan Club tickets
- after that the regular sale can start

I could be wrong, but I'm pretty sure I went to a Great Big Sea show that was done exactly like this...you paid up front, say, a week before the general on-sale, and you weren't given a specific seat, but a guarantee that you'd be in a certain AREA. Then, they had the general on-sale, and THEN we got our tickets in the mail, which turned out to be in the second row. I don't think he's on this board, but Irish Hubby from the old S&D board could back me up on this one, I think.

Having said all of this, I'm not saying ever venue would allow you to sell seats like this.

[Amicustoall]

"As brought up by others, I said nothing to reference you specifically, and your response "I have never said you didn't [have a right to post]." Very clearly denotes someone taking what I said personally (or else, you think it's appropriate if all 2,500+ members of this board respond "I didn't say you didn't either"). If you don't feel personally accused, there's no reason to respond with a defense.

In absolute fact, the comment was aimed at everyone, because there are plenty of people who aren't you who I have seen get a negative taste from someone who has something to say about having a negative experience."

Well since it was aimed at everyone, and since I can only speak for myself...........that is what I did..................I spoke for me and made that clear. Now you want to interpret that as me feeling like you were addressing me personally. I did not feel that way, I can read English in a reasonably accurate fashion. I just wanted to make it clear that FOR ME I don't have a problem with your right to express negativity.

The rest of your rebuttal seems to me aimed at something someone at the management company told you about the ticket sales. I can understand why you would feel somehow misinformed. I guess I am a skeptic by nature, and I since I do not believe they are the ones that do the actual ticketing, I would be suspicious of what a member of the management team told me about the mechanics of the ticketing. It is like me asking a middle level manager at GM what kind of tires come on a specific model car.

[Amicustoall]

swiss was there some representation that ALL of rows 1-10 would be barenaked VIP? I got to a lot of concerts at a lot different venues. It is not atypical to have the VIP packages with seats in front several rows of the center section. The front several rows off to the side are generally included in lower priced ticketing.

[Jessica]

I have to say that even though I loath giving ticketbastard a penny, the reality is I have to in order to see many shows................BUT that being said, that process was really painless. Did my usual refresh every 20 seconds until I am in, then grab two seats.................can't really do much better than second row in the Pit in the center section, hit check out and bam two seats for Calgary will be waiting on the day of the show.

No, you sure can't Amicus! :D

I'll just use my right to freedom of speech to say, you're a wonderful friend! Thank you again!

[NiceyDoodle]

We went for 4 VIP tickets, as they shouldve been rows aaa, bbb, ccc, ddd center.
rows go: aaa, bbb, ccc,ddd, aa, and then a-z.
I can assure you that pit rows aaa bbb ccc ddd in the center ARE the best seats in the house.

We also had 2 other friends who just wanted regular seats. While i was searching for 4 VIP, my friend booked the 2 regular seats. Row D -right center.

4 VIP got us row F. We agreed to split up and go in 2's to increase our chances.

I panicked when I saw with VIP it was row B. So we grabbed it. That seemed the best available. Assuming that pit rows were gone.

I still needed 2 more. Got row G for VIP. My friend was on TM at the same time on speaker. She went in for 2 more while I paid for mine. She went with regular as if she was gonna be in row F or G she wasn't paying $175!

Regular seats she got row DDD. So ofcourse she booked those.

ShortAlaina went with regular seats and got CCC.

It would appear ticketmaster didnt segregate over pkgs. I clearly paid too much for my Row D. I know I get the meet and greet and all that jazz, but I didn't need a fangirl moment...just good seats.

Now mind you, all seats in the Jubilee are GOOD. But when your fans like us, you want first 5 rows. And after paying $55 for a membership, selecting VIP Barenaked, I expect first 2. My mistake.

[goof]

I am disappointed in the ticketing system for the London show. I purchased 2 Barenaked VIP packages, right away when they became available. I pulled Floor 1 Row G seats 7 & 8. I purchased them believing, the Naked VIP package seats would be less desireable. I talked to a friend who went for the Naked VIP seats and she is 3 rows in front of me. I spent $100 more than her. I have emailed artist direct and asked if they could explain the ticketing to me. If both packages were pulling from the same ticket pool. I will post when and if I get a response.

[Amicustoall]

gary yes that is how our tickets to GBS were issued too. You had some idea of where you were, which was a risk I was willing to take. The way that LR used to work ages ago was that you had no idea.

[garyrulez]

And after paying $55 for a membership, selecting VIP Barenaked, I expect first 2. My mistake.


This is a very fair point...but, again, is this just happening at the ticketmaster venues or at all the venues?

[TheHYPO]

Amicus, I think he was talking to me. So there.

Seriously, though, it is a bit crappy if you're getting better seats for $75 than $175. I get that the pricey seats include a meet and greet and all that good stuff, but still, it should also come with better seats.



Like I said before, I was just starting off making it clear that I'm posting to help the people that will be buying or western or the subsequent US tour so they get all the info, and I really don't want to start a fight with anyone! (not you, not Amicus, and not anyone else).

And just to prove that I don't disagree with you just for the sake of it, it I have to say that I 100% agree with your post ^. I'm not against the advertised ticketing policy (I don't like it, but like you said, they have the right to sell it and I have the right to buy or not buy it). While Amicus is right that some venues do split their premium ticketing weirdly, in this case (at least on ticketmaster), the experience I had was that I pulled up one seat under the VIP package, and the directly next-door seat in the regular price. This leads me to believe (unless that's a very odd split point for the packages) that the VIP packages pulled tickets from the same lot as the regular priced tickets on ticketmaster. It's possible Ticketmaster simply doesn't have the ability to handle what they wanted (which seems unlikely because I've seen different lots of tickets for different presales before), it's possible someone forgot to split the tickets for ticketmaster, and it's possible it was intentional for whatever reason... we probably won't know until we hear from someone, or other ticketmaster shows start selling and have the split (which would suggest that it was a mistake for these shows)

[swiss lady]

I could be wrong, but I'm pretty sure I went to a Great Big Sea show that was done exactly like this...you paid up front, say, a week before the general on-sale, and you weren't given a specific seat, but a guarantee that you'd be in a certain AREA. Then, they had the general on-sale, and THEN we got our tickets in the mail, which turned out to be in the second row. I don't think he's on this board, but Irish Hubby from the old S&D board could back me up on this one, I think.

Having said all of this, I'm not saying ever venue would allow you to sell seats like this.

That's great to hear!
Was this Pre-Sale also handled by Artist Arena?
In that case it would be the venues fault, if it can not be handled like this.
(So I'm now mad at the venue not at Artist Arena! ;))

[garyrulez]

Well, same to you Allen, buddy- we definitely agree on this one, and even though I'd love nothing more on earth than to disagree with you, we agree 100% on this one: more money (a lot more money) should equally better seats.

[Amicustoall]

gary while I don't disagree with you, I do contend that the definition of better is subjective.

[TheHYPO]

I totally agree/understand Allan.

Here is my frustration:

I will go to 2 shows and I figured since I'm flying in from Switzerland and pay already lots of $ for flight and hotels; I might as well pay some extra $ to get good seats.

So I decided I will get
- the Barenaked Package for London
- the Naked Package for Kingston
(since the Barenaked Package for London gets me all the extra stuff, I only chose the Naked Package for Kingston to get BETTER seats)



Aw, so we won't cross paths this tour. That sucks :( Hope to see you around sooner than later, though Barbara

[garyrulez]

gary while I don't disagree with you, I do contend that the definition of better is subjective.

Very true. But if you're in row C off to the side and a person who paid less than you is in row A dead center....they got "better".

[Amicustoall]

You are very welcome Jessica. It is always great fun to play the ticket game.

[NiceyDoodle]

gary while I don't disagree with you, I do contend that the definition of better is subjective.

don't contend. just for once. For the love of God. Don't. I am upset and Ya, I am taking it out on you. Stop defending just once. Let ppl feel. I know your going to say that contridicts, cos im telling you not to feel. But please.

[Amicustoall]

In the abstract yep.

[Amicustoall]

Nicey I know you did not intend to, but dang that post made me laugh hard. And by the way FEEL AWAY!

[Liam]

I find it's usually better NOT to laugh on people who are upset.

It's called... oh yeah, being a decent person.

[Lacey]

hahahahaha



(I am not laughing AT the upset people, for the record)

[TheHYPO]

The rest of your rebuttal seems to me aimed at something someone at the management company told you about the ticket sales. I can understand why you would feel somehow misinformed. I guess I am a skeptic by nature, and I since I do not believe they are the ones that do the actual ticketing, I would be suspicious of what a member of the management team told me about the mechanics of the ticketing. It is like me asking a middle level manager at GM what kind of tires come on a specific model car.

I feel that a member of the relatively small management firm that runs the fan club and is the direct (not middle level) management for the band (both the band and CAM8 being much smaller organizations than GM - so again I find your analogy to be very skewed towards trying to make someone else look stupid) telling me facts about the fan club's ticketing prices has a far greater credibility than a mid-level manager of GM telling you about tires.

That said, answer me honestly. Guy from GM says that the Camaro comes with Goodyear tires, and the Corvette comes with Firestone. You reall want Firestone, but the Corvette is so much more expensive. If you had to make a split second choice. Would you really ignore what he said and run to see of the Camero actually has Firestones? In retrospect, did I put too much faith in someone from management? Perhaps. I can admit that. Does that alleviate the responsibility of someone from management to give out credible information? I don't think so either... But that's why I posted here. So the actual facts of the sale would be available for anyone who is still deciding what to do :)

[Amicustoall]

I trust my eyes TheHYPO, of course I would go look at the car before I bought it if the brand of tires was important to me.

Liam I was not laughing at Nicey, I was laughing at her post, there is a difference.

[PolyesterAngel]

Liam I was not laughing at Nicey, I was laughing at her post, there is a difference.

Not on the internet, in a forum like this. You only know her through her posts and, with that post in particular, she only posts what she feels. By laughing at her post, you're laughing at how she feels, laughing at her. If you're just laughing at her spelling/grammar/use of "internet lingo" then why bother laughing?

[Amicustoall]

polyester I laughed at the fact that she recognized the oddity of parts of the post, and basically answered it for me. She is free to be pissed, or hurt, or elated, or confused or whatever she is feeling.

[TheHYPO]

gary while I don't disagree with you, I do contend that the definition of better is subjective.

I agree with you completely that "better" seats are subjective, but I think there are some "nearly universal" (but admittedly still subject to personal opinion) situations where seats are "clearly" better than others to 99% of the people. For example, a seat at the far right of a row in front of a speaker stack is pretty much always "worse" than a dead-centre seat in that same row to 99% of people.

With that in mind, MOST ticket vendors for MOST events have traditionally sold tickets in sectons from seat #1 in the front row, across the row, and then #1 in the second row, and so on backwards. Sometimes they only sell the centre sections first, or left section before right, but the way most ticket places deem "better" is a lower seat number in a closer row. So when Gary says that you expect VIP buyers baying 2-3 times the price of standard tickets to have "better" seats than the standard buyer, I think he means that you expect to get what the ticket company has deemed "better" - in this case, seats in closer rows than the standard buyer. In this case there seems to be no distinction between tickets held for VIPs and standard buyers on ticketmaster. So it's not as if ticketmaster or CAM 8 decided that row 5 was better and set it asside for the VIPs (which would indeed be subjective decision as to what seats were the "best" for the VIPs), but in fact they didn't set anything aside, meaning whether the seats were better buying VIP or buying standard price was completely a matter of chance (or more specifically, in what order you pulled tickets), and not based on whether you bought VIP tickets.

[iled]

Very true. But if you're in row C off to the side and a person who paid less than you is in row A dead center....they got "better".

and wouldn't you have expected that regular LR (no VIP etc pkgs) would get outside of row 20? Cause that is what the msg leads you to believe. I guess they (whomever they are) can decide which is a better seat but why not let me decide that for myself most other things I buy tickets for? I have a feeling that if "they" asked the band which rows their fans think would be premium, they just might say front row. I guess my biggest surprise was when I buy "premium" at $175 and someone else buys "regular" and they are 5 rows in front of me. That's all.

[garyrulez]

and wouldn't you have expected that regular LR (no VIP etc pkgs) would get outside of row 20? Cause that is what the msg leads you to believe. I guess they (whomever they are) can decide which is a better seat but why not let me decide that for myself most other things I buy tickets for? I have a feeling that if "they" asked the band which rows their fans think would be premium, they just might say front row. I guess my biggest surprise was when I buy "premium" at $175 and someone else buys "regular" and they are 5 rows in front of me. That's all.

I'm sorry, you and I agree, right?

Sorry- I'm not used to this.

[TheHYPO]

I trust my eyes TheHYPO, of course I would go look at the car before I bought it if the brand of tires was important to me.



You ignored my question. So let me rephrase it to make it a clearer analogy:
If you were informed by someone at GM (I don't care if it's the salesman, or the middle manager, or the president of GM) that car A had Goodyear, and car B had Firestone, and you wanted Firestore, and you had to make a snap decision: let's say I have those two cars left on the lot, and you can only see one at a time. Someone is in with another salesman, possibly buying up the car you want, would you ask me to show you car B (which you were told by someone at GM has the tires you want) or would you ask to see car A (knowing that the person at GM told you it doesn't have the tires you want, and that someone might be buying car B while you're checking out car A?

The problem with ticketmaster is that you can't check the other tickets without either buying or giving up the ones you hold. While some people could probably afford to buy $175 tickets just in case the others don't pan out, if I did that, I wouldn't have the money to get the others even if they were better (and I doubt I'd be able to sell the 175s to anyone at that price, and wouldn't want to take that risk). So the only other options would be to either discard the VIP tickets and hope the person who informed me was wrong, or to assume the person was wrong in the first place and try for regular priced tickets first, knowing that while I did so, people were buying VIPs and the best seats were being taken.

It's a judgement call for sure, and if you are going to tell me that you'd ignore what someone from the company that is selling the product you want has told you and not factor that into your decision at all, so be it.

[goof]

I called into Artist Arena and was able to change my seats from Row G to Row A. They were very nice on the phone. I am now very happy.

[garyrulez]

I called into Artist Arena and was able to change my seats from Row G to Row A. They were very nice on the phone. I am now very happy.

Thanks goof...so can we all quit bickering, because I kind of have a hankering to stop at the auto parts store on the way home from work...

[becky11]

I called into Artist Arena and was able to change my seats from Row G to Row A. They were very nice on the phone. I am now very happy.

Nice! Congratulations. (Seriously!! :D)

THIS oughta cause more controversy. :D

[TheHYPO]

I called into Artist Arena and was able to change my seats from Row G to Row A. They were very nice on the phone. I am now very happy.

That's good to hear. Did you/they give any rationale for why they upgraded you or why you didn't get better seats in the first place?

[therealshell]

Nice! Congratulations. (Seriously!! :D)

THIS oughta cause more controversy. :D

What is "Artist Arena" ?

[goof]

It may cause more controversy but I did purchase the Barenaked VIP package for 2 which did cost $391. I believe I should be ahead of those who purchased lesser ticket plans.

[TheHYPO]

What is "Artist Arena" ?

Artist Arena is a music promotions company that happens to be handling the direct ticket sales for BNL's fan club (where ticketmaster doesn't handle the venue, it's sold direct from the ladies room via Artist Arena). There has been inconsistancy with how the two forums (AA and ticketmaster) have handled the presale. It's like MusicToday was under the previous free Ladies Room if you were here for that.

PS: I need to correct myself, as I've been calling them ArtistDirect all day, which is a whole different company. My bad

[MoodyCat]

I called into Artist Arena and was able to change my seats from Row G to Row A. They were very nice on the phone. I am now very happy.

That's fantastic news!!!

[becky11]

It may cause more controversy but I did purchase the Barenaked VIP package for 2 which did cost $391. I believe I should be ahead of those who purchased lesser ticket plans.

Agreed. Totally. :)

[PolyesterAngel]

It may cause more controversy but I did purchase the Barenaked VIP package for 2 which did cost $391. I believe I should be ahead of those who purchased lesser ticket plans.

You have every right to have better tickets!

I'm really happy that my venue is GA, now..

[TheHYPO]

It may cause more controversy but I did purchase the Barenaked VIP package for 2 which did cost $391. I believe I should be ahead of those who purchased lesser ticket plans.

I agree, I think you should too. I wish the show I got wasn't sold from Ticketmaster. I have little faith that they'd do anything for me.

[goof]

They said they are not holding back any seats, They may have been held by someone else at the time I was purchasing, or the sale did not go through for the original purchaser due to ticket limits or card decline.

What I did was I saw they were available, I held them while I called, they told me to go ahead with the purchase and call back they would cancel my earlier order.

I took a chance and it paid off.

[Amicustoall]

TheHYPO if the tires were an issue with me, I would verify that they were as represented before I bought it, if the other car is gone, oh well, that is the risk I took.

[iled]

I'm sorry, you and I agree, right?

Sorry- I'm not used to this.

I'm really quite an agreeable person, if you just believe everything I say ;);)

[TheHYPO]

TheHYPO if the tires were an issue with me, I would verify that they were as represented before I bought it, if the other car is gone, oh well, that is the risk I took.

You still haven't answered the question; if you HAD TO CHOOSE between checking car A that you were told has the tires you don't want, but is cheaper, and car B that you were told has the tires you do want, and you could only look at ONE car, Would you:
a) look at car A which you were told does NOT have the tires you want; or
b) look at car B which you were told DOES have the tires you want?

knowing that the other car may be gone by the time you've looked at the first one. It's a simple A or B question, and I'm curious which you would choose based on your advice to me.

[Amicustoall]

TheHYPO, my answer is the same, option two. But your hypothetical is improbably at best.

[Amicustoall]

The more I think about it TheHYPO why would option one be an option at all? I know I want a certain tire, so why would I verify that a car that is represented as not having them does indeed not have them? Because I am not going to buy it anywhere.

[Liam]

shall we just all agree that you are always right, and that will make everyone's life easier?

[TheHYPO]

The more I think about it TheHYPO why would option one be an option at all? I know I want a certain tire, so why would I verify that a car that is represented as not having them does indeed not have them? Because I am not going to buy it anywhere.

Thank you; This is exactly my point. I was represented by someone in the orgnization that only VIP Barenaked would have access to rows 1-10, and VIP Naked would have access to 11-20.

In other words, the inverse of that is that it was represented to me that customers paying regular price would not have access to the first twenty rows. So why would I bother trying to select those tickets when I was told they didn't contain the seats I wanted? That would mean foregoing first crack at the VIP which I was told was the ONLY way to get the better seats I wanted.

Get it?

[Amicustoall]

Well yes and no TheHYPO. As I said before I would not trust what I was told about ticketing that they were not in charge on directly. I would also not trust it because that is a strange way to put it. Usually VIP say things like guaranty you in first ten rows. I have never seen it say ONLY VIP in certain rows.
You were not precluded from checking the accuracy of the information you had, you were able to check it out, at the risk of missing out on better tickets, but you had the option. By the way I been known to open two different browsers so I can actually hold two sets of tickets! Or as you did somewhat work with a friend so you can play safely with ticket selection. :)

[NiceyDoodle]

You know what? None of that matters. I am still pissed off that I paid $175 a ticket for 7 rows back when I know for a FACT that ATLEAST 2 others PLUS myself were able to secure rows ahead of me for $100 less per seat. Go ahead and tear it apart, debate, be impartial, wtf ever else you wanna. But at the end of the day...I am pissed off.

[swiss lady]

Aw, so we won't cross paths this tour. That sucks :( Hope to see you around sooner than later, though Barbara

Thanks Allen!
:)

Yes, sooner or later.
If not sooner, than on the next cruise or at the camp.

[kinch]

I'll go out and say it... the ticketing process was fucked up. This comes from someone who got two front row tickets, just to the right of being dead centre, at regular price ($80 each)... can't get any better than that.

I decided before hand that I would not be gouged $175... and I got lucky. I'd be pissed if I decided to pay $175 and was several rows back.

I hope the band puts some pressure on the fan club to make things more fair next time.

Just my two cents.

[NiceyDoodle]

I take it REGULAR Presale means Row AAA (front row) , and PREMIUM means Row B (7 rows back).

How stupid of me to think of that as opposite.

P.S. Tyler, I actually very happy for you, I love that a true fan like yourself is in that front row. The boys need some big support and seeing someone who has always been there, will still be there...well to me..speaks volumes.

[WeedMage]

First of all - I didn't get online between some time on Sunday til after 1:00 pm today ... so, I'm LATE with all this. Then I look at the Ticketmaster sell site and see nothing for Victoria. Then I read an email from Laurel about VIP packages, etc. Then I see where I need to click here for the Victoria tix and it's thru the LR. Then I can't seem to find where to click to actually purchase tickets. I go back to email and find a place to click that takes me to a place to buy the tix. Then I find my log in doesn't work, then I see I have to register AGAIN just to buy tickets ... or something like that.

FINALLY, I buy tickets! (Actually, just got one as I'm not sure I can convince any of my friends to make the trip to Victoria - so hopefully Laurel is going!)

Section B - 7-13 (which I ASSume is something, somewhere in rows 7-13) which might be further back than I'm used to these days, but Section B is smack dab Center on the floor, so, considering how LATE I am, I'm thinking this is pretty good.

Now I just have to fork over another $90 for the ferry and whatever I need for a hotel overnight ... and boarding the dog, and other misc expenses ... Ticket was $70. Good thing there weren't any package deals. Can't imagine spending over $150 PLUS the travel and overnight ...

Now, if they add a show in Vancouver, I'll be P'O'd like the rest of you :)

[Michelle in WI]

Jody, I'd be pissed, too. That is a ridiculous way to do business, and you surely did seem to get ripped off in this deal. Then add insult to injury with how you were treated here.

Sorry, Amicus, but that was a below the belt response, and frankly (to put it in your own words), wasn't very becoming of you.

[Lacey]

I take it REGULAR Presale means Row AAA (front row) , and PREMIUM means Row B (7 rows back).

How stupid of me to think of that as opposite.

P.S. Tyler, I actually very happy for you, I love that a true fan like yourself is in that front row. The boys need some big support and seeing someone who has always been there, will still be there...well to me..speaks volumes.

It wasn't stupid of you to think what you did. Don't let one or two internet bullies make you feel bad about your opinions/feelings.

[garyrulez]

You know what? None of that matters. I am still pissed off that I paid $175 a ticket for 7 rows back when I know for a FACT that ATLEAST 2 others PLUS myself were able to secure rows ahead of me for $100 less per seat. Go ahead and tear it apart, debate, be impartial, wtf ever else you wanna. But at the end of the day...I am pissed off.

I agree- I hope they make it right for you.

[swiss lady]

For the Kingston show I figured out the following by now:

In case this seat map (http://tixx1.artistarena.com/uplimage/K_Rock_Centre.jpg) is correct (it's from Artist Arena):

Naked VIP are assigned to the left (of 3) section (FLR3) from row 11 and they start selling seats from the far left (seat 14) instead of the center (seat 1).
It looks like I'm the only one who purchased a Naked Package for that show because seat 13 in the same row is still available.
(it wouldn't surprise me if no Barenaked Packages are sold for that show yet)

I am ok with the fact that they don't assign seats for the center section.
I mean the Radio guys need to get their good seats too right?
But starting with the far left???

Since I assume this is an error on their (Artist Arena) side, I emailed them.
Asking if they could change my seat from
FLR3, 11-14 to
FLR3, 11-01 (that would be a great seat although I'm used to be closer to the stage even w/o paying extra $ for a fancy VIP package).

I will let you know, if they answer me.

[really_mzungu]

Bought a regular seat for Victoria (since I'm broke and can't justify insane ticket prices). Don't know where it is, since the venue's seating map doesn't match my section or seat number in any way. Planning to investigate. Although apparently it's fairly central.

Arguing for the sake of arguing is pointless.

This pre-sale screwed over a lot of people. It was done badly. I personally am kind of offended about the new Ladies Room. Not only do we have to pay for what was free, now apparently it's totally cool to give us the "bonus" of being able to pay triple price for the tickets we used to get at face-value!

I understand all the capitalism-is-good stuff. To an extent, I agree. But it kind of sucks that it's no longer OK to be an uber-fan if you're on a budget.

Guess I should just be glad I got a lot of good seats while the getting was good!

[Amicustoall]

"But it kind of sucks that it's no longer OK to be an uber-fan if you're on a budget."

really you are still an uber fan, but financial reality often is not the kindest of realities. I mean under your logic, they should not charge anything for tickets, because an uber fan might not be able to afford even a $10 ticket. Come on, I understand it is not fun, but really to be pissed off at BNL or their management does not seem rational. The VIP package is a popular concept in live music ticketing, it is not unique to BNL. The packages are not always the same, and I have only take advantage of that option a couple of times. Once was for a gift for someone that I knew that was a huge Matchbox 20 fan in Oz. I paid out the door for VIP tickets, knowing that she would get every single cent out of the experience. I was not disappointed. The only other time was for the Tsunami event, and that was definately worth every cent as well.
Right now I doubt I would pop for the extra money for a VIP package if they are available if they come this way, but I am not so concerned with being in the first two rows. I like a nice central spot where I can see all of the guys, and often seats where I can get a pretty good vantage spot even when I choose not to stand.

[OrdinaryOne]

..... I'm curious which you would choose based on your advice to me.
Kudos to you - but seriously - bang your head on a rock next time I think you'd get more out of it.

You know what? None of that matters. I am still pissed off that I paid $175 a ticket for 7 rows back when I know for a FACT that ATLEAST 2 others PLUS myself were able to secure rows ahead of me for $100 less per seat. Go ahead and tear it apart, debate, be impartial, wtf ever else you wanna. But at the end of the day...I am pissed off.
I totally understand - and I get why you deserve to feel pissed off.

OK my $.02 I don't care that we have to pay for the LR - I paid for many many years before it went free and I complained when it went free that I was still willing to pay for the benefits. However that we have to pay and the earn the right to pay so much over face value to get close. UGH! I don't need t-shirts, CDs or M&Gs - I just want the seats we had during BNL tours of years past. Increase the ticket prices if they must but drop all the inflationary extra crap. I loved hitting a few shows during tours - and had hoped to do just that and maybe more this year with the US tour. But I don't want to travel far for crappy seats and I shouldn't really spend big $$ at every show to sit close.

Oh and I think it's a pretty well believed fact that if there are gigantic differences in pricing tiers that the higher $$ tickets should be better seats. And DO NOT argue about the meaning of better - most sane people would know what I mean.

~jen

[NiceyDoodle]

I like you Jen!!! Did I meet you in Orlando at the Doubletree?

I don't mind paying for the membership. I don't mind the cost for VIP for premium seats, M & G, and all the other swag. But at this point, my friend are in talks, she feel horrible she has better seats than me with my presale code and that I paid $100 more per ticket. She wanted the perks of the VIP, the M & G and swag. So, I might give her my seats and the perks just be 3 rows up.

[therealshell]

I may be in the minority, but I really don't like being in the front row. Its way too loud for my sensitive ears.

[Amicustoall]

shell the noise does not bother me, but depending on the venue I don't feel like it is a good vantage point. Being off to the side is not as good for me either, as then I can't see everyone.

[therealshell]

shell the noise does not bother me, but depending on the venue I don't feel like it is a good vantage point. Being off to the side is not as good for me either, as then I can't see everyone.

I recall, years ago, being in the front row at a Jane Siberry concert, and that was cool, but my ears were less sensitive then than they are now. I kinda like being somewhere in the middle.

On the 2008 cruise, we were squashed in the front row for one of the BNL shows, and it was cool, in one sense, but my ears hurt for days.

[Amicustoall]

shell one man's fantasy is another man's hell. We made no effort to be front and center at any of the main stage BNL shows on any of the cruises. Front row of the balcony was our favorite location. Again, not sound related. Rather total level of enjoyment.

BTW because this brought it up. On S&D some of us paid extra money for a VIP type deal, which talked about reserved seating to our main stage show. Do you know what it bought us? The right to get into the venue hours and hours before the show, and defend our seats to everyone else. Was I happy about it, nope, but I was not angry with BNL or its management.

[Kellylight]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B-UKIAMek90

[just blame craig]

Remember the days when people waited IN A LINE for tickets. Often times it was the people willing to sacrifice sleep or being late to work that got the best seats. Often times it was the people that wanted it more then the other guy who got the best seats. I miss those days.

[the_other_sally]

Ahhhhh, Craig... Rolling Stones Tatoo You tour. Good times.


HYPO, Thanks for telling me your experience. I know I will be psychologically prepared for the ticket scene when the US leg is announced.

[therealshell]

Remember the days when people waited IN A LINE for tickets. Often times it was the people willing to sacrifice sleep or being late to work that got the best seats. Often times it was the people that wanted it more then the other guy who got the best seats. I miss those days.

At one of the best concerts that I ever saw (Springsteen and the E Street Band at the CNE Colliseum in 1984), I got my nosebleed tickets in a "lottery". I still had the time of my life.

[RockShrimp]

For what it's worth, I don't actually really care what happens as long as what they tell us is what actually happens - I can see an argument for *either* more expensive packages getting automatic better seats *or* saying the extra $$ is for the extras and all tiers get the same ticket pool. I just want to be able to make an informed decision with my purchase.

In related news, when I pulled up tickets for Oshawa this morning, I was given GA seats, so I decided not to purchase them because I didn't want to travel that far for a GA show. Apparently folks who bought the GA seats have since been informed that the show is in fact seated, and have been assigned seats. So that's awesome. Oh well, c'est la vie.

[OrdinaryOne]

I like you Jen!!! Did I meet you in Orlando at the Doubletree?.

Thanks! :)

Oh good memory - I think we did! :D I was just heading over to Universal to scope it out and you were checking in! Ahhhh that was well not quite a year ago. Time flies!

I think I want to be in warm Florida again. :o

~jen

[OrdinaryOne]

BTW because this brought it up. On S&D some of us paid extra money for a VIP type deal, which talked about reserved seating to our main stage show. Do you know what it bought us? The right to get into the venue hours and hours before the show, and defend our seats to everyone else. Was I happy about it, nope, but I was not angry with BNL or its management.

Hmmm but, given the chance - if the same opportunity was coming up for others would you not have spoken about your experience to let people know what they were buying? They could then make their own judgment about whether or not it was worth the VIP $. Also that was only offered on S&D 1 - so I think they learned from *feedback* how that went for future efforts. Feedback or construction criticism should not be frowned upon or cast in the light of being angry with BNL - it should be welcomed to make the future better.

~jen

[marebo]

well it seems you guys had a roller coaster of a day...glad for those who got the good tix...feel for you who you didnt in respctive of the price you paid...its always a crap shoot my husband and i go thru...do i take them or not...i have seen this with other fan clubs where the vip and regular presale seats can be side by side...i think the bands need to know most fans who want vip..and i said most...want better seats...not meet and greets ...shirts and other sundrie swag...could they make a seperate vip....or should i say a different vip...a premium seat vip..they need to tweak it somehow...most of the fans that want vip seem just to want that...most have met the band on more than one occasion...and have all the t shirts and cds ...not saying this is better or doable...but when i looked at the vip package... it promises a reserved seat... i dont remembert a premium seat...i have seen this turn core fans against a band in other fan clubs...they buy the music and skip the shows...just a thought

[WeedMage]

At one of the best concerts that I ever saw (Springsteen and the E Street Band at the CNE Colliseum in 1984), I got my nosebleed tickets in a "lottery". I still had the time of my life.

Saw Bruce for the first time at the Tacoma Dome and we had nosebleed seats - almost the very last row in the rafters and I had the time of my life! But that was because it was over 3 hours of non-stop rock and roll and all of us up there were dancing and screaming our asses off! Couldn't really see him without the binoculars, but we heard him just fine.

[therealshell]

Saw Bruce for the first time at the Tacoma Dome and we had nosebleed seats - almost the very last row in the rafters and I had the time of my life! But that was because it was over 3 hours of non-stop rock and roll and all of us up there were dancing and screaming our asses off! Couldn't really see him without the binoculars, but we heard him just fine.

My first Bruce concert was for the "Darkness on the Edge of Town" tour. I was also so far back that all I could see were like little dots on the stage, but I rocked my arse off.

[NiceyDoodle]

I hear what you are saying marebo and thank you for your post.

This is where I got the info from, right on the LR page.

Let’s get to the heart of it Ladies Room... TOMORROW Tuesday, January 26th at 12pm Local Venue Time, you will have access to presale tickets for the dates below to the Barenaked Ladies Canadian headlining tour dates with special guest Joel Plaskett. Presales will be offered both via Ticketmaster (requiring a coupon code) AND fan club ticketing as noted below. In addition to regular presale tickets, there will also be VIP packages available at the time of purchase via this fan club presale.

Barenaked VIP Package - Package includes:-General Admission Floor Ticket with Priority Entry or Premium Reserved Seat
-A Meet & Greet with Barenaked Ladies
-1 Exclusive Barenaked Ladies t-shirt
-Commemorative Barenaked Ladies VIP Laminate

Naked VIP Package - Package includes:
-GA Floor Ticket with Priority Entry or Premium Reserved Seat
-1 Exclusive Barenaked Ladies t-shirt

[marebo]

sounds likd a great concert weed...we just got tickets to james taylor and carole king in boston...balcony...i said to my huband...they are around our age...i dont have to see them...just sit back and listen to the music..alot of the soundtrack of my life...:)

[NiceyDoodle]

This was just posted in the LR under the announcement:

.new
Submitted by zeenee on Tue, 2010-01-26 19:33.

ticketmaster had some keying errors and fixed the problem of the VIP packages late this afternoon. They mixed up the packages and rows but most bought tix already so SOL with the 4 your bought they told me. They said I could try when they open up to the public on Friday.


Isnt that just effing fantastic!

[marebo]

ok...i get where you are coming from nicey...they did say premium...ok...what is that as opposed to regular...looks like nothing...i know the music business is in flux...figuring out what model it is now...but tourning is the band...i dont care if old school bnl fan club has been tagged as aphabetical...we got seats all through the years in row 1 through 4...untill the free fan club...no vip involved..we have two different last names...and both of us ordered at different shows...seems better than all this vip stuff

[marebo]

it's ticketbastard

[caycay]

Well as usual, a valid topic has turned predictably uncomfortable.

I have much empathy on behalf of all of you whom were frankly f*cked over by the VIP debacle. Your expectations were correct and appropriate - you pay more - you get better seats. Maybe this "conversation" will bring attention and the problem will improve as the tour progresses. theHYPO, I know you posted for exactly that reason. I was fully prepared to fork over the $175 when my city comes up. Now, not so much unless things greatly improve, so thank you.

On another note, the stupid nitpicking and in fighting is getting really really old. DO NOT tell me that "I have the right not to read it" because this is the BNL board, the topic here relates to purchasing tickets, and I am trying to learn something about that topic. To have to wade through pages of self aggrandizing "my words are better than your words" bull shit to get to the heart of the matter is ridiculous.

I am done beating my head against the wall now.

Edited to add - and thank you to jody and goof and the others who also posted their experiences

[iled]

This was just posted in the LR under the announcement:

.new
Submitted by zeenee on Tue, 2010-01-26 19:33.

ticketmaster had some keying errors and fixed the problem of the VIP packages late this afternoon. They mixed up the packages and rows but most bought tix already so SOL with the 4 your bought they told me. They said I could try when they open up to the public on Friday.


Isnt that just effing fantastic!

Great! So you are saying they admit they screwed things up AND they aren't going to do anything about it. That wouldn't fly at most of our jobs now would it?

Jody, we are planning a nice dinner before hand for the Calgary gang, that should make you feel better ;)

[caycay]

Great! So you are saying they admit they screwed things up AND they aren't going to do anything about it. That wouldn't fly at most of our jobs now would it?

Jody, we are planning a nice dinner before hand for the Calgary gang, that should make you feel better ;)

Wow. Ticketbastards indeed.

[PolyesterAngel]

I just got some news. My venue has (finally) put BNL on it's performance list and has listed a price.. $34 (CAD). I paid $50.80 USD.

[scratchy]

why does everything have to turn into a fight around here? either people are too sensitive or defensive but it seems like people are taking sides again and it's the snd board all over again. everyone should listen to snacktime and calm the shit down. we need a referee!

i'd hate to go to a show and wonder if the person sitting next to me is a dick on this board

thanks to everyone who posted about their shitty experience. hoping the people who can fix these problems will take note when they release their next set of tour dates

whether you got a close seat for cheap or a close seat for $$, i am green with envy you get to see them in the first place. some of us losers need to wait until they close to us.

[marebo]

lmoa caycay...just made me sing...

you beat your head against the wall
you disconnect yourself from it all
because you know your are so beautiful and so untouchable
and i want to get in so bad but i dont know how

because your gone and you aint coming back
your gone and you aint coming back


goo goo dolls...

[sarah11918]

I just got some news. My venue has (finally) put BNL on it's performance list and has listed a price.. $34 (CAD). I paid $50.80 USD.

OK, now *that* does suck! At least I'll be totally prepared when they (never) come to PEI. :)

[Lacey]

I just got some news. My venue has (finally) put BNL on it's performance list and has listed a price.. $34 (CAD). I paid $50.80 USD.

That blows. And so does ticketshitter. Sorry everyone

[PolyesterAngel]

That blows. And so does ticketshitter. Sorry everyone

This was ArtistVenue (or wtv)

[Lacey]

I know, I was just referring to the ticketshitter mixup from a page or two back as well.

[marebo]

i hope this is a learning curve...new band...new management and new ladies room...and things will gell with time...i know we all are here for a reason...the band that makes the music we love and the people we have met along the years...i am ready to go on with the new band...loved the show i was at...looking forward to more...love tyler singing...i am here to enjoy myself...not be contentious

[caycay]

That blows. And so does ticketshitter. Sorry everyone

This could get fun - I thought of ticketasshat, because asshat is one of my favorite word/s of all time, but it just dosen't flow...:)

[PolyesterAngel]

My ArtistVenue confirmation email says that there are no refunds or exchanges... I emailed both them and LR. Someone better be giving me my money back.

[iled]

i hope this is a learning curve...new band...new management and new ladies room...and things will gell with time...i know we all are here for a reason...the band that makes the music we love and the people we have met along the years...i am ready to go on with the new band...loved the show i was at...looking forward to more...love tyler singing...i am here to enjoy myself...not be contentious

good words to play by!!

[marebo]

caycay...you could totally turn it into ...super cali aashatterticket alidocious..

[Ellen from Saint Louis]

This could get fun - I thought of ticketasshat, because asshat is one of my favorite word/s of all time, but it just dosen't flow...:)

Have we tried TicketMasturbator?

[marebo]

oh wow...just oh wow...that is the greatest...

[Sally]

On another note, the stupid nitpicking and in fighting is getting really really old. DO NOT tell me that "I have the right not to read it" because this is the BNL board, the topic here relates to purchasing tickets, and I am trying to learn something about that topic. To have to wade through pages of self aggrandizing "my words are better than your words" bull shit to get to the heart of the matter is ridiculous.


I heart you!!!! You deserve to flash a Norwegian Cruise Line!!!

[NiceyDoodle]

I stepped away from my computer, I am still pissed. BUT, I can't do anything about it. So...I need to move on. Nothing is, nor can be done to correct it. Just knowing TicketMaster made a mistake, somehow makes me feel better. Mistakes happen. At the end of the day, I have tickets to see my all time fav band, and I am going to have an awesome time.

[WeedMage]

At the end of the day, I have tickets to see my all time fav band, and I am going to have an awesome time.

That's the stuff, Jody!

[jojomc]

Look at me, arriving to the party after all of the excitement :p

But, I'm going to say my piece anyway...

The experiences described in this thread clearly demonstrate that this whole pre-sale was a major "buyer beware" situation and also the importance of knowing what you're agreeing to. Although the ticket/VIP package details prior to the on-sale were sketchy at best, both the Ticketmaster and Artist Arena sites have these descriptions of the VIP packages:

Barenaked VIP Package includes:
-GA Floor Ticket with Priority Entry or Premium Reserved Seat ticketing in the first 10 rows
-A Meet and Greet with Barenaked Ladies
-1 Signed copy of the CD "All In Good Time"
-1 Exclusive Barenaked Ladies t-shirt
-Commemorative Barenaked Ladies VIP Laminate

Naked VIP Package includes:
-GA Floor Ticket with Priority Entry or Premium Reserved Seat in the first 20 rows
-1 Barenaked Ladies t-shirt

I didn't find, on either site, any description of limitations on non-VIP tickets -- I believe that would be referred to as 'the loophole' to defend some of the seating situations encountered.

My analogy for this is the travel industry --- you can buy a plane ticket for $500 or book a hotel room for $300 only to find the traveler next to you paid a fraction of that. And, really, there isn't a whole lot you can do about it.


So, when deciding to pay for a VIP package, the decision making probably should have been, "I have a chance at awesome seats, but am I willing to spend that money on 10th or 20th row?" rather than "more money equals better seats". I haven't seen any complaints of someone buying VIP and getting seats outside the specified rows, just that they didn't get as awesome seats as they had hoped or expected.

To alter Allan's analogy, it is like deciding between the Camaro or the Corvette... both come with tires, either Firestones or Goodyears. You decide to buy the Corvette using the logic that they'll put the tires you want (the "better" tires) on the more expensive car. No, they really won't, and y'know, if you don't want the car, just go buy the tires... that being said, it turns out I may have bought tires with rims I don't really need. :o

Over the years, I have seen & heard numerous comments along the lines of being spoiled by the Ladies Room ticketing by always getting awesome seats... well, I am here to tell you that, if you always got "first three rows" or "never worse than fifth row", you were spoiled.

I was a "tier one" member of the old Ladies Room... in all of that time, buying LR tickets with my membership got me better than first five rows all of three times: front row (all the way Ed side) on S&DIII, second row on S&DV (it seems booking in the first seven seconds wasn't good enough for front row :p) and fifth row at the last BNftH show at Massey Hall. Was I disappointed with my less than stellar LR seats -- yes, yes I was, so I can empathize with everyone who didn't get the awesome seats for this go around. However, I've always managed to luck out with GA shows and,through the generosity of fellow fans, I have enjoyed more than my fair share of BNL shows from the awesome seats. In the end, it balances.

[garyrulez]

I want to state for the sake of "argument=Gary" that in this case, I'm firmly on the side of those who felt they got screwed.

Yes, I did think some of the pre-complaining was overdone; and yes, I still feel the band has every right to charge whatever they want for their fan club and their tickets. Having said that:

1) Forget about all the analogies and all the loopholes and all the fine print. This can be kept at the simplest level: common sense. If you paid $175 and you're in the corner of the 7th row, you should not have to look front and center to find the person who paid $50 (or $38, PA??? Jesus!). That's just common sense.

2) I don't think the band (who must know about this by now) has any desire to alienate the people who are most affected by this, which is, sadly, the most dedicated and long-time fans.

3) The question remains, will somebody (the band, their management, the ticket agencies) do something about it, or are all you folks just going to get a "buyer beware, tough luck, we'll try better next time" type of response? I hope it's the former, but it's starting to sound for some of you like it might be the latter.

4) Editorial aside: do the right thing, guys. I figure, conservatively, I've put $10,000 (shit, probably a lot more) into BNL from tickets, merch, cruises, travel to see them...and I know I'm not even close to the top of the list in that regard. If you add time-value to the equation, Allen, Michael from Sandimas, Swiss Lady, and others could all probably be millionaires by now. These are the people you want to do right by. Not because it's a smart long-term financial choice (which, by the way, it is) but because it's just...well...right.

[Liam]

I fully agree with the last 2 posts, very well said both of you.

[TheHYPO]

Well yes and no TheHYPO. As I said before I would not trust what I was told about ticketing that they were not in charge on directly. I would also not trust it because that is a strange way to put it. Usually VIP say things like guaranty you in first ten rows. I have never seen it say ONLY VIP in certain rows.
You were not precluded from checking the accuracy of the information you had, you were able to check it out, at the risk of missing out on better tickets, but you had the option. By the way I been known to open two different browsers so I can actually hold two sets of tickets! Or as you did somewhat work with a friend so you can play safely with ticket selection. :)

I too used to open two browsers, but I found about a year ago that I tried this and ticketmaster was able to tell and dumped my earlier seats. Maybe this is again no longer the case, but I haven't tried doing that since. I tried on the AA site and it wouldn't let me buy while I still had other seats in my cart.

[TheHYPO]

I recall, years ago, being in the front row at a Jane Siberry concert, and that was cool, but my ears were less sensitive then than they are now. I kinda like being somewhere in the middle.

On the 2008 cruise, we were squashed in the front row for one of the BNL shows, and it was cool, in one sense, but my ears hurt for days.

I would reccomend a pair of foam earplugs (or if you want to be fancy and get better sound, you could actually get ear molds and half molded earplugs made, like a buddy of mine has - this is only if you goto a lot of shows though). I usually take a pair of simple foam plugs (cost maybe 2 or 3 bucks - a pair of little cylinderical foam pieces) that you can get at any big music store. I have pretty sensitive ears too and if a place is loud, it both hurts the ears (not for days, but for a bit), and makes it hard to understand what they are saying on stage. I pop in the plugs and it's perfect... well, ok, to be honest it's a touch quiet (perfect volume to listen to, but at that volume, there's not as much power, which sometimes makes it feel a bit less "live" and more like wearing headphones. I usually decide at a show whether it's too loud and I need to wear them, but I almost always bring them when I'm going to be close to the stage.

Just from personal experience, I've found that at many venues, front row is actually not as loud as third row or fourth row, because in front row (where there isn't a large security pit), you are sometimes BEHIND/BESIDE the speakers, meaning you don't get much of their direct blast.

[garyrulez]

I fully agree with the last 2 posts, very well said both of you.

Thanks! I'm capable of acting like a normal person...I just choose not to mostly.

[TheHYPO]

Do you know what it bought us? The right to get into the venue hours and hours before the show, and defend our seats to everyone else. Was I happy about it, nope, but I was not angry with BNL or its management.

Here's the thing I just want to explain without trying to be insulting: Kudos to you for being a calm and unemotional person in the face of being disappointed with how ticketing was handled at that show. I believe it is 100% your right to not be angry about it. But the important point that I am not sure you concur with is this: Just because you feel that way does not make others wrong for having feelings of disappointment or anger due to the same events. Nor does it make them wrong for expressing it.

And this part is just my personal opinion, and I mean it to be a constructive critisism that might help you in the future: if you start nitpicking someone and basically telling them things like they should be like you and accept the thing that makes them angry or upset, or how you were in a comparable situation and it didn't bother you, that is more likely to increase their stress level than decrease it.

[therealshell]

As I recall, I scrunched up a napkin and put that in my ears to combat the loudness.

Still, my ears hurt for a while afterwards.

[Lacey]

Here's the thing I just want to explain without trying to be insulting: Kudos to you for being a calm and unemotional person in the face of being disappointed with how ticketing was handled at that show. I believe it is 100% your right to not be angry about it. But the important point that I am not sure you concur with is this: Just because you feel that way does not make others wrong for having feelings of disappointment or anger due to the same events. Nor does it make them wrong for expressing it.

And this part is just my personal opinion, and I mean it to be a constructive critisism that might help you in the future: if you start nitpicking someone and basically telling them things like they should be like you and accept the thing that makes them angry or upset, or how you were in a comparable situation and it didn't bother you, that is more likely to increase their stress level than decrease it.

Dude, banging your head against a wall...

[TheHYPO]

As I recall, I scrunched up a napkin and put that in my ears to combat the loudness.

Still, my ears hurt for a while afterwards.

The key is that it needs a good seal. You may have got that with a napkin, only you would know that, but the foam expands for form a seal. Whenever you see one of those in-ear earphones (the professional kind), all they talk about is how to get the best seal in the ear, so I think that is one of the important parts. It might be worth a shot for three bucks next time you have to sit close at a large show. No pressure; just a friendly suggestion :)

[therealshell]

Thank you, sir.

[garyrulez]

The key is that it needs a good seal. You may have got that with a napkin, only you would know that, but the foam expands for form a seal. Whenever you see one of those in-ear earphones (the professional kind), all they talk about is how to get the best seal in the ear, so I think that is one of the important parts. It might be worth a shot for three bucks next time you have to sit close at a large show. No pressure; just a friendly suggestion :)

I tried using an actual seal once, but it was much too large and instead of less noise, I ended up with a lot of barking.

[TheHYPO]

Finally (wow, lots of replies to get to when you actually sleep overnight), I have to echo RockShrimp whole heartedly.

The argument about 175 should = better tickets or someone in row 7 should be paying less than someone in row 1, or hotel room analogies are ALL MOOT in my book... (well, they are valid, but not applicable to today's debacle.

One of my first BNL shows was a GA show in which VIP tickets were offered by the promoter. This was an outdoor show in a giant field with thousands of people.

What VIP offerred was basically a triangle corner roped off in the front-right of the rectangular audience (think like those corner you use to hold photos into an old-time album or scrapbook). It also allowed you to drink alcohol, and not be crushed (as VIP was far less sold than its capacity, and in the GA field you were likely to be smooshed to the stage).

VIP people paid more and I have no zero problem with it, because it was advertised this way. I was a full list of VIP benefits, and there was a diagram showing the layout of the show. I looked at it for five seconds and thought "even if you get into the nearest corner of VIP for the show, you're still way at the corner of the stage... that sucks" and quickly bought regular tickets and enjoyed them far more.

I do not care one bit who pays more than me or where their tickets are. What I care about is that when I click "barenaked VIP" or "regular ticket" or anything else, I know exactly what I'm paying for. I was specifically told, and it was specifically advertised that Barenaked VIP got me a "premium seat" in rows 1-10. Naked VIP got others "premium seats" in rows 11-20. By definition, "premium" means better than others. If It had SAID, "Barenaked gets rows 5-10, and regular priced tickets could be anywhere", I'd be completely happy with that announcement as well. I don't care who pays more. I care that when I have a split second to click for the best tickets, the information provided about my options is accurate.

That said, I suppose I agree in concept that VIP should be closer, all things being equal, but I also fully agree that "meet and greet" is definite value to some people, and as such, row 5 with a meet and greet is worth more than row 4 to them. If that's how the band wanted to set things up (no difference in tickets, VIPs just get the extra perks) I'd be all for that too. As long as it was properly advertised to us.

[NiceyDoodle]

That said, I suppose I agree in concept that VIP should be closer, all things being equal, but I also fully agree that "meet and greet" is definite value to some people, and as such, row 5 with a meet and greet is worth more than row 4 to them. If that's how the band wanted to set things up (no difference in tickets, VIPs just get the extra perks) I'd be all for that too. As long as it was properly advertised to us.


I don't think that was the intent, I hope that wasn't the intent. If they hadnt stated "premium seats" vs "regular seats" we wouldnt have an issue. Pkgs aside. Obviously there is an added value of the swag and M & G. Which can be desirable. I've encountered this before where I could buy just a regular seat, or I could get a regular seat + a pkg. For those bands, I chose just regular seats.

Even for BNL given the fandom community they make realitively easy, I wouldnt have gone for a regular seat + a pkg. However, for a premium seat that includes a pkg. Yep, and I did.

I am in a different place now over this issue. I deal with conflict at work all the time, and as I tell ppl "Well, I can't go back in time and fix it or change it, so lets look forward and get some resolution" at this time, I don't think there is any. My seats certainly aren't poor, in fact they are fantastic. It just comes down to the representation and what actually happened. In the end I got better seats for $100 less.

I get to see my boyfriend Ed Robertson again, so that'll be worth it. (it has to be)

[therealshell]

How'd it go for Andrew at the Motley Crue show ?

[NiceyDoodle]

You know, he was pissy cos I didn't do laundry (In all fairness I totally forgot), so we didn't really talk. Apparently Joe Perry Project was bad, but Airborne was good. I think he liked it :)

[Amicustoall]

1. jojo well stated
2. TheHYPO thanks for the advice on how to deal with people.
3. TheHYPO I find that while sometimes attempting to point out to people the other side of the coin might make them more angry, that often it allows them to see things from a different perspective.
4. While I do agree that premium means better than something else, I think that in a general sense rows 1-20 are premium. I guess my difficulty is that if you purchased a VIP package and are seated in the rows specified (to the extent they were specified) and you get the rest of the things promised you got what you paid for. The fact that someone else paid only for a ticket and got a seat "equal to or better" than yours without the perks does not make your premium package a lesser thing. I guess from a business model perspective I can not imagine promising that only VIPs will be seated in the first 20 rows. What happens if only 100 out of 500 seats were sold at that price? I am sure anyone that has taken advantage of a sale of seats, for instance the theatre seats that are sometimes released the day of a show for a price lower than original price, knows that sometimes the risk of not seeing a performance can pay off. Of course, sometimes it won't and you won't have a seat at all.
5. I fully agree that people are "allowed" (I don't like that word but can't seem to come up with a word that really describes my thoughts right now) to feel the way they do, and they are allowed to express them. Be angry if you are angry, that is cool by me. But I have a right to feel differently as well.
6. gary, be careful using the seals, as they are protected in some places!

[just blame craig]

As I recall, I scrunched up a napkin and put that in my ears to combat the loudness.

Still, my ears hurt for a while afterwards.

next time don't shove the entire napkin in your ear. It dosn't really fit.:)

[NiceyDoodle]

1. jojo well stated
2. TheHYPO thanks for the advice on how to deal with people.
3. TheHYPO I find that while sometimes attempting to point out to people the other side of the coin might make them more angry, that often it allows them to see things from a different perspective.
4. While I do agree that premium means better than something else, I think that in a general sense rows 1-20 are premium. I guess my difficulty is that if you purchased a VIP package and are seated in the rows specified (to the extent they were specified) and you get the rest of the things promised you got what you paid for. The fact that someone else paid only for a ticket and got a seat "equal to or better" than yours without the perks does not make your premium package a lesser thing. I guess from a business model perspective I can not imagine promising that only VIPs will be seated in the first 20 rows. What happens if only 100 out of 500 seats were sold at that price? I am sure anyone that has taken advantage of a sale of seats, for instance the theatre seats that are sometimes released the day of a show for a price lower than original price, knows that sometimes the risk of not seeing a performance can pay off. Of course, sometimes it won't and you won't have a seat at all.
5. I fully agree that people are "allowed" (I don't like that word but can't seem to come up with a word that really describes my thoughts right now) to feel the way they do, and they are allowed to express them. Be angry if you are angry, that is cool by me. But I have a right to feel differently as well.
6. gary, be careful using the seals, as they are protected in some places!

I just have to say in regards to 2: But you do it so often, you lose your credibility. As soon as we see your name, we KNOW what your saying before we even read it. Yes, we all have opinions and thoughts. Yes, we are entitled to share them. I think your intent is to...uh...make us see two sides...but often you just nitpick to show that your impartial. I know you will say that is simply not true, but do you even see how you come across to everyone else? I've met you in person, and thought you to be really nice and caring. Online, not the case. Have you noticed that?

In regards to 4: Yes and no. When I know for a fact, cos I bought them, that 3 rows ahead of me is regular seats, it absolutely takes away from the word premium when its 3 rows back. Again, it wasn't a Package with a seat, it is a Package WITH a premium seat. Were not talking examples, or theoretically speaking, we are talking about several cases to be true. If it was a Package and a seat, this wouldn't be an issues at all. But it isn't that scenario.

[jojomc]

You know, he was pissy cos I didn't do laundry (In all fairness I totally forgot), so we didn't really talk. Apparently Joe Perry Project was bad, but Airborne was good. I think he liked it :)

I've seen both Aerosmith without Joe Perry and the Joe Perry Project (back in the '80s) -- remarkably they both sucked :eek:

[Amicustoall]

Nicey, at the risk of being told I am nitpicking, from what I have read no one that purchased a VIP package was seated outside the first 20 rows. (As I understand it at least some people were told Barenaked rows 1-10 and Naked 11-20) So you did get premium seats. Other than TheHYPO I have not heard anyone say that they were told that the VIP packages received EXCLUSIVE premium seats. I have to say I have been to tons of concerts and often am sitting right next to people that purchased VIP packages. You can usually easily identify them by the laminates they wear, the tshirts they carry, and the fact that they all gather at one time by the side of the stage for the meet and greet. While I can understand feeling like perhaps money was not well spent for the person that is sitting next to me, if they do not care about the laminate, the tshirt and the meet and greet I can not understand that person feeling cheated. That really is my point.

[caycay]

I am in a different place now over this issue.
I get to see my boyfriend Ed Robertson again, so that'll be worth it. (it has to be)

There you have it Nicey - don't engage in this anymore - it is not worth it.

And Ed? Totally worth it.;)

[wildeagle]

How'd it go for Andrew at the Motley Crue show ?

Airbourne was like AC/DC 30 years ago. They have a very similar sound and feel and are also from Australia. A good band, high energy and fun to listen to just not refined yet.

Joe Perry project would have been good if you were at a blues bar, but for this venue they put the crowd to sleep. Joe is an amazing guitar player and the band isn't bad they were just meh.

Motley Crue put on a great show though. Hgih energy, crowd interaction, pyrotechnics. Basically everything you look for in a rock concert.


Now to get on to topic, I agree some what with Amicus, They advertised it as premium seats but to me that meant first 5 rows. I did not see anything that specifically said what rows were designated to what packages. This particular venue I know for a fact that no seat is a bad seat and I personally am not upset about it but I think that the Ladies Room and Ticket Masterbater could have done a much better job with the way they advertosed the packages. If it said VIP M&G with tickets in the first 10 rows then I am fine with row 7.

That being said, because I am a rocker at heart I have been going to several of the 70's, 80's and 90's rock bands lately and all of them have fee's for the fan clubs, some give you stuff other's just give you access to presale which you may or may not get tickets from. The M&G's for these bands usually run anywhere from 400 to 5000 dollars depending on the band. So 175 for first 10 rows, Meet and Greet and swag I think is a hell of a price.

[gwak]

I just have to say in regards to 2: But you do it so often, you lose your credibility. As soon as we see your name, we KNOW what your saying before we even read it. Yes, we all have opinions and thoughts. Yes, we are entitled to share them. I think your intent is to...uh...make us see two sides...but often you just nitpick to show that your impartial. I know you will say that is simply not true, but do you even see how you come across to everyone else? I've met you in person, and thought you to be really nice and caring. Online, not the case. Have you noticed that?


I think this was well-stated and bears repeating. Self-awareness is an invaluable quality.

[jojomc]

OK, I'm going to be a pain in the butt simply because he called my analogies moot! ;)

Premium is a lovely word with multiple meanings... in addition to "better" it can also mean a sum above value, i.e. a premium price paid for premium seating...


In the interest of full disclosure: TheHYPO is one of the generous fellow fans I referred to in my initial post... he has hooked me up with awesome tix on more than one occasion. :)

[PolyesterAngel]

I just got some news. My venue has (finally) put BNL on it's performance list and has listed a price.. $34 (CAD). I paid $50.80 USD.

I know you are all dying to know the outcome of this situation: I got an email from the Ladies Room saying that the venue prices were posted in error and are being corrected. I'm glad to hear it!

[UmbraVirgo]

Section B - 7-13 (which I ASSume is something, somewhere in rows 7-13) which might be further back than I'm used to these days, but Section B is smack dab Center on the floor, so, considering how LATE I am, I'm thinking this is pretty good.

I believe this means you're in row 7, seat 13. We got Section B, Seats 4-11 through 4-14, which I think means row 4, seats 11-14.

I poked around more yesterday, and I believe the section they call FLOOR has 3 rows in the front. Then Sections A, B & C are behind that. What I don't know is if the numbering starts again with row 1 in Section B, or if the front row of Section B is row 4. What I'm getting at is, I don't know if we're actually row 4 or row 7.

More things I found when poking around for the Victoria venue.... most of the front row was reserved for Barenaked VIP. The remainder of the front row and rows 2 & 3 were for Naked VIP. Regular seats started behind that, in Sections A, B & C. This is an Artist Arena venue. By the sounds of things, it's TicketMaster that allowed a free-for-all on seats, regardless of what you paid. Since I bought regular, I would have preferred TicketMaster's method... but really I think the Artist Arena way is fair.

SwissLady, I think your idea for handling the ticket sales is brilliant. Kick off your new business soon. :)

[UmbraVirgo]

I tried using an actual seal once, but it was much too large and instead of less noise, I ended up with a lot of barking.
Coffee. All over laptop. Thanks, Gary. That was a good laugh.

[garyrulez]

Amber, thanks for that, and if what you're saying is essentially accurate, it's becoming more apparent that Ticketassmaster is to blame and not the management company or the band.

It may become neccesary in the future for BNL to handle their own pre-sale (ala Great Big Sea/Swiss Lady's method) before Ticketassmaster is even allowed into the picture.

[flamesfan]

wow. You know, for all this complaining, which I believe it is warranted, wouldn't it be easier to just say no? Historically, the BNL has played the Saddledome in Calgary, a 21000 seat venue plus floor seating. This time they are playing the 2500 seat Jubilee Auditorium. Are they expecting a reduced fan base without Steve? How do you go from selling 10000 seats to 250 seats? IF we the fans, simply said, no, we are not going because you are not listening to us, they would fix the pricing, and the fan club. But as long as people keep paying the moey, why would they change? The band is on a learning curve right now and the fans are controlling it. Unfortunately, we are all good fans that want to see our band so don't want to send them a message. As I said way back in the beginning of this feed, I will not be attending this show because they have offended me so much. The price does not matter, it is the principle. And will they care that I am not attending my first show in some 16 years or something, probably not. But if others choose not to attend as well, maybe it will send a message because clearly they are not reading the complaints here.

[Ellen from Saint Louis]

God forbid that anyone associated with the band on a professional level read this far into the thread. We have not shown our best faces. Even me: I made an off color joke about TicketMaster.

[Amicustoall]

flames, while I may not agree that BNL has done anything to offend me as a fan or consumer, I do agree with you, that if you feel they have done something offensive to you as a fan/consumer, than you should use your "power" to send the appropriate message. I suppose here that equates to refraining from purchasing a ticket, or perhaps the album.

[garyrulez]

Coffee. All over laptop. Thanks, Gary. That was a good laugh.

Thanks! How much do I owe you for the laptop?

[garyrulez]

Flames, there's a lot of merit to what you say, but when I think about it, I honestly can't name another band that has done more for its dedicated fans over the years than BNL has.

[NiceyDoodle]

I am not upset with Management or The Band.

I am not upset with ticket costs or the venues.

I think $175 for a seat within first 10 rows, a backstage pass, and swag is a fantastic price.

I was mad that regular seat was ahead of a VIP seat. Today Ticketmaster now has VIP is within first 10 rows. Regular seats shall begin behind those.

Ticketmaster even admitted they made mistakes. Mistakes that may or may not be corrected.

I support this Band whole heartedly, they are "it" in my world. I didn't even wince at ticket prices or having to pay $175 to be as close to them as possible. I love them, I love the friends I have made, I am happy to have a Fan Club.

Even if this whole thing pissed me off to no end, at the end of the day, I am going to see Ed..again, my boyfriend.

[Ellen from Saint Louis]

AND, at the end of the day, YOUR boyfriend isn't banging a 27 year old. So there's that.

[flamesfan]

Gary, what exactly has the band done for their fans? In all the years I have supported them, I have had to pay for everything, and at a premium price.

As well, just to really upset some people.....if you go to ticketmaster, you can join the fan club and buy tickets today on presale and the membership is only $36 Canadian. No shipping costs. Everyone that paid in advance really got ripped off. I am soooo disappointed. So how is this being so mismanaged since Steve left?

Incidentally, Motley Crue was here last night and gave away free tickets to fans. And my 9th row Bon Jovi tickets were only $49.50.

[Lacey]

wait wait, so bands are supposed to give fans everything for free? And what does Steve leaving the band have to do with it being "mismanaged" or not?

PS aliases are stupid

[caycay]

Gary, what exactly has the band done for their fans? In all the years I have supported them, I have had to pay for everything, and at a premium price.

As well, just to really upset some people.....if you go to ticketmaster, you can join the fan club and buy tickets today on presale and the membership is only $36 Canadian. No shipping costs. Everyone that paid in advance really got ripped off. I am soooo disappointed. So how is this being so mismanaged since Steve left?

Incidentally, Motley Crue was here last night and gave away free tickets to fans. And my 9th row Bon Jovi tickets were only $49.50.

ok sock puppet - the Steve comment gave you away.

ETA: Did you really just compare MOTLEY CRUE to BNL?

[MoodyCat]

AND, at the end of the day, YOUR boyfriend isn't banging a 27 year old. So there's that.

I just spit all over my computer screen. Thanks Ellen.:eek:

[flamesfan]

I just do not remember these issues when Steven was in the band Lacey. I do not remember so many upset people. And I am not asking for anything for free, never have. Although there are lots of bands and celebrities that have free fan clubs without offering a bunch of extras. Offering advance tickets might be good value, but the price should be the same for everyone. I do not have a problem paying for a product or service which I think I was clear on before. I am confused though when Gary talks about how much they have done for their fans.

David

[garyrulez]

In all the years I have supported them, I have had to pay for everything

You know in all the years I've been shopping at the same grocery store, they've never once given me the food for free?!?!?

Seriously, when we went on the first cruise, we were promised one mainstage BNL show...the first second we walked into the room, there was a note on the bed that BNL would be playing a sail away show on the deck- never mentioned in the price, a totally free show. Two days later? Another BNL show, never mentioned in the price of the cruise. Oh, and while we were boarding, they took a photo with every single group that got on the ship...mentioned in the price? Guess what? Nope.

Shall I continue?

[Lacey]

wait wait, I still don't know who David is.

[PolyesterAngel]

You know in all the years I've been shopping at the same grocery store, they've never once given me the food for free?!?!?

You need to shop at my grocery store, then. For every $50 we spend, we get a free item, different every week.

I completely agree with the rest of your post, by the way. Heck, even the things we've had to pay for over the years have been so astoundingly worth it, things that I rarely see other bands doing (hello, three cruises). They take time to get to know their fans, they appreciate us, they're extremely polite at all times. They joke with us, they pose naked with us, they are fantastic to their fans.

What we have issue with, flamesfan, is that their sales management/second party ticket sellers haven't quite delivered as promised.

[garyrulez]

You need to shop at my grocery store, then. For every $50 we spend, we get a free item, different every week.

Ah, Canadian socialism at its finest, PA...seriously, though, great points.

[garyrulez]

wait wait, I still don't know who David is.

Old Testament King, thought to be an ancestor of Jesus.

[caycay]

What we have issue with, flamesfan, is that their sales management/second party ticket sellers haven't quite delivered as promised.

Bingo! ( I can't just leave it at that or the "message is too short".)

[Lacey]

Old Testament King, thought to be an ancestor of Jesus.

Are you Goliath? WHO WILL WIN THIS SHOWDOWN?????

[therealshell]

Are you Goliath? WHO WILL WIN THIS SHOWDOWN?????

The only Davey and Goliath that matter:

http://www.daveyandgoliath.org/

[Michelle in WI]

What have they done? Combined with some awesome friends I've made, I dunno, off the top of my head? They autographed a postcard to me on S&D III. Also on S&D III they all signed an "Official Barenaked Baby" onesie for my son, that Crystal had printed up, and had her also send their congratulations to my husband and I. Oh, they also signed my shirt I had made up for the cruise, that another Dipper was kind enough to bring along and send back to me. All because my husband and I had to cancel our cruise plans last minute in order to adopt our baby boy.

Think Dave Matthews would have done that when he choppered in for his cruise?

[Lacey]

I've gotten so many things autographed by BNL over the years that I really don't care about obtaining autographs anymore. It's way more fun to just chill with them and have a conversation.

How many fans can say that about their favorite band?

[Michelle in WI]

You have to admit, getting a postcard in the mail from them is pretty cool. :)

[caycay]

That is very cool. I have witnessed first hand so many acts of kindness they have done for people in the "bnl community". Skates.

[PolyesterAngel]

That is very cool. I have witnessed first hand so many acts of kindness they have done for people in the "bnl community". Skates.

Yes. Skates. How many bands will give a shout out to a fan who has recently passed away? And then be moved to tears when they sing a song dedicated to him?

[wildeagle]

Gary, what exactly has the band done for their fans? In all the years I have supported them, I have had to pay for everything, and at a premium price.

As well, just to really upset some people.....if you go to ticketmaster, you can join the fan club and buy tickets today on presale and the membership is only $36 Canadian. No shipping costs. Everyone that paid in advance really got ripped off. I am soooo disappointed. So how is this being so mismanaged since Steve left?

Incidentally, Motley Crue was here last night and gave away free tickets to fans. And my 9th row Bon Jovi tickets were only $49.50.


FlamesFan, I am finding some of your posts a little strange. I was at Bon Jovi, at the back of the Dome but at the first level and paid 60 bucks a ticket, which I thought was a great price but have you seen what they are charging for the next concert they are playing here? $170 dollars for the floor seats.

I was also at the Motley Crue concert. I got my tickets for free from a radio station but I also saw TicketMaster selling the tickets for just the service charge and before I had won bought 2 and paid 7.50for seats in Level 2 at the back of the Dome. The reason they were giving away the tickets is because the price was so high to start with that they couldn't sell out and to prevent the Dome from being half empty they gave away tickets. Even with that I saw a lot of empty seats.

As for what BNL has done for their fans, how about a cruise where they actually wandered around the cruise ship and hung out with the fans. How about on the last cruise where they all did things with groups of fans that won a lottery system. I got to play road hockey and hang otu with Tyler for a bit. I also got to go to Bingo with Kevin.

I think BNL is very reasonable to do the things they do, I also think it is reasonable to have a membership for a fan club. I paid 60 bucks US to join ACDC's fan club and I got a set of picks and a lanyard. I paid 45 bucks US for Buckcherry fanclub and got a tshirt. The reason I joined them was because I like the music and wanted to make sure I got tickets to the concert. I don't know of any MAJOR bands that do not charge for the fan club membership and some of them give you nothing for paying for the fan club except a presale code (Pearl Jam being one of those).

[WeedMage]

wow. You know, for all this complaining, which I believe it is warranted, wouldn't it be easier to just say no? Historically, the BNL has played the Saddledome in Calgary, a 21000 seat venue plus floor seating. This time they are playing the 2500 seat Jubilee Auditorium. Are they expecting a reduced fan base without Steve? How do you go from selling 10000 seats to 250 seats? IF we the fans, simply said, no, we are not going because you are not listening to us, they would fix the pricing, and the fan club. But as long as people keep paying the moey, why would they change? The band is on a learning curve right now and the fans are controlling it. Unfortunately, we are all good fans that want to see our band so don't want to send them a message. As I said way back in the beginning of this feed, I will not be attending this show because they have offended me so much. The price does not matter, it is the principle. And will they care that I am not attending my first show in some 16 years or something, probably not. But if others choose not to attend as well, maybe it will send a message because clearly they are not reading the complaints here.

I would say they base the possible gate numbers on their most recent shows - did they sell out? Also factor in what is the cost of renting the venue. I don't think Steve has much to do with it - they've been playing smaller venues for a while now. It happens. Yanno, if you're not U2 or The Rolling Stones or something.

[NiceyDoodle]

I was at the Jubilee last time BNL played there. I was also at the Dome when they played there.

BY FAR, the Jube was the best locale out of two. Far more interactive and better acoustics. I found the Dome filled with a bunch of ppl who "liked" BNL but just sat there. Too many seats meant too many seats filled with fillers. The Jube is smaller and MOST ppl in there "love" BNL and the energy is better, the whole atmosphere is better. Might I add, that I think the biggest reason for the Jube this time is due to a decrease in popularity from when the band chose to go Indie. Choosing to side with Downloading, their own labels, etc...it got them shunned from the music industry. There fans didn't waiver, but they also didn't pick up any new fans. BLAM and BLAMEN were awesome, but even ppl who like BNL didn't know about it. So their public reputation would mean less ppl attending. Now with EMI, they are being played on the radio and ppl are hearing from BNL again, but the rise will be slow.

Out of all the bands I enjoy, BNL has given me the most.

I am sorry you feel the way you do FlamesFan, to have such strong feelings of disappointment and blame.

The Band is going thru transition right now with Steve gone, new management and label. Transition can be a rough period of time. Either you stand with them or you don't. If you chose not to, there door is right over there.

[marebo]

i agree with you nicey...and loved seeing them in a great small venue in december....got to see kate and eric...and ruthie...radiio show...but it didnt stop me from singing and dancing...ok it was a monday nite and i got tired and leaned on the seat arm at times...:)...and an aside...i hope i never get tickets behind you...isnt your huband like almost seven feet tall...:)

[TheHYPO]

I would say they base the possible gate numbers on their most recent shows - did they sell out? Also factor in what is the cost of renting the venue. I don't think Steve has much to do with it - they've been playing smaller venues for a while now. It happens. Yanno, if you're not U2 or The Rolling Stones or something.

They are playing a few arenas on this Canadian tour, a few GA mega-clubs (as I will coin the term at this very moment to describe these venues that are much larger than a bar's back-room and hold a thousand or two people, but still have GA floors and no barriers) and some are theatres.

I don't know if this has anything to do with Steve, or any other facts. I believe there is basis for the theory that they may sell fewer tickets with Steve gone. I also believe there is merit in being conservative in your first tour rather than have a 3/4 empty NHL arena at every stop. Remember though, they played the Peep Show in the prime of their careers - 2003 (first tour on a followup album to Maroon) and played it almost entirely at mid-sized theatres and mega-clubs (the 2004 and 2005 Holiday tours were similarly at mostly theatres (though a bit larger ones). They followed that up with Arena and Amphitheatre touring, so this could be a "toe-in-the-water" move, or it could be an attempt to connect with fans in a smaller setting for their first 4-piece tour, or it could simply be that larger arenas were too booked with hockey and other events for the band to get dates in a nice west-to-east consecutive order (they are already zooming from ontario to halifax back to ontario, which to me suggests that either they have some special event in halifax that day anyway, or they couldn't get ideal dates at the venues and this was the only way the dates would work.)

[Suebee42]

I'll be honest, I MUCH MUCH MUCH prefer the smaller venues, for intimacy and acoustic quality. Two of the best shows I have attended have been in small theaters... Shea's in Buffalo, and The Auditorium Theater in Rochester. :)

Though, I recently saw Guster at the Main Street Armory, and have seen Great Big Sea at the German House, and those venues were good as well.

I'm sure they'll aim for Blue Cross Arena when they come back to Rochester, though, just because Dinosaur BBQ is just across the bridge. :D

[swiss lady]

Look at me, arriving to the party after all of the excitement :p

But, I'm going to say my piece anyway...

The experiences described in this thread clearly demonstrate that this whole pre-sale was a major "buyer beware" situation and also the importance of knowing what you're agreeing to. Although the ticket/VIP package details prior to the on-sale were sketchy at best, both the Ticketmaster and Artist Arena sites have these descriptions of the VIP packages:

Barenaked VIP Package includes:
-GA Floor Ticket with Priority Entry or Premium Reserved Seat ticketing in the first 10 rows
-A Meet and Greet with Barenaked Ladies
-1 Signed copy of the CD "All In Good Time"
-1 Exclusive Barenaked Ladies t-shirt
-Commemorative Barenaked Ladies VIP Laminate

Naked VIP Package includes:
-GA Floor Ticket with Priority Entry or Premium Reserved Seat in the first 20 rows
-1 Barenaked Ladies t-shirt

I didn't find, on either site, any description of limitations on non-VIP tickets -- I believe that would be referred to as 'the loophole' to defend some of the seating situations encountered.

My analogy for this is the travel industry --- you can buy a plane ticket for $500 or book a hotel room for $300 only to find the traveler next to you paid a fraction of that. And, really, there isn't a whole lot you can do about it.


So, when deciding to pay for a VIP package, the decision making probably should have been, "I have a chance at awesome seats, but am I willing to spend that money on 10th or 20th row?" rather than "more money equals better seats". I haven't seen any complaints of someone buying VIP and getting seats outside the specified rows, just that they didn't get as awesome seats as they had hoped or expected.

To alter Allan's analogy, it is like deciding between the Camaro or the Corvette... both come with tires, either Firestones or Goodyears. You decide to buy the Corvette using the logic that they'll put the tires you want (the "better" tires) on the more expensive car. No, they really won't, and y'know, if you don't want the car, just go buy the tires... that being said, it turns out I may have bought tires with rims I don't really need. :o

Over the years, I have seen & heard numerous comments along the lines of being spoiled by the Ladies Room ticketing by always getting awesome seats... well, I am here to tell you that, if you always got "first three rows" or "never worse than fifth row", you were spoiled.

I was a "tier one" member of the old Ladies Room... in all of that time, buying LR tickets with my membership got me better than first five rows all of three times: front row (all the way Ed side) on S&DIII, second row on S&DV (it seems booking in the first seven seconds wasn't good enough for front row :p) and fifth row at the last BNftH show at Massey Hall. Was I disappointed with my less than stellar LR seats -- yes, yes I was, so I can empathize with everyone who didn't get the awesome seats for this go around. However, I've always managed to luck out with GA shows and,through the generosity of fellow fans, I have enjoyed more than my fair share of BNL shows from the awesome seats. In the end, it balances.

Although I posted my frustration on this thread, I totally agree with you.
The only thing I did not know when purchasing the package is the fact that Barenaked VIP guarantees first 10 rows and Naked VIP guarantees rows 11-20.
But you are right, I chose the Naked VIP package for a chance to get a great seat.
I did not expect however, that I am guaranteed a great seat.

Thanks for your post and arguments that make sense.

Barbara

[swiss lady]

I want to state for the sake of "argument=Gary" that in this case, I'm firmly on the side of those who felt they got screwed.

Yes, I did think some of the pre-complaining was overdone; and yes, I still feel the band has every right to charge whatever they want for their fan club and their tickets. Having said that:

1) Forget about all the analogies and all the loopholes and all the fine print. This can be kept at the simplest level: common sense. If you paid $175 and you're in the corner of the 7th row, you should not have to look front and center to find the person who paid $50 (or $38, PA??? Jesus!). That's just common sense.

2) I don't think the band (who must know about this by now) has any desire to alienate the people who are most affected by this, which is, sadly, the most dedicated and long-time fans.

3) The question remains, will somebody (the band, their management, the ticket agencies) do something about it, or are all you folks just going to get a "buyer beware, tough luck, we'll try better next time" type of response? I hope it's the former, but it's starting to sound for some of you like it might be the latter.

4) Editorial aside: do the right thing, guys. I figure, conservatively, I've put $10,000 (shit, probably a lot more) into BNL from tickets, merch, cruises, travel to see them...and I know I'm not even close to the top of the list in that regard. If you add time-value to the equation, Allen, Michael from Sandimas, Swiss Lady, and others could all probably be millionaires by now. These are the people you want to do right by. Not because it's a smart long-term financial choice (which, by the way, it is) but because it's just...well...right.

Thanks!
:)

[NiceyDoodle]

My argument was and still is, regular seats being sold in a premium area.

[gwak]

Still bitter, thanks.

As I posted elsewhere, for what I paid for that damn seat, the M&G better have an open bar and pedicure from Ed. :o

[the_other_sally]

Still bitter, thanks.

As I posted elsewhere, for what I paid for that damn seat, the M&G better have an open bar and pedicure from Ed. :o


Including a foot massage. We all know that a foot massage isn't just a foot massage.

[swiss lady]

No comments (I already did that) just facts!

I purchased two tickets to the April 20th Kingston show:
seating chart (http://images.tickets.com/images/privatelabel/KRSE_suiteplat_SMAP.gif)

1st ticket
FLOR3, Row 11, Seat 14
(flor 3 is the left section (of 3) seat 14 is all the way on the side)
cost of ticket (including taxes and fees):
- USD 137.50
- Ladies Room membership required
--> included: T-Shirt
--> included: AIGT download
time of ticket-order:
right when the LR Pre-Sale started (January 26, 12:00 pm ET)

2nd ticket
FLOR2, Row 3, Seat 12
(flor 2 is the center section (of 3) seat 12 is the 3rd seat from the left of this section)
cost of ticket (including taxes and fees):
- CAD 67.55
- no Ladies Room membership required
--> no T-Shirt included
--> included: AIGT download
time of ticket-order:
right when the public On-Sale started (January 29, 10:00 am ET)

ETA: cost of the Barenaked Package for that show would have been USD 190.50 (which is about the same as both of this tickets together, though I only need 1 ticket)
it would have included:
- Meet & Greet
- Signed copy of AIGT
- T-Shirt
- VIP Laminate
- download of AIGT
seat for the Barenaked Package: I have no idea but I think they started at Row 6!

[garyrulez]

I'll comment, Barbara: that's horse shit.

[swiss lady]

Two things I want to add:

1) I'm really happy; I'm going to see BNL twice in April and I have great seats for both shows
:)
2) If anybody feels the urge to tell me it's a matter of taste which of my two Kingston tickets has the better value-for-price; PLEASE don't! My message to you though: you are the biggest idiot I have ever come in contact with!
;)

[really_mzungu]

Just went on to the public ticket sale for Victoria. And got the front row.

Buying two tickets is cheaper than the BNL VIP package. Oh well.

[WeedMage]

Just went on to the public ticket sale for Victoria. And got the front row.

Buying two tickets is cheaper than the BNL VIP package. Oh well.

What?

You were smart to check! I just checked and Section A, Row 8, seat 1 came up. Think I'll just stick with my first one :)

[really_mzungu]

What?

You were smart to check! I just checked and Section A, Row 8, seat 1 came up. Think I'll just stick with my first one :)

I went on right as the sale opened. I figured there would be extra tickets in the VIP section, especially since no one here has said they bought the VIP package to the Victoria show. Now I just need to find a home for my extra... :cool:

[NiceyDoodle]

I emailed the Ladies Room last week with my utter dismay and disappointment. They emailed me back talking about availibility on a live reservation. Working for the Westjet call center, I am well aware of those perimeters. They failed to see that my issues were with regular seats being sold at a reduced rate in the premium section.

They haven't responsed to that one. My guess is now that the public sale is over they will be unable to accommodate me if that is where this went. Great.

[cynical]

I went on right as the sale opened. I figured there would be extra tickets in the VIP section, especially since no one here has said they bought the VIP package to the Victoria show. Now I just need to find a home for my extra... :cool:

I know of two VIP's for Victoria. and they were both front row.

[PolyesterAngel]

I have a question, and I'm sorry if it's already been asked/answered: do we (people who bought regular pre-sale tickets) also get a free All In Good Time download? I've noticed some venues advertise this.. If yes, how do we access it?

[jojomc]

The page announcing the tour reads, "Any online ticket transaction comes with a pre-order of the album, plus the opportunity to receive an exclusive bonus track. After you purchase, you'll be receiving an email closer to the release of the album, with your redemption code and download link."

[swiss lady]

I have a question, and I'm sorry if it's already been asked/answered: do we (people who bought regular pre-sale tickets) also get a free All In Good Time download? I've noticed some venues advertise this.. If yes, how do we access it?

Yes!
But it might be that only residents of either Canada or the USA will receive the download.
Which means, I probably won't.
:confused:
(I emailed puretracks to find out if there is a way for me to get it as well)

[Liam]

Does anyone know when these pre-salers get their early download exactly?

[swiss lady]

Does anyone know when these pre-salers get their early download exactly?

It doesn't look like an early download!

Read the newest message with Q&A's on the BNL website!
http://barenakedladies.com/blog/barenaked-ladies/201001/30-all-dates-now-sale-upcoming-canadian-tour-joel-plaskett

After reading that I figured out this offer might only be for US & Canadian residents.

I hope I will still somehow get access to that special track!

[OrdinaryOne]

Yes!
But it might be that only residents of either Canada or the USA will receive the download.
Which means, I probably won't.
:confused:
(I emailed puretracks to find out if there is a way for me to get it as well)

If it's restricted to those in the US/Canada let me know - I can always download it for you and email you the tracks. I'd say bring them to London but you'd likely want the CD before then :D

~jen

[swiss lady]

If it's restricted to those in the US/Canada let me know - I can always download it for you and email you the tracks. I'd say bring them to London but you'd likely want the CD before then :D

~jen

That would be awesome Jen!
Thanks a lot!
:D:)
I definitely want the songs as soon as possible.
If getting downloads at release date, I would not buy the physical CD b/c I will get one as part of my London Barenaked VIP package.
Though if I don't get downloads I would pre-order a CD from Amazon.ca.
(orders from there are usually in Switzerland within a week, so I even might get it before the US release).

I let you know once I hear back from the Puretracks guys.

[PolyesterAngel]

After reading that I figured out this offer might only be for US & Canadian residents.

I hope I will still somehow get access to that special track!

The Q&A section also said to e-mail them if you didn't get an e-mail yourself. I recommend you do this, since maybe they didn't think anyone "overseas" would buy a ticket..