Gingerella72 wrote:Thank you for the rundown! I'd love to hear more of your experience if you don't mind sharing. That's too bad that it's so quick, I've been wondering what on earth I was going to say to them that didn't sound trite but if it's that quick maybe I don't have to worry too much, lol. Did you get to hear the sound check too or was that done prior to the VIPs coming in? Do they let you take extra photos - not with the band, but just standing in line shooting various things?
PRS10Top wrote:
Thanks for sharing. I wonder if it will be any different/more lenient with the headlining shows. I can see how they are on tighter timelines and such with three other bands playing. We will see.
Ok, here's the rundown. Of course, things could be a bit different from venue to venue, but I imagine the system is pretty similar.
All the VIPs for all bands were told to line up btw 3:30-4:00. All bands had already sound checked so we didn't hear any of that. I was hoping to hear if AB was practicing Show Me A Leader, but I don't know if they did. They made separate lines for each band and we went into the venue where they checked concert tickets and VIP tickets (AB had a list of all who bought VIP and checked IDs). After checking tickets, we got our swag bag with a Twilight lyric tour t-shirt (they'll ask your size), a pre-signed 18x24 poster, a VIP laminate, a sticker, and a metal box with 6 picks.
From there, we stood in line in one spot (overlooking the band entrance where I saw Mark and Garrett Whitlock and later Myles and various family members) for probably 20 minutes, then the line moved to another place and left us sitting on the front row bench of the venue for the next 20 minutes or so. They did specifically tell us we could not take pictures or even have our phone out while we were in front of the stage. No idea if that was a band issue or venue, but be prepared.
They set up a little photo area in front of a curtain on the far side of the stage and we went through one at a time and the photo took a couple pictures and we were ushered on our way. It was maybe 10-15 seconds per person. I purposely did a long handshake with each guy so I could at least say hello and thank them for coming to Colorado, and after the picture I stopped in front of them all to tell them I loved the album at the listening party and couldn't wait to hear it, so I stretched mine to probably 20 seconds as I replay the conversation right now. That's about all the time there was for meeting/talking. There was definitely no opportunity for other pictures or autographs.
All VIPs from each band were sent back outside the venue (but inside the gates) where the merch tents and food stands were open, so we got to shop and eat before the rest of the crowd came in. Then when gates opened, we went back in to our seats and waited for the show.
On one hand, it's a always a little bit of a letdown because I'd love to spend a few hours talking to the guys about the music and the tour and pick their minds about creating music and swap stories about kids and dogs and work and normal life stuff, and judging from previous encounters, I bet the guys would be happy to do that to. They're just such nice normal dudes. But I also understand that there is a lot of stuff to do on concert days and there are a lot of fans and media who want their time. Doing quickie VIP/photos is important to generate revenue to make a band viable, and I'm more than happy to support the band in any way I can.
If you want to try to find some time to have a longer conversation or get a more personal picture, you can try to meet the band at their bus after the show. They've always been very accessible at the bus after a show. Unfortunately security was shooing everyone away from the buses last night, so I didn't get to see them after. It's tough for a fan on a big tour like this. It will probably bit easier when they come back on their own headlining tour in smaller venues.
Anyway, my advice - definitely do the VIP. The swag is really nice. The photo is always cool. The air of self-importance as you look out the gate at the crowd who is wondering why you're already inside is gratifying
. Just don't expect any personal time, and know you're supporting the band the best way you can on this tour right now.