Here is the response to this video. So when you're done watching this one .. I go into more detail here. Enjoy :) ruclips.net/video/OaWhAIro7W0/видео.html
It's not necessarily the artists you should be blaming. Artists create art, corporations (like the music industry) find ways to turn the art into a marketable commodity and sell it to the people who enjoy that art.* When bound by legal contract, often the artist is merely along for the ride. If music fans stopped purchasing the commodities, the corporation will stop facilitating them (only to go on to exploiting other schemes). *Speaking of Tool, they wrote a song about this topic (H00ker with a P3N1S 😉).
@@randytyson7262 I didn't insinuate that artists aren't part of the "discussion". I'm just saying that the artist's part of the discussion is most likely, "Sh1t, I have to do that again 😞." and less likely, "Alright gang, let's go fleece these fools!"
Why did u take down my Jeff beck meet and greet. It was awesome. But it was 2013 .450$. Front ticket included. And saw his sound check. His sound check was great. And beck shook hands signed. Whatever u brought I had a strat pick guard. I know now they are higher now days. . But Jeff’s beck’s was worth it. To top it off Brian Wilson and his guitar player there also signed . Front row ticket was worth it. ( I didn’t think Jeff was going to sign . Because he was s recluse . Brian Wilson I thought for sure wouldn’t but he did
Yea, I mean. I get wanting to have some one on one time, and get a moment with them. I don't mind paying for it. But, when you get treated like cattle And act like you're suppose to be grateful to be in their presence. That's what's insane. Artists need to do better r
@@ZachAdkinsGuitarit's kinda like paying for sex with a sex worker vs. having sex with someone that desires you. To me anyway. Im not paying to meet someone. Sorry you've had shitty experiences.
I’ve always found that if I wait around outside the back of the venue after the show, I can usually meet someone in the band. Unless it’s an arena show, they’re usually much more accessible than people think they are. I find that the more I hear about these vip experiences, that it’s usually the artist’s management who organizes and sets the rules for the event.
@@ZachAdkinsGuitardon't you think these (rockstars) get jaded over periods of time. I mean city after city, after yrs of doing this. What makes you think the (star) isn't being led around like livestock themselves 😂. I mean aren't you in this business?
Black label society VIP was great. Wasn't expensive at all. Everyone was ridiculously nice. They signed anything. Gave out swag. About 20 people there. Got into the venue early so we got to pick where we sat before everyone came in. Took pics with everyone. Zakk chased me down to shake my hand and say thanks for coming. Class act all around.
Damn right! I just left basically the same comment! I had the same experience even though it was about 25 years ago but Zakk he took a separate picture with each and every person and signed every damn thing we had talk to us and everything
I've not seen BLS live but I did get to meet Zakk via a radio station event. He's one of the sweet, down to earth people I've met. Gave me a huge hug too.
You are doing a great service to people here. Most people can barley aford the tickets parking and a few drinks at shows, I know I leave broke every time so. I had no idea artist would even let that happen to their fans and people calling them out on it is the only way its going to change so. Thanks, good work and keep it up.👍👍
U2 concert, Miami arena, 1992.. I was 17. After the show, myself, and the person I was with, went around back, where the tour buses were parked. There were only about 30 of us. We only waited around a half hour, and security opened the gate, the band came out, and greeted everyone, signed autographs, shook hands and generally mingled for about 20 minutes. I shook Bono's hand, and asked him a question. The other band members signed my concert ticket & Larry (the drummer) signed my concert shirt. No charge. 😎 #GenX
@@NickCADA I told Bono that I want to pay guitar & sing in a band & does he have any advice. He said 'practice practice practice". At the time, I found the answer totally unhelpful. Of course, he was right 😏
If you have to pay for "V.I.P." then you're *NOT* a V.I.P. . You're a mark. The real V.I.P's didn't pay to get into the event, they're given all access passes, they're drinking/eating for free, they're watching the show from the stage & they're at the after party & in some cases on the plane with the band going to the next show.
Yip. This "VIP EXPERIENCE" has always been horseshit. I never once fooled with em. I have gotten 3 "All Acess Passes": in my life. Always the way to go.
I got my daughter a meet and greet with One Direction, and I have to say these guys treated my daughter like she was the President's daughter. I walked away with a lot of respect for them even though I don't like their music. My daughter still talks about it 7 years later lol
I'm a metal head.. and I love One republic, they are very talented.. Took my son to a show and its one of my favorite concerts I've ever been to.. That was a good day. I suppose I really enjoy their music cause its airy.. light but meaningful.. so Glad to hear about your experience.. My 5y/o Daughter was singing Counting Stars just today.. Maybe I'll sign her up for a MnG.
Thank you for this, I thought it was just me. Same rip off experience with Vai and Satriani. They talk a good game but the reality is we're the cash cows and they do not care about the fans beyond that. I dont buy that management dictates to them. Dont pay the extra to fund these mediocre tours.
Met Marilyn Manson a few times. The last time we spoke for 10mins. I got a signed painting (all under $300 and its worth much more now). He wrote a sign for me to hold up to dedicate a song for me and he did it. He did the song and pointed me out. Hes a fucking legend and always a gentleman. One time I was picking an album to get signed and he took all of them and signed them all.
A few of my friends went to see him when he was in Huntington WV with Rob Zombie back in 2018 or 2019 I believe, and they all met him for photos and talked for quite a few minutes each, and when he was performing on stage he went up to one of my friends in the crowd and held her hand for a couple of verses of a song. He’s one of the few rockstars that are down to earth and I argue that he shouldn’t have to be with how much people have wronged him and done him dirty throughout his career. He has every right to be angry and bitter and not trust anyone but he still is one of the nicest people on earth. I wish I could’ve gone but I was still in some legal trouble having to go through court mandated drug treatment and go to meetings every week, seeing the judge at least once a month, etc and having a curfew. I would’ve loved to’ve seen that show. It was shortly before or after slayer came through town for their last tour, I can’t remember which.
My experience was very similar, he was polite, friendly, talkative, spent plenty of time with us then all the vips got in first to be in the front in an already smaller theater setting so he's right up next to you. Great experience for me too
Kinda a man baby. And I don’t ever say these kind of things. This video really rubbed me the wrong way. I have 5 sons, this is behaviour I wouldn’t even want to see from them.
@@nathann1834 People who pay for M&Gs, especially a small fortune, are often delusional. They can be nice people, but they are starstruck and that's not a good mental place to be. Then they get disappointed and do a whiny windbag video like this.
As someone who works for a venue and is also in a touring band - NEVER BUY VIP. These experience are created by VIP. Companies mainly VIP Nation owned by live nation which are created to syphon more money off fans and give artists a little of that money but mostly line the promoters and VIP companies pockets with more money. I’ve done hundreds of these experiences at the venue I work at and maybe 2% of them are worth it. DONT BUY THEM. Make these experiences go away. Once people stop buying these things they will change. Until then, they’ll continue to milk money off patrons.
I agree I think if it's all organised by a company the band itself won't get much . Personally if the fans meeting them through VIP get a buzz from it that's fine . Being a whinging boomer .I will always think it's genetic and anyone can do it but memories of hanging outside venues to the early hours of the morning for the band to leave and having impromptu conversations and things signed are unique to each individual and the band are doing for the love of the fans not the money
If you pay for something that is billed as a meet and greet and you don't meet the band then you need to get your money back... or take legal action. That's a rip-off.
Legal action, lmao. Yeah, pay $500 to meet some band, didn't feel you spent enough time with them, so hire an attorney at $1000/hr to recoup $500 on an event that probably had small print that stated you agree to no refunds under any condition and there is no guarantee you will meet the artist.
I got to meet Alice Cooper with a vip ticket in 2023, and I got to take pictures with him and he gave me a signed poster and some other stuff, he's the nicest guy.
The first year the Coyotes moved to Phoenix, one of my best friends mom used to get seats from her boss. She was a middle aged mom who wanted nothing to do with sports so she always gave them to him. The first time we went, we couldn’t believe it but literally in the row in front of us, was Alice Cooper and Dave Mustaine. They were minority owners the time. And we would shoot the shit for a few minutes every game we went to. To be 💯, they were such great guys. Very generous and really funny dudes!!!! Good times!!!
Sorry to hear about your woeful VIP experience that just sounds terrible. To leave a concert disappointed because of that is wrong. I've never gone to one, firstly too overpriced and secondly I've always felt the artist probably isn't bothered about meeting anyone after a show so the smiles are fake. VIP greets sounds like a record company thing $£ Respect to Nita Strauss she comes over as a lovely person in interviews so I'm glad she treated you respectfully. Fantastic guitarist too had the pleasure of seeing her rip the roof off Birmingham Arena, UK! 🎸🤘
**READ FIRST** I'm not opposed to bands making money. I make money, we all make money, we all pay bills. If we want to keep pushing forward in this world, we have to charge for time, expertise, or whatever else. I respect the game. However. High level, mid level, or low level....The VALUE has to match or exceed the PRICE. Paying for a Ribeye steak, getting a burger instead....and then being told you should be grateful for what you got... That's not ok. Which is the point of the video. I run a multi million dollar company with 30+ teachers and staff, and roughly 800 recurring students. If we don't exceed their expectations and make sure they get their money's worth... It all falls apart. Take care of and love your fans (clients) and you will be in great shape. I love all of our students and all our staff. They need to be treated well no matter what.
I did a Jeff beck. Brian Wilson 2013 450$ included front or 2nd row . I got front and you got to watch the warm up at 4pm. Jeff was noodled set up amp . I never seen Jeff. having a good time he was joking around having a blast . He is always serious short interview s etc . But he showed us his number 1 guitar and talked about it .then said he talked to fender. And talked them into giving away one of his beck guitar. A real one .they had drawing .I didn’t win . But got gift bag it was nice cool pass . But the jams were worth it. Then they had s table. Shook hands had a picture. With beck Brian Wilson Al jardine . Then they signed whatever u brought . I had a cheap strat took off pick guard. So i still have pick guard with beck Wilson Al jardine on it . That was totally worth it. To see beck warm up . And front row. ( that was only time he ever did it ) but now. They ask for a lot more. And don’t get the ticket etc. I would be bent for if satch vai. Thing. But that’s the only one I did . But front row tickets alone go for that easy nowadays
I totally agree with you. It's definitely not really much of a VIP experience other than getting to chat with the artist & even then it's only for a few minutes. Cheap trinkets in a cheap gift bag, cheap t-shirts, cheap lanyards that have zero access - just a souvenir necklace. Whoever is in charge of coordinating these sux lol. I'm sure the artist has no idea really, they're just told ok at 8.40 you have to go meet 25-50 people
Dude for years I've thought about doing a Def Leppard meet and greet and I just never have had the money that I was willing to spend just to literally have seven minutes with the band.
David Copperfield in his prime did 5-600 shows/year for 30 years. After every show he spent over an hour to meet and greet anyone who wanted to... for FREE! I had great experiences with Dolly Parton (20 years ago) Phill Collins, Alice Cooper, Slash, Jeff Black and others. All of those were unpaid... These new 'VIP" events usually not even benefiting the band, lots of times are side gigs of the venue or the promoters... and they are legally sort of forced into it; no wonder that they hate it. Other times they're just jerks :)
I've never nor will i ever pay to "meet" someone. Nor will I charge to have a vip group unless the VIP is garunteed front and center stage. The people have been told they are "legends" until it's caused these delusions. Fact is, You or I either one could blow 60 year old Steve vai or Joe right off the damn stage. They are just humans. And they are restricted to the same 12 notes as everyone else
My "meet & greet" was actually just having Ozzy, Randy Rhoads, Rudy Sarzo, & Tommy Aldridge all walk off the bus at the Rainbow Music Hall in Denver, then decide to walk over to where we were standing & start talking to us like we were long lost friends! I know, it's not a paid for but still.....pretty cool for free. It was the Blizzard of Ozz tour with Motorhead opening. Intense concert.
I went to many shows at the Rainbow Music Hall. I remember seeing Metallica there back when they were in a van and Uhaul truck. We would see skateboarding and eating across the street at McDonald's. Brings back good memories. We all had good times back then camping out in the parking lot to get in line first for general admission tickets that were $20!
Did meet and greet with heart. Was told don’t talk to them when you get a picture with them because they are “shy”. It turned me off so much I am no longer a fan at all. I don’t personally believe anyone is any better than anyone else. Yes you’ve been granted a huge gift from God. But it doesn’t make you a better person and put you above others. Having said this. I won’t ever do a meet and greet again. Waste of money.
Here's a horror story... The worst experience I ever had was when I met Dee Snider, when he physically assaulted me and destroyed my $1200 35mm full frame Panasonic camera, he lost his mind when he saw me talking to and taking pictures of another band at a venue in Austin, TX. Dee and his goons picked me up and threw me to the ground and threw my camera against a wall and it exploded into pieces... I was in shock, because I loved Dee and Twisted Sister and I was looking forward to taking pictures of him, but after that I was done with that freak show, I was so angry and heart broken to the point of tears, I just sat there, on the ground, trying to process wtf just happened? So I'm looking around, and I see my camera, what was left of it, and I'm crawling on my knees picking up what was left of my camera... (Even now I want to cry)... Holding my broken dreams in my hands. I was just a kid back then, I was just a kid, with a minimum wage job, I could barely feed myself and I had dreams that my camera was my ticket to a better life, it took me a year to save up for that camera so I could take professional photos of bands like the photographers in the rock fanzines, I wanted to be a band photographer, I was just starting to get my photo's published in the Austin Chronicle, I had my foot in the door! But Dee Snider couldn't give two Fk's, Dee Snider ruined my dream of becoming a professional music photographer.... So,... Ever since then, every time I hear his shitty music I just turn it off in disgust. Sub'd.
@@ZachAdkinsGuitar There's really not much more to tell. I was interviewing another band at the Back Room Bar on Riverside Dr in my home town of Austin, I was interviewing a band called 'TUFF' after the show. They were a 'POISON' look a like glam band, new on the scene and looking to make a name for themselves, they were really nice guys. Then the above happened circa 91' or 92', Dee Snider was touring with his band 'Widowmaker', I was assigned freelance to interview both Dee and any opening acts by my editor of a local music fanzine start up, a few of my photo's just got published in the Austin Chronicle. After the incident I kept doing interviews, but I had to buy those expensive Kodak instant snap shot disposable cameras to take photos with (... And not the cheap ISO 100's, but the much more expensive ISO 400's...), but the quality just wasn't there, it was getting expensive, and my editors were not interested in any of my work and it felt like no one took me seriously when I broke out a disposable camera to do shoots and stage work with, then shortly thereafter 'NIRVANA' happened and everything went to shit after that and the fanzine went bust. I had fun while it lasted, I have a lot of fond memories, I met a lot of cool people and bands that are still around to this day, it was one of the most memorable careers of my life, its just sad that it ended on a bad one.
Same exact story for me. Starting taking pictures at 16 ( young girl on the road too)working with Louisiana Music Hall of Fame and then free lancing with Rolling Stone then on to full time on staff with Rolling Stone. I was on assignment to interview Don Henley on the End of the Innocence tour when 4 police almost beat me to death at the live show. I couldn't walk for 2 months. It was so bad I didn't even call Rolling Stone back. I wanted no part of anything where my life is at risk. That's why I am alive today, I knew not to partake in hard drugs or alcohol but just being there was too dangerous. And to think I have Jimmy Page to thank for getting me the job at Rolling Stone. I worked for a decade then my world came tumbling down in an instant. I have the greatest memories though.
@@AbleBodied So sorry to hear that happened to you, especially as a young girl, I pray you fully recovered from that horrible attack. I had just turned twenty myself when I had my run in with Dee 'SCUSTING' Snider. You were very fortunate to meet Henley and Page, I was more on the heavy metal and punk rock scene. I tried doing movie reviews after that, but apparently my taste in movies didn't align with readers. Seriously, who would have thought 'Buffy the Vampire Slayer' would have been a hit and wind up becoming a syndicated TV show! 😆
You should have tried to finger his old lady. That would teach him! She would have given him an ear full! "Thanks Dee!... that kid you roughed up really finger banged me hard! ... I'm holding you responsible!"...
I paid for a VIP meet and greet with Judas Priest in 2008. They sold Gold and Silver level packages. Gold got you 60 seconds alone behind a curtain with the band for a picture. I felt bad for people who bought Silver. The marketing was misleading. Silver got to attend a party but they didn’t get to meet the band. There was a mom and a kid there who had the Silver package. The mom was about my age at the time (38) and her son was about 11. When it was time to meet the band, they had to leave. They were both heartbroken and felt very misled. I still regret to this day not giving the kid my Gold pass. Priest were my heroes since the 80s. I got to spend a minute with them but afterwards I feel that making that kid happy would have made me happier than meeting the band did. I feel I really missed an opportunity to do the right thing and I regret it. I’ve never considered doing a meet and greet after that.
Sometimes giving to others makes us feel better than getting those things ourselves. Means you have a good heart, all you can do is pay it forward now!
That's pathetic. I can't believe that Halford would allow that. If I were in their position I'd stay there all night taking pictures with fans and signing whatever they wanted me to.
Don’t blame yourself for the kid’s disappointment. They didn’t read the small print which you should always do before making a big purchase like that. It’s the ignorant mother that caused it. You payed the extra and they didn’t. Hopefully the mother learned a valuable lesson.
I met Steve Vai when he was on a cruise ship and I was on board working as a guitarist. He watched me play, spoke for a long time, signed my guitar and tipped me $100!!! I still have that $100 bill!!
I saw Nile in Raleigh and went to the merch table before they were on to buy a shirt . Karl Sanders lead guitarist and founder walked over out of the blue. He signed my shirt without a hesitation, shook my hand and thanked me for coming to the show. I ended up buying two hoodies and putting them both on because he was so rad.. what a humble, awesome musician and generous person. Fan for life.
As I said on another reply, I think the excellence of the experience is directly proportional to the volume and aggression of the artists' music. Most of the extreme metal world wouldn't even think of charging ridiculous fees for VIP experiences, and many bands hang out at the bar or in a parking lot to meet and talk to fans while their crews finish the breakdown.
Saw Nile in Manchester along with Vitriol Karl had so much time for me he could see I was so eager to speak to him even though he must've been exhausted not only did him & Brad & Brian have time for us but even after we spoke later on he was looking at me like to see if I wanted to speak to him or anything. To this day it amazes me I could see music at this level played a few feet from me & that I could speak & take pics with these guys, Karl is a legend tho has even msg'd me on fb a few times
Another band that cares is TSO. My husband passed in 2009 and I had ZERO money (literally not even for tampons or enough gas to take my son to school 2 days} and I contacted them as I had no Christmas presents for my 4 teen kids. They sent me free tickets (GREAT center seats) and it meant the world to my family that year.....more than words can say.
I’ve met 2 rockstars from bands I love. I met Bruce Dickinson from Iron Maiden this year at an album signing for his solo record and it was your generic meet and greet. You stood in line, said hello, he signs your stuff and you get a picture with him. It was a cool experience because it only cost the price of the record (£30) but he was happy to sign a bunch of other stuff too. The second was 2 years ago when I met Robert Plant. This one was the day after a show he played and I just happened to see him on the street. He was a real gent. He let me take a picture, we chatted for about 5 mins and I’ll always cherish it because I didn’t know it was going to happen, it was purely by chance and there was nothing contrived about it. Those are the best ones, they’re so rare but if and when they happen you’ll never forget it. I’m 34 so I’ll never see Zeppelin but meeting RP is more than enough.
I got me and my then 10 year old son vip to meet Rob Zombie in 2017. It was only $300 total and we got early entry so we also got to be front row after the meet and greet. Rob was awesome to us and even had a roadie go to the bus and grab a whole bag full of posters, shirts sticker, pic and patches for my son and he even autographed the cd and poster for him. He was absolutely worth meeting. We have a great picture with his whole band it was an awesome experience! Last week in Pittsburgh at the Zombie/Cooper show I messaged Rob’s guitar player Riggs if he would have time to meet my 16 year old daughter who plays guitar and he for free came out and met her during Ministry’s set. Took a picture with her and gave her 3 pics all for free and even gave her guitar playing advice. Rob and his guys are top notch.
Used to work at Riggs tattoo shop in Branson Missouri.Called "Riggs Monster Tattoo"..dude is just a laid back hillbilly from Mt.Home Arkansas.He is actually cool to hang out with..
@@jaysonlee4394 dude it was so nice of him to come out and talk to her. He and Dimebag are her favorite guitar players. He was really cool to her. Happy to hear he is always like that
As a kid my buddy Justin was the biggest KISS fan in the world. He mowed yards,detailed peoples cars and would even get some work at the airport weed eating. It’s a small, tiny airport. He’d saved all the money he’d made over 2 years and his parents pitched in the rest to get him and me back stage passes for a meet and greet with KISS. It was insanely expensive he had the super vip deluxe deal where he’d get a stage used guitar or bass from either Paul or Gene. I think it was his choice. You’d see Gene and Paul trade out thier guitars and basses after every song to their techs. We were really young kids so I can’t remember for certain but I think the meet and greet that came with a guitar or bass that Paul or Gene had played onm stage was 12k or more. They were the same guitar that Ace sold you for $3500. They wouldn’t allow us into the meet and greet area even though we had the full backstage pass things.. A guy handed Justin a guitar and we caught a glance of Gene and held up the pass. He said I’m in no mood to f-ck with children this evening. I’ve worked long enough and hard enough not to have to f-king indulge children. What an asshole.
@@Thomas-h8j people working at McDonalds are only human and get tired. Would that justify telling a customer to fuck off,and slam the drive through window after you’ve already paid? Would you give them a break? These were really expensive passes that allowed full access to the band,a meet and greet and photos. So he spent 12k for the bass and meet and greet and my ticket was like $2,800. Justine worshipped them and I was a fan till then. But they were tired so whatever. 😂
@@tigerpaws111 yeah. Mostly pure assholes. If you hate kids don’t sell VIP backstage passes to them. It was over 15 thousand dollars for us to have full on backstage access with the band and get a photo and meet and greet.
Depends what band. You can't generalize. There are bands who genuinely love and respect their fans. Obviously you can't devote personal time to thousands of people, but there's plenty of bands that will take the time when they meet fans in the wild.
Id never pay to meet anyone. My wife and I ran into one of our favorite musicians in a bar before a show a few years ago. Didn't even cross my mind to go up to him. I know he doesn't want to talk to me and I didn't want the interaction to ruin the music for me. Separate the music from the people. People generally suck.
Mate thats exactly how I am... In my job I typically encounter one celebrity a year. I never acknowledge that I know who they are but instead just talk to em like any other random person. In my mind, they appreciate that. Had a ten minute conversation with Anna Kendrick a few years ago about something completely random and when it came to its natural conclusion I just said "nice chattin, have a good one" and walked off. The look on her face was like "really?" as if she were expecting something different! It helps that Im dressed as a pilot for a major airline whilst these interactions happen.
I got tickets from a radio show contest and got to meet Aerosmith backstage before a concert in Cincinnati. There was only about a dozen of us. I was kind of shy back then and standing by myself. Joe Perry came over and asked if I wanted anything signed. I didn't really have anything but I looked in my wallet and found a 2 dollar bill. He took it around to the entire band and had them sign it for me and then they also signed a copy of their album cover for me. I didn't know what to say but I played guitar at the time with a few friends so I asked Joe Perry if he had calluses on his finger tips. He showed me his finger tips and said "no, not really" and I was kind of surprised. I thought his finger tips would be hard. Lol. Aerosmith was my favorite band and I saw them in concert several times with Joe Perry's guitar solo being my favorite part of the show. I still have the 2 dollar bill and a picture of me with the band. This was back in the 80s and I still tell that story at least once a week
Thank you so much for making this video and calling out the bullshit. I went to one VIP sound check years ago, it was $60 including the ticket and it was awful, I'd never do it again.
I met The Ramones on their farewell tour in 1996. You know how much I paid for it? Nothing. They came out after soundcheck & hung out for almost an hour talking & signing autographs. Johnny was awesome, everything I thought he would be. Joey was a sweetheart, kinda shy. Marky I’d go on to meet several other times later in life & always has time for a fan. Talked to CJ for 15 minutes about his bass rig & other projects he was doing. That’s how it should be. Making fans pay hundreds of dollars for the “gift” of their presents is gross. These people wouldn’t have careers without us & you can easily tell who keeps that in mind & who doesn’t.
Yes went to an appearance at a record store where they all signed my Ramones Alive album. I also took took a couple of photos. I thought the album was an import, Johnny pointed out that it was a bootleg, I said sorry I didn't know. He signed it anyway. This was in the 80's. Same thing I paid nothing.
I went to hear actor Henry Winkler give a talk and he gave every audience member a free signed book and a free one on one picture when I got to the show. He was wonderful!
Aaaaaaaaayyyyyy!!!!! I love the episode from Happy Days, when. Fonzie was the Leader of The Falcons, and decided to get into a rumble with Richie, but didn't do it, right then. He set up a time, and a place.. probably figuring that Richie would never show up. To his surprise, Richie actually showed up, and for a little bit, ya thought that The Fonz was gonna beat the dog-snot outta Richie, for no reason! Then-They started talking...and, yeah, Richie was very nervous. Then-The Fonz actually complimented Richie for showing up, and began to kinda warm up to him. The next thing ya know, they introduced themselves to each other, and wouldn't you know it?!? They became friends, and The Fonz actually gave Richie a ride home, on his Motorcycle!
Yup. Seems like they just lock it all off nowadays. Which I understand Please subscribe, if you haven't. Also, Any other topics that you think I should discuss? :)
I’ve only ever done VIP/Meet & Greet with Blackberry Smoke. They donate 100% of the money they get for that to Children’s Hospital of Atlanta, where late drummer Brit Turner’s daughter received cancer treatment when she was very young. And they spend a reasonable amount of time with the fans, and have meaningful conversations with them.
I saw them in London on Saturday. I didn't do a meet and greet but I know someone who has met them and he said they were all super nice and took the time to speak to everyone individually.
The guys in BBS are different and not the norm. Charlie is from a small town and still has that demeanor. Paul is also a great guy. The guy that works on my guitars also does work for him. They are just good ole boys living the dream. They don’t live extravagant lives and seem to appreciate their success after years of hard work getting there. You can tell by watching different musicians and bands who will act like dicks and who will act like the normal person we all are. It sucks that you’ve had bad experiences. I don’t have to worry about having any bad experiences because I will never give a band that is making money my hard earned money. They should feel privileged to meet us.
I remember them just starting out as a bar band in LaGrange Ga. for a bar called Rick's Place in late 90's! They are very humble and approachable guys. Great times!
i saw weird al around 2016. the vip was 250 per ticket, included a private party with open bar, front row tickets and a proper meet and greet after the show. fucking class act! he was super nice and clearly wiped out after kicking ass and making 12+ costume changes. 100% worth he took photos with everyone and even spent a the time to chat with every individual person
Meeting rock stars was so much better in the 80's. You show up early and hang out outside the venue when the bus shows up say Hi when they get off and most of the time they were happy to talk and sign stuff. A small list of really cool bands I met back in the day...Stryper, L.A. Guns, Kings X, Blue Murder, Vixen, Warrant. All nice and all free
You know what else was better in the 80s? Literally everything!! I would be so very happy to be close to retirement if it means that I could have been alive back then to experience that world, instead of this one we're in now where greed, c o r r u p t i o n, and narcissism, and addiction, has taken over this planet.
Omg Warrant. I was too young to go to the concerts and meet them in the 80s . But I DID get to see them in a small venue front and center for one of the last shows before we lost Janie Lane. That hit me hard they are still on every playlist I have
A couple of buddies and I went to a Nicko McBrain (Iron Maiden) drum clinic way back when. We drove about 5 hours to get there. We got there super early. He got word there were some kids (we were 16 and huge Maiden fans) that drove hours to get there and were already there. He had us let in. I was the only drummer out of my three friends. We talked music and drums for a bit and then he gave me a drum lesson. All told he spent about an hour with us. Super humble, funny and cool. About a year later Maiden came around on tour. After the show at the Forum in LA he saw us (same friends) hanging out with other fans where they’d come out to go to the buses. He recognized us, came over and said hello, gave us a group hug and invited back to meet the band. Super cool guy. The drum clinic cost nothing. This was pre meet and greet nonsense.
I went to a meet & greet for Chris Cornell before a show, during one of his solo tours. Everything was totally free. I got to chat with him for a few minutes, I brought a picture for him to sign, and I took a picture with him. He didn't charge a thing. He asked if we would be at the show, to which we responded that we will be right up front. He immediately spotted us and at the end of the show he smashed the mic stand and gave it to my friend. Then Pete Thorn came to give me the setlist. Another experience with him was after another one of his shows. He was leaving the venue and his security was trying to rush him along but he stopped and said "No, I can sign a few things." He signed my picture, I asked "Could I get a handshake too?" He replied "Sure, man!" He was always really friendly and accomodating and never charged for anything to my knowledge. It's really sad that he's gone but his kindness and humble qualities really made an impact on us fans.
…at the end of the day you paid money to have a guy pretend to like you for a couple minutes.. and… gasp… shake your hand. It meant nothing to him beyond money and he forgot you within 5 minutes. Now… it means something to you - but… it’s an illusion. Nor do you know him…. Or can say they’re great guys… they seemed like great guys to you, for 2 minutes… as they meet fans. You have no clue what they’re like 10 minutes later or before - let alone in general. They’re WORKING lol. 😂. Well it’s human nature. Wow- that stripper REALLY liked me! I just came from the conference call - the CEO is really a good guy! 😂
@@datacipher Ok, based on your comments on this video and your killjoy, condescending way of speaking. You are definitely the dude who shows up to a party not realizing half of the people are saying "Oh, God... He's here?"
I met an Icon- he was a dick n so cool at the same time! A guy that was like an Uncle to me knew Evel Knievel..so... I'm cleaning his shop 1 day- and Evel walks in. My jaw is on the floor- he walks up to me and says "Yeah kid...it's me!"- then he ask's "Where is Larry?" Larry comes out...Evel hands me a $20 n says "Go get me a coffee kid~!" I come back from across the street- hand him the coffee and he says "Keep that change- thanks kid!" It was like meeting a gladiator or a gunfighter!
I agree with you and I agree with Eddie Trunk on Trunk Nation. People call him up and complain all the time about shitty meet and greets and VIP packages and he tells them the harsh truth...these people don't really want to meet you. Do they appreciate you as a fan and for buying their records and concert tickets? Of course. But imagine if you were the CEO of Coca-Cola, do you really want to meet every person that buys a coke? Nope! I agree, the best thing to do is just not offer these things. Having said that, I did buy the Gene Simmons Vault package where he personally delivers your vault to you and spends several hours with you. He lived up to it. He was patient, answered mine and the handful of friends I invited's questions, signed whatever we wanted to have signed and took a lot of pics. He played a few songs for us on guitar and told a lot of stories. It was worth every penny I paid. But I feel like experiences like that are the exception rather than the rule.
That’s cool to hear. My next youngest brother has been a KISS Army member since he was about 9 in 1976. A few years ago he paid to the VIP Meet & Greet with KISS. He told me the only one that spoke to him was Gene Simmons. He gets a lot of grief but it would seem he actually appreciates his fans.
You have meet them when their bands are still small. Met Lee from Funeral Portrait at his merch stand. Nicest guy. He asked my name and hugged me. They’re playing a Rockville this year.
If im paying $1000 for a meet and greet, I should be able to not only meet the band, but i better be able to play drums on at least 1 song when they get on stage.
Just watched...heartbreaking. I was in the photo pit @In This Moment and got some killer access and pictures. I watched the group of 50 people afterwards get wrangled like cattle, barked at like dogs, and lined up for mugshots like they committed a fxxking crime for even being there, all as part of their "VIP" experience. It is hard to watch because they are very unjaded, you know? They don't know any better. You and I have been on stages and movie sets. Hung with the biggest stars. And let me make this very clear, I have ALWAYS allowed a fanatic or even a production assistant their dignity. Whether they were being paid or volunteering, I have ALWAYS made room for EVERYONE to feel worthy of being there. Zach, I completely support you calling this shxt out.
Thank you for the comment!! Appreciate your feedback. It sucks to say because we look up to these people, and I don't want to be a total asshole. But, at a certain point, you have to be like "enough is enough" This whole "expect the worst hope for the best" mentality is just sad. We have all been brainwashed to believe you're suppose to just take what you can get and that's bullshit
I was at an Epica/Sabaton concert a few years back. No VIP but I bought the autographed album by Sabaton. Was disappointed that they weren’t selling an autographed Epica album so I had mentioned my disappointment and that I wasn’t going to buy an unsigned album as I already had their CD. One of the sound engineers came up and asked if I was looking for the album to be autographed and I said I was hoping for it. He LITERALLY took the album back stage and quickly got it autographed by the whole band. I was so HAPPY and severely thanked him. That’s going out of their way for fans. Will always remember that concert! ❤🤘
Haha! Brutal, man. You drop a grand and get to watch Satriani and Vai 69 on stage for ten minutes. That sucks. Speaking of Vai, somebody who absolutely rules meet and greets is Devin Townsend. He talks to everybody for hours and signs whatever you put under his nose. Takes any photo you want. We have a store called Utopia Records in Sydney who specialise in heavy music. For decades now they’ve been doing awesome meet and greets with whatever bands are in town. Usually you just buy an album to sign, but most artists are super chill and friendly there, even the large profile ones, and heaps of people bring their own merch to get autographed. I remember meeting Fear Factory, Meshuggah, Soilwork, etc. Actually properly meeting the whole band, shaking hands and having a good chat. This has been throttled down a lot in recent years since promoters have started doing these ridiculous rip off VIP experiences, which is a huge shame. Metallica will be here next year and I think the VIP ticket at the show is the size of a monthly mortgage payment. Unbelievable. Always nice to have a musical hero you can look up to, but it’s a whole other level of dumb to turn them into idols. Having been lucky enough to meet quite a few of mine, I can honestly they are just people. Super talented, often very pleasant, but still just people.
The Metallica meet and greet was amazing. I’d encourage you to attend one if you have the chance. Those guys really made me feel like a missed family member they haven’t seen in a long time. I had nothing for them to sign because I thought we were not allowed, so Lars gave me his jacket off his back and signed it. And then they all signed it. Then Kirk starts looking for random stuff for them to autograph for me. They were super cool dudes.
GREAT POST!!!!! KISS were the worst joke. I see local fans who paid thousands to have a photo with the band. I feel sorry for them. I’m embarrassed for them. Sorry guys! ----I knew Lemmy from Motorhead. Long story, and a great one, but when my guitarist and I went backstage for the 1st time -- Lemmy gave us tour shirts… and then asked us how much we paid for our tickets. I’m talking about the freaking concert tickets. We didn’t want to be reimbursed - the show was amazing. But he insisted, and way overpaid two Canadian rockers in American dollars because he said we were guests and shouldn’t pay. Why?! Because we were in a lame city and we were head banging. Lem loved that and mentioned it during the show to the lame cowboy crowd. Our new friendship was drinking, joke telling and hanging out for the next week on tour. We turned down going on to Seattle and the rest of the USA shows and then to England. Yup, dumb move. Audition? I’ll ever know for sure. But no other rock stars I ever knew like Lemmy. The real deal. By the way, they were losing money on that tour. The band slept on the bus while the two back-up bands stayed in fancy hotels. Over the top kindness and coolness. There should be more like him. He wasn’t selling rock n roll …he WAS rock n roll.
KISS was actually one of the best meet and greets I’ve ever had. Though it was back in ‘90, when those experiences were free and usually (though not exclusively) done through radio contests and fan clubs. Some of these modern era meet and greet packages sound cool, but the prices take them off the table for me. That Satriani/Vai story is disappointing. Sorry this guy experienced that. All music fans, whoever the artist, deserve better than that treatment. Especially when it comes with a $700 price tag.
This is a big reason why I have come to enjoy and support underground bands more. Underground musicians don’t take their fans for granted. They want to hang out with their fans after the show, they want to hear compliments but also constructive criticism so they can understand how to operate in the future. These rockstars think they’ve got it all figured out; they don’t need anything from the fans but their tiny bit of disposable income.
Yes, I'll be spending my money on local and smaller bands going forward as well Please subscribe, if you haven't. Also, Any other topics that you think I should discuss? :)
Nita Stauss gets “it” because she knows what it’s like to work your way up and working on the road all the time , she knows how hard it is to make it on the big stage , she doesn’t forget where she came from. She so down to earth. She doesn’t take what she earned for granted. She’s a genuine class act.
Dude, I went to a Chris Isaak concert back in like 97 or 98. After the concert he set up a table and chair with security of course in the auditorium and started signing autographs & taking pictures with ANYONE who wanted to, none of this VIP nonsense back then! I had time to race home about 15 mins away in my car, grab my guitar, (Silvertone 1449) and race back to the venue. Line was still fairly long by then and I was one of the last few in line but that dude shook my hand, took a couple pictures with me and signed my guitar and we had a super quick chat about Silvertones. It was awesome and this was all for GA price lol. He must have been there an hour greeting everyone after the concert and I've had mad respect for that guy ever since.
To quote Ice T. 'All that Bon Jovi money is gone!'. The music business has changed. Artists aren't making any money selling records. So they get ya at the ticket booth, merch table, and VIP packages. The days of hanging out by the stage door, meeting bands, like i did as a kid, are gone.
Seems like the opposite of what they should do.... your money is drying up, so you sell exorbitantly high priced tickets to a meet and greet and neither meet nor greet the people, who paid almost 1000USD to meet you? That seems like the opposite of what you'd want to do, if you want people to buy your shitty music and support you.
Bands really didn't make much money selling records and CDs back in the day anyway. A few decades ago, I was sitting on the steps of a venue after Marlin Manson played, and their drummer, Ginger Fish, came out (unrecognizable because he was out of costume) and sat beside us to have a cigarette. I saw a strand of green hair peeking out from under his hat and was like, "Hey, aren't you in the band?" We sat there and talked for about twenty minutes. Great experience.
Preach!!!!! Most people have to work overtime, save and forego simple pleasures JUST to buy A NOSEBLEED TICKET, let alone a meet and greet. Either do the meet and greet fully or simply do not offer. 🌸
Hey man, I did the Nothing Else Matters package for Metallica’s Chicago M72 show & it was literally the absolutely coolest experience of my life. There were 23 people including myself in my meet & greet group, we got to personally meet Kirk & Rob (I asked Kirk if I could play Greeny, he chuckled & said “no she’s all secured right now), then we spent a good 35-40min shooting the breeze with them & they were more than happy to talk to us. Not only that but I toured their stage & back stage, I was in the Pit & the VIP lounge was absolutely mind blowing. I met OTHER celebrities, bands & family members of bands in the lounge. It was the single most incredible experience of my life. I got posters from both nights (anyone who has seen Metallica on this tour knows how big a deal that is) handed to me along with ab autographed set list by all 4 (Lars wrote my name it) & our backstage passes were high quality special edition “tickets” since no one does paper tickets anymore.
I totally agree with you! I have been in several films and shows, and a lot of famous people forget where they came from, and they think that they are better than everybody else. Money can expose someone for who they really are. Great vide Mr. Zach! 🎸☯
@@sole__doubtI met David Lee Roth at the la store he was a prick also met jani lane another prick. I met stryper 4 times and those guys are really nice and genuinely care about their fans.
Vai & Satch not even being next to The VIP's when the pics were taken is deplorable. How could they not recognise that? They must have their heads up each others arse.
I'm very disappointed to hear that about Satch. He's the one guy that I wanted to see in concert because I am done with concerts. I seen a bunch of concerts, but the real singers aren't even there anymore, like Journey. But this is great to hear. Now I know not to waste my money. These guys are just humans that just so happen to be good at what they do. In the end, the lesson here is NEVER idolize anyone.
I suspect that managers, agents and promoters handle all of this and the band members/artists just don’t know much about the situation. They may not have any idea the actual cost to the fans, what they were promised, etc. They might be agreeing to terms that they are sticking to, without even knowing what is being sold to the fans as part of the “experience”. Someone needs to make a bit of a ruckus at one of these, in ear shot or the artist. Maybe they’ll hear and go, “wait a minute, what? You spent how much?” and then lose their shit at the management, etc.
Agree brother, I appreciate that honesty man, more people need to have balls like you. I’ve been Playing music for years and if I ever made it man, I’d be so grateful to my fans because I wouldn’t be anywhere without them. I subscribed, keep the realness coming mate 💪🏻
These meet & greets are the easiest way to see which musicians/groups are detached from their fans/reality. I've met some people who are excited and happy to meet each fan and treat each one like a single personal experience, and then there are others like your experience, where the VIP "experience" is just an over-priced vending machine that you put too much money in to get a little treat that's usually stale and expired. It's unfortunate that it seems to be going more and more this direction. I remember seeing Metallica and Linkin Park in Atlanta in the early 2000s, I didn't have VIP or anything but I was front row and even then all the bands treated even the people just in the crowd and in the front row like VIPs, making eye contact, smiling at us individually, moving around the stage and the front hanging out with the fans, etc.. I think my absolute best experience was seeing Buckethead at a small local venue here. That gentleman is as kind and caring about each and every one of his fans as every story you hear about him, maybe even more so. I'll never forget him walking around the front during the middle of the show and handing out random toys to people out of a bag he had. It wasn't anything special or worth much, but the act itself was what made it what it was. And it cost absolutely NOTHING extra. The tickets weren't expensive, there were no bs extras tacked on. Just pay for your ticket, get a great experience and a great show with an artist that loves his fans and his craft. Edit: Your experience with Nita is exactly how it should be. You can tell she hasn't lost touch with reality at all. She's thoughtful, kind, and actually cares about her fans!
Good for you for bringing this topic up and for specifically naming the artist. What's right is right and what's wrong is wrong. Shame on those artists and those who manage them for not giving you the best possible experience for that kind of money. I would expect those guys to sit on the couch and pour me a beer for God sakes! Unbelievable and one of the main reasons why I do not opt for the VIP experience when I buy tickets. No way! All of you deserve a refund and an apology!!
I did a meet & greet with Slash and he was so nice. The "fine print" said you could bring 2 items for him to sign or something like that. My girlfriend (at the time) & I brought a few pictures plus I had a 2008 Gibson Custom Shop Slash VOS - the one that came with a leather jacket. I had in my trunk of my car. When I met him he was so nice. He chatted with us for a while, not rushed at all and he almost seemed a little shy but very very nice. I told him I had the guitar and jacket in my car and he said go get it I'll hook you up. I said really? How will I get back in? He said I'll take care of it. So I went to my car and brought the guitar and jacket back and he singed both plus he signed everything we brought and talked to us even more after that. & yes I got a similar signed crappy Epiphone Les Paul as well as part of the deal. I also did one with Ozzy. He was funny as shit. There were about 40 people or so in the room and everybody was basically in a line against all 4 walls of the room. Ozzy walked in and said Oh everybody is here, Ok 1st one bend over and lets get started! It was the same with him. He was super cool and talked to us for prob 10-15 min. I had actually brought a Les Paul in even tho I wasn't supposed to and he signed it for me. He wrote Go Fucking Crazy & signature. Yes they were both expensive but I wanted to do it so why not. I can't imagine ever doing it again bc it is very expensive and there's really not much of a "VIP" experience at all other than getting to chat with the artist but everything else is def not VIPish in my opinion. Whatever I don't regret it!
These people are already making money off you, cost of tickets is ridiculous, and of course they are super cool you paid them to be, hell anyone would be nice to you for money these people are already millionaires
Thank you for sharing this much-needed perspective! As a touring sideman with some "legacy artists" I've seen the inner workings of the "VIP" racket too many times, would love to chat with you about it 'cuz I have too much to say than could fit in a comment! But let's just say that you've hit the nail on the head. 👍🏻🎵
There isn't a band on Earth worth paying to meet or that should charge for doing so. They owe their success and fortunes to their fans. They owe everything to the fans. No fans? No career. Meet and greets should be free. Randomly assign a meet and greet pass to ticket purchases. Set a max number of people, whatever that is, and that many tickets get a surprise meet and greet pass with purchase. Get two seats? You get two passes. Charging for this stuff is essentially an insult.
I'm sorry, but when "stars" treat you like crap and you still love them, you end up being part of the problem. They got away with it, and will continue to get away with it until people wise up. You're simply a dollar sign to them. But also, thanks for sharing about this. I've never done a VIP because I've heard from others you get treated like crap. I need my money more than they do.
Lol. There once was a day where you liked someone's guitar playing based on his playing and not whether he was a dude that would be willing to chat with you. So many cucks today. Good on the video dude for still being able to appreciate a musician's skill despite a negative encounter.
I agree. I still appreciate what they have brought to this world and their music that has inspired me. But, I'll be voting with my dollars going forward and choosing to pick artists that appreciate fans
Mark Tremontinis my favorite guitarist/musician. He is also a very cool guy off stage. He actually takes the time to talk to his fans about his guitars and his gear. I have his PRS MT15 & MT100 amps and they are both great!!
I met Tony Iommi and Geezer Butler at Ozzfest for buying a $20 CD. Iommi signed it, smiled at me, and that was that. It all felt perfectly reasonable for the price. I wouldn't spend more than about that tho and I still have the CD.
I went to a comic-con in July to meet Jon Lovitz. I was so excited to meet him as he was a part of my childhood. I loved him on SNL back in the day. It was $100 to meet him and get an autograph and it was the most underwhelming experience of my life. He sat there, did not smile, did not talk, and he looked irritated that people were coming up to him. After it was over, I wanted to scratch off his autograph I got and get my money back! It was horrible!!!! However, at the same con, the cast of Revenge of the Nerds was there, and they were amazing!!! Especially Brian Tochi and Larry B. Scott!!! Those guys really made you feel special! They got up, came out to you, took the time to talk to you, they asked my name, and they took several pictures! Henry Winkler was also a very awesome experience that made you feel special! Jon Lovitz, ugh, I can never look at him the same way anymore!
I have met my all time favorite band Queensryche back in 2005. Got the meet and greet tickets free of charge thru their online fan club. That's the way it should be. I have spent 30 years of my life buying their music and concert tickets. Why would they charge me for meeting them and say thank you for my support?
@e-rod1596 Fellow Queensryche fan club member myself from 2000-2006. Miss those days!! Those guys were the most accessible big name band ever. Not that way anymore.
My friends and I met Geoff, Eddie and Scott from Queensryche in 1986 in a hotel bar. They were super cool. Eddie Jackson came and sat at our table for a bit. They all took photos with us. We didn't even buy them drinks!
If you have the opportunity I strongly suggest doing the Gwar Meet and Beat. It's $150 and probably the coolest experience I've ever had. They sign any merch, they talk some funny shit. They surround you like you're about to get killed. The photo ops are amazing. The merch included is legit. Awesome experience if you like/ love GWAR.
I met Dave Mattews outside his hotel in Philly. He wouldn’t sign stuff for “autograph sellers”. I asked “How bout tonight’s ticket?” Dave said…”Now that’s a real fan.” All it cost was the ticket! 👍
I do it because I own 4 music schools with 800 students and 35 teachers and staff. Almost all of my money goes back into the business, but this was something just for me. And it's a tax write off 🤣🤣
I will have to say that if you purchase a meet and greet with Nita Strauss that you will not regret it. She keeps her price affordable (70.00) and she has a question and answer with everyone. Nita is always very humble and extremely nice to everyone.
Nita, made it at a older age and understands and appreciates what crumbs she has been given. It really is a mind set. Alot of these (stars) are just money making machines and once they find out what the business really is, they're just sick of it but have no choice but to keep going. Either from a creative point or even a financial one. They're just people and 3veryone eventually gets sick of their jobs. It's not them setting up VIP MEET/GREET. It's their manager, they just get told "ok time to do this, ok time to go".
@@duanesealy3592 I also met her for free after an Alice Cooper show and she signed my Ibanez Jiva 10 , she was so nice that I decided to buy tickets to her solo show and purchase a meet and greet for it. Great experience.
Zakk Wylde is the best meet and greet guy out there. The guitars he sells to the VIPs are his guitars and they're stage played, signed in front of you. The whole band is there and the crew is also happy to interact and keep things fun. Overall they really spend time with you even on a basic meet and greet.
Reading through the comments, Zakk Wylde's name has come up so many times as great. I'm not surprised. I've heard him in interviews and he seems to really care about the fans.
No doubt. Zakk loves to talk to people and is truly appreciative of the experiences he’s had, and the amazing musicians he has played with. Even though he is a legend himself, he’s too humble to see it that way, and he talks like a young musician who just stumbled into a lucky opportunity for the first time. I spent about 30 minutes or so with him last September at the Pantera tribute in Atlanta. I’ve known Phil and the guys since I was a kid, but that was my first time meeting Zakk. Such a great experience.
I worked at Tower Records in New Orleans in the 90s and we had artists come in and do in-store shows. I remember when Ministry played and they were not cool at all, they treated everyone badly like we were a nuisance. Then we had Marilyn Manson and they were all really cool and appreciative. Its really a bad feeling when an artist you really like is just a total jerk. Id almost rather not meet them so they dont let me down. Good stuff Zack \m/
You hit the nail on the head and I have never done a vip. I met Nita Strauss two different times and she was always the same and overly thankful and appreciative that I was even there. Took pictures, signed autographs, yada yada yada and not one dime was spent. It was after the show we met outside by the bus, like most fans do, which is hard anymore with VIP. A lot of these artists want you to pay. these people got their success at such a young age they don't know or are out of touch with reality because they never had to deal with anything everything was handed to them from at an early age, all the way up into them being older or even elderly people. That's why none of these assholes should ever stand on stage and tell you who to vote for. they're living in their gated communities or huge Gates around their mansions. As long as people pay, they'll keep doing it and even increasing the prize. Which is people are getting political Vice from famous people, they're morons anyway Great video
Paying hundreds of dollars to meet 60+ year old men wearing tacky jewelry, eye-liner, bedazzled jeans and Hot Topic T-shirts is beyond my comprehension. There's dozens of these dude's giving henna tattoos and selling trinkets in every flea market and beach town across this country. On the flipside, for the artist, the show is done, you want to go home, but are instead stuck in a room filled with middle aged men, gushing, waiting to tell you how much your music means to them, and hoping to get some validation for their fandom.
I somehow scored (2) VIP Meet & Greet tickets for $400 each in 2015 to meet Ariana Grande for my daughter. It included the usual goodie bag, 2 tickets in the first 5 rows, watching her dancers practice, and the part that warmed her heart (and mine) was private time to chat with Ariana and a hug and a kiss for her too. She’ll remember for it for the rest of her life. Cheers Zach.
I love this. This is the importance that meet and greets, and concerts can have Uncle. If the value meets the price, it can be a really great exchange for everybody. And something they can remember forever
The only time I ever paid for a meet and greet was for hellyeah, it was $25 and it was after the show. They handed out a little card for them to sign unless you had something to sign. I lucked out caught a stick from vinnie paul and a setlist. But each of the guys gave you their time even though it was brief they talked to you with no ego or Rockstar attitude. Like a person and that's how it should be handled.
Zach ive paid for M&Gs with Vai, Satch and the recent G3 reunion - and while my experiences with them were awesome, i love that youre stating your case - and you earned a sub😎🤘
Absolutely correct. I had the VIP for Extreme in Vancouver, Canada, last week. There were 20 of us, and we went to the soundcheck. The band was on stage, they asked whether we wanted to play us any song. Them played some riffs. We were then put in a row of 10 in front of the stage, with the band behind us on the stage (similar to the Vai/Satriani one Zach showed). Some picks, and that's it. I was so mad. I have been a huge fan for 30 years, I have 10 of Nuno's guitars and amp, and I have always held their music deep in my heart. But the truth is that we were an inconvenience, particularly to Nuno. Don't treat your fans like this - we worked hard for the money we spent so that we could support our favourite musicians. A personal picture and, at least, a little interest, as fake as it may be, and a smile at what made me come and be a fan for so many years would have been enough. If somebody's reading this and can communicate with Extreme or Nuno, tell them.
You're dead on. That's the point. You've spent a lot of money to further their careers .. the least they can do is thank you for the support and take a photo. It's b.s.
I bought the same tickets for the show in Atlantic City this past January with Living Colour. It was basically the same thing, I was a bit bummed. When we lined up for the picture, Nuno gave us a big smile shook my hand and gave my son a pick. We also got signed posters and a signed Six album. One cool thing that happened was before Extreme set started, we were in a hallway getting drinks and the drummer for Living Colour was walking by with a few people. My 13yr old son spotted him. He actually greeted us first and stopped to chat after quickly realizing we were big fans. He thought it was really cool that my son, who is only 13, likes their music and knew so many of their older stuff. He took us to a backstage area and gave my son a signed drumhead. The entire band signed it. The bass player came out amd gave my son bass strings. It was really cool. After the concert we walked past the tour busses. The singer, Corey Glover was just walking out of the concert hall. He smiled and greeted us. He saw the stuff my son was holding and briefly talked to him. I took a picture of them together. As we departed he gave my son and myself a hug, smiled and said get home safe. It was so cool, they were such down to earth awesome gentlemen.
I met King's X after a show and it was a highlight of my life. Amazing band. amazing humans. Free. And my buddy and I even got to talk a little personal with those guys. After the show, they just said hey we'll be over there and come say hi. Pictures, autographs, and chatting. Meet and greets should be cheap or free. I will forever hold onto that memory of meeting them and chatting. Priceless
It's a way for bands to supplement their income because records no longer sell and offset their touring costs. That's it. I remember listening to something with Eddie Trunk where he touched on this, and he was absolutely correct. These people don't wanna meet you. They don't wanna be there, and they dont care. I agree with an above comment about fans who aren't super jaded that just don't know any better blowing wild almounts of money on these VIP packages, and I genuinely feel for them. Especially if you're a parent taking your kid to see and meet their favorite band, only to get the "cattle call/blow off" treatment, which is what commonly happens. That being said, I understand the need from the bands for the extra income. But if you're gonna charge exorbitant amounts for these meet and greets, act like a professional at the very least and show the people paying for them some baseline respect. Whether you (the bands) wanna be there or not.
Well said. What I do know is that Management probably takes half the money from these meet and greets and probably sets the price. They just try to convince the band they could get away with the cost.
Bands, whose members are all certified millionaires, do not need “extra income”. And if a fan does shell out that kind of money, the Primadonna assholes should bend over backwards to make the fan happy. Without us fans and our money, they don’t exist. A lot of rock stars have forgotten that fact.
@@UselessShyte they honestly dont owe anyone anything , they give us our music and concerts , we are strangers to these people , I am glad that the artists I love are still even around to give me that much , everything else is bonus , they dont need to be buddy buddy with me
Man, I just found you on here. Very interesting. I had thought maybe the so called meet and greets were just a way to make money for the artists. Glad to hear you had such a a good experience with Tremonti and Strauss. Very cool and I will remember that and support those two especially man. I don't make a lot of money and I'm a guitarist and retired and my money will go to those who earn it. I totally agree with you. You have to provide value no matter who you are.. On the other hand, it is a voluntary thing and as long as they tell you what you get and they provide it then you know the terms. I'm glad you at least are speaking about it. I totally get it.
My buddy got this one from Billy "Shame on you #billyidol and shame on you #marybrownscentre #evenko #livenation for providing a VIP experience that was nothing short of highway robbery...with ZERO connection to the artist. We were herded like cattle to get ...a picture. No autograph...no chance to chat for a minute...no 'making lifetime memories'. This was a pure cash grab. Steve Stevens has been my guitar idol since I was a kid...and all I got was a 'thanks for coming'. Honestly..I wasn't looking for 30 minutes of his time...but my partner and I paid $500 each....FIVE HUNDRED. With economics being the the way they are these days I would have loved for a chat for...a minute...and an autograph. Nothing. WHAT A DISAPPOINTMENT. I enjoyed the concert but couldn't shake the feeling that we both had been hoodwinked by greed.
That's insane. Highway robbery is the right term for that. They need to either NOT offer it at all, or do a better job at making it worth the fan's time and money. Value must meet or exceed price
Were you at the show at the Capital Theater in Portchester, NY in Sept 2021. I was and that was my experience too. When I said hello to Billy he just gave me a weird look, but when I yelled hello over to Steve I got a big smile and a hello, how are you. Billy never said a word, so why agree to do an event like that and turn off your fans. That was the 2nd & last time I'll ever go to see him, even though the show was great.
It depends on the artist. I did a meet and greet with Avril Lavigne. She was a total snob, didn't really talk to anyone, wouldn't listen to anyone's stories or greetings. It was a total waste. I also did one with Dio. It was GREAT! Ronnie took time to talk to me, the whole band - except the bass player Rudy Sarzo - spend hours mingling and talking to fans. I ended up there until 4:00 in the morning talking to Craig Goldy, Simon Wright and Scott Warren, the guitar player, drummer and keyboard player, respectively. I still like lavigne, but I'll never buy her albums. I'll buy second-hand or sail the seas when I want to buy anything by her. I don't want her getting one thin dime from me. Dio? Solid fan. I'll always support his estate and his widow, Wendy.
BWAHAHAHAH !!!! holy shyte dude, you got EXACTLY what you deserved !! sure, next on your list, hillary duff, hannah montana, and jojo siwa .... YOU'RE SURPRISED ?!? bwabhahahah !!!! OMG that's what you get ... !! just, ... wow . she is the biggest doosh in history. and you PAID !!!! HAHAAHAHHA
I Met Marco Mendoza after he played a gig with his solo band in glasgow . He was hanging around talking to fans at the merch stand. Im a big fan and was very nervous so didnt push forward. Security was trying to get people to leave and Marco noticed id been waiting a while . Told Security " hes with me " and his assistant took me into the restaurant next door . 10 mins later Marco appeared with a chicken salad and offered me a drink . We sat around 30 minutes and he let me pick his brain the whole time being very encouraging. We left through his backstage area onto the street and i thanked him for his time . Absolute legend 👏 ❤
Marco Mendoza is an awesome dude. I had him in my Uber. I took him to his hotel and his gig. We talked for about 45 minutes in my car. I mentioned I was a drummer, and he took me backstage to meet Deen Catronovo (who incidentally seemed put out to come and meet me). Deen is a dick. Marco rocks. I’ll always love that guy. True down to earth musician.
Glad someone’s talking about this.. I met Ace back in March and had a similar experience.. I forced him to talk 🤣 we talked about marvel movies but I got like 2 word answers. It’s cool getting to meet such an iconic person but I don’t know he could have been a little more personable.. when he saw how many people there were that paid $500+ he seemed very annoyed and said “how many meet and greets are there” that kind of rubbed me the wrong way. But I’m still a fan 😆
@@ZachAdkinsGuitar Exactly, if these rock stars are so annoyed by VIP meet and greets, stop doing them! Better to be unobtainable then to pretend you are.
I agree. Met Ace years ago. I paid like $500 in 2014 for meet and greet. His assistant John corralled us all into a area with our instructions. Basically in and out to get our photograph with them. I tried a little small talk and basically was ignored and shown the door. I get it that they can’t talk to 50 people for 5 minutes. But when you tell them how big of a fan you are and what their music means to I think a simple “ Hey man thanks! You guys come to my shows and purchase my music and merch and it means a lot to me”. Something like that. I still love Ace and his music. That won’t change but for me meet and greets are history.
Everyone in kiss is like that. The only good guy was Eric carr I met him at the hotel they were staying at he talked for like 15 minutes signed some stuff there was only maybe 6 of us. Pretty cool guy sad that he's gone
You are so right about Mark Tremonti. Dude is pure class. I’ve met him 4 times and he is so nice. Best guitarist on the planet and is extremely humble. He signed my PRS Tremonti.
THIS! I can’t believe the nerve of some musicians who act like they’re god’s greatest gift and their fans are beneath them. The best experience I had was with Kittie. I’ve seen them 20 times and am friendly with all the ladies, but for $40 extra to get a cool ass tote bag, a stash box w/ their signature picks, a poster, lamented card, and KittiePig (their non-alcoholic beer collab with Esjay Jones) was a steal. They did a bunch of songs for soundcheck, hung out for hours before and after the show, and they gave everyone a bunch of hugs and signed whatever. After the show was when they hung out with everyone who stayed after. I’ve met them so many times and didn’t really need to get the VIP, but I had a blast and was glad I did! They are the nicest band I’ve ever had the pleasure of meeting and are extremely down to earth.
Here is the response to this video. So when you're done watching this one .. I go into more detail here. Enjoy :)
ruclips.net/video/OaWhAIro7W0/видео.html
It's not necessarily the artists you should be blaming.
Artists create art, corporations (like the music industry) find ways to turn the art into a marketable commodity and sell it to the people who enjoy that art.*
When bound by legal contract, often the artist is merely along for the ride.
If music fans stopped purchasing the commodities, the corporation will stop facilitating them (only to go on to exploiting other schemes).
*Speaking of Tool, they wrote a song about this topic (H00ker with a P3N1S 😉).
@@leinaddnalkrik9009 Things like these meet-&-greets don't happen without discussion with the musicians.
@@randytyson7262 I didn't insinuate that artists aren't part of the "discussion". I'm just saying that the artist's part of the discussion is most likely, "Sh1t, I have to do that again 😞." and less likely, "Alright gang, let's go fleece these fools!"
You chose to buy the guitar correct?
Why did u take down my Jeff beck meet and greet. It was awesome. But it was 2013 .450$. Front ticket included. And saw his sound check. His sound check was great. And beck shook hands signed. Whatever u brought I had a strat pick guard. I know now they are higher now days. . But Jeff’s beck’s was worth it. To top it off Brian Wilson and his guitar player there also signed . Front row ticket was worth it. ( I didn’t think Jeff was going to sign . Because he was s recluse . Brian Wilson I thought for sure wouldn’t but he did
Pedestalizing people to the point where you will spend thousands to meet someone for 5 minutes has always been insane to me.
Yea, I mean. I get wanting to have some one on one time, and get a moment with them. I don't mind paying for it.
But, when you get treated like cattle And act like you're suppose to be grateful to be in their presence. That's what's insane. Artists need to do better r
@@ZachAdkinsGuitarit's kinda like paying for sex with a sex worker vs. having sex with someone that desires you. To me anyway. Im not paying to meet someone. Sorry you've had shitty experiences.
I’ve always found that if I wait around outside the back of the venue after the show, I can usually meet someone in the band. Unless it’s an arena show, they’re usually much more accessible than people think they are.
I find that the more I hear about these vip experiences, that it’s usually the artist’s management who organizes and sets the rules for the event.
@@ZachAdkinsGuitardon't you think these (rockstars) get jaded over periods of time. I mean city after city, after yrs of doing this. What makes you think the (star) isn't being led around like livestock themselves 😂. I mean aren't you in this business?
I don't get paying to see a star it's only a dude that can play guitar there's thousands of dudes play just as good but aren't well known
Black label society VIP was great. Wasn't expensive at all. Everyone was ridiculously nice. They signed anything. Gave out swag. About 20 people there. Got into the venue early so we got to pick where we sat before everyone came in. Took pics with everyone. Zakk chased me down to shake my hand and say thanks for coming. Class act all around.
Damn right! I just left basically the same comment! I had the same experience even though it was about 25 years ago but Zakk he took a separate picture with each and every person and signed every damn thing we had talk to us and everything
I don't even like BLS but I do love Zakk. You may have talked me into just going for the M&G alone 😂
I've not seen BLS live but I did get to meet Zakk via a radio station event. He's one of the sweet, down to earth people I've met. Gave me a huge hug too.
Zakk knows where he came from , not really a fan of BLS but have nothing but respect for the man . one of the best at what he does .
This was my experience with Dream Theater back in the day. I wouldn't have traded that experience for anything!!!
You are doing a great service to people here. Most people can barley aford the tickets parking and a few drinks at shows, I know I leave broke every time so. I had no idea artist would even let that happen to their fans and people calling them out on it is the only way its going to change so. Thanks, good work and keep it up.👍👍
U2 concert, Miami arena, 1992..
I was 17. After the show, myself, and the person I was with, went around back, where the tour buses were parked. There were only about 30 of us. We only waited around a half hour, and security opened the gate, the band came out, and greeted everyone, signed autographs, shook hands and generally mingled for about 20 minutes. I shook Bono's hand, and asked him a question. The other band members signed my concert ticket & Larry (the drummer) signed my concert shirt. No charge. 😎 #GenX
As it should be / always has been.
Crazy 💩
Prime U2 that would’ve been incredible to meet U2 back then.
@@NickCADA
I told Bono that I want to pay guitar & sing in a band & does he have any advice. He said 'practice practice practice". At the time, I found the answer totally unhelpful. Of course, he was right 😏
That's cause, they're Irish!!
If you have to pay for "V.I.P." then you're *NOT* a V.I.P. . You're a mark.
The real V.I.P's didn't pay to get into the event, they're given all access passes, they're drinking/eating for free, they're watching the show from the stage & they're at the after party & in some cases on the plane with the band going to the next show.
True
Yip. This "VIP EXPERIENCE" has always been horseshit. I never once fooled with em. I have gotten 3 "All Acess Passes": in my life. Always the way to go.
@@TwistedSMFbut as you can't buy thise, the average Joe has no choice but to buy VIP...
THAT PART
Very Important Payer
I got my daughter a meet and greet with One Direction, and I have to say these guys treated my daughter like she was the President's daughter. I walked away with a lot of respect for them even though I don't like their music. My daughter still talks about it 7 years later lol
Love that story!!
That’s cool
Because they know about presentation... Or more importantly, their managers do!
I'm a metal head.. and I love One republic, they are very talented.. Took my son to a show and its one of my favorite concerts I've ever been to.. That was a good day. I suppose I really enjoy their music cause its airy.. light but meaningful.. so Glad to hear about your experience.. My 5y/o Daughter was singing Counting Stars just today.. Maybe I'll sign her up for a MnG.
Oh my daughter was a huge One direction fan lol I bet that wasn't cheap 😂 I've spent a lot of money on their "merch" in my lifetime
There’s an old adage: Never meet your heroes. They’ll only disappoint you.
Thank you for this, I thought it was just me. Same rip off experience with Vai and Satriani. They talk a good game but the reality is we're the cash cows and they do not care about the fans beyond that. I dont buy that management dictates to them. Dont pay the extra to fund these mediocre tours.
Thank you for the comment! Sorry you had a similar crap experience
Met Marilyn Manson a few times. The last time we spoke for 10mins. I got a signed painting (all under $300 and its worth much more now). He wrote a sign for me to hold up to dedicate a song for me and he did it. He did the song and pointed me out. Hes a fucking legend and always a gentleman. One time I was picking an album to get signed and he took all of them and signed them all.
David Delores Frank, in the flesh
That sounds awesome. Marilyn Manson is the greatest ever!
A few of my friends went to see him when he was in Huntington WV with Rob Zombie back in 2018 or 2019 I believe, and they all met him for photos and talked for quite a few minutes each, and when he was performing on stage he went up to one of my friends in the crowd and held her hand for a couple of verses of a song. He’s one of the few rockstars that are down to earth and I argue that he shouldn’t have to be with how much people have wronged him and done him dirty throughout his career. He has every right to be angry and bitter and not trust anyone but he still is one of the nicest people on earth. I wish I could’ve gone but I was still in some legal trouble having to go through court mandated drug treatment and go to meetings every week, seeing the judge at least once a month, etc and having a curfew. I would’ve loved to’ve seen that show. It was shortly before or after slayer came through town for their last tour, I can’t remember which.
My experience was very similar, he was polite, friendly, talkative, spent plenty of time with us then all the vips got in first to be in the front in an already smaller theater setting so he's right up next to you. Great experience for me too
MM seems like a class act, the real deal imo😎
This is the most adult and honest conversation about meet and greets I've heard. Good work, Zach.
Much appreciated. Check out my new video where I dive a little more into it. You'll dig it :)
ruclips.net/video/OaWhAIro7W0/видео.html
Kinda a man baby. And I don’t ever say these kind of things. This video really rubbed me the wrong way. I have 5 sons, this is behaviour I wouldn’t even want to see from them.
@@nathann1834 Huh?
@@nathann1834 People who pay for M&Gs, especially a small fortune, are often delusional. They can be nice people, but they are starstruck and that's not a good mental place to be. Then they get disappointed and do a whiny windbag video like this.
As someone who works for a venue and is also in a touring band - NEVER BUY VIP. These experience are created by VIP. Companies mainly VIP Nation owned by live nation which are created to syphon more money off fans and give artists a little of that money but mostly line the promoters and VIP companies pockets with more money. I’ve done hundreds of these experiences at the venue I work at and maybe 2% of them are worth it. DONT BUY THEM. Make these experiences go away. Once people stop buying these things they will change. Until then, they’ll continue to milk money off patrons.
Thank you for this comment!! Good to get a perspective inside that world
I agree I think if it's all organised by a company the band itself won't get much . Personally if the fans meeting them through VIP get a buzz from it that's fine . Being a whinging boomer .I will always think it's genetic and anyone can do it but memories of hanging outside venues to the early hours of the morning for the band to leave and having impromptu conversations and things signed are unique to each individual and the band are doing for the love of the fans not the money
Every autograph that Charlie Watts signed included "thank you"❤ Charlie was thinking the fan for being a fan! RIP 🙏 Charlie Watts
Love that! 🙏
RIP Charlie 😭
I have always loved Charlie. The quiet one and had a solid decades long marriage.
If you pay for something that is billed as a meet and greet and you don't meet the band then you need to get your money back... or take legal action. That's a rip-off.
Agreed!
Legal action, lmao. Yeah, pay $500 to meet some band, didn't feel you spent enough time with them, so hire an attorney at $1000/hr to recoup $500 on an event that probably had small print that stated you agree to no refunds under any condition and there is no guarantee you will meet the artist.
@@ev25zvToo bad it didn't work out for you LOL😂😂😂😂😂😂😂
@@logisticsandcommunications Yeah, well, good thing I'm making $1,000 per gig this tour, son.
@@ev25zvwhat’s the name of your band?
There isn’t a human being on this earth that I’d pay money to meet.
Facts.
That's your right
And also your right
What about your mom
Unfortunately most artists don't care. They hate doing meet and greets. I don't get paying all that money for a few minutes
I got to meet Alice Cooper with a vip ticket in 2023, and I got to take pictures with him and he gave me a signed poster and some other stuff, he's the nicest guy.
he is a very nice guy years ago. I waited on him and his wife in Las Vegas very down to earth.😁
The first year the Coyotes moved to Phoenix, one of my best friends mom used to get seats from her boss. She was a middle aged mom who wanted nothing to do with sports so she always gave them to him. The first time we went, we couldn’t believe it but literally in the row in front of us, was Alice Cooper and Dave Mustaine. They were minority owners the time. And we would shoot the shit for a few minutes every game we went to. To be 💯, they were such great guys. Very generous and really funny dudes!!!! Good times!!!
@@OlinKreutzRules wow! What a great story
I did too in 1996 NYC both were very nice.
I met Alice Cooper at a horror convention in Baltimore a few years ago, the nicest man in rock !
Sorry to hear about your woeful VIP experience that just sounds terrible. To leave a concert disappointed because of that is wrong. I've never gone to one, firstly too overpriced and secondly I've always felt the artist probably isn't bothered about meeting anyone after a show so the smiles are fake. VIP greets sounds like a record company thing $£
Respect to Nita Strauss she comes over as a lovely person in interviews so I'm glad she treated you respectfully. Fantastic guitarist too had the pleasure of seeing her rip the roof off Birmingham Arena, UK! 🎸🤘
Great video! "Don't ever meet your "heroes" in person. They will most times let you down."
Not true in my case and I’ve met dozens of artists. Don’t meet money hungry hacks like Ace is more like it.
I have made this mistake, just don't do it😢
Very true
And you realized they are, in fact, human with B. O. And garlic breath. 😂
Just never idolise other human beings to that level. They’re just the same as you or me except with money and talent 🤣
**READ FIRST**
I'm not opposed to bands making money. I make money, we all make money, we all pay bills. If we want to keep pushing forward in this world, we have to charge for time, expertise, or whatever else. I respect the game.
However. High level, mid level, or low level....The VALUE has to match or exceed the PRICE.
Paying for a Ribeye steak, getting a burger instead....and then being told you should be grateful for what you got... That's not ok. Which is the point of the video.
I run a multi million dollar company with 30+ teachers and staff, and roughly 800 recurring students. If we don't exceed their expectations and make sure they get their money's worth... It all falls apart. Take care of and love your fans (clients) and you will be in great shape. I love all of our students and all our staff. They need to be treated well no matter what.
I did a Jeff beck. Brian Wilson 2013 450$ included front or 2nd row . I got front and you got to watch the warm up at 4pm. Jeff was noodled set up amp . I never seen Jeff. having a good time he was joking around having a blast . He is always serious short interview s etc . But he showed us his number 1 guitar and talked about it .then said he talked to fender. And talked them into giving away one of his beck guitar. A real one .they had drawing .I didn’t win . But got gift bag it was nice cool pass . But the jams were worth it. Then they had s table. Shook hands had a picture. With beck Brian Wilson Al jardine . Then they signed whatever u brought . I had a cheap strat took off pick guard. So i still have pick guard with beck Wilson Al jardine on it . That was totally worth it. To see beck warm up . And front row. ( that was only time he ever did it ) but now. They ask for a lot more. And don’t get the ticket etc. I would be bent for if satch vai. Thing. But that’s the only one I did . But front row tickets alone go for that easy nowadays
I totally agree with you. It's definitely not really much of a VIP experience other than getting to chat with the artist & even then it's only for a few minutes. Cheap trinkets in a cheap gift bag, cheap t-shirts, cheap lanyards that have zero access - just a souvenir necklace. Whoever is in charge of coordinating these sux lol. I'm sure the artist has no idea really, they're just told ok at 8.40 you have to go meet 25-50 people
Dude for years I've thought about doing a Def Leppard meet and greet and I just never have had the money that I was willing to spend just to literally have seven minutes with the band.
David Copperfield in his prime did 5-600 shows/year for 30 years. After every show he spent over an hour to meet and greet anyone who wanted to... for FREE! I had great experiences with Dolly Parton (20 years ago) Phill Collins, Alice Cooper, Slash, Jeff Black and others. All of those were unpaid... These new 'VIP" events usually not even benefiting the band, lots of times are side gigs of the venue or the promoters... and they are legally sort of forced into it; no wonder that they hate it. Other times they're just jerks :)
I've never nor will i ever pay to "meet" someone. Nor will I charge to have a vip group unless the VIP is garunteed front and center stage. The people have been told they are "legends" until it's caused these delusions. Fact is, You or I either one could blow 60 year old Steve vai or Joe right off the damn stage. They are just humans. And they are restricted to the same 12 notes as everyone else
My "meet & greet" was actually just having Ozzy, Randy Rhoads, Rudy Sarzo, & Tommy Aldridge all walk off the bus at the Rainbow Music Hall in Denver, then decide to walk over to where we were standing & start talking to us like we were long lost friends!
I know, it's not a paid for but still.....pretty cool for free.
It was the Blizzard of Ozz tour with Motorhead opening. Intense concert.
I went to many shows at the Rainbow Music Hall. I remember seeing Metallica there back when they were in a van and Uhaul truck. We would see skateboarding and eating across the street at McDonald's. Brings back good memories. We all had good times back then camping out in the parking lot to get in line first for general admission tickets that were $20!
Meet Faster Pussycat, Ace Frehley, and Dirty Looks that exact same way just standing by tour bus,and all was great
Damn! Now that's an awesome memory to have!
Saw that show in Buffalo NY phenomenal show.
Wow that’s amazing
Did meet and greet with heart. Was told don’t talk to them when you get a picture with them because they are “shy”. It turned me off so much I am no longer a fan at all. I don’t personally believe anyone is any better than anyone else. Yes you’ve been granted a huge gift from God. But it doesn’t make you a better person and put you above others. Having said this. I won’t ever do a meet and greet again. Waste of money.
Here's a horror story...
The worst experience I ever had was when I met Dee Snider, when he physically assaulted me and destroyed my $1200 35mm full frame Panasonic camera, he lost his mind when he saw me talking to and taking pictures of another band at a venue in Austin, TX. Dee and his goons picked me up and threw me to the ground and threw my camera against a wall and it exploded into pieces... I was in shock, because I loved Dee and Twisted Sister and I was looking forward to taking pictures of him, but after that I was done with that freak show, I was so angry and heart broken to the point of tears, I just sat there, on the ground, trying to process wtf just happened? So I'm looking around, and I see my camera, what was left of it, and I'm crawling on my knees picking up what was left of my camera... (Even now I want to cry)... Holding my broken dreams in my hands. I was just a kid back then, I was just a kid, with a minimum wage job, I could barely feed myself and I had dreams that my camera was my ticket to a better life, it took me a year to save up for that camera so I could take professional photos of bands like the photographers in the rock fanzines, I wanted to be a band photographer, I was just starting to get my photo's published in the Austin Chronicle, I had my foot in the door! But Dee Snider couldn't give two Fk's, Dee Snider ruined my dream of becoming a professional music photographer.... So,... Ever since then, every time I hear his shitty music I just turn it off in disgust. Sub'd.
Damn dude. I would love to hear more about this story and the context
@@ZachAdkinsGuitar There's really not much more to tell. I was interviewing another band at the Back Room Bar on Riverside Dr in my home town of Austin, I was interviewing a band called 'TUFF' after the show. They were a 'POISON' look a like glam band, new on the scene and looking to make a name for themselves, they were really nice guys. Then the above happened circa 91' or 92', Dee Snider was touring with his band 'Widowmaker', I was assigned freelance to interview both Dee and any opening acts by my editor of a local music fanzine start up, a few of my photo's just got published in the Austin Chronicle. After the incident I kept doing interviews, but I had to buy those expensive Kodak instant snap shot disposable cameras to take photos with (... And not the cheap ISO 100's, but the much more expensive ISO 400's...), but the quality just wasn't there, it was getting expensive, and my editors were not interested in any of my work and it felt like no one took me seriously when I broke out a disposable camera to do shoots and stage work with, then shortly thereafter 'NIRVANA' happened and everything went to shit after that and the fanzine went bust.
I had fun while it lasted, I have a lot of fond memories, I met a lot of cool people and bands that are still around to this day, it was one of the most memorable careers of my life, its just sad that it ended on a bad one.
Same exact story for me. Starting taking pictures at 16 ( young girl on the road too)working with Louisiana Music Hall of Fame and then free lancing with Rolling Stone then on to full time on staff with Rolling Stone.
I was on assignment to interview Don Henley on the End of the Innocence tour when 4 police almost beat me to death at the live show.
I couldn't walk for 2 months.
It was so bad I didn't even call Rolling Stone back. I wanted no part of anything where my life is at risk.
That's why I am alive today, I knew not to partake in hard drugs or alcohol but just being there was too dangerous.
And to think I have Jimmy Page to thank for getting me the job at Rolling Stone.
I worked for a decade then my world came tumbling down in an instant.
I have the greatest memories though.
@@AbleBodied So sorry to hear that happened to you, especially as a young girl, I pray you fully recovered from that horrible attack. I had just turned twenty myself when I had my run in with Dee 'SCUSTING' Snider. You were very fortunate to meet Henley and Page, I was more on the heavy metal and punk rock scene. I tried doing movie reviews after that, but apparently my taste in movies didn't align with readers. Seriously, who would have thought 'Buffy the Vampire Slayer' would have been a hit and wind up becoming a syndicated TV show! 😆
You should have tried to finger his old lady.
That would teach him!
She would have given him an ear full!
"Thanks Dee!... that kid you roughed up really finger banged me hard! ... I'm holding you responsible!"...
"I can't pretend this stranger is a long awaited friend"
Rush - Limelight
at least neil was upfront about not wanting to do VIP stuff and they never pretended he was. that is just fine
Never heard of them, but if their music is as good as this quote, they may be going places.
@@breshkotashmal7362never heard of Rush? 😮 You have to check them out. A truly unique band.
@@breshkotashmal7362 lol.
A stranger
*A*
In life, If you treat people like rock stars, they treat you like fans…
No 💩
...not worthy, not worthy.
I’m sorry you had that life dude
@@GlennJimenez cheer up, mate. It’ll be ok
Ok
I paid for a VIP meet and greet with Judas Priest in 2008. They sold Gold and Silver level packages. Gold got you 60 seconds alone behind a curtain with the band for a picture. I felt bad for people who bought Silver. The marketing was misleading. Silver got to attend a party but they didn’t get to meet the band. There was a mom and a kid there who had the Silver package. The mom was about my age at the time (38) and her son was about 11. When it was time to meet the band, they had to leave. They were both heartbroken and felt very misled. I still regret to this day not giving the kid my Gold pass. Priest were my heroes since the 80s. I got to spend a minute with them but afterwards I feel that making that kid happy would have made me happier than meeting the band did. I feel I really missed an opportunity to do the right thing and I regret it. I’ve never considered doing a meet and greet after that.
Sometimes giving to others makes us feel better than getting those things ourselves. Means you have a good heart, all you can do is pay it forward now!
That's pathetic. I can't believe that Halford would allow that. If I were in their position I'd stay there all night taking pictures with fans and signing whatever they wanted me to.
How much did priest charge for gold
@@ctripps1224It was $375 if I remember correctly.
Don’t blame yourself for the kid’s disappointment. They didn’t read the small print which you should always do before making a big purchase like that. It’s the ignorant mother that caused it. You payed the extra and they didn’t. Hopefully the mother learned a valuable lesson.
I met Steve Vai when he was on a cruise ship and I was on board working as a guitarist. He watched me play, spoke for a long time, signed my guitar and tipped me $100!!! I still have that $100 bill!!
Nice!
I'd be sweating bullets playing in front of Vai, you must have done well to get $100 👍
@@totalbullion5882why? Just another dude
That’s crazy. I think I might’ve politely asked him to sign the Benjamin
Not exactly VIP experience tho...? Didn't cost you anything!
I saw Nile in Raleigh and went to the merch table before they were on to buy a shirt . Karl Sanders lead guitarist and founder walked over out of the blue. He signed my shirt without a hesitation, shook my hand and thanked me for coming to the show. I ended up buying two hoodies and putting them both on because he was so rad.. what a humble, awesome musician and generous person. Fan for life.
Karl is awesome. I text him often and he's always cool. I should actually hit him up soon .. 🤔🤔🤔
@ZachAdkinsGuitar yeah you should. That would be awesome
As I said on another reply, I think the excellence of the experience is directly proportional to the volume and aggression of the artists' music.
Most of the extreme metal world wouldn't even think of charging ridiculous fees for VIP experiences, and many bands hang out at the bar or in a parking lot to meet and talk to fans while their crews finish the breakdown.
Karl is so awsome and a supercool dude!!
Saw Nile in Manchester along with Vitriol Karl had so much time for me he could see I was so eager to speak to him even though he must've been exhausted not only did him & Brad & Brian have time for us but even after we spoke later on he was looking at me like to see if I wanted to speak to him or anything. To this day it amazes me I could see music at this level played a few feet from me & that I could speak & take pics with these guys, Karl is a legend tho has even msg'd me on fb a few times
Another band that cares is TSO. My husband passed in 2009 and I had ZERO money (literally not even for tampons or enough gas to take my son to school 2 days} and I contacted them as I had no Christmas presents for my 4 teen kids. They sent me free tickets (GREAT center seats) and it meant the world to my family that year.....more than words can say.
@@mcgsconnection wow !!!!!!!!
A friend of mine saw Paul O’Neill give a woman $100 on the spot when she mentioned that she did charity work for kids.
Did you drop the tampon line on them?
@@ev25zv stop 😁😁😁
@@ev25zv😂😂😂😂
I’ve met 2 rockstars from bands I love. I met Bruce Dickinson from Iron Maiden this year at an album signing for his solo record and it was your generic meet and greet. You stood in line, said hello, he signs your stuff and you get a picture with him. It was a cool experience because it only cost the price of the record (£30) but he was happy to sign a bunch of other stuff too. The second was 2 years ago when I met Robert Plant. This one was the day after a show he played and I just happened to see him on the street. He was a real gent. He let me take a picture, we chatted for about 5 mins and I’ll always cherish it because I didn’t know it was going to happen, it was purely by chance and there was nothing contrived about it. Those are the best ones, they’re so rare but if and when they happen you’ll never forget it. I’m 34 so I’ll never see Zeppelin but meeting RP is more than enough.
Hell, I can't even afford the tickets, much less a meet and greet. First concert, Kiss in 1977. Ticket price? $10.
Same.
The 70's were great.
I saw them in 77’ too ..I was 10 .My grandfather brought me and a friend .He had ear plugs and stayed by our side whole concert…
@gaefferson1 That's awesome! Respect to your Grandfather!
Equivalent to $52 today.
I got me and my then 10 year old son vip to meet Rob Zombie in 2017. It was only $300 total and we got early entry so we also got to be front row after the meet and greet. Rob was awesome to us and even had a roadie go to the bus and grab a whole bag full of posters, shirts sticker, pic and patches for my son and he even autographed the cd and poster for him. He was absolutely worth meeting. We have a great picture with his whole band it was an awesome experience! Last week in Pittsburgh at the Zombie/Cooper show I messaged Rob’s guitar player Riggs if he would have time to meet my 16 year old daughter who plays guitar and he for free came out and met her during Ministry’s set. Took a picture with her and gave her 3 pics all for free and even gave her guitar playing advice. Rob and his guys are top notch.
Used to work at Riggs tattoo shop in Branson Missouri.Called "Riggs Monster Tattoo"..dude is just a laid back hillbilly from Mt.Home Arkansas.He is actually cool to hang out with..
@@jaysonlee4394 dude it was so nice of him to come out and talk to her. He and Dimebag are her favorite guitar players. He was really cool to her. Happy to hear he is always like that
gaerbage Act you paid for this?
My wife's favorite artist! 🙏🙏
@@ZachAdkinsGuitar she has great taste!
$3,500 should come with a foot massage from the artist.
For $3.5k I’d expect a LOT more than a foot massage 😂
you mean a handjob
At least one foot!
lmfao
$3,500??? Ace can keep his art cheap guitar.
As a kid my buddy Justin was the biggest KISS fan in the world. He mowed yards,detailed peoples cars and would even get some work at the airport weed eating. It’s a small, tiny airport. He’d saved all the money he’d made over 2 years and his parents pitched in the rest to get him and me back stage passes for a meet and greet with KISS. It was insanely expensive he had the super vip deluxe deal where he’d get a stage used guitar or bass from either Paul or Gene. I think it was his choice. You’d see Gene and Paul trade out thier guitars and basses after every song to their techs. We were really young kids so I can’t remember for certain but I think the meet and greet that came with a guitar or bass that Paul or Gene had played onm stage was 12k or more. They were the same guitar that Ace sold you for $3500. They wouldn’t allow us into the meet and greet area even though we had the full backstage pass things.. A guy handed Justin a guitar and we caught a glance of Gene and held up the pass. He said I’m in no mood to f-ck with children this evening. I’ve worked long enough and hard enough not to have to f-king indulge children. What an asshole.
Their only human give him a break,they get.tired
Some people hate kids 🤷🏻♀️
@@Thomas-h8j people working at McDonalds are only human and get tired. Would that justify telling a customer to fuck off,and slam the drive through window after you’ve already paid? Would you give them a break? These were really expensive passes that allowed full access to the band,a meet and greet and photos. So he spent 12k for the bass and meet and greet and my ticket was like $2,800. Justine worshipped them and I was a fan till then. But they were tired so whatever. 😂
@@tigerpaws111 yeah. Mostly pure assholes. If you hate kids don’t sell VIP backstage passes to them. It was over 15 thousand dollars for us to have full on backstage access with the band and get a photo and meet and greet.
If you don’t want to deal with fans, don’t take their money and make extraordinary promises.
Players only love you when they're playing.
Nope, when they're getting paid.
Great comment!!
Yup
Depends what band. You can't generalize. There are bands who genuinely love and respect their fans. Obviously you can't devote personal time to thousands of people, but there's plenty of bands that will take the time when they meet fans in the wild.
Id never pay to meet anyone. My wife and I ran into one of our favorite musicians in a bar before a show a few years ago. Didn't even cross my mind to go up to him. I know he doesn't want to talk to me and I didn't want the interaction to ruin the music for me. Separate the music from the people. People generally suck.
Mate thats exactly how I am... In my job I typically encounter one celebrity a year. I never acknowledge that I know who they are but instead just talk to em like any other random person. In my mind, they appreciate that.
Had a ten minute conversation with Anna Kendrick a few years ago about something completely random and when it came to its natural conclusion I just said "nice chattin, have a good one" and walked off. The look on her face was like "really?" as if she were expecting something different!
It helps that Im dressed as a pilot for a major airline whilst these interactions happen.
You’re a mature adult - unlike many….
I would agree, regardless of the artist, most people do suck lol
That's slick a.f. lol
Wanting to meet an artist that inspired you and share a moment or memory is hardly something that would be considered immature..
I got tickets from a radio show contest and got to meet Aerosmith backstage before a concert in Cincinnati. There was only about a dozen of us. I was kind of shy back then and standing by myself. Joe Perry came over and asked if I wanted anything signed. I didn't really have anything but I looked in my wallet and found a 2 dollar bill. He took it around to the entire band and had them sign it for me and then they also signed a copy of their album cover for me. I didn't know what to say but I played guitar at the time with a few friends so I asked Joe Perry if he had calluses on his finger tips. He showed me his finger tips and said "no, not really" and I was kind of surprised. I thought his finger tips would be hard. Lol. Aerosmith was my favorite band and I saw them in concert several times with Joe Perry's guitar solo being my favorite part of the show. I still have the 2 dollar bill and a picture of me with the band. This was back in the 80s and I still tell that story at least once a week
Soooo… um, what you think about Stephen Tyler these days?
@@TheReluctantVlogger*Steven
Love that!
Thank you so much for making this video and calling out the bullshit. I went to one VIP sound check years ago, it was $60 including the ticket and it was awful, I'd never do it again.
Why was it awful??? Can you tell me bit
I met The Ramones on their farewell tour in 1996. You know how much I paid for it? Nothing. They came out after soundcheck & hung out for almost an hour talking & signing autographs. Johnny was awesome, everything I thought he would be. Joey was a sweetheart, kinda shy. Marky I’d go on to meet several other times later in life & always has time for a fan. Talked to CJ for 15 minutes about his bass rig & other projects he was doing. That’s how it should be. Making fans pay hundreds of dollars for the “gift” of their presents is gross. These people wouldn’t have careers without us & you can easily tell who keeps that in mind & who doesn’t.
Yes went to an appearance at a record store where they all signed my Ramones Alive album. I also took took a couple of photos. I thought the album was an import, Johnny pointed out that it was a bootleg, I said sorry I didn't know. He signed it anyway. This was in the 80's. Same thing I paid nothing.
You're absolutely right
Wow!
I went to hear actor Henry Winkler give a talk and he gave every audience member a free signed book and a free one on one picture when I got to the show. He was wonderful!
jon bonjovi is awesome too....i met him eating dinner , and he hung and chatted with me like a friend
Aaaaaaaaayyyyyy!!!!!
I love the episode from Happy Days, when. Fonzie was the Leader of The Falcons, and decided to get into a rumble with Richie, but didn't do it, right then. He set up a time, and a place.. probably figuring that Richie would never show up. To his surprise, Richie actually showed up, and for a little bit, ya thought that The Fonz was gonna beat the dog-snot outta Richie, for no reason! Then-They started talking...and, yeah, Richie was very nervous. Then-The Fonz actually complimented Richie for showing up, and began to kinda warm up to him. The next thing ya know, they introduced themselves to each other, and wouldn't you know it?!? They became friends, and The Fonz actually gave Richie a ride home, on his Motorcycle!
Henry Winkler from a distance seems like a really nice person. Not surprised.
That's badass
Aaaaay!
When I was a kid it was about being the right place at the right time. I met so many different bands.
Yup. Seems like they just lock it all off nowadays. Which I understand
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My friends met Y&T in a parking lot and got their rock mags signed
Never paid a dime in ANY GENRE/Entertainer to meet, take a pic, what have you. It's about dignity and self respect. Screw um
I’ve only ever done VIP/Meet & Greet with Blackberry Smoke. They donate 100% of the money they get for that to Children’s Hospital of Atlanta, where late drummer Brit Turner’s daughter received cancer treatment when she was very young. And they spend a reasonable amount of time with the fans, and have meaningful conversations with them.
I saw them in London on Saturday. I didn't do a meet and greet but I know someone who has met them and he said they were all super nice and took the time to speak to everyone individually.
The guys in BBS are different and not the norm. Charlie is from a small town and still has that demeanor. Paul is also a great guy. The guy that works on my guitars also does work for him. They are just good ole boys living the dream. They don’t live extravagant lives and seem to appreciate their success after years of hard work getting there. You can tell by watching different musicians and bands who will act like dicks and who will act like the normal person we all are. It sucks that you’ve had bad experiences. I don’t have to worry about having any bad experiences because I will never give a band that is making money my hard earned money. They should feel privileged to meet us.
I remember them just starting out as a bar band in LaGrange Ga. for a bar called Rick's Place in late 90's! They are very humble and approachable guys. Great times!
That sounds awesome. I've heard good things about them :)
I've heard they were nice too
i saw weird al around 2016. the vip was 250 per ticket, included a private party with open bar, front row tickets and a proper meet and greet after the show. fucking class act! he was super nice and clearly wiped out after kicking ass and making 12+ costume changes. 100% worth he took photos with everyone and even spent a the time to chat with every individual person
I've heard weird. Al is really great with his fans
Meeting rock stars was so much better in the 80's. You show up early and hang out outside the venue when the bus shows up say Hi when they get off and most of the time they were happy to talk and sign stuff. A small list of really cool bands I met back in the day...Stryper, L.A. Guns, Kings X, Blue Murder, Vixen, Warrant. All nice and all free
Those bands are badass. Great story!
Yup that is basically what we did too
You know what else was better in the 80s? Literally everything!! I would be so very happy to be close to retirement if it means that I could have been alive back then to experience that world, instead of this one we're in now where greed, c o r r u p t i o n, and narcissism, and addiction, has taken over this planet.
Omg Warrant. I was too young to go to the concerts and meet them in the 80s . But I DID get to see them in a small venue front and center for one of the last shows before we lost Janie Lane. That hit me hard they are still on every playlist I have
A couple of buddies and I went to a Nicko McBrain (Iron Maiden) drum clinic way back when. We drove about 5 hours to get there. We got there super early.
He got word there were some kids (we were 16 and huge Maiden fans) that drove hours to get there and were already there. He had us let in. I was the only drummer out of my three friends.
We talked music and drums for a bit and then he gave me a drum lesson.
All told he spent about an hour with us. Super humble, funny and cool.
About a year later Maiden came around on tour. After the show at the Forum in LA he saw us (same friends) hanging out with other fans where they’d come out to go to the buses.
He recognized us, came over and said hello, gave us a group hug and invited back to meet the band.
Super cool guy.
The drum clinic cost nothing.
This was pre meet and greet nonsense.
that's so amazing
@@ehhh2547
Really was.
Talk about creating lifelong fans.
He is a legendarily nice guy.
I went to a meet & greet for Chris Cornell before a show, during one of his solo tours.
Everything was totally free. I got to chat with him for a few minutes, I brought a picture for him to sign, and I took a picture with him. He didn't charge a thing. He asked if we would be at the show, to which we responded that we will be right up front. He immediately spotted us and at the end of the show he smashed the mic stand and gave it to my friend. Then Pete Thorn came to give me the setlist.
Another experience with him was after another one of his shows. He was leaving the venue and his security was trying to rush him along but he stopped and said "No, I can sign a few things." He signed my picture, I asked "Could I get a handshake too?" He replied "Sure, man!" He was always really friendly and accomodating and never charged for anything to my knowledge. It's really sad that he's gone but his kindness and humble qualities really made an impact on us fans.
Pete thorn is a great dude for sure
Thank you for sharing this story; that is so awesome. I wish I could have seen Chris live; still can't believe he is gone.
He is sorely missed. 🫡
…at the end of the day you paid money to have a guy pretend to like you for a couple minutes.. and… gasp… shake your hand. It meant nothing to him beyond money and he forgot you within 5 minutes. Now… it means something to you - but… it’s an illusion. Nor do you know him…. Or can say they’re great guys… they seemed like great guys to you, for 2 minutes… as they meet fans. You have no clue what they’re like 10 minutes later or before - let alone in general. They’re WORKING lol. 😂. Well it’s human nature. Wow- that stripper REALLY liked me! I just came from the conference call - the CEO is really a good guy! 😂
@@datacipher Ok, based on your comments on this video and your killjoy, condescending way of speaking. You are definitely the dude who shows up to a party not realizing half of the people are saying "Oh, God... He's here?"
I met an Icon- he was a dick n so cool at the same time! A guy that was like an Uncle to me knew Evel Knievel..so... I'm cleaning his shop 1 day- and Evel walks in. My jaw is on the floor- he walks up to me and says "Yeah kid...it's me!"- then he ask's "Where is Larry?" Larry comes out...Evel hands me a $20 n says "Go get me a coffee kid~!" I come back from across the street- hand him the coffee and he says "Keep that change- thanks kid!" It was like meeting a gladiator or a gunfighter!
I met Robbie after a jump. I bought all the merch he was selling. Totally cool.
Thats a great story! I grew up idolizing Evel too, so I get it.
"A dick yet so cool".
That what Evel.
I miss him.
just to be sure.. larry david?
Badass. Loved me some Evel growing up. Had the motorcycle toy and all
I agree with you and I agree with Eddie Trunk on Trunk Nation. People call him up and complain all the time about shitty meet and greets and VIP packages and he tells them the harsh truth...these people don't really want to meet you. Do they appreciate you as a fan and for buying their records and concert tickets? Of course. But imagine if you were the CEO of Coca-Cola, do you really want to meet every person that buys a coke? Nope! I agree, the best thing to do is just not offer these things. Having said that, I did buy the Gene Simmons Vault package where he personally delivers your vault to you and spends several hours with you. He lived up to it. He was patient, answered mine and the handful of friends I invited's questions, signed whatever we wanted to have signed and took a lot of pics. He played a few songs for us on guitar and told a lot of stories. It was worth every penny I paid. But I feel like experiences like that are the exception rather than the rule.
I would agree as well!!
That’s cool to hear. My next youngest brother has been a KISS Army member since he was about 9 in 1976. A few years ago he paid to the VIP Meet & Greet with KISS. He told me the only one that spoke to him was Gene Simmons. He gets a lot of grief but it would seem he actually appreciates his fans.
You have meet them when their bands are still small. Met Lee from Funeral Portrait at his merch stand. Nicest guy. He asked my name and hugged me. They’re playing a Rockville this year.
If im paying $1000 for a meet and greet, I should be able to not only meet the band, but i better be able to play drums on at least 1 song when they get on stage.
🤣🤣🤣🤣
Better come with your own groupie for that much.
i expect at least a deep tissue massage from the star
Don’t buy it then. Simple
Sue them!!
Just watched...heartbreaking. I was in the photo pit @In This Moment and got some killer access and pictures. I watched the group of 50 people afterwards get wrangled like cattle, barked at like dogs, and lined up for mugshots like they committed a fxxking crime for even being there, all as part of their "VIP" experience. It is hard to watch because they are very unjaded, you know? They don't know any better. You and I have been on stages and movie sets. Hung with the biggest stars. And let me make this very clear, I have ALWAYS allowed a fanatic or even a production assistant their dignity. Whether they were being paid or volunteering, I have ALWAYS made room for EVERYONE to feel worthy of being there. Zach, I completely support you calling this shxt out.
Thank you for the comment!! Appreciate your feedback. It sucks to say because we look up to these people, and I don't want to be a total asshole. But, at a certain point, you have to be like "enough is enough"
This whole "expect the worst hope for the best" mentality is just sad. We have all been brainwashed to believe you're suppose to just take what you can get and that's bullshit
I was at an Epica/Sabaton concert a few years back. No VIP but I bought the autographed album by Sabaton. Was disappointed that they weren’t selling an autographed Epica album so I had mentioned my disappointment and that I wasn’t going to buy an unsigned album as I already had their CD. One of the sound engineers came up and asked if I was looking for the album to be autographed and I said I was hoping for it. He LITERALLY took the album back stage and quickly got it autographed by the whole band. I was so HAPPY and severely thanked him. That’s going out of their way for fans. Will always remember that concert! ❤🤘
Love that!!
Haha! Brutal, man. You drop a grand and get to watch Satriani and Vai 69 on stage for ten minutes. That sucks.
Speaking of Vai, somebody who absolutely rules meet and greets is Devin Townsend. He talks to everybody for hours and signs whatever you put under his nose. Takes any photo you want.
We have a store called Utopia Records in Sydney who specialise in heavy music. For decades now they’ve been doing awesome meet and greets with whatever bands are in town. Usually you just buy an album to sign, but most artists are super chill and friendly there, even the large profile ones, and heaps of people bring their own merch to get autographed. I remember meeting Fear Factory, Meshuggah, Soilwork, etc. Actually properly meeting the whole band, shaking hands and having a good chat. This has been throttled down a lot in recent years since promoters have started doing these ridiculous rip off VIP experiences, which is a huge shame.
Metallica will be here next year and I think the VIP ticket at the show is the size of a monthly mortgage payment. Unbelievable. Always nice to have a musical hero you can look up to, but it’s a whole other level of dumb to turn them into idols. Having been lucky enough to meet quite a few of mine, I can honestly they are just people. Super talented, often very pleasant, but still just people.
The Metallica meet and greet was amazing. I’d encourage you to attend one if you have the chance. Those guys really made me feel like a missed family member they haven’t seen in a long time. I had nothing for them to sign because I thought we were not allowed, so Lars gave me his jacket off his back and signed it. And then they all signed it. Then Kirk starts looking for random stuff for them to autograph for me. They were super cool dudes.
I've heard you only get to meet 2 members
Now you do ever since the 💉
GREAT POST!!!!! KISS were the worst joke. I see local fans who paid thousands to have a photo with the band. I feel sorry for them. I’m embarrassed for them. Sorry guys! ----I knew Lemmy from Motorhead. Long story, and a great one, but when my guitarist and I went backstage for the 1st time -- Lemmy gave us tour shirts… and then asked us how much we paid for our tickets. I’m talking about the freaking concert tickets. We didn’t want to be reimbursed - the show was amazing. But he insisted, and way overpaid two Canadian rockers in American dollars because he said we were guests and shouldn’t pay. Why?! Because we were in a lame city and we were head banging. Lem loved that and mentioned it during the show to the lame cowboy crowd. Our new friendship was drinking, joke telling and hanging out for the next week on tour. We turned down going on to Seattle and the rest of the USA shows and then to England. Yup, dumb move. Audition? I’ll ever know for sure. But no other rock stars I ever knew like Lemmy. The real deal. By the way, they were losing money on that tour. The band slept on the bus while the two back-up bands stayed in fancy hotels. Over the top kindness and coolness. There should be more like him. He wasn’t selling rock n roll …he WAS rock n roll.
Lemmy was a gem!
Ronnie james dio was the same. never at all charged his fans and treated them like family. Lemmy and Dio were true Legends 👍
KISS was actually one of the best meet and greets I’ve ever had. Though it was back in ‘90, when those experiences were free and usually (though not exclusively) done through radio contests and fan clubs. Some of these modern era meet and greet packages sound cool, but the prices take them off the table for me. That Satriani/Vai story is disappointing. Sorry this guy experienced that. All music fans, whoever the artist, deserve better than that treatment. Especially when it comes with a $700 price tag.
This is a big reason why I have come to enjoy and support underground bands more. Underground musicians don’t take their fans for granted. They want to hang out with their fans after the show, they want to hear compliments but also constructive criticism so they can understand how to operate in the future. These rockstars think they’ve got it all figured out; they don’t need anything from the fans but their tiny bit of disposable income.
Yes, I'll be spending my money on local and smaller bands going forward as well
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Nita Stauss gets “it” because she knows what it’s like to work your way up and working on the road all the time , she knows how hard it is to make it on the big stage , she doesn’t forget where she came from. She so down to earth. She doesn’t take what she earned for granted. She’s a genuine class act.
Dude, I went to a Chris Isaak concert back in like 97 or 98. After the concert he set up a table and chair with security of course in the auditorium and started signing autographs & taking pictures with ANYONE who wanted to, none of this VIP nonsense back then!
I had time to race home about 15 mins away in my car, grab my guitar, (Silvertone 1449) and race back to the venue. Line was still fairly long by then and I was one of the last few in line but that dude shook my hand, took a couple pictures with me and signed my guitar and we had a super quick chat about Silvertones. It was awesome and this was all for GA price lol. He must have been there an hour greeting everyone after the concert and I've had mad respect for that guy ever since.
That's awesome!!
To quote Ice T. 'All that Bon Jovi money is gone!'. The music business has changed. Artists aren't making any money selling records. So they get ya at the ticket booth, merch table, and VIP packages.
The days of hanging out by the stage door, meeting bands, like i did as a kid, are gone.
If I could make enough money playing dive bars and driving my life away, I'd be in heaven.
Even that seems like an impossible dream these days.
Seems like the opposite of what they should do.... your money is drying up, so you sell exorbitantly high priced tickets to a meet and greet and neither meet nor greet the people, who paid almost 1000USD to meet you? That seems like the opposite of what you'd want to do, if you want people to buy your shitty music and support you.
Bands really didn't make much money selling records and CDs back in the day anyway.
A few decades ago, I was sitting on the steps of a venue after Marlin Manson played, and their drummer, Ginger Fish, came out (unrecognizable because he was out of costume) and sat beside us to have a cigarette. I saw a strand of green hair peeking out from under his hat and was like, "Hey, aren't you in the band?" We sat there and talked for about twenty minutes. Great experience.
All about the hustle these days 😂
You're absolutely right
Preach!!!!!
Most people have to work overtime, save and forego simple pleasures JUST to buy A NOSEBLEED TICKET, let alone a meet and greet.
Either do the meet and greet fully or simply do not offer. 🌸
Hey man, I did the Nothing Else Matters package for Metallica’s Chicago M72 show & it was literally the absolutely coolest experience of my life. There were 23 people including myself in my meet & greet group, we got to personally meet Kirk & Rob (I asked Kirk if I could play Greeny, he chuckled & said “no she’s all secured right now), then we spent a good 35-40min shooting the breeze with them & they were more than happy to talk to us. Not only that but I toured their stage & back stage, I was in the Pit & the VIP lounge was absolutely mind blowing. I met OTHER celebrities, bands & family members of bands in the lounge. It was the single most incredible experience of my life. I got posters from both nights (anyone who has seen Metallica on this tour knows how big a deal that is) handed to me along with ab autographed set list by all 4 (Lars wrote my name it) & our backstage passes were high quality special edition “tickets” since no one does paper tickets anymore.
Randy 😍….jealous🤨
Say what you will about Metallica, they've done a gazillion shows and have always treated fans pretty good.
Metallica has a pretty good reputation when comes to Meet and Greets and how they treat there fans.Some other bands not so much.
Is that the package that costs thousands of dollars?
@@HKlPIsVk never said it was cheap.. lol but in my opinion it was worth every penny.
I totally agree with you! I have been in several films and shows, and a lot of famous people forget where they came from, and they think that they are better than everybody else. Money can expose someone for who they really are. Great vide Mr. Zach! 🎸☯
Exactly. I worked at Tower Records in the 90s and we had plenty artists come through and some of them just treated us like a nuisance.
@@sole__doubtI met David Lee Roth at the la store he was a prick also met jani lane another prick. I met stryper 4 times and those guys are really nice and genuinely care about their fans.
Thank you!!
It's unfortunate
David lee Roth thinks he's a god amongst mortals
Vai & Satch not even being next to The VIP's when the pics were taken is deplorable. How could they not recognise that? They must have their heads up each others arse.
I spent money on that VIP experience. The most photo was supposed to be emailed to me and I never got it
I'm very disappointed to hear that about Satch. He's the one guy that I wanted to see in concert because I am done with concerts. I seen a bunch of concerts, but the real singers aren't even there anymore, like Journey. But this is great to hear. Now I know not to waste my money. These guys are just humans that just so happen to be good at what they do. In the end, the lesson here is NEVER idolize anyone.
@@brosphbehemoth6141 That is fucked!
That happened with skinny puppy too.
I suspect that managers, agents and promoters handle all of this and the band members/artists just don’t know much about the situation. They may not have any idea the actual cost to the fans, what they were promised, etc. They might be agreeing to terms that they are sticking to, without even knowing what is being sold to the fans as part of the “experience”. Someone needs to make a bit of a ruckus at one of these, in ear shot or the artist. Maybe they’ll hear and go, “wait a minute, what? You spent how much?” and then lose their shit at the management, etc.
Agree brother, I appreciate that honesty man, more people need to have balls like you. I’ve been Playing music for years and if I ever made it man, I’d be so grateful to my fans because I wouldn’t be anywhere without them. I subscribed, keep the realness coming mate 💪🏻
These meet & greets are the easiest way to see which musicians/groups are detached from their fans/reality. I've met some people who are excited and happy to meet each fan and treat each one like a single personal experience, and then there are others like your experience, where the VIP "experience" is just an over-priced vending machine that you put too much money in to get a little treat that's usually stale and expired. It's unfortunate that it seems to be going more and more this direction. I remember seeing Metallica and Linkin Park in Atlanta in the early 2000s, I didn't have VIP or anything but I was front row and even then all the bands treated even the people just in the crowd and in the front row like VIPs, making eye contact, smiling at us individually, moving around the stage and the front hanging out with the fans, etc..
I think my absolute best experience was seeing Buckethead at a small local venue here. That gentleman is as kind and caring about each and every one of his fans as every story you hear about him, maybe even more so. I'll never forget him walking around the front during the middle of the show and handing out random toys to people out of a bag he had. It wasn't anything special or worth much, but the act itself was what made it what it was. And it cost absolutely NOTHING extra. The tickets weren't expensive, there were no bs extras tacked on. Just pay for your ticket, get a great experience and a great show with an artist that loves his fans and his craft.
Edit: Your experience with Nita is exactly how it should be. You can tell she hasn't lost touch with reality at all. She's thoughtful, kind, and actually cares about her fans!
You're absolutely dead on
Good for you for bringing this topic up and for specifically naming the artist. What's right is right and what's wrong is wrong. Shame on those artists and those who manage them for not giving you the best possible experience for that kind of money. I would expect those guys to sit on the couch and pour me a beer for God sakes! Unbelievable and one of the main reasons why I do not opt for the VIP experience when I buy tickets. No way! All of you deserve a refund and an apology!!
Yea, you hit the nail on the head. "For that kind of money" the value should be there!
I did a meet & greet with Slash and he was so nice. The "fine print" said you could bring 2 items for him to sign or something like that. My girlfriend (at the time) & I brought a few pictures plus I had a 2008 Gibson Custom Shop Slash VOS - the one that came with a leather jacket. I had in my trunk of my car. When I met him he was so nice. He chatted with us for a while, not rushed at all and he almost seemed a little shy but very very nice. I told him I had the guitar and jacket in my car and he said go get it I'll hook you up. I said really? How will I get back in? He said I'll take care of it. So I went to my car and brought the guitar and jacket back and he singed both plus he signed everything we brought and talked to us even more after that. & yes I got a similar signed crappy Epiphone Les Paul as well as part of the deal. I also did one with Ozzy. He was funny as shit. There were about 40 people or so in the room and everybody was basically in a line against all 4 walls of the room. Ozzy walked in and said Oh everybody is here, Ok 1st one bend over and lets get started! It was the same with him. He was super cool and talked to us for prob 10-15 min. I had actually brought a Les Paul in even tho I wasn't supposed to and he signed it for me. He wrote Go Fucking Crazy & signature. Yes they were both expensive but I wanted to do it so why not. I can't imagine ever doing it again bc it is very expensive and there's really not much of a "VIP" experience at all other than getting to chat with the artist but everything else is def not VIPish in my opinion. Whatever I don't regret it!
Sounds like the value met or exceeded the price.
My daughter would love to meet Ozzy ☺️
These people are already making money off you, cost of tickets is ridiculous, and of course they are super cool you paid them to be, hell anyone would be nice to you for money these people are already millionaires
Thank you for sharing this much-needed perspective! As a touring sideman with some "legacy artists" I've seen the inner workings of the "VIP" racket too many times, would love to chat with you about it 'cuz I have too much to say than could fit in a comment! But let's just say that you've hit the nail on the head. 👍🏻🎵
There isn't a band on Earth worth paying to meet or that should charge for doing so. They owe their success and fortunes to their fans. They owe everything to the fans. No fans? No career. Meet and greets should be free. Randomly assign a meet and greet pass to ticket purchases. Set a max number of people, whatever that is, and that many tickets get a surprise meet and greet pass with purchase. Get two seats? You get two passes. Charging for this stuff is essentially an insult.
Try telling tommy lee from Mc that he owes his fame to his fan's and he will straight go off on you!!
@@donmassey5588 That dude reached his maximum mental maturity at 13. He's exactly the same guy he was in middle school. So, I wouldn't be surprised.
💯
I'm sorry, but when "stars" treat you like crap and you still love them, you end up being part of the problem. They got away with it, and will continue to get away with it until people wise up. You're simply a dollar sign to them. But also, thanks for sharing about this. I've never done a VIP because I've heard from others you get treated like crap. I need my money more than they do.
💯 % you’re correct. If you support it then you’ll get more of it.
Good point. I'm glad I've never done one. After watching this, I never will.
Lol. There once was a day where you liked someone's guitar playing based on his playing and not whether he was a dude that would be willing to chat with you. So many cucks today. Good on the video dude for still being able to appreciate a musician's skill despite a negative encounter.
I agree. I still appreciate what they have brought to this world and their music that has inspired me. But, I'll be voting with my dollars going forward and choosing to pick artists that appreciate fans
Just know most, 99% of these musicians don’t give a shit about stranger fans who love them for their music. To them, we are weirdos.
Probably
You’re getting in the way of their heroin back at the hotel
Mark Tremontinis my favorite guitarist/musician. He is also a very cool guy off stage. He actually takes the time to talk to his fans about his guitars and his gear. I have his PRS MT15 & MT100 amps and they are both great!!
I met Tony Iommi and Geezer Butler at Ozzfest for buying a $20 CD. Iommi signed it, smiled at me, and that was that. It all felt perfectly reasonable for the price. I wouldn't spend more than about that tho and I still have the CD.
That's awesome. Iommi is cool. But, I've heard he's pretty grumbly during meet and greets too lol
I went to a comic-con in July to meet Jon Lovitz. I was so excited to meet him as he was a part of my childhood. I loved him on SNL back in the day. It was $100 to meet him and get an autograph and it was the most underwhelming experience of my life. He sat there, did not smile, did not talk, and he looked irritated that people were coming up to him. After it was over, I wanted to scratch off his autograph I got and get my money back! It was horrible!!!! However, at the same con, the cast of Revenge of the Nerds was there, and they were amazing!!! Especially Brian Tochi and Larry B. Scott!!! Those guys really made you feel special! They got up, came out to you, took the time to talk to you, they asked my name, and they took several pictures! Henry Winkler was also a very awesome experience that made you feel special! Jon Lovitz, ugh, I can never look at him the same way anymore!
yeah, the Revenge of the Nerds cast are fantastic. Brian Tochi asked me if I wanted a hair pie lol.
Jon Lovitz hates his fans. He was always a disrespectful douche.
That sucks... They ruin their own legacy
I have met my all time favorite band Queensryche back in 2005. Got the meet and greet tickets free of charge thru their online fan club. That's the way it should be. I have spent 30 years of my life buying their music and concert tickets. Why would they charge me for meeting them and say thank you for my support?
@e-rod1596 Fellow Queensryche fan club member myself from 2000-2006. Miss those days!! Those guys were the most accessible big name band ever. Not that way anymore.
My friends and I met Geoff, Eddie and Scott from Queensryche in 1986 in a hotel bar. They were super cool. Eddie Jackson came and sat at our table for a bit. They all took photos with us. We didn't even buy them drinks!
I met them at a Harley Davidson dealership, very cool
I met Queensryche.
All of the guys were so cool!
Was during the Hear in the New Frontier tour
Interesting
If you have the opportunity I strongly suggest doing the Gwar Meet and Beat. It's $150 and probably the coolest experience I've ever had. They sign any merch, they talk some funny shit. They surround you like you're about to get killed. The photo ops are amazing. The merch included is legit. Awesome experience if you like/ love GWAR.
I met Dave Mattews outside his hotel in Philly. He wouldn’t sign stuff for “autograph sellers”.
I asked “How bout tonight’s ticket?”
Dave said…”Now that’s a real fan.”
All it cost was the ticket! 👍
Nice!!
Won't let me edit.
Last paragraph said "it distracted him from real fans."
I don’t even understand how people afford normal concert tickets much less all this ridiculous extra stuff.
I do it because I own 4 music schools with 800 students and 35 teachers and staff. Almost all of my money goes back into the business, but this was something just for me. And it's a tax write off 🤣🤣
I have a $100 limit on concert tickets.
I may go up to $110 but no more.
@@ZachAdkinsGuitarwhoa
I mean we have trivium, bfmv, bleed from within and August burns red on same show for 67 dollars next year
Yeah, online ticket scalping has ruined concerts for most normal people. Gotta take out a loan for half of the concerts these days 🙄
I will have to say that if you purchase a meet and greet with Nita Strauss that you will not regret it. She keeps her price affordable (70.00) and she has a question and answer with everyone. Nita is always very humble and extremely nice to everyone.
$70 to meet someone is reasonable ? Free is reasonable $70 is absolutely nuts!
Nita, made it at a older age and understands and appreciates what crumbs she has been given. It really is a mind set. Alot of these (stars) are just money making machines and once they find out what the business really is, they're just sick of it but have no choice but to keep going. Either from a creative point or even a financial one. They're just people and 3veryone eventually gets sick of their jobs. It's not them setting up VIP MEET/GREET. It's their manager, they just get told "ok time to do this, ok time to go".
I met her after the Alice Cooper show back in 2014 didn't pay one red cent
@@duanesealy3592 I also met her for free after an Alice Cooper show and she signed my Ibanez Jiva 10 , she was so nice that I decided to buy tickets to her solo show and purchase a meet and greet for it. Great experience.
She is awesome!!
Zakk Wylde is the best meet and greet guy out there. The guitars he sells to the VIPs are his guitars and they're stage played, signed in front of you. The whole band is there and the crew is also happy to interact and keep things fun. Overall they really spend time with you even on a basic meet and greet.
Reading through the comments, Zakk Wylde's name has come up so many times as great. I'm not surprised. I've heard him in interviews and he seems to really care about the fans.
No doubt. Zakk loves to talk to people and is truly appreciative of the experiences he’s had, and the amazing musicians he has played with. Even though he is a legend himself, he’s too humble to see it that way, and he talks like a young musician who just stumbled into a lucky opportunity for the first time.
I spent about 30 minutes or so with him last September at the Pantera tribute in Atlanta. I’ve known Phil and the guys since I was a kid, but that was my first time meeting Zakk. Such a great experience.
I worked at Tower Records in New Orleans in the 90s and we had artists come in and do in-store shows. I remember when Ministry played and they were not cool at all, they treated everyone badly like we were a nuisance. Then we had Marilyn Manson and they were all really cool and appreciative. Its really a bad feeling when an artist you really like is just a total jerk. Id almost rather not meet them so they dont let me down. Good stuff Zack \m/
Never meet your heroes...
@@b.entranceperium A lesson I learned the hard way. Its still in the back of my head when I listen to Ministry and I love their music.
Al seems like a complete tool. Has for a long time.
The heroin probably didn't help matters with Ministry.
Much appreciated!!
You hit the nail on the head and I have never done a vip. I met Nita Strauss two different times and she was always the same and overly thankful and appreciative that I was even there. Took pictures, signed autographs, yada yada yada and not one dime was spent. It was after the show we met outside by the bus, like most fans do, which is hard anymore with VIP. A lot of these artists want you to pay. these people got their success at such a young age they don't know or are out of touch with reality because they never had to deal with anything everything was handed to them from at an early age, all the way up into them being older or even elderly people. That's why none of these assholes should ever stand on stage and tell you who to vote for. they're living in their gated communities or huge Gates around their mansions. As long as people pay, they'll keep doing it and even increasing the prize. Which is people are getting political Vice from famous people, they're morons anyway Great video
Much appreciate!! Nita is super cool 🙏🙏🙏
Paying hundreds of dollars to meet 60+ year old men wearing tacky jewelry, eye-liner, bedazzled jeans and Hot Topic T-shirts is beyond my comprehension. There's dozens of these dude's giving henna tattoos and selling trinkets in every flea market and beach town across this country.
On the flipside, for the artist, the show is done, you want to go home, but are instead stuck in a room filled with middle aged men, gushing, waiting to tell you how much your music means to them, and hoping to get some validation for their fandom.
Well, if they charge for it, they need to treat their fans better. Otherwise don't charge.
Couldn’t agree more! Never meet your heroes, you’ll be disappointed.
I somehow scored (2) VIP Meet & Greet tickets for $400 each in 2015 to meet Ariana Grande for my daughter. It included the usual goodie bag, 2 tickets in the first 5 rows, watching her dancers practice, and the part that warmed her heart (and mine) was private time to chat with Ariana and a hug and a kiss for her too. She’ll remember for it for the rest of her life. Cheers Zach.
I love this. This is the importance that meet and greets, and concerts can have Uncle. If the value meets the price, it can be a really great exchange for everybody. And something they can remember forever
@@ZachAdkinsGuitar agreed 💯!
The only time I ever paid for a meet and greet was for hellyeah, it was $25 and it was after the show. They handed out a little card for them to sign unless you had something to sign. I lucked out caught a stick from vinnie paul and a setlist. But each of the guys gave you their time even though it was brief they talked to you with no ego or Rockstar attitude. Like a person and that's how it should be handled.
I agree!
Zach ive paid for M&Gs with Vai, Satch and the recent G3 reunion - and while my experiences with them were awesome, i love that youre stating your case - and you earned a sub😎🤘
Thanks for the sub! Hopefully more videos will give you some value 🫡🫡🫡
Amen brother. Taking fans for granted as such is so disappointing from artists you respect.
Absolutely correct. I had the VIP for Extreme in Vancouver, Canada, last week. There were 20 of us, and we went to the soundcheck. The band was on stage, they asked whether we wanted to play us any song. Them played some riffs. We were then put in a row of 10 in front of the stage, with the band behind us on the stage (similar to the Vai/Satriani one Zach showed). Some picks, and that's it. I was so mad. I have been a huge fan for 30 years, I have 10 of Nuno's guitars and amp, and I have always held their music deep in my heart. But the truth is that we were an inconvenience, particularly to Nuno. Don't treat your fans like this - we worked hard for the money we spent so that we could support our favourite musicians. A personal picture and, at least, a little interest, as fake as it may be, and a smile at what made me come and be a fan for so many years would have been enough. If somebody's reading this and can communicate with Extreme or Nuno, tell them.
You're dead on. That's the point. You've spent a lot of money to further their careers .. the least they can do is thank you for the support and take a photo.
It's b.s.
You need to learn how to appreciate a person's skills while not becoming a cuck to them.
I LOVE Extreme. Nuno obviously thinks a bit much of himself. How disappointing.
I bought the same tickets for the show in Atlantic City this past January with Living Colour.
It was basically the same thing, I was a bit bummed. When we lined up for the picture, Nuno gave us a big smile shook my hand and gave my son a pick. We also got signed posters and a signed Six album.
One cool thing that happened was before Extreme set started, we were in a hallway getting drinks and the drummer for Living Colour was walking by with a few people. My 13yr old son spotted him. He actually greeted us first and stopped to chat after quickly realizing we were big fans. He thought it was really cool that my son, who is only 13, likes their music and knew so many of their older stuff. He took us to a backstage area and gave my son a signed drumhead. The entire band signed it. The bass player came out amd gave my son bass strings. It was really cool. After the concert we walked past the tour busses. The singer, Corey Glover was just walking out of the concert hall. He smiled and greeted us. He saw the stuff my son was holding and briefly talked to him. I took a picture of them together. As we departed he gave my son and myself a hug, smiled and said get home safe. It was so cool, they were such down to earth awesome gentlemen.
@@potatolew4495 Wow! That's awesome! And I'm jealous you met them! That's great, excellent memory!
I met King's X after a show and it was a highlight of my life. Amazing band. amazing humans. Free. And my buddy and I even got to talk a little personal with those guys.
After the show, they just said hey we'll be over there and come say hi. Pictures, autographs, and chatting.
Meet and greets should be cheap or free. I will forever hold onto that memory of meeting them and chatting. Priceless
Kings X are real people and they really DO play and write their own stuff. Integrity. Respect!
Doug always seemed like a very genuine guy.
When I saw King's X - their bassist walked up the outside waiting line to the venue and said hi to each person individually. Freakin' Awesome.
Always hear the best about King’s X
The King’s X guys are the best. They never charge and will hang with fans as long as possible. Great band. Even better people.
It's a way for bands to supplement their income because records no longer sell and offset their touring costs. That's it. I remember listening to something with Eddie Trunk where he touched on this, and he was absolutely correct. These people don't wanna meet you. They don't wanna be there, and they dont care. I agree with an above comment about fans who aren't super jaded that just don't know any better blowing wild almounts of money on these VIP packages, and I genuinely feel for them. Especially if you're a parent taking your kid to see and meet their favorite band, only to get the "cattle call/blow off" treatment, which is what commonly happens. That being said, I understand the need from the bands for the extra income. But if you're gonna charge exorbitant amounts for these meet and greets, act like a professional at the very least and show the people paying for them some baseline respect. Whether you (the bands) wanna be there or not.
Well said. What I do know is that Management probably takes half the money from these meet and greets and probably sets the price. They just try to convince the band they could get away with the cost.
Yes. You're there to do a job. Do the job and don't treat people like an inconvenience. They will lose more money in the long run
Yup
Bands, whose members are all certified millionaires, do not need “extra income”. And if a fan does shell out that kind of money, the Primadonna assholes should bend over backwards to make the fan happy. Without us fans and our money, they don’t exist. A lot of rock stars have forgotten that fact.
@@UselessShyte they honestly dont owe anyone anything , they give us our music and concerts , we are strangers to these people , I am glad that the artists I love are still even around to give me that much , everything else is bonus , they dont need to be buddy buddy with me
Man, I just found you on here.
Very interesting. I had thought maybe the so called meet and greets were just a way to make money for the artists. Glad to hear you had such a a good experience with Tremonti and Strauss. Very cool and I will remember that and support those two especially man. I don't make a lot of money and I'm a guitarist and retired and my money will go to those who earn it. I totally agree with you. You have to provide value no matter who you are.. On the other hand, it is a voluntary thing and as long as they tell you what you get and they provide it then you know the terms. I'm glad you at least are speaking about it. I totally get it.
My buddy got this one from Billy "Shame on you #billyidol and shame on you #marybrownscentre #evenko #livenation for providing a VIP experience that was nothing short of highway robbery...with ZERO connection to the artist. We were herded like cattle to get ...a picture. No autograph...no chance to chat for a minute...no 'making lifetime memories'. This was a pure cash grab. Steve Stevens has been my guitar idol since I was a kid...and all I got was a 'thanks for coming'. Honestly..I wasn't looking for 30 minutes of his time...but my partner and I paid $500 each....FIVE HUNDRED. With economics being the the way they are these days I would have loved for a chat for...a minute...and an autograph. Nothing. WHAT A DISAPPOINTMENT. I enjoyed the concert but couldn't shake the feeling that we both had been hoodwinked by greed.
WOW!!
That's insane. Highway robbery is the right term for that. They need to either NOT offer it at all, or do a better job at making it worth the fan's time and money.
Value must meet or exceed price
Were you at the show at the Capital Theater in Portchester, NY in Sept 2021. I was and that was my experience too. When I said hello to Billy he just gave me a weird look, but when I yelled hello over to Steve I got a big smile and a hello, how are you. Billy never said a word, so why agree to do an event like that and turn off your fans. That was the 2nd & last time I'll ever go to see him, even though the show was great.
It depends on the artist. I did a meet and greet with Avril Lavigne. She was a total snob, didn't really talk to anyone, wouldn't listen to anyone's stories or greetings. It was a total waste. I also did one with Dio. It was GREAT! Ronnie took time to talk to me, the whole band - except the bass player Rudy Sarzo - spend hours mingling and talking to fans. I ended up there until 4:00 in the morning talking to Craig Goldy, Simon Wright and Scott Warren, the guitar player, drummer and keyboard player, respectively. I still like lavigne, but I'll never buy her albums. I'll buy second-hand or sail the seas when I want to buy anything by her. I don't want her getting one thin dime from me. Dio? Solid fan. I'll always support his estate and his widow, Wendy.
Don't tell me that about Avril Lavigne, she's my childhood crush 😭😭😭
@@ZachAdkinsGuitar 😅🤣😅🤣
I'm not surprised that Avril Lavigne is a twat. I've always smelled it on her.
BWAHAHAHAH !!!! holy shyte dude, you got EXACTLY what you deserved !! sure, next on your list, hillary duff, hannah montana, and jojo siwa .... YOU'RE SURPRISED ?!? bwabhahahah !!!! OMG that's what you get ... !! just, ... wow . she is the biggest doosh in history. and you PAID !!!! HAHAAHAHHA
By all accounts RJD was a gentleman. Glad to hear he lived up to his reputation for you. RIP to one of the greats.
I Met Marco Mendoza after he played a gig with his solo band in glasgow . He was hanging around talking to fans at the merch stand. Im a big fan and was very nervous so didnt push forward. Security was trying to get people to leave and Marco noticed id been waiting a while . Told Security " hes with me " and his assistant took me into the restaurant next door . 10 mins later Marco appeared with a chicken salad and offered me a drink . We sat around 30 minutes and he let me pick his brain the whole time being very encouraging. We left through his backstage area onto the street and i thanked him for his time .
Absolute legend 👏 ❤
Marco Mendoza is an awesome dude. I had him in my Uber. I took him to his hotel and his gig. We talked for about 45 minutes in my car. I mentioned I was a drummer, and he took me backstage to meet Deen Catronovo (who incidentally seemed put out to come and meet me). Deen is a dick.
Marco rocks. I’ll always love that guy. True down to earth musician.
That's badass!!
Good to know. Thanks for sharing this.
Glad someone’s talking about this.. I met Ace back in March and had a similar experience.. I forced him to talk 🤣 we talked about marvel movies but I got like 2 word answers. It’s cool getting to meet such an iconic person but I don’t know he could have been a little more personable.. when he saw how many people there were that paid $500+ he seemed very annoyed and said “how many meet and greets are there” that kind of rubbed me the wrong way. But I’m still a fan 😆
I'm still a fan too. It's just funny how out of touch most of these artists are. Like, don't do it if you don't want to be there. That would be better
@@ZachAdkinsGuitar Exactly, if these rock stars are so annoyed by VIP meet and greets, stop doing them! Better to be unobtainable then to pretend you are.
Ace is a burned-out puttz
I agree. Met Ace years ago. I paid like $500 in 2014 for meet and greet. His assistant John corralled us all into a area with our instructions. Basically in and out to get our photograph with them. I tried a little small talk and basically was ignored and shown the door. I get it that they can’t talk to 50 people for 5 minutes. But when you tell them how big of a fan you are and what their music means to I think a simple “ Hey man thanks! You guys come to my shows and purchase my music and merch and it means a lot to me”. Something like that. I still love Ace and his music. That won’t change but for me meet and greets are history.
Everyone in kiss is like that. The only good guy was Eric carr I met him at the hotel they were staying at he talked for like 15 minutes signed some stuff there was only maybe 6 of us. Pretty cool guy sad that he's gone
@@DaveDowning I’ve heard from that Eric was a class act! Wish he was still with us!🦊R.I.P.🥁
@@DaveDowningI heard that he was painfully shy.
Exactly!! Something super simple can be effective
You are so right about Mark Tremonti. Dude is pure class. I’ve met him 4 times and he is so nice. Best guitarist on the planet and is extremely humble. He signed my PRS Tremonti.
Unless you claim Myles Kennedy is auto tuned with evidence. Then he'll belittle you and get you banned.
Not even close to the best guitarist on the planet. Calm down fan boy
@@humbleking800 My opinion jackass!
As much as I dislike Creed, I gotta back this up as well. The dude goes way out of his way to be friendly and cool to people. Class act 100%.
He's so cool!
THIS! I can’t believe the nerve of some musicians who act like they’re god’s greatest gift and their fans are beneath them. The best experience I had was with Kittie. I’ve seen them 20 times and am friendly with all the ladies, but for $40 extra to get a cool ass tote bag, a stash box w/ their signature picks, a poster, lamented card, and KittiePig (their non-alcoholic beer collab with Esjay Jones) was a steal. They did a bunch of songs for soundcheck, hung out for hours before and after the show, and they gave everyone a bunch of hugs and signed whatever. After the show was when they hung out with everyone who stayed after. I’ve met them so many times and didn’t really need to get the VIP, but I had a blast and was glad I did! They are the nicest band I’ve ever had the pleasure of meeting and are extremely down to earth.