put the number 1 on your wrist with a sharpie then show up 5 minutes before the doors open and show everyone the one in your wrist. you should be fine!
put the number 1 on your wrist with a sharpie then show up 5 minutes before the doors open and show everyone the one in your wrist. you should be fine!
Haha don't you dare start this discussion again about those stupid number on hand thing gggrrrr....... Just come early and wait in a honest line........the whole day !!! ;-D
Show up early (I got in line at 7:40 am), become friends with everyone, have a fun day hanging out with other jammers, and run like hell when they open the doors.
Virginia Beach 2000; Pittsburgh 2000; Columbus 2003; D.C. 2003; Pittsburgh 2006; Virginia Beach 2008; Cleveland 2010; PJ20 2011; Pittsburgh 2013; Baltimore 2013; Charlottesville 2013; Charlotte 2013; Lincoln 2014; Moline 2014; St. Paul 2014; Greenville 2016; Hampton 2016; Lexington 2016; Wrigley 2016; Prague 2018; Krakow 2018; Berlin 2018; Fenway 2018; Camden 2022; St. Paul 2023
I wouldn't even recommend the rail unless you have something wrong physically where you absolutely need to lean on something the whole show. Front row GA is way too close to the stage. You end up with a very sore neck from straining to look up at the stage, plus your view of further back on the stage isn't as good. Plus a lot of the people who are on the rail are kind of weird. I was three deep and I still found that too close by halfway through the show because of my neck (and I don't have a bad neck). I think probably 5 or 6 deep anywhere between Mike and Stone is ideal if you want the best vantage point and the most fun spot in GA! And for that you just get to the show just before doors open, if that.... Unless your goal is to score picks and a gulp of wine from a bottle that 10 other strangers just drank from and not really move at all. Then you want to be front and centre.
With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be careful. Strive to be happy. ~ Desiderata
i worry about this because i am short. are people pressed up against each other at these shows?
i'm sure pj's shows are not as wild as a show like qotsa... but i was about three rows deep at a shins show and my face was literally pressed into some tall guy's back for most of the night. and sometimes you can't move to another spot because the crowd is too tight.
i worry about this because i am short. are people pressed up against each other at these shows?
i'm sure pj's shows are not as wild as a show like qotsa... but i was about three rows deep at a shins show and my face was literally pressed into some tall guy's back for most of the night. and sometimes you can't move to another spot because the crowd is too tight.
It wasn't tight for me at the two shows I was in GA for. I was able to dance and feel comfortable for most of the Vancouver show three deep directly in front of Eddie, and 7 deep in Missoula in front of Mike.Tons of space, really. The 10C GA pit is fine. You might get pressed a bit if Mike or Eddie come down to the rail or something obviously, but for the most part it's all good. Nothing to worry about, and except for a few bad eggs everyone is mindful of others. There is no problem moving back and sideways (moving up is another story). I'm tall though. I really can't say what it's like for shorter people. How short? I've seen short girls at the rail and the rail comes up to their shoulders. It doesn't look like a comfortable spot for them at all, craning their necks like that for as much as 5 1/2 hours if there is an opener.
From what I can tell, the biggest concern should be how to prevent yourself from going to the bathroom to pee in the middle of the show and also not dehydrating.
Post edited by PJ_Soul on
With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be careful. Strive to be happy. ~ Desiderata
Show up early (I got in line at 7:40 am), become friends with everyone, have a fun day hanging out with other jammers, and run like hell when they open the doors.
Huge waste of time IMO. Spending 12 hours sitting on a sidewalk just to get 3 feet closer to the stage (literally). There are better and more comfortable ways to become friends with the other fans before the show. But to each their own.
With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be careful. Strive to be happy. ~ Desiderata
Show up early (I got in line at 7:40 am), become friends with everyone, have a fun day hanging out with other jammers, and run like hell when they open the doors.
Huge waste of time IMO. Spending 12 hours sitting on a sidewalk just to get 3 feet closer to the stage (literally). There are better and more comfortable ways to become friends with the other fans before the show. But to each their own.
Honestly one of the best days of my life, met some cool people, heard cool stories, and it was different then any other pre-show thing I've ever done. I don't think I'd do it again, but the day seriously didn't seem that long and, like I said, one of the best.
Virginia Beach 2000; Pittsburgh 2000; Columbus 2003; D.C. 2003; Pittsburgh 2006; Virginia Beach 2008; Cleveland 2010; PJ20 2011; Pittsburgh 2013; Baltimore 2013; Charlottesville 2013; Charlotte 2013; Lincoln 2014; Moline 2014; St. Paul 2014; Greenville 2016; Hampton 2016; Lexington 2016; Wrigley 2016; Prague 2018; Krakow 2018; Berlin 2018; Fenway 2018; Camden 2022; St. Paul 2023
are people pressed up against each other at these shows?
YES!
Where? When? Not that I've seen or heard from the last couple of years.
Well, crowds in Europe are not like the crowds in the USA (& Canada). I thought that the GA section up front was quite tame last year, compared to the shows I've been to in the Netherlands. And I'm pretty sure it's not just a Dutch thing, as for other bands I've also witnessed it in other countries (like Spain). I'm not saying it's this wild mosh-pit as it's likely not. But it is a bit more crammed and physical.
are people pressed up against each other at these shows?
YES!
Where? When? Not that I've seen or heard from the last couple of years.
Well, crowds in Europe are not like the crowds in the USA (& Canada). I thought that the GA section up front was quite tame last year, compared to the shows I've been to in the Netherlands. And I'm pretty sure it's not just a Dutch thing, as for other bands I've also witnessed it in other countries (like Spain). I'm not saying it's this wild mosh-pit as it's likely not. But it is a bit more crammed and physical.
Oh no, sorry, should have mentioned that I'm not talking about any place outside of North America. The crowds in Europe are way more crazy from what I've heard and seen, and the South American crowds are clearly insane - I wouldn't go anywhere near the stage if I saw a show down there!
With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be careful. Strive to be happy. ~ Desiderata
Manchester 04.06.00, Leeds 25.08.06, Wembley 18.06.07, Dusseldorf 21.06.07, Shepherds Bush 11.08.09, Manchester 17.08.09, Adelaide 17.11.09, Melbourne 20.11.09, Sydney 22.11.09, Brisbane 25.11.09, MSG1 20.05.10, MSG2 21.05.10, Dublin 22.06.10, Belfast 23.06.10, London 25.06.10, Long Beach 06.07.11 (EV), Los Angeles 08.07.11 (EV), Toronto 11.09.11, Toronto 12.09.11, Ottawa 14.09.11, Hamilton 14.09.11, Manchester 20.06.12, Manchester 21.06.12, Amsterdam 26.06.2012, Amsterdam 27.06.2012, Berlin 04.07.12, Berlin 05.07.12, Stockholm 07.07.12, Oslo 09.07.12, Copenhagen 10.07.12, Manchester 28.07.12 (EV), Brooklyn 18.10.13, Brooklyn 19.10.13, Philly 21.10.13, Philly 22.10.13, San Diego 21.11.13, LA 23.11.13, LA 24.11.13, Oakland 26.11.13, Portland 29.11.13, Spokane 30.11.13, Calgary 02.12.13, Vancouver 04.12.13, Seattle 06.12.13, Trieste 22.06.14, Vienna 25.06.14, Berlin 26.06.14, Stockholm 28.06.14, Leeds 08.07.14, Philly 28.04.16, Philly 28.04.16, MSG1 01.05.16, MSG2 02.05.16
I waited in line starting at 7 a in Phoenix and was front row on rail between Mike and Eddie. Had decent room, but not dancing room. Only shoving from some drunk asses at only 1 part of show 3/4 done. Had fantastic time. Got no goodies, but girls beside me got great stuff (harmonica, picks, tambourines, etc) Didn't wait in Seattle and went to the preparty. Walked to the arena around 6-6:30p. Walked in and was about 10 rows back or so on Mikes side. Basically with GA you've got great chance of being close. If you want rail get there damn early. If you want to be noticed by Ed get there early or be a cute girl up close. If you want guitar picks or treats from Ed, get there early or bring your young kids!!
Whatever you do, just feel lucky you're seeing one of the best bands likely at a sold out show. Just rock it and have fun! Oh, and... Don't take your kids!!!
For the second Brooklyn show last year, it wasn't too bad. Got to the line around noon, had a great time with new and old friends, and ended up literally right in front of Mike McCready, leaning on the rail! And for the record - I'm 5'6, and had no issues with a sore neck. Was it worth it? Fuck yes. If I knew I had to wait for twelve hours to get the same spot - would I have? Fuck yes.
'05 - TO, '06 - TO 1, '08 - NYC 1 & 2, '09 - TO, Chi 1 & 2, '10 - Buffalo, NYC 1 & 2, '11 - TO 1 & 2, Hamilton, '13 - Buffalo, Brooklyn 1 & 2, '15 - Global Citizen, '16 - TO 1 & 2, Chi 2
EV
Toronto Film Festival 9/11/2007, '08 - Toronto 1 & 2, '09 - Albany 1, '11 - Chicago 1
Big differecne between GA at Arena shows in 2013, Lolla as exemaple in 2007, and Europe.
Night and day.
The GA shows I attended in 2013. Be in line first 100 go in when doors open 2-3 deep, get there an hour later and you are 10 feet back from there. After I stood and sat thru Mudhoney and the stage change when i looked bcak as PJ was ready to start only half the GA section was full.
"thru extensive negotiations we managed to get the curfew moved back..... we still don't have any time to fu&k around...."
LA II 06, SB 06, SF III 06, Kokua 07 Ed and Jack, Grant Park 07, EV Berk1 & LA 1 (nice job 10c), 08 DC, MSG1 &2, VH1 rocks, EV Bos II, EV NYC I & II, Milwaukee, EV Maui, EV Hono I & II, Chicago 09 I & II, LA 09 I & II & IV, SD 09 (my girlfriend hit the lottery, best concert of my life 10C rocks)KC 2010, STL 2010, Hartford. Boston, and MSG I & II "who goes around skinning cats anyway", PJ 20 2011 , Portland, Spokane, Seattle LA 2013, Home Shows + Missoula (fatal 👌)
i worry about this because i am short. are people pressed up against each other at these shows?
i'm sure pj's shows are not as wild as a show like qotsa... but i was about three rows deep at a shins show and my face was literally pressed into some tall guy's back for most of the night. and sometimes you can't move to another spot because the crowd is too tight.
It wasn't tight for me at the two shows I was in GA for. I was able to dance and feel comfortable for most of the Vancouver show three deep directly in front of Eddie, and 7 deep in Missoula in front of Mike.Tons of space, really. The 10C GA pit is fine. You might get pressed a bit if Mike or Eddie come down to the rail or something obviously, but for the most part it's all good. Nothing to worry about, and except for a few bad eggs everyone is mindful of others. There is no problem moving back and sideways (moving up is another story). I'm tall though. I really can't say what it's like for shorter people. How short? I've seen short girls at the rail and the rail comes up to their shoulders. It doesn't look like a comfortable spot for them at all, craning their necks like that for as much as 5 1/2 hours if there is an opener.
From what I can tell, the biggest concern should be how to prevent yourself from going to the bathroom to pee in the middle of the show and also not dehydrating.
Depends, dude.
Presidential Advice from President-Elect Mike McCready: "Are you getting something out of this all encompassing trip?"
Seriously...Get there early. Take a friend to hold your spot in line while you get the tickets...well, you should have your friend with you all day anyway so you can stand beside him/her at the show.
Take some lawn chairs or something. When you get to about 45-30 minutes until doors, one of you holds the spot in line while the other runs the lawn chairs back to the car...that way, you'll have fresh legs and everyone else, not so much.
What I have heard is that some people find alternate doors and then rush in through them without waiting in line for hours and hours...they'll be as close to the stage as others. Oddly enough, for at least one show, there were plenty of spots on the rail way on the side, so apparently, the "line and number" system really is just for those people that want to be front and center...if you want to be "front and side", then no need to wait in line or bum-rush the doors.
And yes, I heard from someone who had pit tickets for a show last year...she was able to go in about 30-45 minutes before showtime and ended up in the 6th or so row.
Presidential Advice from President-Elect Mike McCready: "Are you getting something out of this all encompassing trip?"
If you want first row you need to show up very very early, like 6-7 am early. Otherwise you can show up maybe an hour or so before (or just as doors open) and still be 3-5 rows back, especially if you go towards the sides. Maybe 10 rows back if you move closer to the center.
In the US, I found the crowds to be pretty tame, the center probably gets a little more pushing or pressing close together. But in general, I would not describe it as tight.
Unless you really want to score goodies or make eye contact with the band, I would say go later in the day, you will get a great spot and view of the stage when you are in the GA pit.
I am just a dreamer, but you are just a dream... If I knew where it was I would take you there.
Comments
Just come early and wait in a honest line........the whole day !!! ;-D
i'm sure pj's shows are not as wild as a show like qotsa... but i was about three rows deep at a shins show and my face was literally pressed into some tall guy's back for most of the night. and sometimes you can't move to another spot because the crowd is too tight.
From what I can tell, the biggest concern should be how to prevent yourself from going to the bathroom to pee in the middle of the show and also not dehydrating.
I'm not saying it's this wild mosh-pit as it's likely not. But it is a bit more crammed and physical.
EV Solo: 7/11/11 11/12/12 11/13/12
Didn't wait in Seattle and went to the preparty. Walked to the arena around 6-6:30p. Walked in and was about 10 rows back or so on Mikes side.
Basically with GA you've got great chance of being close. If you want rail get there damn early. If you want to be noticed by Ed get there early or be a cute girl up close. If you want guitar picks or treats from Ed, get there early or bring your young kids!!
Whatever you do, just feel lucky you're seeing one of the best bands likely at a sold out show. Just rock it and have fun!
Oh, and... Don't take your kids!!!
EV
Toronto Film Festival 9/11/2007, '08 - Toronto 1 & 2, '09 - Albany 1, '11 - Chicago 1
Prague Krakow Berlin 2018. Berlin 2022
EV, Taormina 1+2 2017.
I wish i was the souvenir you kept your house key on..
Night and day.
The GA shows I attended in 2013. Be in line first 100 go in when doors open 2-3 deep, get there an hour later and you are 10 feet back from there. After I stood and sat thru Mudhoney and the stage change when i looked bcak as PJ was ready to start only half the GA section was full.
LA II 06, SB 06, SF III 06, Kokua 07 Ed and Jack, Grant Park 07, EV Berk1 & LA 1 (nice job 10c), 08 DC, MSG1 &2, VH1 rocks, EV Bos II, EV NYC I & II, Milwaukee, EV Maui, EV Hono I & II, Chicago 09 I & II, LA 09 I & II & IV, SD 09 (my girlfriend hit the lottery, best concert of my life 10C rocks)KC 2010, STL 2010, Hartford. Boston, and MSG I & II "who goes around skinning cats anyway", PJ 20 2011 , Portland, Spokane, Seattle LA 2013, Home Shows + Missoula (fatal 👌)
Take some lawn chairs or something. When you get to about 45-30 minutes until doors, one of you holds the spot in line while the other runs the lawn chairs back to the car...that way, you'll have fresh legs and everyone else, not so much.
What I have heard is that some people find alternate doors and then rush in through them without waiting in line for hours and hours...they'll be as close to the stage as others. Oddly enough, for at least one show, there were plenty of spots on the rail way on the side, so apparently, the "line and number" system really is just for those people that want to be front and center...if you want to be "front and side", then no need to wait in line or bum-rush the doors.
And yes, I heard from someone who had pit tickets for a show last year...she was able to go in about 30-45 minutes before showtime and ended up in the 6th or so row.
In the US, I found the crowds to be pretty tame, the center probably gets a little more pushing or pressing close together. But in general, I would not describe it as tight.
Unless you really want to score goodies or make eye contact with the band, I would say go later in the day, you will get a great spot and view of the stage when you are in the GA pit.
If I knew where it was I would take you there.