All Concerts Should Be Lottery

yearsofstatic

After watching a number of bootlegs of shows in which seating was based upon seniority in the 10Club, I have come to the conclusion that all shows should be lottery based. I have seen too many songs where the front row just stands there. Must be a huge buzzkill. Look at me. I've been a fan since 94. This song sucks. Let me stand here. Fuck you. Give everybody a chance to be there. Let me sell it on Craigslist. If you're a real fan, you don't need to be right there. You just need to be there. If you get to be in the front that rocks.

Pearl Jam is about the energy they create. Giving those people who might never dream of being in front creates even more energy than those who are so used to being there. A lottery would mix it up. Instead of saying, "Hey man I've sat next to you at the past 10 concerts because of our number." It would be, "Hey, how did you get into Pearl Jam?" Call it the rantings of someone who would never get close to the front. Call it the ramblings of someone who doesn't care when you became a fan of Pearl Jam, just that you're a fan.

The lottery of the first two rows and the 8th and 9th doesn't cut it. Maybe if some people know they won't be sitting in the first five rows, they might open up some more tickets to those who just want to be there. To feel the energy. Not to be with those who take a piss when they hear a song they've already heard. To be with those who want to see the band. Who want to make their own connection with them and their fans.

I'll be sitting in the back, because that's where you feel the rush of the crowd. Not standing idly by at the barricade when they play songs that have meant so much to so many people.

YieldToNothing

people who've paid there dues should be rewarded.

but, you're right, everyone should have a shot to get real close. i like the system the way it is now. if you've been a member since 92, you don't deserve to sit anywhere outside the first 5 rows, but you aren't entitled to be front and center every time.

but i too hate seeing old people in the front. zero energy. as a performer, i want the people up close to be moving and dancing when i'm singing...not standing there like some geriatric cripples. i want to feel your energy.

Cosmo

yearsofstatic wrote:

After watching a number of bootlegs of shows in which seating was based upon seniority in the 10Club, I have come to the conclusion that all shows should be lottery based. I have seen too many songs where the front row just stands there. Must be a huge buzzkill. Look at me. I've been a fan since 94. This song sucks. Let me stand here. Fuck you. Give everybody a chance to be there. Let me sell it on Craigslist. If you're a real fan, you don't need to be right there. You just need to be there. If you get to be in the front that rocks.

Pearl Jam is about the energy they create. Giving those people who might never dream of being in front creates even more energy than those who are so used to being there. A lottery would mix it up. Instead of saying, "Hey man I've sat next to you at the past 10 concerts because of our number." It would be, "Hey, how did you get into Pearl Jam?" Call it the rantings of someone who would never get close to the front. Call it the ramblings of someone who doesn't care when you became a fan of Pearl Jam, just that you're a fan.

The lottery of the first two rows and the 8th and 9th doesn't cut it. Maybe if some people know they won't be sitting in the first five rows, they might open up some more tickets to those who just want to be there. To feel the energy. Not to be with those who take a piss when they hear a song they've already heard. To be with those who want to see the band. Who want to make their own connection with them and their fans.

I'll be sitting in the back, because that's where you feel the rush of the crowd. Not standing idly by at the barricade when they play songs that have meant so much to so many people.

...
Oh... okay... here we go... AGAIN.
People are supposed to act like the way you want them to act... we get it. The feeling of self worth because you came to the party way too late and all the good booze is gone... but you are there to party hardy... we heard that song before.
...
NEXT!!!

mrvedderson

arent they all lottery?

force-10

TC should give front row tickets only to those who have long hair!

I´m not too happy with seniority seating, but maybe because I became a TC member this year!

yearsofstatic

Cosmo wrote:

yearsofstatic wrote:

After watching a number of bootlegs of shows in which seating was based upon seniority in the 10Club, I have come to the conclusion that all shows should be lottery based. I have seen too many songs where the front row just stands there. Must be a huge buzzkill. Look at me. I've been a fan since 94. This song sucks. Let me stand here. Fuck you. Give everybody a chance to be there. Let me sell it on Craigslist. If you're a real fan, you don't need to be right there. You just need to be there. If you get to be in the front that rocks.

Pearl Jam is about the energy they create. Giving those people who might never dream of being in front creates even more energy than those who are so used to being there. A lottery would mix it up. Instead of saying, "Hey man I've sat next to you at the past 10 concerts because of our number." It would be, "Hey, how did you get into Pearl Jam?" Call it the rantings of someone who would never get close to the front. Call it the ramblings of someone who doesn't care when you became a fan of Pearl Jam, just that you're a fan.

The lottery of the first two rows and the 8th and 9th doesn't cut it. Maybe if some people know they won't be sitting in the first five rows, they might open up some more tickets to those who just want to be there. To feel the energy. Not to be with those who take a piss when they hear a song they've already heard. To be with those who want to see the band. Who want to make their own connection with them and their fans.

I'll be sitting in the back, because that's where you feel the rush of the crowd. Not standing idly by at the barricade when they play songs that have meant so much to so many people.

...
Oh... okay... here we go... AGAIN.
People are supposed to act like the way you want them to act... we get it. The feeling of self worth because you came to the party way too late and all the good booze is gone... but you are there to party hardy... we heard that song before.
...
NEXT!!!

It has nothing to do with "self worth." Can you say that you're better than someone who has just stumbled across the band? You're better because you've been a fan longer? Bull.

My problem is not with the people standing idly at the front, it's with knowing that those people are there simply because they've paid more money to the fan club over the years.

NewJPage

yearsofstatic wrote:

If you're a real fan, you don't need to be right there. You just need to be there. If you get to be in the front that rocks.

good point. so why does it matter so much to you to have a lottery?

Cosmo

yearsofstatic wrote:

Cosmo wrote:

yearsofstatic wrote:

After watching a number of bootlegs of shows in which seating was based upon seniority in the 10Club, I have come to the conclusion that all shows should be lottery based. I have seen too many songs where the front row just stands there. Must be a huge buzzkill. Look at me. I've been a fan since 94. This song sucks. Let me stand here. Fuck you. Give everybody a chance to be there. Let me sell it on Craigslist. If you're a real fan, you don't need to be right there. You just need to be there. If you get to be in the front that rocks.

Pearl Jam is about the energy they create. Giving those people who might never dream of being in front creates even more energy than those who are so used to being there. A lottery would mix it up. Instead of saying, "Hey man I've sat next to you at the past 10 concerts because of our number." It would be, "Hey, how did you get into Pearl Jam?" Call it the rantings of someone who would never get close to the front. Call it the ramblings of someone who doesn't care when you became a fan of Pearl Jam, just that you're a fan.

The lottery of the first two rows and the 8th and 9th doesn't cut it. Maybe if some people know they won't be sitting in the first five rows, they might open up some more tickets to those who just want to be there. To feel the energy. Not to be with those who take a piss when they hear a song they've already heard. To be with those who want to see the band. Who want to make their own connection with them and their fans.

I'll be sitting in the back, because that's where you feel the rush of the crowd. Not standing idly by at the barricade when they play songs that have meant so much to so many people.

...
Oh... okay... here we go... AGAIN.
People are supposed to act like the way you want them to act... we get it. The feeling of self worth because you came to the party way too late and all the good booze is gone... but you are there to party hardy... we heard that song before.
...
NEXT!!!

It has nothing to do with "self worth." Can you say that you're better than someone who has just stumbled across the band? You're better because you've been a fan longer? Bull.

My problem is not with the people standing idly at the front, it's with knowing that those people are there simply because they've paid more money to the fan club over the years.

...
Conversely... what make YOU a better fan than them? Your own words:
"I have seen too many songs where the front row just stands there. Must be a huge buzzkill. Look at me. I've been a fan since 94. This song sucks. Let me stand here. Fuck you. Give everybody a chance to be there. Let me sell it on Craigslist. If you're a real fan, you don't need to be right there. You just need to be there. If you get to be in the front that rocks. "
What does that all mean? Are you saying those people are up there because they want to be bored? I don't get it.
I've been close to the front... i've been in the rafters... I've been in between... and to me, i don't concern myself what other people are doing. If I'm having a good time, that's what matters. I don't have to prove to anyone what a 'Great Fan' I am by 'Going apeshit' and screaming out the lyrics... i do it in my own way and don't really give a shit how anyone else enjoys the music.... be it 'going apeshit' or just standing there... I'm not them... who the fuck amn I to say?
...
Oh... and by the way... being up front kicks the shit out of being in the back. You get to see and hear things you don't get to see and hear from the rafters. If you get mesmerized by the band... like McCready's guitar work... and happen to turn into a deer in the headlights... well, that's just what happens and there's not much you can do about it.

Wilds

They have are lottery. Rows 1,2,9, and 10.

It's 2009. This complaint has been whined about to death. The band dealt with it.

Move on.

Cosmo

Wilds wrote:

They have are lottery. Rows 1,2,9, and 10.

It's 2009. This complaint has been whined about to death. The band dealt with it.

Move on.

...
Thank you.
It's like the Pearl Jam Supreme Court has already ruled on this... and most people are satisfied with this compromise.

norm

Cosmo wrote:

If you get mesmerized by the band... like McCready's guitar work... and happen to turn into a deer in the headlights... well, that's just what happens and there's not much you can do about it.

shit that happens to me wherever i'm sitting :oops:

i've been up front once (not pj)...it was great!! but i've had just as good times at other concerts with shitty seats....the show is what you make of it

Mrs.Vedder78

YieldToNothing wrote:

people who've paid there dues should be rewarded.

+1

YieldToNothing

i can't believe i wrote there instead of their.

feel free to flame me.

Cosmo

norm wrote:

Cosmo wrote:

If you get mesmerized by the band... like McCready's guitar work... and happen to turn into a deer in the headlights... well, that's just what happens and there's not much you can do about it.

shit that happens to me wherever i'm sitting :oops:

i've been up front once (not pj)...it was great!! but i've had just as good times at other concerts with shitty seats....the show is what you make of it

...
Norm... you strike me as the type of person who has a good time... no matter WHERE you are at.

norm

Cosmo wrote:

norm wrote:

Cosmo wrote:

If you get mesmerized by the band... like McCready's guitar work... and happen to turn into a deer in the headlights... well, that's just what happens and there's not much you can do about it.

shit that happens to me wherever i'm sitting :oops:

i've been up front once (not pj)...it was great!! but i've had just as good times at other concerts with shitty seats....the show is what you make of it

...
Norm... you strike me as the type of person who has a good time... no matter WHERE you are at.

ain't that what life's all about???

josevolution

Really like Cosmo said were the hell you been dude this issue has allready been addressed 1&2 & 9&10 what else you wan't :?: plus i rock harder than anybody here going on 49 and your talking about me yeah i have sat front row all these yrs ......... :twisted: ......

Back_Pedal

YieldToNothing wrote:

people who've paid there dues should be rewarded.

And the people who were unlucky enough to discover the band after 1991 should be fucked.

IamMine

Cosmo wrote:

...
Conversely... what make YOU a better fan than them? Your own words:
"I have seen too many songs where the front row just stands there. Must be a huge buzzkill. Look at me. I've been a fan since 94. This song sucks. Let me stand here. Fuck you. Give everybody a chance to be there. Let me sell it on Craigslist. If you're a real fan, you don't need to be right there. You just need to be there. If you get to be in the front that rocks. "
What does that all mean? Are you saying those people are up there because they want to be bored? I don't get it.
I've been close to the front... i've been in the rafters... I've been in between... and to me, i don't concern myself what other people are doing. If I'm having a good time, that's what matters. I don't have to prove to anyone what a 'Great Fan' I am by 'Going apeshit' and screaming out the lyrics... i do it in my own way and don't really give a shit how anyone else enjoys the music.... be it 'going apeshit' or just standing there... I'm not them... who the fuck amn I to say?
...
Oh... and by the way... being up front kicks the shit out of being in the back. You get to see and hear things you don't get to see and hear from the rafters. If you get mesmerized by the band... like McCready's guitar work... and happen to turn into a deer in the headlights... well, that's just what happens and there's not much you can do about it.

I wouldn't have minded if you sat next to me in the front row at the Ryman show... 'cause this OP wouldn't have liked what he saw in me and would have thought I deserved to sit way in the back. :P

I honestly would have not complained if I sat all the way in the back...as long as I had equal access to the music like everyone else.

Thank you, Cosmo!

YieldToNothing

Back_Pedal wrote:

YieldToNothing wrote:

people who've paid there dues should be rewarded.

And the people who were unlucky enough to discover the band after 1991 should be fucked.

fucked? nobody owes you anything. its an honor to be in the same arena as pearl jam.

i've been to 41 shows and have never been closer than 12th row.

do i wanna be up front? obviously. but im not gonna bitch

Cosmo

Back_Pedal wrote:

YieldToNothing wrote:

people who've paid there dues should be rewarded.

And the people who were unlucky enough to discover the band after 1991 should be fucked.

...
Hey... that's just the lottery of birth. Some people were born outside the time they think they should have belonged.
And look at the positives... it could have been worse... you could have been born a poor Jewish kid in the Warsaw ghetto back in 1936.

Cosmo

IamMine wrote:

I wouldn't have minded if you sat next to me in the front row at the Ryman show... 'cause this OP wouldn't have liked what he saw in me and would have thought I deserved to sit way in the back. :P

I honestly would have not complained if I sat all the way in the back...as long as I had equal access to the music like everyone else.

Thank you, Cosmo!

...
Thanx.
The first time I was ever in the very front was at the General Admission shows in San Francisco in 2006. It was fucking AWESOME!!! And McCready... the fucking guy... I never appreciated 'EvenFlow' as much since the early days. But after seeing his solo from that point of view... fucking incredible.