Final word on GA vs Seating - Mr Neil Young

Hinn

I don't tend to start topics, and when I respond to anything, invariably it's about enjoying my company with friends, or how GA shits all over reserved seating, which as far as I'm concerned, PJ-wise, is just a whole bunch of mates hanging out, having a great time.

I have no permission to do so, and if Kat or Sea think it's not cool, go ahead and remove this, or move this to other bands, but I'm just going to lift a paragraph from Neil Young's new autobiography, Waging Heavy Peace. It's a brilliant read, this book. All over the place, it is. If you want a more easily digested account in chronological order, read Jimmy McDonagh's book. This, is just truth, according to Uncle Neil. From chapter 18.

I have heard it said about me that I have a rep for being difficult to work with. My decisions are made with the music in mind. For instance, I like to play to an audience that is into it. I dislike people sitting in the front rows talking on cell phones. Of course, these people are sitting in the most expensive seats, the ones they get through ticket scalpers and other services that somehow corner the market on the seats. Capitalism collides with music in this area. It was not like that when I started. The people in the front were music freaks, the real music fans, who knew every song, every lyric, every piece of information about the band that they could find. They were stoked to be there in front of the stage, and they were ready to rock. So these cell phones and rich folks who can afford the big bucks for prime seating distract me from what I am doing and make me feel like I am on display in a museum. It is not good for the music, which a lot of times feeds on the energy of the crowd. There is a thing called "festival seating" where the area in front of the stage is without chairs. People can stand there. Only a certain amount of people can get into that area, and it is not more expensive. It is general admittance. First come, first served, as far as proximity to the stage goes. Medium ago, I decided to sell festival-seating tickets at all my indoor shows so people who really wanted to see the band could get up close and watch, moving freely. There is a financial hit involved with that, because those are generally the expensive seats and they are all gone with this type of presentation. I had to really be firm about it. When we got festival seating, the feeling at all of the shows was much better. The band and I really enjoyed that change. Things like that enable me to continue and enjoy playing with a band. Recently I was planning a tour and it was just being announced. Venues were already booked. At the last minute I checked to make sure it was still festival seating. It wasn't. Feeling that I had already established that as the way I liked to play indoor shows, I insisted on it again. All the deals had to be redone at the last minute. It was a very complicated thing to do. I, having already been through this once, was amazed that no one had remembered the way I liked festival seating. If that gives me a rep for being difficult to work with, I earned it.

Truth. Make it happen, PJ, all other bands, musicians. No more of this seated front-of-stage claptrap.

dimitrispearljam

...this is Rock N Roll.......

PJStatTracker

this is a divisive issue and I am firmly on the other side. Seated shows, please!

(all due respect to Mr. Young)

uninnocent-

I see both sides of the argument. Both seated and GA have their disadvantages. Personally I don't mind either way and I'll take whatever the band I'm seeing chooses. I have a good concert buddy who absolutely despises seated shows and actually fell asleep in his seat at a Chili Peppers show earlier this year, and another who can't stand GA. No matter what, the ultimate experience lies in the music and not in the seating (or lack thereof).

Joey Eakins

I like seats as long as people aren't sitting during Pearl Jam shows. I like having room to move and being able to show up when I want and know my spot is there. I also like to be able to buy merch at my convenience and go to the bathroom if I need to. My spot is always there, so I like it.

I hate getting in line early for PJ only to end up dealing with that group of PJ people who seem to think it is cool to get in line, then create a list of people and their location in line, then leave all fucking day, only to end up coming back hours later and expecting to get in line where they were earlier. That is so stupid. Assigned seats make it to where I don't have to deal with this annoying group of people. If you are one of these people who thinks that is okay, fuck you.

Sorry about that rant. I have dealt with that 3 times and it still annoys me. I like seats. I can still jump and enjoy the show with my spot that a seat gives me for the whole show.

PJStatTracker

uninnocent- wrote:

I see both sides of the argument. Both seated and GA have their disadvantages. Personally I don't mind either way and I'll take whatever the band I'm seeing chooses. I have a good concert buddy who absolutely despises seated shows and actually fell asleep in his seat at a Chili Peppers show earlier this year, and another who can't stand GA. No matter what, the ultimate experience lies in the music and not in the seating (or lack thereof).

I don't actually want to sit down at a show, and I can't imagine falling asleep, hahaha. I just hate being all smashed up in a sweaty group of people for hours. personal space, yo. Gimme my seat.

Cosmo

I like General Admission. I will put in the investment of arriving early and sitting on the sidewalk all day and reserving my spot on the railing.
What I DON'T like about General Admission is the belief in some folks that General Admission means Free For All or the Survival of The Fittest and if they can muscle or snake their way to the front... it is their right.
I can stand my ground (those days of youth in the low post helped me). But, I've seen it much too often.
The other thing... I'm 6'1". I'm not going to use my powers of invisibility or shrink to 5' 2" so you can see over me. If you walk up and are oblivious to the fact that the back of my shirt is in direct line between your 5' 3" frame and the stage... that's on you... not me. Seek out the spot behind the 5' 2" gal over there on the right.
...
That being said... Pearl Jam does what they can to fill the front with their fans. Yeah, the front may mean fans that are older and/or have been in the fan club for a while... but, thet does not make them of lesser value than you. All it means is they got there before you did. Sorry, but part of life is learning that things don't always turn out the way you'd like it to.
Anyway... i've got to bail... going to see the Wallflowers at a General Admission gig. See y'all there.

uninnocent-

PJStatTracker wrote:

I don't actually want to sit down at a show, and I can't imagine falling asleep, hahaha. I just hate being all smashed up in a sweaty group of people for hours. personal space, yo. Gimme my seat.

Oh, I wasn't trying to say that people would be seated at seated venues, rather I just wanted to work in my friend's stupidity into my post (he always rags on me for getting kicked out of another Chili Peppers show). In fact, I don't condone sitting unless it's an acoustic show, or it's something that the band requests. I can't even express how pissed off I became when someone behind me asked that I sit during a Metallica show.

giventofly69

Being 5'2" tall, my vote is for reserved seating - better visibility and a bit more room to breathe. Being a shorty in a tall crowd is not fun.

Nami

uninnocent- wrote:

PJStatTracker wrote:

I don't actually want to sit down at a show, and I can't imagine falling asleep, hahaha. I just hate being all smashed up in a sweaty group of people for hours. personal space, yo. Gimme my seat.

Oh, I wasn't trying to say that people would be seated at seated venues, rather I just wanted to work in my friend's stupidity into my post (he always rags on me for getting kicked out of another Chili Peppers show). In fact, I don't condone sitting unless it's an acoustic show, or it's something that the band requests. I can't even express how pissed off I became when someone behind me asked that I sit during a Metallica show.

sit at a metallica show....lol

morello

We never have seated rock shows here in NZ so I can't imagine what it's like to have a fucken seat, or rows of seats, between me & the band. I think it would drive me barmy not being able to push through the seats to get closer. The sitting around on the pavement, getting your spot in the line, hanging out with other fans all day + being squished up against people in the pit is absolutely part of the fun. I agree with Neil.

uninnocent-

Nami wrote:

sit at a metallica show....lol

Yeah, right? Initially after the request I took a seat, then like a second later I thought, "What the fuck am I doing?" And stood right the hell back up.

PJ_Soul

GA on the floor all the way! NY is right - it makes the music better ALWAYS because it necessarily brings more energy to the show. If the concert is worth being at in the first place (or worth being as close to the stage as I can get, anyway), the music comes on and I couldn't care less if I'm crowded by people and sweating my ass off. I'm too into it by then to care! If I care about that, then the show isn't blowing my mind enough to feel the need to be so close, so I have no problem moving to the back where there is always space to be had.

CanNotStay

Joey Eakins wrote:

I hate getting in line early for PJ only to end up dealing with that group of PJ people who seem to think it is cool to get in line, then create a list of people and their location in line, then leave all fucking day, only to end up coming back hours later and expecting to get in line where they were earlier.

This is NOT OK!! I can't believe people think they can instate this rule on everyone who bought a ticket. The longer you wait the better spot you should have. Period.

kellanazzie

Just went to see Neil last week. The concert was looming & I didn't have tickets, I was bumbed. And then, in the way of life's little blessings, my niece messaged me to tell me she picked up two free tickets at work!! She was already going with her husband & asked me if I wanted them?? ARE YA FAREEKING KIDDING ME??
So, here I am, two free tickets, GA tickets , husband working & no one wants to go!! I spent two days asking my friends, losers!!! :P Just before leaving for the concert in the city 45 minutes away I checked Facebook & an old friend posted, "Pick ME!!" I messaged her, totally prepared to go by myself, all 5'3" of me. I had plans baby!! I was going to weave & sneak my way to the front. HA!! My friend got my message & made it with minutes to spare!! I haven't seen this friend in about 28 years.
In we went, half hour before showtime & found ourselves fifth row front & just off centre. After dozens of concerts through the years, this was the first time I was ever on the floor. We stood our ground, moved up when we could & rocked with Neil Young. They were on fire & loving every minute. What a night!!
Kind of a long story, sorry. But, I have to say, if that's the way he likes it & it works for him & keeps him playing that is incredible. He's 65 years old & played for over 2 hours straight. The whole show was 3 1/2 hrs. Amazing man, incredible talent!!
I do like a seat however as I hurt for two days. But I wouldn't trade that night for anything, what a blast!
And now, I must read this book!

PJ_Soul

CanNotStay wrote:

Joey Eakins wrote:

I hate getting in line early for PJ only to end up dealing with that group of PJ people who seem to think it is cool to get in line, then create a list of people and their location in line, then leave all fucking day, only to end up coming back hours later and expecting to get in line where they were earlier.

This is NOT OK!! I can't believe people think they can instate this rule on everyone who bought a ticket. The longer you wait the better spot you should have. Period.

But if that is what's going on, wouldn't you benefit from it too?? If everyone just goes by that system, what's the prob? (I have never showed up more than half an hour before doors to anything btw - no point; I won't dehydrate and try not to pee my pants for any band). I just don't get why everyone wouldn't be agreeable to a queue on paper so no one has to suffer?? This procedure should be the norm.

demetrios

I don't agree what Neil just said. Does Neil Young even offer "fanclub" reserved seats? I don't think so. Yes his site offer's presale tickets but anybody who is anybody can buy tickets from his site. There is no seniority. This is different to Pearl Jam's 10club ticketing system were row's 1, 2, 9 & 10 are "lottery seats." Big fan or not a big fan of the band get a chance to score those sweet seats. They are not expensive, rich class tickets for a Pearl Jam show, unlike what Neil Young offers. It's fair all around. And pretty much reserved numerical in order from 10club member #1 - it's ending number. You can't just go on to Ticketmaster & buy these, unlike Neil Young for his past few tours he has sections of his lower bowl & floor seats that are very expensive which pretty much "he" offers. There is no seniority. Plus anybody can score those front row seats months before the show & flip them to the rich who will buy those tickets and sit up front. If Neil doesn't like that, then he needs to change his ticket system. Last few show's here in the USA/CDN he charged $250 for sections of the lower bowl that were closer to the stage. Can't remember how much he offered for floor seats but it wasn't fanclub ticketing.

I for one support reserved seating for Pearl Jam's USA/CDN indoor show's. And what 10club has been doing is a fantastic job distributing tickets to our show's. I believe Neil Young needs to talk to 10club management; if he's having a hard time with his "indoor" experiences.

demetrios

CanNotStay wrote:

Joey Eakins wrote:

I hate getting in line early for PJ only to end up dealing with that group of PJ people who seem to think it is cool to get in line, then create a list of people and their location in line, then leave all fucking day, only to end up coming back hours later and expecting to get in line where they were earlier.

This is NOT OK!! I can't believe people think they can instate this rule on everyone who bought a ticket. The longer you wait the better spot you should have. Period.

This happens? Are you kidding me?!? :shock:
Yeah, GA all the way! :roll:

morello

demetrios wrote:

CanNotStay wrote:

Joey Eakins wrote:

I hate getting in line early for PJ only to end up dealing with that group of PJ people who seem to think it is cool to get in line, then create a list of people and their location in line, then leave all fucking day, only to end up coming back hours later and expecting to get in line where they were earlier.

This is NOT OK!! I can't believe people think they can instate this rule on everyone who bought a ticket. The longer you wait the better spot you should have. Period.

This happens? Are you kidding me?!? :shock:
Yeah, GA all the way! :roll:

This happened several times in Europe. PrincessBulldozer saved the day!!

dimitrispearljam

the title of the song says it all...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1f7jflvpadY

PJ_Soul

demetrios wrote:

I don't agree what Neil just said. Does Neil Young even offer "fanclub" reserved seats? I don't think so. Yes his site offer's presale tickets but anybody who is anybody can buy tickets from his site. There is no seniority. This is different to Pearl Jam's 10club ticketing system were row's 1, 2, 9 & 10 are "lottery seats." Big fan or not a big fan of the band get a chance to score those sweet seats. They are not expensive, rich class tickets for a Pearl Jam show, unlike what Neil Young offers. It's fair all around. And pretty much reserved numerical in order from 10club member #1 - it's ending number. You can't just go on to Ticketmaster & buy these, unlike Neil Young for his past few tours he has sections of his lower bowl & floor seats that are very expensive which pretty much "he" offers. There is no seniority. Plus anybody can score those front row seats months before the show & flip them to the rich who will buy those tickets and sit up front. If Neil doesn't like that, then he needs to change his ticket system. Last few show's here in the USA/CDN he charged $250 for sections of the lower bowl that were closer to the stage. Can't remember how much he offered for floor seats but it wasn't fanclub ticketing.

I for one support reserved seating for Pearl Jam's USA/CDN indoor show's. And what 10club has been doing is a fantastic job distributing tickets to our show's. I believe Neil Young needs to talk to 10club management; if he's having a hard time with his "indoor" experiences.

I think just about anyone with a good member # supports reserved seating. I'm just as huge a fan as anyone, but will never get out of the rafters with reserved seating, which doesn't feel very fair to me. With GA, the biggest, most devoted fans (many of whom might have the higher numbers) can get a good spot for the show if they put in the time and energy above and beyond just paying a membership fee. PLUS the energy in the venue, and therefore in the music, is higher.