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Benefits of Fan Club Membership?

woodersonwooderson Posts: 27
edited July 2013 in The Porch
Sorry to rant and get on my soapbox, but I am trying to understand the benefits of being in the fan club? I have been a member for over 15 years, and have been to every tour since No Code. I have been fortunate enough to have great seats and use the perks of the Ten Club on multiple occasions. However, I am trying to figure out why one would stay in the fan club, because seniority means nothing anymore. The only advantage that I can decipher is you get better seating IF you are fortunate enough to win the lottery for premium seating (non GA). Last July, I was very excited to see the band in Prague, my 2nd time seeing them in Europe (Dublin 2000). In Prague, the seating was coordinated very similar to this fall's tour, 10C members were allowed to enter the GA announce (pit) early (I had hoped that was just a European tour thing and would not be repeated in the U.S.). Well, any member can line up days in advance and be there right at the stage for GA. So, the only benefit was being able to get tickets in the first place. Then, for Chicago, I lost 2 lottery opportunities. At first I was very frustrated by this, but told myself that surely there was no way they would do a tour in the same fashion (lottery). After 15+ years in the 10C, I would like to see multiple / sequential shows, but there is a real chance that you may not get any tickets, or it may line out to be 2 weeks apart, requiring multiple flights, etc. I'm sure the 10C doesn't use any complicated algorithm, similar to the NBA lottery and the number of ping pong balls, to give senior members a better opportunity at tickets, so why not join the day before an anticipated announce, and hope to get lucky with tickets like everyone else? Sorry for the rant.
1996 - Charlotte
1998 - Indianapolis
2000 - Dublin, Cincinnati, Chicago
2003 - Lexington
2006 - Pittsburgh
2009 - Chicago
2010 - St. Louis
2011 - PJ20 x2
2012 - Prague
2013 - Phoenix, San Diego, LA1, LA2
2014 - Cincinnati
2016 - Jacksonville, Columbia, Lexington, Boston
2018 - Amsterdam, Seattle x2
2022 - Toronto
2023 - Noblesvillefuck
Post edited by Unknown User on
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Comments

  • JonnyPistachioJonnyPistachio Florida Posts: 10,219
    it's a concern for sure. I think a lot of people are questioning the reasons behind fan club participation.
    They've gotten big again, and they tour a bit less... the system is tough.

    I tried for MSG a few years back and lost out every time. I think they did 2-3 pre-sales too.
    Pick up my debut novel here on amazon: Jonny Bails Floatin (in paperback) (also available on Kindle for $2.99)
  • woodersonwooderson Posts: 27
    Again, sorry, I see there are multiple other threads of people bitching about the same thing. As I am now 41, and aging alongside the band, any thought of a GA area is not appealing. I can't do that shit any more. And, there is nothing better than the feeling of picking up your tickets from will call, and opening up the envelope and realizing where your seats are located. It's like Christmas, or Kwanzaa, or whatever you're into.
    1996 - Charlotte
    1998 - Indianapolis
    2000 - Dublin, Cincinnati, Chicago
    2003 - Lexington
    2006 - Pittsburgh
    2009 - Chicago
    2010 - St. Louis
    2011 - PJ20 x2
    2012 - Prague
    2013 - Phoenix, San Diego, LA1, LA2
    2014 - Cincinnati
    2016 - Jacksonville, Columbia, Lexington, Boston
    2018 - Amsterdam, Seattle x2
    2022 - Toronto
    2023 - Noblesvillefuck
  • october22october22 Posts: 2,533
    Still have to be in the club to get GA tickets so yes, if those are the tickets you want, seniority is out the window.

    The thing that gets me is show priority. We'll see how it goes but I suspect that if you're an east coaster you'll be lucky to get one show and you can forget about multiple. But I could be wrong. We'll have to wait and see.
  • PJ_LukinPJ_Lukin Posts: 2,055
    Your post reminded me of this.
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=SD2rCi84oWI

    And your follow up... I am 54. GA pits are in my past as well.
    ~!~ Peace ~!~ Love ~!~ Pearl Jam ~!~
  • London BridgeLondon Bridge USA Posts: 4,733
    One of the benefits of Fan Club Membership is you are not forced to renew your membership ;)
  • jubilairesjljubilairesjl Posts: 498
    I really hope they stop this nonsense. The last thing to reward long time paying customers with is an intentional worse product. This is a slap in the face to me and I have been a paying member for over ten years.
    Noblesville 6/22/2003 St. Louis 5/4/2010 East Troy 9/4/2011
    Cleveland 5/20/2006 Columbus 5/6/2010 Chicago 7/19/2013
    Cincinnatti 6/24/2006 Noblesville 5/7/2010. Buffalo 10/12/2013
    Lollapalooza 8/5/2007 Mountain View 10/23/2010 Cincinnatti 10/1/2014
    Washington D.C. 6/22/2008 Mountain View 10/24/2010 St. Louis 10/3/2014
    Chicago 8/22/2008(EV Solo) St. Louis 7/1/2011 (EV Solo) St. Paul 10/19/2014
    Kansas City 5/3/2010 East Troy 9/3/2011 Milwaukee 10/20/2014
    Hampton 4/18/2016 Columbia 4/21/2016 Lexington 4/26/2016
    NYC 5/2/2016
  • musicismylife78musicismylife78 Posts: 6,116
    seems to me, this new development means, as I pointed out in my own thread, that essentially now, anyone, even non 10 club members can get floor GA tickets to every single show.

    I have been a 10 club member since 2005 I think. And think this is the best fan club ever, I definitely think 10 C will see a drop off in dues paying members as a result.

    As Im reading it, essentially, anyone, whether you pay 40 bucks a year, or pay absolutely nothing and are not a member, you can now get floor GA seats on any show.

    I guess you have to consider if you want to pay 20-40 bucks for the other perks of the fan club.

    Its definitely going to give alot of people stuff to consider
  • snipes824snipes824 Posts: 870
    There are none. Drop out.
  • CosmoCosmo Posts: 12,225
    The first few tours I got Ten/VHC tickets for were General Admission. I just loved the fact that I didn't have to deal with ChargeLine (remember ChargeLine?) or those TicketMaster outlets at Tower Records, where the employees would pull the first few tickets for themselves, their friends and/or to scalp at the venue.
    The first seated show I saw was in 1998. I was in the 3rd row. It was great.
    I will still be in the Fan Club... even if I don't get prime seats. I've seen them enough times now, that it really doesn't matter where i sit any more. Yeah, i'll still take the best seats possible... when i can get them. But, it's not as big of a deal as it used to be.
    Allen Fieldhouse, home of the 2008 NCAA men's Basketball Champions! Go Jayhawks!
    Hail, Hail!!!
  • lawguylawguy Posts: 257
    wooderson wrote:
    Again, sorry, I see there are multiple other threads of people bitching about the same thing. As I am now 41, and aging alongside the band, any thought of a GA area is not appealing. I can't do that shit any more. And, there is nothing better than the feeling of picking up your tickets from will call, and opening up the envelope and realizing where your seats are located. It's like Christmas, or Kwanzaa, or whatever you're into.


    As a member with a 3xx,xxx number, my experience over the last 10 yrs is more disappointment at seeing how far back my tickets were, not excitement at how close.
  • chris32482chris32482 Posts: 213
    Well, I was a member for about 3 or 4 years. Went to 3 shows during that time and never drew good seats. I understand I was in the back of the line as far as seniority goes. But I didn't see the benefit of staying enrolled... so I let it expire. Screw it. I'll just get tickets from stubhub or something, even though I'll pay 2x as much, it beats paying $40 a year for a magazine and a 7" vinyl.
  • josevolutionjosevolution Posts: 31,395
    I'll still pay my dues just on a chance that sometime in the future they decide to do a reserved seating gig again for now i'll let all the GA fans get their fill i'll pass on this tour won't be trying for any tickets , glad though that i get to see them in Canada from my reserved seat one last time ....
    jesus greets me looks just like me ....
  • lukin321lukin321 Charlotte, NC Posts: 865
    I just renewed for my 15th year of membership but with the addition of GA at shows and this newer lottery system, I definitely won't be making the trips to go see them like I used to. It's kind of a shame for the people who have been pumping money into this band for so long to get shafted like this.
    9/1/98, 8/9/00, 8/12/00, 4/11/03, 4/12/03, 4/13/03, 4/19/03, 9/28/04, 9/29/04, 10/1/04, 10/2/04, 10/3/04, 10/8/04, 5/27/06, 5/28/06, 6/11/08, 6/12/08, 10/27/09, 10/28/09, 10/30/09, 10/31/09, 10/30/2013, 4/8/2016, 4/9/2016, 4/11/2016, 4/13/2016
  • iamloco724iamloco724 Brooklyn NY Posts: 1,441
    ive only been a member for a few years but i think the lottery solves some problems but i think the old way is better just because it was in your hands to get your tickets odds were technically better last tour over here i was able to get one msg show and newark yes it was alot of refreshing to do that but it worked

    i doubt i will get 2 of my picks this time if even one..i hope im wrong though
  • slinger256slinger256 Victoria Posts: 375
    There are no benefits. Why did you sign up? Waste of money. I dont want the 7' single, free download, yearly shwag whether its a tshirt or stickers, and I certainly don't want an opportunity to get tickets before general sale. And a chance to get a limited vault 3 on vinyl for members only.....meh.

    All these pissin and moanin threads about what's in it for me is a joke. It's a lottery for the tickets, win the lottery and your oh so important club number comes into play.

    and for all the years there wasn't a tour and people still forked out to be in the club I didn't see any complaints about them not touring and people paying $$$ for the membership.
  • KimmiebyromKimmiebyrom Posts: 1,832
    They were tired of seeing the same old faces in the front and wanted some new blood!
    All kidding aside, I'm sure this is frustrating for older members. I can't say I wouldn't have the same attitude, but my membership # is so high it makes no difference in any lottery. Unless I get GA, and you will see this 45 year old all up in it!
    2003 Dallas
    2013 Wrigley
    2013 Dallas
    2013 Oklahoma City
    2013 Seattle

    How I choose to feel is how I am.
    There's just one word I still believe...and it's LOVE.
    "Take care of one another..." -EV
  • jen.ryanjen.ryan Posts: 342
    London Bridge wrote:
    One of the benefits of Fan Club Membership is you are not forced to renew your membership ;)
    :clap::clap::clap::clap:
    1992 - Saratoga Springs NY 8/4/ (Lollapalooza)
    1996 - Buffalo NY 10/1
    1998 - New York (MSG) 9/11
    2000 - Saratoga Springs NY 8/27/
    2006 - New York (Ed Sullivan Theater) 5/4, Albany NY 5/12, Boston MA 5/24
    2008 - Hartford CT 6/27 Mansfield MA 6/28
    2010 - Hartford CT 5/15/10, New York (MSG) 5/21/10
    2013 - WRIGLEY! 7/21 Worcester MA 10/16, Hartford CT 10/25
    2015 - Philly 4/28, Philly 4/29, Fenway 8/5
    Eddie Solo
    Boston Opera House 8/2/08, Albany Palace Theatre 6/9/09


  • jen.ryanjen.ryan Posts: 342
    lukin321 wrote:
    I just renewed for my 15th year of membership but with the addition of GA at shows and this newer lottery system, I definitely won't be making the trips to go see them like I used to. It's kind of a shame for the people who have been pumping money into this band for so long to get shafted like this.

    Certainly not trying to sound like a d!ck but "pumping money into this band for years" ? $40 a year for a membership?
    and last i checked - seats are still selected by seniority - so i hope all you complainers do leave...if so, my seats just got better.
    1992 - Saratoga Springs NY 8/4/ (Lollapalooza)
    1996 - Buffalo NY 10/1
    1998 - New York (MSG) 9/11
    2000 - Saratoga Springs NY 8/27/
    2006 - New York (Ed Sullivan Theater) 5/4, Albany NY 5/12, Boston MA 5/24
    2008 - Hartford CT 6/27 Mansfield MA 6/28
    2010 - Hartford CT 5/15/10, New York (MSG) 5/21/10
    2013 - WRIGLEY! 7/21 Worcester MA 10/16, Hartford CT 10/25
    2015 - Philly 4/28, Philly 4/29, Fenway 8/5
    Eddie Solo
    Boston Opera House 8/2/08, Albany Palace Theatre 6/9/09


  • ForceofNature101ForceofNature101 Posts: 1,295
    edited July 2013
    The whole scenario can be summed up by this: the people who got all the perks that weren't necessarily as objectively fair to others are complaining that now that things are more fair there is no unfairness to skew favorably on their side ;)

    If I understand this correctly there is still seniority on the seating (I for one am going for seating and am not expecting a stellar seat but as long as I am there and don't have a horrid seat I am happy). And GA is first come first serve so just get there early like any other show any other bands put on.
    Post edited by ForceofNature101 on
  • lukin321lukin321 Charlotte, NC Posts: 865
    jen.ryan wrote:
    lukin321 wrote:
    I just renewed for my 15th year of membership but with the addition of G and this newer lottery system, I definitely won't be making the trips to go see them like I used to. It's kind of a shame for the people who have been pumping money into this band for so long to get shafted like this.

    Certainly not trying to sound like a d!ck but "pumping money into this band for years" ? $40 a year for a membership?
    and last i checked - seats are still selected by seniority - so i hope all you complainers do leave...if so, my seats just got better.

    You're forgetting tickets to 30+ shows, tons of merchandise, etc. Yea, a ton of money.

    And the whole "haha then quit the band so I can get closer, old timer" line really doesn't make much sense anymore since everybody has pretty much the same shot with the addition of the GA section. Seniority on seats halfway back on the floor doesn't make much of a difference.
    9/1/98, 8/9/00, 8/12/00, 4/11/03, 4/12/03, 4/13/03, 4/19/03, 9/28/04, 9/29/04, 10/1/04, 10/2/04, 10/3/04, 10/8/04, 5/27/06, 5/28/06, 6/11/08, 6/12/08, 10/27/09, 10/28/09, 10/30/09, 10/31/09, 10/30/2013, 4/8/2016, 4/9/2016, 4/11/2016, 4/13/2016
  • jen.ryanjen.ryan Posts: 342
    lukin321 wrote:
    jen.ryan wrote:
    lukin321 wrote:
    I just renewed for my 15th year of membership but with the addition of G and this newer lottery system, I definitely won't be making the trips to go see them like I used to. It's kind of a shame for the people who have been pumping money into this band for so long to get shafted like this.

    Certainly not trying to sound like a d!ck but "pumping money into this band for years" ? $40 a year for a membership?
    and last i checked - seats are still selected by seniority - so i hope all you complainers do leave...if so, my seats just got better.

    You're forgetting tickets to 30+ shows, tons of merchandise, etc. Yea, a ton of money.

    And the whole "haha then quit the band so I can get closer, old timer" line really doesn't make much sense anymore since everybody has pretty much the same shot with the addition of the GA section. Seniority on seats halfway back on the floor doesn't make much of a difference.

    When i've never been "close" it makes a big difference.
    1992 - Saratoga Springs NY 8/4/ (Lollapalooza)
    1996 - Buffalo NY 10/1
    1998 - New York (MSG) 9/11
    2000 - Saratoga Springs NY 8/27/
    2006 - New York (Ed Sullivan Theater) 5/4, Albany NY 5/12, Boston MA 5/24
    2008 - Hartford CT 6/27 Mansfield MA 6/28
    2010 - Hartford CT 5/15/10, New York (MSG) 5/21/10
    2013 - WRIGLEY! 7/21 Worcester MA 10/16, Hartford CT 10/25
    2015 - Philly 4/28, Philly 4/29, Fenway 8/5
    Eddie Solo
    Boston Opera House 8/2/08, Albany Palace Theatre 6/9/09


  • jen.ryanjen.ryan Posts: 342
    lukin321 wrote:
    jen.ryan wrote:
    lukin321 wrote:
    I just renewed for my 15th year of membership but with the addition of G and this newer lottery system, I definitely won't be making the trips to go see them like I used to. It's kind of a shame for the people who have been pumping money into this band for so long to get shafted like this.

    Certainly not trying to sound like a d!ck but "pumping money into this band for years" ? $40 a year for a membership?
    and last i checked - seats are still selected by seniority - so i hope all you complainers do leave...if so, my seats just got better.

    You're forgetting tickets to 30+ shows, tons of merchandise, etc. Yea, a ton of money.

    And the whole "haha then quit the band so I can get closer, old timer" line really doesn't make much sense anymore since everybody has pretty much the same shot with the addition of the GA section. Seniority on seats halfway back on the floor doesn't make much of a difference.

    and i'm pretty sure nobody forced you to buy a membership, presured you to buy 30+ sets of tickets or made you buy all that pearl jam gear...you CHOOSE to be a member, CHOOSE to buy tickets and CHOOSE to buy gear....if you are seriously that upset about how the changes have gone down, take a stand and stop giving your hard earned money to this band. Spend it elsewhere. But the last thing that makes sense to do is to keep paying all this money for somethign that makes you unhappy but then continue to bitch about it.

    Good luck getting tix and enjoy the shows you go to.
    1992 - Saratoga Springs NY 8/4/ (Lollapalooza)
    1996 - Buffalo NY 10/1
    1998 - New York (MSG) 9/11
    2000 - Saratoga Springs NY 8/27/
    2006 - New York (Ed Sullivan Theater) 5/4, Albany NY 5/12, Boston MA 5/24
    2008 - Hartford CT 6/27 Mansfield MA 6/28
    2010 - Hartford CT 5/15/10, New York (MSG) 5/21/10
    2013 - WRIGLEY! 7/21 Worcester MA 10/16, Hartford CT 10/25
    2015 - Philly 4/28, Philly 4/29, Fenway 8/5
    Eddie Solo
    Boston Opera House 8/2/08, Albany Palace Theatre 6/9/09


  • lukin321lukin321 Charlotte, NC Posts: 865
    jen.ryan wrote:
    lukin321 wrote:
    jen.ryan wrote:

    Certainly not trying to sound like a d!ck but "pumping money into this band for years" ? $40 a year for a membership?
    and last i checked - seats are still selected by seniority - so i hope all you complainers do leave...if so, my seats just got better.

    You're forgetting tickets to 30+ shows, tons of merchandise, etc. Yea, a ton of money.

    And the whole "haha then quit the band so I can get closer, old timer" line really doesn't make much sense anymore since everybody has pretty much the same shot with the addition of the GA section. Seniority on seats halfway back on the floor doesn't make much of a difference.

    and i'm pretty sure nobody forced you to buy a membership, presured you to buy 30+ sets of tickets or made you buy all that pearl jam gear...you CHOOSE to be a member, CHOOSE to buy tickets and CHOOSE to buy gear....if you are seriously that upset about how the changes have gone down, take a stand and stop giving your hard earned money to this band. Spend it elsewhere. But the last thing that makes sense to do is to keep paying all this money for somethign that makes you unhappy but then continue to bitch about it.

    Good luck getting tix and enjoy the shows you go to.

    Hey, I'm just voicing my opinion like everyone else on here which is something I never do. I feel like seniority really doesn't mean anything anymore so I'm not really pleased. If you get better seats out of this deal, then great - enjoy. It's just crappy for people like me who have been given perks for loyalty to have them taken away. Again, just my opinion and I'm well aware that only a handful of us dinosaurs (I'm only 31, btw - joined when I was 16) are going to agree.
    9/1/98, 8/9/00, 8/12/00, 4/11/03, 4/12/03, 4/13/03, 4/19/03, 9/28/04, 9/29/04, 10/1/04, 10/2/04, 10/3/04, 10/8/04, 5/27/06, 5/28/06, 6/11/08, 6/12/08, 10/27/09, 10/28/09, 10/30/09, 10/31/09, 10/30/2013, 4/8/2016, 4/9/2016, 4/11/2016, 4/13/2016
  • GardenpartyGardenparty Posts: 1,910
    i'm not going to complain about it because it is was it is. This will probably be the first tour i sit out since 95 though (18 year member).

    more expensive tickets prices, lesser quality seats, band well past their prime. i'll save my money for other things

    not cancelling the membership though ;)
    “I know this song so well, I can smoke a cigarette, have a drink, brush my teeth, take a shit, and mow the lawn while singing it. But I'll only be doing a couple of those things during this version.”
  • SpinTheBlackOSpinTheBlackO Posts: 385
    musicismylife78 wrote:
    seems to me, this new development means, as I pointed out in my own thread, that essentially now, anyone, even non 10 club members can get floor GA tickets to every single show.

    I have been a 10 club member since 2005 I think. And think this is the best fan club ever, I definitely think 10 C will see a drop off in dues paying members as a result.

    As Im reading it, essentially, anyone, whether you pay 40 bucks a year, or pay absolutely nothing and are not a member, you can now get floor GA seats on any show.

    I guess you have to consider if you want to pay 20-40 bucks for the other perks of the fan club.

    Its definitely going to give alot of people stuff to consider

    I'm confused by this. The 10c stated the entire GA is fan club only. How can anyone get GA?
    Follow the ageless tide.
    Follow the angled light.
    Follow the strangest tribe.
  • ZodZod Posts: 10,882
    SpinTheBlackO wrote:
    musicismylife78 wrote:

    I'm confused by this. The 10c stated the entire GA is fan club only. How can anyone get GA?

    That's still the truth. As bad a 10c tickets might be due to the GA floor, they'll still be worse getting them through Ticketmaster (with the exception of beside stage tickets which I haven't seen the 10c go after before).
  • breath123breath123 Posts: 397
    I would love for this to be my biggest problem right now.
  • RockMamaRockMama Deep Creek Lake, MD Posts: 478
    I have been in the club since 1993. I am a 5'2", 59 year old grandmother. Please be kind to me in the pit!! I'll be the one with the Depends.
    107 total First-Summerfest, Milwaukee '95
    Most recent: 2018 Stadium shows: Seattle 2, Missoula, Fenway 1 and 2; 2022: Oakland 1 and 2
  • MG79478MG79478 Posts: 1,725
    There are essentially 3 groups of 10C members.

    The Highest in Seniority, who are mad because they will no longer get good seats to every show. But at least they had them!

    The lowest in seniority, who don't have to wait to rise in seniority because now they can get GA tickets. So they are mostly pretty happy.

    Then there is the group that no one talks about who is getting screwed more than anyone... the middle seniority, especially those who never won lottery rows. They put in nearly as much as the high seniority folks, and never got the amazing seats. To make matters worse, this group is getting up in years, and if they opt for seats, the best will still be taken by the highest in seniority.
  • landingonwaterlandingonwater Posts: 325
    Pardon my ignorance, but was seniority a factor in OBTAINING tickets back in the F5 days? I seem to remember my chances (myself, a fan club member since 2003) at getting tickets prior to this new lottery system were the same as those individuals who had been in the fan club since 1992. I, for instance, had the same chances of getting PJ20 fan club tickets as someone who has been with 10C for 10 years more than me. Same goes for the Vic show, EV solo shows, whatever.

    The whole "my seniority means nothing when getting tickets argument!!" should have been made 10+ years ago, no?

    Also, if seniority were the sole factor in the obtaining fan club tickets, there would be no incentive for new members to join the fan club (thus, a poor business decision by the band).

    As for the random, 10C GA section at the front of the venue, I understand your complaint in regards to seniority. A person's seniority means less now in regards to where in the arena they sit. That seems to have been steadily eroded in recent years but not dramatically. A fan club member since 1992 does not mean you are sitting in the last row of the floor. You might be one or two rows behind the pit or — God forbid — two rows up next to the stage.

    Just my thoughts. Good luck to all in the lottery.
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