Same folks up front

josevolution

Remember when 10C decided to stop with assigning the best seats to senior members? They went to the 1&2 and 8&9 rows to be randomly selected that was a cool thing no? And then they completely did away with seats and implemented GA for all shows up front with a cordoned off section, well I’ve been watching videos of these past shows here in the states and it’s clear that there’s a group of fans that somehow manage to get GA to most of the shows including that big dude Ed pointed out in Philadelphia! Here’s a plea from Chrissie Hynde of the Pretenders 
https://www.nme.com/news/music/the-pretenders-chrissie-hynde-doesnt-want-to-see-the-same-fans-in-the-front-row-at-multiple-shows-give-local-fans-a-chance-3803931

BV84003

Bless Chrissie's heart, but if someone wants to put in the time, energy, money, etc. to be as close as possible, they have every right to do that. At least PJ makes it exceptionally difficult for someone to be rail at every show.

Compare this model to something like Tori Amos where she literally has her front row reserved for the people that follow her around and see the majority of shows on the tour, mostly to ensure she isn't going to have people up front just taking selfies and leaving for beer trips all night long.

Just about anything an artist does to dissuade, encourage or even control who's up front is always going to generate controversy and bitterness, because someone's inevitably going to feel slighted.

BigRedd

It is not normal or healthy behaviour at all. They do it so they can get that one special moment from Eddie. It's so crazy to watch them fight for his attention.

Also we have grown adults leaving shows early so they can sleep on a curb for two more nights. I have seen people running in airports trying to get ahead of other people catching a cab to the venue. Its absolute bonkers. 

Do away with this set up that feeds these peoples toxic behaviour. 

Ed seems to love it though and feeds into the craziness 

Merkin Baller

BV84003 said:

Bless Chrissie's heart, but if someone wants to put in the time, energy, money, etc. to be as close as possible, they have every right to do that. At least PJ makes it exceptionally difficult for someone to be rail at every show.

Compare this model to something like Tori Amos where she literally has her front row reserved for the people that follow her around and see the majority of shows on the tour, mostly to ensure she isn't going to have people up front just taking selfies and leaving for beer trips all night long.

Just about anything an artist does to dissuade, encourage or even control who's up front is always going to generate controversy and bitterness, because someone's inevitably going to feel slighted.

This is my perspective. I don't have it in me to wait for more than a few hours at this point, but if someone else wants to, more power to them. 

Get_Right

I do not do GA anymore. But give me better seats! The rail people will do what they do. I am ok with it as long as they do not exclude fans to be there. No saving spots. The idea of a rail gang, which happens with some bands, is not cool. In fact I would hope that folks would want to share that experience with new people. 

pjl44

The few times I've had GA I've had a perfectly good spot walking in at the start of the opener or like a half hour before they went on if there was no opener. I think the hoops people jump through to get on or near the rail is bonkers but it doesn't impact my experience. Selfishly, I'd love to see them go back to fully seated but it's their party.

jdopj

They need to pass out numbers and randomly give everyone a chance.

SVRDhand13

Get_Right said:

I do not do GA anymore. But give me better seats! The rail people will do what they do. I am ok with it as long as they do not exclude fans to be there. No saving spots. The idea of a rail gang, which happens with some bands, is not cool. In fact I would hope that folks would want to share that experience with new people. 

I unfortunately learned long ago that there are several crews of people who help each other skip the line. Regulars you may see posting here and on FB.  Lost a lot of respect for some people through the years.  

JeBurkhardt

Get_Right said:

I do not do GA anymore. But give me better seats! The rail people will do what they do. I am ok with it as long as they do not exclude fans to be there. No saving spots. The idea of a rail gang, which happens with some bands, is not cool. In fact I would hope that folks would want to share that experience with new people. 

This^^

bootlegger10

Merkin Baller said:

BV84003 said:

Bless Chrissie's heart, but if someone wants to put in the time, energy, money, etc. to be as close as possible, they have every right to do that. At least PJ makes it exceptionally difficult for someone to be rail at every show.

Compare this model to something like Tori Amos where she literally has her front row reserved for the people that follow her around and see the majority of shows on the tour, mostly to ensure she isn't going to have people up front just taking selfies and leaving for beer trips all night long.

Just about anything an artist does to dissuade, encourage or even control who's up front is always going to generate controversy and bitterness, because someone's inevitably going to feel slighted.

This is my perspective. I don't have it in me to wait for more than a few hours at this point, but if someone else wants to, more power to them. 

Same.  There is something going in their brains that has nothing to do with music.  It doesn't hurt anyone though so do what you want I guess.   Although, I do believe at a minimum it is selfish behavior, regardless of whether you sleep on a sidewalk for two days.  Not everyone has the time to waste like that. 

gotthebottle

It's like a high school clique... they just keep it up thinking they are more important than others.. sad

spankyMP

BV84003 said:

Bless Chrissie's heart, but if someone wants to put in the time, energy, money, etc. to be as close as possible, they have every right to do that. At least PJ makes it exceptionally difficult for someone to be rail at every show.

Compare this model to something like Tori Amos where she literally has her front row reserved for the people that follow her around and see the majority of shows on the tour, mostly to ensure she isn't going to have people up front just taking selfies and leaving for beer trips all night long.

Just about anything an artist does to dissuade, encourage or even control who's up front is always going to generate controversy and bitterness, because someone's inevitably going to feel slighted.

I'd agree if there weren't sneaky, sneaky going on, but I'm pretty sure this is achieved by the sneaky, sneaky, whatever that may be.

Merkin Baller

Yeah, I don't know...It's not for me, but I don't look down on the people that do it. 

They aren't hurting anyone... suggesting it's selfish or toxic / unhealthy behavior seems a bit much, all things considered. 

bootlegger10

Merkin Baller said:

Yeah, I don't know...It's not for me, but I don't look down on the people that do it. 

They aren't hurting anyone... suggesting it's selfish or toxic / unhealthy behavior seems a bit much, all things considered. 

Nope.   Strange and selfish.   These people go to Europe, New Zealand, Australia, etc... where some cities haven't seen the band in 10 years, and they think that "oh, the band wants to see me".   Who cares if others might want the spot and not camp out for 2 days.   

lastexitlondon

If you care too much that's up to you is my opinion. 
Do what you want as long as you don't hurt anyone 

Merkin Baller

bootlegger10 said:

Merkin Baller said:

Yeah, I don't know...It's not for me, but I don't look down on the people that do it. 

They aren't hurting anyone... suggesting it's selfish or toxic / unhealthy behavior seems a bit much, all things considered. 

Nope.   Strange and selfish.   These people go to Europe, New Zealand, Australia, etc... where some cities haven't seen the band in 10 years, and they think that "oh, the band wants to see me".   Who cares if others might want the spot and not camp out for 2 days.   

I can think of way more strange and selfish behavior in the world today than someone camping out overnight to get front row for a concert. 

BigRedd

Merkin Baller said:

Yeah, I don't know...It's not for me, but I don't look down on the people that do it. 

They aren't hurting anyone... suggesting it's selfish or toxic / unhealthy behavior seems a bit much, all things considered. 

Strongly disagree. 

Have you been apart of this group for any period of time? It's an unhealthy obsession that 10C feeds into. I have so many stories about how crazy it gets up there its not even funny. Such odd behaviour it makes me uncomfortable to even talk to some of them knowing what they do.

Merkin Baller said:

bootlegger10 said:

Merkin Baller said:

Yeah, I don't know...It's not for me, but I don't look down on the people that do it. 

They aren't hurting anyone... suggesting it's selfish or toxic / unhealthy behavior seems a bit much, all things considered. 

Nope.   Strange and selfish.   These people go to Europe, New Zealand, Australia, etc... where some cities haven't seen the band in 10 years, and they think that "oh, the band wants to see me".   Who cares if others might want the spot and not camp out for 2 days.   

I can think of way more strange and selfish behavior in the world today than someone camping out overnight to get front row for a concert. 

Of course there is. Thats not what this thread is about though.

mcgruff10

Bring back floor seats for a tour.  Random order rows 1 /2. New faces up front and seniority moves closer to the stage.  Win win in my book but I do understand from a business standpoint that ga brings in more $$$$$.

pjl44

I know how obsessive people can get so I wouldn't be surprised if all sorts of shenanigans happen. Thing is you're only bumping into this if you're fighting for the same real estate yourself. I've heard all of these stories over the years and am not interested in dealing with any of it. Just waltz in when the opener is going on - you will get a good enough spot and not encounter any of this.

mace1229

Merkin Baller said:

Yeah, I don't know...It's not for me, but I don't look down on the people that do it. 

They aren't hurting anyone... suggesting it's selfish or toxic / unhealthy behavior seems a bit much, all things considered. 

I've never gone for rail, but I've heard stories of newbies being bullied farther back or not welcomed by the regulars. Or people hang out at the wrong bar all night when the official-unofficial pre-line was at a different bar and told to go to the back of the line (after the band posts there is no preline and to not honor any such preline, etc.
I've never witnessed it first hand, but there's been plenty of comments about the rail group before. Could just be people who are annoyed by beat out by the same people every time, who knows.

Merkin Baller

BigRedd said:

Merkin Baller said:

Yeah, I don't know...It's not for me, but I don't look down on the people that do it. 

They aren't hurting anyone... suggesting it's selfish or toxic / unhealthy behavior seems a bit much, all things considered. 

Strongly disagree. 

Have you been apart of this group for any period of time? It's an unhealthy obsession that 10C feeds into. I have so many stories about how crazy it gets up there its not even funny. Such odd behaviour it makes me uncomfortable to even talk to some of them knowing what they do.

I have, and I'm unfamiliar with the behavior you're describing. I know at least one person who camps out for the rail, and I'm quite confident this person isn't hurting or taking anything away from anyone else. 

BigRedd

Merkin Baller said:

BigRedd said:

Merkin Baller said:

Yeah, I don't know...It's not for me, but I don't look down on the people that do it. 

They aren't hurting anyone... suggesting it's selfish or toxic / unhealthy behavior seems a bit much, all things considered. 

Strongly disagree. 

Have you been apart of this group for any period of time? It's an unhealthy obsession that 10C feeds into. I have so many stories about how crazy it gets up there its not even funny. Such odd behaviour it makes me uncomfortable to even talk to some of them knowing what they do.

I have, and I'm unfamiliar with the behavior you're describing. I know at least one person who camps out for the rail, and I'm quite confident this person isn't hurting or taking anything away from anyone else. 

Nobody is saying they are all like that. 

I also assume your friend was not one of the ones that did almost all shows last year on the rail in 3 different continents. 

cincybearcat

All of my experiences in the Pit have been great (only 5 times though), all the people around very nice.  Though I've never camped out overnight to be rail, I've been right behind the people on the rail 4 times.  Yes it is mostly the same people, but from my experience there wasn't any shadiness....just people that love the band and rail and put the time in.  I hope that is truly the case.

Zod

It doesn't really impact me.   Other than I want to know how they pull off getting GA so consistently.   When I've scored GA I usually show up at doors and get a pretty good spot, but I don't have it in me to lineup for an excessive amount of time.  It seemed so much harder to get GA on this tour, maybe because people had to opt out, rather than opt in?  No one I knew won GA for the Vancouver shows which was a first :(

Ryan

It’s super weird but when I get GA I’m happy to walk in for when the opening band goes on, be approximately 5-10 feet behind these people that have spent all day (and sometimes the day prior) while I’ve spent my time exploring a city.  If I were in a band I’d rather my fans go spend time seeing a city than camped on a sidewalk but what do I know?  I’m also perfectly happy landing side stage seats through ticket drops a day or two before the show. 

Not sure if Springsteen still does the GA lottery still but I think it’s the best way to do things.  Say there are 1000 tickets for GA.  You present your ticket at box office day of show and get a random number between 1 and 1000.  The venue draws a number at 3 or 4 pm.  Say it’s 640 that is drawn, the person with that number is first in line, 641 is second, etc.

BigRedd

cincybearcat said:

All of my experiences in the Pit have been great (only 5 times though), all the people around very nice.  Though I've never camped out overnight to be rail, I've been right behind the people on the rail 4 times.  Yes it is mostly the same people, but from my experience there wasn't any shadiness....just people that love the band and rail and put the time in.  I hope that is truly the case.

You are not a threat if you are behind them. The fun begins when you camp out or are close to getting a rail spot ahead of them. 

Kwieneke

as long as they're getting GA fair and square, I am not bothered. It takes time and effort for these people who do it every show. Time and effort that i am not willing to put in 

tylermoore

BigRedd said:

It is not normal or healthy behaviour at all. They do it so they can get that one special moment from Eddie. It's so crazy to watch them fight for his attention.

Also we have grown adults leaving shows early so they can sleep on a curb for two more nights. I have seen people running in airports trying to get ahead of other people catching a cab to the venue. Its absolute bonkers. 

Do away with this set up that feeds these peoples toxic behaviour. 

Ed seems to love it though and feeds into the craziness 

If they all like doing it, how is it toxic? Because you don’t do it? 

Don’t get me wrong, I think it’s crazy too. Toxic is a bit dramatic. 

If they are all mean to each other, making it personal. But from what I know it’s almost just like a game to them. No harm done. 

jwhjr17

Kwieneke said:

as long as they're getting GA fair and square, I am not bothered. It takes time and effort for these people who do it every show. Time and effort that i am not willing to put in 

This is the question.

Gern Blansten

I think it's weird but it doesn't bother me too much. I don't like the idea of a group allowing others in the group to line jump, etc. That's bullshit.

I benefitted from the row 10 lottery and loved it. 10 rows back in seats was perfect but I get why the band probably prefers GA for the crowd

jwhjr17

SVRDhand13 said:

Get_Right said:

I do not do GA anymore. But give me better seats! The rail people will do what they do. I am ok with it as long as they do not exclude fans to be there. No saving spots. The idea of a rail gang, which happens with some bands, is not cool. In fact I would hope that folks would want to share that experience with new people. 

I unfortunately learned long ago that there are several crews of people who help each other skip the line. Regulars you may see posting here and on FB.  Lost a lot of respect for some people through the years.  

Yes!