How many of the 'seat trades' and fan to fan are to and from people within the group who camp out all the time? (cartel)
People look, search, beg, borrow, and steal for GA tickets and most times come up short.
i've seen so many of them asking to trade up to GA and I wonder who the heck is trading out of GA if they chose GA in the lottery.
People trade out of GA for different reasons. For ATL1 my friend got GA. He is an older guy and prefers a seat. So I traded my seat for his GA. Since GA isn't a separate category anymore, some people prefer seats, but get GA in the lottery. I have another friend who prefers seats. He traded one of his GAs for good seats for Pitt2. If you have a good network of friends, you can work with them on trades, etc.
How many of the 'seat trades' and fan to fan are to and from people within the group who camp out all the time? (cartel)
People look, search, beg, borrow, and steal for GA tickets and most times come up short.
I am not one of the people in "the group", I have met some of them and they have been great folks to hang out with and chat about PJ with while at shows, which is why we are all here anyway. That said, I have traded GAs on this tour twice successfully, we shared log in info to do it. It took mostly luck and being in the right thread at the right time, and a little mutual respect and trust. The only reason I have been able to enjoy GA tickets, aside from already mentioned luck, was due to the relationships I have made through these boards and meeting people in line at shows. Its counterintuitive to blast all "those people" that have community here in the boards and know each other and that have extra ticket or even know someone with extra tickets (that you might be able to trade them for) and then wonder why its hard to get any of the rest of the folks here to want to help you.
1995: New Orleans, LA 2006: Washington, D.C. 2008: Washington, D.C. 2010: Bristow, VA 2013: Baltimore, MD 2016: Hampton, VA 2020: Baltimore, MD 2023: Noblesville, IN TBD 2024: Seattle, WA N1 and N2 - Indianapolis, IN- Baltimore, MD 2025: Hollywood, FL N2
Wow. The name calling and accusations in this thread are staggering. Before you start saying that the people on the rail are bullies, read through this thread and see the behavior exhibited here towards them. Not very nice I would say.
what came first? the bullying, manipulating the system for the same people to get rail every show or the people here calling them names?
i asked before and no one answered me. Don't you think the same people getting the rail at every show is selfish behavior on their part? like they 'have' to be there. When you 'have' to do something every time and keep others from enjoying the same benefit its just selfish behavior is it not? try to convince me those that are there every night on the rail aren't being selfish.
Wow. The name calling and accusations in this thread are staggering. Before you start saying that the people on the rail are bullies, read through this thread and see the behavior exhibited here towards them. Not very nice I would say.
what came first? the bullying, manipulating the system for the same people to get rail every show or the people here calling them names?
i asked before and no one answered me. Don't you think the same people getting the rail at every show is selfish behavior on their part? like they 'have' to be there. When you 'have' to do something every time and keep others from enjoying the same benefit its just selfish behavior is it not? try to convince me those that are there every night on the rail aren't being selfish.
How is it keeping anyone from enjoying the same benefit. People keep insinuating that. Everyone here has the same opportunity to get the rail. Just get in line early. No one is barricading or blocking anyone from doing that. During this tour I have been anywhere from number 8 in the GA line to number 30. It depends when I show up. When I do, I take my place in line. No one is keeping anyone from doing anything. I never got a rail until 2022 when I decided I wanted to try it. I got there early, everyone was really nice and I got my first rail. No one stopped me or blocked me from getting in line. I plan these tours well in advance. I take the appropriate vacation time, etc. Getting in line early is not manipulating the system. The emails that 10C sends out explicitly states that GA is first come, first served. So, come first. We'd love to have you. That is all it takes.
Wow. The name calling and accusations in this thread are staggering. Before you start saying that the people on the rail are bullies, read through this thread and see the behavior exhibited here towards them. Not very nice I would say.
what came first? the bullying, manipulating the system for the same people to get rail every show or the people here calling them names?
i asked before and no one answered me. Don't you think the same people getting the rail at every show is selfish behavior on their part? like they 'have' to be there. When you 'have' to do something every time and keep others from enjoying the same benefit its just selfish behavior is it not? try to convince me those that are there every night on the rail aren't being selfish.
How is it keeping anyone from enjoying the same benefit. People keep insinuating that. Everyone here has the same opportunity to get the rail. Just get in line early. No one is barricading or blocking anyone from doing that. During this tour I have been anywhere from number 8 in the GA line to number 30. It depends when I show up. When I do, I take my place in line. No one is keeping anyone from doing anything. I never got a rail until 2022 when I decided I wanted to try it. I got there early, everyone was really nice and I got my first rail. No one stopped me or blocked me from getting in line. I plan these tours well in advance. I take the appropriate vacation time, etc. Getting in line early is not manipulating the system. The emails that 10C sends out explicitly states that GA is first come, first served. So, come first. We'd love to have you. That is all it takes.
Before I comment I want to say that both you and Chrrie seem nice and have responded with clear heads. That being said if they made the two first rows $1000 a ticket VIP. Is that fair? It certainly rules out a lot of people quite possibly all of the current rail people. By needing to be there camping out for two nights it essentially does the same thing. Whether it’s work obligations, family obligations or a combination of a lot of things they just can’t do that. So no it’s not just lining up “early”. It’s a multiple night commitment.
Wow. The name calling and accusations in this thread are staggering. Before you start saying that the people on the rail are bullies, read through this thread and see the behavior exhibited here towards them. Not very nice I would say.
what came first? the bullying, manipulating the system for the same people to get rail every show or the people here calling them names?
i asked before and no one answered me. Don't you think the same people getting the rail at every show is selfish behavior on their part? like they 'have' to be there. When you 'have' to do something every time and keep others from enjoying the same benefit its just selfish behavior is it not? try to convince me those that are there every night on the rail aren't being selfish.
How is it keeping anyone from enjoying the same benefit. People keep insinuating that. Everyone here has the same opportunity to get the rail. Just get in line early. No one is barricading or blocking anyone from doing that. During this tour I have been anywhere from number 8 in the GA line to number 30. It depends when I show up. When I do, I take my place in line. No one is keeping anyone from doing anything. I never got a rail until 2022 when I decided I wanted to try it. I got there early, everyone was really nice and I got my first rail. No one stopped me or blocked me from getting in line. I plan these tours well in advance. I take the appropriate vacation time, etc. Getting in line early is not manipulating the system. The emails that 10C sends out explicitly states that GA is first come, first served. So, come first. We'd love to have you. That is all it takes.
well the stories being told by some would beg to differ that getting there first matters. they can keep doing what they want but doesn't mean some won't judge. i've made my thoughts known on those who 'have' to be on the rail every show.
At Hollywood N2, spent an incredible day at the ocean/beach, got to the Hard Rock and had a couple drinks, rolled into show around 8:00 and had this view. To each their own, but I feel bad for the people that spent all day in a line just to be 10 ft closer.
Why would you feel bad for anyone that chose to have a great time and enjoy a band that we all pay to be in the fan club together with?
Thats me in the red and white hat in your picture. I am sure we could talk about your fun vs my fun, but I will tell you this. That day, in this picture, was one where I had more fun that I have had in quite some time. That fun was due to a few things, but most if which revolved around my relationships that I have developed (in a very short time, comparatively, I might add) here on these boards and in GA lines and in the area that I am in while in GA during the show. I stayed at the MIA N2 with a line buddy i made last year in Seattle, I was joined on show day by a friend that I would now consider one of my better friends in life that I made during the 2023 tour futzing with the 10C upgrade game here on the boards, he now gets xmas cards from me and my family! Dont worry duder, Ill get the M this show to complete the set!!!!
Out of that same cancelled Indy show, came a friendship that I made in the rescheduled show with a couple standing next to me that had an intense moment when Ed sang Setting Sun to her, like literally to her, it was incredible. Even crazier still, I didnt get their contact info when I left, and had been looking for them ever since. Fast forward to MIA N2 GA line. I got in line at like, 1:30 or 2. Low and behold, there was that couple, we reconnected and shared that moment all over again, we had been looking for each other ever since. I now have their contact info, and we have been texting almost daily ever since. I have not even touched my experience at the Seattle shows last year (that might be another post for another day), both in GA, both where I was in line very early and was able to meet some of the people that are being blasted here. Most of whom, at least the ones I have met, have either been very nice, very helpful or both! Are some of those folks shy/uninterested in talking to me/or otherwise havent met, yes! AM I mad at them, no! Are there going to be people that are misunderstood, yes! Are there people that have an advantage that I may not for whatever reason, yes! Are there some that might be a$$hats, maybe? Do I fault them for playing the game and winning, no! It isn't their fault, its the system we have all been given. But I have made the best of it, and I am glad that I have, because I have made lasting friendships as a result of it all! Is that your fun, doesnt sound like it, but Im not busting your balls for it, nor do I feel bad for you, as a matter of fact, I love you man!! I get it, the system def sucks, and I hate parts about it for sure. I wish I didnt have to camp out early to get the spot that I want. i wish I didnt have to F5 to get a great seat or GA. But I have accepted it and have made the best of it!!!
To all of you out there that may know me from the shows, I love you guys, thanks for all the fun we have had together and I look forward to seeing you all again at all future shows that I attend!!! In the GA line, the merch line, on the floor, in the stands, wherever it is, I just want to have a blast and share it with like minded people while we all still can! Life is too short. Go enjoy each other, however you want to, without judgement!
To All the Jasons, especially you Jason (thanks for being my ticket and line buddy). To Shaun (we slapped high fives in the hotel lobby in Seattle and thats all she wrote, thanks for being my GA and line buddy as well in Seattle). To Jonathan (MY MAN, thanks brother, for all of it, its been a blast and I cannot wait for the next time we can hang). To John and Patricia (so glad we reconnected). To Jeremy (keep ballin on that rail dude!). To Sean, the baller (thanks for the help in Indy last year, hope to see you up font in Pitt)! To Mo and Chrissy (had a blast in line in Miami!!!). To Jason, Lara and CODA!!! (thanks for sharing an unforgettable experience in Seattle). To Monika and Kat (thanks for giving us the rail for even flow in Seattle). To Auburn (thanks for sharing the moments, I hope we get to finally meet in Pitt). To Kevin (hope to see you in Pitt as well) To Paddy (youre the man! hope you got home safe from Miami) To the random dude I met while in the merch line in Seattle that played football against my alma mater, thanks. To Demetrios (i got some merch for ya, thanks and hope to see you next tour!) To all of you I am most certainly forgetting or didn't get your names, thanks, its been a fXXking blast! I cant wait to make more memories with all of you. I love Pearl Jam, and I love the experiences that this has all afforded me, I am grateful!
SHAUN AND JASON...PITT HERE WE COME!!!! See yall in a few days!!!!
So many other thoughts related and stories i could tell and people i have met and shared time with, but I will stop with the above!
Post edited by PhartN on
1995: New Orleans, LA 2006: Washington, D.C. 2008: Washington, D.C. 2010: Bristow, VA 2013: Baltimore, MD 2016: Hampton, VA 2020: Baltimore, MD 2023: Noblesville, IN TBD 2024: Seattle, WA N1 and N2 - Indianapolis, IN- Baltimore, MD 2025: Hollywood, FL N2
Wow. The name calling and accusations in this thread are staggering. Before you start saying that the people on the rail are bullies, read through this thread and see the behavior exhibited here towards them. Not very nice I would say.
what came first? the bullying, manipulating the system for the same people to get rail every show or the people here calling them names?
i asked before and no one answered me. Don't you think the same people getting the rail at every show is selfish behavior on their part? like they 'have' to be there. When you 'have' to do something every time and keep others from enjoying the same benefit its just selfish behavior is it not? try to convince me those that are there every night on the rail aren't being selfish.
How is it keeping anyone from enjoying the same benefit. People keep insinuating that. Everyone here has the same opportunity to get the rail. Just get in line early. No one is barricading or blocking anyone from doing that. During this tour I have been anywhere from number 8 in the GA line to number 30. It depends when I show up. When I do, I take my place in line. No one is keeping anyone from doing anything. I never got a rail until 2022 when I decided I wanted to try it. I got there early, everyone was really nice and I got my first rail. No one stopped me or blocked me from getting in line. I plan these tours well in advance. I take the appropriate vacation time, etc. Getting in line early is not manipulating the system. The emails that 10C sends out explicitly states that GA is first come, first served. So, come first. We'd love to have you. That is all it takes.
Yup, all true. Only issues could be that:
1) a group of 12 (that becomes more than 24 by the time the doors open) does indeed block people out as they coordinate. But still people can show up earlier... of course this leads me to 2) the venue states no lining up before a time, and yet a group decided where a pre-line starts....they could (and often do I imagine) have alignment with the venue itself I imagine. But that certainly is different then the communicated rules.
Again, I don't personally care as I am not likely to want to camp out as long as they do (I've been very happy with where I am able to get without that effort).
Have they ever done “in the round” shows? Any downside to it? Seems like that could solve a lot of problems.
If entire floor is GA, rail spots are basically doubled. Can even do GA close to the stage and seating behind it on both sides. Or just entire floor GA. The worst seats in the house would be better with the stage in the center.
Saw Metallica in the round in Philly a few years back. When we walked in, one side of the floor was packed, other wide open so we just went over there and had a great spot. Was also up top for a Roger waters show like that and view was great. I’m sure there are some downsides but I can’t think of any
Just imagine if Mike had a doughnut-style stage to run laps around.
And the venue staff should probably be checking the wristbands better. It's a huge fire hazard to overcrowd the GA area. Be happy you're there. You aren't gonna die because you don't sneak into the pit.
Post edited by Lost In Ohio on
Presidential Advice from President-Elect Mike McCready: "Are you getting something out of this all encompassing trip?"
How many of the 'seat trades' and fan to fan are to and from people within the group who camp out all the time? (cartel)
People look, search, beg, borrow, and steal for GA tickets and most times come up short.
I am not one of the people in "the group", I have met some of them and they have been great folks to hang out with and chat about PJ with while at shows, which is why we are all here anyway. That said, I have traded GAs on this tour twice successfully, we shared log in info to do it. It took mostly luck and being in the right thread at the right time, and a little mutual respect and trust. The only reason I have been able to enjoy GA tickets, aside from already mentioned luck, was due to the relationships I have made through these boards and meeting people in line at shows. Its counterintuitive to blast all "those people" that have community here in the boards and know each other and that have extra ticket or even know someone with extra tickets (that you might be able to trade them for) and then wonder why its hard to get any of the rest of the folks here to want to help you.
So If I complain, the cartel shuts me out. If I smile and insist everything is great, maybe I get cut in. Sounds like politics.
I never called people names, made threats, or anything like that. I do believe pearl jame and 10c owe us a better system.
Honestly I don't give a shit anymore. I stopped going to shows when everything became about mega lines for city specific merch and camping out for better seats.
How many of the 'seat trades' and fan to fan are to and from people within the group who camp out all the time? (cartel)
People look, search, beg, borrow, and steal for GA tickets and most times come up short.
I am not one of the people in "the group", I have met some of them and they have been great folks to hang out with and chat about PJ with while at shows, which is why we are all here anyway. That said, I have traded GAs on this tour twice successfully, we shared log in info to do it. It took mostly luck and being in the right thread at the right time, and a little mutual respect and trust. The only reason I have been able to enjoy GA tickets, aside from already mentioned luck, was due to the relationships I have made through these boards and meeting people in line at shows. Its counterintuitive to blast all "those people" that have community here in the boards and know each other and that have extra ticket or even know someone with extra tickets (that you might be able to trade them for) and then wonder why its hard to get any of the rest of the folks here to want to help you.
So If I complain, the cartel shuts me out. If I smile and insist everything is great, maybe I get cut in. Sounds like politics.
Honestly I don't give a shit anymore. I stopped going to shows when everything became about mega lines for city specific merch and camping out for better seats.
Honestly that's a bit of a weird reason as you don't have to do any of that
How many of the 'seat trades' and fan to fan are to and from people within the group who camp out all the time? (cartel)
People look, search, beg, borrow, and steal for GA tickets and most times come up short.
I am not one of the people in "the group", I have met some of them and they have been great folks to hang out with and chat about PJ with while at shows, which is why we are all here anyway. That said, I have traded GAs on this tour twice successfully, we shared log in info to do it. It took mostly luck and being in the right thread at the right time, and a little mutual respect and trust. The only reason I have been able to enjoy GA tickets, aside from already mentioned luck, was due to the relationships I have made through these boards and meeting people in line at shows. Its counterintuitive to blast all "those people" that have community here in the boards and know each other and that have extra ticket or even know someone with extra tickets (that you might be able to trade them for) and then wonder why its hard to get any of the rest of the folks here to want to help you.
So If I complain, the cartel shuts me out. If I smile and insist everything is great, maybe I get cut in. Sounds like politics.
Honestly I don't give a shit anymore. I stopped going to shows when everything became about mega lines for city specific merch and camping out for better seats.
Honestly that's a bit of a weird reason as you don't have to do any of that
That's part of it. GA in general took away enjoyment. I'm a mid number, was always able to get decent seats. GA degrades my seat draw into bad areas (and tix are $$$ now). I don't like GA, my wife and I are shorter than average. I did not like stadium/ballpark shows. Also no shows in striking distance of me. And honestly, probably saw the band too many times and it brought diminishing returns. Plus... probably the most important reason: young kids
The next time I go will probably be close to home (hopefully) and I'll bring my son.
Show days should be about fun, not about standing in lines wherever you go and competing for the closest spot. I even find it weird that people think they deserve a spot at the rail because they camped out. We all have our story why we like the band and the people we met through them. We all save money and vacation time for that occasion. We all potentially deserve to be in the front. We all deserve to have the max amount of fun. I hope the front row lottery returns. Imagine you have a hometown show and work until an hour before. And then you go and get the biggest surprise. That would be fantastic.
And if you are not at your precious rail, let me tell you - you can have a blast at a show in any spot, even in the second to last row behind the stage. Because it's freaking Pearl Jam.
Please, Pearl Jam, consider a Benaroya Hall vinyl reissue!
Show days should be about fun, not about standing in lines wherever you go and competing for the closest spot. I even find it weird that people think they deserve a spot at the rail because they camped out. We all have our story why we like the band and the people we met through them. We all save money and vacation time for that occasion. We all potentially deserve to be in the front. We all deserve to have the max amount of fun. I hope the front row lottery returns. Imagine you have a hometown show and work until an hour before. And then you go and get the biggest surprise. That would be fantastic.
And if you are not at your precious rail, let me tell you - you can have a blast at a show in any spot, even in the second to last row behind the stage. Because it's freaking Pearl Jam.
Show days should be about fun, not about standing in lines wherever you go and competing for the closest spot. I even find it weird that people think they deserve a spot at the rail because they camped out. We all have our story why we like the band and the people we met through them. We all save money and vacation time for that occasion. We all potentially deserve to be in the front. We all deserve to have the max amount of fun. I hope the front row lottery returns. Imagine you have a hometown show and work until an hour before. And then you go and get the biggest surprise. That would be fantastic.
And if you are not at your precious rail, let me tell you - you can have a blast at a show in any spot, even in the second to last row behind the stage. Because it's freaking Pearl Jam.
Yeah, this system isn't flawed. I know people who have stood at the rail for the last 6 shows. In a lottery system.
I know people who haven't won the Pearl Jam lottery for tickets, in 10 years Not once.
Yeah this system isn't flawed.
This is the question I have. I don't have any ill will to anyone that is going to put in the effort to camp out and be in the first 20 people in line (as long as anyone and everyone who gets in that line gets their spot and isn't bumped down because they aren't in the friend group). I may think they are crazy to do this repeatedly for years, but that's not the issue.
The honest question I have is how do the same people get GA tix to every show in this lottery system. It's a mathematical improbability for everyone to get GA for every show. How does this happen? I have trouble believing that there isn't some gaming of the system going on here. Whether scalping their fanclub tickets to fund GA secondary market purchases or something else. I really genuinely would like to know. I do know that trying to get ten GA pairs for a random group of ten of us in here would be next to impossible without a thumb on the scale.
I remember when we are all just happy to get into the show. You got to choose one show to get Ten Club tickets to and it was incredible and if you didn’t get them you still had a blast. And you made friends hanging out at meetups exploring cool spots in new cities. This system of prelining up before the line is allowed to form and then sitting in line for days just makes the fanbase look embarrassing…
"What can you expect when you're on top? You know? It's like Napoleon. When he was the king, you know, people were just constantly trying to conquer him, you know, in the Roman Empire. So, it's history repeating itself all over again."
Yeah, this system isn't flawed. I know people who have stood at the rail for the last 6 shows. In a lottery system.
I know people who haven't won the Pearl Jam lottery for tickets, in 10 years Not once.
Yeah this system isn't flawed.
This is the question I have. I don't have any ill will to anyone that is going to put in the effort to camp out and be in the first 20 people in line (as long as anyone and everyone who gets in that line gets their spot and isn't bumped down because they aren't in the friend group). I may think they are crazy to do this repeatedly for years, but that's not the issue.
The honest question I have is how do the same people get GA tix to every show in this lottery system. It's a mathematical improbability for everyone to get GA for every show. How does this happen? I have trouble believing that there isn't some gaming of the system going on here. Whether scalping their fanclub tickets to fund GA secondary market purchases or something else. I really genuinely would like to know. I do know that trying to get ten GA pairs for a random group of ten of us in here would be next to impossible without a thumb on the scale.
I’ve posed this same question. The math just doesn’t compute.
Yeah, this system isn't flawed. I know people who have stood at the rail for the last 6 shows. In a lottery system.
I know people who haven't won the Pearl Jam lottery for tickets, in 10 years Not once.
Yeah this system isn't flawed.
This is the question I have. I don't have any ill will to anyone that is going to put in the effort to camp out and be in the first 20 people in line (as long as anyone and everyone who gets in that line gets their spot and isn't bumped down because they aren't in the friend group). I may think they are crazy to do this repeatedly for years, but that's not the issue.
The honest question I have is how do the same people get GA tix to every show in this lottery system. It's a mathematical improbability for everyone to get GA for every show. How does this happen? I have trouble believing that there isn't some gaming of the system going on here. Whether scalping their fanclub tickets to fund GA secondary market purchases or something else. I really genuinely would like to know. I do know that trying to get ten GA pairs for a random group of ten of us in here would be next to impossible without a thumb on the scale.
I’ve posed this same question. The math just doesn’t compute.
I think if someone is willing to sit on a city street for 40 hours you might be underestimating their will to grind out getting GA tickets. It's not thaaat hard especially if you know a bunch of people.
I think if someone is willing to sit on a city street for 40 hours you might be underestimating their will to grind out getting GA tickets. It's not thaaat hard especially if you know a bunch of people.
Tell that to the MANY on here that have been grinding for tix (GA, upgrades or otherwise) for months. It's pretty hard this tour.
I think if someone is willing to sit on a city street for 40 hours you might be underestimating their will to grind out getting GA tickets. It's not thaaat hard especially if you know a bunch of people.
Tell that to the MANY on here that have been grinding for tix (GA, upgrades or otherwise) for months. It's pretty hard this tour.
I think if someone is willing to sit on a city street for 40 hours you might be underestimating their will to grind out getting GA tickets. It's not thaaat hard especially if you know a bunch of people.
Tell that to the MANY on here that have been grinding for tix (GA, upgrades or otherwise) for months. It's pretty hard this tour.
Comments
And all the "angels" of the 10club will be up against the rail.
Till there aint nothing left worth taking away from me.....
2006: Washington, D.C.
2008: Washington, D.C.
2010: Bristow, VA
2013: Baltimore, MD
2016: Hampton, VA
2020: Baltimore, MD
2023: Noblesville, IN TBD
2024: Seattle, WA N1 and N2 - Indianapolis, IN- Baltimore, MD
2025: Hollywood, FL N2
2006: Washington, D.C.
2008: Washington, D.C.
2010: Bristow, VA
2013: Baltimore, MD
2016: Hampton, VA
2020: Baltimore, MD
2023: Noblesville, IN TBD
2024: Seattle, WA N1 and N2 - Indianapolis, IN- Baltimore, MD
2025: Hollywood, FL N2
i asked before and no one answered me. Don't you think the same people getting the rail at every show is selfish behavior on their part? like they 'have' to be there. When you 'have' to do something every time and keep others from enjoying the same benefit its just selfish behavior is it not? try to convince me those that are there every night on the rail aren't being selfish.
That being said if they made the two first rows $1000 a ticket VIP. Is that fair? It certainly rules out a lot of people quite possibly all of the current rail people.
By needing to be there camping out for two nights it essentially does the same thing. Whether it’s work obligations, family obligations or a combination of a lot of things they just can’t do that. So no it’s not just lining up “early”. It’s a multiple night commitment.
Thats me in the red and white hat in your picture. I am sure we could talk about your fun vs my fun, but I will tell you this. That day, in this picture, was one where I had more fun that I have had in quite some time. That fun was due to a few things, but most if which revolved around my relationships that I have developed (in a very short time, comparatively, I might add) here on these boards and in GA lines and in the area that I am in while in GA during the show. I stayed at the MIA N2 with a line buddy i made last year in Seattle, I was joined on show day by a friend that I would now consider one of my better friends in life that I made during the 2023 tour futzing with the 10C upgrade game here on the boards, he now gets xmas cards from me and my family! Dont worry duder, Ill get the M this show to complete the set!!!!
Out of that same cancelled Indy show, came a friendship that I made in the rescheduled show with a couple standing next to me that had an intense moment when Ed sang Setting Sun to her, like literally to her, it was incredible. Even crazier still, I didnt get their contact info when I left, and had been looking for them ever since. Fast forward to MIA N2 GA line. I got in line at like, 1:30 or 2. Low and behold, there was that couple, we reconnected and shared that moment all over again, we had been looking for each other ever since. I now have their contact info, and we have been texting almost daily ever since. I have not even touched my experience at the Seattle shows last year (that might be another post for another day), both in GA, both where I was in line very early and was able to meet some of the people that are being blasted here. Most of whom, at least the ones I have met, have either been very nice, very helpful or both! Are some of those folks shy/uninterested in talking to me/or otherwise havent met, yes! AM I mad at them, no! Are there going to be people that are misunderstood, yes! Are there people that have an advantage that I may not for whatever reason, yes! Are there some that might be a$$hats, maybe? Do I fault them for playing the game and winning, no! It isn't their fault, its the system we have all been given. But I have made the best of it, and I am glad that I have, because I have made lasting friendships as a result of it all! Is that your fun, doesnt sound like it, but Im not busting your balls for it, nor do I feel bad for you, as a matter of fact, I love you man!! I get it, the system def sucks, and I hate parts about it for sure. I wish I didnt have to camp out early to get the spot that I want. i wish I didnt have to F5 to get a great seat or GA. But I have accepted it and have made the best of it!!!
To all of you out there that may know me from the shows, I love you guys, thanks for all the fun we have had together and I look forward to seeing you all again at all future shows that I attend!!! In the GA line, the merch line, on the floor, in the stands, wherever it is, I just want to have a blast and share it with like minded people while we all still can! Life is too short. Go enjoy each other, however you want to, without judgement!
To All the Jasons, especially you Jason (thanks for being my ticket and line buddy). To Shaun (we slapped high fives in the hotel lobby in Seattle and thats all she wrote, thanks for being my GA and line buddy as well in Seattle). To Jonathan (MY MAN, thanks brother, for all of it, its been a blast and I cannot wait for the next time we can hang). To John and Patricia (so glad we reconnected). To Jeremy (keep ballin on that rail dude!). To Sean, the baller (thanks for the help in Indy last year, hope to see you up font in Pitt)! To Mo and Chrissy (had a blast in line in Miami!!!). To Jason, Lara and CODA!!! (thanks for sharing an unforgettable experience in Seattle). To Monika and Kat (thanks for giving us the rail for even flow in Seattle). To Auburn (thanks for sharing the moments, I hope we get to finally meet in Pitt). To Kevin (hope to see you in Pitt as well) To Paddy (youre the man! hope you got home safe from Miami) To the random dude I met while in the merch line in Seattle that played football against my alma mater, thanks. To Demetrios (i got some merch for ya, thanks and hope to see you next tour!) To all of you I am most certainly forgetting or didn't get your names, thanks, its been a fXXking blast! I cant wait to make more memories with all of you. I love Pearl Jam, and I love the experiences that this has all afforded me, I am grateful!
SHAUN AND JASON...PITT HERE WE COME!!!! See yall in a few days!!!!
So many other thoughts related and stories i could tell and people i have met and shared time with, but I will stop with the above!
2006: Washington, D.C.
2008: Washington, D.C.
2010: Bristow, VA
2013: Baltimore, MD
2016: Hampton, VA
2020: Baltimore, MD
2023: Noblesville, IN TBD
2024: Seattle, WA N1 and N2 - Indianapolis, IN- Baltimore, MD
2025: Hollywood, FL N2
1) a group of 12 (that becomes more than 24 by the time the doors open) does indeed block people out as they coordinate. But still people can show up earlier... of course this leads me to
2) the venue states no lining up before a time, and yet a group decided where a pre-line starts....they could (and often do I imagine) have alignment with the venue itself I imagine. But that certainly is different then the communicated rules.
Again, I don't personally care as I am not likely to want to camp out as long as they do (I've been very happy with where I am able to get without that effort).
Just imagine if Mike had a doughnut-style stage to run laps around.
And the venue staff should probably be checking the wristbands better. It's a huge fire hazard to overcrowd the GA area. Be happy you're there. You aren't gonna die because you don't sneak into the pit.
I never called people names, made threats, or anything like that. I do believe pearl jame and 10c owe us a better system.
Honestly I don't give a shit anymore. I stopped going to shows when everything became about mega lines for city specific merch and camping out for better seats.
I know people who have stood at the rail for the last 6 shows. In a lottery system.
I know people who haven't won the Pearl Jam lottery for tickets, in 10 years
Not once.
Yeah this system isn't flawed.
Till there aint nothing left worth taking away from me.....
I did not like stadium/ballpark shows. Also no shows in striking distance of me. And honestly, probably saw the band too many times and it brought diminishing returns. Plus... probably the most important reason: young kids
The next time I go will probably be close to home (hopefully) and I'll bring my son.
"...I changed by not changing at all..."
The honest question I have is how do the same people get GA tix to every show in this lottery system. It's a mathematical improbability for everyone to get GA for every show. How does this happen? I have trouble believing that there isn't some gaming of the system going on here. Whether scalping their fanclub tickets to fund GA secondary market purchases or something else. I really genuinely would like to know. I do know that trying to get ten GA pairs for a random group of ten of us in here would be next to impossible without a thumb on the scale.
2010: Newark 5/18 MSG 5/20-21 2011: PJ20 9/3-4 2012: Made In America 9/2
2013: Brooklyn 10/18-19 Philly 10/21-22 Hartford 10/25 2014: ACL10/12
2015: NYC 9/23 2016: Tampa 4/11 Philly 4/28-29 MSG 5/1-2 Fenway 8/5+8/7
2017: RRHoF 4/7 2018: Fenway 9/2+9/4 2021: Sea Hear Now 9/18
2022: MSG 9/11 2024: MSG 9/3-4 Philly 9/7+9/9 Fenway 9/15+9/17
2025: Pittsburgh 5/16+5/18