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CONCERT Question for people that have been to several shows

pearljamtrojanspearljamtrojans Posts: 101
edited May 2009 in The Porch
I've seen PJ and/or EV various times over the years and have simply become more into the band each and every year...my question is with a hopeful big tour coming up, for people that have seen a lot of shows, which would be better:

A) Spend a lot of money on seats as close as I get (unless I am lucky enough to get such seats through 10C) OR

B) Go to as many shows as possible...

Trying to plan the best way to stretch my money for PJ, especially with my first baby due in a month...need to pick up a PJ onesie soon. Have a good holiday weekend and thanks in advance for your input.
Adampharris
1992: Phoenix, Desert Sky Pavilion
1998: RFK Stadium -- Tibetan Freedom
1998: Great Western Forum I
2000: Greek Theater
2006: Great Western Forum I
2008: The Wiltern (EV SOLO)
2008: VH1 The Who Tribute
2009: LA I, LA III, SD
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Comments

  • LukinFanLukinFan Florida Posts: 29,070
    the closest I ever sat was 3rd row in Birmingham 98- which kicked ass, but it's not even in my top 5 PJ concerts ever attended. Not that the night didn't kick ass, because it did, but others were even better.

    Save your money and go to as many as possible
    www.RLMcDaniel.com

    1996: Ft Lauderdale
    1998: Birmingham
    2000: Charlotte, Tampa
    2003: Tampa, Atlanta, Phoenix
    2004: Kissimmee
    2008: West Palm Beach, Bonnaroo, Columbia
    2010: MSG2
    2012: Music Midtown
    2014: Memphis
    2016: Ft. Lauderdale, Miami, Jacksonville, JazzFest
    2018: Wrigley 1, Fenway 1
    2022: Nashville
    2023: Ft. Worth II
    2024: Baltimore

    Upcoming: 2025 Hollywood, FL Night 2
  • CJMST3KCJMST3K Posts: 9,722
    Hmm... You'll have a ton of people saying "anywhere in the house is great", and that's fine for them. I've been front row, and I've been much farther away. I'd say if you are within the first 2/3 of the building away from the stage, you'll have a good enough view to enjoy the show. Further away... I might recommend finding closer tickets. I'm sure others disagree with me, but that's my POV. :)
    ADD 5,200 to the post count you see, thank you. :)
    *NYC 9/28/96 *NYC 9/29/96 *NJ 9/8/98 (front row "may i play drums with you")
    *MSG 9/10/98 (backstage) *MSG 9/11/98 (backstage)
    *Jones Beach 8/23/00 *Jones Beach 8/24/00 *Jones Beach 8/25/00
    *Mansfield 8/29/00 *Mansfield 8/30/00 *Nassau 4/30/03 *Nissan VA 7/1/03
    *Borgata 10/1/05 *Camden 5/27/06 *Camden 5/28/06 *DC 5/30/06
    *VA Beach 6/17/08 *DC 6/22/08 *MSG 6/24/08 (backstage) *MSG 6/25/08
    *EV DC 8/17/08 *EV Baltimore 6/15/09 *Philly 10/31/09
    *Bristow VA 5/13/10 *MSG 5/20/10 *MSG 5/21/10
  • BinFrogBinFrog MA Posts: 7,309
    B.
    Bright eyed kid: "Wow Typo Man, you're the best!"
    Typo Man: "Thanks kidz, but remembir, stay in skool!"
  • megatronmegatron Posts: 3,420
    just gotta see as many as possible.

    i was way out on the lawn in west palm and had a blast..then i got lucky on some late ticket releases the day before columbia and was pretty close. didn't make a difference. both were amazing.
  • The RockThe Rock Posts: 1,439
    I've been to 11 shows, and one of my absolute favourites was Lisbon night 2 in 2006. We were halfway back on the floor and our view was often obstructed but we had the absolute time of our lives. The atmosphere around us was incredible and we had a great view of the whole place when the lights came on at the end during Rockin' in the Free World.

    If you can afford to go to 2 or 3 shows, then I'd recommend that. Being right at the front doesn't necessarily mean you'll have a great show.
    2006: London Astoria, Lisbon I & II, Paris, Verona, Milano
    2007: Wembley, Dusseldorf, Copenhagen, Nijmegen
    2009: Manchester
    2010: Belfast, Berlin
    2012: Manchester I & II
    2014: Leeds, Milton Keynes
    2018: Amsterdam I, Prague, Krakow, Berlin, Barcelona, London
    2022: Berlin, Budapest, Krakow, Amsterdam II
  • Ryan_WFCRyan_WFC Posts: 1,350
    Split the difference -- get cheaper tickets to as many shows as possible, but get to said shows early and try to hustle a great ticket.
    "They said ... timing was everything
    made him ... want to be everywhere
    there's a ... lot to be said for nowhere."
  • QuarterToTenQuarterToTen Cincinnati, Ohio Posts: 3,642
    BinFrog wrote:
    B.

    definitely.

    this is one instance where quantity overrides quality, as far as your seat location is concerned, who cares?

    each show is a unique experience, so why not have that experience as much as you possibly can.

    the Chicago shows will be 21 and 22 for me.
    Nice shirt.
  • usamamasan1usamamasan1 Posts: 4,695
    B

    sometimes I prefer a different experience and that would be NOT having good seats... ;)
  • Mike GossardMike Gossard Posts: 344
    My thought is that you should stretch it out for a few shows, but your last show you should spring for some great seats. I did this for my 2006 tour. Saw them twice in LA through the fanclub and twice at the Gorge.One show was ten club and one was some ticket broker. I got 5th row tickets and a parking pass and access to the Gorge VIP club thingy. So I would say a little of both. Sat right next to the couple from Montana on the first night 2006 that I sat next to in 2005, send me a PM if your out there.

    All the shows were amazing
    Let's see those 2013 dates in the southern states.
  • CJMST3KCJMST3K Posts: 9,722
    Ryan_WFC wrote:
    Split the difference -- get cheaper tickets to as many shows as possible, but get to said shows early and try to hustle a great ticket.


    That's a pretty good idea. OR figure one show to get GREAT closeup tickets to (maybe a not so populated area so the ticket price will be lower) and get an up-close experience for one show, and the others, just be where ever you can find tickets at face value.
    ADD 5,200 to the post count you see, thank you. :)
    *NYC 9/28/96 *NYC 9/29/96 *NJ 9/8/98 (front row "may i play drums with you")
    *MSG 9/10/98 (backstage) *MSG 9/11/98 (backstage)
    *Jones Beach 8/23/00 *Jones Beach 8/24/00 *Jones Beach 8/25/00
    *Mansfield 8/29/00 *Mansfield 8/30/00 *Nassau 4/30/03 *Nissan VA 7/1/03
    *Borgata 10/1/05 *Camden 5/27/06 *Camden 5/28/06 *DC 5/30/06
    *VA Beach 6/17/08 *DC 6/22/08 *MSG 6/24/08 (backstage) *MSG 6/25/08
    *EV DC 8/17/08 *EV Baltimore 6/15/09 *Philly 10/31/09
    *Bristow VA 5/13/10 *MSG 5/20/10 *MSG 5/21/10
  • Ryan_WFCRyan_WFC Posts: 1,350
    The only problem with trying to do that ahead of time is 10-C has the vast majority of "great" tickets.
    "They said ... timing was everything
    made him ... want to be everywhere
    there's a ... lot to be said for nowhere."
  • BinFrogBinFrog MA Posts: 7,309
    34 shows. I've been 2nd row several times, and I've been on the lawn or far back in the arena several times. It's all about the vibe of the show and the energy around you. Sometimes the electricity is through the roof when you are a little farther back. Plus at this point, we all know what the band looks like. Making eye contact with the band is cool and all, but the most important reason you are at a show is the music itself. If you can somehow score great tix via 10C or the ticket window, kick ass! But if you get "stuck" with mediocre seats, just enjoy the ride.
    Bright eyed kid: "Wow Typo Man, you're the best!"
    Typo Man: "Thanks kidz, but remembir, stay in skool!"
  • PJBuckeyePJBuckeye Posts: 1,102
    The only way to get close is GA shows. So go to a festival and wait all day. I don't know if the best seats are even available on the secondary market. But I have never looked. So go with quantity and try one of the two fests this year to get close.
    Chicago 6/29/98 - Nashville 8/17/00 - Cleveland 4/25/03- Chicago 6/18/03
    Chicago 5/16/06 - Milwaukee 6/30/06 - Bonnaroo 6/14/08 - Milwaukee (EV)8/19/08
    Chicago 8/23/09 - St. Louis 5/4/10 - East Troy 9/3/11 - East Troy 9/4/11
    Minor League Park 7/19/13 - Milwaukee 10-20-14 - Bonnaroo 6/11/16
    Minor League Park 8/20/16 - Minor League Park 8/22/16
    Minor League Park 8/18/18 - Minor League Park 8/20/18 - Los Angeles 4/16/20
  • BeerBaronBeerBaron Toronto-ish Posts: 4,097
    Definitely B.

    If you can be lucky enough to catch one of the "special shows" where the band is just having fun and playing an odd setlist, it doesn't matter where you are sitting. But in order to increase your chances of being at a show like that, you have do go to multiple shows. You can never pick them out before the tour starts, they just happen.

    There aren't too many people that can claim to have predicted that Grand Rapids would have been the show it turned out to be in 2006.

    And there aren't too many people who, if given the chance to see only 1 show in 2008, would have picked Hartford or Columbia, both of which turned out to be amazing setlists.

    Same goes for Ottawa & London in 2005, Dusseldorf in 2007, Newcastle in 2006, Buffalo in 2003 ... you just never know when one of those amazing shows is about to happen.
    1996: Toronto 1998: Barrie 2000: Saratoga Springs 2003: Buffalo, Toronto 2005: Kitchener, London, Hamilton, Montreal, Ottawa, Toronto 2006: Toronto x2, Cleveland, Detroit, Pittsburgh, Cincinnati, Gorge #1 2007: London, Dusseldorf, Vic, Lolla 2008: WPB, Tampa, DC, MSG x2, Hartford, Boston x2, Beacon 2009: Toronto, Chicago x2, Seattle x2, LA #3&4, San Diego, Philly x4 2010: Cleveland, Buffalo, Hartford 2011: Montreal, Toronto x2, Hamilton 2012: Missoula 2013: London, Wrigley, Pittsburgh, Buffalo, Hartford, Dallas, OKC
  • SPEEDY MCCREADYSPEEDY MCCREADY Posts: 25,872
    pearljamtrojans wrote:
    I've seen PJ and/or EV various times over the years and have simply become more into the band each and every year...my question is with a hopeful big tour coming up, for people that have seen a lot of shows, which would be better:

    A) Spend a lot of money on seats as close as I get (unless I am lucky enough to get such seats through 10C) OR

    B) Go to as many shows as possible...

    Trying to plan the best way to stretch my money for PJ, especially with my first baby due in a month...need to pick up a PJ onesie soon. Have a good holiday weekend and thanks in advance for your input.
    well...

    im going to be in the minority here....

    but i say go for the better seats and see fewer shows.....

    For a few years i went to as many shows as i possibly could....and after a while the shows and the experience became real boring and repetitive.....
    Take me piece by piece.....
    Till there aint nothing left worth taking away from me.....
  • LukinFanLukinFan Florida Posts: 29,070
    PJBuckeye wrote:
    The only way to get close is GA shows. So go to a festival and wait all day. I don't know if the best seats are even available on the secondary market. But I have never looked. So go with quantity and try one of the two fests this year to get close.
    not even wait all day if you go to Roo :mrgreen:
    www.RLMcDaniel.com

    1996: Ft Lauderdale
    1998: Birmingham
    2000: Charlotte, Tampa
    2003: Tampa, Atlanta, Phoenix
    2004: Kissimmee
    2008: West Palm Beach, Bonnaroo, Columbia
    2010: MSG2
    2012: Music Midtown
    2014: Memphis
    2016: Ft. Lauderdale, Miami, Jacksonville, JazzFest
    2018: Wrigley 1, Fenway 1
    2022: Nashville
    2023: Ft. Worth II
    2024: Baltimore

    Upcoming: 2025 Hollywood, FL Night 2
  • CJMST3KCJMST3K Posts: 9,722
    Ryan_WFC wrote:
    The only problem with trying to do that ahead of time is 10-C has the vast majority of "great" tickets.

    True, but let say this guy buys 2 tickets to Show A on TM and 2 tickets to Show B on TM. He can then ask a low TC member if they're interested in swapping 2 100xxx TC tickets for his four TM tickets. For those TC members who say "see more shows", that would be a good deal for them since they're in the house for 2 shows instead of the 1 they paid for. :)


    BTW - Great tickets are ALWAYS released day of show at arenas (Not so sure about amphitheaters though).
    ADD 5,200 to the post count you see, thank you. :)
    *NYC 9/28/96 *NYC 9/29/96 *NJ 9/8/98 (front row "may i play drums with you")
    *MSG 9/10/98 (backstage) *MSG 9/11/98 (backstage)
    *Jones Beach 8/23/00 *Jones Beach 8/24/00 *Jones Beach 8/25/00
    *Mansfield 8/29/00 *Mansfield 8/30/00 *Nassau 4/30/03 *Nissan VA 7/1/03
    *Borgata 10/1/05 *Camden 5/27/06 *Camden 5/28/06 *DC 5/30/06
    *VA Beach 6/17/08 *DC 6/22/08 *MSG 6/24/08 (backstage) *MSG 6/25/08
    *EV DC 8/17/08 *EV Baltimore 6/15/09 *Philly 10/31/09
    *Bristow VA 5/13/10 *MSG 5/20/10 *MSG 5/21/10
  • dirtyFrank222dirtyFrank222 Posts: 124
    More shows more memories I go quanity over quality
  • BinFrogBinFrog MA Posts: 7,309
    Every tour I try to hit up 5-6 shows in a row (which is easy if you live in the northeast of course). I find you are almost guaranteed 1 stellar show, and lots of cool moments/rarities if you go that route. Mini-tours are just so much freaking fun.
    Bright eyed kid: "Wow Typo Man, you're the best!"
    Typo Man: "Thanks kidz, but remembir, stay in skool!"
  • PegasusPegasus Posts: 3,754
    a) I NEVER buy for more than face on principle..to the point of not going to a show.
    b) there's always spare 10c to be found (if you didn't get your own) at regular shows that put you in reasonable distance from the stage (though possibly too far for my 'liking' but then I'm used to GA shows and being within 10 yards of the stage..without queuing for non PJ shows..)...that's not even counting you can get your own 10c ticket (in the south, even with crap numbers should get you something reason.
    c) I'm doing multiple shows as much for the trip with friends as for seeing the band.

    so you can guess the answer..

    CJMST3K your scenario is a) highly unlikely (someone with a good 10c number is not likely to want to swap for a crappy TM one even on 2-1) and b) against 10c rules.
  • BeerBaronBeerBaron Toronto-ish Posts: 4,097
    BinFrog wrote:
    Every tour I try to hit up 5-6 shows in a row (which is easy if you live in the northeast of course). I find you are almost guaranteed 1 stellar show, and lots of cool moments/rarities if you go that route. Mini-tours are just so much freaking fun.
    that is definitely the way to go. Try to get at least 3 in a row. Usually every group of 3 shows has at least one very good show and every show has something special about it...
    1996: Toronto 1998: Barrie 2000: Saratoga Springs 2003: Buffalo, Toronto 2005: Kitchener, London, Hamilton, Montreal, Ottawa, Toronto 2006: Toronto x2, Cleveland, Detroit, Pittsburgh, Cincinnati, Gorge #1 2007: London, Dusseldorf, Vic, Lolla 2008: WPB, Tampa, DC, MSG x2, Hartford, Boston x2, Beacon 2009: Toronto, Chicago x2, Seattle x2, LA #3&4, San Diego, Philly x4 2010: Cleveland, Buffalo, Hartford 2011: Montreal, Toronto x2, Hamilton 2012: Missoula 2013: London, Wrigley, Pittsburgh, Buffalo, Hartford, Dallas, OKC
  • CJMST3KCJMST3K Posts: 9,722
    Pegasus wrote:

    CJMST3K your scenario is a) highly unlikely (someone with a good 10c number is not likely to want to swap for a crappy TM one even on 2-1) and b) against 10c rules.


    Good point about the 2 for 1.

    ...and as far as the people not wanting to give up their TC tickets, that's true, but so many on this board say something like "every seat is great", so in that case those people shouldn't mind swapping to "help a brother out". :D
    ADD 5,200 to the post count you see, thank you. :)
    *NYC 9/28/96 *NYC 9/29/96 *NJ 9/8/98 (front row "may i play drums with you")
    *MSG 9/10/98 (backstage) *MSG 9/11/98 (backstage)
    *Jones Beach 8/23/00 *Jones Beach 8/24/00 *Jones Beach 8/25/00
    *Mansfield 8/29/00 *Mansfield 8/30/00 *Nassau 4/30/03 *Nissan VA 7/1/03
    *Borgata 10/1/05 *Camden 5/27/06 *Camden 5/28/06 *DC 5/30/06
    *VA Beach 6/17/08 *DC 6/22/08 *MSG 6/24/08 (backstage) *MSG 6/25/08
    *EV DC 8/17/08 *EV Baltimore 6/15/09 *Philly 10/31/09
    *Bristow VA 5/13/10 *MSG 5/20/10 *MSG 5/21/10
  • decides2dreamdecides2dream Posts: 14,977
    pearljamtrojans wrote:
    I've seen PJ and/or EV various times over the years and have simply become more into the band each and every year...my question is with a hopeful big tour coming up, for people that have seen a lot of shows, which would be better:

    A) Spend a lot of money on seats as close as I get (unless I am lucky enough to get such seats through 10C) OR

    B) Go to as many shows as possible...

    Trying to plan the best way to stretch my money for PJ, especially with my first baby due in a month...need to pick up a PJ onesie soon. Have a good holiday weekend and thanks in advance for your input.


    me, i'd choose as many shows as possible. it's great being close. but i think it's even greater to experience as much live pj as you can. given how much they mix up each show, the crowd energy, the vibe....can be so vastly different, even in the same venue one night apart.....some epic shows! of course, additional shows usually require travel, so definitely figure the time and $$$ for that in your budget. for me personally, 3-5 in a span of 2 weeks is really my *limit*....for choosing to fund, and also for full enjoyment. i saw pj 8 times in 2006.....but it was 3 times in the US...then a big break of a few months....and then 5x in italy over the course of 2 weeks. that was the single busiest pj year i've had and i loved every minute of it, especially the shows in italy. however, that fifth show in 2 weeks, i was completely satiated, happy....done. i think 3 shows in a week is my *ideal* fix, especially a 2 -nighter, back-to-back in the same venue. great energy, and sure, keeps travel costs down too. i am seeing one ed solo show and holding out hope that i can manage 1 pj show this year. leaner times, less travel for me...plus the timing of shows......but still hoping........



    bottomline....ENJOY what you can.....congratulations on the impending birth of your first child!.....and definitely get a onesie for the little one!
    Stay with me...
    Let's just breathe...


    I am myself like you somehow


  • Ryan_WFCRyan_WFC Posts: 1,350
    decides2dream wrote:
    me, i'd choose as many shows as possible. it's great being close. but i think it's even greater to experience as much live pj as you can.

    I expected you to say you'd wait for a physical copy of the show.

    ;)
    "They said ... timing was everything
    made him ... want to be everywhere
    there's a ... lot to be said for nowhere."
  • cowboypjfancowboypjfan Posts: 2,453
    A. The feeling of being in the first couple of rows is priceless, regardless of the set. I have been to over 60 shows and I would trade all of those in for 5 shows in the first row. That is just my opinion.
  • pearljamtrojanspearljamtrojans Posts: 101
    THANKS for all the great input, some great responses.

    I guess I should have prefaced it with maybe WHERE I have sat before...

    to recap a few of my most memorable shows off the top of my head...which as stated in other posts, it definitely depends on the vibe of the show..

    1) 92 Lollapalooza Phx - fairly close but different experience (i.e. mosh pit), as an eighth grader wearing doc martens (ha!)
    2) 98 LA Forum - about center court about halfway up - great vibe
    3) 98 Tibetan Freedom -- Lower bowl about 20 yard line -- festivals definitely diff't vibe than a PJ show
    4) 06 LA Forum - Back left of stage, cool when they turned around and sang Last Kiss (not my favorite PJ song, but cool that they turned around)
    5) EV 08 Wiltern - Last row, but unbelievable energy (awesome when Jack Irons and Ben Harper came out!)

    Have a good memorial weekend...
    Adampharris
    1992: Phoenix, Desert Sky Pavilion
    1998: RFK Stadium -- Tibetan Freedom
    1998: Great Western Forum I
    2000: Greek Theater
    2006: Great Western Forum I
    2008: The Wiltern (EV SOLO)
    2008: VH1 The Who Tribute
    2009: LA I, LA III, SD
  • pearljammerpearljammer Posts: 237
    I say try to find a middle ground. My first two shows I had terrible seats, even behind stage, but those concerts were awesome! Behind stage at GM Place in Vancouver was great, offered a different perspective of the band. The next time I had a chance to see PJ I went all out and saw 5 shows in a week. All with 10club seats, and some were shared with a 10clubber who had a way better number than I. I even got to sit front row in front of Mike in Saskatoon. Even so, I think the best place to sit at a PJ show is around 5-10 rows back, surrounded by fans. Try to get better than average seats to enough shows that your friends think you are crazy, thats the ticket!




    :D
    EvenFLOW PsYcHo #29

    ~ is your Pearl Jam cup half empty, or 1/2 Full?
  • PJBuckeyePJBuckeye Posts: 1,102
    LukinFan wrote:
    PJBuckeye wrote:
    The only way to get close is GA shows. So go to a festival and wait all day. I don't know if the best seats are even available on the secondary market. But I have never looked. So go with quantity and try one of the two fests this year to get close.
    not even wait all day if you go to Roo :mrgreen:

    Well, Roo was a little lame b/c I was the 4th person at the entrance of the What Stage that morning. But they wouldn't let us in until after 2. By then a huge crowd gathered. So it was a footrace to the front of the line. Luckily, I made friends with AtlantaJammer, because that boy is fast (I think he was a Marine). He got me a better spot in line.
    Chicago 6/29/98 - Nashville 8/17/00 - Cleveland 4/25/03- Chicago 6/18/03
    Chicago 5/16/06 - Milwaukee 6/30/06 - Bonnaroo 6/14/08 - Milwaukee (EV)8/19/08
    Chicago 8/23/09 - St. Louis 5/4/10 - East Troy 9/3/11 - East Troy 9/4/11
    Minor League Park 7/19/13 - Milwaukee 10-20-14 - Bonnaroo 6/11/16
    Minor League Park 8/20/16 - Minor League Park 8/22/16
    Minor League Park 8/18/18 - Minor League Park 8/20/18 - Los Angeles 4/16/20
  • flyinwhole313flyinwhole313 Posts: 1,651
    A. WHY? Because I refuse to sit in Lawn at any of these Amphitheaters. The sound often blows, and I want to see who I am there to see on stage, not on a big screen...Also, you tend to get more sober people in expensive seats, not the drunken douche bags puking and pissing on your back bullshit that I witnessed at EV Santa Cruz 2008 and PJ DC 2008, and several other PJ shows in various upper levels and lawns over the years...But I have only reached this conclusion recently...Great question BTW...
  • PureandEasyPureandEasy Posts: 5,815
    I have to go with B.

    I've been 2nd row and I've been waaaaaaaaaaay back, and I have to say one of the best shows EVER was the one where I was way back.

    It all depends on you, the individual. I've done three shows in a row and they've all been different

    But i must say, I was friggin' EXHAUSTED after those three shows. I don't know how bands do it.
    Don't come closer or I'll have to go
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