Wrigley Field - Backstage??

CrazyJazy · July 2013

First, I do not have backstage passes.

But, would there even be much of a backstage? Considering they have to erect a stage for this concert, I can't imagine there being much space back there at all.

Has anyone been backstage at other Wrigley concerts? I am guessing space back there is so limited, backstage passes are nearly impossible to come by.

pearljam133 · July 2013

I didn't know backstage passes were ever available for Wrigley.

smanchac1 · July 2013

Locker rooms... Backstage doesn't mean behind the stage

bgirl59 · July 2013

CrazyJazy wrote:

First, I do not have backstage passes.

But, would there even be much of a backstage? Considering they have to erect a stage for this concert, I can't imagine there being much space back there at all.

Has anyone been backstage at other Wrigley concerts? I am guessing space back there is so limited, backstage passes are nearly impossible to come by.

what other Wrigley Concerts? :?:

Pushin Forward Back · July 2013

speaking from personal experience "backstage" is a total overrated experience. Unless you have something to do with the production its boring as hell, everyone back there is doing a job! There is no open bar or pile of coke sitting around. You will never see the band as they clear hallways to bring them in and to and from stage and there is no way in hell you get into the artist's dressing rooms.

You dont get back stage pass unless you are part of the production crew or have a "in" with band or management and can get a guest pass or VIP which sometimes can give you side stage access.

They dont come to your job and bug the shit out of you, return the favor.

CrazyJazy · July 2013

Pushin Forward Back wrote:

speaking from personal experience "backstage" is a total overrated experience. Unless you have something to do with the production its boring as hell, everyone back there is doing a job! There is no open bar or pile of coke sitting around. You will never see the band as they clear hallways to bring them in and to and from stage and there is no way in hell you get into the artist's dressing rooms.

You dont get back stage pass unless you are part of the production crew or have a "in" with band or management and can get a guest pass or VIP which sometimes can give you side stage access.

They dont come to your job and bug the shit out of you, return the favor.

Having never been backstage, I had this vision of Stone and Jeff playing ping-pong and Eddie and Matt sitting on the couch while Mike was tuning his guitar. It's probably not exactly like that...

DriftingByTheStorm · July 2013

Pushin Forward Back wrote:

speaking from personal experience "backstage" is a total overrated experience. Unless you have something to do with the production its boring as hell, everyone back there is doing a job! There is no open bar or pile of coke sitting around. You will never see the band as they clear hallways to bring them in and to and from stage and there is no way in hell you get into the artist's dressing rooms.

You dont get back stage pass unless you are part of the production crew or have a "in" with band or management and can get a guest pass or VIP which sometimes can give you side stage access.

They dont come to your job and bug the shit out of you, return the favor.

usually true,
but over a decade ago ('96) i was guest listed to a Porno for Pyros show in Atlanta, which apparently (unbeknownst to me) came with backstage passes.

The entire band was definitely backstage ... Perry Ferrell was smoking a joint and talking to folks, and Perkins actually straight up made the rounds, shaking everyone's hand and talking to us all (highlight for me, Steve is the shit) ... he even introduced his girlfirend. lol. i was floored.

so just sayin, it CAN be cool.

ryph raph · July 2013

Pushin Forward Back wrote:

speaking from personal experience "backstage" is a total overrated experience. Unless you have something to do with the production its boring as hell, everyone back there is doing a job! There is no open bar or pile of coke sitting around. You will never see the band as they clear hallways to bring them in and to and from stage and there is no way in hell you get into the artist's dressing rooms.

You dont get back stage pass unless you are part of the production crew or have a "in" with band or management and can get a guest pass or VIP which sometimes can give you side stage access.

They dont come to your job and bug the shit out of you, return the favor.

I've been there. It is work and most days IT SUCKS !!! Long hours [16 / 20 hour days],most calls are for shit bands[Taylor Swift, Bon Jovi or An Chovie as we like to call it, Janet Jackson, etc.] and it's rare if you get more than a glimpse of the performing act.

mikerl · July 2013

DriftingByTheStorm wrote:

Pushin Forward Back wrote:

usually true,
but over a decade ago ('96) i was guest listed to a Porno for Pyros show in Atlanta, which apparently (unbeknownst to me) came with backstage passes.

The entire band was definitely backstage ... Perry Ferrell was smoking a joint and talking to folks, and Perkins actually straight up made the rounds, shaking everyone's hand and talking to us all (highlight for me, Steve is the shit) ... he even introduced his girlfirend. lol. i was floored.

so just sayin, it CAN be cool.

Thats called a "meet and greet" very different. unless PJ is doing an official meet and greet, you will not experience this backstage at Wrigley.

i have worked for a couple touring bands, and the description you read above, about people working hard, and the hallways being cleared for the band, is extremely accurate.

mike

johnmc1976 · July 2013

usually true,
but over a decade ago ('96) i was guest listed to a Porno for Pyros show in Atlanta, which apparently (unbeknownst to me) came with backstage passes.

The entire band was definitely backstage ... Perry Ferrell was smoking a joint and talking to folks, and Perkins actually straight up made the rounds, shaking everyone's hand and talking to us all (highlight for me, Steve is the shit) ... he even introduced his girlfirend. lol. i was floored.

so just sayin, it CAN be cool.

I got a buddy that has gotten backstage with Jane's several times. He literally sneaks back. Perry has actually gotten to somewhat know him. its on youtube and everything. Latest time was at last year super bowl pre party that Jane's headlined. Of course I tell that Jane's and PJ in different leagues. A little easier to see Jane's backstage than PJ. Ha :nono:

Grandmas Jam · July 2013

smanchac1 wrote:

Locker rooms... Backstage doesn't mean behind the stage

TheLastRockStar · July 2013

Pushin Forward Back wrote:

speaking from personal experience "backstage" is a total overrated experience. Unless you have something to do with the production its boring as hell, everyone back there is doing a job! There is no open bar or pile of coke sitting around. You will never see the band as they clear hallways to bring them in and to and from stage and there is no way in hell you get into the artist's dressing rooms.

You dont get back stage pass unless you are part of the production crew or have a "in" with band or management and can get a guest pass or VIP which sometimes can give you side stage access.

They dont come to your job and bug the shit out of you, return the favor.

So true. I work at a venue and frequently get stationed backstage. Production crew is bustling around, runners waiting to be put on a mission for coffee and various odd requests, and security making sure everyone is where they are supposed to be. They hang out in their dressing rooms until show, sometimes wandering down to catering. That's it. I actually hate working back there!

Gibson · July 2013

I won backstage for the Black Keys once, and it was not cool at all. The only thing that made it worth the process is being able to say I was backstage with the Black Keys. I saw a 2 song soundcheck and met two of the most disengaged human beings I have ever met in my life.

Don't get me wrong, I understand and believe the members of Pearl Jam are the exact opposite of this, but I agree with the fellow that said "don't bug them at work."

JB128716 · July 2013

To actually answer your question...

I have not been to Wrigley and know the exact setup, but I would image they would be picked up about an hour or so from their hotel rooms, driven to the outfield sections of Wrigley, and brought in that way. Since the seats in the outfield are closed off, it shouldn't be that hard.

Option #2 would be to have a tour bus on the street outside the park by the outfield.

Since there is nothing going on at the park the day before, the band could do the sound check on Thursday while I'm enjoying my BBq. So there really isn't much of a need for a backstage area before the show.

PJ_Soul · July 2013

pearljam133 wrote:

I didn't know backstage passes were ever available for Wrigley.

They aren't.

johnmc1976 · July 2013

my only backstage experience was with the band Garbage. I had a friend obsessed with Shirley Manson and somehow he won or got bs passes. We were literally shoved in a hallway and a very brief meet n greet with the band. It was at Bogarts in Cincy.

silver39 · July 2013

Well, I have to say I have been "backstage" with 3 members of Pearl Jam. I say "backstage" because it wasn't technically backstage it was in a VIP area of the venue. I did meet Matt, Mike and Jeff was there right next to me but he was speaking to other people and I didn't interrupt him. It was my birthday and it was freaking awesome!!

PJ_Soul · July 2013

silver39 wrote:

Well, I have to say I have been "backstage" with 3 members of Pearl Jam. I say "backstage" because it wasn't technically backstage it was in a VIP area of the venue. I did meet Matt, Mike and Jeff was there right next to me but he was speaking to other people and I didn't interrupt him. It was my birthday and it was freaking awesome!!

I just wandered "backstage" when I was hammered at the RNDM show and basically forced Jeff to meet me. :oops: :fp: .... That was my only backstage experience.

dimitrispearljam · July 2013

there will be a "stage" out of Wrigley that will be very intresting.....

smanchac1 · July 2013

Backstage for wrigley?? This is pearl jam were talking about here!

I'm predicting a free fall from 20,000 feet, full band strapped with instruments and amps, playing parachutes as they open their parachute and descend into wrigley as the rock gods they are!

GivenToLukinKP · July 2013

As a chicagoan, i can tell you there's a separate driveway the players utilize on game days, takes them right into the "private" area of wrigley while still in vehicles. I'm sure that'll be where the band comes in and out.

Wrigley is not just a field surrounded by seats- there are offices, locker rooms, and plenty of other areas that are private and can be used as a "backstage" area.

GivenToLukinKP · July 2013

smanchac1 wrote:

Backstage for wrigley?? This is pearl jam were talking about here!

I'm predicting a free fall from 20,000 feet, full band strapped with instruments and amps, playing parachutes as they open their parachute and descend into wrigley as the rock gods they are!

Get_Right · July 2013

There are more than one type of backstage passes.
There most definitely is a "green room" at almost every venue.
I got backstage at the borgata show and got to meet mike because he had just gone near the stage to get a guitar (my guess, to practice with Ace).

The VIP area was heavily guarded, but the band was definitely entertaining friends and family. Probably no more than 20-30 people back there.

Getting a "crew," "media" or "promoter" pass is very different from getting a VIP or "all access" pass.
Typically, an "all access" pass can only be obtained directly from the band.

I had "hospitality" passes at the randall's island 2 show. Nowhere near the band, but I had access to a full spread including free alcohol. The band actually had the VIP area walled off with ten foot fences covered in something like parachute fabric.

Both experiences were fantastic.

100 Pacer · July 2013

Based on how well the meet-and-greet went down just prior to the '12 Missoula show, I wouldn't be surprised if similar opportunities are made available again in the near future at a show or two.

bostabels · July 2013

I know a guy who played for the Cubs briefly and he brought us into the clubhouse briefly after a game in like 2001 ish??? I wasn't impressed with the facility I bore witness too. I'm not sure if it's been renovated back there since but having been a pro (practice team) in the NFL for a season I was much more accustomed to newer facilities.

Oddly enough, for the benefit of this conversation, I was lucky enough to run into Eddie, Mike, & Stone in Chicago circa 1995 or 1996 & had the pleasure of briefly conversing with them. They were some of the most down to Earth regular dudes I've ever met in the music industry. Eddie was drunk off his ass & pretty quiet. Mike seemed more like an accountant than a musician & Stone was on a role... hilarious.

I would imagine that hanging with them backstage would be similar to chilling with some old college buddies at someone's house. That was then though... now they're family men, fathers even lol... so I agree, probably not at all exciting.

About 2-3 weeks ago I attended an LL Cool J/Public Enemy show with Ice Cube, De La Soul, & Doug E Fresh as a "guest" of the promoter. The experience was my first "real" backstage experience & it was completely unlike what the others here have described. Our seats were second row PIT and we were able to go backstage via a fence gate maybe 30 feet from the PIT to the left of the stage (to our left, not the stage left). Oddly enough, to the right of the stage was the VIP area for season ticket holders at the venue that we actually didn't have access too lol.

We were in several of the artists dressing rooms with them & actually I started to feel sick to my stomach shortly before LL took the stage & hung out in Flava Flavs dressing room with him & his kids for most of the rest of the show. Really, the only one I didn't spend any time with was LL. There was a short line to meet him after the show & I was just feeling too sick to stay. (sadly enough) Everyone we met there, artist & crew wise were VERY cool & personable.

Upon entering the back of the facility there was a tented in area where the tent covering looked to be attached to the building & there was a plethora of drinks in several coke fridges & hot catered food being served along with various cold cuts, chips, etc. There was a first & second story hallway with dressing rooms off of each. I guess ICE Cube had to cancel at the last minute because he had a dressing room (door closed) but didn't perform & was no where to be seen. A few of the other rooms had their doors open so we just wondered in. I'm not sure if we were supposed to but no one seemed to mind. We'd just knock on the door, standing in the doorway & the artist or someone else in the room would wave us in. For the others we'd just knock on the door & someone would invite us in.

There seemed to be quite a few family/kids/friends of the artists hanging around... especially the food tent area. No alcohol, drugs, or "groopies" that we could see... I realize that these guys don't generally attract Pearl Jam type followings & maybe that's why they seemed so gracious & kept thanking us for our support. As I spent quite a lot of time with the Flava I can tell you that he wasn't at all what you'd think... very cool & full of energy, yes, but also very open about his experiences, sharing personal stories, & quite interested in me & my stories.

Obviously, I just wanted to hear him tell his stories but he kept asking me about me. He seemed to be very interested in people & learning about all of everyone's diverse journey's through life. I told him about how I left my professional career once I'd made some money, to volunteeracation in Kenya with Doctors Without Borders & how music like Public Enemy & Pearl Jam growing up was a primary influence in who I am & how I try to balance my life between making money & giving back through charitable work. He even gave me an email to send him pictures from Kenya & "if I would" write more about what I experienced there. I mentioned Pearl Jam several times & how it seems like there's always a PJ show in my life at each crucial cross road... how I am currently at one of those cross roads & how I was going to see PJ at Wrigley. He responded that he was glad that my first Public Enemy show was also part of my "story" now & how he was a PJ fan as well. FYI - He played guitar, bass, & drums at different parts of the show with great skill... I had no idea he was such a musician.

Anywho, back to PJ... One day I hope to be able to share my journey with PJ & let them know how their music has saved & influenced me through the years. I agree that doing something like this backstage wouldn't be optimal as it's already been said, that would be bothering them at work. Somehow though, I imagine that they'd be every bit as personal, gracious, & generally interested as was my experiences a few weeks ago with those artists. I would have expected it to have been more of a "move em in & move em out" type thing with people kinda pushing you through the experience so as to allow the artists to get back to whatever... but it absolutely was the opposite. I'm sure that the fact that it was an actual concert venue with larger facilities built for that purpose had something to do with it but I also wonder if times have largely changed from the 'ol rock & roll/hairband tour experiences of the previous decades. With social media & technology the world is so much smaller now & there doesn't seem to be so much of a social class-like separation between "the famous" & all of us. Just my opinions & experiences though...

bostabels · July 2013

johnmc1976 wrote:

my only backstage experience was with the band Garbage. I had a friend obsessed with Shirley Manson and somehow he won or got bs passes. We were literally shoved in a hallway and a very brief meet n greet with the band. It was at Bogarts in Cincy.

HOLY S*** lol, I was there, in that hall too! It was maybe 1995??? I was more into meeting Butch Vig but I do have a crush on Shirley Manson lol...

I went to/played FB @ UC & lived off Short Vine for about 18 months. We went to a show at Bogarts just about every week. Good times, good times... We had the same hallway experience for the Foo Fighters there when they had just come out & Pat Smear really creeped us out in that little hallway lol!

My favo Bogarts experiences were The Why Store, The Toadies, Letters To Cleo, & Henry Rollins (spoken word). No hallway experiences for these guys... we got to actually chill with them. I worked "security" off & on there during that period too.

gobr0309 · July 2013

me and a friend of mine were able to get all access backstage passes for lollapalooza last year bought from someone on craigslist for around $500. lolla sold out quick last year and regular tickets were going for ~$350 so we decided it was worth it to spend the extra $150 and get free drinks and food all weekend. we had access to the entire park with the exception of a small fenced in area backstage where the top headliners were hanging out (RHCP, Black Keys, Black Sabbath, Jack White) that had their own security. we were able to watch all the shows from on the stage (again except for the top headliners because you needed a special sticker from their crew to get onstage) and hang out in the artist lounge area. there are a bunch of trailers backstage with every bands name listed so you can roam around a meet people pretty easily. got to talk to perry briefly and spoke to cedric bixler-zavala from mars volta for a little while and a few others. my friend and i split up at one point and he hung out with dave navarro during sabbath for a while (until dave took off with chad from rhcp and the 20-something year old girls my friend was hanging out with). there was also a big party backstage the last night of the festival that went til around 2-3 AM with live music. it was definitely worth the extra money for the open bar and golf carts to drive you anywhere you want to go all weekend. although the top headliners were a little more difficult to meet, many of them could be found hanging out backstage watching other bands throughout the day. i have noticed that for every major festival you can always find some backstage passes on craigslist in the few days before the festival starts. the passes we got for lolla were C3 Guest passes and the year before that i met a radio DJ during lolla who sold me and extra media pass he had which also gave all access to backstage. it is the only time i have been backstage and definitely the easiest way to get back there, i would imagine if you got a pass for a festival PJ was playing you could probably meet them back there. time to start hunting for backstage passes to voodoo festival

Foriginal Sin · July 2013

I don't know the setup either but I suspect that since the Bleachers are going to be closed and the stage but up to that the under area will be used. Also in dead center of Wrigley is a "Luxury Box" with blacked out windows, holds up to 100 people and has full service everything. I'm pretty sure that this will be the bands green room but who knows. The whole bringing them in from a hotel an hour before theory may be debunked by anyone that's been to Wrigley. Aren't many nice hotels nearby and Chicago traffic can be a bitch on a Friday evening. I'm sure they'll be there or around the neighborhood all day, just look for the bar that won't let you in

Wrigley Field - Backstage??

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