Same folks up front

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.

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. 

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.

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.  

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. 

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 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.   

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. 

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 $$$$$.

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.