I’ll chime in, why not? Everyone else has 😂 If I have GA I like wandering in either for the opening band, or just after they finish depending on if I like them or not. This is after exploring the city for the day or going to a baseball game, museum, etc. I feel content with this as I’m usually about 5–10 feet behind people that have slept on a sidewalk and spent the day in the line. I’m not tall, 5’8”, so I usually find a spot with a good sightline for me. People can do as they please but for me the juice isn’t worth the squeeze to camp out.
A critique if I may have one is seeing the rail people run out when Baba started on Friday night. When we’re getting 24-26 songs per show, they spent a night or two sleeping outside and then skip 8-10% of the show? I think this is an addiction issue for some and they’ve lost the plot on why we are here (not unlike missing parts of the show for merch). The look of panic and anxiety on their faces was really something as they rushed through GA while the band played for another 10-12 minutes.
I’ll take eating at nice restaurants, running into band members and getting to chat (Mike for coffee, Jeff x2 in the gym), nice dinners and bullshitting around with friends and the Warhol museum, not to mention good sleeps in a comfortable bed.
And for reference a couple pictures from my Friday and Sunday views.
Post edited by Ryan on
2003 - June 15 Fargo 2005 - Sept 1 George, Sept 8 Winnipeg 2006 - May 9/10 Toronto, June 26/27 St. Paul, July 22/23 George, Oct 21/22 Mountain View 2007 - Aug 2/5 Chicago 2008 - June 22 Washington, June 24/25 New York 2009 - Aug 21 Toronto, Aug 23/24 Chicago, Sept 21/22 Seattle, Oct 27/28/30/31 Philadelphia 2010 - May 15 Hartford, May 17 Boston, Oct 23/24 Mountain View 2011 - Sept 3/4 Alpine Valley, Sept 11/12 Toronto, Sept 17 Winnipeg, Sept 19 Saskatoon 2012 - Sept 30 Missoula 2013 - July 16 London, July 19 Chicago, Oct 12 Buffalo, Dec 2 Calgary, Dec 4 Vancouver, Dec 6 Seattle 2014 - Oct 16 Detroit, Oct 19 St. Paul, Oct 20 Milwaukee 2015 - Sept 23 (Colbert)/Sept 26, New York 2016 - Apr 28/29 Philadelphia, May 10/12 Toronto, Aug 20/22 Chicago
Same stuff over and over... I think most of us agree the current format is a mess
Just goes round and round anyway. Let’s just end it
Agreed. Everyone has said their peace. The issue has been covered from several POVs. I appreciate what other people have to say and there’s nothing productive left. Good luck to everyone next time whenever that will be. Hopefully TM (10C) with have a fix for F2F, bots, and accounts being paused which would hopefully give people a better chance at GA which will help the situation.
If I was determined to be first in line ahead of the regulars, how would I know where to start the line?
Reupping this because we've been informed this is an equitable system and people with knowledge are certainly around.
The next time they come to Boston I am hell bent on being first in line to get center rail. I will camp 3 nights if necessary. How do I know where to go to start the line?
If you are the first one there you can talk to venue security. They often have people camp for other bands and can direct you to a spot. In Pittsburgh we camped where fans of the band the 1975 had camped. Usually the first person in line takes some responsibility for keeping the line organized, dealing with the venue security, helping us find a new spot if we are moved, and making sure to let others know where the line is - often through Facebook. PJ security will also help. In Florida the first night they didn’t want us to be on the Casino property with tents. But PJ security worked with them and they allowed us to set up our tents on a grassy area on the parking lot for N2. So if you find yourself first in line this is some of what happens.
Just a quick comment that does not even begin to cover the whole topic.
If you are 5'3", you cannot stroll in at doors and be able to see Anything from the pit.
Many report easily getting 5-10 "rows" back with little or no line time. Behind 5-10 people, I would occasionally see a band member's head above the fray. Not an experience I would enjoy. (I've been in that place.)
If I were 5'8", I would be much more casual about being toward the front of the line. And you nice even taller people can have a pretty great sightline even from the back of the pit. No real need to come early.
But the same is not the case for those who are short.
I’ll chime in, why not? Everyone else has 😂 If I have GA I like wandering in either for the opening band, or just after they finish depending on if I like them or not. This is after exploring the city for the day or going to a baseball game, museum, etc. I feel content with this as I’m usually about 5–10 feet behind people that have slept on a sidewalk and spent the day in the line. I’m not tall, 5’8”, so I usually find a spot with a good sightline for me. People can do as they please but for me the juice isn’t worth the squeeze to camp out.
A critique if I may have one is seeing the rail people run out when Baba started on Friday night. When we’re getting 24-26 songs per show, they spent a night or two sleeping outside and then skip 8-10% of the show? I think this is an addiction issue for some and they’ve lost the plot on why we are here (not unlike missing parts of the show for merch). The look of panic and anxiety on their faces was really something as they rushed through GA while the band played for another 10-12 minutes.
I’ll take eating at nice restaurants, running into band members and getting to chat (Mike for coffee, Jeff x2 in the gym), nice dinners and bullshitting around with friends and the Warhol museum, not to mention good sleeps in a comfortable bed.
And for reference a couple pictures from my Friday and Sunday views.
I'm with you regarding late arrival after enjoying whatever city you're in. For example, in Atlanta, I went to Atlantucky Brewing owned by the Nappy Roots. Enjoyed some good local craft beer, talked to one of the owners for a bit, and had some good food. Then wandered over to the arena and on to the floor as the opener finished. I do something like this in every city before every show. Plus sleeping in a comfortable bed in a quiet room. To each their own I guess.
If I was determined to be first in line ahead of the regulars, how would I know where to start the line?
It really doesn't matter where you started the line. When the mafia showed in numbers they would set up in a different spot and tell you that their line is only real line. They will use whatever contacts they have within PJ or Arena security to make it so.
How do they alwatd get to be up front. Ive seen this since 2000. Literally the same folks. It has to be a number thing
It’s not. It’s getting in line early. In many cases two days early. About 20-25 regular people including myself are willing to do this. There are no lists and no cutting the line that I have seen in terms of the people up front. We follow pretty strict rules about maintaining our spots. I have seen people being sent to the back of the line for going back to their hotel overnight, etc. Some people may think we are crazy for doing this but we are not entitled, we are not cheating the system, we are not rail mafia. We are just people willing to put more time and effort and planning into getting the rail than others. There is really not much more to it. And yes, sometimes issues crop up even amongst ourselves but there is no evil plot to keep others from the rail.
I think part of the issue is that @Chrrie and I are the few people from the regular campers that are active on the forum. So many of you forum regulars don’t know the others. But most of you know who I am and I hope my explanation helps a little.
the big qurstion is how you all get GA for every show when most of us go years without winning it.
That's the real question that needs answering.
If there is a group of 10 people working together that want GA, then realistically depending if married, having kids, siblings, etc..., that is 40 different fan club accounts going for tickets. The group only needs to win GA for 5 of those 40 attempts per show to get the 10 tickets they want. It doesn't seem odd to me that it works out. Now that you no longer need to show your ID to get tickets, and can log into anyone's TM account, why no pay for our brother's, mom's, son's, friend's 10C accounts and increase the odds of GA. Yeah, you'll pay $300 or so, but that is cheap in comparison to the value of the GA ticket received in return.
Yes, keep in mind if they miss out on a ticket or 2 in GA they will take off a wristband and someone will walk it out to someone then escort them to the rail or right behind them. Saw this happen N1 in Nashville. Won't name names but 100% someone that is in the camp out crew.
Would love a rail rider to defend either of these two practices which are 100% occurring but...they won't
1) regarding competing lines, PJ security got involved in Raleigh because the GA regulars started the line for n2 at the GA entrance and 3 people started the line at the GA camping spot. PJ security put the people who started the line at the camping spot ahead of the regulars.
2) you can’t walk in early with the line unless you have an actual ticket so this group can’t both be on the rail at every show and also share wristbands to get in. I do know several who bought their ticket on Vividseats last minute though.
2. This definitely happens. It happens at the hard to get shows when GA is almost impossible. The people on the rail just hold a wider spot than normal. One leaves and the others just sit down and holds the spot. One of the people holding the spot no longer has a bracelet. Then magically two people come back. I have seen this 3 times myself since 2022. Two times the people had put time in the line but just never got a ticket. The last time I saw it the person just landed 3hrs before doors opened.
When shit like this happens you have two options. Speak up and have a confrontation in front of everyone. Remember security are friends with these guys. Or keep your mouth shut and try and not let it bother you and enjoy the show.
I have seen so much of this stuff over the years I just find it comical now. This is where the entitlement comes for me. I have seen the front group break so many rules over the years and act like complete hypocrites when someone out of the group does the same thing. Seattle 2024 a son and his mom were yelled at and berated for a long period of time because one of them went back to the hotel to get some sleep since they had a hard time sleeping on the sidewalk. Should they have both moved back? Ya probably. Have I ever seen the front rail people yell and berate one of their own for doing the exact same thing? Never. It’s always turning a blind eye. That’s my main issue.
I know i am quoting you which is not really fair since everything I have ever seen from you and your partner is kindness and fairplay when it comes to this stuff.
Another example is the people at the front seem to care about it working out for them and there always seems to be a cutoff point where they stop policing or care what happens on entry. Indy 2024 for example. You could tell it was going to be chaos. The front made sure they were good and after that it didn’t matter and of course chaos ensued and not a fuck was given about those behind them.
Also I am surprised no one has brought up Amsterdam 2022.
Pearl Jam security letting their rail friends cut the line and in the door minutes before anyone else was allowed in. Some special treatment there! People camped out all night and they had not.
Last year MSG one of the railriders was kicked out for not having a bracelet. Finally security did their job right? Nope he just snuck back in a little while later and sure enough someone was kind enough to hold that rail spot for him!
Same guy in Seattle 24. Did not have a ticket but somehow got past security scanning tickets. He didn’t even have a bracelet on and they let him in the pit since no one was even checking. Again someone held that spot for him in line as we were walking in. Come to think of it he was the same guy who snuck the woman into the rail at MSG 22 when she did not camp out or have a GA ticket.
Imagine someone on the outside of this group trying to pull any of this shit off lol
Raleigh I was able to get rail for the last couple of songs due to people leaving to get back in line for the next night.
I just don't get it. Its pretty wild to camp out for 2 nights (the norm now thanks to the competitiveness of this group to be on the bump) but not stay for the whole show.
I had the same thing happen on Night 1 at the Forum last year. We got to move up for the last three songs. Ed handed me a basketball and offered me his wine bottle. (I don't drink so he gave it to my friend.)
And the people who left didn't even end up first in line for the next night.
Raleigh I was able to get rail for the last couple of songs due to people leaving to get back in line for the next night.
I just don't get it. Its pretty wild to camp out for 2 nights (the norm now thanks to the competitiveness of this group to be on the bump) but not stay for the whole show.
I had the same thing happen on Night 1 at the Forum last year. We got to move up for the last three songs. Ed handed me a basketball and offered me his wine bottle. (I don't drink so he gave it to my friend.)
And the people who left didn't even end up first in line for the next night.
Raleigh I was able to get rail for the last couple of songs due to people leaving to get back in line for the next night.
I just don't get it. Its pretty wild to camp out for 2 nights (the norm now thanks to the competitiveness of this group to be on the bump) but not stay for the whole show.
I had the same thing happen on Night 1 at the Forum last year. We got to move up for the last three songs. Ed handed me a basketball and offered me his wine bottle. (I don't drink so he gave it to my friend.)
And the people who left didn't even end up first in line for the next night.
Signed ball?
Signed by the band. He had given it to a kid further back in the pit earlier in the show, but then held it for him for safekeeping. He asked me to pass it back to the kid and said "now don't you take it." I think my honest execution of that task was what prompted him to offer me the wine bottle to take home. I wonder if anyone else has ever declined it. I put my hands up to say no thanks and he looked nonplussed, and then I made a straight-edge symbol and he nodded in appreciation and gave the bottle to my friend.
Just a quick comment that does not even begin to cover the whole topic.
If you are 5'3", you cannot stroll in at doors and be able to see Anything from the pit.
Many report easily getting 5-10 "rows" back with little or no line time. Behind 5-10 people, I would occasionally see a band member's head above the fray. Not an experience I would enjoy. (I've been in that place.)
If I were 5'8", I would be much more casual about being toward the front of the line. And you nice even taller people can have a pretty great sightline even from the back of the pit. No real need to come early.
But the same is not the case for those who are short.
Thank you for sharing your perspective!
1993: 11/22 Little Rock
1996; 9/28 New York
1997: 11/14 Oakland, 11/15 Oakland
1998: 7/5 Dallas, 7/7 Albuquerque, 7/8 Phoenix, 7/10 San Diego, 7/11 Las Vegas
2000: 10/17 Dallas
2003: 4/3 OKC
2012: 11/17 Tulsa(EV), 11/18 Tulsa(EV)
2013: 11/16 OKC
2014: 10/8 Tulsa 2022: 9/20 OKC 2023: 9/13 Ft Worth, 9/15 Ft Worth
Seams like one or the other....I always say us middle/ upper middles are always getting fucked by those 2 demographics
There ain’t gonna be any middle anymore!
PJ: 2000-6-25: Berlin, GER | 2005-3-18: Seattle, WA | 2006-6-30: Milwaukee, WI | 2009-8-24: Chicago, IL | 2012-7-5: Berlin, GER | 2013-7-19: Chicago, IL | 2014-10-17: Moline, IL | 2014-10-20: Milwaukee, WI | 2016-8-20: Chicago 1, IL | 2016-8-22: Chicago 2, IL | 2018-8-18: Chicago N1 | 2018-8-20: Chicago 2, IL | 2021-9-18: Asbury Park, NJ | 2022-9-11: MSG, NY | 2023-9-5: Chicago, IL |
EV: 2017-9-2: Dana Point, CA | 2022-2-3: NYC 1, NY | 2022-2-4: NYC 2, NY
I’d like to know why they rush out while the band is on stage. They shoved their way through the crowd while the band was still on. That’s pretty disrespectful, but knowing them, they’ll spin it as if it’s a charity to those that then get the rail for the last songs. Absolutely ridiculous behaviour.
No, no and no. This sentence makes no sense. Pork roll, egg and cheese on an egg bagel. S/p but no k. Got it?
You're missing the point of our worlds coming together. Taylor Ham is obviously a thing for you Jersey folks. A pork tenderloin sandwich is a thing here in the Hoosier state. You bring your local cuisine and I bring mine. Then, we discuss. Capiche?
"A smart monkey doesn't monkey around with another monkey's monkey" - Darwin's Theory
No, no and no. This sentence makes no sense. Pork roll, egg and cheese on an egg bagel. S/p but no k. Got it?
You're missing the point of our worlds coming together. Taylor Ham is obviously a thing for you Jersey folks. A pork tenderloin sandwich is a thing here in the Hoosier state. You bring your local cuisine and I bring mine. Then, we discuss. Capiche?
Just make it a random assignment day of show. This occurred in Austin in 2023. The ability for a fan to maybe get upfront just once in their touring days should not be predicated by sleeping on the street. Frankly GA should get booted altogether, its become a regular occurrence where someone or a few someone's collapse during the show. If GA remains they need to do a check on people's heart rate and intoxication before they get a wrist band.
If I was determined to be first in line ahead of the regulars, how would I know where to start the line?
It really doesn't matter where you started the line. When the mafia showed in numbers they would set up in a different spot and tell you that their line is only real line. They will use whatever contacts they have within PJ or Arena security to make it so.
How do they alwatd get to be up front. Ive seen this since 2000. Literally the same folks. It has to be a number thing
It’s not. It’s getting in line early. In many cases two days early. About 20-25 regular people including myself are willing to do this. There are no lists and no cutting the line that I have seen in terms of the people up front. We follow pretty strict rules about maintaining our spots. I have seen people being sent to the back of the line for going back to their hotel overnight, etc. Some people may think we are crazy for doing this but we are not entitled, we are not cheating the system, we are not rail mafia. We are just people willing to put more time and effort and planning into getting the rail than others. There is really not much more to it. And yes, sometimes issues crop up even amongst ourselves but there is no evil plot to keep others from the rail.
I think part of the issue is that @Chrrie and I are the few people from the regular campers that are active on the forum. So many of you forum regulars don’t know the others. But most of you know who I am and I hope my explanation helps a little.
the big qurstion is how you all get GA for every show when most of us go years without winning it.
That's the real question that needs answering.
If there is a group of 10 people working together that want GA, then realistically depending if married, having kids, siblings, etc..., that is 40 different fan club accounts going for tickets. The group only needs to win GA for 5 of those 40 attempts per show to get the 10 tickets they want. It doesn't seem odd to me that it works out. Now that you no longer need to show your ID to get tickets, and can log into anyone's TM account, why no pay for our brother's, mom's, son's, friend's 10C accounts and increase the odds of GA. Yeah, you'll pay $300 or so, but that is cheap in comparison to the value of the GA ticket received in return.
Yes, keep in mind if they miss out on a ticket or 2 in GA they will take off a wristband and someone will walk it out to someone then escort them to the rail or right behind them. Saw this happen N1 in Nashville. Won't name names but 100% someone that is in the camp out crew.
Would love a rail rider to defend either of these two practices which are 100% occurring but...they won't
1) regarding competing lines, PJ security got involved in Raleigh because the GA regulars started the line for n2 at the GA entrance and 3 people started the line at the GA camping spot. PJ security put the people who started the line at the camping spot ahead of the regulars.
2) you can’t walk in early with the line unless you have an actual ticket so this group can’t both be on the rail at every show and also share wristbands to get in. I do know several who bought their ticket on Vividseats last minute though.
2. This definitely happens. It happens at the hard to get shows when GA is almost impossible. The people on the rail just hold a wider spot than normal. One leaves and the others just sit down and holds the spot. One of the people holding the spot no longer has a bracelet. Then magically two people come back. I have seen this 3 times myself since 2022. Two times the people had put time in the line but just never got a ticket. The last time I saw it the person just landed 3hrs before doors opened.
When shit like this happens you have two options. Speak up and have a confrontation in front of everyone. Remember security are friends with these guys. Or keep your mouth shut and try and not let it bother you and enjoy the show.
I have seen so much of this stuff over the years I just find it comical now. This is where the entitlement comes for me. I have seen the front group break so many rules over the years and act like complete hypocrites when someone out of the group does the same thing. Seattle 2024 a son and his mom were yelled at and berated for a long period of time because one of them went back to the hotel to get some sleep since they had a hard time sleeping on the sidewalk. Should they have both moved back? Ya probably. Have I ever seen the front rail people yell and berate one of their own for doing the exact same thing? Never. It’s always turning a blind eye. That’s my main issue.
I know i am quoting you which is not really fair since everything I have ever seen from you and your partner is kindness and fairplay when it comes to this stuff.
Another example is the people at the front seem to care about it working out for them and there always seems to be a cutoff point where they stop policing or care what happens on entry. Indy 2024 for example. You could tell it was going to be chaos. The front made sure they were good and after that it didn’t matter and of course chaos ensued and not a fuck was given about those behind them.
Also I am surprised no one has brought up Amsterdam 2022.
Pearl Jam security letting their rail friends cut the line and in the door minutes before anyone else was allowed in. Some special treatment there! People camped out all night and they had not.
Last year MSG one of the railriders was kicked out for not having a bracelet. Finally security did their job right? Nope he just snuck back in a little while later and sure enough someone was kind enough to hold that rail spot for him!
Same guy in Seattle 24. Did not have a ticket but somehow got past security scanning tickets. He didn’t even have a bracelet on and they let him in the pit since no one was even checking. Again someone held that spot for him in line as we were walking in. Come to think of it he was the same guy who snuck the woman into the rail at MSG 22 when she did not camp out or have a GA ticket.
Imagine someone on the outside of this group trying to pull any of this shit off lol
Just make it a random assignment day of show. This occurred in Austin in 2023. The ability for a fan to maybe get upfront just once in their touring days should not be predicated by sleeping on the street. Frankly GA should get booted altogether, it’s become a regular occurrence where someone or a few someone's collapse during the show. If GA remains they need to do a check on people's heart rate and intoxication before they get a wrist band.
In Austin it wasn’t random. We lined up all night and they gave us numbered wristbands the next morning in the order of the line. Then we went back later in the day and lined up and got in according to our numbers. It was still first come first served for getting the the numbers and getting into the venue.
I agree that too many people are having some type of issue that pauses the show. It seems to be people near the middle or back of GA who maybe spent the day partying before going in. I have never seen it happen to any of the people who were camping out. It also happens to people in the stands. Maybe they should check everyone’s intoxication level before coming in if you think that will work.
If I was determined to be first in line ahead of the regulars, how would I know where to start the line?
It really doesn't matter where you started the line. When the mafia showed in numbers they would set up in a different spot and tell you that their line is only real line. They will use whatever contacts they have within PJ or Arena security to make it so.
How do they alwatd get to be up front. Ive seen this since 2000. Literally the same folks. It has to be a number thing
It’s not. It’s getting in line early. In many cases two days early. About 20-25 regular people including myself are willing to do this. There are no lists and no cutting the line that I have seen in terms of the people up front. We follow pretty strict rules about maintaining our spots. I have seen people being sent to the back of the line for going back to their hotel overnight, etc. Some people may think we are crazy for doing this but we are not entitled, we are not cheating the system, we are not rail mafia. We are just people willing to put more time and effort and planning into getting the rail than others. There is really not much more to it. And yes, sometimes issues crop up even amongst ourselves but there is no evil plot to keep others from the rail.
I think part of the issue is that @Chrrie and I are the few people from the regular campers that are active on the forum. So many of you forum regulars don’t know the others. But most of you know who I am and I hope my explanation helps a little.
the big qurstion is how you all get GA for every show when most of us go years without winning it.
That's the real question that needs answering.
If there is a group of 10 people working together that want GA, then realistically depending if married, having kids, siblings, etc..., that is 40 different fan club accounts going for tickets. The group only needs to win GA for 5 of those 40 attempts per show to get the 10 tickets they want. It doesn't seem odd to me that it works out. Now that you no longer need to show your ID to get tickets, and can log into anyone's TM account, why no pay for our brother's, mom's, son's, friend's 10C accounts and increase the odds of GA. Yeah, you'll pay $300 or so, but that is cheap in comparison to the value of the GA ticket received in return.
Yes, keep in mind if they miss out on a ticket or 2 in GA they will take off a wristband and someone will walk it out to someone then escort them to the rail or right behind them. Saw this happen N1 in Nashville. Won't name names but 100% someone that is in the camp out crew.
Would love a rail rider to defend either of these two practices which are 100% occurring but...they won't
1) regarding competing lines, PJ security got involved in Raleigh because the GA regulars started the line for n2 at the GA entrance and 3 people started the line at the GA camping spot. PJ security put the people who started the line at the camping spot ahead of the regulars.
2) you can’t walk in early with the line unless you have an actual ticket so this group can’t both be on the rail at every show and also share wristbands to get in. I do know several who bought their ticket on Vividseats last minute though.
2. This definitely happens. It happens at the hard to get shows when GA is almost impossible. The people on the rail just hold a wider spot than normal. One leaves and the others just sit down and holds the spot. One of the people holding the spot no longer has a bracelet. Then magically two people come back. I have seen this 3 times myself since 2022. Two times the people had put time in the line but just never got a ticket. The last time I saw it the person just landed 3hrs before doors opened.
When shit like this happens you have two options. Speak up and have a confrontation in front of everyone. Remember security are friends with these guys. Or keep your mouth shut and try and not let it bother you and enjoy the show.
I have seen so much of this stuff over the years I just find it comical now. This is where the entitlement comes for me. I have seen the front group break so many rules over the years and act like complete hypocrites when someone out of the group does the same thing. Seattle 2024 a son and his mom were yelled at and berated for a long period of time because one of them went back to the hotel to get some sleep since they had a hard time sleeping on the sidewalk. Should they have both moved back? Ya probably. Have I ever seen the front rail people yell and berate one of their own for doing the exact same thing? Never. It’s always turning a blind eye. That’s my main issue.
I know i am quoting you which is not really fair since everything I have ever seen from you and your partner is kindness and fairplay when it comes to this stuff.
Another example is the people at the front seem to care about it working out for them and there always seems to be a cutoff point where they stop policing or care what happens on entry. Indy 2024 for example. You could tell it was going to be chaos. The front made sure they were good and after that it didn’t matter and of course chaos ensued and not a fuck was given about those behind them.
Also I am surprised no one has brought up Amsterdam 2022.
Pearl Jam security letting their rail friends cut the line and in the door minutes before anyone else was allowed in. Some special treatment there! People camped out all night and they had not.
Last year MSG one of the railriders was kicked out for not having a bracelet. Finally security did their job right? Nope he just snuck back in a little while later and sure enough someone was kind enough to hold that rail spot for him!
Same guy in Seattle 24. Did not have a ticket but somehow got past security scanning tickets. He didn’t even have a bracelet on and they let him in the pit since no one was even checking. Again someone held that spot for him in line as we were walking in. Come to think of it he was the same guy who snuck the woman into the rail at MSG 22 when she did not camp out or have a GA ticket.
Imagine someone on the outside of this group trying to pull any of this shit off lol
Wow. Case closed.
Pretty much. If you are on line behind these people they are all cool and the salt of the earth. Show up on line before them, look out!
I’ll chime in, why not? Everyone else has 😂 If I have GA I like wandering in either for the opening band, or just after they finish depending on if I like them or not. This is after exploring the city for the day or going to a baseball game, museum, etc. I feel content with this as I’m usually about 5–10 feet behind people that have slept on a sidewalk and spent the day in the line. I’m not tall, 5’8”, so I usually find a spot with a good sightline for me. People can do as they please but for me the juice isn’t worth the squeeze to camp out.
A critique if I may have one is seeing the rail people run out when Baba started on Friday night. When we’re getting 24-26 songs per show, they spent a night or two sleeping outside and then skip 8-10% of the show? I think this is an addiction issue for some and they’ve lost the plot on why we are here (not unlike missing parts of the show for merch). The look of panic and anxiety on their faces was really something as they rushed through GA while the band played for another 10-12 minutes.
I’ll take eating at nice restaurants, running into band members and getting to chat (Mike for coffee, Jeff x2 in the gym), nice dinners and bullshitting around with friends and the Warhol museum, not to mention good sleeps in a comfortable bed.
And for reference a couple pictures from my Friday and Sunday views.
It is absolutely an addiction to the hardcore at this stage
Amsterdam night 2 - the entry was a bit of a shit show - venue security opened all gates and not in order so those overnight queuers ended up second row. The reaction was absurd. It had completely ruined their show not being one person closer. There was so much anger it was untrue. It was pretty hard to witness to be honest.
Comments
If I have GA I like wandering in either for the opening band, or just after they finish depending on if I like them or not. This is after exploring the city for the day or going to a baseball game, museum, etc. I feel content with this as I’m usually about 5–10 feet behind people that have slept on a sidewalk and spent the day in the line. I’m not tall, 5’8”, so I usually find a spot with a good sightline for me.
People can do as they please but for me the juice isn’t worth the squeeze to camp out.
A critique if I may have one is seeing the rail people run out when Baba started on Friday night. When we’re getting 24-26 songs per show, they spent a night or two sleeping outside and then skip 8-10% of the show? I think this is an addiction issue for some and they’ve lost the plot on why we are here (not unlike missing parts of the show for merch). The look of panic and anxiety on their faces was really something as they rushed through GA while the band played for another 10-12 minutes.
And for reference a couple pictures from my Friday and Sunday views.
2005 - Sept 1 George, Sept 8 Winnipeg
2006 - May 9/10 Toronto, June 26/27 St. Paul, July 22/23 George, Oct 21/22 Mountain View
2007 - Aug 2/5 Chicago
2008 - June 22 Washington, June 24/25 New York
2009 - Aug 21 Toronto, Aug 23/24 Chicago, Sept 21/22 Seattle, Oct 27/28/30/31 Philadelphia
2010 - May 15 Hartford, May 17 Boston, Oct 23/24 Mountain View
2011 - Sept 3/4 Alpine Valley, Sept 11/12 Toronto, Sept 17 Winnipeg, Sept 19 Saskatoon
2012 - Sept 30 Missoula
2013 - July 16 London, July 19 Chicago, Oct 12 Buffalo, Dec 2 Calgary, Dec 4 Vancouver, Dec 6 Seattle
2014 - Oct 16 Detroit, Oct 19 St. Paul, Oct 20 Milwaukee
2015 - Sept 23 (Colbert)/Sept 26, New York
2016 - Apr 28/29 Philadelphia, May 10/12 Toronto, Aug 20/22 Chicago
If you are 5'3", you cannot stroll in at doors and be able to see Anything from the pit.
Many report easily getting 5-10 "rows" back with little or no line time. Behind 5-10 people, I would occasionally see a band member's head above the fray. Not an experience I would enjoy. (I've been in that place.)
If I were 5'8", I would be much more casual about being toward the front of the line. And you nice even taller people can have a pretty great sightline even from the back of the pit.
No real need to come early.
But the same is not the case for those who are short.
I do something like this in every city before every show. Plus sleeping in a comfortable bed in a quiet room.
To each their own I guess.
Gutted: London 2 2018, Sacramento 2022, Noblesville 2023
When shit like this happens you have two options. Speak up and have a confrontation in front of everyone. Remember security are friends with these guys. Or keep your mouth shut and try and not let it bother you and enjoy the show.
I have seen so much of this stuff over the years I just find it comical now. This is where the entitlement comes for me. I have seen the front group break so many rules over the years and act like complete hypocrites when someone out of the group does the same thing. Seattle 2024 a son and his mom were yelled at and berated for a long period of time because one of them went back to the hotel to get some sleep since
they had a hard time sleeping on the sidewalk. Should they have both moved back? Ya probably. Have I ever seen the front rail people yell and berate one of their own for doing the exact same thing? Never. It’s always turning a blind eye. That’s my main issue.
I know i am quoting you which is not really fair since everything I have ever seen from you and your partner is kindness and fairplay when it comes to this stuff.
Another example is the people at the front seem to care about it working out for them and there always seems to be a cutoff point where they stop policing or care what happens on entry. Indy 2024 for example. You could tell it was going to be chaos. The front made sure they were good and after that it didn’t matter and of course chaos ensued and not a fuck was given about those behind them.
Also I am surprised no one has brought up Amsterdam 2022.
Pearl Jam security letting their rail friends cut the line and in the door minutes before anyone else was allowed in. Some special treatment there! People camped out all night and they had not.
Last year MSG one of the railriders was kicked out for not having a bracelet. Finally security did their job right? Nope he just snuck back in a little while later and sure enough someone was kind enough to hold that rail spot for him!
Same guy in Seattle 24. Did not have a ticket but somehow got past security scanning tickets. He didn’t even have a bracelet on and they let him in the pit since no one was even checking. Again someone held that spot for him in line as we were walking in. Come to think of it he was the same guy who snuck the woman into the rail at MSG 22 when she did not camp out or have a GA ticket.
Imagine someone on the outside of this group trying to pull any of this shit off lol
And the people who left didn't even end up first in line for the next night.
(I'm all for a popular vote for president but it would create a nightmare if we ever had a recount situation.)
1996; 9/28 New York
1997: 11/14 Oakland, 11/15 Oakland
1998: 7/5 Dallas, 7/7 Albuquerque, 7/8 Phoenix, 7/10 San Diego, 7/11 Las Vegas
2000: 10/17 Dallas
2003: 4/3 OKC
2012: 11/17 Tulsa(EV), 11/18 Tulsa(EV)
2013: 11/16 OKC
2014: 10/8 Tulsa
2022: 9/20 OKC
2023: 9/13 Ft Worth, 9/15 Ft Worth
"...I changed by not changing at all..."
Whatever the case may be, there is a long time before it matters again.
Gutted: London 2 2018, Sacramento 2022, Noblesville 2023
sounds good!!!
http://www.hi5sports.org/ (Sports Program for Kids with Disabilities)
http://www.livefootsteps.org/user/?usr=3652
"...I changed by not changing at all..."
Amsterdam night 2 - the entry was a bit of a shit show - venue security opened all gates and not in order so those overnight queuers ended up second row. The reaction was absurd. It had completely ruined their show not being one person closer. There was so much anger it was untrue. It was pretty hard to witness to be honest.