Ronnie was a nice and warm person. I had a patient years ago that met him in Alaska, and Ronnie spent a lot of time talking with him. He had him come into the radio station and hang with him during his interview. That is cool.
I met Ronnie James Dio, back in 1999. Didn't cost me 💩 either. Got two CDs and two posters signed. Still have them. He was a class act! That's why he's a LEGEND and Him were just schmucks.
Let's change the name of meet and greets to "Pay and Go Away." Like, "Dude I just forked out 2g's for a Pay and Go Away with ______ (insert name of 60-70 year old twice-divorced overweight alcoholic you idolized when you were 11).
I agreed with all you said on this video. Keep the 'meet and greet' videos coming. Celebrities should be lucky that they have caring fans. Zach, I enjoy hearing your honest down to earth opinions.
Thanks for the feedback. I'm getting a whole lot of stories and comments about it. And I have so many videos I could probably make lol Exciting actually.
KEEP TALKING KEEP TALKING KEEP TALKING - don't ever stop until it gets to the really big channels like Rick Beato and such, and the industry is forced to capitulate. Keep up the good work, brother, I love it. Keep hammering away!
Its not really about greed, bands have to do these to make up for the money they aren't making from album sales now. It's not like they're making millions and then charging for meet and greets on top of that just to get even more money, they're doing it to help finance the tour itself. Also promoters have started taking cuts of band's merch sales, which is where the majority of the money generated on tour came from, so they have to make up for that now too. I've done several tours all over the US, Canada, and Europe and believe me, you barely break even if you're lucky, usually you lose money. The issue now is how poorly are these meet and greets conducted. Some bands are great and some are lazy and rip the fans off.
Dokken did a one off show in South Dakota with the classic line-up. They sold VIP passes with a Photo Op for $250. So I buy the $250 VIP and then a month before the show, they decide to do a rehearsal show experience the night prior to the show. Another $250. I was super upset because if I had known about this, I would have done that instead of the VIP Photo Op because we didn't really have a chance to talk to the band but the people who went to the rehearsal show got to hang out with the band and talk and watch them play. The whole thing was poorly run. I am done with VIP packages. No one is worth the money.
Last time I went to see Zakk Wylde they had a meet-and-greet and one person got the meet and greet. It was some young girl and not only did they invite her to watch The sound check she got to hang out with the entire band the whole night and the girl got to stand on stage with the band while they were playing! And then somebody told me that's exactly what happened she was the only one that bought the meet and greet and God damn it she must have just gotten the most fortunate experience of all time even though BLS meet and greets have always been pretty good. So I guess it could go either way and I could definitely see it being more bad experiences than good
Your stats confirm that the topic needs to be discussed, keep it up. It would be so simple for bands to create an efficient system where fans get more value than the cost of the experience, I'm just as confused as you as to why it seems to be so difficult.
I’ve only had 3 backstage “meet and greet” or VIP experiences, my son was and still is a HUGE Brantley Gilbert fan and I had never heard of him. So I bought the VIP tickets for a concert he did in Tupelo Ms for me and my son, I have to say my son and I were absolutely blown away at the kindness and generosity that Brantley Gilbert showed everyone that he came in contact with that night. So 2 years later I got my son and another VIP “meet and greet” set of tickets when he played in Corinth Ms. And the catering, Brantley actually played an acoustic session and took any questions and signed anything anyone wanted signed he took pictures and was just very genuine. And that was before the concert ever started, he called 5 of those people on stage during the concert and one of those five was my son. It made his birthday the best ever. And I’ve been to a “meet and greet” or VIP with 3 doors down and those guys took all the time in the world to talk to everyone of us in the bus as well. 3 experiences and all 3 were positive, but I haven’t seen an ad for any concert in my life and said to myself “I really want to meet those people”. The 3 experiences I had with my son were phenomenal and I’m proud that’s something that he’ll remember and thankful to those artists for being genuine and professional
Sometimes the best "meet & greets" are just random encounters. My old neighbor (RIP Gary) favorite story was about when he and a friend seen Led Zeppelin at the Swing Auditorium in San Bernardino, Ca. in 1972. After the concert, they walked to a nearby Denny's to grab a soda and use the payphone to get a ride home. While they were sitting on the curb waiting for their ride, a limo pulls up and a man goes inside. The back window of the limo rolls down, and another man asks how the milkshakes were at the restaurant. It was Robert Plant! Gary and his friend said they loved the concert, and Plant said "thanks for coming!" Then the other man comes out of the restaurant with a tray of drinks which looked like milkshakes, and Plant waived goodbye to them and the limo drove off. That encounter was the cherry on top for the night, and a great story they got to tell over the years. Oh yeah, a ticket cost about $5.50...for Led Zeppelin!
Some years back I went on a solo trip to NYC to see Rammstein at MSG. While exporing the city early in the day, I bumped into guitarist Richard ZK. Decided to say hello and ended up in a good 30 or so minute conversation about guitars, and life in general with him over a cup of coffee. One of the most humble people I've ever met. For that short time it felt like two old friends catching up on life after not seeing each other for years. Awesome fuckin dude.
I hope the sister used a credit card and disputed the full charges. She ordered a package which would have listed all that was included, and the seller didn't provide everything that was promised. Since there is no way to breakdown the individual missing things promised, she should be able to just dispute the entire purchase. And the sellers aren't going to fight anyone over it, they don't have time. I did it before. I ordered a package deal that was supposed to be a band's new CD along with the ticket. Well, the CD never arrived, then months later the show happened. So I disputed the entire charge and won. They didn't deliver on the full package that was promised to me. Now, if their VIP package had just said tickets and "dinner" and nothing else, technically they did get a "dinner", gross as it may have been, and the seller would have fulfilled their obligation. It's not good to be pissing off your true diehard fans like that though. But it sounds like more was promised and wasn't provided, so in her case a dispute is warranted. IMO
@@ZachAdkinsGuitarthat's false though if you pay for the tickets through ticketmaster. I'm sure anyone who's ever been to a concert in their life knows the debacle that Ticketmaster is, and how fighting with them is very difficult/impossible to get a refund. I never got my $375 back for the VIP In Flames show that that didnt happen (this was during the time they were screwing a lot of people over - during and right after covid). Ticketmaster claimed I wasnt owed a refund because "the show still went on, and another band replaced them in the lineup" But the other band wasn't offering VIP, nor did I want it from them 😡
Thanks for theae videos. I never ever paid for a VIP and I never will. Sometimes during the show the artist will say after the show I'll come out and say hello. I've done that and met some pretty amazing musicians who were phenomenal human beings.
Some Performers forget that without the fans there is no paycheck for them. The prima donas should be bending over backwards to ensure that their fans experiences are top notch!
The best band I've ever met was kix, I took vocal lessons off with Steve Whitman of Kix and they have been true blue always. it's a shame they retired, Thanking them for all the great music
I like that you are talking about this. I've always wondered how different bands handle this. I know there are gonna be a lot of bad stories, but make sure to get the good ones out there as well.
You keep popping in my recommended section and I’m interested in the meet and greet stories! I subbed - it’s always interesting to hear what bands are doing! How can it improve if it’s not addressed? It’s fine if bands aren’t personable - then don’t advertise a personable experience! I’ve never done a VIP because I’ve heard horror stories! I also don’t judge people for doing them- life is hard and anything that brings someone joy then go for it but hearing bands not even care or have consideration for the people who made them what they’re - it’s just gross and inexcusable! Please keep putting the guilty ones on blast because people who work very hard for their money deserve to know before they give financially secure bands more of their money! People deserve to know exactly what they’re paying for! If bands want to serve bologna and just walk through the room then they should charge accordingly!
This is your channel; you discuss what you want! If others have issue with it, they don't have to tune in. People are getting triggered because you're exposing the BS that they have bought into. You rock! xoxoxoxoxo
Some of the really really big acts don't even meet you but give you good tickets and swag. The girl got thumped by this band and they were very unfair to this woman.
NO sir, you are doing exactly what we want to expose; and wholeheartedly appreciate your work. Back in the late 80’s had the opportunity to hang out with Skid Row’s Seb and Rachel after their opening for Bon Jovi, in San Juan, PR. All for free and with no BS. Honest drink binge 😅 and other related stuff with the mind of having a great time between fans and them. WTF happened???? Keep up the great work!!! Subscribed 🤘🏻🤘🏻🤘🏻🤘🏻
Matty Healy had the best idea when he said meet n greets should be cash only. Fans would walk up and hand the artist cash and then get their meet n greet. It would put an entirely new perspective on things. And I think it would be cute to watch some of my favorite artists count out change 😂 I had a meet n greet for one of my favorite bands. it was included in a ticket bundle. It wasn’t the best experience for a number of reasons. The manager came in the room with the band and told the whole 15 of us that we needed to “move this along because the band is on a time constraint “. I felt like I was an inconvenience. The band was nice enough, but as I started a conversation with one of them, I was told my time was up. I’m glad it only was about $100 and it came with the ticket. I’d never do it again. I came to a point where I said there is no one worth paying to meet. It feels sad to put a price tag on such a basic human interaction. I totally get why someone would want to buy a vIp package but it’s not for me.
I have been keeping up with the meet and greet saga on this channel. I had a feeling that something like this was going to come up. I personally, however, have not had too many experiences with VIP or meet and greet. Except for one band. And they were kind of DIY type meet and greet. $100 got you in. $150 got two of you in. And so forth. And what you got was the opportunity to sit with the band on board their bus and just hang out, take as many photos as you want. And do so for as long as you wanted. Then get into the venue ahead of the general public. I hope you continue more and more with this journey because there are some really horrible folks out there skimming their fans of their cash.
Thank you for your comment. I definitely agree. There are a lot of really good bands that take care of their fans and stuff. And I really do want to bring up those stories as well. I've got a couple i'm working on, and getting some info about. I appreciate you being here though!
Just subscribed, thanks for your insight on meet and greets, have been to a few, some better than others. Nothing like this though, insane! Keep making these kind of videos, very valuable information, thanks brother!
Great video! I don't do meet and greets for that reason. I figure alot of bands probably don't care or are too busy to provide a good experience. I just wait after the show if I really want a signature. I recently met Jeff Young and Chris Poland after a show. Didn't have to buy anything but I did anyway and got my stuff signed. Shook their hands and exchanged a few words. Super nice dudes and they stayed a while to chat with everyone.
I flew to St Louis, MO to see Story Of The Year perform their album release show for Tear Me To Pieces. I met the band twice for free. Hung out with them at a brewery the night before and caught them at a record signing the morning of the show. Super nice guys. Made the trip a core memory for life.
I’ve had the best luck with doing vip for small bands. If I like them and their meet and greet is $100 or below, I know it’s going to be a great experience.
I don't do meet and greets, If I can't just walk up to you and say hello then I am not going to pay to meet you...We are all just people...If I were in the position to be a star and be an influnece on people I most certainly would want to meet them and at least tell them Thank you for the support and for enjoying my music...Ronnie James Dio was the man when it came to those things, I never saw that man turn down a picture or an autograph...Lemmy was the same way and he even required members of his band to always sign autographs for fans as he said they are the reason we are able to make our living this way...Words to live by!
Love your chanel man! Love your honesty and truthfulness! I paid $250 to watch Rammstein from the bleachers, and it was the best money spent regardless of the view! I would never pay $500 x a stupid pic with the Official Aerosmith banner crap
Thank you for Educating us about the Meet and Greets. We would all be blinded with ignorance. I enjoy your videos because we all need to more knowledgeable about the Meet and Greets. People are getting hurt behind these scams and it’s so sad.
I remember Aerosmith got sued because they scheduled to do a show in Maui but cancelled at the last minute for a more lucrative gig. Their representatives made up some BS story, but the lawsuit went through. Maybe people need to sue so that these artists for these crappy meet and greets. You are promised a certain level for your money and they give you crap.
Three Meet and Greets I will ALWAYS tell people are amazing are Nita Strauss BLS John5 All of them are incredible cheap $100 max. They all talk , take pictures , sign autographs and all. Nita wins the cake for the best meet and greet. The nicest person, signs whatever you want, takes pictures , Q&A session , and merch included for like $60 bucks. You can’t beat that. BLS was like $100 , same thing , merch , photos , get to talk, and all of that. John5 had different packages , but the cheapest option was a $50 meet n greet/photo after the show. He talked to me for a solid amount of time and was a great dude. From my experience I highly recommend these 3.
Forget what anybody thinks, you just KEEP doing the job you're doing. BECAUSE...I THINK YOU'RE DOING GREAT, and apparently a lot of people agree with me.
@@ZachAdkinsGuitar number one a lot of people don't like the truth number to a lot of people are badasses behind their phone but how many have actually experienced getting ripped off at a concert
I have meet a few big name band members by waiting by the stage door. Always told them how much their music meant to me. ALL of them were kind but you can tell they’ve heard this a million times and don’t care. It is a high paying job to them and they appreciate your money and continued support for that money income.
That's actually one I kind of have in the can right now. Trying to get some info about it, and some individual stories to kind of make sure I got as many sides of the story as I can
@@ZachAdkinsGuitar I've done the old meet & greet with Metallica twice, and would love to share. Do you have an email or some other way to best reach out?
I got to meet "Weird Al" Yankovic twice when he did a book signing for his two children's books. Seriously nice guy and I got to banter with him a little both times. The signing cost about $20 only because you had to buy a copy of the book, and he'd sign the book plus one extra item for free (I had him sign my Running With Scissors and Alapalooza album inserts, respectively). The first time I met him, I didn't want to sound like a moron so I practiced what I was going to say to him for several minutes while I was standing in line. When I finally got up to him and handed him the items to sign, I said "I know you hear this a lot, but I'm your biggest fan." He turned right to me and said "but not from you!" After he signed it, he shook my hand, thanked me, and said it was an honor. The second time I met him, I actually got a laugh out of him because I told him I had wanted to bring my mom's poodle for him to sign, but the dog wasn't available. I never got to meet him at a show, but once when he came to a local county fair, I went with a friend and we got to chat with a couple of his Smells Like Nirvana dancers before the show who were hanging out near the seats.
Neil Peart always made it clear that he was VERY uncomfortable in any sort of hero worship situation. He was a very introverted dude, and the fans understood that. I was fortunate enough to have a snare head and my copy of 2112 autographed by all three guys in the 80s at a record store signing and compared to Geddy and Alex, you could tell that it wasn't a very comfortable situation for him. Sweet enough guy that loved his fans, but you could tell that he just wasn't in his element meeting the masses. Alex on the other hand, will talk your ear off if you let him.
We all respected Neil and his choice, luckily he never tried to sell anyone in meeting him and treating them like crap. Nobody ever expected to meet him, and that's totally reasonable and fine
When I was 23 back in 2013 I think, I was soo ecstatic to see in Facebook that my idol Yngwie Malmsteen was gonna be at our local guitar center for a free meet and greet. When I got there I was in awe since I've been studying his style since I was 18. I brought my vinyl to sign and he didn't want to take a photo with me, his staff were kinda dicks, and instead of signing my album, he wrote "Buy Spellbound" his newest album that he was promoting on the cover in sharpie. Lmfao. I'm still a fan but I wouldn't pay for a show anymore. Granted it was free, it really bummed me out lol. It also didn't help that I had tickets for his show that night and I was put off but it was my the my older brothers first concert and I wanted it to be special. Turns out the best part of the night was grabbing del taco after the show and bonding. So there was a silver lining to all this.
Man. What a bitter sweet moment. Like, you wanted to meet him and get something special and he was just a massive ass. Now you're not gonna give him any more money, and he's home wonder why he isn't getting the income he once did. Vicious cycle Glad you got to spend time with your brother!!
@@ZachAdkinsGuitar thanks. If there was a way to send you the photos of that day I would lol. I can laugh about this now but it stung that day. Me and my bro had a blast when we got home. Omg I have a companion story too!!!! My brother that day at the show bought a cd from this hack. Opener for yngwie. I think it was Ethan brosch. My brother was excited but after he bought the cd and I think he paid to get it autographed, the artist quickly signed it and handed it back with this attitude like "I'm too famous and important to be here" kinda vibe and we kept ripping on him the whole night. Like ok bro your a technically proficient guitarist with no charisma and not even a 1/10 of the charm or creativity of the artists that influenced you. Humble yourself lol.
@@jackb348 that highlight of the day was hanging out with my brother. Wasn't my first malmsteen show. If you've been to one then you've seen them all. They just get progressively worse. A couple of years later we did catch Iron maiden at the forum. Now that was a show.
One of the worst was some rapper, I don't remember his name, but people paid like $800 to meet this guy. They say everyone down in the VIP lounge after fans argued about the tour manager lost half their names on the list, then they got told the artist wasn't coming to meet them because he was in a bad mood and no refunds. Wouldn't even sign stuff for them to be brought out.
One of my favorites was Starset. The VIP was only like $100 or so over the ticket, and they did a small acoustic set pre show, you got a goodie bag with signed tour poster, photos taken with the band, and although none of the members are really social butterflies they were nice and cordial. For the price, that value is hard to beat nowadays. I'll never pay over $100 for a meet and greet unless it included a fairly premium ticket.
Just got back from the BEAT tour with Steve Vai, Danny Carey, Tony Levin, and Adrien Belew. And while I did not attend the VIP meet and greet. I can confirm that they did come down off the stage and took pictures with each individual/party.
@@ZachAdkinsGuitar indeed. One possibility for bad VIP/Meet and Greets is because. Bands might be afraid of their fans. They’re afraid of that ONE psycho and one is all it takes.
Yeah it isn’t because they love their fans and want to meet them. They can do that (and some do ) by walking the line out front or interacting while walking around the venue area/city
Best meet n greet I ever had was free (not counting the ones I just happened to meet after a show) was (dont laugh) was Davy Jones of The Monkees. I hadnt been aware of any M&G before the show and had only knew of it towards the end. I went to find out if I could still get a VIP and asked the manager of the theater. When he realized how big a fan I was ( I had been since I was 6 years old in 1966.) He took pity on me and snuck me in line for free. It ended up being one of the best I ever had. Davy was hilarious, kind (a child who was there was his father felt ill and Davy stopped everything to talk and tend to him. It was hot in the dressing room and everyone was warm. I spotted a refrigerator and asked if he had any Corona's stashjed in it. "Oh, I only wish it did, mate, I could use one!" LOL
I've done 3 meet & greets with Nightwish and it was worth every penny. I got a photo of just me and the band and you usually get a tour poster or program that they sign andyou can bring in other items to sign too. I did one with Jason Bonham and got a photo and also a free drumhead that he signed and you could also talk with him for a couple minutes. I've done a lot that were free by hanging around after the show. One of the best ones was Paul Rodgers. I even got a hug from him.
My latest VIP was last night, Battle Beast, 49 euros, got everything we were supposed to, well planned. They had a backdrop and studio lights for the photo op, their tour manager had a camera in a backup if your phone died etc (very overlooked element) They signed anything, very talkative and engaging, we even got extra stuff we were not expecting. As the VIP concluded they had 20 mins to do selfies etc (this was an extra that wasnt listed) and I grabbed a quick one with noora and talked to their manager about their setup, he showed the smoke machines, the lighting, the light show programming etc. Well above and beyond, so much i'd buy it again easy, and its totally what you are saying, if we are happy we will keep buying, if not, you just get blacklisted by the fans, who aren't just buying VIP, but the music too.
I know its not exactly what youre talking about, but Billy Strings deserves a shoutout for what he just did. Dude is refunding an entire concert (which still happened with some changes) that he left to be there for the birth of his child.
That story is absolutely heartbreaking smh....and I say keep calling all this stuff out! The people need to know ahead of time..people idolize so hard they use their rent or car payment money to meet these people and are screwed when they get home and realize it wasn't worth it
I think my best experience was with the butcher babies. VIP was a pizza party on their bus after the show. There was more than plenty of food and drinks and it was relaxed and fun and lasted about an hour. They were in no rush for us to leave. And it was like $80 I think. That’s where it’s at
Zach, check this one out!! Currently here in the Netherlands for Iron Maiden gig next year VIP 1: Trooper VIP Package - starting at € 410,00 per ticket - Premium seating [in that venue, not that premium tbh] - Access to TROOPER pre-show party including: - Bites - 2x TROOPER Beer (where available)* OR 2x drink tokens (beer, wine, soft drinks) - Private pay bar - Photobooth/photo wall - Raffle entry with a chance to win signed IM merchandise & memorabilia - Limited Edition 50yr IM item - Exclusive VIP TROOPER T-shirt - VIP merchandise bundle incl. Laminate & lanyard - Concert ticket as a souvenir - Pre-show merchandise shopping (where available) [no meeting the band whatsoever...]. Again... 410,00 per ticket
I'm not opposed to this. Sounds like they have different tier levels that your can pay for and they have it laid out very well that you won't get to meet the band. Sounds like a luxury vip, which can be a cool idea if fulfilled properly
@@ZachAdkinsGuitar well, this is the only option they show... and basically 400 smth euros for 2 drinks, some Dutch bites, and tshirt, because everything else you will have to pay, or you enter a chance to win. A VIP price that doesn't match what you get
it’s really better just to meet someone organically by accident, like the way me and my wife met Gean Simmons of kiss we ran into him at a hard rock Café in San Diego California when we were there for the comic con, we saw him and his son walk into the restaurant and after they finish eating, we casually went by just to say hi my wife got a picture with him and he was very nice and cordial to us, I think it’s better that way than to pay $500 and have someone be a real jerk to you
One of the best vips I had was for Iced Earth in 2011. My dad took me and we both got vip and it was $100 each. We got a vip shirt, a free 24x36 poster, got to meet the band and get autographs and got a photo op with the band. I got Jon Schaffer and Troy Seele to sign my guitar. During the concert Jon noticed me and he tired several times throwing a pick at me and I did end up getting one. Definitely one of the best nights for me.
Most big time musicians, money changes who they are. Most feel entitled and just want your money like any other business in this free enterprise! As i get older, the more i realize that these ppl are normal ppl except a select few that are dead and gone that were truly special ppl, such as Elvis, Michael Jackson, Dimebag, Jim Morrison so on and so forth. I used to pay good money for VIP these last 30+ years, but like i said, as you age, you gain wisdom and the experience vs your anticipation to hang with these "rock gods", is rarely, if ever met. The Abbott Brothers were true to their fans and actually hanging with them, you were a part of their circle. In today's music culture, i wouldn't pay money anymore to see or possibly meet these musicians. Been there, done that and it's not all it's cracked up to be. I'll keep my hard earned cash. When Seether first came out, they played your small venues, the level of venue you play before being known and playing Coliseums. They had a meet and greet and you could actually hang out with these guys after the show in the audience for free! They were obviously endorsing their debut album, but nonetheless, they were just hanging out with fans and signing memorabilia. Their follow up album and when Shaun Morgan did the duet "Broken" with Amy Lee, the band went mainstream. Guess what happened with their free meet and greet?! They started charging and a few members didn't even come out to sign anything. It felt forced and somewhat unwelcoming. So yeah, just an example, in the beginning, it was free and fun for them to promote themselves, then when becoming known, they're no longer on your level and now your money matters most importantly.
Seems like par for the course. Which is crazy, because the fans were the reason they have anything to begin with. None of them have any business sense, and they wonder why they can get taken advantage of by management and accountants too
@@ZachAdkinsGuitar i agree! We can go down a rabbit hole where artists are greedy and stand on nothing anymore! Example, ticket master, prices are ridiculous and the ability to refund a ticket is literally impossible. I won't see a concert if ticket master is involved...EVER! It's a shame bands use their service, they're thieves and have been duping the public for decades now. A year ago, someone got my info, bought $1200 in concert tickets to a concert on the other side of the country, my bank caught the thieves second transaction and flagged me! Long story short, if my bank hadn't refunded the money stole and went after ticket master themselves i would've never received that $1200 dollars fraudulently taken from me by ticket master! And might i add, taking time out of my day to go to the bank to fill out the proper paperwork etc the bank proceeds to tell me I'm not the first one they dealt with, with ticket master and fraudulent transactions and the inability to receive a refund. So you see, bands stand on nothing, they're a business and they want your money. Otherwise, do something about fucking over honest hard working Americans! But they don't! Another example that's recent. I read in the comments how, Tesla for example cancelled a show and ticket master didn't refund when Tesla cancelled. No one commented on that man's reply then it disappeared, can you say censorship! You see, a rabbit hole and none of these bands step up and do anything about it! Jelly Roll recently cancelled a Saturday show and rescheduled for a Monday or Tuesday or something like that and tickets are not being refunded! Tell me how that's conducive to longevity as an artist and as an honest humble American!
It's true if you don't meet a band before they become well-known and mainstream, then your chances of meeting them decreased significantly and it usually doesn't happen at all. There was this one time I was at a show and it was Breaking Benjamin headlining with Five Finger Death Punch playing before them and they were both having VIP meet and greets at the same show and I had to choose. Breaking Benjamin is in my top three favorites so of course I had to pick them. I just didn't know that after that year FFDP would blow up, and their meet and greets would become so overpriced (the rare times they even have them anymore) or the fact that like others have said, only two or three of the band members come out instead of the whole band now. Seether is one of my favorite bands too but they don't even do VIP anymore, I just got into them too late and I wasn't on that hype train when they were at their peak.
I paid for a "Bus Hang" for Trapt. Absolutely terrible experience.. It was me and my 12 year old daughter. The lead singer didn't even make eye contact and his body language showed he didn't want to be there. He never said a word. The rest of the band were awesome and made the best out of a bad situation. Still like the music but will never pay for that again. Did a Bus Hang with Nonpoint, awesome time.
The Black Moods do it right and cool, you meet up with them an hour before their set and get to hang out on the bus and have anything you brought with you signed 🤘🔥🤘 less than $100. You know, rockin' and rollin' and what not! Epic postings bro, so many of my favorites have missed out on my $ because of FOFO that my faves are dooshers or don't even want to be there.. 🤘🔥🤘
I saw Blue Oyster Cult in the late '90's at a small venue. I took a copy of Stephen King's "The Stand" with me because King put the lyrics of 'The Reaper' in the book. My husband thought I was nuts. Hung around after the show. Buck Dharma signed it and left. Eric Bloom told me to sit at a table and he'll be over in a few minutes. He comes over and says 'so who's your favorite author'? We ended up talking about books for about 40 min.My husband just sat there shaking his head.
Yes you are right. The only one i thought was good would do again. Its a local band to me and i sometimes run into one of the members and he always stops me and says hello.
I think meet and greets are a great way for both fans and bands to have an experience. Boosts the bands ego, fans get to meet their favorite artists. It CAN BE a win win. But, most of the time it's not
Back in the mid nineties. Megadeth had a thing going on to feed the poor. All we had to do was take some canned food to a local shelter and get passes to meet the band after the show. We went to the place ran by some older women, they were like here take as many as you want. We took a few for the friends that were going to the show and we met the band and shook their hands as they walked through the crowd. FREE pretty much. it included a nice 'special' pass.
What are your thoughts on super fans following bands to every gig? One meet and greet I didn’t expect was The High Kings, they were driving around Australia to the gigs and Melbourne was the last one before they got on a plane, at the end of the gig they said everyone who buys a t.shirt will get it signed and a photo. The trestle table was set up next to the merch stand and they sold all the tour shirts out. I got a setlist and told the guys all the shirts were sold out ,so they were happy, they signed my setlist and I got a photo with everyone smiling and had a great chat and photo with the manager. That was a win for all as they didn’t have to to pay extra on the plane for all the unsold merch and fans got a free meet and great and autograph 😊
Hi Zach. I like your videos. You explain a lot of things I would like to say also in videos (and sometimes I have) but the meet and greet stuff is, in my opinion, a mixed bag. I’ve had good experiences meeting musicians who are at the merch table after the show. But I wouldn’t pay to meet them unless it was a 5 dollar cover charge that was the policy of the venue. Otherwise, I don’t even like to see big name bands anymore because I know that after the show I don’t usually even get to meet them. I’m wondering… I like to share my music with fellow musicians and I’m wondering if you might be open to me sending you some of my stuff on CD. No obligation. But if I did send something and you had an opinion on it, that would be cool. I figured I would ask. Your answer either way is okay by me.
Meet and Greets are the way bands make their money now that music is free. Bands are no longer made up of musicians. They are t-shirt salesmen and meet & greet play actors. I'm sure most artists hate it. They make no $$$ off their music anymore unless you are a slave to a label. This chick got hosed. No doubt about it. What a rip-off. I put this fiasco on whomever HIM had hired to coordinate their M&G. That said, I love your vids. Just subscribed. Keep up the good work Zach!
The problem is pretty much all bands HAVE to do meet and greets now to make any money touring since they're not making money from album sales and the promoters are taking cuts of the merch sales, and a lot of these bands don't want to do it, but they know they have to or they'll lose money touring. Some people just flat out refuse like Tommy Lee and Neil Peart
Big cries for them. Maybe if you need the money, then give your fans something worth paying for so they keep paying you, instead of a crappy experience. That will make you more money than anything else
I have no interest in paying a bunch of money to hang out with a rock star. I've met a few for $0. Wildest one was I was trying out an Engl amp in a music store, I was digging the amp and shredding pretty good, and Eric Gales came up to me, introduced himself and told me I wasn't fooling around. That was pretty cool coming from a badass guitarist like Eric! George Lynch was really cool, I had the original European version of Breaking The Chains that came out a couple years before USA release. He told me a great story about how all that went down.
I love these videos, I don’t understand how fans are so delusional that they think bands actually like doing this, it’s the promoters who make them do them and get the money for them. The Static X guys could not care less when then had to drag themselves out of the green room in their dressing gowns and and slippers after the gig for the fan photos. Soil was the support and they were actually very polite and signed the setlist I got. Although not that many fans wanted a photo with them . I just bought the v.i.p. Upgrade on the night while in line in the freezing cold and rain from the promoter just to get out of the cold, it was only $100 Australian and I have the signed poster.
Ridiculous, i wouldnt pay more than $400 for a bologna sandwich 🤔 Seriously though that's super messed up and i feel bad for them. I would be livid if that happened to me. Im not a very personable person, im actually pretty socially awkward but ive had people talk to me after shows ive played and im always nice and willing to have a conversation with them. Now im just a local musician in a local band but i do my best.
The sad thing is that Ville, is no stranger to giving fans (that paid to meet him) the cold shoulder at shows. Every since they first came out, there have been occasions when he just wasn't there, mentally, and was either in a morose mood or just nonverbal during the meet and greet. He's often given me the impression that he doesn't want to be admired or adored by fans. Sometimes, he's in good spirits, other times, he seems to just be "over it". I don't believe he was in a good headspace during that Farewell Tour - not excusing him but just saying. I believe he was just over the whole HIM thing and didn't even want to perform those songs, after they ended...although he did go on to perform them, after a short time. I get it, life can get to you and sometimes it can affect, how you conduct yourself but it shouldn't affect how you do business.
You're right. There are days I don't want to be talked to by my clients because I'm not in a great mood, however, I put on the face and the smile and I go to work. So many artists are too self involved and can't take 2 seconds to get over themselves
I met Ronnie James Dio years ago, didn’t cost a dime and he was insanely wonderful
You lucky mother…
I met Ronnie also. Ronnie and Jack Russel from Great White were both really cool to their fans.
Ronnie was a nice and warm person. I had a patient years ago that met him in Alaska, and Ronnie spent a lot of time talking with him. He had him come into the radio station and hang with him during his interview. That is cool.
I met Ronnie James Dio, back in 1999. Didn't cost me 💩 either. Got two CDs and two posters signed. Still have them. He was a class act! That's why he's a LEGEND and Him were just schmucks.
He's a gem!!
Talk about what you want man.. screw the haters
Damn right!
Needed some new haters, the old ones are starting to like me.
Glad you speak the truth 👍
@@ZachAdkinsGuitar😂😂😂
You are doing us all a service! I have good and bad experiences. These bands should be called out.
I keep getting more stories. Here we go!
Exactly. So people will know who to M&G and who to stay away from.
Yes he is doing a great public service.
Let's change the name of meet and greets to "Pay and Go Away." Like, "Dude I just forked out 2g's for a Pay and Go Away with ______ (insert name of 60-70 year old twice-divorced overweight alcoholic you idolized when you were 11).
🤣🤣🤣
BOOM!
If you get a Pepsi, I would think it would be a Suicidal Tendencies show.
But she would not give it to her even though she kept saying she was alright...
Tier 3 level comedy 🤣
😄
No, you won’t. SHE DIDN’T GIVE IT TO HIM.
Good one…
It's good that you continue to address this.
It's time for people to stop worshipping authority, be it from entertainment, politics or otherwise.
Agreed!!!
By all means vote with your wallet, but I don't know if complaining about it is likely to change much. Not everything in life is a dialog.
@@Tim85-y2q true
I agreed with all you said on this video. Keep the 'meet and greet' videos coming. Celebrities should be lucky that they have caring fans. Zach, I enjoy hearing your honest down to earth opinions.
Keep people informed! You’re awesome
Glad you're here! 😄
Loving this meet and greet content.
Thanks for the feedback. I'm getting a whole lot of stories and comments about it. And I have so many videos I could probably make lol
Exciting actually.
Im glad your exposing bands , its the fans who make them, i would never do a meet and greet or vip.
I think those can be fun and great but way too many bands or their management seem to use it as an opportunity to rip off and scam fans unfortunately.
Most of the time? It's not worth it.
KEEP TALKING KEEP TALKING KEEP TALKING - don't ever stop until it gets to the really big channels like Rick Beato and such, and the industry is forced to capitulate. Keep up the good work, brother, I love it. Keep hammering away!
Greed has wrecked this world .
One of the 7 deadly 👀👀👀😔
Its not really about greed, bands have to do these to make up for the money they aren't making from album sales now. It's not like they're making millions and then charging for meet and greets on top of that just to get even more money, they're doing it to help finance the tour itself. Also promoters have started taking cuts of band's merch sales, which is where the majority of the money generated on tour came from, so they have to make up for that now too. I've done several tours all over the US, Canada, and Europe and believe me, you barely break even if you're lucky, usually you lose money. The issue now is how poorly are these meet and greets conducted. Some bands are great and some are lazy and rip the fans off.
Dokken did a one off show in South Dakota with the classic line-up. They sold VIP passes with a Photo Op for $250. So I buy the $250 VIP and then a month before the show, they decide to do a rehearsal show experience the night prior to the show. Another $250. I was super upset because if I had known about this, I would have done that instead of the VIP Photo Op because we didn't really have a chance to talk to the band but the people who went to the rehearsal show got to hang out with the band and talk and watch them play. The whole thing was poorly run. I am done with VIP packages. No one is worth the money.
Sorry that happened to you 😕😕
Best to vote with your wallet and feet. Avoid the VIP (very important paycheck). I avoid them all, just crap.
@@SPY1964-LL Very Important Paycheck. Love it!
Last time I went to see Zakk Wylde they had a meet-and-greet and one person got the meet and greet. It was some young girl and not only did they invite her to watch The sound check she got to hang out with the entire band the whole night and the girl got to stand on stage with the band while they were playing! And then somebody told me that's exactly what happened she was the only one that bought the meet and greet and God damn it she must have just gotten the most fortunate experience of all time even though BLS meet and greets have always been pretty good. So I guess it could go either way and I could definitely see it being more bad experiences than good
Your stats confirm that the topic needs to be discussed, keep it up. It would be so simple for bands to create an efficient system where fans get more value than the cost of the experience, I'm just as confused as you as to why it seems to be so difficult.
It's actually pretty incredible how people don't wanna get it 🤷♂️🤷♂️
@@ZachAdkinsGuitar There's a whole lot of that in this crazy-ass world today, way beyond the world of live music too 😆
Lmao. You're right about that
I love watching your stuff ty
Zach is a hidden treasure 🤑. Hope that everyone catches on.
I’ve only had 3 backstage “meet and greet” or VIP experiences, my son was and still is a HUGE Brantley Gilbert fan and I had never heard of him. So I bought the VIP tickets for a concert he did in Tupelo Ms for me and my son, I have to say my son and I were absolutely blown away at the kindness and generosity that Brantley Gilbert showed everyone that he came in contact with that night. So 2 years later I got my son and another VIP “meet and greet” set of tickets when he played in Corinth Ms. And the catering, Brantley actually played an acoustic session and took any questions and signed anything anyone wanted signed he took pictures and was just very genuine. And that was before the concert ever started, he called 5 of those people on stage during the concert and one of those five was my son. It made his birthday the best ever. And I’ve been to a “meet and greet” or VIP with 3 doors down and those guys took all the time in the world to talk to everyone of us in the bus as well. 3 experiences and all 3 were positive, but I haven’t seen an ad for any concert in my life and said to myself “I really want to meet those people”. The 3 experiences I had with my son were phenomenal and I’m proud that’s something that he’ll remember and thankful to those artists for being genuine and professional
Love the meet and greet stories
Thank you! Going to be uploading more for sure
Sometimes the best "meet & greets" are just random encounters. My old neighbor (RIP Gary) favorite story was about when he and a friend seen Led Zeppelin at the Swing Auditorium in San Bernardino, Ca. in 1972. After the concert, they walked to a nearby Denny's to grab a soda and use the payphone to get a ride home. While they were sitting on the curb waiting for their ride, a limo pulls up and a man goes inside. The back window of the limo rolls down, and another man asks how the milkshakes were at the restaurant. It was Robert Plant! Gary and his friend said they loved the concert, and Plant said "thanks for coming!" Then the other man comes out of the restaurant with a tray of drinks which looked like milkshakes, and Plant waived goodbye to them and the limo drove off.
That encounter was the cherry on top for the night, and a great story they got to tell over the years. Oh yeah, a ticket cost about $5.50...for Led Zeppelin!
Man. $5.50 😭😭😭😭
KEEP PREACHING THE TRUTH, Brother!!!!!!!✌️💙💯👍
Thank you 🙏🙏🙏
Some years back I went on a solo trip to NYC to see Rammstein at MSG. While exporing the city early in the day, I bumped into guitarist Richard ZK. Decided to say hello and ended up in a good 30 or so minute conversation about guitars, and life in general with him over a cup of coffee. One of the most humble people I've ever met. For that short time it felt like two old friends catching up on life after not seeing each other for years. Awesome fuckin dude.
That's badass!! Love it
I hope the sister used a credit card and disputed the full charges. She ordered a package which would have listed all that was included, and the seller didn't provide everything that was promised. Since there is no way to breakdown the individual missing things promised, she should be able to just dispute the entire purchase. And the sellers aren't going to fight anyone over it, they don't have time. I did it before. I ordered a package deal that was supposed to be a band's new CD along with the ticket. Well, the CD never arrived, then months later the show happened. So I disputed the entire charge and won. They didn't deliver on the full package that was promised to me. Now, if their VIP package had just said tickets and "dinner" and nothing else, technically they did get a "dinner", gross as it may have been, and the seller would have fulfilled their obligation. It's not good to be pissing off your true diehard fans like that though. But it sounds like more was promised and wasn't provided, so in her case a dispute is warranted. IMO
You're absolutely right. Paying with a credit card is the best way to ensure your get your money back if things won't go as promised
@@ZachAdkinsGuitarthat's false though if you pay for the tickets through ticketmaster. I'm sure anyone who's ever been to a concert in their life knows the debacle that Ticketmaster is, and how fighting with them is very difficult/impossible to get a refund. I never got my $375 back for the VIP In Flames show that that didnt happen (this was during the time they were screwing a lot of people over - during and right after covid). Ticketmaster claimed I wasnt owed a refund because "the show still went on, and another band replaced them in the lineup" But the other band wasn't offering VIP, nor did I want it from them 😡
Are there now laws that could force Ticketmaster to pay? Imo this sounds like clear fraud but maybe it's not enough as you didn't get what you bought.
Totally agree bro! Keep up the good work spreading the word! 🤙🏻
Thanks for theae videos. I never ever paid for a VIP and I never will. Sometimes during the show the artist will say after the show I'll come out and say hello. I've done that and met some pretty amazing musicians who were phenomenal human beings.
That's always cool. You should try a meet and greet if you can afford it, just make sure you do your research
Some Performers forget that without the fans there is no paycheck for them. The prima donas should be bending over backwards to ensure that their fans experiences are top notch!
You're absolutely right
Thanks Zach for another great show keep bringing us the truth bro stay safe and well God Bless peace
Thank you!!
You are very informative and make a wonderful point and you make a ton of sense. Keep up the great work
Thank you! Will do!
The best band I've ever met was kix, I took vocal lessons off with Steve Whitman of Kix and they have been true blue always. it's a shame they retired, Thanking them for all the great music
The ‘Meet and Greet’ playlist on your channel I’ll be looking forward to!
Discovered your channel through this content, we are here for it. Keep it coming brother!
Glad you're here for it! 💪💪
I like that you are talking about this. I've always wondered how different bands handle this. I know there are gonna be a lot of bad stories, but make sure to get the good ones out there as well.
Working on a few now 💪💪
They read the ticket wrong. It was a “Meat Greet”
Ex-zach-ly
You keep popping in my recommended section and I’m interested in the meet and greet stories! I subbed - it’s always interesting to hear what bands are doing! How can it improve if it’s not addressed? It’s fine if bands aren’t personable - then don’t advertise a personable experience! I’ve never done a VIP because I’ve heard horror stories! I also don’t judge people for doing them- life is hard and anything that brings someone joy then go for it but hearing bands not even care or have consideration for the people who made them what they’re - it’s just gross and inexcusable! Please keep putting the guilty ones on blast because people who work very hard for their money deserve to know before they give financially secure bands more of their money! People deserve to know exactly what they’re paying for! If bands want to serve bologna and just walk through the room then they should charge accordingly!
Thanks for subscribing. Glad the algorithm grabbed you.
💪💪💪
You’re 100% correct bro.
Much appreciated 🙏🙏🙏
This is your channel; you discuss what you want! If others have issue with it, they don't have to tune in. People are getting triggered because you're exposing the BS that they have bought into.
You rock!
xoxoxoxoxo
Hell yea. People are super upset, and I can imagine why 🤣
Some of the really really big acts don't even meet you but give you good tickets and swag. The girl got thumped by this band and they were very unfair to this woman.
Absolutely agree!
Like Green Day, and Blink -182... I was almost going to go see them over the summer but their VIP sucked and their regular tickets were way overpriced
Lol the title 😂 I’m not surprised though. Keep talking about these stories 😂
Thanks man! I'm gonna keep finding more and more
Love your channel.. Rock on man!
Thanks! Glad you're here
NO sir, you are doing exactly what we want to expose; and wholeheartedly appreciate your work. Back in the late 80’s had the opportunity to hang out with Skid Row’s Seb and Rachel after their opening for Bon Jovi, in San Juan, PR. All for free and with no BS. Honest drink binge 😅 and other related stuff with the mind of having a great time between fans and them. WTF happened???? Keep up the great work!!! Subscribed 🤘🏻🤘🏻🤘🏻🤘🏻
Thanks for the subscription. Glad you're here 🙏🙏
Awesome video! 👍
Much appreciated!
Matty Healy had the best idea when he said meet n greets should be cash only. Fans would walk up and hand the artist cash and then get their meet n greet. It would put an entirely new perspective on things. And I think it would be cute to watch some of my favorite artists count out change 😂
I had a meet n greet for one of my favorite bands. it was included in a ticket bundle. It wasn’t the best experience for a number of reasons. The manager came in the room with the band and told the whole 15 of us that we needed to “move this along because the band is on a time constraint “. I felt like I was an inconvenience. The band was nice enough, but as I started a conversation with one of them, I was told my time was up. I’m glad it only was about $100 and it came with the ticket.
I’d never do it again. I came to a point where I said there is no one worth paying to meet. It feels sad to put a price tag on such a basic human interaction. I totally get why someone would want to buy a vIp package but it’s not for me.
Love the videos !!!
I have been keeping up with the meet and greet saga on this channel. I had a feeling that something like this was going to come up.
I personally, however, have not had too many experiences with VIP or meet and greet. Except for one band. And they were kind of DIY type meet and greet.
$100 got you in. $150 got two of you in. And so forth. And what you got was the opportunity to sit with the band on board their bus and just hang out, take as many photos as you want. And do so for as long as you wanted. Then get into the venue ahead of the general public.
I hope you continue more and more with this journey because there are some really horrible folks out there skimming their fans of their cash.
Thank you for your comment. I definitely agree. There are a lot of really good bands that take care of their fans and stuff. And I really do want to bring up those stories as well. I've got a couple i'm working on, and getting some info about.
I appreciate you being here though!
Just subscribed, thanks for your insight on meet and greets, have been to a few, some better than others. Nothing like this though, insane! Keep making these kind of videos, very valuable information, thanks brother!
Thanks for the sub and the comment 🤠💪
Great video! I don't do meet and greets for that reason. I figure alot of bands probably don't care or are too busy to provide a good experience. I just wait after the show if I really want a signature.
I recently met Jeff Young and Chris Poland after a show. Didn't have to buy anything but I did anyway and got my stuff signed. Shook their hands and exchanged a few words. Super nice dudes and they stayed a while to chat with everyone.
I flew to St Louis, MO to see Story Of The Year perform their album release show for Tear Me To Pieces. I met the band twice for free. Hung out with them at a brewery the night before and caught them at a record signing the morning of the show. Super nice guys. Made the trip a core memory for life.
I’ve had the best luck with doing vip for small bands. If I like them and their meet and greet is $100 or below, I know it’s going to be a great experience.
Small bands definitely try harder
This is second one I e watched if I watch one more I will subscribe it’s kind of interesting
I have a few videos about it already. Feel free to subscribe when you're ready 🙏
I don't do meet and greets, If I can't just walk up to you and say hello then I am not going to pay to meet you...We are all just people...If I were in the position to be a star and be an influnece on people I most certainly would want to meet them and at least tell them Thank you for the support and for enjoying my music...Ronnie James Dio was the man when it came to those things, I never saw that man turn down a picture or an autograph...Lemmy was the same way and he even required members of his band to always sign autographs for fans as he said they are the reason we are able to make our living this way...Words to live by!
That's a great way to think about it. Treat your fans well, they will treat you well
Love your chanel man! Love your honesty and truthfulness! I paid $250 to watch Rammstein from the bleachers, and it was the best money spent regardless of the view! I would never pay $500 x a stupid pic with the Official Aerosmith banner crap
Yea that is absolutely ridiculous
Thank you for Educating us about the Meet and Greets. We would all be blinded with ignorance. I enjoy your videos because we all need to more knowledgeable about the Meet and Greets. People are getting hurt behind these scams and it’s so sad.
I'm ok with bands charging for meet and greets. But, man, they need to do better. Value must meet or exceed the price!!
Your content rules man! Keep it up!
Appreciate it!
I remember Aerosmith got sued because they scheduled to do a show in Maui but cancelled at the last minute for a more lucrative gig. Their representatives made up some BS story, but the lawsuit went through. Maybe people need to sue so that these artists for these crappy meet and greets. You are promised a certain level for your money and they give you crap.
Depending on what was promised it could be considered fraud.
Three Meet and Greets I will ALWAYS tell people are amazing are
Nita Strauss
BLS
John5
All of them are incredible cheap $100 max. They all talk , take pictures , sign autographs and all. Nita wins the cake for the best meet and greet. The nicest person, signs whatever you want, takes pictures , Q&A session , and merch included for like $60 bucks. You can’t beat that. BLS was like $100 , same thing , merch , photos , get to talk, and all of that. John5 had different packages , but the cheapest option was a $50 meet n greet/photo after the show. He talked to me for a solid amount of time and was a great dude. From my experience I highly recommend these 3.
Those are great examples!!!
Forget what anybody thinks, you just KEEP doing the job you're doing. BECAUSE...I THINK YOU'RE DOING GREAT, and apparently a lot of people agree with me.
Thank you!! 🙏🙏
People wanna be mad at me, and not mad at the people screwing them over 👀👀
@@ZachAdkinsGuitar number one a lot of people don't like the truth number to a lot of people are badasses behind their phone but how many have actually experienced getting ripped off at a concert
Its good that you bring this up.This is youre channel talk about what you like.
I'm gonna start talking about guitar stuff more I hope too 🤣🤣
HIM is an Awesome Band
I have meet a few big name band members by waiting by the stage door. Always told them how much their music meant to me. ALL of them were kind but you can tell they’ve heard this a million times and don’t care. It is a high paying job to them and they appreciate your money and continued support for that money income.
You should do a video on the Metallica meet & greet im sure there are hundreds of stories out there just look at their prices
That's actually one I kind of have in the can right now. Trying to get some info about it, and some individual stories to kind of make sure I got as many sides of the story as I can
@@ZachAdkinsGuitar I've done the old meet & greet with Metallica twice, and would love to share. Do you have an email or some other way to best reach out?
@@ZachAdkinsGuitarthey used to film it, it was actually really rad seeing fans interact with Metallica and ask them obscure questions
I got to meet "Weird Al" Yankovic twice when he did a book signing for his two children's books. Seriously nice guy and I got to banter with him a little both times. The signing cost about $20 only because you had to buy a copy of the book, and he'd sign the book plus one extra item for free (I had him sign my Running With Scissors and Alapalooza album inserts, respectively). The first time I met him, I didn't want to sound like a moron so I practiced what I was going to say to him for several minutes while I was standing in line. When I finally got up to him and handed him the items to sign, I said "I know you hear this a lot, but I'm your biggest fan." He turned right to me and said "but not from you!" After he signed it, he shook my hand, thanked me, and said it was an honor. The second time I met him, I actually got a laugh out of him because I told him I had wanted to bring my mom's poodle for him to sign, but the dog wasn't available.
I never got to meet him at a show, but once when he came to a local county fair, I went with a friend and we got to chat with a couple of his Smells Like Nirvana dancers before the show who were hanging out near the seats.
I've heard a lot of good things about weird Al!
Al has always been a class act.
This isn't about you
@@brianwillard289 And my comment doesn't pertain to you.
@clintonwilcox hell yea, tell him! 💪
Keep doing these videos and calling out these bands / artists. The fans need to know about this, and the bands need to be held accountable.
I've gotten some artist's message me about this stuff now too .. 👀👀👀
Neil Peart always made it clear that he was VERY uncomfortable in any sort of hero worship situation. He was a very introverted dude, and the fans understood that. I was fortunate enough to have a snare head and my copy of 2112 autographed by all three guys in the 80s at a record store signing and compared to Geddy and Alex, you could tell that it wasn't a very comfortable situation for him. Sweet enough guy that loved his fans, but you could tell that he just wasn't in his element meeting the masses. Alex on the other hand, will talk your ear off if you let him.
We all respected Neil and his choice, luckily he never tried to sell anyone in meeting him and treating them like crap. Nobody ever expected to meet him, and that's totally reasonable and fine
When I was 23 back in 2013 I think, I was soo ecstatic to see in Facebook that my idol Yngwie Malmsteen was gonna be at our local guitar center for a free meet and greet. When I got there I was in awe since I've been studying his style since I was 18. I brought my vinyl to sign and he didn't want to take a photo with me, his staff were kinda dicks, and instead of signing my album, he wrote "Buy Spellbound" his newest album that he was promoting on the cover in sharpie. Lmfao. I'm still a fan but I wouldn't pay for a show anymore. Granted it was free, it really bummed me out lol. It also didn't help that I had tickets for his show that night and I was put off but it was my the my older brothers first concert and I wanted it to be special. Turns out the best part of the night was grabbing del taco after the show and bonding. So there was a silver lining to all this.
Man. What a bitter sweet moment. Like, you wanted to meet him and get something special and he was just a massive ass. Now you're not gonna give him any more money, and he's home wonder why he isn't getting the income he once did.
Vicious cycle
Glad you got to spend time with your brother!!
@@ZachAdkinsGuitar thanks. If there was a way to send you the photos of that day I would lol. I can laugh about this now but it stung that day. Me and my bro had a blast when we got home. Omg I have a companion story too!!!! My brother that day at the show bought a cd from this hack. Opener for yngwie. I think it was Ethan brosch. My brother was excited but after he bought the cd and I think he paid to get it autographed, the artist quickly signed it and handed it back with this attitude like "I'm too famous and important to be here" kinda vibe and we kept ripping on him the whole night. Like ok bro your a technically proficient guitarist with no charisma and not even a 1/10 of the charm or creativity of the artists that influenced you. Humble yourself lol.
He’s a known jerk and if the highlight of your night was Del Taco, that’s pretty sad.
@@jackb348 that highlight of the day was hanging out with my brother. Wasn't my first malmsteen show. If you've been to one then you've seen them all. They just get progressively worse. A couple of years later we did catch Iron maiden at the forum. Now that was a show.
I worked at the Houston House of Blues for 2 years doing security, oh the stories I could tell of bad meet and greets, and great meet and greets 😂.
One of the worst was some rapper, I don't remember his name, but people paid like $800 to meet this guy. They say everyone down in the VIP lounge after fans argued about the tour manager lost half their names on the list, then they got told the artist wasn't coming to meet them because he was in a bad mood and no refunds. Wouldn't even sign stuff for them to be brought out.
One of my favorites was Starset. The VIP was only like $100 or so over the ticket, and they did a small acoustic set pre show, you got a goodie bag with signed tour poster, photos taken with the band, and although none of the members are really social butterflies they were nice and cordial. For the price, that value is hard to beat nowadays. I'll never pay over $100 for a meet and greet unless it included a fairly premium ticket.
Would love to hear some more!
Wow,...
That's how you do it!
Just got back from the BEAT tour with Steve Vai, Danny Carey, Tony Levin, and Adrien Belew. And while I did not attend the VIP meet and greet. I can confirm that they did come down off the stage and took pictures with each individual/party.
Interesting...
@@ZachAdkinsGuitar indeed. One possibility for bad VIP/Meet and Greets is because. Bands might be afraid of their fans. They’re afraid of that ONE psycho and one is all it takes.
Anyone who thinks bands do meet and greets “for the fans” is delusional. It’s simply a money grab. Wise up people!
Yeah it isn’t because they love their fans and want to meet them. They can do that (and some do ) by walking the line out front or interacting while walking around the venue area/city
Best meet n greet I ever had was free (not counting the ones I just happened to meet after a show) was (dont laugh) was Davy Jones of The Monkees. I hadnt been aware of any M&G before the show and had only knew of it towards the end. I went to find out if I could still get a VIP and asked the manager of the theater. When he realized how big a fan I was ( I had been since I was 6 years old in 1966.) He took pity on me and snuck me in line for free. It ended up being one of the best I ever had. Davy was hilarious, kind (a child who was there was his father felt ill and Davy stopped everything to talk and tend to him. It was hot in the dressing room and everyone was warm. I spotted a refrigerator and asked if he had any Corona's stashjed in it. "Oh, I only wish it did, mate, I could use one!" LOL
That's awesome. Great experience!
I've done 3 meet & greets with Nightwish and it was worth every penny. I got a photo of just me and the band and you usually get a tour poster or program that they sign andyou can bring in other items to sign too. I did one with Jason Bonham and got a photo and also a free drumhead that he signed and you could also talk with him for a couple minutes. I've done a lot that were free by hanging around after the show. One of the best ones was Paul Rodgers. I even got a hug from him.
Could have played at the Palms in Vegas, walked up to Lemmy playing slots and said hi. He was cool with it. My son got to meet him this way. RIP Lemmy
My latest VIP was last night, Battle Beast, 49 euros, got everything we were supposed to, well planned.
They had a backdrop and studio lights for the photo op, their tour manager had a camera in a backup if your phone died etc (very overlooked element)
They signed anything, very talkative and engaging, we even got extra stuff we were not expecting.
As the VIP concluded they had 20 mins to do selfies etc (this was an extra that wasnt listed) and I grabbed a quick one with noora and talked to their manager about their setup, he showed the smoke machines, the lighting, the light show programming etc.
Well above and beyond, so much i'd buy it again easy, and its totally what you are saying, if we are happy we will keep buying, if not, you just get blacklisted by the fans, who aren't just buying VIP, but the music too.
Love that!! Good on that band for going the extra mile
I know its not exactly what youre talking about, but Billy Strings deserves a shoutout for what he just did. Dude is refunding an entire concert (which still happened with some changes) that he left to be there for the birth of his child.
Wow! I'll have to look into this
That story is absolutely heartbreaking smh....and I say keep calling all this stuff out! The people need to know ahead of time..people idolize so hard they use their rent or car payment money to meet these people and are screwed when they get home and realize it wasn't worth it
I like hearting about them. Ignore the haters!
Need some new haters, the old ones are starting to like me
I think my best experience was with the butcher babies. VIP was a pizza party on their bus after the show. There was more than plenty of food and drinks and it was relaxed and fun and lasted about an hour. They were in no rush for us to leave. And it was like $80 I think. That’s where it’s at
Pizza party with the band for an hour. That's a good deal for $80
Zach, check this one out!! Currently here in the Netherlands for Iron Maiden gig next year VIP 1: Trooper VIP Package - starting at € 410,00 per ticket
- Premium seating [in that venue, not that premium tbh]
- Access to TROOPER pre-show party including:
- Bites
- 2x TROOPER Beer (where available)* OR 2x drink tokens (beer, wine, soft drinks)
- Private pay bar
- Photobooth/photo wall
- Raffle entry with a chance to win signed IM merchandise & memorabilia
- Limited Edition 50yr IM item
- Exclusive VIP TROOPER T-shirt
- VIP merchandise bundle incl. Laminate & lanyard
- Concert ticket as a souvenir
- Pre-show merchandise shopping (where available)
[no meeting the band whatsoever...]. Again... 410,00 per ticket
I'm not opposed to this. Sounds like they have different tier levels that your can pay for and they have it laid out very well that you won't get to meet the band.
Sounds like a luxury vip, which can be a cool idea if fulfilled properly
@@ZachAdkinsGuitar well, this is the only option they show... and basically 400 smth euros for 2 drinks, some Dutch bites, and tshirt, because everything else you will have to pay, or you enter a chance to win. A VIP price that doesn't match what you get
Keep speaking the truth
💪💪💪
I hope that bologna sandwich was prepared with Grey Poupon on handcrafted artisanal bread :) Good stuff Zach.
"excuse me... Do you have any grey poupon?"
it’s really better just to meet someone organically by accident, like the way me and my wife met Gean Simmons of kiss we ran into him at a hard rock Café in San Diego California when we were there for the comic con, we saw him and his son walk into the restaurant and after they finish eating, we casually went by just to say hi my wife got a picture with him and he was very nice and cordial to us, I think it’s better that way than to pay $500 and have someone be a real jerk to you
You're probably right
....all that ....and a bag of chips? 😂
🤣🤣🤣
One of the best vips I had was for Iced Earth in 2011. My dad took me and we both got vip and it was $100 each. We got a vip shirt, a free 24x36 poster, got to meet the band and get autographs and got a photo op with the band. I got Jon Schaffer and Troy Seele to sign my guitar. During the concert Jon noticed me and he tired several times throwing a pick at me and I did end up getting one. Definitely one of the best nights for me.
Most big time musicians, money changes who they are. Most feel entitled and just want your money like any other business in this free enterprise! As i get older, the more i realize that these ppl are normal ppl except a select few that are dead and gone that were truly special ppl, such as Elvis, Michael Jackson, Dimebag, Jim Morrison so on and so forth.
I used to pay good money for VIP these last 30+ years, but like i said, as you age, you gain wisdom and the experience vs your anticipation to hang with these "rock gods", is rarely, if ever met. The Abbott Brothers were true to their fans and actually hanging with them, you were a part of their circle.
In today's music culture, i wouldn't pay money anymore to see or possibly meet these musicians. Been there, done that and it's not all it's cracked up to be. I'll keep my hard earned cash.
When Seether first came out, they played your small venues, the level of venue you play before being known and playing Coliseums.
They had a meet and greet and you could actually hang out with these guys after the show in the audience for free! They were obviously endorsing their debut album, but nonetheless, they were just hanging out with fans and signing memorabilia. Their follow up album and when Shaun Morgan did the duet "Broken" with Amy Lee, the band went mainstream. Guess what happened with their free meet and greet?! They started charging and a few members didn't even come out to sign anything. It felt forced and somewhat unwelcoming. So yeah, just an example, in the beginning, it was free and fun for them to promote themselves, then when becoming known, they're no longer on your level and now your money matters most importantly.
Seems like par for the course. Which is crazy, because the fans were the reason they have anything to begin with. None of them have any business sense, and they wonder why they can get taken advantage of by management and accountants too
@@ZachAdkinsGuitar i agree! We can go down a rabbit hole where artists are greedy and stand on nothing anymore!
Example, ticket master, prices are ridiculous and the ability to refund a ticket is literally impossible. I won't see a concert if ticket master is involved...EVER! It's a shame bands use their service, they're thieves and have been duping the public for decades now.
A year ago, someone got my info, bought $1200 in concert tickets to a concert on the other side of the country, my bank caught the thieves second transaction and flagged me! Long story short, if my bank hadn't refunded the money stole and went after ticket master themselves i would've never received that $1200 dollars fraudulently taken from me by ticket master! And might i add, taking time out of my day to go to the bank to fill out the proper paperwork etc the bank proceeds to tell me I'm not the first one they dealt with, with ticket master and fraudulent transactions and the inability to receive a refund. So you see, bands stand on nothing, they're a business and they want your money. Otherwise, do something about fucking over honest hard working Americans! But they don't!
Another example that's recent. I read in the comments how, Tesla for example cancelled a show and ticket master didn't refund when Tesla cancelled. No one commented on that man's reply then it disappeared, can you say censorship! You see, a rabbit hole and none of these bands step up and do anything about it!
Jelly Roll recently cancelled a Saturday show and rescheduled for a Monday or Tuesday or something like that and tickets are not being refunded! Tell me how that's conducive to longevity as an artist and as an honest humble American!
It's true if you don't meet a band before they become well-known and mainstream, then your chances of meeting them decreased significantly and it usually doesn't happen at all.
There was this one time I was at a show and it was Breaking Benjamin headlining with Five Finger Death Punch playing before them and they were both having VIP meet and greets at the same show and I had to choose. Breaking Benjamin is in my top three favorites so of course I had to pick them. I just didn't know that after that year FFDP would blow up, and their meet and greets would become so overpriced (the rare times they even have them anymore) or the fact that like others have said, only two or three of the band members come out instead of the whole band now.
Seether is one of my favorite bands too but they don't even do VIP anymore, I just got into them too late and I wasn't on that hype train when they were at their peak.
I love how Neal Peart said it "Am I supposed to pretend I've just ran into my long lost friend I've never met"
Yup
I paid for a "Bus Hang" for Trapt. Absolutely terrible experience.. It was me and my 12 year old daughter. The lead singer didn't even make eye contact and his body language showed he didn't want to be there. He never said a word. The rest of the band were awesome and made the best out of a bad situation. Still like the music but will never pay for that again. Did a Bus Hang with Nonpoint, awesome time.
That guy is such a dork!🤣
They should have given them Deep dish pizza and hot wings
That sounds so good right now
The Black Moods do it right and cool, you meet up with them an hour before their set and get to hang out on the bus and have anything you brought with you signed 🤘🔥🤘 less than $100. You know, rockin' and rollin' and what not! Epic postings bro, so many of my favorites have missed out on my $ because of FOFO that my faves are dooshers or don't even want to be there.. 🤘🔥🤘
I saw Blue Oyster Cult in the late '90's at a small venue. I took a copy of Stephen King's "The Stand" with me because King put the lyrics of 'The Reaper' in the book. My husband thought I was nuts. Hung around after the show. Buck Dharma signed it and left. Eric Bloom told me to sit at a table and he'll be over in a few minutes. He comes over and says 'so who's your favorite author'? We ended up talking about books for about 40 min.My husband just sat there shaking his head.
Yes you are right. The only one i thought was good would do again. Its a local band to me and i sometimes run into one of the members and he always stops me and says hello.
I think meet and greets are a great way for both fans and bands to have an experience. Boosts the bands ego, fans get to meet their favorite artists. It CAN BE a win win. But, most of the time it's not
Back in the mid nineties. Megadeth had a thing going on to feed the poor. All we had to do was take some canned food to a local shelter and get passes to meet the band after the show. We went to the place ran by some older women, they were like here take as many as you want. We took a few for the friends that were going to the show and we met the band and shook their hands as they walked through the crowd. FREE pretty much. it included a nice 'special' pass.
Wow
It’s a business. They couldn’t care less about any of us.
Some bands do, others don't
What are your thoughts on super fans following bands to every gig? One meet and greet I didn’t expect was The High Kings, they were driving around Australia to the gigs and Melbourne was the last one before they got on a plane, at the end of the gig they said everyone who buys a t.shirt will get it signed and a photo. The trestle table was set up next to the merch stand and they sold all the tour shirts out. I got a setlist and told the guys all the shirts were sold out ,so they were happy, they signed my setlist and I got a photo with everyone smiling and had a great chat and photo with the manager. That was a win for all as they didn’t have to to pay extra on the plane for all the unsold merch and fans got a free meet and great and autograph 😊
I think if people have the means to follow the name and that's what they love doing, they should absolutely live their best life!
Love your story 🙏🙏
@@ZachAdkinsGuitar thank you , I go to a lot of gigs so I get to see a variety of bands.
Welcome to the Meet n Greet channel.
Apparently! I got so many stories now from people 🤣🤣
Hi Zach. I like your videos. You explain a lot of things I would like to say also in videos (and sometimes I have) but the meet and greet stuff is, in my opinion, a mixed bag. I’ve had good experiences meeting musicians who are at the merch table after the show. But I wouldn’t pay to meet them unless it was a 5 dollar cover charge that was the policy of the venue. Otherwise, I don’t even like to see big name bands anymore because I know that after the show I don’t usually even get to meet them.
I’m wondering… I like to share my music with fellow musicians and I’m wondering if you might be open to me sending you some of my stuff on CD. No obligation. But if I did send something and you had an opinion on it, that would be cool. I figured I would ask. Your answer either way is okay by me.
Adkinsguitarandmusic@gmail.com
Sounds like Ghost's new VIP experience.
Meet and Greets are the way bands make their money now that music is free. Bands are no longer made up of musicians. They are t-shirt salesmen and meet & greet play actors. I'm sure most artists hate it. They make no $$$ off their music anymore unless you are a slave to a label.
This chick got hosed. No doubt about it. What a rip-off. I put this fiasco on whomever HIM had hired to coordinate their M&G.
That said, I love your vids. Just subscribed. Keep up the good work Zach!
Thanks for the sub and the comment.
You're absolutely right. They want the money, but want to do the absolute least amount possible to get it
The problem is pretty much all bands HAVE to do meet and greets now to make any money touring since they're not making money from album sales and the promoters are taking cuts of the merch sales, and a lot of these bands don't want to do it, but they know they have to or they'll lose money touring. Some people just flat out refuse like Tommy Lee and Neil Peart
Big cries for them. Maybe if you need the money, then give your fans something worth paying for so they keep paying you, instead of a crappy experience. That will make you more money than anything else
Some festivals a signing session is part of the contract
I have no interest in paying a bunch of money to hang out with a rock star. I've met a few for $0. Wildest one was I was trying out an Engl amp in a music store, I was digging the amp and shredding pretty good, and Eric Gales came up to me, introduced himself and told me I wasn't fooling around. That was pretty cool coming from a badass guitarist like Eric! George Lynch was really cool, I had the original European version of Breaking The Chains that came out a couple years before USA release. He told me a great story about how all that went down.
I love these videos, I don’t understand how fans are so delusional that they think bands actually like doing this, it’s the promoters who make them do them and get the money for them. The Static X guys could not care less when then had to drag themselves out of the green room in their dressing gowns and and slippers after the gig for the fan photos. Soil was the support and they were actually very polite and signed the setlist I got. Although not that many fans wanted a photo with them . I just bought the v.i.p. Upgrade on the night while in line in the freezing cold and rain from the promoter just to get out of the cold, it was only $100 Australian and I have the signed poster.
If you wanna come inside and not freeze to death, it's $100 🤣🤣🤣
Classy move 🫣🫣🫣
Ridiculous, i wouldnt pay more than $400 for a bologna sandwich 🤔
Seriously though that's super messed up and i feel bad for them. I would be livid if that happened to me. Im not a very personable person, im actually pretty socially awkward but ive had people talk to me after shows ive played and im always nice and willing to have a conversation with them. Now im just a local musician in a local band but i do my best.
Yup. You do your best and appreciate those that support you. I'm socially awkward too, but I make the best of it
The sad thing is that Ville, is no stranger to giving fans (that paid to meet him) the cold shoulder at shows. Every since they first came out, there have been occasions when he just wasn't there, mentally, and was either in a morose mood or just nonverbal during the meet and greet. He's often given me the impression that he doesn't want to be admired or adored by fans. Sometimes, he's in good spirits, other times, he seems to just be "over it". I don't believe he was in a good headspace during that Farewell Tour - not excusing him but just saying. I believe he was just over the whole HIM thing and didn't even want to perform those songs, after they ended...although he did go on to perform them, after a short time. I get it, life can get to you and sometimes it can affect, how you conduct yourself but it shouldn't affect how you do business.
You're right. There are days I don't want to be talked to by my clients because I'm not in a great mood, however, I put on the face and the smile and I go to work. So many artists are too self involved and can't take 2 seconds to get over themselves
I thought maybe she was at a Motley Crue meet and greet and stole one of Vince Neil’s sandwiches.
You wouldn't make it out alive
@@ZachAdkinsGuitar😂
@@ZachAdkinsGuitar nossir you would not!