Well, isn't THIS a surprise!
For those that might be interested, tickets to
tonight's "fan club" show at the Hammerstein Ballroom in New York are now
available to the public.
No need to join the fan club. No need to
participate in any "auction". No hassle. You can purchase up to 4
tickets at a price of $48.50 each (plus their "convenience" charges). As
the time of the show gets closer, more tickets will be released. It's a
last ditch effort to create the illusion of a "hot ticket" and build anxiety in
those anxious to get tickets. The Hammerstein is a big venue. As
popular as he is, Sting's fan club members aren't big enough to fill it to
capacity.
However, since they forced so many people to join
the club in order to get tickets, including the clever ploy of a "free
membership with auction win", the percentages will look better. Although
I'm not sure who really benefits from that--perhaps the fan club when it comes
to marketing future shows? "Only Sting's fan club members got to see his
last album release show", or something sneaky like that.
And if you can make to the Hammerstein box office
itself, you can even spare yourself the extra charges by picking them up
directly.
After all the hassle involved, I personally decided
not to go. I'd still love to catch the proper tour when it comes around
next year, but the process behind getting tickets for this particular show
seemed more headache than it was worth. I'm also upset on behalf of the
fans that were duped into spending more money than they really had to just to
see one of their favorite artists. It's taking advantage of people, it's
not right, but I realize that there really isn't anything I can do about
it.
Thanks for reading. I really would be
interested to know what anyone else might think.
For those going tonight, have a wonderful time and
be sure to post a review for the rest of us! :-)
Brian