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Meet & Greet Experiences

As far as autograph collecting and music fan experiences goes, I find the range of stories I hear about various meet & greets to be pretty fascinating. I've heard of people paying modest fees (or nothing) for wonderful, fun experiences - and other stories of fans shelling out large amounts of money for a massive disappointment. And, of course, everything in between.

I thought we should have a comprehensive thread on the topic. Have you been to a pre-show or post-show meet and greet or know someone who has? Was it a bargain or a ripoff? What was the mood - structured and hurried or casual and fun?

My favorite band does meet and greets at every headline show they perform on this tour, chosen at fandom by fans who sign up for their fanclub and enter the show-specific drawing. There is no charge, and (usually) I don't believe a show ticket is even required. They were asked about this in an interview early this tour, and the response from one of the band members, Martin, was pretty passionate about musicians who charge high prices for meet & greets. FYI: I get that this band isn't quite a household name yet, so there might be a sentiment of "Who are they to say . . ." However they have an interesting perspective as both successful musicians with Top 10 records and huge music fans themselves).

Here's that portion of the interview:

https://youtu.be/l1da-ZW_3OA?t=6m48s

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Permalink Reply by Ian Baldock on December 17, 2015 at 5:51pm

Ahh yes, it also got testy with Carlos. I probably wouldn't do most meet and greets that wont include an autograph. I would expect a handshake thanking me for coming, a picture with and one autograph for coming. My item or some signed press photo,poster,tourbook or something taking 3 or 4 minutes of the celebrities valuable time.

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Permalink Reply by Terry G. on December 18, 2015 at 8:06pm

Don't you think that it's only a matter of time- if it hasn't happened already- that someone who has paid to enter a M&G will walk away dissatisfied and sue the artists involved? The descriptions of each M&G vary so much and with all the horror stories, we know enough to make sure the event will work for our needs, but the average consumer may have expectations that cannot be met, regardless of price. I mean, if I lost my mind and paid $3K to meet Ozzy and he spent 3 minutes in the room then left without meeting me, I'd be beyond furious- I'd be litigious!

I also think the sad truth is that the M&G is evolving into a positive asset for the artists involved- where album sales have dropped off so much (according to them) that touring is the main avenue of profit, and tacked onto that income is merch sales and now M&G money. At some point, even the lower tier artist might be inclined to do a formal M&G for profit rather than the merch table sit and sign thing. Imagine the merch table signings you've participated in and ask yourself this- would you still be in on it if they had charged you $20? What would be your ceiling or would it depend on artist? I think it's heading that way...

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Permalink Reply by Adam Halloran on December 18, 2015 at 9:36pm

For me, especially after re-reading Josh's blog, I really think you have to expect ONLY what is written in the package you paid for. If you go in with super high expectations you run the risk of ruining the experience for yourself.

Now don't get me wrong I completely understand being devestated paying a thousand dollars and only getting a hand shake! I do believe that an artist should understand those paying that much are fans (some just want a picture for a status symbol) but mostly those who are there have already spent hundreds of dollars on their music, rebuying new reissues and merch etc.

The least they could do is sign an autograph even if not written as a guarantee. Now that being said, if it isn't clearly written then it is a pay at your own risk experience.

While not exactly the same I wouldn't think you could sue a musician who only played for an hour one night and played for three hours another night on the tour even if you payed the same as the other guy you know?

Unless they didn't do what was obligated you would have a hard time proving what you felt what was owed. The market dictates what someone is willing to pay be it tickets or M&G's. I know that in 20 years most of these musicians won't be around anymore and if you had the opportunity to get a hand shake in then it is worth it to some maybe not all.

There are artists who died before I was born I will never meet, so I value the experience now even if these costs are getting unreasonable.

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Permalink Reply by Ian Baldock on December 19, 2015 at 4:35pm

Yes, as long as its all spelled out for people what to expect. No autographs, one group pic only etc. people know whether or not to waste their time. I love it when the artists come out to the merch table after the show. Its usually older or very new people. I just got Johnny Rivers and have met Don Mclean, Garry Puckett ,Tommy James, America and quite a few others over the years.

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Permalink Reply by Terry G. on December 19, 2015 at 5:33pm

There is case law that defines the parameters of a performance; mostly it entails "reasonable expectation in relation to previous precedent"- in other words, it's up to the performer, the venue, the circumstances for the most part but the consumer is protected in some fashion by the definition of the event. There actually have been many lawsuits regarding rock concerts and consumer expectations that weren't met; some of them are fairly hilarious to read, from a guy who sued a band for not playing his favorite song, to another being sued for only doing 4 songs and calling it a concert. The artist won both those cases, of course. But I think comparing that to a M&G isn't exactly fair and the standards haven't really been set in stone yet. If there is a complete, accurate description pre-purchase, then the consumer has the discretion to buy or not, while something advertised as a M&G with no further detail leaves much to question, where again, the consumer has the onus to ask beforehand- and we know the majority of the time, there is nobody to give a reliable answer; it usually falls on the venue staff who only know there is a M&G scheduled.

I don't know of any cases that have been tested in regards to M&Gs so far, I'm sure there has to have been a few. I would think the artists management would settle quickly to avoid damaging the product (M&Gs). Again, we have to think as the average consumer here and realize that thye might not have realistic expectations unless they are specifically spelled out for them, correct? As Ian said, if it says "no autographs", then that is the expectation, you can't ask a judge to help you for not getting an autograph. But even then, think of the terms "meet and greet", that implies something to me- that you will meet the artists and speak with them- everything else beyond that is a roll of the dice. So an artist who has a scheduled M&G with 100 fans and only meets 50 of them then leaves the room, is open to a lawsuit in my mind.

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Permalink Reply by Rich on December 19, 2015 at 9:58pm

Not a household name, but it's interesting to see what some of the meet and greet packages for rising artists offer. Saw this one for the band Pvris being mentioned on Twitter. I guess if nothing else, you get a meet & greet, photo op, poster, shirt and backpack for $50.

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Permalink Reply by Barry S on December 21, 2015 at 9:09pm

Went to see Kamelot a month or so ago at the Fillmore. I got there late , the guy at the door checks my ID and puts a silver band on my arm. After a great show my friend and I was in the merch line to buy a nice looking signed photo. This guy walks up behind me and looks at the silver band on my arm and says, "if you are going to meet the band you better get over by the door." I didn't say anything, I went over by the door. There was 5 other people there with silver bands. I looked around at everyone else, they all had red bands. Some dude comes out and takes us backstage. Got to talk to each member of the band including backup singer Kobra, who is smoking hot. Everyone had a Sharpie and asked if I had something to sign, (if only I knew I was going to a M&G) I said no, but I bought a signed photo outside. If only I could get a magic silver band at every show.

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Permalink Reply by Rich on January 12, 2016 at 9:30am

Crystal Bowersox in Milwaukee. Small show - $25 GA, $75 VIP ticket w/ Meet and Greet.

http://www.pabsttheater.org/show/crystalbowersox2016

Seems a bit high for someone whose career isn't exactly exploding. I guess it depends on what the M&G involves.

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Permalink Reply by Rich on January 14, 2016 at 10:39am

This is a good example of an overrated artist with an overpriced M&G package. $500 for Adam Lambert.

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Permalink Reply by Terry G. on January 20, 2016 at 3:37pm

"Overrated" is subjective, IMO. Lambert may not be your cup of tea but the guy is super-talented ( if you caught the tour he did with Queen, you'd know this without a doubt) and has a legion of dedicated fans. While I agree with you that the VIP packages prices are high, for a true fan, it might be the right price. The guy doesn't sign outside of venues much so a M&G is one way you can assure yourself of getting an authentic signature..