WHY I WILL NEVER PAY FOR A VIP MEET & GREET

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The past two decades have seen a rise in artists themselves being put behind a pay wall, in the sense that you've really got shell out some cash if you wanna meet your favorite band or artist. I've always felt a lot more like the band The Maine when it comes to this topic...why would you pay money to meet a human being? It's definitely more complex than that and I do understand why some people do it, but this video explains how I feel about VIP meet and greets, and my experience with meeting bands through the years.
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►Intro riff by Rob Scallon: • Kendrick Lamar on 8 St...
#VIP #MeetAndGreet #Music

[@BeyondARTV]

Would you (or have you) paid for a VIP upgrade, like a meet and greet? Not all are the same ofc, but what was your experience like?

[@moonlightriverra6019]

I wouldn't tbh. And plus I'm broke asf

[@bgl1335]

Met frank iero and he was super nice. But it wasn’t in a package, they just did a meet and greet after the concert

[@bgl1335]

I also met James Dewees at a merch booth and he was ridiculously nice. He gave me a free vinyl record

[@kblovesit17]

Beyond ARTV I took my boyfriend to meet Blink on their current tour. They’re his all time favorite band and I thought it was reasonably priced. Our time meeting them was short but they were super friendly and we were both happy!

[@SAIF989]

I'd love to meet Taylor so much.

[@Minifigcreator97]

I agree with this. I met Billie Joe Armstrong at a show outside the venue after the show. Never payed for it. Billie and Tre came out and signed autographs and talked to me and a couple others. It was amazing.

[@worstusernameintheworld9871]

Wtf, damn you are so lucky, good for you

[@ihwbalt]

I went on stage and hugged him and he told me to crowd surf

[@tbslandfill]

this is why i love the maine so much ‘why pay to meet a human being’

[@roshanfey]

my love for that band is endless

[@shailynl.4636]

I really love what Taylor Swift has done with concerts and the way she meets fans. Her management and mother will pick people from the crowd and they meet her after the show. Many of the people who have been selected say that they actually got to have up to a 10 minute conversation with her and a photo. I think this method is one artists should utilize more often.

[@JDlovescats979]

she also hand selects people from the internet (I think tumblr and twitter) to meet her before a show and to come to her house and listens to albums before release day!

[@shailynl.4636]

Jennifer Dally yeah! She had them yesterday and I am so jealous but also so happy for those who got to go!😁

[@JDlovescats979]

@@shailynl.4636 I've got my fingers crossed for a later session invite (not going to happen but I can dream!)

[@rose-rs4gl]

that robotic ritual at meet and greets is what i've always feared, but i usually can't afford it anyways

[@EmoBubba]

Best paid M&G I know of is Frank Iero. It is a limited number of people, you all hang out with him and his band on their bus, talk, and they play unreleased music for you. Some friends did it in April. Frank was back in town last night... he remembered them, and gave them a signed setlist and autographed drum sticks.

[@FabulousKilljoy]

Aw that's great!!

[@angelnoukie]

I'm going to franks concert, but they didnt have vip m&g tickets? Maybe because its in europe?

[@EmoBubba]

@@angelnoukie not sure... they did it for the last tour when they opened for Taking Back Sunday and sold them through Frank's official merch site. They don't seem to have anything listed for the new headline tour.

[@kissmyhead1429]

He just did it to be cool and played the album that was unreleased. I met Frank in 2014 and he was so genuine just hanging around after the show

[@rubymilne6651]

I love frank so much. I was going to see him when he came to Australia for a small free meet and greet (the festival he was going to play at got cancelled) but I never got to go! So sad

[@matilderuivo4337]

you are so lucky! I wish I could've meet Linkin Park and Chester😢❤

[@ericfriendzoned1303]

I'm mean you technically could...... I'll see my way out 😏

[@NPGLAMB]

I almost did in 2014 but we couldn’t trick the staff. I still enjoyed the show though and I’m blessed to have an experience that will never happen again.

[@fruitypatchouli8350]

I would pay to meet Hayley Williams tho I won’t lie

[@kissmyhead1429]

I bumped into Don Broco at an airport a few weeks ago and it was sick because it was natural and we had a genuine chill conversation

[@thetonytaye]

I honestly think it’s worth it if you really like the band

[@mrflibble1259]

It would depend on the band and the price. I'd definitely look into it if Radiohead ever tour again but like I said, it would depend on the price

[@jaydenjbryant8665]

It was 175$ for me and my dad to meet August Burns Red which is really cheap to meet them

[@megaascension2748]

Man, I want to meet Jon from ARTV!!! We were at the same twenty one pilots concert and didn't run into you sadly. Would have loved to meet you and discuss music!

[@JrJrJrJrphD]

Should have payed. Smh

[@megaascension2748]

@@JrJrJrJrphD Not my decision on that one. I wasn't the one who bought the tickets, and if I did, I don't have my Drivers License yet

[@DuffyLONER64]

I think it's worth in very few situations. For example, on Mike Shinoda's Post Traumatic tour, I believe his VIP included a session where Mike interacts with the fans as a group while he does artwork on a huge sheet of paper, and then you get to meet him one-on-one as well (I could be wrong, since I didn't actually pay for said meet and greet), but most of the time, I would think that it's a bit weird to pay to see a human being for only a minute or two.

[@marcfredericfiset6793]

TheDuffyMSGR64 It was exactly like you describe it! After the m&g artwork we did a photo session with mike and after he did an autograph session with every person who paid the meet and greet! He was really kind to every one of us and he did took the time to speak with everyone.. it was expensive but more than worth it

[@gamingvampire1604]

I ran into Ryan Seaman twice. First at a Muse concert and the other at Warped Tour 17. Very nice guy and I’m grateful for those moments.

[@ned_yah]

Me and my buddy got to meet Rise Against for simply buying a physical copy of their album. Best money ever spent.

[@ned_yah]

My brother and I also met Mike Dirnt from Green Day for free at a local guitar shop before their concert. Only price I paid was standing in line in the cold for a bit.

[@zanderj9335]

What Rise Against album ? But that cool that you just bought the album.

[@davidhoff9628]

I met them back when Endgame came out. They did a free signing at the local record store the day of the show.

[@laurieannegagnon]

I never met a celebrity by accident my whole life, not even a local one, so forget it haha

[@theseth455]

I’d pay for a VIP to meet Green Day. I find it highly unlikely I’d get to just meet any of them by chance somewhere. Great discussion topic!

[@sofiawilde9205]

Seth Koppisch me too!!

[@zippymufo9765]

LOL, I saw Billie and Tre at a 7-11 once after their show, but that was before they blew up huge. One of my friends yelled out to them and they waved back.

[@EminemKingOfRap1000]

I paid to meet Sleeping with Sirens a while back and they were so disinterested in the whole thing. They didn’t make eye contact or even properly greet me. I was bummed they acted that way. I paid for VIP for logic and he answered a question of mine during soundcheck which is cool, but he made a joke on how he meant to pick the person in front of me and proceeded to say “AWKKKWAAARDD” and everyone laughed so that wasn’t the best lmao. I also paid VIP for Green Day but it didn’t come with a meet and greet opportunity but I got front row to see my favorite band so it was all good. I’m Meeting blink next month and I’m excited (they’re my second fav band). Great video!

[@BudLightBeerOfStarCommand]

The only time I did was when I met Henry Rollins. Turns out he was the nicest guy ever and said he loved my Sleep shirt. He was genuinely appreciative that I thanked him for his work and he thoroughly talked to everyone else in line until his manager literally had to tell him to move along with more people. It was even cooler knowing that the guy has publically stated many times that he is very social anxious and an introvert

[@arcanemaster8722]

I personally don’t want to meet any of my favorite artists up front. Sure it’d be nice to see them, but I’m not sure. I don’t enjoy meeting strangers in general, so I guess it’s just the feeling of unfamiliarity either. I may love their talents or personality through prior info, but at the end of the day, they’re strangers to me. Strangers with big names and good music. That being said, an autograph/signed merch would be great.

[@rupe82]

Same. I don't see any point to it apart from getting an autograph which I personally don't care for either.

[@worstusernameintheworld9871]

Honestly, same. They're strangers to me as well and I'm a really horrible conversationalist (primarily because I'm really introverted irl and I'm not used to starting conversations with people I'm not close to) so I think that paying to meet them wouldn't be all that worth it in the first place. Although an autograph and stuff like that is nice.

[@sadbitchblunts]

I met YUNGBLUD for free and didn't have to pay he meets the first 50 ppl before every show and the opening band saint phnx why would I pay to meet a human lmao

[@sykohorror]

I love him sm

[@davidellis5141]

The " Meet & Greet " Concept has been around for years. It used to be mostly for industry / retail folk was always free included open bar ! and never involved spending money. It was part of a night out (concert ) or just a night out at a club.

[@whoissolaris]

This is why i go to local shows cause at local you're just hanging out with bands and walking up and talking to them just feels natural

[@whoissolaris]

Like for instance i just saw Oh, Sleeper, Famous Last Words, Convictions & Empty at a deli Ringgold GA and they were just hanging out and so it was easy to just walk up to them and talk to them between sets

[@pabloparra-lopez1896]

The lesson here is that if you pay for a meet & greet, you'll get broke

[@natepadilla6326]

Never really thought about it before, but i literally just bought VIPs for bowling for soup in October. Theyre my all time favorite band and I've met them before, but with their VIP you get a photo with them, a signed poster and they do an acoustic show, and you get in the actual show early. So i think if you get all of that its worth it.

[@callumburns4781]

Met mayday parade with my girlfriend in a VIP package, got the usual signed stuff like at most meet and greets. It was actually surprisingly decent as there were only 20 ish people who paid for it and we were just in one big room and the band members had 45 minutes to speak to everyone. The band were super nice and up for a good chat, I actually got a good long conversation with the two guitarists which was a great experience. I wish they were all like this, heard so many bad things about other meet and greets from bands like All Time Low.

[@jen-qy1cd]

Callum Burns that’s so cool! I wish I could meet mayday parade.

[@jayhaynes8027]

Honestly, those vip upgrades that only include an “early access” pass and like one piece of merch for a HUNDRED BUCKS are so much worse.

[@frozendecembermoon]

The only meet and greet that I have payed for was a dinner with David Ellefson from Megadeth. It was totally worth it. He signed all my Megadeth stuff and I got to hear some stories from his career. Unless you're in the music industry in some form it is a lot more difficult to meet your favorite artists. So if you can afford it go for it.

[@oodlemynoodle3753]

There's a fairly new band called twin xl who always come out after their shows. They've been touring with IDKHOW and I've gotten to meet them twice. They're very sweet and respectful guys.

[@paulcusentino4917]

Nirvana walked into a Taco Bell that was close to a venue they just played. Could you imagine how cool that must've been for the people there?

[@colleenkanowsky2043]

The only band I've paid to meet is Good Charlotte, since they're my childhood favorite band and what got me into music. It was really quick but it was still an amazing experience, they all individually hugged me and I told them how they got me into playing music a long time ago and they were super sweet and it really showed how much they love their fans, even though I was the last in the meet and greet line and they had just met a ton of other fans they were still being super friendly and didn't seem like they just wanted to get it all over with or something.

[@Scrubber89]

I've paid to meet Blink (very expensive) and Bowling For Soup (very cheap)

[@gracemagisana5503]

I got to meet Crown The Empire for free when I saw them in November, which I thought was cool of them because they were opening for Underoath and they were like "Hey, anybody who wants to take a picture with us just come over to the merch table" and it was awesome. However, I did pay for a meet and greet package when I saw Ice Nine Kills in April, and I felt that was money well spent because I didn't just get a picture, I got to hang out with them beforehand, and got a bunch of exclusive merch that I felt was worth it, plus early entry. There are definitely some meet and greet packages that take it way too far-@James Charles- and nobody should have to break their bank account just to get a picture and an autograph, but if you can and the package is worth it, I say go for it.

[@tomasrodriguez4389]

I met CTE when they were barely starting. Around when they released "The Fallout" w/o paying for a VIP. They did the same thing, but let some of us into their tour bus and we went out to get some ice cream after. Super humble and down to earth people.

[@sk83r_b0i9]

That’s because ice nine kills are all genuinely down to earth people

[@toffeestrange7706]

I've heard bad shit about crown the empire though

[@spectrescall]

I've paid a lot in the past for VIP M&G tickets and I personally do it wherever I have the opportunity, mostly because I go alone to 99% of concerts and it gives me something extra to look forward to (also helps distract from the fact I'm there alone.) I find that it's worth it for the times where I do have an amazing experience; when I met Halestorm they really made the effort to make it special even in the short time we were given to meet them. The most I've ever paid is £160 though and I don't think I'd ever go any higher.

[@ryanhutchinsen]

The only time I ever even considered going to a VIP meet and greet was for the dgd/Chon/polyphia/strawberry girls tour. Then I realized 3 out of 4 of the bands were the same band.

[@TommyDoesMusic]

lmao true but that tour was sick af I was at one of the dates

[@TommyDoesMusic]

I ended up meeting polyphia in the lobby anyway

[@lucario4g]

I rather agree with you John, and I'm glad that you are aware that most people don't get to have the opportunities you can get because of your channel and effort. I would only pay for someone as legendary as Fleetwood Mac or Robert Plant/Jimmy page, because they don't tend to hang out in the open generally and it would be almost impossible for a regular Joe to meet them more naturally.

[@kenfleischman]

I'm going to a Raconteurs show in Houston. I'll usually stick around and buy merch after shows so hopefully I'll see them afterwards.

[@LilAnnThrax]

I paid to meet my favorite band in 2017 and it was wonderful. They were so amazing. The lead singer (my idol) even posted a photo of me on his IG. I paid $300 more to do it again in September. I’ve been a fan since I was 11. If I can get a carved out time to say thank you give my appreciation I’m taking it.

[@BeyondARTV]

It's your money, that's fine if that's what you want!

[@LilAnnThrax]

Beyond ARTV you asked if people had ever paid to see ppl. I was just giving my story

[@tonytheparamorestan]

Jon clickbaiting me with Waterparks like that when I have a new Waterparks obsession (thanks, btw, I found them because of you) As for the paid m&g, I really don't know what to think about it! I understand why this needs to be done but to pay SOOOO MUCH for a hug and a photo? Weird. I think Taylor Swift does a cool thing with her Rep room and stuff where she invites fans that she finds on social media

[@kolyavolkov1900]

The only VIP I would pay for is Ice Nine Kills because they only sell 50 per show and the fans get to play horror trivia with the band and be around them for a full hour.

[@KongGig]

My best Vip experience was for Slayer. Price 200$ Feature meet and greet(15m) Photo op(4 photos) early entry (1h) golden C Vip merch (Longshirt, Emblem, Backpack) I got all of this and i got to meet Anthrax because they were present at the Slayer meet and greet to give some extra value.

[@andee3090]

with the new song from them, tiny moving parts have announced a tour and have some VIP tickets for $48. bUT you get a guitar clinic from dylan (the singer), a guitar pick pack, a Q+A, a copy of their new album on vinyl and digital, and early entry to the venue. im definitely gonna have to get my hands on those. also the maine are seriously such genuine people, shame i had to leave as soon as the show ended when i went to see them.

[@concertsintoronto]

I’ve met Tonight Alive at warped tour and it was really nice I got to chat with them the most since my sister and I were the last ones in line :)

[@gavingordon2107]

One of the main things about VIP updates is you get exclusive posters/vinyls/t-shirts etc. that is sometimes more important then just a picture

[@PunkFaceJoey444]

When I saw FEVER 333 I showed up early to get some merchandise and I walked behind the venue and I was able to somehow meet Jason of the band and he was so nice and genuine. After the show Steve the guitarist was talking to everyone in the audience including me and it’s just awesome when you see bands that are big just really caring about their fans and loving them.

[@nehabhageria9877]

Taylor swift is literally the exception of your video.. she's been doing meet and greets for free since the beginning of the career and even during tour meet and greet she spends5-10 mins with every fan(individual/group).. also from 1989 era she has started inviting fans into all of her houses before about a month of her album release to play them the music beforehand..these fans get free merch(like4-7 t-shirts,glasses,ss pins,caps,etc.).. recently in Nashville she had a secret session that lasted more than 13 hours..she was with her fans till 5 am..idc what anyone has to say..she is the only artist who goes so much extra for her fans!

[@judeasher706]

I saw buck cherry for some reason a couple months ago when joyous wild was opening, the singer from joyous wolf was just hanging around at the mercy table talking to whoever. I’ve also hung around after some smaller concerts and was able to meet a few of the members of fleshgod apocalypse

[@colinevans7796]

Loved your statements about the topic! Very unbiased and reflective of all of the views. I went to a vip meet and greet to see hippo campus which was a really cool experience. All of the money from the meet and greet went to local animal shelter which I thought was cool (not the point really tho lol). The way their vip experience was set up is that you get to be in a small mini stage setting where they perform some acoustic versions of their songs (or any songs since they covered the strokes) and then they would have us line up to say hi and take a picture. There wasn’t a crazy crowd so we did have time to talk to them for about a minute or two and it didn’t really seem forced or unnatural to me, however I do see how some people might get nervous and plan out what they are gonna say and stuff like that. Overall I understand how people can be upset with having to pay money for basic human interaction but at the same time I see how I’d have to be really lucky to meet them in a different way. Personally I do think it’s worth it

[@clairecebula]

I love the Maine’s idea of what a meet and greet should be! I wish Warped was still an annual event because last year there I met John from the Maine, Remington from Palaye Royale, and ran into Geoff from Waterparks too. I think it’s so much more exciting and (like you said) natural just meeting band members for free at random.

[@manabluerose]

I'll never forget being 14 and seeing Orgy back in the late 90s. I went to Irving Plaza with my mom and sis. We saw the show and it was incredible. Then we left and waited in the back of the building. their van was there and they asked me and my family to hang out and talk for a while. It was such a great experience. It feels ingenuine to pay VIP ($500?! or more) to meet someone for a second and they dont care about you vs getting the experience of just meeting someone after a show or at a merch table.

[@readyformoore]

A friend and I bought VIP tickets to Falling In Reverse in May. We had a flight booked to Chicago, but it was canceled for absolutely no reason. We ended up catching a different flight, but just barely made it in time for the show and missed all of the pre-show VIP stuff. So it was a waste of $50.

[@theabacross1581]

I've never played for a meet and greet, the bands I met were always after concerts

[@Simon-xt5tv]

I loved the vans thing, love the jon comedy

[@user-kq4kd8be2t]

Yes because the odds of me meeting my music idols naturally are very small to impossible. If they include great concert seats in the package that is a great incentive for me too.

[@TashaStone]

I've paid for a few m&g's, I think on the whole a lot of them are rushed but I know from experience if you start up a conversation often they will take a minute or two to talk to you. When I met Alex and Mark at a Simple Creatures gig, the girl before me in the line for m&g just went up said hi, got a picture, left and it took about 15 seconds but I actually started just talking and probably spoke to them for around 2 minutes and I think it was worth it but unless you make a proper effort I think it can often be disappointing

[@TedHey]

I agree. I screwed up my paid M&G, but it was still okay. Hopefully, if I ever do another paid M&G it will be better.

[@TheWolfGuardians]

I got to meet a few bands at Warped 25. (The Ones You Forgot, Less Than Jake, and Anti-Flag) and the meet and greets being free really did make it feel a lot more special. All of them were so down to earth and it didn't feel forced at all.

[@evanhouser401]

We, as your fans, should have a way to meet you. As crazy as that sounds, you’re actually an inspiration in the KZbin and music industry in the way of posting your opinions of songs and albums.

[@roshanfey]

every time i hear about the maine i swell up with pride. incredible musicians and incredible people. i love them more and more with every passing day

[@user-rd6vu]

Yes, I agree a lot with this! Although I have been to signings and stuff (not that expensive or at a festival so no extra expense) and I loved those situations, nothing beats when I stayed in the same hotel as IDKHOW the night after Leeds fest 2018 and had a chat with them the following morning.

[@noranirvana6664]

I've paid for many meet and greets. Some were worth it, like meeting Marilyn Manson. With Manson I knew that would be the only way and he's been my #1 artist for a long time. It was $500 and included a pit ticket. As much as I love In This Moment, I've met Maria 3 times (only ever had to pay for one but she charges $100) I have to say it is not work it. With her's it's a quick photo and a signed poster, it's very rushed and not very personal. The type of VIP packages that really piss me off are ones that happen before the show but DON'T include a ticket to the show. Those ones just don't make sense to me at all. What I'm just gonna pay money to meet you and not go to the show? I understand bands can't meet everyone once they reach a certain level but they need to better at making these VIP experiences as personal and well thought out as possible. I used to buy as many VIPs as possible but anymore I'm very picky. As stated in the video you can choose how to spend your own money but just think it through for a moment. Also can we talk about people who by these packages that aren't really fans but go anyway just to get more attention from social media? I overheard a guy at in M&G line say "I don't really like the band but I know it will look good on the gram". Excuse me but you kinda just ripped an opportunity from a real fan.

[@Beka.lauryn]

Only ever done a meet and greet for Tonight Alive - £55 including a ticket, plus a signed poster, special VIP performance of a song not played at the gig, a photo with them all together, and then like speaking to each member for 5 minutes at least and taking individual photos - totally worth it and would do again. But most are SO expensive - and not really worth it ???

[@cheesecakelasagna]

To borrow a quote from the great Hayley Williams, “the short answer is no..."

[@katkilzu]

Agree with you on this. I have paid for meet and greets for Minus The Bear as they ran them specifically alongside auctions to fund their acoustics album. Totally worth it! Felt good about helping them with a project and the experience was amazing, we got to hang during the soundcheck and were chatting with the guys for about 45 minutes before we all took goofy Polaroids together. Will never forget that! Every other time I have met a band its been outside a venue either by chance or because I waited.

[@jeansjacket]

I actually met my favorite singer (Danny worsnop) in a hotel because we happened to be staying at the same one.

[@sk83r_b0i9]

Euriah Is Nerd he’s a great vocalist! Was he nice?

[@evanwang1203]

Makes me appreciate TS even more, I got to meet her for free at one of her shows during the Rep tour.

[@gabriellanicole4172]

I definitely agree with this! But if it did come to the certain point where I only had one opportunity to meet my favorite bands or artists and that was a meet and greet, I would do it. I live in the same town as a very popular concert venue, but the town itself isn’t a big city or anywhere to really walk around, so you’d only see the artists in the venue, which is also a hotel and casino. Sometimes the overpriced meet and greets are my only chance lol, which sucks that I literally have to pay to meet another person for a short time

[@kenziemackeigan3923]

First time I ever went to a big music music festival or really met anyone from a band was at Warped Tour in 2014. I met many people that day, but among that group were all the guys in Neck Deep. It was really nice, they were all really cool, chill guys. Ben and I chatted for a bit, and later in the day I bought merch from Dani and just hung out for a bit. Very pleasant experience. My first time at a VIP meet-and-greet was with Dance Gavin Dance in 2016 on their Mothership tour. Best experience I've ever had with meeting bands. They were all such awesome guys. Everyone got to have their round of saying hi and taking their picture, but once all that finished we all got to collectively hangout in a room with them for (I think) half an hour. I feel like I became friends with everyone in the band, it was so intimate, and so absolutely normal and natural. My next (and maybeeeee last?) VIP meet-and-greet was Neck Deep in 2018 (talk about full circle), however this time it was just "wait in line, take a picture by a photographer, then move along". They also had restrictions to what you could have, no hugging, etc. All around the complete opposite experience that I've always had with naturally meeting bands/band members and doing VIP meet-and-greets. It really turned me off of the whole experience pretty quick. Not sure if I'll pay to meet someone again...the time with DGD was just a lucky first experience I think. Anyways, that's my experience

[@PhishbowlTV]

I'm with you on this one. Especially because I got to meet a few artists and bands after shows by chance. I got to meet Taking Back Sunday and Geoff of Thursday 7 years ago after a show in Atlanta and got to take pictures with Adam and Geoff. It was so dope. You are absolutely right. It does feel unatural and forced.

[@dustinvicary3715]

I got VIP for an Alter Bridge show (my favorite band) back in 2017. It was cool getting to see them warm up and do their soundcheck, but I was disappointed with the actual meeting of them and the picture you take with them. It was all bery fast and rushed. I recently bought VIP for Nothing More last year (my other favorite band), and it was AMAZING. You get your picture, and then you get to hang out with the band and get stuff signed. I had personal conversations with each of them for around 5 minutes. That one was really worth it.

[@StephenGibson829]

I've never paid to meet a band in person, but I have ran into them in the streets around Charlotte and at Warped Tour/Carolina Rebellion when they were walking around.

[@MyoticTesseract]

The only times I've met musicians I listened to were smaller bands like Grayscale and Hail the Sun, and of course I'm awkward af as well as alone so they weren't long interactions but goddamn if they didn't make me feel really good. Shit, Donovan Melero from Hail the Sun just outright gave me a hug. That's awesome.

[@rubymilne6651]

I’ve met a fair few musicians/bands and not one have I payed to meet them, maybe it’s due to them being quite small, but usually I see them after the gig and I’ve never been let down once. It’s great meeting someone you love admire for free

[@lindseywall3851]

Jason and Steve from Fever 333 are literally the sweetest and stuck around to meet nearly everyone in the venue after playing a $10 concert!

[@bigstarlet]

I had this very discussion online a couple of years ago when one of my all-time favourite bands offered VIP meet and greets on the now defunct PledgeMusic site. I hadn't been to shows in a while and wondered when paying for meet and greets became a thing. One of the people in the discussion was a concert promoter who stated that these VIP passes were now considered ticket upgrades and are extremely common for all the reasons you mentioned, not to mention a lot of fans causing boundary issues with their faves. These upgrades are also among the first to sell out. I personally would never pay for a meet and greet, in that, as with the Maine, I also don't wish to pay to meet people. Also, I don't feel comfortable being in a situation where someone is forced to meet me as well, and as much as I like to have an interaction with a fave " just happen", I know it won't, and I am totes ok with it, especially since the closest I ever came to one was a case of inadvertent eye contact that did not end well at all.😂 How about we just get back to enjoying the music, and not worry about communicating to our fave how much he/she/they mean to us.

[@tompilkington3828]

The only time I have ever met a band was at an album signing event. The band was As It Is and what happened was they played an acoustic set of three songs and then we all lined up to get our albums signed and take pictures. I must admit that it did feel a little forced and quick with me only properly being with them for about a minute (probably less). What was really cool though was that when I was in the line I was tapping the drums to one of their songs on my legs and Ben saw me and when I met them we had a small conversation about drums. It was awesome because that made it feel a bit more natural

[@zwch_]

I paid over $300 to meet Mike Shinoda on his 2018 Post Traumatic tour. He drew a large mural made up of a bunch of squares, and we got to color one square and take it home. He talked to us (a group of about 30-40) so casually for almost 1 hour before we finally did signatures and pictures. It was an incredible experience that I would kill for every LP fan to have

[@XPursuitOfEpicnessX]

I agree! I have actually met/had cool encounters with quite a few artists out of nowhere. I've ran into bands outside venues! Actually while queuing for a Paramore show Hayley Williams was in a van and opened the door at a stop light and talked to us until it turned green and we were all so shook and we just lived in the moment and didn't even take out our phones, to me that was more special than paying to meet her for one second. I did pay for one meet and greet upgrade to meet three artists for a radio show festival which was really reasonable, we met Grandson, The Interrupters, and Young the Giant. But paying 400 dollars or something to meet a band for a second is just way too much money.

[@tarotfiend]

The last concert I went to 3 girls got in trouble trying to sneak back stage. All of them got in trouble.

[@kristianhealey3470]

I’ve only ever paid for one VIP upgrade (the rest were after shows when artists go up to their merch tables) and that was for bowling for soup and I can honestly say that they did the upgrade right, it wasn’t too expensive and we got a full acoustic set, 15 min Q&A, a photo and a large signed poster which I still have framed on my wall, it didn’t feel robotic and I honestly really enjoyed it

[@BigFishSmolPond]

I haven’t paid for a VIP and I’ve only been to 2 gigs and 1 was Lucy Spraggan. She was absolutely lovely and even offered to take a picture with me after I told her it was my first gig. Paying for a human connection isn’t gonna feel good. However some artists are lovely enough to make it feel genuine.

[@joyceconroy9870]

I truly enjoyed your conversation and we are of kindred minds. I am a DJ and I prefer as you do a natural setting. Several of my favorite artists have been so wonderful and they come out after the show for no additional charge and I had a chance to go backstage as a media member. I only paid for one meet and great and that was with Weird Al. It was very quick, but Al was wonderful and I loved the photographer and we were given some nice gifts. I was going to purchase a Meet and Greet ticket for another artist that I admire and have met before, but decided against it. The tickets are so pricey and with the economy and budget, I have decided to decline. I am hoping to speak with him in a possible interview and that is far more natural. Thank you for sharing.

[@lobesmcgee]

Similar thing happened to me, as happened to you with Brandon. I was walking around the town before the show and Cyrus from NFG Walked right by me and I didn’t even realize it until he was already past me, I was like shit I just missed meeting him.

[@Bellyofthebeast6]

I've paid for VIP tickets before but the VIP perks were tied to the concert seats. So if you wanted a close seat, you HAD to get the meet and greet/photo pass. My friends picked close seats so I also got an expensive close seat to be next to them. I've never been to a concert where they offered a separate paid meeting, idk if I'd ever pay for it separately if it wasn't my #1 favorite band. I did wait in line to meet 3oh!3 at Warped Tour though so I technically paid for that with 3 hours of my life and some harsh sunburn.

[@jimwhorisson]

i live in boise, idaho so i don’t have many chances to meet people since not many artists i like come. waterparks has never came to idaho so i always do meet & greets in utah. the first one was really cool, i actually got to talk to them and it was great. but they had sold way too many tickets in last november so the place was packed. i was at the end of the line and sat their for about an hour after the meet & greet was suppose to start because they were late. we then were forced to only talk for about 2-3 min and you get your photo and leave. it was really upsetting but i love those guys and i love supporting them. the first time i actually met awsten was when they opened up for all time low so he was just chilling outside of the venue. it’s just if certain bands are headlining, they only do meet & greets which sucks but if i think it’s worth it, i’ll do it.

[@PixelstormGamer]

When I was 13 I met American Authors on their tour when then were still pretty small. They had a line for pictures, and even though they said no autographs after my picture I asked them and they signed something for me. Didnt expect it going in, and it was a cool experience.

[@BrainPollution]

I haven’t paid money for a meet-and-greet. My interactions with bands have always been after the shows at Warped Tour, for example, or really random circumstances. Such as the case with Burton and Dino from the band, Fear Factory. I was a temp at a court reporting company at the time. It’s moments like that that mean a lot more to me than paying money just to say “hi” backstage, and then ushered out.

[@adamdeitrick8226]

I swear I saw you at a T stop before a Pirates game a few weeks back, but I was way too awkward to say anything so I just stood there and pretended I had no idea who you were 😂

[@JrJrJrJrphD]

How DARE I condescend to your level by MEETING you. You have to PAY just to talk to me.

[@benbianes409]

I paid for vip passes twice for the wonder years. They did group photos both times, but they also do an exclusive fan selected five song set, but I have also met Billie Joe at 924 Gilman. Meeting Billie was obviously more personal at Gilman, where I got to show him my green day tattoos and thank him for his music. With the wonder years it was with a group of people, and sure I got to chat with them, but because it was with so many people, it felt like a conversation had in passing. Both were awesome experiences.

[@blakekogut3045]

each time ive had the option i passed it up becasue i didn't want to pay more lol but i might do it in the future who knows

[@cornbreadcats226675]

I myself go to many concerts, large and small. From my experience I've had bad and great vips! Small bands are amazing because they always come out after shows and meet fans and sign things for free which really creates a connection. A band that is incredible is The Wrecks, I've seen them many times. They are a lot smaller, but the last headlining tour they offered a vip. The vip was a game show that you actually got to play with the members of the band and the winner of it got free merch. It was $25 and totally worth it. AND they also came out after the show to meet everyone that did and didn't get the vip. I've spent $400 to meet Shinedown which is a band i've loved since I was 12 (I am 19 now). I was very worried it was going to be a picture and move on sort of thing. But man I was blown away, they spent an hour talking to everyone, signing whatever you wanted, just making it extremely personal. I didn't regret a dime I spent. But I have also payed around $60 to meet All Time Low which isn't massive, but they're still extremely well known. Their meet and greet was take a photo and move on. I was extremely disappointed. Most of my vip experiences have been incredible, very few actually bland and coordinated. When it comes to the whole idea of paying to meet someone I agree with a lot of what you said, but you also have the power to make it more personal. I honestly believe that the alternative scene has it the best when it comes to connecting in a personal manor with artists. I've meet so many amazing artists and created so many amazing memories just from purchasing vips. With that I also choose to support them and their music with spending my money to meet them. I want to watch them grow and take the money I gave them to continue to do amazing things. They're nothing without their fans. Thats just my take on the whole thing. :)

[@evilduotv]

sometimes the upgrade vip m&g isnt a bad deal, you get in early, and sometimes it comes with merch. so overall its not a bad deal if its priced well. most ive paid is $40 for a VIP upgrade, and it came with some really cool items

[@JDlovescats979]

There are a few artist that I would love to meet but like you, I've always imagined meeting those people organically. To me, running into someone at a coffee shop, etc is more meaningful than a paid meet-and-greet. Even if either way I'd only have 5 seconds to say hi, I'd find it more memorable to meet someone in a more normal way. I think part of the reason I don't really do paid meet-and-greets (other than because I'm a college student with no money) is that a lot of the time all you do is get there, take a picture, then leave and I don't really care about getting a picture with anyone. I'm not sure why, but I've always found coveting pictures of yourself with famous people to be weird, if not a little dehumanizing. Like you said, getting to pick the brains of some of the most creative minds out there (or even just getting to know more about them) is far more interesting to me than a photo op.

[@adamgrealish2910]

A lot of meet and greets in the UK you just need to buy the album to get into a signing

[@CanderisOrdo]

I generally don't care much about meeting bands. I certainly wouldn't pay specifically for that. However, I did just do my first VIP upgrade last week with Wage War because of the other things that went along with it. They did a tailgating party + an acoustic performance. That was fun. It was a unique kind of event and I for sure would do something like that again.

[@DeathMachineJoe]

In my opinion, it depends on what else you get besides the meet and greet. The first VIP I ever paid for was for New Found Glory and Yellowcard. We got to hang and talk with them for a bit, get an autographed poster and a photo with both bands and even an exclusive vinyl that had both bands covering each other’s songs, all for $50, including general admission tickets. Looking back on it, it was worth it because I was only able to stay for the opening act because I was sick as a dog that day. 2nd time I paid for VIP was for Yellowcard again, this time on their final tour. I ended up saying “hi” to two of the band members while waiting in line, got another picture with the band, another signed poster and early entry to the venue. It was a similar experience and there was probably more to it, but again, all for around $60 including general admission. Other bands like Hands Like Houses did an even cooler thing where you got a free meet and greet with all four bands (I believe the others were Our Last Night, The Color Morale and Wolves at the Gate) for only one $27 general admission ticket. Some bands even go as far to invite fans to their soundcheck before a show and bring a fan up on stage to play a song with them. I’ve even had small interactions with band members at local shows right after their set and while it wasn’t for very long, it was still a great experience. Again, it all depends on what you’re getting for a VIP pass. I would never pay $100 just to meet a band and that’s it. I only paid to meet Yellowcard twice because they’re my favorite band ever, but when it comes VIP nowadays, I hardly bat and eye at it. Seeing the artist or band live alone is worth the experience.

[@blinkshorty986]

Now that you mention it.... I don't think I've ever paid for a meet and greet other than I was an Overcast Kid for maybe a few years.

[@EnvyAliceBand]

I paid for 1 meet & greet when I was 15 it was worth it for me but I think it's more of a teen thing, 10 years on I don't think it's for me anymore. Although I have seen videos of Palaye Royale's VIP and I think they'd be a band 100% worth paying for. They do an acoustic show, a Q&A and a signing which gives fans a well rounded experience to remember. If more bands did something just a bit extra like that I'd consider going to more. Maybe even something as simple as having a drink at the venue bar while talking to fans would be good, it'd make it feel more human and casual instead of it being formal, awkward and rushed.

[@AndrewKjelson]

I once was behind half of A Day to Remember in line at Cookout. Didn't get to meet them because I forgot their names 😣 I did get to meet all of Between the Buried and Me at Moe's and they took a pic with me and Dustie gave me a guitar pic!

[@BeyondARTV]

YOOO shoutout to cookout! That is literally my favorite food place on earth

[@corplexmusic3643]

Paying money for it I think would be nice because it would give me a chance to get like a signed CD, and I don’t live in a place where any of my favorite artists go. I usually have to drive a few hours to go to any concerts that are gonna be “nearby” and that artist already rarely comes around that part of the country. So whenever a concert comes around with someone I like, I’m pretty much always gonna try to get VIP tickets if I can.

[@corplexmusic3643]

I say would be nice because I haven’t ever had a chance to. They’re either always sold out or too expensive for me to actually get ahold of, so I never end up being able to get them.

[@ninakonijn436]

i had the VIP package for Palaye Royale, but it was more than just a m&g. it was also a mini acoustic set and a q&a, and it was so worth the money, and it wasn't even expensive! now, i have the opportunity to get the m&g package for AJR, but I'm not sure what to do, because the m&g is 100$ more expensive than the early entry, wich includes early entry and merch, so I would pay 100$ JUST to meet human beings and that sounds kinda weird to me, however much they mean to me. but a part of me wants to meet the guys that helped me through so much and find who I am.. it's hard wow