Music: Re: [u2tour] GA procedure, my experience in Pittsburgh

The group thrives on intimidation. If you ever face this type of system again, make sure you go with a group of people, get in line at the time the venue allows and do not give in to the group when they try to pressure you into getting a number. There system is not sponsored by the venue, it is something they simply start themselves in an effort to guarantee their spots.

You will be fine if you don't give in.

Kevin

--- On Thu, 7/28/11, Steve Beckberger <threechords@sbcglobal.net> wrote:

From: Steve Beckberger <threechords@sbcglobal.net>
Subject: Re: [u2tour] GA procedure, my experience in Pittsburgh
To: u2tour@yahoogroups.com
Date: Thursday, July 28, 2011, 9:02 PM

Kate,

Yeah while I agree the show was great and Bad/40 was awesome, there was more "gaming by the elite" of the system as time went on this years leg.

It happened in Elevation where you never saw 1-50, there were there "early" and were now resting in the hotel you would be told. Enough of the group would be there so you really could not argue.

Vertigo set it back with the random scan, its intended affect. we showed up at 6am in Boston and were 10-11. The venue did the numbering. Then they let you leave and said be back at 5pm. When the venue does the line, man that was nice, you get the whole day off. I often wondered why others indoor venues didn't take that approach that tour. I know we would have gone to more shows if that was the case.

Anyway, this night before approach came back with a flurry in this last leg, 2011. I didn't think it was as pronounced in '09 here but I agree with the OP about the concept. I thought the Euro's in line at about 50-70 were great and where there all afternoon at Pitt.

That said, yeah it became an elite institution. My question on it is, or was, "is the show time early the next morning ever enforced?" I hear it is like 6am the next morning. Does anyone ever loose their place? I heard that about Toronto.

I met a lot of folks from this tour and the previous that would say oh we follow them around and then be tired during the show and bring the area I am in down a bit. I have seen it numerous times, we all have.

This time though I guess I am not as bothered by it for Pittsburgh since the GA was so alive. By FAR the best GA of my 44 shows I have seen. I do get more bummed when the GA is not as good and all the same "I showed up the night before and got on the list" and then were there and not into it as much.

I guess it is all about "see and be seen".

Anyway, I share your thoughts Kate. Nice post, you put it well.

Yes the campers are already camping in Moncton, at least that is what several folks told me in the line at Pittsburgh. No matter, enjoy the show! I wish I could make it to Moncton, but Pitt will do.

Bad/40 to close. That is rich. :)

sb
----- Original Message -----
From: Erin Basile
To: u2tour@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Thursday, July 28, 2011 7:40 PM
Subject: RE: [u2tour] GA procedure, my experience in Pittsburgh

Kate,

I totally agree with you! We had the same problem with the keepers of the list. They added names of people that weren't even there! I think karma is gonna get them in the end. If you are a dishonest liar, it's bound to catch up with you. I could say some really mean things now, but want to end on a positive note. Glad you had a good show otherwise. I thought it was incredible!!

EFarrell

To: u2tour@yahoogroups.com
From: contramundo@bellsouth.net
Date: Fri, 29 Jul 2011 00:02:53 +0000
Subject: [u2tour] GA procedure, my experience in Pittsburgh

OK, the Pittsburgh show was AWESOME. But the GA line "system" was a major downer. We got there at 4am, ready to stay until the show. There were about 20 people there, so we thought we were in good shape. The list holder gets our names down and it turns out I'm number 250-something! So where are the other 230 people ahead of me?! In bed, at breakfast, anywhere but waiting in line! What happened to coming to the GA line and staying to hold your place? Where do you get the secret information to "check in" on the list and then take off? Of course, there's nothing to do about it. No offense to anyone who actually waited in person, and I would have been happy to be in the 200s if 200 people were actually there, but I'm pretty tired of the elite U2 society using unfair tactics to crowd the front of the pit and exclude those of us who are out of the social loop but putting in the effort fairly to get close to our favorite band. When Bono said "I see so many
familiar faces" I just sort of cringed--from the back of the circle.

I won't even bother waiting in line in Moncton. Now I know there's probably already a list up to the hundreds consisting of people who aren't even in New Brunswick yet. Maybe I'll start using the tactics of the drunks who come in late and push their way to the front. Is that really any different than putting your name on a list the night before the show and going back to bed?

Kate in NC

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