VIP package. Is it really worth it????

[Graham74]

Recently I purchased a VIP package for my 75 year old father that is a massive fan of Alan Jackson. Over all he enjoyed the performance and to get to shake Alan's hand in the meet and greet was a high light. However, the evening was detracted by several issues...
The lack of time spent with Alan during the meet and greet (less than 2 minutes) process was much shorter than expected. After paying for the privalige of meeting Alan, to only have a photo and no time to talk was very dissapointing for him.  I was surprised and dissapointed for my father to hear that Alan didn't even sign anything for him either during this meet and greet. To have some of the murchandise signed that came with the package should've been included considering the amount of money we paid (I understand he got a presigned photo of Alan, but a signature takes less than 5 seconds). Then during the show Alan was willing to sign murchandise on stage for people who got close enough (Those people didn't pay for that privilage). My father said he tried to get to the stage but being the age that he is, obviously couldn't due to the pushing and shoving that people were doing.
I was also dissapointed and a bit angry to hear that people from behind my father were able to come up the front of the stage and stand in front of people who paid for the privalige of better seats. Allowing this to happen dramatically reduced the value of the seat that I purchased for my father. As a result, he could only see Alan from the waist up, and depending on where Alan was on the stage, my Dad struggled to see him at all and had to stand himself. For an elderly person, to have to do this with the seat he had is unnacceptable.
 
Overall my Dad said that he had a good time, but he mentioned these points and because of that, it obviously effected him and detracted from the evening.
 
Just thought I'd let you know and give you some feed back on what paying customers are thinking.
(The show was in Brisbane, Australia on 27 Sep 13 at the entertainment centre)

[Bostonhonkytonk]

Actually, I think a couple of minutes at the M&G is reasonable.  Who wouldn't want more time but it's not practical.  A couple of minutes should be enough for a brief chat and a photo.

Sorry about the crowd up front.  I find the crowds at Alan's shows to be nice.  Most shows I attend have fans that dance down front.  I saw Paul McCartney this summer.  I was down front.  The way they had his piano set up blocked our view a bit at times.  So did the dancing fans.  I paid Big bucks for these tickets.  
Like anything, it's the chance you take.  I'm thrilled I went and the piano was a minor annoyance in the overall scheme of things.  The fans don't bother me. I expect people to dance at the front at a musical event.  How can you sit still at an AJ concert?

Your gift of this show to your dad is great.  You're obviously a wonderful son.  I'm sure your dad will cherish seeing and hearing AJ in person and spending it with you. You did good.

[BIGHUSKERSRED]

Graham74, just my two cents here. With time constraint, long enough to have a M&G with lucky fans while the opening act is performing on the stage and prepping for his own show (going through the playlist with band members, freshening up for the show, etc.), Alan can only give each fan a minute or 2 of his time at any of his M&Gs. However, a tip for the future M&G you may be lucky enough to win from the fan club, being at the end of the line of fans waiting to meet Alan will give you an advantage of possibly being able to chat with Alan a few minutes longer. Also, I think, and I'm just guessing here, if you had been with your Dad at the M&G, it's likely that you and your Dad would have been able talk to Alan for another minute or 2 and have had an item signed by Alan. They allow one person to accompany a fan at the M&G. I accompanied my autistic adult son, a big fan of Alan's, when he won a M&G from the fan club few years ago. It was a huge thrill for him and I was speechless meeting Alan. . .literally! An elderly couple was infront of us at the line and had some items they want to give Alan and also have him sign for themselves and another to give to their grandchild, I believe. They were disappointed when it was announced that Alan will not sign anything. However, they spoke to the guy who was assisting the fans at the M&G line and who made that announcement and they were assisted at the table by the end of the line and, staying at the end of the line, managed to get it done.

As far as the crowd by the stage during the show goes, I can understand your disappointment and bit of anger there. But this is true with just about any country music concert. . .much like its pop rock counterpart. The reason? Country music artists like having people/fans standing, dancing, singing and cheering close to the stage as for them it livens up their show and subsequently they give them, the artists and their bands, the energy to put on the best show they can, if that makes sense to you. Consequently, the rest of the members of the audience had to stand up for most of the duration of the show. . .and not all of them could for too long, myself included. During the signing that Alan does at the end of his show, usually for elderly and physically, developmentally and medically disabled people, asking for assistance from a security guy at the show helps, though not all the time.

So, are VIP tickets worth it? Well, honestly, it's a yes and no. Yes, because of the M&G with Alan and the "reasonably good" seat assignment that goes with it and maybe a chance to get some of the other goodies you got that went it signed by Alan. No, because you still have to deal with the crowd at the show, which could get you quickly frustrated and this is just my honest opinion of it. But after all is said and done, Alan's presence, music and soothing voice makes it all worth it just to be there.

BHR

[Jeri_MS]

BHR,
Also the Venue can make a huge difference. I was at some where security was real tight and some a bit Lax,
we got close seats and others were in front of us, but the thrill to see Alan and the Staryhorns was Great for us..So glad you and your son got to see Alan BHR.

Graham Sir,  if you had asked security for help, w/ your Dad, it could have made a difference..I asked a security guard to help us once & he was so polite. I'm sure in later years you will remember the Concert More clearly, as special. Sorry , I hope you remain an Alan Jackson Fan. I have been to more than I can remember
and I  will never forget those wonderful days. Alan is so humble and a good man. Next time ask for help
Jeri-An AJ Fan from MS & FL

[countrygirl24]

Yes, I say an Alan jackson VIP Ticket Package is worth it!  Especially, for his Fans in Canada because when do his  Canadian Fans really have the chance for a Meet & Greet?  We would be honoured if they have this Vip Ticket Package for AJ's , January 21 & 22nd Concerts at Niagara Fallsview Casino!  Well, we can always keep our fingers crossed! 

[emailstoamber]

Yes, it's totally worth it!  Not that I got one this year, but hopefully next time.  I've met many country artists at meet and greets, and just a chance to say hi, shake hands, and get a photo, is "totally" worth it. 

[emailstoamber]

....and when I buy tickets for my parents, who do not like to stand, I always make sure they are on the side seats, not on the floor.  The floor is for people who want to stand and dance (I am one of those people, haha).

Hope Alan comes back to Australia again and again and again!

[vamp1227]

Be worth it to me to meet Alan!!

[Henry]

I am a bit disappointed about the amount of money they ask for VIP I have longed to meet Alan and King George but not been picked for meet and greet.  I live in southern Ky and the economy here is terrible.  We enjoy our Country Music and love the true country singers.  I wonder why so much money is asked of the fans to meet their heroes.  We can't afford to give these prices.  We join there fan clubs go to their concerts and buy their merchandise.  Come on give us a break have a fan club party to sign autographs charge us a little for this and make it affordable for all of us the true fans to get to meet you. I know your time is valuable and this would take some planning but it would be worth it to your fans.  As for the post expect it at any concert.  It doesn't matter they can keep people away for so long then they just quit trying and the herd comes in.  Maybe it would be better if you got seats on the side because this is always going to happen. Sorry about the rambling.

[ajarkansasfan]

you can buy the regular seat prices and still sign up for a meet greet on the fan club board here. just sign up for the shows you are going to and take a chance to be picked.  yes the vip packages are high and not everyone can spend that much of course if you have 2 people going.

[bb2832]

Graham74

So sorry you felt the package was not worth it. I wouldn't have known about asking for security for help either, but wish you would have so your father could have had a better experience. I still long to meet Alan...never get picked for the M&G, so may have to get a VIP someday.