Seven Reasons Why I Choose VIP
VIP events have become a prominent feature of concerts. They notably provide opportunities for concert-goers to meet their favorite artists. I personally enjoy VIP events and try to add the VIP option almost every time my favorite artist performs.
I understand that VIP can be pricey and expensive. Depending on the artist, prices can range from approximately $200 to $800. However, I strongly encourage concert-goers to purchase the VIP ticket at least once in their lifetime (if you can afford it!).
In my opinion, VIP events are the best part of the whole concert experience. And here are the seven reasons why:
Meet and Greet with Your Favorite Artist
The main draw of VIP is the opportunity to meet your favorite singer and take a photo with them. You also have the opportunity to briefly talk to your favorite singer and express how much they mean to you. Depending on how big the artist is and the venue location, you either get to spend time with them and engage in conversations for 1 hour or it will be a quick 2 minute greeting and taking a photo and that’s it.
I’ve experienced both VIP types. When I met New Kids On The Block (NKOTB), I only had a short time to say “Hello”, “Nice To Meet You”, “You mean the world to me”. I did get to hug each guy before taking the group photo. While it was a quick meeting, I was happy that I finally got to meet all five New Kids!
Whereas, when I did VIP with O-Town, LFO or BBMAK, I got to spend a longer time with each band. I got to chat with them about their past shows and upcoming projects. They signed some autographs. We took selfies as well as group photos. Granted, they were performing in smaller venues compared to the large arenas NKOTB usually performs at.
2. Early Access to the Venue
Usually VIP meetings are 2-4 hours before the actual concert. VIP gives you an opportunity to enter the venue before the door opens to the general ticket holders or stand in front of the line. This advantage is especially beneficial when the venue is general admission and no seat assignments. When I did VIP with O-Town and LFO at the Pop2000 in Portland this year, I was able to get to the venue earlier and to the front of the line when doors open for general admission. And scored a great spot near the stage.
Note: Some artists choose to do their VIP event after the concert. During this past Pop2000 tour, Chris Kirkpatrick hosted his meet and greet after the concert finished where we got to chat with him, he signed autographs and we took photos with Chris.
3. Soundcheck/Acoustics Session
Some artists do offer additional activities during their VIP in addition to the meet and greet. The most popular activity is VIP guests getting to listen to the artist’s soundcheck. In the past, I’ve gone to soundchecks for 98 Degrees, Darren Hayes , and BBMAK . They usually sing/test 1-2 songs. And you get an exclusive behind the scenes look with the artist working with the sound crew in testing the microphones.
Aside from a soundcheck, another VIP offer is an acoustic session prior to the main show. This is a popular option for O-Town and BBMAK concerts.
I was lucky enough to go to O-Town’s acoustic sessions this past summer on the Pop2000 tour in Portland, Webster and Hampton Beach and most recently a September show in Boston. The boys would stand in front of us with no mics and earpieces. Jacob would pull up his guitar and O-Town sang three songs most notably, “Suddenly”, “Been Around The World” and “The Joint”.
Honestly, the soundcheck and acoustic sessions serve as an extra private concert/pre-show.
4. Swag
A popular benefit of VIP is the swag aka giveaways that artists provide to concert goers. Items range from tote bags, holiday magnets, or drink tumblers. Artists have also given away signed posters and face masks.
5. Great Concert Seats
VIP usually comes with seats within the first 10 rows near to the stage or a seat with a great view. So you could be up close to the artist! During the 98 Degrees Christmas concert, not only did I get to meet the guys but scored a front row seat! And even got Nick Lachey to serenade me!
Note: Sometimes VIP is sold separately from the concert ticket itself depending on the artist and the venue.
6. Quality Time With the Artist
Depending on the level, VIP gives you the opportunity to spend quality time with the artist. This is the chance where you get to know them on a personal level. And they get to know you!
During the Pop2000 tour in Stamford and Portland, I got to have lunch and/or coffee with Brad from LFO. And it’s totally worth it! I spent a full hour with Brad. He shared fun stories about his late bandmates, Devin and Rich. He also talked about how Jeff Timmons from 98 Degrees encouraged him to go back out to performing again and carry on the LFO legacy after Rich and Devin’s passing.
7. Being Part of the Show
Finally, VIP offers you the chance to be part of the concert itself! This also depends on the artist, venue and VIP level.
One such experience is O-Town’s All Access VIP. Something I got to do at the Hampton Beach show this past summer. In addition to their acoustics set and photo opportunity, my friend, Margaret and I got the opportunity to set up the concert itself. We got to hand O-Town their microphones. We got to go up to the stage and watch the concert from the stage itself while O-Town performed! It was such a surreal experience! We later watched the rest of the show from the side of the stage. Quite an upgrade considering the tickets were general admission in an outdoor venue and it was raining!
Note: VIP tickets don’t necessarily include a Meet and Greet with the Artist. Sometimes it’s just a drink ticket, a lanyard, and/or a small gift. Be sure to read the fine print when choosing the VIP options.
