15 rows for that prices isn't too shabby. However, the people who did the fanclub presale were very lucky in the fact that the prices then jumped to $130 within 24 hours. I don't get how they can bump prices after they have already gone on sale (even if just a presale). I can't assume it was a "fan club special" thing because in 100% history, fanclub standard presales always had the same prices as the seats. So for those who got the front orchestra for $69 definitely lucked out, because anyone else who is gonna sit even 10 rows behind you is going to be paying double that. And THAT is outrageous. I was surprised Orchestra tix were originally only $69 for a dry venue, that's almost setting yourself up to lose money on the event.
To Robschmidt: I have no doubt the band would ultimately look out for the fans' best interests. I just think there's so much stuff that goes on behind the scenes and so much paperwork that flies by them on a regular basis. I take the prices more as a LiveNation & FanClub foulup than an STP issue. To the band, they may just care about making sure everyone who pays the fanclub has access to presale tickets that are decent. Other than GA shows, that's been the case the past 2 years. But the VIP packs and ticket prices are more likely stipulations in the deals that the band made with some of these companies. Touring is really the only legit source of income for bands these days, so when bands have deals with LiveNation, LiveNation takes care of a lot of things for them like setting up dates & venues. To stay afloat it seems lots of bands are making these deals with LiveNation. The band makes their money, but they have to show up to said # of concerts with a lot of predetermined things like prices.
But history has shown that the band will do what they can to make up for flubs. (I.E. the PNC show debaucle of 08 led to discounts for the Jones Beach show in 09). It's just sometimes hard to determine who's the actual boss in the deal.
