Meeting the band (not so easy)

[Kendall Gator]

First of all, I just attended two AMAZING Sick Puppies shows in St. Petersburg on May 28 and then Orlando on May 29. I live in Miami and could not wait to see Sick Puppies as this was my birthday weekend.

I first drove from Miami to St. Pete on Saturday. They performed at 6:45pm and had an autograph session at 5pm. It was hot. Like 90+ degrees hot. I waited in line in the sun for over an hour in line to get an autograph. Then 5pm came. After signing autographs for 15 minutes, their manager said they had to go and my spot in the line never reached the front. Ok, I have the next day in Orlando to meet them.

I drive over to Orlando to attend their headlining show in Orlando. I get there early and head right for the merch booth. I get to the front of the line with my last $60 (remember I have now spent tons of money on gas, two nights of hotel, concert tickets, food, beer, etc). I am with my wife who wants a Sick Puppies shirt which is a fair request. That was $30. I have $30 left. My choices are to get myself a concert shirt or buy Tri-Polar Deluxe. If I buy Tri-Polar Deluxe, then I can get a card to get an autograph after the show. I own every song of Sick Puppies already. I ask the same manager if there was anything I could do to meet the band to have them sign my shirt to which he responds we have to leave and can only sign the 75 autographs from those that buy the Deluxe CD.

I bought the concert shirt with my last bit of cash and after spending well over $400 and attending two concerts in two different cities on my birthday weekend, I never got to meet the band or get an autograph. I love the Sick Puppies, but I kept hearing Shim call us friends at the show. Their manager did not make me feel like a friend. I gladly spent this money ($400+ and even $60 for two very thin concert shirts) to support my favorite band. I just wanted a picture and my shirt signed by the band. This is something they could have done better.

[rapscallion]

Wow. That sucks a lot. I wonder if one of them was feeling ill? Or maybe the heat got to them? In any case, i hope you get to see them play again and actually meet them afterwards.

[Gabby]

First of all, if you were talking to the man at the merch booth, that was Gerry and he had nothing to do with the HOB's lack of organization and general rudeness. Cut him some slack.

Second of all, the the M&G was limited to 75 only because the place had to be cleared out immediately for the other performance that was supposed to take place there later that night. Not the Pups' fault. With the recent spike in popularity, it is getting difficult to accommodate everyone in the autograph line. It's just getting too big now. Certain precautions need to be taken to assure the safety and well-being of the band.

The schedule has been hectic lately, and most of the time yes the band will have time to get through the whole line but when they have show after show after show like they did this weekend, things have to be cut short. All I can really say is give everyone the benefit of the doubt and try again next time.

[Cassie]

I'd just like to say a few things here. First off, nobody MADE you spend all that money on a hotel, and beer, etc. And people pay the same price for gas. You weren't the only one that had to drive to that show. Second, you were informed of exactly what you had to do to get an autograph from the band. You CHOSE to buy yourself a shirt. That is nobody's fault but your own. I'm sorry if you can't accept that. But the band is getting bigger, and as that happens, they are going to have to limit the number of autographs they can do. The bands safety and well being is at stake as well. Especially with FL dates, when it is extremely hot out. You also have to keep in mind the fact that they've been touring almost NON STOP since this album dropped in July of 2009. That is almost 2 full years without many breaks. Sometimes going days or weeks without a day off or time for themselves. A lot of the time they are probably tired. Or feel disgusting and just want a shower and to relax. A luxury they probably don't get often. So maybe next time before you jump down the band or the tour managers throat, take some of that in to consideration, and don't blame the band for no reason. They work hard. They are amazing to their fans. How many bands do you know that do this without charging an insane meet and greet fee?

Side note: I would like to point out the fact that I currently own three copies of Tri-Polar (I gave my 4th away as a gift), as well as two copies of the Live & Unplugged EP. Despite having about 98% of every song they've ever done live OR in studio, on my iPod. Just saying.

[Shamrock]

Kendall Gator, I'm glad you enjoyed the concerts so much!

It's too bad to hear you were unable to meet and get autographs from the band, but as it has been said already, they are rapidly growing and only have so much time to give out autographs these days. They do the best they can.

It is natural that all bands eventually need to limit how many people they can meet after a concert, so we should all remember to be greatful that we even get the chance to line up for an autograph still! I think having to buy a CD to be signed is a fair way of doing it, even if you already own the CD, perhaps ones version of a CD is scratched up from use, who knows - a never been played signed copy is better for safe keeping! The man you talked to is just doing his job.

I wish you better luck next time!

Gabby and Cassie, you both bring up great points and thank you for explaining how busy the band is, as it is true! But I think we all need to take a step back from the defense and see that Kendall is just expressing his disappointment, I'm sure he didn't mean to offend anyone!

[David]

KG, I'm sorry you didn't get to meet the band, the meet and greet policy has been changing lately due to the fact that they are getting bigger, Shim Mark and Emmerz want to meet everyone, but time constraints don't always allow it. Venues have to be cleared out for other shows that night, sometimes they have to rush to the bus just to make the next venue in time because it's states away.

@Gabby, @Cassie, I Ambassielove you both a lot....I understand that our first reaction is to defend the band.....it was mine, I first thought of the same arguments. I'm just trying to step into to a world where KG is coming from. I don't mean to directly disagree with you.

Any more it seems it's all about timing, buy merch when you get in the door, get your stamp/wristband/pass for the signing, they always seem to have new cool merch, then head to the merch booth two songs before the end.

I was at the Orlando show last night, I coughed out round trip airfare from Kansas City for the show, rented a car, payed for hotel.....I know what it's like to spend a paycheck to make a show.

KG, stay a fan....it was nothing personal.

[Kendall Gator]

Please don't get me wrong. I am more of a fan than ever. I honestly was just commenting my disappointment that I did not meet the band. I fully understand the things they go through to jam so many shows. If you read what I wrote, I had no problem spending the money that I did.

All I was saying is things could have been done slightly better.

1) St. Pete -- If you only have the ability to sign 15 minutes worth of autographs at 5pm and there is a huge line in the sun at 4pm, have Gerry go out for 2 minutes at 4pm and hand out a special card or wristband for the first 30 people in line so that those past the point of being able to reach the band can get out of the sun and get water.

2) Orlando -- Instead of a CD purchase, how about the first 75 that spend $50 at the merch booth get to attend the M&G so that we have a choice on what to spend our $50 on.

See, very small changes that fit the 2 venues and still respect the bands time and need for space.

I LOVE SICK PUPPIES. My post was not meant to be a negative one and I apologize if it came across as such. I know we all spend countless dollars, countless time, and countless clicks on fuse polls for our favorite band and I have no plans to stop.

[angelbear425]

I would like to add that the Orlando HOB location is also one of the worst locations for anything. Last time I was there for SP they wouldn't allow me to take in pens/pencils/clipboards/sharpies to help after the show. They were kicking people out immediately after and wouldn't even let most people stay for autographs (this was in August 2009 when they weren't as popular as they are now). They also limited the pictures that were being taken. Most shows now are autographs only because they don't have much time after the show.

Like everyone else said, give them the benefit of the doubt and don't get discouraged. I also know what it's like to spend a ton of money to go to a show/buy merch/etc at the show.

[hamjen]

The band's schedule has been very hectic lately. It is difficult for them to have to say no (or have their tour manager say no) to any requests. I know that Mark, Emma and Shim would love nothing more than to sign and chat and even pose for pics (something that is getting harder and harder the bigger they get).....but there are so many factors that determine what they can and cannot do before, afte, even during a show. Venues have many rules. Ask us ambassadors..often times we are pushed around by security that do not understand or even care what our role is supposed to be. Shim, Emma and Mark are constantly being pulled in different directions at each different venue because of this. not to mention their grueling tour schedule.

It does disappoint to have not met them, however, be smart and dilligent and you will get your chance. Of course buying merch is always a plus but I have taken merch previously bought at a show when I didn't get a chance to have it signed at the show when I purchased back with me to my next show and they have been happy to sign it. (just an idea)

Better luck next time

[Tretha]

Kendall...I understand how you feel. I love SP and I see that you are still a big fan as well. I saw them at Rocklahoma this past Friday night and felt as if there was something that happened that maybe made them uncomfortable with being exposed to the fans or that maybe one of them was feeling ill and they wanted to get the autographs over with asap...totally understandable...but the dude standing outside directing the line barking, "NO PICTURES, NO TOUCHING, NO THIS, NO THAT" irritated me a little, I admit. I wanted my official SP FREE HUGS t-shirt that I wore to the concert signed, which I got. Shim pointed out to me that he saw it in the crowd, which was the highlight of my weekend...but I did want a pic and was hoping for a FREE HUG...LOL. Realistically, I know that's silly cause there's just too many fans for them to treat me special...who am I anyway? I'm no different than any other fan...that's the reality of it. Just wanted you to know that someone understands you.

[angelbear425]

You can also think of it this way: At least they still do signings. They may limit them, but they still do them. How many times do we (all of us) go to shows and the bands don't sign OR it's $500+ to "meet n greet". I've seen that with both small and large bands. Personally, I am grateful that they still sign at all.

And Jen, I completely agree about security. Sometimes they are so nice, but others they yell at you. I got yelled at once for trying to help how I was told and I just moved and found something else to do.

[pantheras54]

I'm sorry you missed out on meeting the band, KG. They really do want to meet all their fans, but as everyone has already said, it's getting more and more difficult, and we have to take into consideration their situation, as well. You made some great suggestions, as well.

I also have to agree with Hamjen - taking previously-bought merch to the show is also an idea. I often buy albums when they are first released, and take those to shows with me to get autographed.

Perhaps I'm just really lucky, but I've seen the Pups four times now, and I've had the wonderful opportunity to meet them each time. Every show, I either bring or purchase something new to have autographed. I haven't had the chance to get a picture with the band yet, but I'll keep trying!

Give them a chance! Keep going to more shows and try for more chances to meet the band! It's worth it!

[Dana]

The man at the merch table is Gerry. He doesnt have control of who gets to meet the band. Julia is the tour manager.
The reason you have to buy a cd to get the M&G pass is because Tri-Polar deluxe is their new album and they want to sell it. I think it is a much better and safer way to do the M&G. On sunday nights starting at 11 they have a "Service Industry Night" so the place has to be cleard by then. That is the reason for the rush to get everyone out. I have been to a lot of sp shows and each and every time they will stay and sign every single person in line which is way more than any other band does. Shim was sick for all 3 FL shows. He was sick on May 1 when I saw them at sunfest so I asked him at Hob if he was feeling any better and he said no his throat was killing him. After the signing each one of them told Julie, Renna and I how much they appreciate all that we do for them. They had another show in Jax the next day which i went to also, and Shim still got up and belted his heart out. When we were selling the merch in Jax we were stamping everyone who bought merch with the odd one stamp and telling them they could come back at the end and the band will sign their stuff. Well they signed everyone in line, not just the people with the stamp. I will defend them til the end on being the most amazing people to their fans.

[Tretha]

They are amazing. I was very impressed with how they sound live. Much better than most bands. That alone is enough for me to go to another concert very soon. I've never been to a concert before where I even got an autograph...so that's pretty awesome. It can be very draining to do it all and they really do try, but they are just human.

[angelbear425]

[Stacey]

Hi Kendall,

Trust me I know just how you feel on the travel thing. If I want to go to a show I have to drive at least 200 miles one way in any direction(well until this Summer I finally get a 45 mi drive). It sucks especially when I cover because I'm looking at 400 mi in one day just to hang posters then 400 for the show and hotel.

I am so so sorry you didn't get the chance. It's a Catch 22 with M&Gs. Here we have been working so hard for the last 3 yrs to help the band and now they are getting the attention they deserve. 3 yrs ago I could hang out after a show for a couple hrs at least now not at all hardly. I wouldn't go back to those days for anything though. I love seeing them succeed even though it means our time is cut short or completely. I see you've only been a member since January, so maybe you haven't seen it a lot. However, if you have poked around the forum a lot, I understand how you feel. There for so long and sometimes now, are all these pictures with the band. People see that and then they have this expectation at their shows. Those people who have had the opportunity need to remember that not everyone has had those same experiences, especially the newer members and folks who haven't been to a show yet. Their experiences are going to be so different from what we have been able to have in past few yrs.

Like someone else said....keep trying. I KNOW they want to meet you and it will be amazing for you when it happens.

[RenzoN]

i have seen them only one's but here in europe it is different. they just start touring here so i got my polar opposite signed, i was the hole concert at the front, and i was alone, so i was thirsty and when they mentiont that it was there last song i went to the bar that was near the merch stand. i shim said that they will sign at the merch stand, so i was almost the first that gets my cd signed. i only missed Emma there, see was not feeling well. 17 june they are back here and i gonna try to get her autograph as well

[Ceallach]

That truly blows that you had such a bad experience. I didn't make the M&G @ the BBQ (was disappointed, but after hearing your tale feel a bit better).

HOB's protocol for Sunday night concerts suck. They need to revise it to provide for better fan experiences (they make enough off of us - HOB, that is). The planning for those events are sorely lacking in practicality and CUSTOMER CONSIDERATION.

I did luck out: I got some absolutely incredible shots at the BBQ & printed one out to bring along "just in case".....somehow, I have NO idea how it happened, I was one of the ones that got to meet Emma, Mark, and Shim - who all signed my photo, and absolutely loved it! Sadly, it was a rush-rush-rush: not on behalf of the Pups, but all HOB's doing.

It was obvious that Shim was feeling pretty dragged out - hopefully he's better by now. They've been so incredibly busy, and just keep adding dates. Unreal.

I did end up getting to see Emma out by the bus, for a short time. And Mark came out for a long time, talking to everyone, doing photos - he was even kind enough to take my ticket stub, along with a young boy's, on the bus for Emma & Shim to sign.

It was all just a pure stroke of luck...right timing...place....I have no idea. But it was a great experience - one that I truly needed and will NOT be forgetting for a long, long, time. If ever.

THANK YOU, EMMA - SHIM - MARK!!!

[Crazzzy]

Given the circumstances, I would have been mad too, and I would have vented on here too. No harm no foul. Hopefully there will be a headling show coming to close to you soon, where you will have a better chance. They often sign something for everyone at there headline shows.

[Ceallach]

Noting what Crazzy said:
Mark DID say that they would be back in Florida "soon" - I'm thinking maybe when they get back from the next international leg of the tour.

I don't doubt that they'll set up some shows around here around the time of ShipRock, if not before - seems they really enjoy playing our state. (Kinda have a theory on that: I have a number of Aussie friends, both in Oz and living here. We always laugh at how compatible we seem to be, and have speculated that it's because of the similarities - what some may consider 'oddball characteristics' - that we share. One note: NEVER try to keep up with an Australian when drinking - it can't be done!)

Anyway, Kendall, next time I'll hook you up with some of my 'tricks of the trade' when it comes to concerts, meeting musicians, and the like. Lots of experience touring with friends' bands, up and down the east coast, for music festivals big and small.

Better luck will come your way....