MR

Hi folks,
I just wanted to run a couple of thoughts/updates past you.

There is a lot of talk about a resurgent scene and more new artists joining in our little community and that to a point is certainly true. That’s the good news.

But on the other hand, the financial size of this scene is not expanding at the same rate and existing within it remains ever challenging for many – including myself.

Business conditions are tougher than ever and are only going to get worse. Even now the majority of this site’s income comes from loyal readers via MR-X and the various MRCD compilations, plus the core advertisers that you see linked around the place. Please support those guys!

I want nothing more than to continue doing what I love for years to come. And to prove that, I have a lot of things planned for the site – a brand new all-interactive site design to replace the current out-dated model – we’ll call it MelodicRock.com Vers. 4, which I hope to have online, tested and running by mid-2010 at the latest; another MRCD – Volume 7; and hopefully a small indie MelodicRock label to help small artists get decent distribution and their music out there.

Lots to plan and do…..but first I need to get through a very difficult period, culminating with MelodicRockFest 2, which I am planning to take place in early May in Chicago.
I’m hoping as many folks who can, will support this event as long as their own personal circumstances allow.
I’ve been working on organizing a line-up that can rival MRF1 and hopefully better it….and maybe throw in a couple of surprises alongside some well-known names.

More news on all that ASAP.

But I would like some feedback on something to do with the show right now.
Quite a few people suggested I do something that I didn’t do with the first show – and that is have a VIP premium price ticket that would offer something special for those that take up that offer.

I am planning a comprehensive package to offer for this VIP experience, the biggest element of which will be an exclusive pre-show (night before) meet and greet/acoustic show – featuring at least 3 exclusive acts performing acoustically for a limited number of people.

Other artists appearing on the Saturday will hopefully also be in attendance.
The only way in will be via this VIP ticket.

My question to readers here – what price do you put on such a package?
I’ve seen a lot of debate over ticket prices and some truly outrageous prices attached to certain high profile bands and their own VIP packages. Astounding prices even.

So given the more realistic expectations of myself and of fans planning on attending MRF2 – what do you think is a price that could offer real value for money?

I have a price in mind, but I’m curious for other opinions and above all else – I just wanted to update everyone a little on what’s going on behind the scenes here…a lot of work basically!

Cheers for reading and thanks in advance for any feedback – on the site in general or specifically on this MRF2 question.

Best regards,
Andrew.

I think I speak on behalf of everyone here (minus larryfromnextdoor) that we will be there and we will do anything within our power to help and support you and make this happen . Just keep us informed and let us help you

Hoping to be there and would want a VIP ticket.......200.00-250.00?

Well the thing is that I know me and probably many other members here would pay anything for a VIP experience for this. So we may actually not be the right people to ask. For the general public, it may be many other factors that determine that price for them and what they are willing to pay. I would think it would depend on who the bands are and if it will be a draw to want to meet and greet with them.

I think the VIP experience is a great idea. And I'll also add that the biggest thing fans are interested in with a VIP ticket is a chance to meet (and take pictures with) band members. The food & drink, goodie bags, backstage tours, private performances, and so forth are nice, but quite a few VIP things I've participated in have not come off well when the promoters tried to overcontrol the M&G part and the attendees end up feeling like cattle or the band members acted like they didn't want to be there.

I'm going to put a number out there as a place to start the freaking out and name-calling. When the price goes north of $300, I get squeamish. I think $250-300 for something like this would not be out of line.

$200/ticket or $300 for a pair.

Behshad wrote:$200/ticket or $300 for a pair.

Is this price just for the VIP night or both nights?.....as some will need to book air and hotel???

portland wrote:

Behshad wrote:$200/ticket or $300 for a pair.

Is this price just for the VIP night or both nights?.....as some will need to book air and hotel???

$200 for ONE VIP ticket that gives you access to both nights ,,,, and $300 for TWO tickets that gives TWO people VIP access to both nights

Behshad wrote:

portland wrote:

Behshad wrote:$200/ticket or $300 for a pair.

Is this price just for the VIP night or both nights?.....as some will need to book air and hotel???

$200 for ONE VIP ticket that gives you access to both nights ,,,, and $300 for TWO tickets that gives TWO people VIP access to both nights

Ok...that's what I was thinking as well

DrFU wrote:I'm going to put a number out there as a place to start the freaking out and name-calling.

Well, someone has to be the starter of it! Good for you for being proactive on that task!!

When the price goes north of $300, I get squeamish. I think $250-300 for something like this would not be out of line.

Agreed... north of $300 and squeamish sets in... but for me, I don't mind paying in the 200-300 area because I don't have to travel. Maybe the traveling plus the show will be a concern for some? This should be examined. Granted, the majority would not be travelers (would they?), but still, there would be alot.

But like Linda said, the experience of a private show and M&G is a big draw to get people to accept the VIP price, and if you look at things like ILAA and other M&G packages for the big shows, the price is usually in the 300 range. So something like 250-300 is not all that out of line here.

I've paid $250 for a meet & greet before, plus T-shirt signed by the artists there.

Behshad wrote:$200/ticket or $300 for a pair.

Sounds good, Bob!!

andrew , what do you think the grass seats would go for?

larryfromnextdoor wrote:andrew , what do you think the grass seats would go for?

You can press your ear up to a glass at the back door for $5.75.

Michigan Girl wrote:

Behshad wrote:$200/ticket or $300 for a pair.

Sounds good, Bob!!

youre welcome, um, Sally ?


Also,the whole VIP thig, in this case, shouldnt just be about price charged. It should also be something special that not all can have access too... cause if someone like stevew2 or FactFinder shows up with VIP tickets, then that defeats the whole purpose of VIP

Larry,,, you can send Andrew a check for $50 , and enjoy the show(reviews) from the comfort of your backyard lawn, with your laptop tapped into neighbours Wifi

Behshad wrote:

Michigan Girl wrote:

Behshad wrote:$200/ticket or $300 for a pair.

Sounds good, Bob!!

youre welcome, um, Sally ?


Also,the whole VIP thig, in this case, shouldnt just be about price charged. It should also be something special that not all can have access too... cause if someone like stevew2 or FactFinder shows up with VIP tickets, then that defeats the whole purpose of VIP

Larry,,, you can send Andrew a check for $50 , and enjoy the show(reviews) from the comfort of your backyard lawn, with your laptop tapped into neighbours Wifi

Crazy Deb and I are gonna stop in Lubbock and pick Lar up; Dan will drag Tito; Rip can haul Arkansas along ... wonder who we should send after StocktontoMalone? MG?

DrFU wrote:

Behshad wrote:

Michigan Girl wrote:

Behshad wrote:$200/ticket or $300 for a pair.

Sounds good, Bob!!

youre welcome, um, Sally ?


Also,the whole VIP thig, in this case, shouldnt just be about price charged. It should also be something special that not all can have access too... cause if someone like stevew2 or FactFinder shows up with VIP tickets, then that defeats the whole purpose of VIP

Larry,,, you can send Andrew a check for $50 , and enjoy the show(reviews) from the comfort of your backyard lawn, with your laptop tapped into neighbours Wifi

Crazy Deb and I are gonna stop in Lubbock and pick Lar up; Dan will drag Tito; Rip can haul Arkansas along ... wonder who we should send after StocktontoMalone? MG?

Yes kidnap Larry because then he can see we are nothing to be afraid of

Okay, don't anybody "boo" & "hiss" b/c this is only a suggestion:

Andrew, have you ever considered letting the lesser well-known musicians who frequently visit this site to have a little exposure at the MR Fest II? I would love to hear GI Jim's band, Jeremey's band, SteveW2's band, Fact Finder's son's band & anyone else I've left out. It would be nice if they could play.

Also, the $200/$300 price range sounds about right to me.

DrFU wrote:

Behshad wrote:

Michigan Girl wrote:

Behshad wrote:$200/ticket or $300 for a pair.

Sounds good, Bob!!

youre welcome, um, Sally ?


Also,the whole VIP thig, in this case, shouldnt just be about price charged. It should also be something special that not all can have access too... cause if someone like stevew2 or FactFinder shows up with VIP tickets, then that defeats the whole purpose of VIP

Larry,,, you can send Andrew a check for $50 , and enjoy the show(reviews) from the comfort of your backyard lawn, with your laptop tapped into neighbours Wifi

Crazy Deb and I are gonna stop in Lubbock and pick Lar up; Dan will drag Tito; Rip can haul Arkansas along ...
wonder who we should send after StocktontoMalone? MG?

Is he on my way?!?!? Sure, I would love to have the opportunity to gag that man!!:evil:
unless he's talking B Sanders!!!

JasonD wrote:Okay, don't anybody "boo" & "hiss" b/c this is only a suggestion:

Andrew, have you ever considered letting the lesser well-known musicians who frequently visit this site to have a little exposure at the MR Fest II? I would love to hear GI Jim's band, Jeremey's band, SteveW2's band, Fact Finder's son's band & anyone else I've left out. It would be nice if they could play.

Not a bad idea, Jason. "Forum Member Jamboree"?

Michigan Girl wrote:
Is he on my way?!?!? Sure, I would love to have the opportunity to gag that man!!:evil:
unless he's talking B Sanders!!!

I think he said he also would like that, but you'd be the gagee

Behshad wrote:

Michigan Girl wrote:
Is he on my way?!?!? Sure, I would love to have the opportunity to gag that man!!:evil:
unless he's talking B Sanders!!!

I think he said he also would like that, but you'd be the gagee

heeeeeeeeeeeheeeeeeeeee...
especially after he's heard me LMAO for an hour or so!!!

Andrew, it's an impossible question to answer if I don't know who I'm paying for. Am I seeing Rick Springfield, Jimi Jamison and Jack Blades (in which case I'd pay $300) or am I seeing Ted Poley, Eric Martin and Jack Wagner (in which case I would not pay that much). In short, more information on the VIP package is needed in order to answer. I'm going no matter what. No way am I missing a chance to embarrass the fuck out of you.

Saint John wrote:Andrew, it's an impossible question to answer if I don't know who I'm paying for. Am I seeing Rick Springfield, Jimi Jamison and Jack Blades (in which case I'd pay $300) or am I seeing Ted Poley, Eric Martin and Jack Wagner (in which case I would not pay that much). In short, more information on the VIP package is needed in order to answer. I'm going no matter what. No way am I missing a chance to embarrass the fuck out of you.

That's kind of what I was trying to say, only I said it nicer

StevePerryHair wrote:

Saint John wrote:Andrew, it's an impossible question to answer if I don't know who I'm paying for. Am I seeing Rick Springfield, Jimi Jamison and Jack Blades (in which case I'd pay $300) or am I seeing Ted Poley, Eric Martin and Jack Wagner (in which case I would not pay that much). In short, more information on the VIP package is needed in order to answer. I'm going no matter what. No way am I missing a chance to embarrass the fuck out of you.

That's kind of what I was trying to say, only I said it nicer

And if Andrew can get Steve Perry to show up for a few hours, there are enough Loons who would put MR in the black for a decade to be there.

SherriBerry wrote:

StevePerryHair wrote:

Saint John wrote:Andrew, it's an impossible question to answer if I don't know who I'm paying for. Am I seeing Rick Springfield, Jimi Jamison and Jack Blades (in which case I'd pay $300) or am I seeing Ted Poley, Eric Martin and Jack Wagner (in which case I would not pay that much). In short, more information on the VIP package is needed in order to answer. I'm going no matter what. No way am I missing a chance to embarrass the fuck out of you.

That's kind of what I was trying to say, only I said it nicer

And if Andrew can get Steve Perry to show up for a few hours, there are enough Loons who would put MR in the black for a decade to be there.

True, but then it would turn into an unenjoyable event for the rest of us, trying to fight through... um... all of that.

bluejeangirl76 wrote:

SherriBerry wrote:

StevePerryHair wrote:

Saint John wrote:Andrew, it's an impossible question to answer if I don't know who I'm paying for. Am I seeing Rick Springfield, Jimi Jamison and Jack Blades (in which case I'd pay $300) or am I seeing Ted Poley, Eric Martin and Jack Wagner (in which case I would not pay that much). In short, more information on the VIP package is needed in order to answer. I'm going no matter what. No way am I missing a chance to embarrass the fuck out of you.

That's kind of what I was trying to say, only I said it nicer

And if Andrew can get Steve Perry to show up for a few hours, there are enough Loons who would put MR in the black for a decade to be there.

True, but then it would turn into an unenjoyable event for the rest of us, trying to fight through... um... all of that.

That is where the VIP levels come into play!!!! The loonless level $500.00...you go in the back entrance!!!

portland wrote:

bluejeangirl76 wrote:

SherriBerry wrote:

StevePerryHair wrote:

Saint John wrote:Andrew, it's an impossible question to answer if I don't know who I'm paying for. Am I seeing Rick Springfield, Jimi Jamison and Jack Blades (in which case I'd pay $300) or am I seeing Ted Poley, Eric Martin and Jack Wagner (in which case I would not pay that much). In short, more information on the VIP package is needed in order to answer. I'm going no matter what. No way am I missing a chance to embarrass the fuck out of you.

That's kind of what I was trying to say, only I said it nicer

And if Andrew can get Steve Perry to show up for a few hours, there are enough Loons who would put MR in the black for a decade to be there.

True, but then it would turn into an unenjoyable event for the rest of us, trying to fight through... um... all of that.

That is where the VIP levels come into play!!!! The loonless level $500.00...you go in the back entrance!!!

Yeah, Rick Springfield has VIP tickets for meet and greet and other things for $900 I think I saw. I'm thinking Perry would be a bit higher maybe?

JasonD wrote:Andrew, have you ever considered letting the lesser well-known musicians who frequently visit this site to have a little exposure at the MR Fest II? I would love to hear GI Jim's band, Jeremey's band, SteveW2's band, Fact Finder's son's band & anyone else I've left out.

Interesting idea, would more suit a casual BBQ event rather than a fest.

Saint John wrote:Andrew, it's an impossible question to answer if I don't know who I'm paying for. Am I seeing Rick Springfield, Jimi Jamison and Jack Blades (in which case I'd pay $300) or am I seeing Ted Poley, Eric Martin and Jack Wagner (in which case I would not pay that much). In short, more information on the VIP package is needed in order to answer. I'm going no matter what. No way am I missing a chance to embarrass the fuck out of you.

All will be revealed in good time and before any tickets go on sale.