What's With the VIP Hysteria?

Is it me, or does every band, every concert, every festival offer some VIP package these days? If hundreds (thousands?) buy into the privilege... is it really still a privilege?

I think the entire current trend of VIP hysteria is a load of crap. I saw Uriah Heep Friday night for $5 and guess what? The band was selling a VIP package for $100! That got you a seat on stage and a shirt. Our friend and BBG! writer Brian mentioned to me the other day that Cinderella is offering VIP packages on their summer tour. He said something about $700 but I can't believe they would charge that much. I mean, could they? Who is going to pay $700 for a meet and greet? Or just for the chance to "be up close." Insane.

Then there are those VIP packages that expressly say you will not get to meet the band but you get a close seat... and get early entry to the merchandise tent. Great. A more private chance to spend more money. Bon Jovi does this. I'm sure other really big bands do, too. I know Britney Spears did some VIP packages on our Circus tour that featured front row "couch" seats for a grand a pop or something. You got to tour backstage -- you did not get to meet Ms. Spears.

Then there's Motley Crue. On past tours, they charged hundreds to sit in the first 10 rows and to "meet the band" which was basically a cattle call with a photo.

I've had VIP wrist bands at Rocklahoma and Rock the Bayou. I bought those for the air conditioning. I never care so much about where I'm sitting at a show, especially a festival but I can't take the heat very well, so I plunked down the cash for VIP. This was okay at Rocklahoma but I got ripped off at Rock the Bayou. That festival was in Houston at the end of August and the air conditioning basically broke on the first day. It was miserable and I was out a ton of cash. Sure I was up close, but it didn't matter. There were so few people at that fest, it wasn't hard to get to the barrier whenever I wanted.

Maybe I come at it from a different point of view. I know I'm lucky because I get many media passes to shows and festivals and I can freely talk to bands if I so choose. You will never find me just randomly hanging out backstage -- if I'm around a musician, it is because I am working. I understand I have some certain opportunities others may not, but still. I just can't fathom spending $1,000 to meet... anyone.

Brian disagrees with me. He thinks that VIP is worthwhile in instances where you get certain perks, namely close seats. He had front row at M3 last year and had a ball. I still say it's all a cash grab and it's painful for me to say that. I'm an unabashed capitalist -- but I still just don't think it's "VIP" if just anyone with a credit card can get front row or backstage or whatever. It used to be you didn't have to mortgage your home to meet your favorite bands. You went to shows, you hung around near the buses, and you met your heroes. End of story.

So go ahead. Bash away. I'm sure I'm in the minority opinion here.

Winger, 'Purple Haze' Is Pretty Awesome

I never, ever think about Winger's cover of "Purple Haze" but the song came on Hair Nation yesterday and I had to crank the radio!

Some will think I'm crazy and others will scream and holler, but I swear the Winger version of "Purple Haze" is heavier than the original. I love the crunch of the guitar and Kip Winger's voice on the track. I know that when Winger came out in 1988, critics threw a hissy over the cover, deeming a "new" band not good enough to cover Jimi Hendrix. On that I call hogwash. The guys in Winger are and were supreme musicians. Sure, not everyone can pull off Hendrix, but that is not the case with the Winger guys. Let's not forget the Winger cover features Dweezil Zapa on guitar and that is cool, too.

What do you think?

Farewell 'E Street Band' Saxophonist Clarence Clemons

Clarence Clemons, the saxophone player in Bruce Springsteen's E Street Band, has died. He was 69. Just last weekend, Clarence had a stroke.

Clemons started playing with Springsteen in the early 70s. He is regarded by many as one of the best sax players of all time. Beyond Springsteen, he has collaborated with many other artists including Lady Gaga.

Respect where it is due. 

Concert Attendance Before Being a Fan?

Ever go see a band without really knowing any of their tunes?

Last night I saw Uriah Heep. I'd checked them out on YouTube but don't really own their records. The concert was just $5 and across the street from my house. I went with some friends.

It is weird going to shows when you don't know the lyrics to every song. I'd say 90% of the time, I know every single song performed when I see a band live. That's probably because I'm only paying to see bands I really like, yes? Festivals are the anomaly of course. There are plenty of bands at fests I'll "study for" in advance and still not know songs. Then there are those rare instances when I wasn't really a fan to begin with and seeing the act live completely converts me. During those magical instances, I'll rush home, buy every album and become obsessed.

Question today: which glam band did you see live without really being a fan and were completley flipped during the course of the concert?

Help Switchblade Scarlett

Switchblade Scarlett are a legit Glam band... from Ohio no less! They need some cash to make a proper, commercial ready music video for the song "Party Girls" (being made by Kevin Maistros) and for a vinyl pressing of their debut White. Line. Fever. They only need $7 grand to make it happen... and there are prize levels for donations:

Tier 1: Sponsorship

$5 Autographed Thank You note from the band 

$10 Autographed 8x10 official press kit photo from the band

$25 Autographed copy of White. Line. Fever

$50 Autographed vinyl (pending funding) or an autographed tee/CD combo

$100 Gets you all three + a personalized Thank You video posted on our YouTube page

$300 gets you all of the Tier One prizes framed in your choice of color anodized frame with tempered glass and matting (deliver in the lower 48 included) + a personalized Thank You video posted on our YouTube page

$500 gets you all of the above + a producer credit on the video and on the record

$1000 Gets you all of the above + a quick "This video brought to you by (company or individual name)" still image at the opening video (limit 3). (Excludes broadcast of the video)

$2500 Gets you a fifteen-second commercial at the beginning of the video (limit 1). (Excludes broadcast of the video)

If you want to donate, click their IndieGogo page.

Reckless Love vs. Def Leppard

Finnish rockers Reckless Love are bringing back Glam. Yesterday, I was working on another project when I came across their cover of Def Leppard's "Hysteria." Now, anyone who knows me, knows I love "Hysteria." When I came across the Reckless Love cover I was both excited and nervous. I must admit, I'm on the fence about the whole thing. I just don't think anything can come near Def Lep's tune. You decide.

Reckless Love "Hysteria"

Def Leppard "Hysteria"

I'm So Excited for the New Rival Sons Album

The Rival Sons will release Pressure & Time later this month - June 28 to be exact (you can pre-order from the band's website). I swear, these guys prove rock is far from dead! I know the Rival Sons don't like to be compared to Led Zeppelin - but I can't help it. Their songs are so epically... classic it's almost too much for me to bear! I was trying to hold out until the 28th so I could review the album, but I just couldn't wait. The first single from the new album is the title track, "Pressure & Time."

The Rival Sons have a couple tour dates booked and will also play the ShipRocked cruise this November. Seriously - keep an eye on these guys.