Hate raising this topic, and a bit late, but it's only just dawned on me that there was no entertainment at all at the VIP "pre-show party" / reception last Saturday 11th. Just checked the letter that came with the tickets and there is also no mention of it. Just a welcome drink/3 free drinks of beer or wine (plus cash bar) / buffet / gold circle seats.

This was one of the early descriptions: -
Enjoy a pre-show party in The White Bar, with Buffet, complimentary drinks and entertainment. Transfer to the very best seats within the Gold Circle - the first 10 rows on the floor and first 10 rows in the Mid Tiers.

Did anyone else notice that? When did that happen?

Entertainment was definitely stated when we booked VIP in the O2 presale. No entertainment on 10th August. Think I'll give TM a ring!

machinegun said:

Sounds like the entertainment is trying to find the food!?

I am definitely going to raise this with TM.

Clare said:

Could you let me know how you go on. My hubby and myself are going tomorrow - his first Prince concert - and I have felt quite disillusioned by the whole VIP package. Be pleased to hear if you get any response.

SquirrelMeat said:

OK, I've put in a complaint asking for an explanation and compensation. see what happens. the other funny bit is transfer to seats. all they did was show me the way out.

I completely agree with you all, and I'm sending a letter to TM about the so-called "VIP" package.
I went to the concert on the 3rd and what a disappointment.
Queue to get to the "Backstage Bar", scarce food,no entertainment, no transfer to our seats, and most disappointing... restricted view from our seats.
We ( me and my friend) are definetely complaining, as we were totally mislead by TM. I urge you, if in the same situation, to do the same.The more the better.
Thanks!!!

vdal said:

That only just occurred to me - there was no entertainment. To be honest after all the complementary wine, I can't remember if I was transferred to my seat or not, but there was definitely no entertainment. Some people have been raving about the food - they either got much better food that I did (the 11th) or have much lower expectations. We got beef on crostini that was so tough that me and my friend had to politely spit it into a napkin after chewing for about 5 minutes. The rest of the buffet was ok I suppose, but for £250 I would have expected better. I'm gonna complain to TM about the entertainment, can't hurt to have a go - probably will get nowhere, but it's worth a pop.

ZARIA7ETAN said:

Yep, I was there on the 11th and that beef toast thingie was a bit tough! Overall I had much lower expectations of the food so that bit I was ready for and thought it was actually ok. it is scary though, when you consider if a group of 4 of you went out for a 90 minute dinner and got a bill for £940!! I'm sure I could have got Gordon Ramsey to feed us and even do a bit of a dance!

spud80 said:

I spoke to TM but they are blaming it both on the O2 and AEG Live. Then spoke to Consumer Direct and they have advised me to write to TM giving them 14 days to respond and also to copy the letter to my credit card company. I will be doing that this weekend and making three points of complaint
1. Lack of entertainment in the White Bar
2. Restricted view of the concert
3. Poor and erratic sound quality
Consumer Direct are also taking up the matter on my behalf with TM
Will post when I get a response

There was no entertainment and no seat transfer.

I think anyone who 'experienced' this would agree that it wasn't worth the money.

The whole VIP ticket was a red herring to generate some early cash flow for the venue as it was so new.

As soon as the gigs got close to selling out the VIP treatment has been an afterthought.

It also doesn't make any sense to let people buy floor seats for £31 if you're sitting next to them have paid more than £200 more.