kaber said:

I would imagine 2000 people paying with 3 tills will take some time.

Or something like that.

Helps the Bush as they can give you a tenty and a tenner.

Behemoth said:

colinb said:

It would be interesting to see if they put on two shows. They've certainly upped the ante if this is £70 a pop, but I wonder if at that price they won't just put on one decent length show.

As for people asking for online sales, etc. Isn't the point of it being done this way to actively stop touts getting hold of any tickets and scalping fans? If you're going to spend seven or eight hours in a queue in the cold or rain, then it's probably fair to say that you're a fan.

I realise this makes it a lot more difficult for people to drop everything and get to a show, but that's just the way it is. There's no way of knowing just yet what other shows are planned or where they might be, or if they'll end up in a big arena at some point.

I'd much rather it was done this way to stop touts and piss off a few people, than release tickets online half of which end up on resale sites or in the hands of touts.

Let's face it, those of us who can't drop everything to get to these shows, would much rather dedicated people who have been prepared to queue for hours get in to see Prince and the band rather than it being filled with people who have had to pay up to ten times the amount they needed to. And I realise that's no consolation to those living outside London who can't drop everything to come down and queue, but that's always been the way with concerts. Just because you want to go doesn't mean you are guaranteed to get in.

Online sales can easily be managed to avoid the touts....with credit card ID, etc...there's no reason to make people wait for hours like this..It's complete inconsideration of his fans...it's the behavior of a spoiled rotten diva...What's going to happen when he decides to play RAH or the O2? Will there then be 20,000 people waiting on the queue...? It's absolutely unnecessary and there's nothing to respect in this fiasco!

Online sales can't be managed to stop touts. What has credit card ID got to do with it? That won't stop touts buying them and selling them on. They'll still sell to people who aren't savvy enough to know that they need to show the card or ID to get in, other touts will walk them to the door, etc.

I don't think there's any inconsideration of fans. I think the whole point is an attempt to allow some fans see the shows. If they play the O2 or RAH then I'm sure tickets will go onsale online, and then people will complain they didn't get tickets in the sale, moan about the high prices the touts and resale sites are charging or complain the show isn't on a date they can get to.

Prince is never going to please all of his fans all of the time, but I'd say there are going to be a few thousand come tomorrow who were overjoyed at getting to see him play. Put yourself in their place.

I don't come on here often, but when I do, I'm always amazed at the whining that goes on. My view, and it's just my interpretation of what I see here with the moaning, is that there are people here who just because something doesn't suit them then go off on one without thinking about all the other people who have been accommodated.

Clare said:

The threat of ticket touts is being used as an excuse for lack of pre-planning and organisation. It has been posted on this thread that for example the Roundhouse has an online system where the card used to pay for a ticket must be produced at the venue. For the One night Alone tour we had to produce photo ID. It can be done but needs a bit of planning unlike this tour.

Exactly. This has absolutely nothing to do with ticket touts.

It's just another ill conceived publicity stunt.

kaber said:

How big is the queue now?

After my mate fractured his ankle at the EB "queue" fiasco in the week, no way I'm risking being caught up in a scrum outside the Shep tonight. Unless they have much better security than in the week, I fear it could get messy this evening. I hope everyone from here that's going gets on ok and gets to see a great show tonight....be safe people, I'm real nervous about this one!

/

/

And I get why folks are disappointed. To have Prince here playing shows but not being able to go is very frustrating....so near but yet so far! But if the alternative is to not have the man here at all, I guess these shows are a good thing (for some people!)...

colinb said:

Behemoth said:

Online sales can easily be managed to avoid the touts....with credit card ID, etc...there's no reason to make people wait for hours like this..It's complete inconsideration of his fans...it's the behavior of a spoiled rotten diva...What's going to happen when he decides to play RAH or the O2? Will there then be 20,000 people waiting on the queue...? It's absolutely unnecessary and there's nothing to respect in this fiasco!

Online sales can't be managed to stop touts. What has credit card ID got to do with it? That won't stop touts buying them and selling them on. They'll still sell to people who aren't savvy enough to know that they need to show the card or ID to get in, other touts will walk them to the door, etc.

I don't think there's any inconsideration of fans. I think the whole point is an attempt to allow some fans see the shows. If they play the O2 or RAH then I'm sure tickets will go onsale online, and then people will complain they didn't get tickets in the sale, moan about the high prices the touts and resale sites are charging or complain the show isn't on a date they can get to.

Prince is never going to please all of his fans all of the time, but I'd say there are going to be a few thousand come tomorrow who were overjoyed at getting to see him play. Put yourself in their place.

I don't come on here often, but when I do, I'm always amazed at the whining that goes on. My view, and it's just my interpretation of what I see here with the moaning, is that there are people here who just because something doesn't suit them then go off on one without thinking about all the other people who have been accommodated.

Question: Would you rather:

(A) Queue for 6-8 hours in the cold and rain. With little or no guarantee of getting in. Whilst doing so put yourself in risk of crushing and punching. And pay a pretty full whack ticket price for the priviledge.

(B) Buy a ticket online, get excited for the gig, arrive 45 minutes before the doors open, and take comfort in the fact that the security inside the venue will keep you reasonably safe.

People have everyright to feel pissed off about this. It's irresponsible and self serving from Prince's team. You could hear it in Cerys Matthews voice when she asked 3EG on air where the fans could go and buy tickets. There were cringe worthy giggles and nervous silence for a split second before they said at the door.

It's shit, whichever way you look at it.

Rorywan said:

colinb said:

Online sales can't be managed to stop touts. What has credit card ID got to do with it? That won't stop touts buying them and selling them on. They'll still sell to people who aren't savvy enough to know that they need to show the card or ID to get in, other touts will walk them to the door, etc.

I don't think there's any inconsideration of fans. I think the whole point is an attempt to allow some fans see the shows. If they play the O2 or RAH then I'm sure tickets will go onsale online, and then people will complain they didn't get tickets in the sale, moan about the high prices the touts and resale sites are charging or complain the show isn't on a date they can get to.

Prince is never going to please all of his fans all of the time, but I'd say there are going to be a few thousand come tomorrow who were overjoyed at getting to see him play. Put yourself in their place.

I don't come on here often, but when I do, I'm always amazed at the whining that goes on. My view, and it's just my interpretation of what I see here with the moaning, is that there are people here who just because something doesn't suit them then go off on one without thinking about all the other people who have been accommodated.

Question: Would you rather:

(A) Queue for 6-8 hours in the cold and rain. With little or no guarantee of getting in. Whilst doing so put yourself in risk of crushing and punching. And pay a pretty full whack ticket price for the priviledge.

(B) Buy a ticket online, get excited for the gig, arrive 45 minutes before the doors open, and take comfort in the fact that the security inside the venue will keep you reasonably safe.

People have everyright to feel pissed off about this. It's irresponsible and self serving from Prince's team. You could hear it in Cerys Matthews voice when she asked 3EG on air where the fans could go and buy tickets. There were cringe worthy giggles and nervous silence for a split second before they said at the door.

It's shit, whichever way you look at it.

Well said.

The majority of fans are not happy with it but Colin is so thats fine !!!

Rorywan said:

colinb said:

Online sales can't be managed to stop touts. What has credit card ID got to do with it? That won't stop touts buying them and selling them on. They'll still sell to people who aren't savvy enough to know that they need to show the card or ID to get in, other touts will walk them to the door, etc.

I don't think there's any inconsideration of fans. I think the whole point is an attempt to allow some fans see the shows. If they play the O2 or RAH then I'm sure tickets will go onsale online, and then people will complain they didn't get tickets in the sale, moan about the high prices the touts and resale sites are charging or complain the show isn't on a date they can get to.

Prince is never going to please all of his fans all of the time, but I'd say there are going to be a few thousand come tomorrow who were overjoyed at getting to see him play. Put yourself in their place.

I don't come on here often, but when I do, I'm always amazed at the whining that goes on. My view, and it's just my interpretation of what I see here with the moaning, is that there are people here who just because something doesn't suit them then go off on one without thinking about all the other people who have been accommodated.

Question: Would you rather:

(A) Queue for 6-8 hours in the cold and rain. With little or no guarantee of getting in. Whilst doing so put yourself in risk of crushing and punching. And pay a pretty full whack ticket price for the priviledge.

(B) Buy a ticket online, get excited for the gig, arrive 45 minutes before the doors open, and take comfort in the fact that the security inside the venue will keep you reasonably safe.

People have everyright to feel pissed off about this. It's irresponsible and self serving from Prince's team. You could hear it in Cerys Matthews voice when she asked 3EG on air where the fans could go and buy tickets. There were cringe worthy giggles and nervous silence for a split second before they said at the door.

It's shit, whichever way you look at it.

Well said... I'd rather go for option B and wait on a queue at my computer! I've been to over 40 gigs in the past year and never had a problem getting good seats online as long as I was aware and ready when the ticket sales commenced. This is like going back 20-30 years in time and it's completely unnecessary. It's a bad publicity stunt that only leads to mass frustration and an overworked NHS treating all those who catch a cold while waiting all day on a queue in the middle of February!

Rorywan said:

(B) Buy a ticket online, get excited for the gig, arrive 45 minutes before the doors open, and take comfort in the fact that the security inside the venue will keep you reasonably safe.

While I can see your point I cannot oversee that you are writing about a seat situation.

In case of a general admission situation you may want to be there sooner to have a fair chance at a spot near the stage.

And then you are back to square 0 when you do not like queueing.

Im planning on heading down to London tonight in hope of a show on Monday. Can we see him doing a show tomorrow?

Rorywan said:

colinb said:

Online sales can't be managed to stop touts. What has credit card ID got to do with it? That won't stop touts buying them and selling them on. They'll still sell to people who aren't savvy enough to know that they need to show the card or ID to get in, other touts will walk them to the door, etc.

I don't think there's any inconsideration of fans. I think the whole point is an attempt to allow some fans see the shows. If they play the O2 or RAH then I'm sure tickets will go onsale online, and then people will complain they didn't get tickets in the sale, moan about the high prices the touts and resale sites are charging or complain the show isn't on a date they can get to.

Prince is never going to please all of his fans all of the time, but I'd say there are going to be a few thousand come tomorrow who were overjoyed at getting to see him play. Put yourself in their place.

I don't come on here often, but when I do, I'm always amazed at the whining that goes on. My view, and it's just my interpretation of what I see here with the moaning, is that there are people here who just because something doesn't suit them then go off on one without thinking about all the other people who have been accommodated.

Question: Would you rather:

(A) Queue for 6-8 hours in the cold and rain. With little or no guarantee of getting in. Whilst doing so put yourself in risk of crushing and punching. And pay a pretty full whack ticket price for the priviledge.

(B) Buy a ticket online, get excited for the gig, arrive 45 minutes before the doors open, and take comfort in the fact that the security inside the venue will keep you reasonably safe.

People have everyright to feel pissed off about this. It's irresponsible and self serving from Prince's team. You could hear it in Cerys Matthews voice when she asked 3EG on air where the fans could go and buy tickets. There were cringe worthy giggles and nervous silence for a split second before they said at the door.

It's shit, whichever way you look at it.

from the queue pic just posted it looks exactly like camden - no barrieser - no security , no organisation - i fear an almighty push happening and injuries again - bad organisation - it is what it is i guess but even though i live nearby - ain't no way

Rorywan said:

colinb said:

Online sales can't be managed to stop touts. What has credit card ID got to do with it? That won't stop touts buying them and selling them on. They'll still sell to people who aren't savvy enough to know that they need to show the card or ID to get in, other touts will walk them to the door, etc.

I don't think there's any inconsideration of fans. I think the whole point is an attempt to allow some fans see the shows. If they play the O2 or RAH then I'm sure tickets will go onsale online, and then people will complain they didn't get tickets in the sale, moan about the high prices the touts and resale sites are charging or complain the show isn't on a date they can get to.

Prince is never going to please all of his fans all of the time, but I'd say there are going to be a few thousand come tomorrow who were overjoyed at getting to see him play. Put yourself in their place.

I don't come on here often, but when I do, I'm always amazed at the whining that goes on. My view, and it's just my interpretation of what I see here with the moaning, is that there are people here who just because something doesn't suit them then go off on one without thinking about all the other people who have been accommodated.

Question: Would you rather:

(A) Queue for 6-8 hours in the cold and rain. With little or no guarantee of getting in. Whilst doing so put yourself in risk of crushing and punching. And pay a pretty full whack ticket price for the priviledge.

(B) Buy a ticket online, get excited for the gig, arrive 45 minutes before the doors open, and take comfort in the fact that the security inside the venue will keep you reasonably safe.

People have everyright to feel pissed off about this. It's irresponsible and self serving from Prince's team. You could hear it in Cerys Matthews voice when she asked 3EG on air where the fans could go and buy tickets. There were cringe worthy giggles and nervous silence for a split second before they said at the door.

It's shit, whichever way you look at it.

I completely agree Rorywan. The very fact that there are as few as 600 people in the queue now a mere few hours before doors open shows that people aren't bothering to go and line up. As much as I want to see Prince I'm just not doing it.

Rorywan said:

colinb said:

Online sales can't be managed to stop touts. What has credit card ID got to do with it? That won't stop touts buying them and selling them on. They'll still sell to people who aren't savvy enough to know that they need to show the card or ID to get in, other touts will walk them to the door, etc.

I don't think there's any inconsideration of fans. I think the whole point is an attempt to allow some fans see the shows. If they play the O2 or RAH then I'm sure tickets will go onsale online, and then people will complain they didn't get tickets in the sale, moan about the high prices the touts and resale sites are charging or complain the show isn't on a date they can get to.

Prince is never going to please all of his fans all of the time, but I'd say there are going to be a few thousand come tomorrow who were overjoyed at getting to see him play. Put yourself in their place.

I don't come on here often, but when I do, I'm always amazed at the whining that goes on. My view, and it's just my interpretation of what I see here with the moaning, is that there are people here who just because something doesn't suit them then go off on one without thinking about all the other people who have been accommodated.

Question: Would you rather:

(A) Queue for 6-8 hours in the cold and rain. With little or no guarantee of getting in. Whilst doing so put yourself in risk of crushing and punching. And pay a pretty full whack ticket price for the priviledge.

(B) Buy a ticket online, get excited for the gig, arrive 45 minutes before the doors open, and take comfort in the fact that the security inside the venue will keep you reasonably safe.

People have everyright to feel pissed off about this. It's irresponsible and self serving from Prince's team. You could hear it in Cerys Matthews voice when she asked 3EG on air where the fans could go and buy tickets. There were cringe worthy giggles and nervous silence for a split second before they said at the door.

It's shit, whichever way you look at it.

I'd rather queue on the basis that most people who queue that long are going to be fairly dedicated fans. Hell, even if the tickets had gone onsale at an earlier date, people who had tickets would still be queueing from this time to be at the front.

If I buy a ticket online there's no guarantee I'm getting one - just like the queue system - and there's also a chance touts have scooped up half the tickets, or they end up on the resale scalping sites. As for the roundhouse version, touts still get around it. If you think they don't you're naive. I think photo ID is the sensible way around it, but this tour hasn't been planned that well in advance I'd imagine. Just be pleased he's here and some people will get to see him.

The fact that people push and shove is something that you're going to get anywhere, and I'll agree that security needs to be prepared to deal with that. If they'd any sense they'd have some crush barriers around the entrances to box people in and stop that, but that's a venue issue I think. And fans need to look at themselves in that respect. If someone pushes in, call them out on it. Don't just stand there and watch it happen. Nobody really likes it. Same for the general pushing. Who's doing the pushing?

SquirrelMeat said:

Queue is at 650. Plenty of room left. They are going to do a numbering system on the hand.

Are you there/going Squirrel? I'm going to contradict myself now as to what I said above, if the amount of people queueing is so low, the chances of turning up at 7 and walking straight in may be big. I'm getting tempted.

DoMeBaby69 said:

colinb said:

Rorywan said:

Question: Would you rather:

(A) Queue for 6-8 hours in the cold and rain. With little or no guarantee of getting in. Whilst doing so put yourself in risk of crushing and punching. And pay a pretty full whack ticket price for the priviledge.

(B) Buy a ticket online, get excited for the gig, arrive 45 minutes before the doors open, and take comfort in the fact that the security inside the venue will keep you reasonably safe.

People have everyright to feel pissed off about this. It's irresponsible and self serving from Prince's team. You could hear it in Cerys Matthews voice when she asked 3EG on air where the fans could go and buy tickets. There were cringe worthy giggles and nervous silence for a split second before they said at the door.

It's shit, whichever way you look at it.

I'd rather queue on the basis that most people who queue that long are going to be fairly dedicated fans. Hell, even if the tickets had gone onsale at an earlier date, people who had tickets would still be queueing from this time to be at the front.

If I buy a ticket online there's no guarantee I'm getting one - just like the queue system - and there's also a chance touts have scooped up half the tickets, or they end up on the resale scalping sites. As for the roundhouse version, touts still get around it. If you think they don't you're naive. I think photo ID is the sensible way around it, but this tour hasn't been planned that well in advance I'd imagine. Just be pleased he's here and some people will get to see him.

The fact that people push and shove is something that you're going to get anywhere, and I'll agree that security needs to be prepared to deal with that. If they'd any sense they'd have some crush barriers around the entrances to box people in and stop that, but that's a venue issue I think. And fans need to look at themselves in that respect. If someone pushes in, call them out on it. Don't just stand there and watch it happen. Nobody really likes it. Same for the general pushing. Who's doing the pushing?

* People who queue are not neccesarily dedicated fans. The previous gig was £10 a ticket, that will attract all sorts. £70 a ticket should help that out, but for that price 8 hours in the cold shouldnt be required.

* Queueing online at your computer and queueing in the cold are not comaparable experiences. I would rather be dissapointed at home than dissapointed after standing in the cold.

* Pushing and shoving at a gig is the venues responsibility. Pushing and shoving on the street isn't. Prince and his management know they are potentially creating a situation by using this random, unorganised way of doing things. It's irresponsible, but it gets media attention. It could also be considered dangerous.

KeithyT said:

Made it! About 680th in the queue. Drove up from Southampton at 2:30, just got here parked at Westfield.

Probably the chanciest thing I've done. But it looks like it's paid off.

Rorywan said:

colinb said:

I'd rather queue on the basis that most people who queue that long are going to be fairly dedicated fans. Hell, even if the tickets had gone onsale at an earlier date, people who had tickets would still be queueing from this time to be at the front.

If I buy a ticket online there's no guarantee I'm getting one - just like the queue system - and there's also a chance touts have scooped up half the tickets, or they end up on the resale scalping sites. As for the roundhouse version, touts still get around it. If you think they don't you're naive. I think photo ID is the sensible way around it, but this tour hasn't been planned that well in advance I'd imagine. Just be pleased he's here and some people will get to see him.

The fact that people push and shove is something that you're going to get anywhere, and I'll agree that security needs to be prepared to deal with that. If they'd any sense they'd have some crush barriers around the entrances to box people in and stop that, but that's a venue issue I think. And fans need to look at themselves in that respect. If someone pushes in, call them out on it. Don't just stand there and watch it happen. Nobody really likes it. Same for the general pushing. Who's doing the pushing?

* People who queue are not neccesarily dedicated fans. The previous gig was £10 a ticket, that will attract all sorts. £70 a ticket should help that out, but for that price 8 hours in the cold shouldnt be required.

* Queueing online at your computer and queueing in the cold are not comaparable experiences. I would rather be dissapointed at home than dissapointed after standing in the cold.

* Pushing and shoving at a gig is the venues responsibility. Pushing and shoving on the street isn't. Prince and his management know they are potentially creating a situation by using this random, unorganised way of doing things. It's irresponsible, but it gets media attention. It could also be considered dangerous.

* I'd suggest that if someone is prepared to pay £70 and queue for seven or eight hours then they're dedicated enough. Agree that £10 meant lots of people prepared to pay that, but it still meant people were queueing for hours to get in. If you're prepared to do that, and on the basis that you might not get in, then fair play.

* You're right, they are not comparable. I'd much rather people were able to make a choice of queuing in the cold if it means more fans get in at face value than half getting a ticket online, and the other half paying through the nose for one of 2000 tickets available at the Empire from a tout. That's where we differ.

* I'm not a lawyer. I've no idea if a queue for an event is the venue's responsibility or not, but it would strike me as odd that it's not. Failing that it's probably a public order issue for the police. I can't imagine Prince and his management thought let's make people queue so there's a mad rush and people get hurt. That'll get us some publicity. Have you seen the coverage? They don't need to do that. Prince playing in the UK, starting with the LLH presser was already getting lots of coverage in print/TV/online. Channel 4 news covered it FFS. I can't believe people actually believe in this day and age people think bands or their management would try to create something irresponsible just to get coverage. It's beyond ridiculous.

Hmmm Shepherds Bush Empire free Monday and Tuesday night as well according to their website events calendar. Could there be a chance he will play again tomorrow? No way I can get there tonight as only just found out and not in London (damnit). But tomorrow more possible (go to work with overnight stuff and grab a last minute hotel).

PLEASE PRINCE PLEASE - TOMORROW NIGHT

Had a lovely walk in the winter sunshine by the river, followed by a couple of ales in the local, then a roast lamb Sunday lunch washed down with a lovely Merlot. Cheese and port and now settled to watch a bit of sport on the telly around the fire.

I hear something or other's going on in town? Oh well.

colinb said:

Rorywan said:

* People who queue are not neccesarily dedicated fans. The previous gig was £10 a ticket, that will attract all sorts. £70 a ticket should help that out, but for that price 8 hours in the cold shouldnt be required.

* Queueing online at your computer and queueing in the cold are not comaparable experiences. I would rather be dissapointed at home than dissapointed after standing in the cold.

* Pushing and shoving at a gig is the venues responsibility. Pushing and shoving on the street isn't. Prince and his management know they are potentially creating a situation by using this random, unorganised way of doing things. It's irresponsible, but it gets media attention. It could also be considered dangerous.

* I'd suggest that if someone is prepared to pay £70 and queue for seven or eight hours then they're dedicated enough. Agree that £10 meant lots of people prepared to pay that, but it still meant people were queueing for hours to get in. If you're prepared to do that, and on the basis that you might not get in, then fair play.

* You're right, they are not comparable. I'd much rather people were able to make a choice of queuing in the cold if it means more fans get in at face value than half getting a ticket online, and the other half paying through the nose for one of 2000 tickets available at the Empire from a tout. That's where we differ.

* I'm not a lawyer. I've no idea if a queue for an event is the venue's responsibility or not, but it would strike me as odd that it's not. Failing that it's probably a public order issue for the police. I can't imagine Prince and his management thought let's make people queue so there's a mad rush and people get hurt. That'll get us some publicity. Have you seen the coverage? They don't need to do that. Prince playing in the UK, starting with the LLH presser was already getting lots of coverage in print/TV/online. Channel 4 news covered it FFS. I can't believe people actually believe in this day and age people think bands or their management would try to create something irresponsible just to get coverage. It's beyond ridiculous.

I disagree with quite a bit of what you posted, but each to their own! But I will say best of luck to all those fans in the queue right now, I hope it's a great experince overall.

KeithyT said:

Made it! About 680th in the queue. Drove up from Southampton at 2:30, just got here parked at Westfield. Probably the chanciest thing I've done. But it looks like it's paid off.

great stuff, what a result. not surprised that there might b a low turn out seeing as its a sunday night!! Hope it's a mega gig.

KeithyT said:

Made it! About 680th in the queue. Drove up from Southampton at 2:30, just got here parked at Westfield.

Probably the chanciest thing I've done. But it looks like it's paid off.

Will I get in if I can get there in the next 90 mins???? Help Orgers!

Yeah, looks like it

Tokyo said:

SquirrelMeat said:

KeithyT said:

Made it! About 680th in the queue. Drove up from Southampton at 2:30, just got here parked at Westfield.

Probably the chanciest thing I've done. But it looks like it's paid off.

Glad to hear it. You not far behind me.