PeterDavid.net

You've had the normal experience of buying tickets to any highly hyped concert in NYC.
Calling to get tickets when "they go on sale" is usually frustrating and useless.
I've actually had seats online at Ticketmaster, and by the time I got my credit card out of my wallet to enter my numbers, the page "timed out" and I was left with out seats.
But hey, if your rich enough, you can buy tickets to anything.
Part of what John Edwards calls the Two Americas
Or I guess what Larry Kudlow calls the Free Market.

Concert tickets are the new 90s comics. All they're missing are shiny foil/hologram covers with "Collector's item" stamped on the cover, but it's the same thing. People with some cash...and some time or an "in" at the box office...check out the new shows to see what might be hot. If you want to see any of these, and it also includes big sporting events, you're only real chance is on an auction site, or to pay a heavily inflated price at a ticket broker.

I don't see any other way around it, given our preference for a free market, but it sure does rankle. I'd bet that close to half, if not more, of tickets to a hot show are not used by their original purchaser.

While I don't disagree with Bobb in terms of overall trends, there are exceptions. We scored Springsteen tickets -- floor seats, even -- just on the usual Ticketmaster site. I don't doubt that there's a huge element of luck involved, and that the brokers are going nuts with all this ... but it's not impossible to get them the "normal" way.

PAD, I hope you manage to get tickets somehow -- Billy's a ton of fun live.

TWL

Peter, a second show was just added. Tickets on sale Saturday at 9 a.m.

We'll be trying for them too, so don't snipe us. :-)

TWL

Somehow, Tim, I doubt I'll even bother to try. Fool me once, and all that.

PAD

No matter how the method or technology connected with buying tickets seems to change, the scalpers, sorry, brokers always seem to be several steps of the curve. I remember when I was working in New York during the eighties, if there was a big concert coming up at Madison Square Garden, they used to pay homeless people X number of dollars to stand for hours and hours to reserve their place on line. It was strange to go to work at seven in the morning and walk by the Garden to see dozens of very scruffy-looking people standing in life for Neil Diamond tickets.

I had the same thing happen to me during the first show Billy Joel did at MSG a year or two back. Working the phones and internet at the same time and the show was sold out in about 5 minutes. I eventually got tickets for his record breaking show a few weeks later.

For all the money Ticketmaster charges, you'd think they be a little more stringent on scalpers.

Your call, of course, but I do hope you try again. I haven't had any luck going the phone route for a while, but Ticketmaster's web site works okay for us. (It helps if you sign up with them -- it means you get an annoying newsletter once a week, but that's it.)

TWL

ACTUAL COMMENT: Well, you like Billy Joel. I mean, there's your problem right there. :)

CAN'T-LOOK-PAST-THIS SUB-COMMENT:
there are no less than 194 sellers

"FEWER!" You know better! :)

this is so slimey to me - the buying of X and selling it on e-bay for jacked up prices is just taking advantage. Especially when it comes to comics and other collectibles (death of Cap and it's predecessor Death of Superman) that some poor fool buys at a high price thinking it will pay for his kids college fund and can be found in a dollar bin 5 years later.

it's cheating people, pure and simple.

I smell an upcoming issue of X-Factor wherein Jamie Madrox, in an attempt to score tickets to a Billy Joel concert, makes 12 dupes of himself to all call Ticketmaster at once, and even THEN, he STILL CANNOT GET A TICKET.

Yeah, wife was pissed when she twice couldn't score Hanna Montana tickes for concerts in Detroit and they were on sale online for almost $250 a piece. WTF?

This will never happen, but there really should be a law limiting ticket sales to four per person, and no other charges besides what it cost for the ticket. Between ticket prices, surcharges and scalpers concert goers are hit coming and going.

Limiting tickets p's me off - if I want to take my five kids to see a show, be it Broadway, concerts, or the circus, I can't, because by the time I get one set of 4 and try for another, I'm screwed. God forbid grandma wants to go, too. And buying tickets in person is no better - you still have to pay the false charges of activity fees, parking fees (even if you don't bring a car), facility fees, and the best yet, the $2 fee for me to print the ticket myself on my own printer!!!! If the ticket price wasn't enough to bankrupt you (Billy Joel included, which is why I haven't seen him in 15 years), now add $10 in hidden charges to each ticket - $70 for me, which is why we almost never go anywhere.

How about we go with a higher limit like ten? That should accommodate most families, and overhaul the system enough where everyone can get tickets at a reasonable price.

I can't believe we had to wait a whole 3 hours before someone made fun of him for liking Billy Joel. I would have done it sooner but I just read the post.

I don't even know who that is.

I've long since given up on going to concerts. Either the prices are already ridiculous, or they are made obscenely so by the E-bay hounds who have done what you ran into.

Did he really just say "I don't know who that is"? I haven't felt that pain since my 10 year old nephew asked me "Who's Kermit?"

When I read the blog I heard childhood hits like Born In The USA and Footloose ring in my head. Then I realized that was Bruce and I had no idea who Joel is.

But I went through a similar experience myself a recently. I had a explain to a twelve year old what VHS tapes were as hey didn't know. That one really made me feel old.

Footloose isn't Bruce, Lester -- it's Kenny Loggins.

TWL

Sorry. I did not mean to slight any of the above mentioned performers or those who enjoy their work. I never owned any of their albums and only heard their songs in stores when I was a child so they all blend together.

As I'm aging I'm noticing that a lot of things blend together as time marches on. That's really starting to bother me.

I don't think any of us are feeling slighted, never fear (although I can only say with certainty that I'm not feeling that way). Depressingly old, perhaps; slighted, no.

TWL

I don't think any of us are feeling slighted, never fear (although I can only say with certainty that I'm not feeling that way). Depressingly old, slighted, no.

Hm. Like I remember that young whippersnapper posting Next Generation reviews like clockwork on rec.arts.startrek (no .current, no .reviews, no .misc.......)

Hm. Like I remember that young whippersnapper posting Next Generation reviews like clockwork on rec.arts.startrek (no .current, no .reviews, no .misc.......)

Yeah, that Michael Rawdon was something, wasn't he?

TWL

Posted by William Gatevackes

For all the money Ticketmaster charges, you'd think they be a little more stringent on scalpers.

Ticketmaster is in the process of suing at least one of the companies that peddles software that allows scalpers to "jump the line" online and score the tickets ahead of legitimate buyers.

The Hannah Montana scandal finally p[ushed them off dead center.

"I had a explain to a twelve year old what VHS tapes were."

1997. Family reunion. My then six-year-old cousin was curious about the T.V. set in their cottage. She asked me what are the two large knobs are for.

They were the VHF and UHF channel selectors. She'd never seen anything like them. The only T.V.s she'd encountered up to that time required you to use the remote to change channels (and maybe you could also press flat buttons on the set itself to move up and down the channel line-up).

On a somewhat related note, at another cousin's 9th birthday in 2002, I quoted Bill Cosby's routine about Superman to her. The routine opens with, "we find Clark Kent, mild mannered reporter,..."

"Who's Clark Kent?" she asked.

I think both she and her younger sister had heard of Superman (if memory serves), though they knew not of Clark. If so, it's curious they'd know the one name, but not the other. Obviously they weren't watching Smallville, but even so you'd think they'd have at least heard the name.

On the other hand, not every person younger than a particular age (whatever that age might be in the given circumstances) is ignorant of people, places and things (and other nouns) from "the old days." One of my closest friends is, at 23, a huge life-long fan of Jack Benny in particular, and old-time-radio in general; and is probably just as knowledgeable about him (if not more so) than people who grew up listening to him on radio or watching him on TV.

(Jack Benny died in 1974, a decade before she was born)

In fact, she used the occasion of Jack's birthday (Feb. 14) to tie a series of lessons at least tangentially to OTR and that era. Her class not only listened to an episode of the Jack Benny Show; but also discussed such things as comedians entertaining the troops in USO shows; general OTR comedy of that era; the government during WWII; and changing social mores since then.

As to the original topic, I agree something needs to be done to keep people from getting gouged when trying to buy tickets for some thing or other. The total price (including tax) should be clear to the buyer up front.

And they should be reasonably available. I understand shows being sold out, but they shouldn't be "sold out" because speculators bought up the tickets to re-sell on eBay or elsewhere.

Rick

"...We didn't buy the tickets, the prices were turning, and our stomachs churning..." :)

>>wherein Jamie Madrox, in an attempt to score tickets to a Billy Joel concert, makes 12 dupes of himself to all call Ticketmaster at once, and even THEN, he STILL CANNOT GET A TICKET.

Better yet, friend of Jamie's wants to go to a particular concert, and Madrox assures them of front row seats. Friend can't figure out how till they turn up at the venue, and every other audience member there is Jamie Madrox.

When I was in college, we (as in me, and whoever my friends were at the time) would literally go to one concert per week. For the most part, they weren't "in demand" shows...a lot were standing room/general admission shows, so we never had a problem with seats.

But once per year, Around March, we would wait for the day when everything (yes every single show for that year) and either Jones Beach or the Garden State (now PNC) Bank arts center went on sale. We knew then attempting to call was pointless (and this is back in 98.) So we would go and *attempt* to find an empty TM location.

Even for those shows...And Im talking bands like Goo Goo Dolls, No Doubt, and even Chicago...if I couldnt get to the TM kiosk within 20 minutes of them going on sale, I was screwed.

The only time I ever "lucked out"...I had bought tickets to see Everclear before they made it semi-big about one week before the show and somehow scored 2 row seats. Yeah it was because the seats were literally 3 feet from the speakers. With much shame, I had to ask for earplugs because I really thought my head was going to explode.

I am in LA right now and I saw that BJ was going to be in Anaheim this coming weekend. I didn't even try to go on Ticketmaster.

I went on eBay and scored two excellent tix-- after the concert had only been on sale from Ticketmaster for about an hour. I've noticed that some eBay resellers will dole out their tickets-- selling the first set(s) at a lower price to gauge demand. I figure I paid a $70. premium per ticket (not including what the seller must subtract for eBay fees and the like on his end). 15 minutes reading some auctions on eBay and I was done.

Peter, I know you value your time as much as I value mine... and $140 was more than worth not spending a lost hour or more (I tend to obsess on things like this)... Plus I felt zero frustration making the eBay deal.

Another great way to score excellent tix is to join a particular performer's fan club. If it is a long time, hard touring performer like Elton John-- you can be eligible to purchase tickets for only a $36 yearly fan club fee. (You get exclusive CD's etc. with the each Elton membership-- more than worth the cost.) I've scored Elton tix all over the States and have never been any further back than 4th row. I knew I was going to be in Europe in early summer (strike permitting) and I knew Elton and his band were going to be in Europe touring at the same time. I checked his ticket web page and now I am going to see Elton perform in Vienna this summer. Now THAT's mind blowing!

All I can say is, "Bless you Al Gore for creating the internets."

had the same thing happen to me during the first show Billy Joel did at MSG a year or two back. Working the phones and internet at the same time and the show was sold out in about 5 minutes. I eventually got tickets for his record breaking show a few weeks later.>>>

I lucked out on Billy's last tour. I got shut out when the tickets went on sale, but the Friday before the concert (which was Monday), I went on Ticketmaster to see what was available and got tickets for section 96...and it was a great show, with Richie Cannatta (the original sax player) joing the band. Sometimes it's best to try right before a show, when people might be more anxious to get rid of their tickets. I plan to do that for Van Halen. As for liking Billy Joel, it's kind of the law if you're from Long Island. :)

had the same thing happen to me during the first show Billy Joel did at MSG a year or two back. Working the phones and internet at the same time and the show was sold out in about 5 minutes. I eventually got tickets for his record breaking show a few weeks later.>>>

I lucked out on Billy's last tour. I got shut out when the tickets went on sale, but the Friday before the concert (which was Monday), I went on Ticketmaster to see what was available and got tickets for section 96...and it was a great show, with Richie Cannatta (the original sax player) joing the band. Sometimes it's best to try right before a show, when people might be more anxious to get rid of their tickets. I plan to do that for Van Halen. As for liking Billy Joel, it's kind of the law if you're from Long Island. :)

The first show reserved tickets that were pre-sold to NY Mets season ticket holders. I know a lot of people who bought the maximum number of tickets (six) and sold 2-4 at stubhub. If you wanted tix that badly peter, you should also be a Mets ticket holder.

The new show will NOT have such a pre-sale, so there will be a lot more tickets available to the public. If you want to go, try to get tickets, as this is a whole new ballgame as it were without the Mets ticket holders taking the early seats.

Across town, the Pope will be at Yankee Stadium in April, and the Vatican has said that they won't let people scalp tickets or put them on stubhub/ebay. It'll be interesting to see how that works out. I'd say they'll need all the help they can get, but, hey, it's the Vatican, they already have all the help they can get.

---matt

"Don't you know about the new fashion honey?"

(The new fashion for getting tickets I mean)

"All ya need are looks and a WHOLE LOTTA MONEY!"

Sold out, ain't nice
Even if they're overpriced
it's still Billy Joel to me.

"Did anyone buy tickets to actually go and SEE the damned concert?"

I saw The Damned. They do a great show.

The anti-scalper policy with some of the larger venues in San Francisco is interesting. You buy your tickets, collect your tickets through willcall at the door and then enter. In fact, Once you have collected your tickets, you HAVE to enter and they will only allow access to the ticket holder with matching identification. A good system, though it almost caused me problems as I actually had acquired the tickets to one particular show as a gift for a friend.

michael t said:
The only time I ever "lucked out"...I had bought tickets to see Everclear before they made it semi-big about one week before the show and somehow scored 2 row seats. Yeah it was because the seats were literally 3 feet from the speakers. With much shame, I had to ask for earplugs because I really thought my head was going to explode.

It's a shame you can't post pictures on this forum, because you would totally be staring a WITHERINGLY JEALOUS icon in the face right now.

PAD, I feel your pain. I tried for hours to get tickets to the Huntington, W.Va., premiere of "We Are Marshall." (That's the city where the real events happened and part of the movie was filmed. My mom and I went to the school and we were extras.) Anyhoo, the Web site crashed before anyone could buy a ticket, so scalpers ended up putting tons on eBay. Of course, I contributed to the problem because I got literally the last two available on eBay for some ridiculous price (Christmas present for Mom who was there when the crash happened). 'Twas awesome, but I still remain a little ticked.

Getting tickets off the ticketmaster site isn't the easiest thing to do, however, just refresh the hell out of the webpage the time they go on sale, set the ticket number you want, and wait, wait, wait. (there's this little moving icon thing, it *does* eventually load the page). Just try to get them online at the site the very second they go onsale (forget the phone lines, those are just bad news) and you should get something. about 10 minutes after they go on sale, though, all bets are off.

Who do you think he is, Frankie Valli or some kind of big shot?

Why bother going to live shows at all?

Seriously, do you think you're going to get anything better (forget the question of newer) than the concert taped by HBO a few years ago?

And even if you throw aesthetics at the question, are those aesthetics really any compensation for the crap you go through...or your knowledge that the high price isn't going to the artist or to some worthy cause, but to a freaking PUSHER?

I'd rather see a local, good artist or entertainer than try to pay for a superstar. At least I know they're getting the money.

I blame the performers. If they are a hot performer, there's no reason not to have several shows to satisfy the demand.

When Garth Brooks came to Kansas City, they added a new show as soon as the previous one sold out. They kept adding new shows until there were around 10+ sold out shows and that screwed the scalpers who bought the first show.

Hannah Montana, on the other hand, only gave one sold out concert and there were hundreds of tickets available by scalpers. She's so busy she couldn't have scheduled another concert??

Anyway, I rarely have trouble getting good seats to the Metropolitan Opera if I plan in advance. Try it sometime. You might like it.

Thomas E. Reed: "Seriously, do you think you're going to get anything better (forget the question of newer) than the concert taped by HBO a few years ago?"

Many people, myself included, find that the experience of *being there* is markedly different from -- and more enjoyable than -- watching something on T.V. Perhaps that's not been you're experience. I think we have a big enough world to accommodate both points of view.

Queen Anthai: "Well, you like Billy Joel. I mean, there's your problem right there. :)"

I became a huge fan of Billy Joel when "Glass Houses" came out. I was nine years old at the time, and Billy Joel wasn't incredibly "cool" at the time -- at least not with the kids at my school, anyway. As I got older, I discovered Rush (World's. Greatest. Rock. Band. EVER.), Genesis (prior to Phil Collins turning them into a crappy pop outfit), Todd Rundgren, and a number of other artists with a more alternative bent, and realized that that music was more to my liking.

Ironically, by the time I got to college, Rush wasn't "cool" but Billy Joel, who had crossed over into "Top 40" with "The Bridge," had become "cool." Apparently, if a musician wants to be "cool," he or she should create music I don't like. :)

Anyway, I still have a fondness for Billy Joel. His song structures are definitely very traditional, and on the whole he's not the most inventive musician on the block. But he puts a great deal of thought into his compositions, his lyrics can be biting and insightful, and, dear God, how can ANYONE listen to "Prelude/Angry Young Man" and not be blown away by his incredible piano-playing skills?

"Hannah Montana, on the other hand, only gave one sold out concert and there were hundreds of tickets available by scalpers. She's so busy she couldn't have scheduled another concert??"

She's subject to child labor laws and probably couldn't perform more concerts. What I can't understand is why the Hannah Montana concert FILM was limited to a one week run??? It's not like she's personally running the projector...

There was a big stink a couple of days ago, when they added the 2nd concert date. The first date was originally promoted as the last concert at Shea stadium. A local classic rock station was giving away tickets by playing a Beatles(the first concert at Shea)song, followed by a Billy Joel song back to back. A lot of people got tickets thinking it would be an historic concert. Now it's only penultimate.

> I agree something needs to be done to keep people from getting gouged when trying to buy tickets

There is a fairly simple way: stop buying from second-hand sources. Eventually scalpers will go away and people can resume buying concert/event tickets at the door and not pay through the nose for it. Well, no more than today's inflated concert prices anyway. But, no, people are sheep and they'd rather get gouged than miss out on their cherished performer this once.

This sort of thing is why a lot of acts have presales for fan club members. I joined the R.E.M. fan club in 2001 and as a result was able, in 2004, to get the best concert seats I've ever had without having to try to beat out armies of scalpers.

...We didn't buy the tickets, the prices were turning, and our stomachs churning..

No, we couldn't buy the tickets,
'Cause the box office spurned us
And the scalpers burned us...

Paul1963, that's a fantastic idea. If you really like a particular performer or band, joining the fan club isn't a bad investment. Thanks for sharing that suggestion!

Billy Joel is my very favorite solo singer. I thought I had all of his CD's until I walked into a Used CD/Record exchanged -- I happened upon a cd w/ about 18 songs -- half of whihc I had never seen before, and the other half were early recordings (Cold Spring Harbor era)I got nto the car and eagerly put in the CD, thrilled to have some new Billy stuff -- only to find that this is the stuff that was so bad (even predating Cold Spring Harbor) it never got published before., And the sound quality was awfull - they must have been songs he reocrded in his basement or something. Really Disappointing. But not as disappointing as trying like thudner to get tickets and failing. I feel for ya PAD.

Spooon

Why should I have to be a card-carrying member of a club to prove I like someone's music and would like to see them perform in person? Why can't I just enjoy them? And why should I have to pay for the privilege of carrying a card in the first place??? That's ridiculous. I am so sick to death of every person, company, ad, store, greeting card, etc. having to have my name and address so they can send me email or junk mail I in no way in Hell want. If that's what I have to go through to enjoy a band, then they don't care about me as a fan, they don't need my money, and they certainly don't need my patronage. Billy, I love ya, but you've priced yourself out of my league.

"This sort of thing is why a lot of acts have presales for fan club members. I joined the R.E.M. fan club in 2001 and as a result was able, in 2004, to get the best concert seats I've ever had without having to try to beat out armies of scalpers."

Completely agree here...Ive been in the Pearl Jam fan club for about 10 years now...and not only do I not need to go through Ticketmaster,(though not every performer bypasses them) but I get to be in the first few rows every time I buy tickets. You usually get other perks too when you join a fanclub, besides first crack at concert seats so I always felt like it was worth it.

Susan O: "Why should I have to be a card-carrying member of a club to prove I like someone's music and would like to see them perform in person?"

You *don't* have to. I've purchased rock concert tickets via Ticketmaster and while it wasn't a wonderful experience, I got the tickets. Not the best seats, but at least I got something.

And ultimately, no one *has* to buy tickets to go see anything. If you don't like the system, you can always walk away.

Besides, you can't blame the performers, their fan clubs, or even Ticketmaster for the problem of scalpers buying up blocks of tickets before legit buyers can get them and selling them for inflated prices. And scalping is certainly a component of the problem.

I wish we lived in a perfect world, one without scalpers, greedy businesses that gouge customers, and other hassles. But we don't. It's an imperfect world with imperfect options.

Jim "Spooon" Henry: "I got nto the car and eagerly put in the CD, thrilled to have some new Billy stuff -- only to find that this is the stuff that was so bad (even predating Cold Spring Harbor) it never got published before..."

Was this by any chance "Attila," the organ-drums combo Joel formed with some guy whose name escapes me? I have a copy of their one and only album, featuring the two band-members on the cover dressed as huns and surrounded by meat (raw meat, I believe).

Joel altered a electric organ to make it sound like a guitar. Amazingly, he also altered his attacks and phrasing to make it sound like he was playing a guitar and if you didn't know better, you'd think he was.

As song titles like "Brain Invasion" and "Amplifier Fire" would lead one to expect, it wasn't great music. And Joel was singing in a register higher than anyone has ever heard him sing since. Still, Joel's ability to use the organ and bass pedals to make a two-man band sound like four makes it a worthwhile listen.

FYI, "Attila" broke up after their first album was released.

Crap. You mean there's Billy stuff out there I DON'T have?

You do this to me on purpose, don'tcha, Myers?

Tickets are one of the many reasons I miss Tower Records. Sure, getting them from the TM in Boscov's works, too, but it's so much more an experience to discuss seats with someone that's actually been to one of these shows and a whole conversation evolves. And, much like a well-stocked library, a well-stocked music store has it's own lovely set of sensory experiences. There's nothing like flipping through music in wooden crates to put a mind at ease.

Unless it's going around a wood-floor bookshop with tea brewing in the back. Or spending a day with my family where I don't have an editing project that's stubbornly refusing to be quite right.

Sorry. Stressful day.

Why should I have to be a card-carrying member of a club to prove I like someone's music and would like to see them perform in person?

In this case, it's a frequent-consumer ID. You don't have to carry a card for a bonus cup of coffee either. The bonus encourages repeat visits, but coffee shops can't give out a free cup of coffee for every claim someone's bought 9 coffees there.

2 quick notes:

-Billy Joel was in another group besides Attila before Cold Spring Harbor came out: The Hassles. You Got Me Runnin', Hotel St. George, and Hour of The Wolf were among their "classic" tracks. Two albums, I think, which have been recycled into endless grey-market compilations, most of which feature Billy's name and likeness prominently.

-Paul McCartney also lets members of his website purchase tickets at their face value before they go on sale through normal channels. That's how I got my 2005 tickets; in 2002, I had to go through a "broker".

Did anyone buy tickets to actually go and SEE the damned concert?

Um... yeah. I didn't want to tell you last weekend that Brandy scored tickets last weekend, I was afraid you or Kathleen would mug me for them.

Oh, I wish this were a sitcom so that Bill Joel would show up at Peter's house do to some contrived reason and then so a few words and burst into song... *sigh* if only rel life were like that sometimes.

Oh, I wish this were a sitcom so that Bill Joel would show up at Peter's house do to some contrived reason and then so a few words and burst into song... *sigh* if only real life were like that sometimes.

Oh, I wish this were a sitcom so that Bill Joel would show up at Peter's house do to some contrived reason and then say a few words and then burst into song... *sigh* if only real life were like that sometimes.

I had a few repeats because I screwed up the first reply sorry about the "spam" Peter.

Hello Mr. David-

I know this is TOTALLY off topic but I was wondering if u could point me in the direction of a site where I could buy the new IDW New Frontier comic that is coming out soon. I would really really appreciate it. Thanks!

Brandon,

If there's a decent comic store near you, I'd go ask them if they'll be getting it. That's probably your easiest bet!

TWL

The only concert I ever make an effort to get tickets for each year is Jimmy Buffett. You do have to act fast; he sells out a 35,000 seat venue in about twenty minutes, but I've only ever come out empty handed once.

Um... yeah. I didn't want to tell you last weekend that Brandy scored tickets last weekend, I was afraid you or Kathleen would mug me for them.

I don't resent people who actually managed to score tickets for the concert, nor covet their tix. Remember, my gripe was that it seemed to this observer that just about everyone buying the tickets was doing so in order to profiteer. If you got tickets so you could go, then by all means, go and have a good time.

Just bring me back a present.

PAD

"...We didn't buy the tickets, the prices were turning, and our stomachs churning..." :)

Freedom Clock, Cowboy Pete,
Bowling Alleys, She-Hulk,
M'k'n'zy''s got a scar now he's gone away far,
Peter Parker, M.J., Cowboy Pete killed Janeway,
Fallen Angel. Shelby, Sir Apropos and Jellico, , Boob Tube, Borg Cube,
The President is a rube,
New Yorker, Stuff Writer, X-Factor,
Centauri. Mollari's got 3 wives

"...We didn't buy the tickets, the prices were turning, and our stomachs churning..." :)

Just saw Billy's concert in Anaheim this past evening! What a romp! He was in great form both physically and vocally.

As usual, his stage banter was hilarious. Surprisingly, he sang a lot of his great early material too.

My favorite part of the concert?

Billy said that he was only going to be playing a show worthy of the original face value of the tickets... and anyone expecting a show equal to a scalper's value ticket would be sorely disappointed.

Ah, yes, more of the "magic of the free market" in action. "Say, these anti-scalping laws are too restrictive and unnecessary for us Republicans. Laissez-faire capitalism will solve all our problems! Small government is good government!"

Then, shortly after the anti-scalping laws get neutered or repealed, everyone's totally shocked that scalping becomes an epidemic and the only place you can get tickets from anymore is scalpers who artificially restrict demand to increase their profits. Whodathunk?

FYI, I didn't initially join the R.E.M. fan club to get concert tickets.

I joined to get the annual holiday package, which includes a CD containing material not officially available elsewhere. :D

Last time I saw Billy live was 9/11/02 in Central Park. Before that it was 1990 storm front at the Carrier dome. Got in free because my friend's friend was a roadie- took me backstage and showed me how Billy had pre-amped his Grand piano through a little Fender champ- with Franken wires pouring out of it!

I saw Billy Joel at Acer Arena in 2006. He was fantastic.