Queen gig and free drink, yours for a grand
QUEEN fans are this morning hoping to snap up tickets for the band’s upcoming Dublin show – but they won’t get the VIP treatment unless they are willing to pay more than €1,000.
And some fans are complaining that the VIP treatment leaves a lot to be desired.
The surviving members of the legendary rock group, along with American Idol runner-up Adam Lambert, will take to the 3Arena stage on Saturday, November 25.
However, any fans hoping to get their hands on passes for the ‘Ultimate On-Stage VIP Experience’ will have to shell out €1,006.
And despite the huge price, what’s on offer is underwhelming. The benefits include a backstage tour and vouchers for three drinks. Customers will also receive an official VIP laminate, a show programme, and early entry to the venue.
Fans also have the option of purchasing the ‘I Want it All VIP Experience’ for €356, which will include similar perks to the highest-priced tickets, but with a seat in the first ten rows of the seating blocks at either side of the stage. For those who don’t fancy paying those figures, prices for other standing and seated tickets range from €87 to €94.
The band will bring the tour to the SSE Arena in Belfast the following night, with tickets priced similarly.
Dermott Jewell of the Consumers’ Association of Ireland said this level of pricing for premium packages has become a ‘worldwide phenomenon’ to the extent that all parties involved with setting prices have become ‘unapologetic’ about it.
‘A true fan will see great value in it, but that’s not to say that it’s not a significant price,’ Mr Jewell said.
‘They are uniquely placed seats, and it is a unique offer that is not affecting the average ticket buyer accessing tickets to see their act.
‘However, if they end up on the ticket touting market, it will have the effect of making the ticket price ludicrous.’
He added that there is a demand for such tickets as promoters would not market them at this price if they were not confident that they would sell. While a variety of artists are now pricing VIP tickets at such extraordinary levels, Mr Jewell believes that the trend began with younger musicians.
‘It was artists like Justin Bieber who started this meet-andgreet element, which was then taken on board by longerstanding artists,’ he said, adding that some artists refuse to take part in the high-pricing of tickets.
Noel McHale of MCD Productions, which is promoting the show, said they had been ‘flooded’ with inquiries for the VIP tickets.
He told the Mail: ‘Queen are one of the best live bands in the world, and to actually be on stage for this show is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that can never be replicated.’