The "Meet and Greet" Experience

[adap2it]

Did it for the Stranglers a couple of years ago. Was it worth it? No....but we did get to be first in. If anyone has ever been to a Stranglers concert, you'll know what it means to "at the front"

[SteveSly]

I have friends who are really into meeting the artists, so I have done it on occasion, but to be honest I always feel awkward and have never really understood the appeal. I have met plenty of musicians through my association with ProgDay over the years and although most of them were nice people I still don’t quite get the appeal of the meet and greet. The only official meet and greet I have ever paid for was the UK re-union tour a few years ago. I did it because the person I was going with wanted to do it (who is a member here btw). It also included admission to the soundcheck and we got to walk around the stage and look at Bozzio’s drum kit, so it ended up being pretty cool. Generally though I am not much of a fan of the meet and greet thing.

[Plasmatopia]

I've met a few of my heroes and barely knew what to say. I figure that is uncomfortable for them as well as for me, so in general I stay away from the whole situation. I would never pay for the opportunity to do a meet and greet. If I did talk to one of my musical heroes I'd just thank them for music, for making the effort to travel/tour (often a losing proposition), etc. Like others have said - if I just bumped into these people at the bar or something like that and the conversation started more organically that would be much preferred.

[No Pride]

I've met a few of my heroes and barely knew what to say. I figure that is uncomfortable for them as well as for me, so in general I stay away from the whole situation. I would never pay for the opportunity to do a meet and greet. If I did talk to one of my musical heroes I'd just thank them for music, for making the effort to travel/tour (often a losing proposition), etc. Like others have said - if I just bumped into these people at the bar or something like that and the conversation started more organically that would be much preferred.

Thanks for saving me the typing time. Exactly how I feel about it.

[Lopez]

After the show, we were escorted to the back of the venue with a bunch of other older folks and waited for Paul Anka to meet us. One-by-one (or in our case three) were led to his dressing room, where he peeked out the door and took a photo with us all. My mother in law told him that she was sick and that this was the best medicine. He gave her a kiss on the cheek and said, "Please, be well." and we were escorted out of the venue.

Now that's a class act. As you've said, worth the joy you gave your mother-in-law.

[mozo-pg]

Now that's a class act. As you've said, worth the joy you gave your mother-in-law.

Definitely, very impressive. Didn't expect to see it on this thread.

[interbellum]

About 20 years ago, Allan Holdsworth played a blistering show at a club near here. After the show, he was at the bar having a pint and I thanked him for all the great music. He said you're welcome and thanked me for coming to the show. That's the only meet and greet I've ever done or need to do. I believe thanking these musicians for their work is enough (for me) and they've more than earned it.

Had this experience too a couple of times. We even drank a beer together (after which he initially forgot to take with him his guitar-case) and he wrote his address on a beer-coaster in order to send him a magazine. Had a drink with Gary Husband too. Cool chaps.
After a Karizma- and Bill Bruford-concert I met them in the way out and just thanked the musicians. Didn't want an autograph on the Karisma-CD's I bought. Vinnie had to put them on albums he didn't even play on! If I would have asked for a autograph I would have shown him that old LP from Christopher Morris Band he played on in 1977.

But I'm not going to pay for it, like through the Jobson-Zealots Lounge.

[No Pride]

About 20 years ago, Allan Holdsworth played a blistering show at a club near here. After the show, he was at the bar having a pint and I thanked him for all the great music. He said you're welcome and thanked me for coming to the show.

Buy Holdsy a beer or let him bum a smoke and you've made a friend... or so I've heard. But I've never done it and I've seen him live at least a half dozen times. Of all the musicians in the world, he's probably the one that I'm most intimidated by, though by all accounts he's very gentlemanly. Maybe I've read too many interviews where he's been overly critical of his own playing and I'm afraid to tell him how great he is. Or maybe I'm just a pussy. But I'd be more comfortable trying to chat up President Obama.

Whatever you do, don't ask him to autograph a copy of "Velvet Darkness!"

[Jay G]

I love to meet my favorite artists and let them know how much I appreciate their work. I will not pay for any such VIP event however, The only exception is I have gone 3 times to the Uli Roth Sky Academy but that is really a playing/learning/philosophy session. I also try not bother an artist if they are in the midst of a meal or some other personal event. Just last night Al DiMeola was having dinner a few tables behind me and I made no attempt to meet him.

Here is a partial list of who I have met over the years.

Jimmy Webb
Johnny A
Mark Bonilla
Albert Lee
John Jorgenson
Dweezil Zappa
Eric Johnson
Andy McKee
Peppino D'Agostino
Ronnie Montrose
Michael Lee Firkins
Guthrie Govan
Mike Keneally
Bryan Beller
Ike Willis
Ray White
Steve Morse
Rod Morgenstein
Danny Seraphine

[Dave (in MA)]

My wife did some charity thing that allowed her and her friend to spend some time with Barry Manilow before a show last week. They got to talk to him and get pictures taken; her friend even hugged him in one. The best part about the whole thing: I wasn't involved.

[Dave (in MA)]

I figure musicians have better things to do than be pestered by me. After the David Torn show in May people mobbed^* him for autographs and chit-chat, but we just left. I did, however, briefly bug Andre Cholmondeley at the merchandise table about when the next P.O. tour might be [no current plans] because nobody was there. What a nice, friendly chap he is.

^* Inasmuch as a few dozen people can mob a guy

[miamiscot]

I plunked down a pretty penny for the upcoming YES meet and greet for the express purpose of meeting Chris Squire.

That really worked out well.

At least I can look forward to Steve Howe being rude to me.

Never again.

[Rune Blackwings]

I was at a record expo where they had paid meet and greets. Even though artists were sitting there and waiting, I did not go over and even say Hi (mickey dolenz and denny laine were there) because I probably would have been charged for it...

[No Pride]

[ForeverAutumn]

I plucked down my money while they were off getting a soda. Before the show started, I gave my mother in law the merch and told them that they were going to meet him after the show. They couldn't believe it. It put a big smile on my mother-in-law's face.

That's a great story. Probably worth every cent of that $100 and more to put that smile on your M-i-Ls face and give your wife that great memory with her mother.

[bill g]

Can't imagine paying to meet someone? But Steve Hackett, Michael Dunford (and in fact all of Renaissance at the time-1977?), and Tomas Bodin have all come out and been very friendly and very gracious. My brother bought Annie Haslam a glass of white wine (her choice) He was about 15 at the time. Michael Dunford was a truly nice guy, I shared some of my music with him and he shook my hand, and said something about being 'kindred spirits'. Tomas Bodin was very nice as well, after a Flower Kings show, which only furthered my wife's crush on him. Thinking Plague all stayed and hung out after a show on their last tour, very nice folks, all of them.

Normally I leave right away, as it's always a lengthy drive to my nook in the hills, but in these cases I was happy I didn't.

[hippypants]

I've never paid for a meet and greet, but gotten autographs and told artist I've enjoyed their endeavors. Mostly I like writers or visual artist, and can usually ask them a question or two. Sometimes I think they enjoy that as much as the public does in meeting them.

[NogbadTheBad]

I can't imagine paying for a meet and greet. The best place I've been to chat to artists are small festivals where they are around being social. First time I went to RIO I was sitting outside the hostel on the Friday before the event having a beer & notice the Present & Univers Zero guys were all at the next table. I didn't want to be an ass so stayed where I was reading a book having a beer. Dave Kerman invited me over to chat & I spent a bunch of time just socializing with them over the weekend. Lovely guys all of them. I've had similar experiences with lots of bands at RIO & ProgDay. The idea of paying for a handshake, photo & a couple of words seems really odd.

[bill g]

First time I went to RIO I was sitting outside the hostel on the Friday before the event having a beer & notice the Present & Univers Zero guys were all at the next table. I didn't want to be an ass so stayed where I was reading a book having a beer. Dave Kerman invited me over to chat & I spent a bunch of time just socializing with them over the weekend. Lovely guys all of them.

Wow, Dave Kerman actually invited you over? That's pretty cool, I'm not too surprised as he seems like he'd be pretty cool. Now if Fripp were to invite me over to his table, I'd fall right out of my chair. And spill my beer all over my book in the process. Then, he'd surely think me a loser and take back his offer no doubt.

[progeezer]

Dave Kerman is a mensch, and I'm not a big RIO fan. I am, however, a Kerman fan.

[NogbadTheBad]

Kerman is one of my favorite musicians bar none, I was a little star struck. He's a lovely bloke, fully pint worthy.

[Rune Blackwings]

Dave Kerman is a mensch, and I'm not a big RIO fan. I am, however, a Kerman fan.

I like Dave Kerman, too Cool guy!

Another bunch who are very nice-Aura Noir. I have spoke with them on several occasions (and even ran their merchandise table once). Very very friendly guys!

[Trane]

So I ask, what is the appeal? What is so special about owning something that has someone's name scribbled on it? Is there not a part of you that feels foolish gushing all over said person for said accomplishment? Help me understand...

None whatsoever ever since I was an adult... as a teen, I got turned off "meeting" Blackmore (the rest of the band was OK)...

Ok, in Verviers (east of Belgium), most bands get to talk ith the crowd, because the only exit from the stage and backstage is through the halll, so I get a chance to talk to them while they're on their vending stand... ditto through the Prog-Resiste and RIO festivals, often thanks to Aymeric.

I never get anything signed by artistes or celebrities (I actually think this is destroying the album or book cover), except in one area: the Belgo-French Bande Dessinée (comics), because in that precise case, you get a few minutes talking to the author and he draws (and most interesting and importantly, you get to see him draw) a small "dédicace" in relation with the book you're buying.

Other than that, I don't care for meeting stars at all (though I wouldn't miss a chance to get Sophie Marceau or Victoria April in bed, as if that would ever even occur) and wouldn't even think of a selfie made with anyone )- even familiy. AAMOF, I hate that selfie craze.

[Trane]

Wow, Dave Kerman actually invited you over? That's pretty cool, I'm not too surprised as he seems like he'd be pretty cool. Now if Fripp were to invite me over to his table, I'd fall right out of my chair. And spill my beer all over my book in the process. Then, he'd surely think me a loser and take back his offer no doubt.

Kerman is one of my favorite musicians bar none, I was a little star struck. He's a lovely bloke, fully pint worthy.

I think the first time I bumped into him, I didn't even recognize him... the first two times I saw Present, he wasnt on the drum stool (Pierre Narcisse was on both counts, the second time in duo with Daniel Denis)

I came to realize it was him AFTER I annoyed him the first (and not the last) time.

[Yves]

When I started this thread it never even crossed my mind that some artists charged admission for these sorts of things...and that people paid them!