petergabriel.com

I bought my wife and I the Hot Sound Package for the Virginia show this Sunday. We're looking forward to the concert but wanted some feedback from people that have gone the VIP route. It's the first time for us. Were you able to get pictures of the band and PG pretty easily? Did any of them pose with you? How were the refreshments before the show? Should I pack a lunch? I know recording is out for soundcheck, but were you able to record the show on the up and up? Regardless we are really psyched to see PG in this format. Reviews we've read so far have been mostly positive. Peace be with you, Pete & Kate

Pete and Kate, First of all, you're going to have a great show! All of the shows have been excellent (as far as performances) and as the tour comes to a close, I'm thinking that VA will be a very, very good show -- with an enthusiastic audience! Yay! To answer your questions specifically related to the VIP, soundcheck experience: 1) During the soundcheck, you will be seated very close to the stage -- not necessarily in the seats you'll have for the concert, but you will be in the first few rows. You'll be able to photograph any/all during the soundcheck -- using a small digital camera and/or cell phone. No professional equipment allowed (at any time -- soundcheck or show). 2) There is no time for any of the band to mingle with the crowd and pose for photos, etc., -- although, who knows, for the last show, they might be able to do that. 3) The VIP package includes a pre-show dinner/drinks. Although it's different in each venue (using the local caterers, etc.), it seems to be fairly decent -- you get one ticket to get a free drink (wine/beer) and soda and water are free. If you need/want more than one wine/beer, you'll pay cash bar. The dinner usually includes appetizers, a main dish and dessert. It's usually @ 5:30-6:00 pm so depending on your eating habits, you might want to have a snack earlier. 4) As for recording -- well, it's tech out for all of it (soundcheck/show) but there are obviously people recording it, so it's probably a chance you can take -- but I'd say it's probably easier during the show than at the soundcheck. (At Jones' Beach, the house security guy/host was all over nearly everyone there -- he would get up and walk across the front row so that he ruined every one of your pics. He was insisting that people were videorecording. At one point, after he had made his "rounds" I turned to him to tell him that people could not even see their cameras because of the sun glare and that was why we were holding them up for a long time before taking a photo -- he didn't believe me. So, in VA there might be a person who will stop you as soon as he sees you attempting to record. Well, safe travels to the show. Enjoy it all. I'll also be at the soundcheck and perhaps we'll run into each other there. Kind regards,

As Pat said no professional or cameras with detachable lenses. During the Soundcheck videoing was not allowed and there were plenty of security people around making sure of that. During the show, no problem. You can take all the pictures you want. This was as close to a picture with Peter that I got. Hey, it's a start, right? http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv348/yzenrider/Peter%20Gabriel%20%20So%20%20United%20Center%20Chicago/IMG_5280.jpg Have the rest of the album linked in another thread. The pre show hospitality was fantastic at the United Center. Both years the food was great. Last year was more snacky, this was pretty much a full buffet. We were given one drink ticket, but something happened and well, it was pretty much an open bar. Pretty cool, even though I had to be good, having to work the next day. Last years soundcheck included two drink tickets, no open bar. So, varies is an understatement. Seems there were a lot more paid soundcheck people (that weren't with a special group) this year, so perhaps that is what made the difference. They actually had to open up the backroom to our designated hospitality room as there were too many of us. From there of course are great seats to a great show. As for videoing the show, there are no problems there as is evident by going to YouTube. I didn't do any video of this show, as I was having too much fun watching, feeling the show and such to spend that much time behind a camera. We were also fortunate to have very professional security people that weren't obnoxious at our show. At least, from what I saw. Actually, Beaker and I got a little bit of interesting insights about a previous show from one of the security guys at the show. Have a great time Pete and Kate, it will be hard not to, so just go with it.

@Pat & Zenrider: Thank you so much for the great responses! Normally I'm a "go with it" kind of person, but since we are spending more money than we ever have on a concert, I was looking for some reassurance and you've provided that. Somehow it eluded me that this is the last show of the tour. I think when I bought tickets earlier this summer I expected more dates would be offered, but this was the closest location for us. Wow this is going to be great! I won't worry about video afterall. While it would be cool, it never captures what you experience without some serious equipment. Plus I've seen that you can order the recordings from any show on CD from the soundboard so as you said, we'll just go and soak it all in and enjoy. Thanks again and I'll post a mini-review of our experience here after the show. Peace

Great picture of you, Zen! I remember that smile! Oh wait...Peter is way in the background too, Hi there!

Hey! I took that picture. We were being sent off to the excellent food service so it was a bit of a rush but I got PG and Tony on stage in the background...and, of course, Zen was a highly photogenic subject! shockthemonkey, this was my first time trying this package and, while expensive, I have no regrets. It was awesome. Years from now I'll remember it fondly.

Thanks Beaker for taking that great picture and, well, um . If you look at Tony's pictures the look on Beaker's face pretty much says it all. That said, there are no bad seats, just different experiences. One of the best things about doing the soundcheck was being able to meet some of your fellow lunatics for some time before the show. Especially some of our online lunatics like Beaker and Bird. Bert didn't find us until we were waiting for the show to start. Mozo managed to elude us, though from his videos was not very far away. It was hard to meet up with anyone not at the soundcheck, especially since some of us had to work the next day, so no time for an after show meeting. Even so no regrets. Hope to do this at least one more time for a Peter Gabriel show.

What an excellent experience! Sondra, the rep from LiveNation.com, the event staff, the sound check, the food, etc. all led into an amazing experience seeing PG & friends up close and personal. Amazing concert. Wish we could do this for all our concert going experiences. Thanks again to all who responded with reassuring accounts.

Shock-we didn't see you at The Auld Shebeen after the show...sorry we didn't officially meet. I'm glad you had a fantastic time.

Glad you had a great experience Shockthemonkey! It really does make for a great day.