Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Sarah Lowe on August 22, 2012 at 10:35pm

Thank you, Gail.  And, Hannah, I find it sad that you think that the band owes us nothing.  Their fans are the very reason they can do what they do -- and they are profiting off of our affection.  So, yes, in the very least they owe us the experience that we paid for.  And they were hurrying us through the line so quickly that I didn't even get to meet Pat or Scott.  Just Jimmy.

Gail said:

Hannah, I think you're missing my point.  If their management (not the band, the management) was concerned enough about a single fan 5 years ago who wasn't having the best time due to circumstances completely out of the control of both the band and the management, and they went that far out of their way for free to fix a problem they couldn't have controlled in the first place, then it seems that people PAYING for the opportunity to meet/greet should get what they've been promised, without being treated disrespectfully by representatives of the band who, by the way, do have control over the very circumstances making people unhappy.  I've been around long enough, faithfully following Train long enough, to be able to say this is NOT how it used to be.  And if people are getting less than they were promised IN WRITING, then don't tell them they should stop complaining.  That's all I'm saying.  I don't know how anyone can argue with that.
 
Hannah King said:

That's great for you but everyone doesn't get that oppertunity. There's 100+ (maybe, I don't know) people at the meet and greets and they have to get through all of them. Maybe they should sell less tickets -I agree with that at least- but once again, lots of people are perfectly happy whereas some are complaining. I asure you, as long as the GUYS not thomas -or whoever is apparantly being a jerk- are nice and not being rude, my granddad and I will be completely happy with no complaint. That's all we want, niceness from the guys and we'll be happy. I don't need the poster but I'm happy there is one. I don't need a photo but now I can prove it to my friends. Meeting the guys will be awesome!

Gail said:

Here's a thought.  Several years ago at my 5th or 6th concert (which was held at DAR Constitution Hall in DC -- a venue ill suited to a rock concert b/c the acoustics make it unbearably loud), I was out in the lobby area singing and dancing with vigor because I could not take the noise in the actual venue.  The tour manager happened to be walking by as I was enjoying the concert even though I couldn't even see the band, and he asked me why I wasn't in my seat since I clearly knew and loved the music.  I explained that it was so terribly loud I couldn't handle it any more (he informed me they'd never do a show there again for that very reason... they realized there was a problem when they did the sound check earlier in the day but it was too late to do anything about it that night).  So he said, "you know what, let me make it up to you.  Here's a pass to the after party."  Yep, just like that, FOR FREE, they did what I never would have dreamed of... I got to meet the band, HUG THEM, get pictures taken with them, get autographs, and I didn't pay a penny.  I think these peoples' complaints are entirely reasonable.
 
Hannah King said:

You know what? I'm sorry for those of you who had a bad time at your M&G but I'm still excited. I get to be within three feet of Pat Monahan who is totally my idol! Without the no hugging rule, I would hug him but, oh well. I hope I get to talk to them but just being that close and getting a poster (even though it's pre-signed) will be awesome. I am a kid so the bossiness should be routine. I was excited for the concert alone then I was told I got M&G tickets so I'm bouncing with excitement and wishing the days would hurry up. This is what I've learned: (not trying to be disrespectful at all) you grown-ups expect to much. You overthink it. Ask just about anybody  going to a meet and greet from the ages of 3 to 15 and most of them are just excited they get to meet the band. You guys think you deserve something from these guys. They try to treat the fans with the most respect they can and they always try to think about the fans. If you were mislead in the email, I get it but don't act like it wasn't cool just seeing Pat, Jimmy, and Scott up close. I am totally pysched to see Pat up close! Remember, the band owes you nothing. If you feel you paid too much for your experiance, I'm sorry but there's some fans that cherish that handshake or that picture with them. Try to be grateful and if you don't want to, don't buy the meet and greet.

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Permalink Reply by Mahita Vas on August 22, 2012 at 10:48pm

@Gail, thank you for your post.

To me, your words put across very clearly and objectively the sentiments many of us have been trying to express. I have not been to an M&G but followed this thread out of interest and commented only when someone posted a rather harsh criticism of those who shared their bad experiences.

The grievances have all along centred around managing expectations, a responsibility which falls squarely on those managing the M&Gs, and NOT on the band. In most, if not all, posts expressing disappointment, I found that fans took extra care to praise the band and the concert This point seems to have been missed in some replies which criticize/attack those who wrote about their bad experiences.

Thanks again, Gail, for a well said piece.

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Permalink Reply by Teresa Morales on August 23, 2012 at 8:59am

Yes. When I first heard it said last tour it was said with the addition of "Would you want 100 strangers coming up to hug you?" I think it's for those who may be of the creepy stalker variety, or maybe because Pat has the uncanny ability to get sick during the tours. But if THEY approach YOU, you of course can hug them back. (sidenote: Hector gives the best squishy hugs so try to catch him after the show). My suggestion would be....get in the back of the line. That way there's no one behind you to worry about and maybe you'll get a few extra seconds of time. Good luck and enjoy yourself! (Oh....and your grandpa ROCKS for taking you!)

Hannah King said:

wait, does anyone know why they made that rule? What's wrong with a hug?

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Permalink Reply by mel on August 23, 2012 at 3:09pm

I think it might be because Pat is really sensitive to aromas and feels strongly that they affect his voice negatively. Cigarette smoke and cologne ("cause it's poison") are probably the worst irritants, so it's not surprising he wouldn't want folks wrapping themselves around his neck.I'm sure the germ exposure has to be limited somehow, also.
 
Hannah King said:

wait, does anyone know why they made that rule? What's wrong with a hug?

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Permalink Reply by Debbie Watkins on August 23, 2012 at 7:31pm

Just saw them at Wolftrap, they were awesome as always!  We did the meet and greet before the show and I have to say, our instructions were very clear on what we could and could not do. I didn't feel rushed at all, Their road manager was very nice and did explain that HE would be taking the pics not us. (which is frankly a good thing, I take terrible pics & my phone isn't all that great in detail) Jimmy, Pat, & Scott were very nice & joked around with my brother. I haven't seen our pics yet, but have high hopes they will turn out nice. Yes, I paid extra, but got super seats (2nd row) which was worth it. I'm grateful to have had the chance to tell the guys how much their music means to me.

I've been a fan of theirs from day one and go see them every time I can. I have never been disappointed in a show. I truly believe these guys value their fans.  I can't believe they are putting on such a high energy show nearly EVERY night and still taking time for meet and greets.  I'm taking my sister to see them in Saint Augustine Sept. 6, and wish I'd gotten meet and greet tickets for that one too. My sister is totally crushed she won't get to meet them! I can't wait for her to see the concert though. She's gonna love it!

 

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Permalink Reply by Sarah Lowe on August 23, 2012 at 9:02pm

@Mahita, I also appreciated Gail's comments and I want to thank you for your comments as well.

Mahita said:

@Gail, thank you for your post.

To me, your words put across very clearly and objectively the sentiments many of us have been trying to express. I have not been to an M&G but followed this thread out of interest and commented only when someone posted a rather harsh criticism of those who shared their bad experiences.

The grievances have all along centred around managing expectations, a responsibility which falls squarely on those managing the M&Gs, and NOT on the band. In most, if not all, posts expressing disappointment, I found that fans took extra care to praise the band and the concert This point seems to have been missed in some replies which criticize/attack those who wrote about their bad experiences.

Thanks again, Gail, for a well said piece.

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Permalink Reply by Brenda Stone on August 24, 2012 at 12:27am

It's funny but I was wondering the same thing. I've never been to one and bought the package, mainly to assure great seats for the show. We literally had time for a handshake, one photo was taken and we were ushered away from the band.  We didn't get to say 2 words to them.  I told my friend when we were done that it was a waste of money but at least our seats were in the 7th row.

Even worse, our email said to get there by 7:00 pm to the box office to pick up our passes.  Ironically, we opened the envelope and it said that we had to be at the special entrance no later than 6:45.  Luckily, we arrived at 6:45 so we were able to squeeze in and still make it.  However, I feel sorry for anyone following the email directions and got there at 6:50 and missed the meet and greet all together.

I don't know if I would pay for the meet and greet again.  I thought we'd at least have a moment with the band to chat.

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Permalink Reply by Nicole McGrath on August 24, 2012 at 2:17am

Australia didn't get a chance for a meet and greet!! I was so dirty! I did get a pick with Pat from the stage though so that made my night!!!!!!!!!!! Sorry you didn't have a good experience :(

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Permalink Reply by Hannah King on August 24, 2012 at 6:18pm

Yeah, I get the 100 strangers thing. I was also making jokes about the creepy stalker thing. Uhh, didn't know about Pat's uncanny ability to get sick. Yeah, it'd be awesome if THEY hugged ME. We're planning to get in the back of the line when we get there. Yeah, I know he rocks!

Teresa Morales said:

Yes. When I first heard it said last tour it was said with the addition of "Would you want 100 strangers coming up to hug you?" I think it's for those who may be of the creepy stalker variety, or maybe because Pat has the uncanny ability to get sick during the tours. But if THEY approach YOU, you of course can hug them back. (sidenote: Hector gives the best squishy hugs so try to catch him after the show). My suggestion would be....get in the back of the line. That way there's no one behind you to worry about and maybe you'll get a few extra seconds of time. Good luck and enjoy yourself! (Oh....and your grandpa ROCKS for taking you!)

Hannah King said:

wait, does anyone know why they made that rule? What's wrong with a hug?

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Permalink Reply by Hannah King on August 24, 2012 at 6:19pm

Ohh... okay. I get it.

mel said:

I think it might be because Pat is really sensitive to aromas and feels strongly that they affect his voice negatively. Cigarette smoke and cologne ("cause it's poison") are probably the worst irritants, so it's not surprising he wouldn't want folks wrapping themselves around his neck.I'm sure the germ exposure has to be limited somehow, also.
 
Hannah King said:

wait, does anyone know why they made that rule? What's wrong with a hug?

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Hannah King on August 24, 2012 at 6:32pm

I mentioned that if they were mad because the email was wrong, I get it and that's different. I wasn't trying to be rude when I said "don't act like it wasn't cool just seeing the band." I was just saying it had to be cool to see them. If the email told you what REALLY was going to happen, you already knew and you expected too much. I also said they should sell less tickets and that should fix the rushing problem. I get that the management is being rude. That was not necessary for them to be like that (from what I've heard at least)

Gail said:

Hannah, I think you're missing my point.  If their management (not the band, the management) was concerned enough about a single fan 5 years ago who wasn't having the best time due to circumstances completely out of the control of both the band and the management, and they went that far out of their way for free to fix a problem they couldn't have controlled in the first place, then it seems that people PAYING for the opportunity to meet/greet should get what they've been promised, without being treated disrespectfully by representatives of the band who, by the way, do have control over the very circumstances making people unhappy.  I've been around long enough, faithfully following Train long enough, to be able to say this is NOT how it used to be.  And if people are getting less than they were promised IN WRITING, then don't tell them they should stop complaining.  That's all I'm saying.  I don't know how anyone can argue with that.
 
Hannah King said:

That's great for you but everyone doesn't get that oppertunity. There's 100+ (maybe, I don't know) people at the meet and greets and they have to get through all of them. Maybe they should sell less tickets -I agree with that at least- but once again, lots of people are perfectly happy whereas some are complaining. I asure you, as long as the GUYS not thomas -or whoever is apparantly being a jerk- are nice and not being rude, my granddad and I will be completely happy with no complaint. That's all we want, niceness from the guys and we'll be happy. I don't need the poster but I'm happy there is one. I don't need a photo but now I can prove it to my friends. Meeting the guys will be awesome!

Gail said:

Here's a thought.  Several years ago at my 5th or 6th concert (which was held at DAR Constitution Hall in DC -- a venue ill suited to a rock concert b/c the acoustics make it unbearably loud), I was out in the lobby area singing and dancing with vigor because I could not take the noise in the actual venue.  The tour manager happened to be walking by as I was enjoying the concert even though I couldn't even see the band, and he asked me why I wasn't in my seat since I clearly knew and loved the music.  I explained that it was so terribly loud I couldn't handle it any more (he informed me they'd never do a show there again for that very reason... they realized there was a problem when they did the sound check earlier in the day but it was too late to do anything about it that night).  So he said, "you know what, let me make it up to you.  Here's a pass to the after party."  Yep, just like that, FOR FREE, they did what I never would have dreamed of... I got to meet the band, HUG THEM, get pictures taken with them, get autographs, and I didn't pay a penny.  I think these peoples' complaints are entirely reasonable.
 
Hannah King said:

You know what? I'm sorry for those of you who had a bad time at your M&G but I'm still excited. I get to be within three feet of Pat Monahan who is totally my idol! Without the no hugging rule, I would hug him but, oh well. I hope I get to talk to them but just being that close and getting a poster (even though it's pre-signed) will be awesome. I am a kid so the bossiness should be routine. I was excited for the concert alone then I was told I got M&G tickets so I'm bouncing with excitement and wishing the days would hurry up. This is what I've learned: (not trying to be disrespectful at all) you grown-ups expect to much. You overthink it. Ask just about anybody  going to a meet and greet from the ages of 3 to 15 and most of them are just excited they get to meet the band. You guys think you deserve something from these guys. They try to treat the fans with the most respect they can and they always try to think about the fans. If you were mislead in the email, I get it but don't act like it wasn't cool just seeing Pat, Jimmy, and Scott up close. I am totally pysched to see Pat up close! Remember, the band owes you nothing. If you feel you paid too much for your experiance, I'm sorry but there's some fans that cherish that handshake or that picture with them. Try to be grateful and if you don't want to, don't buy the meet and greet.

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Permalink Reply by Hannah King on August 24, 2012 at 6:37pm

Don't you think they've paid you back yet, then. They put on an awesome show every night. They invite girls to be Trainettes/Mermaids on stage. And Pat even lets a girl SING with him on stage. A lot of bands don't (even try to) treat fans the way Train does. Some bands don't do M&Gs and the ones that do cost A LOT more.

Sarah Lowe said:

Thank you, Gail.  And, Hannah, I find it sad that you think that the band owes us nothing.  Their fans are the very reason they can do what they do -- and they are profiting off of our affection.  So, yes, in the very least they owe us the experience that we paid for.  And they were hurrying us through the line so quickly that I didn't even get to meet Pat or Scott.  Just Jimmy.

Gail said:

Hannah, I think you're missing my point.  If their management (not the band, the management) was concerned enough about a single fan 5 years ago who wasn't having the best time due to circumstances completely out of the control of both the band and the management, and they went that far out of their way for free to fix a problem they couldn't have controlled in the first place, then it seems that people PAYING for the opportunity to meet/greet should get what they've been promised, without being treated disrespectfully by representatives of the band who, by the way, do have control over the very circumstances making people unhappy.  I've been around long enough, faithfully following Train long enough, to be able to say this is NOT how it used to be.  And if people are getting less than they were promised IN WRITING, then don't tell them they should stop complaining.  That's all I'm saying.  I don't know how anyone can argue with that.
 
Hannah King said:

That's great for you but everyone doesn't get that oppertunity. There's 100+ (maybe, I don't know) people at the meet and greets and they have to get through all of them. Maybe they should sell less tickets -I agree with that at least- but once again, lots of people are perfectly happy whereas some are complaining. I asure you, as long as the GUYS not thomas -or whoever is apparantly being a jerk- are nice and not being rude, my granddad and I will be completely happy with no complaint. That's all we want, niceness from the guys and we'll be happy. I don't need the poster but I'm happy there is one. I don't need a photo but now I can prove it to my friends. Meeting the guys will be awesome!

Gail said:

Here's a thought.  Several years ago at my 5th or 6th concert (which was held at DAR Constitution Hall in DC -- a venue ill suited to a rock concert b/c the acoustics make it unbearably loud), I was out in the lobby area singing and dancing with vigor because I could not take the noise in the actual venue.  The tour manager happened to be walking by as I was enjoying the concert even though I couldn't even see the band, and he asked me why I wasn't in my seat since I clearly knew and loved the music.  I explained that it was so terribly loud I couldn't handle it any more (he informed me they'd never do a show there again for that very reason... they realized there was a problem when they did the sound check earlier in the day but it was too late to do anything about it that night).  So he said, "you know what, let me make it up to you.  Here's a pass to the after party."  Yep, just like that, FOR FREE, they did what I never would have dreamed of... I got to meet the band, HUG THEM, get pictures taken with them, get autographs, and I didn't pay a penny.  I think these peoples' complaints are entirely reasonable.
 
Hannah King said:

You know what? I'm sorry for those of you who had a bad time at your M&G but I'm still excited. I get to be within three feet of Pat Monahan who is totally my idol! Without the no hugging rule, I would hug him but, oh well. I hope I get to talk to them but just being that close and getting a poster (even though it's pre-signed) will be awesome. I am a kid so the bossiness should be routine. I was excited for the concert alone then I was told I got M&G tickets so I'm bouncing with excitement and wishing the days would hurry up. This is what I've learned: (not trying to be disrespectful at all) you grown-ups expect to much. You overthink it. Ask just about anybody  going to a meet and greet from the ages of 3 to 15 and most of them are just excited they get to meet the band. You guys think you deserve something from these guys. They try to treat the fans with the most respect they can and they always try to think about the fans. If you were mislead in the email, I get it but don't act like it wasn't cool just seeing Pat, Jimmy, and Scott up close. I am totally pysched to see Pat up close! Remember, the band owes you nothing. If you feel you paid too much for your experiance, I'm sorry but there's some fans that cherish that handshake or that picture with them. Try to be grateful and if you don't want to, don't buy the meet and greet.

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