• Registered: 2013-04-03
  • Posts: 7

Re: Hammersmith Apollo March 2015

I entirely agree with the majority view here.  These prices are obscene - no other word for it - and totally beyond the reach of ordinary people.  I work my arse off each day for a limited income and fall asleep exhausted at the end of each day.  I love JB's music and listen to it constantly, and have seen him live five times now.  I was gutted to see how expensive these tickets were and it basically ruined my whole day to realise that I cannot now afford these tickets - not even close.  I once paid £75 to see AC/DC which I thought was by far the most I would ever cough up for a live gig, but £122 is just beyond comprehension. It seems that the people around JB have got greedy and are taking the piss out of the ordinary fans who put him where he is - they should hang their heads in shame.

56 Reply by BBJ

  • BBJ
  • BBJ
  • Platinum
  • Offline
  • From: Edinburgh
  • Registered: 2006-09-25
  • Posts: 299

Re: Hammersmith Apollo March 2015

Been a while since I last posted on here but I agree with most of the posts re: the ticket prices for the Apollo shows. For less than the price of one ticket for Joe at the Apollo, I'll be seeing Robert Plant (£44), Peter Gabriel (£45) and The Temperance Movement (£18). I'd love to see Joe play live again but not at £120 a pop.

'Try as you might to keep a lid on a good time, you can't do it. When people want to have a good time....' - Billy Gibbons
  • Geoff
  • Geoff
  • BONAMETAL
  • Offline
  • From: Moreton, Wirral, England
  • Registered: 2006-09-26
  • Posts: 1,603

Re: Hammersmith Apollo March 2015

Ian916 wrote:

enjoy it those of you who will be going, - I am sorry to say that I will not be there. I just cannot justify paying a weeks food shopping money for one ticket, - multiply that by at least one more for my son and I am out-priced. I am not sore about it as I am lucky enough to have seen Joe a few times as has my son, - and thankfully there are still plenty of good guitarists and bands playing that are still within our budget. - This year has been a great year for me having seen the Temperance Movement, Rival Sons, Gov’t Mule, Garry Clark Jr and still Kenny Wayne Shepherd, and Robin Trower still to come, - must also get to see VATA live again.

- And if Joe can sell out Hammersmith ODEON (that is what it is) for 4 nights then well done to him, and the band. Price is determined by supply and demand. Personally I am not sure that Hammie Odeon justify’s that high a price as it is not an upmarket venue, like say RAH, but it is what it is.

We have economic problems here in the UK, - yes the rich have got richer, but the vast majority are poorer than they were. I earn less than I did 3 years ago,  yet my essential bills are a lot higher and I pay more tax. sad Job security is not great for a lot of people here either. We have a Government who are covering up the hardships with bullsh1t statistics, not sure that sort of inflation is in keeping with the real world.

I totally agree Ian, time to move on and remember the good times. The cost of driving down to London, a night in a hotel and the cost of two tickets - sadly now well out of my league!

Geoff O

Visit my Casino Images website http://www.casino-images.com/

Geoff's Website

  • From: UK
  • Registered: 2012-09-26
  • Posts: 13

Re: Hammersmith Apollo March 2015

I'm in the same boat. I'll have to wait and see what other UK tour dates end up being priced at but at £120 I'm sadly not able to buy
Especially now I own a House with all the related costs.

As for the excuse of extra costs. During Tour de force. Joe used 5 extra members on percusion (Drums, Violin, scrubbing board etc) and I paid £60 for the CENTRAL RING of the Royal Albert Hall (So no small venue)

At the end of the day I understand that "extras" cost money to included but we the fans come for Joe's SOLO playing. so if we are priced out of what we really want by what is essentially cream on top of a coffee you will sadly loose fans and in turn support

Gibson Les Paul Standard Joe Bonamassa VOS 2012 Custom (Manchester 2013 Signed)
Fender Mustang 1969 Matching Headstock - Candy Apple Red Jazz Bass 50th Anniversary - 3 Tone Burst
Chapman Guitars ML1 Antique Sunburst #21 Crunchy (Signed by Rob, Dorje & Phil X)

59 Reply by DougH (edited by DougH 2014-07-10 07:30:19)

  • DougH
  • DougH
  • BONAMETAL
  • Offline
  • From: Toronto, Canada
  • Registered: 2011-04-01
  • Posts: 1,689

Re: Hammersmith Apollo March 2015

something tells me that he'll still pack the house(s) even with the newer higher price.
I would assume that if he's adding horns, he'll just add the 3 horns we've seen from time to time from 2009~
It should cost marginally less to stay at the same venue more nights only in the fact the trucks won't need refueling.
we'll have to resurrect this thread next March when the reviews of how great a show it was start coming in.
I get the gripe on ticket prices and how the fan pre-sale now is locking out the good center seats..
(I don't understand locking out the good center seats but maybe us fans were scalping the good tickets and EricD is 'teaching us a lesson')

Last point, this reminds me about the quote that has been floating around for some time and appears on facebook from time to time about the cost of a musician.
You call in 5 plumbers to work in a place on a Saturday night and the musician will work for half of that.

( http://damacleod.files.wordpress.com/20 … icians.jpg )

---------------

(If only I had 1% of Joe's guitar talent)
  • From: Baden Württemberg / Germany
  • Registered: 2012-04-13
  • Posts: 703

Re: Hammersmith Apollo March 2015

Can`t find any price in the internet, the sale will begin tomorrow.

But 122 British Pounds you mentioned are 153,50€ minus the new CD (mostly 15 € by Amazon) would be 138,50 €.

Nov 2009: 41 € in Mannheim (Capitol),
Sept 2014: 88 € in Mannheim (SAP Arena),
March 2015: 138,50 € in London.

Business as usual?... Not to understand, sorry Joe.  Only for "Hardcore fans". Why an included must buy of the new CD for all visitors although they hadn`t the chance to hear the new material? By the way: I don`t buy something new from someone (Joe included) without listening before. Information is necessary for me and not blind following.

  • Kenny
  • Kenny
  • BONAMETAL
  • Offline
  • From: Aberdeen, Scotland
  • Registered: 2009-09-04
  • Posts: 3,701

Re: Hammersmith Apollo March 2015

You can choose not to buy the album by clicking a link before you buy the tickets but it is not obvious.

62 Reply by haveacigar (edited by haveacigar 2014-07-10 11:34:09)

  • From: London
  • Registered: 2013-01-03
  • Posts: 278

Re: Hammersmith Apollo March 2015

I was fortunate enough yesterday to get a ticket for £49 (£60 inc. fees), which however run to £75 with the cd option that I couldn't seem to select out of. I would of bought the cd anyway, but don't appreciate it been forced upon me. I was lucky to get a ticket at an affordable price, and am prepared that this may very well be the last time I go to see Joe.

Kenny makes a very good point, that Joe could just of easily done a single night at the 02 Arena. Maybe that is what the future holds for Joe in London, Wembley Arena or the 02 Arena, which will be a shame also. Hopefully some middle ground can be reached, maintaining the quality choice of venues Joe performs in in London and a more justifiable ticket price.

I have seen Eric Clapton repeatedly at the Royal Albert Hall for considerably less than the full priced ticket for Hammersmith 2015 each time. Not to mention various other large names and acts for considerably less. This, as a few people have mentioned, coupled with the number of great young or small time guitarists out on the circuit at the moment, means that many wont be able to afford or tolerate the prices offered this time by Joe, and will settle for seeing more concerts with smaller acts.

It is a shame as it is very hard to imagine this hasn't alienated some long time fans and all those new fans he must of acquired playing Clapham & Download.

  • Registered: 2010-10-11
  • Posts: 192

Re: Hammersmith Apollo March 2015

Happy with O2 I hate Wembley

Still lets see what happens will it sell day one

  • Brack
  • Brack
  • BONAMETAL
  • Offline
  • From: London, getting hotter \m/
  • Registered: 2009-02-24
  • Posts: 6,462

Re: Hammersmith Apollo March 2015

Ah.... the thorny topic of ticket prices....again!  If you want to to go see Joe,  as we do,  you will find the cash to do it, and we will.

I wouldn't mind going to see Joe at the 02 - We've been there 3 times recently to see John Mayer - fantastic venue IMO!

GOOD KARMA - http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m3zkw … o1_500.jpg
Avatar Credit: D.Hirst,Olympic Union Flag
Adele: RAH http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Oio8V3e3WU&ob=av2e -
We Are The Champ20ns

Brack's Website

  • Registered: 2012-03-17
  • Posts: 235

Re: Hammersmith Apollo March 2015

I am trying not to be cynical but .....

4 nights on the trot and the venue holds around 8,500 people. That's a total of around 36,000 attendees

And all with the new album

36,000 albums in one week would pretty well guarantee a number 1 album.

Maybe it wont be full, maybe some people will opt out and maybe a lot of people will go more than once, but even half that figure would get in the top 3.

I don't know when the sales would get included in the UK charts, but if tickets are on sale now, maybe they get included in the week of release.  If that were the case, then you could add another 20,000 sales for those people not at the gig who would buy in the 1st week anyway (like me).

Could this be an attempt to 'buy' a number one album as the next step forward ?

  • Kenny
  • Kenny
  • BONAMETAL
  • Offline
  • From: Aberdeen, Scotland
  • Registered: 2009-09-04
  • Posts: 3,701

Re: Hammersmith Apollo March 2015

I seem to remember that it is a 5,000 standing venue and about 3,700 seated. I have been there a few times and it doesn't hold 8,000 folk.

  • From: WORKINGTON CUMBRIA UK
  • Registered: 2012-05-20
  • Posts: 10

Re: Hammersmith Apollo March 2015

I too am shellshocked at the price but have took the plunge doing fri and sat call me insane .Having gone to Loreley fest and Clapham in recent weeks as well can I suggest a new word in the English dictionary "BONABANKRUPT"lol I think I have a problem as this will be shows 39 and 40 for JOE MUST BE WORTH A MEET N GREET EH

  • From: Maryland
  • Registered: 2012-05-13
  • Posts: 2,790

Re: Hammersmith Apollo March 2015

Kenny wrote:

I seem to remember that it is a 5,000 standing venue and about 3,700 seated. I have been there a few times and it doesn't hold 8,000 folk.

Wikipedia agrees with you Kenny 5,039 open seating, 3,632 reserved seating for Hammersmith Odeon
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hammersmith_Odeon

versus O2 arena at least 20,000
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_O2_Arena

I would much rather see Joe continue to play the smaller places, just saying

  • Rocket
  • Rocket
  • BONAMEGAMETAL
  • Offline
  • From: San Francisco
  • Registered: 2006-04-26
  • Posts: 10,275

Re: Hammersmith Apollo March 2015

nmagcorn wrote:
Kenny wrote:

I seem to remember that it is a 5,000 standing venue and about 3,700 seated. I have been there a few times and it doesn't hold 8,000 folk.

Wikipedia agrees with you Kenny 5,039 open seating, 3,632 reserved seating for Hammersmith Odeon
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hammersmith_Odeon

versus O2 arena at least 20,000
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_O2_Arena

I would much rather see Joe continue to play the smaller places, just saying

I really don't know who would desire otherwise, to be completely honest!

And, truth be told, Joe himself stated (very) long ago he wanted to always play smaller venues!  Now, isn't THAT special?! Yup 'T'is! big_smile Therefore, squeezing a bigger budget production into a basically unchanging venue size ...ya gone get squeezed, instead of no two ways about it, it's moving to...KNOW...two ways about it...wallet and cramming/cramping physically. wink

The onus falls upon JB, moreso than we uns.  Post concerts feedback will be strong metric of pricing vs. satisfaction validity in my opinion. 

Deliver de better, de boomer de bettor.


Bring it ON & Keep the F-a-i-t-h,
Rocket

"He still doesn't charge for mistakes! wink"
http://jbonamassa.com/tour-dates/
"Everybody wants ta get inta the act!"
“Now, this isn’t your ordinary party crowd, here.  I mean, there are professionals in here.”

70 Reply by RickB (edited by RickB 2014-07-10 19:21:00)

  • RickB
  • RickB
  • BONAMEGAMETAL
  • Offline
  • From: San Diego
  • Registered: 2009-10-30
  • Posts: 12,198

Re: Hammersmith Apollo March 2015

Sandra just posted a facebook link to Neil Young's page that has a similar dirge from the fans. Tix $70-$375 at a venue that topped out at $100 last tour. (I wouldn't pay much at all to see him honestly) One big thing being overlooked is that govt is printing $ to prop up the economy. This is inflation and you all see it every day in the cost of living since our currency purchases less and less. All currencies run with the dollar so the inflation is global. This affects the bottom line in everything.
Rick

Free download from Vienna! http://mbsy.co/bNLR
Lots of unique videos of Joe http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cwd5vL8fXTw
Buy Joe's merchandise here. http://www.jbonamassa.com/affiliates/id … hp?id=1381

RickB's Website

  • From: Massachusetts
  • Registered: 2007-10-23
  • Posts: 1,929

Re: Hammersmith Apollo March 2015

RickB wrote:

Sandra just posted a facebook link to Neil Young's page that has a similar dirge from the fans. Tix $70-$375 at a venue that topped out at $100 last tour. (I wouldn't pay much at all to see him honestly) One thing all are overlooking is that govt is printing $ to prop up the economy. This is inflation and you all see it every day in the cost of living. All currencies run with the dollar so the inflation is global. This affects the bottom line in everything.
Rick

I have no idea what Neil Young charged the last time he played in Boston - I know it wasn't cheap.  The $100/ticket for decent seats  I mentioned was what Joe was charging in May 0f 2013.  This venue has always been pricey (The Wang theater) but it is a beautiful place.

Sandy

P.S. I like your post Rocket

"There's a lot of people that are in so much of a hurry to be, I guess, to be famous or that they don't want to take the time to learn to play and do all that.They'd rather just knock it down off a computer and maybe get on a game show and get famous..That's fine if that's what you want to do.
"We're more old school than that. We like creating the sounds."  - Tom Petty
  • RickB
  • RickB
  • BONAMEGAMETAL
  • Offline
  • From: San Diego
  • Registered: 2009-10-30
  • Posts: 12,198

Re: Hammersmith Apollo March 2015

samjp4 wrote:
RickB wrote:

Sandra just posted a facebook link to Neil Young's page that has a similar dirge from the fans. Tix $70-$375 at a venue that topped out at $100 last tour. (I wouldn't pay much at all to see him honestly) One thing all are overlooking is that govt is printing $ to prop up the economy. This is inflation and you all see it every day in the cost of living. All currencies run with the dollar so the inflation is global. This affects the bottom line in everything.
Rick

I have no idea what Neil Young charged the last time he played in Boston - I know it wasn't cheap.  The $100/ticket for decent seats  I mentioned was what Joe was charging in May 0f 2013.  This venue has always been pricey (The Wang theater) but it is a beautiful place.

Sandy

P.S. I like your post Rocket

Thanks for the correction. I mis-read it. I like Rocket's too.

Free download from Vienna! http://mbsy.co/bNLR
Lots of unique videos of Joe http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cwd5vL8fXTw
Buy Joe's merchandise here. http://www.jbonamassa.com/affiliates/id … hp?id=1381

RickB's Website