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Tickets already selling
Lefteris Pitarakis
AP
Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band will bring their high-energy show to the North Charleston Coliseum Aug. 16.
If you want Bruce Springsteen tickets, you'd better be born to run — they could be gone in minutes. Fans with plenty of cash, or credit cards, are turning to Web sites to buy tickets now, often at exorbitant but still legal prices. Several online ticket sites and brokers are offering seats to the promised land for as much as $929 each. Multiple Grammy Award winner Springsteen and the E Street Band will perform at 7:30 p.m. Aug. 16 at the North Charleston Coliseum. Tickets go on sale at 10 a.m. Friday at the coliseum, and prices range from $30 to $96. But TicketLiquidator.com has been selling tickets at least since Tuesday at prices ranging from $170 to $929 each. The site assures purchasers that all tickets are guaranteed and are "provided by a network of trusted sellers." Don Vaccaro, chief executive officer of ticketnetwork.com, the parent company of online broker TicketLiquidator.com, said the Internet poses a new challenge for those wanting to snag a prime ticket. "This is a consumer issue that any state could look into because the biggest concern is that the best tickets are not going to just the ordinary people," he said. "VIPs and special groups benefit. But of course the fair market price rules: If someone wants to pay $900 for a ticket, it's not illegal." Alan Coker, marketing manager for the North Charleston Coliseum and Performing Arts Center, cautioned fans about using such a site to buy tickets. "Buyers will be taking a risk if they place an order with this unauthorized site, which is also a secondary source, and is not a primary site like Ticketmaster, which is the only one we deal with," Coker said. "The truth is, Springsteen tickets are not available anywhere until 10 a.m. Friday. Some of these cyber-scalpers are often unreliable and will sometimes sell counterfeit tickets that have already been sold. They have posed a great problem for the entertainment industry everywhere." Coker said unauthorized sites must purchase tickets Friday, just like everyone else. So where are such sites getting the Springsteen tickets if they are not officially on sale yet? "These tickets are legal and guaranteed," said Vaccaro, from the online ticket broker, "and we get them from various places — the offices of the artists themselves who give them out early, from concert promoters and from consumers with extra tickets on their hands. Also, it's normal for most performance sites to hold back a block of tickets for secondary sale, to make more money." Coker said the coliseum did not hold back blocks of tickets or sell to secondary distributors. And Andy Lopez, vice president of public relations for Ticketmaster in Los Angeles, said the nation's largest ticket seller is also not holding back tickets. Sean Pate, head of corporate communications for online ticket site stubhub.com, said charging high prices for tickets online can raise some eyebrows, but it's common. "For example, the fan club members of a particular artist are often allowed to purchase tickets directly from an artist's office beforehand," Pate said. At times, those with tickets decide they want the money more than the tickets, and so they sell them online. "Most people should know that on Friday, the tickets will sell out in five minutes," Pate said. Reach Dottie Ashley at 937-5704 or dashley@postandcourier.com.
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Comments
Posted by Tulane75 on June 26, 2008 at 1:25 a.m. (Suggest removal)
"The highway's jammed with broken heroes on a last chance power drive!"
Posted by wpc3iop on June 26, 2008 at 7:11 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I'd like to see Bruce but not at those prices...
Posted by suec on June 26, 2008 at 7:54 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I'll be seeing Toby Keith this Sunday. Tickets start at $20. I think the priciest are $50.
Posted by Nonsense on June 26, 2008 at 8:53 a.m. (Suggest removal)
It's ridiculous - I just don't see paying that much money to see anybody - nobody is worth that.
Posted by drp7773 on June 26, 2008 at 9:07 a.m. (Suggest removal)
36 to 96 dollars plus gas plus the very very high prices for food or drinks and the parking fee. Lets see a CD cost how much???????
Posted by beth1070 on June 26, 2008 at 9:09 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I saw Springsteen in concert back in the 80's and was extremely disappointed. It was like just putting on one of his albums and listening to it play all the way through. Unless he has jazzed up his concerts since then, I would never pay that much money to see him in concert again.
Posted by forget on June 26, 2008 at 9:19 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I saw him in April up in Charlotte. The show was 3 hrs and 45 minutes long. He hit alot of classics as well as a few new ones off his new CD. An older crowd makes for a nice evening. He's always worth the price of a ticket.
Posted by bbbox on June 26, 2008 at 9:23 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I've seen Bruce before and the price is well worth it. He's an American legend and he has not been to Charleston in 30 years...come on! Make some sacrifices and go see the BOSS!
Posted by ColdBeer on June 26, 2008 at 9:37 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I saw him at the peak of his career and I was disappointed. I am a big fan of his music. He has some great songs, but his stage show is lacking. Certainly not worth these prices when you consider how long he's been out of the loop.
Posted by promo1 on June 26, 2008 at 9:40 a.m. (Suggest removal)
As promoter of the event, it disturbs me greatly that I was not contacted regarding this article as I have a few things to add, so here goes....
1 - tickets are NOT on sale ANYWHERE at this time.... "ticket liquidator" can say they have tickets "at this time" all the want, bottom line - BS!!! (& that doesn't stand for Bruce Springsteen)
2 - although it has been rumored that some ticket brokers have received tickets from some artist managagment companies in the past, I can assure this is not the case with Bruce Springsteen or his management. Bruce's management team goes above & beyond to make sure his fans are able to buy great seats at face value. For him to imply that he is getting tickets from Bruce's management is absurd! Afterall, we are talking about an artist who enforces a cap on his top ticket price, and that price is $95 bucks. Other artist such as the Rolling Stones, U2, Madonna, & The Police have face value ticket prices that range anywhere from $150 to $350. Bruce could charge MUCH more than $95 for his tickets but HE chooses not to. Why, because he cares about his fans! So if Bruce & his management "just" wanted to make "more money, they would increase the face value of the ticket price, which would make them a lot more money than giving tickets to brokers to sell at inflated prices....
3 - NO blocks of tickets have been held back for secondary distibutors (brokers), nor have any tickets held back for fan club memebers for this show!
4 - ticket brokers buy their tickets from ticketmaster.com just like the general public does. They often advertise "front row" seats for sale, but when you call them they tell you those seats are already sold, but we have tickets located here, here, and here...
5 - we only endorse ticketmaster.com Buy your tickets from ticketmaster and you elimintate the chance of being ripped off. We do NOT endorse ticket brokers as they increase the ticket price anywhere from 50% to 300%, thus ripping off our customers.
6 - let's not forget about the $30 ticket that is available for this show as well. $30 bucks for Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band? Are you kidding me???? That is unbeleivable! Who can you see in an arena these days for $30 bucks? No One! Especially no one of Bruce Springsteen's caliber... Again, this is something that Bruce and his management wanted to do, for HIS FANS! Again, disproving the suggestion from the broker that it is all about "more money"
7 - So, who buys tickets from brokers at these rediculous prices? Quite frankly, people with more money than brains! When will it end? When the public quits buying tickets from them and they start getting hung with lots of unsold inventory on show after show after show....
Posted by promo1 on June 26, 2008 at 9:49 a.m. (Suggest removal)
to those of you whining about ticket prices, wake up!!!
There is a $30 ticket avaiable as well!!! You will never see an artist like BS&TESB again for only $30 bucks.
However, if $30 is still too much, go buy the dvd for $20!hmmmm... Bruce live for $30 bucks, or the DVD for $20 bucks? sounds like a no brainer to me!
Posted by drp7773 on June 26, 2008 at 10:04 a.m. (Suggest removal)
sounds like promo has an attitude, you talk about springsteen like he is a god or something, he yells when he ummm sings yeah some of the songs are good or the words are good but come on he was never a great singer and as for not seeing this guy again wow my loss..And I guess your right it is a no brainer, 20.00 for a CD mmmmm I think I will save that money too and buy some gas.......
Posted by trod1 on June 26, 2008 at 10:09 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Id love to see the first two days of ticket sales for any concert be walk up only and a limit of 10 per individual.
Posted by Early on June 26, 2008 at 10:10 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I think the prices are very reasonable. I think Bruce has always looked after his fans in this sense. He is a great artist with humble beginnings and remains humble after all his success. I think he is an American hero.
Posted by BrownBomber on June 26, 2008 at 10:11 a.m. (Suggest removal)
For those in the know - when tickets go on sale tomorrow at 10am, will that include call-ins to ticketmaster, or will this just be at the box office? Please inform - thanks
Posted by diggerman on June 26, 2008 at 10:36 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I would not pay $9.00 to see this anti-american or buy one of his cd's.He needs to move to a foreign country where anti-american sentiment is the norm.He ain't my "boss"...
diggerman
Posted by bbbox on June 26, 2008 at 10:51 a.m. (Suggest removal)
This is great! While all of you are at Wal-mart buying dvds, I'll be rockin' with the Boss next to true fans.
Posted by ColdBeer on June 26, 2008 at 10:51 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I liked the old days when you had to camp out at the mall to buy your tickets. TicketMaster is not the "good guy" in this scheme. They've caused ticket prices to skyrocket.
Camping out for tickets was always a blast anyway :)
Although I was dissappointed in the Springsteen concert I went to, I've never heard anything about him being "anti-American". That's news to me... what makes you call him that diggerman?
Posted by JAMJOH on June 26, 2008 at 11:09 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Dont forget the extra $15 or so in fees that ticketmaster charges for online tickets, as if $96 isn't enough. So promo1 it sounds like you and the Boss are pretty good friends huh? Tell him hey for us..if you get the chance that is.
Posted by coolfreaknbeans on June 26, 2008 at 11:18 a.m. (Suggest removal)
ColdBeer I'm with ya man.I had a blast camping out for Pink Floyd tickets years back.Everyone had a fair shot and a good time.You were not competing with online brokers or paying hundreds of dollars for a ticket.I however also agree with diggerman.Bruce Springsteen is an anti american piece of poop.I wish these actors/musicians would just shutup and entertain us.Not mouth off their political views.Most of them have an 8th grade education,yet run their mouths off as if they have political science degrees.
Posted by forget on June 26, 2008 at 11:44 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I really don't care about an entertainer's political views. But, everyone is entitled to them. I camped out for 2 days in the '80s for Springsteen tickets. You're right, it was a blast. But, we're older now, have responsibilities, and can't imagine camping out in N. Chas. on Montegue with cash in my pocket. And besides, can you all imagine me telling my 11 yr old daughter that she has to come with me and sleep in a lawn chair outside the coliseum for Bruce tickets. If it's not The Jonas Bros. she def. isn't interested!
Posted by willbillbedamned on June 26, 2008 at 11:51 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I think it's funny that people expect entertainers to leave their politics at the stage door. A few months back I went to see CSN and after the concert some loudmouth was pissed because they were anti war. Well, DUH!!!!!!!!!!!. Anybody familiar with their body of work should have known that and stayed home if it was a problem. Just because Springsteen doesn't support the war doesn't mean he's anti American.That's the beauty of this country, we all get to have an opinion.
Posted by forget on June 26, 2008 at 11:59 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Will- exactly....I don't care if someone may have a different opinion about a subject than I do. And his views on subjects are way different than mine. But that IS NOT going to stop me from doing the E Street Shuffle on Aug. 16.
Posted by greyrider on June 26, 2008 at 1:07 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I loved Bruce years ago. He should have stuck to music. Musicians should do what they do best, entertain, especially the uneducated ones. Bruce's politics have gotten him booed by his own fans, and got me to throw out everything I owned by him. You don't make millions because of America's freedoms and then trash talk the country. I agree with Freedom of Speech, but there is a respect issue. Mike Farrell is a far left liberal who has been very critical of the Bush administration and America in general, but he has always done it in a calm, respectful manner. The Boss is just down right offensive at times.
Posted by coolfreaknbeans on June 26, 2008 at 1:27 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Amen greyrider.Exactly my point.I'm not so arrogant I feel like everyone needs to share my views.I enjoy listening to other peoples views.But you hit the nail on the head when you said"...You don't make millions because of America's freedoms and then trash talk the country." Biting the hand that has fed you well Mr Springsteen.
Posted by bassd2001 on June 26, 2008 at 2:09 p.m. (Suggest removal)
First of all, thanks to the promoter for bringing not only the Boss, but the entire E STREET BAND to N. Chuck. Seriously, 9 stellar musicians, 10 if Patti's there, for the prices that they're charging is phenomenal. Secondly, to all the non fans, why take the time out of your supposedly busy day and lives to bash something that you're uninterested in attending? Maybe you guys should be the first ones in line because your statements are so far off. Nobody there is anti-American, maybe anti-administration, but certainly not anti-American nor anti-support of the troops. I guess the less than stellar Bush approval rating may lend some of you to misinterpret or simply not remember things (Mission Accomplished, right guys?). Biting the hand that feeds you? Hardly. Nobody has asked you to share in their views. Maybe share in a good time with those around you. It's a simple philosophy, and it works.
Posted by BrownBomber on June 26, 2008 at 2:21 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Right on bassd. I'd hate to think that just because I have no love for the Bush Administration, that I would be labled un-American. I think its very American to speak out against someone that's running are country poorly. Standing by and watching our country being mishandled to me is un-American.
All that aside (don't want to get in a political debate), I'll hopefully be at the show on 8/16, and I'll be there for the fun and the music, not the politics. I really couldn't care less what Bruce's political views are - I just like his music. I saw him a couple months ago in atlanta for the first time - I paid about $90 for my ticket, and it was well worth. If I get a $30 ticket this time around, all the better.
Yeah, you can save some money and just buy a CD, but what fun is that? You're missing out on an actual experience. Glory Days - don't let them pass you by. . .
Posted by forget on June 26, 2008 at 2:44 p.m. (Suggest removal)
My husband attended his first Springsteen show in April. He wasn't a "fan". Until that night. He says now that Bruce is meant to be seen live. He will be attending again with me (a 10 show veteran). The dedicated crowd amazed him. We new every word to every song - some he's never heard.
Whatever his political views are, I don't care. I don't agree with them, but that's a part of being an American. I'm there for the show.
Posted by ColdBeer on June 26, 2008 at 2:46 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Even the great ones become has-beens sooner or later.
Posted by drp7773 on June 26, 2008 at 2:59 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Yeah it's always nice to be a captive audience, whats ones views are one thing to express your hateful vendetta is another.I too think Bush is one of the worse Presidents we have had but I really doubt making people that pay to hear music want to be forced to listen to the Rosie crowd hate speach and I do not think it's fair to hear that Bush was part of the trade center bombings nor did he not send help to La so we could kill Black people. If you are told when you buy your tickets and they post a sign out front that you will be forced to listen to garbage and you still go in oh well but other then that then I think its crap no matter who the (boss)is. But I hope you all enjoy the show...thats your right....
Posted by bassd2001 on June 26, 2008 at 3:22 p.m. (Suggest removal)
^^^wow, it's a good thing none of that goes on at an E Street show. Do you mean "Rosalita"? I'll jump a little higher...Good thing that Springsteen tends to bring a positive vibe to his shows unlike most of the posters in this forum.
Posted by forget on June 26, 2008 at 4:27 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I didn't hear anything like that in April at the show I attended. He always has comments about the state of the economy, maybe something in the headlines, etc. But aren't we doing pretty much the same thing on these message boards? We are Americans, we have the right to voice our opinions, and the right to agree or disagree. I disagree with alot of his views. But I'll be there in Aug.
for my 11th show.
Posted by Mayor on June 26, 2008 at 4:29 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Hey losers, if you can't afford to have the greatest time in Charleston stay the F home.
Prices are very economical considering he'd sell out at $200.00 per.
Wake up!
Tune into 104.5 and listen to your boys, Lynard.
Posted by Mayor on June 26, 2008 at 4:30 p.m. (Suggest removal)
diggerman needs to enlist
Posted by bbbox on June 26, 2008 at 4:33 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Hey bassd, what's going on with the drp!?! I've never experienced this at a Springsteen show...he/she really knows how to bring us down. I certainly feel bad for those that are in contact with the drp (aka debbie downer)everyday. We WILL enjoy the show!
Posted by stand828 on June 26, 2008 at 5:04 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Springsteen doesn't try to push his beliefs down your throat, he simply tries with his music to make you think about what is going on in this country and the world and draw your own conclusions. But if he wasn't seen as an artist of such integrity, nobody would be discussing his politics.
The only time Bruce has been overly political was during the "Vote For Change" tour in 2004. But you knew what you were getting when you bought your ticket. Springsteen, REM, John Fogerty, Bright Eyes, and Tracy Chapman put on fantastic shows in a brief tour to support John Kerry. This election he's done nothing other than endorsing Obama with a brief press release.
Bruce was one of the first artists to point out the plight of disabled veterans in this country. I suppose you could consider the story of the soldier returning home from Vietnam in "Born In The U.S.A," unable to find a job, losing his brother to the war, and being essentially ignored after serving his country honorably, yet still proud of being an American, political. But it was just a song to most people. As Springsteen said after Ronald Reagan began playing it at campaign stops, "I don't think he's listened to the lyrics."
Of course, there's the one about steel factories shutting down in "Youngstown," leaving thousands unemployed. And "Into The Fire," about the brave firemen who ran into the Twin Towers to try to save others after the 9/11 attacks. And "41 Shots," about the unarmed man shot 41 times by NYC police as he tried to show them his ID card. And the beautiful "Across The Border," about Mexicans wanting to cross the border to find a better life for their loved ones. And "The River," where an unplanned pregnancy of young lovers causes their dreams to die.
Hmmm...maybe you're right, he is political. But I'll take his from the heart politicism over contrived, cliched crap like Toby Keith's "Courtesy Of The Red, White, And Blue," or Lee Greenwood's pathetic pandering "God Bless The U.S.A." any day.
I've followed Springsteen since I was in high school...
Before my first show in February 1981, the radio reported his concert was going to be cancelled because Bruce had the flu. He did indeed have the flu, but he didn't cancel...he went on and played for almost 4 hours.
And then, as his tour van was pulling out 30 minutes or so after the show, he saw fans standing in the freezing rain waiting to see him leave, so he had the van stop, and leaving band members waiting, he jumped out, signed autographs and chatted for 20 minutes, saying "If you guys can wait out in weather like this just to see us leave, then I can at least sign a few autographs."
My high school friend had bought a souvineer concert program, which he got signed, and that night Bruce made a fan for life, and he has never let me down. He's a great musician, a songwriter with few equals, and a genuinely nice guy...what's not to like? It's an honor to have him play in my hometown.
Posted by umary9 on June 26, 2008 at 5:45 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I just ordered our tickets for Bruce, passing along the source.
http://www.NationalShowTickets.com
Mary
"Going to see the Boss"
Posted by BKLYNIRISH on June 26, 2008 at 6:09 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Is this the same Bruce Springsteen that convicted cop murderer Mumia Abu-Jamal counts as one of his supporters?
Lovely...enjoy pissing your money away on yet another ignorant celebrity dirtbag. http://www.danielfaulkner.com/
Posted by LutherVanderhorst on June 26, 2008 at 11:27 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Go Nukes!
Posted by AmznGraceSC on June 27, 2008 at 8:08 a.m. (Suggest removal)
To umary9 -- I hope you read the terms and policies for NationalShowTickets. It sounds a bit dubious.
Posted by roddrum on June 27, 2008 at 10:21 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I just got 2 $30 tickets pretty easily over the internet. I will be in the nosebleed section but who cares? I am just glad to be in the same arena as Bruce. His shows are wonderful!!
Posted by forget on June 27, 2008 at 10:34 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Just got mine through Ticketmaster. Pretty simple. Had 3 different windows going, took the best 2 seats that came up. Left side of the stage. Can't wait to go again!
Posted by Cougars787 on June 27, 2008 at 10:41 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I just got 2 different sets of two for 95$, will be able to resell for much greater than face value in the next few weeks.
Posted by nature_lover on June 27, 2008 at 1:45 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Hey promo1, as for your $30 ticket prices, this is how it really went down.
You tell them which price you are willing to pay, and they give you what's left. They would accept the highest price for the worst seat in the house. They don't let people standing in line contact their friends to see if they're willing to pay that price for a crummy seat without forfeiting their place in line. They don't let you have a seating chart without forfeiting your place in line. No kidding. This is a scam. And you know what you are.
Posted by jwabell on August 7, 2008 at 11:19 a.m. (Suggest removal)
He's a tired act who's show 16 Aug would look just like the first show I saw in 1974 at the Cellar Door in DC or the second at Mile High in 1985! I hope he doesn't poke Stevie's foot when he stumbles over it in his walker!! 9 great musicians, 10 including Patti!?! What the...?? He's hardly known as a great singer or musician and Patti has rode his bandana nicely for years now!! "No Surrender" of a "C" note to see the Old Boss!!
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