Cheri Frey

I've been lucky to work on many mind-blowing performances and have met exceptional entertainers along the way. No, I can not get you a 'backstage pass,' but anyone can be a VIP:

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VIP perks vary from venue to venue and act to act. I can give you a few scenarios:

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VIP tickets: The artists & management, the venue and ticket scalpers frequently carve out the first 3 seating rows to sell VIP’s, plus a few comp tix for legit VIP’s. Often the only way to get front row/premium seats is to buy the VIP Package which typically has some swag thrown in to the package for added value.

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Many acts post-pandemic are doing VIP pre-show meet & greets. They often include a keepsake pic with the band. It is common place these days for the band to remain socially distant from fans, but the photo-op is still very well thought out. The most loyal fans wait for long periods to get to greet their favorite act, along with collecting signed autographs by the bus, but in 2023 it's nearly impossible without a VIP package to meet the performer,  

Backstage passes & VIP:
Security uses these passes to be able to control who goes where and when. An "All Access Pass” is the only one (Backstage) pass (or laminate) worn during that show and has identifying marks (date/venue/city) written on them, usually under control of the Tour Manager. Typically the security guards and every entrance/exit has a paper copy hanging of every pass acceptable for that show so there are no fakes.

Some VIP’s only receive comp tix to see the show and these comp tix are to be picked up at the Box Office “Will Call Window”. These VIP people or guests are typically friends and relatives of the performers or music industry folks who are interested in A&R.

VIP passes or folks on the guest list: Every show has outside people who have been helpful to improve the show, crowd attendance or just the buzz about who is coming to town. These VIP’s (local media, Radio DJ’s, music editors or interviewers, advance ticket outlets personnel, record label, booking agency reps, artist management, instrument reps for their Artists who endorse their product, local dignitaries or hero’s, etc.

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VIP Contest winners - typically sponsored by a local radio station.

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VIP Advice:

Do not appear "star-struck”and gawk, and dote over how fabulously famous they are. Do not talk unless spoken to. Do not test their memory and ask if they remember seeing you in the 4th row at Woodstock in 1969. Do not mention or GOD forbid compare them to any other band that you saw play at this venue in the past! "You are almost as good as when the Beatles played here," is an unnecessary insult.

They do not care if you are a friend of a friend of the former bass player's Mom. Your stories probably will not impress them and most likely will annoy them.

If you take pictures, ask if it is ok first! They may be contractually bound by the promoter by how they can be photographed.

Before the show, entertainers have a lot of mental and physical preparations: pre-show rituals, sound check, vocal warm-ups, physical stretching, changing clothing, applying make-up, last minute instructions to band, crew, venue, stage hands, sound and lighting, catering, security or their Tour Manager. PLEASE do not bother, delay, interrupt or pester any person working backstage.

It’s unusual you are backstage as a VIP, and we are all strangers. Being there is often uncomfortable to embarrassing for some VIPs who just don't know how to be themselves around a live event production .

IF YOU GO VIP:

Realize you may be hanging with people who have been privileged most of their life and rules apply different to them than the average concert goer.

Follow the rules and you will have an awesome VIP experience.

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