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Dream Theater => Concerts and Set Lists => Topic started by: Air Weaver on January 12, 2016, 11:43:16 AM

Title: First Meet and Greet: tips and info sought
Post by: Air Weaver on January 12, 2016, 11:43:16 AM
Hey folks, new to this board, but not to DT. I've been on board since Images and Words was the buzz in my local CD shop in college. Getting WDADU as an import was my biggest non-beer expense my junior year.

This is only my third DT show overall, and first in maybe 15 years. I have been to tons of live concerts over the years, probably 200+, so I am a veteran show goer.

But I've never been to a VIP meet and greet event before. I splurged on it for the Baltimore show. I was going to take our two kids, aged 9 and 12 to the show, but it's a school night and they are missing a week of school already for a trip to Dallas. So I parlayed that into part of a VIP ticket.

Anyway, I think my first question has been answered: do they sign stuff you bring? I have one piece I would really like to get signed, and I'm thinking about taking one more. I don't want to be the guy with a bag full, but is there a generally accepted limit? Is it one? I'm especially psyched that the VIP package included a signed poster. I'm a concert poster guy.

My other burning question may sound silly, but I'll ask anyway. So as I mentioned, I go to a lot of shows, and I have always followed the cardinal rule: you don't wear the shirt of the band you're going to see. (I had my kids violate this when they got Weird Al and Foo Fighters shirts at shows this last year, but they're kids.)  --- Now, I'm pysched to get my picture with the band. I would typically wear my Rush jersey from the 2012 tour (maybe it was 2011) because it's way cooler than any other concert tshirt I've gotten, and this would be an appreciative crowd.

But, if I'm going to meet a band and pose with them for a picture, is it douchey to be wearing another band's merch? Is this a special case?
I know the show is like 3+ months away and I am way over thinking this, but hey, that's what internet boards are for, right? Overanalyzing and nitpicking?

I'm also interested in knowing what the general VIP experience involves, how long you're backstage, is there a bar, etc.. I am going to the show with three friends, but I'm probably the only one doing VIP.

Title: Re: First Meet and Greet: tips and info sought
Post by: RaiseTheKnife on January 12, 2016, 11:56:31 AM
(1) Don't be the guy with a bag of stuff to sign.  The organizer's request that you don't, and it slows the line down. 

(2)  I've never heard of that silly cardinal rule.  Why bother selling concert shirts if concert goers have a reluctance to wear them at -- the concert!  Don't worry, the band does not care what you are wearing.
 
Title: Re: First Meet and Greet: tips and info sought
Post by: Prog Snob on January 12, 2016, 12:10:31 PM
Don't grab JP's crotch no matter how distracted you get him.
Title: Re: First Meet and Greet: tips and info sought
Post by: Evermind on January 12, 2016, 12:28:43 PM
I actually always wear the t-shirt of the band I'm going to see if I have one. Especially if I was at one of the previous concerts and have a tour t-shirt. It's quite nice experience anyway - on the latest DT show I had fans asking me where did I get the 2011 pre-ADToE tour t-shirt.

And if I don't have a said band t-shirt, I'll wear the most related one - for example, for the upcoming Nightwish gig I'm going to wear Ayreon's The Theory of Everything t-shirt because Marco was singing on it and Floor Jansen is a welcome guest on Ayreon too.
Title: Re: First Meet and Greet: tips and info sought
Post by: BFRedrocks on January 12, 2016, 01:30:02 PM
^^^^ This.

I did a M&G in 2007 with the band and it was cool, but short.  They basically have you line up and you go by each band member one by one to say hi, ask a very quick question if you have one, and get something (one item) signed by them.  When I went, I brought a 10" drum head that they all signed, and MP even drew the DT logo in the center.

I would try to have at least one question ready for each band member, and then maybe, just maybe, you'll remember one of them because you're star struck and speechless.   :lol
Title: Re: First Meet and Greet: tips and info sought
Post by: noxon on January 17, 2016, 03:27:41 PM
You already get a poster that they'll sign, so you can usually just bring one more item. Maybe two, if the M&G isn't super busy. If they have 50 people at the M&G, it goes without saying that they don't have the time to spend a minute with each of the visitors as well as taking the photo.

As for shirt - bring your best DT shirt. Who cares about silly rules.
Title: Re: First Meet and Greet: tips and info sought
Post by: Air Weaver on January 19, 2016, 01:47:36 PM
Thanks for the input folks. I am realizing the psuedo-hipster rule I go by is pretty much absent in the prog world. That's why I asked. I honestly don't have any DT wear. I didn't pick any up at the only two shows I went to ages ago. I am tempted by the work shirt with the Eclipse.

Looks like the M&G VIP is sold out for Baltimore, so I am sure it will be crowded. I also do a very particular kind of art, and I'm planning to bring a piece to give the band. I hope that's cool. It might just be for the picture.

 

Title: Re: First Meet and Greet: tips and info sought
Post by: cramx3 on January 19, 2016, 02:14:46 PM
The whole rule about t-shirts is kind of funny, did that come from a movie?  It's not true at all, I'd imagine since you've gone to other shows you have noticed it.

I typically may be the only one not wearing a band t-shirt at a show, I just don't normally wear band t-shirts anymore.
Title: Re: First Meet and Greet: tips and info sought
Post by: Gpals71 on January 19, 2016, 03:36:11 PM
I have never heard about that "Rule" either.
I always wear the band t-shirt on the shows i go to.
At least in Europe most people do. Correct me if I am wrong.
Title: Re: First Meet and Greet: tips and info sought
Post by: DragonAttack on January 19, 2016, 04:19:10 PM
Well, an Adrenaline Mob or Winery Dogs tee might be a bit out of place ;)

The shirt you wear is what you'll always see for your band picture.  Considering how they're all Rush fans, and JP was with Geddie on 'That Metal Show', you'd be in good company.  I wore a Queen Jazz tour jacket for a VIP thing, and it provided a bit of a conversation piece.
Title: Re: First Meet and Greet: tips and info sought
Post by: BFRedrocks on January 19, 2016, 04:39:26 PM
Yeah, when I did the M&G in 2007, I wore a TAMA drum shirt and MP said, "Nice shirt!"  :biggrin:
Title: Re: First Meet and Greet: tips and info sought
Post by: The Curious Orange on February 14, 2016, 07:18:11 AM
To be fair, I almost never wear the shirt of the band I'm going to see. Not some "rule" - just personal choice.
Title: Re: First Meet and Greet: tips and info sought
Post by: The Curious Orange on February 22, 2016, 02:55:29 AM
Well, the M&G at the Palladium was a little - rushed.  I forked out for the Mick Fleetwood M&G at the Fleetwood Mac O2 show last year, and that was my only other M&G experience. Mick was great, he spent a lot of time with us, chatting, taking questions, it was a real experience.

By contrast, DT were strictly in, photo, autograph, out. It certainly wasn't value for money. There were about 90 people there, and while I get that they can only spend a few seconds with each one, I don't think it would have hurt them to talk to us as a group, and take a few Q&As.

The "poster" was a tiny 12"x12" - a real let down after the giant art print on the last tour. And the "special" tour gift was even less special! So while I'm glad I've got a CD signed, I certainly don't feel I Met or Gret the band, and buying a signed CD from EBay would probably have been cheaper. All in all I feel a bit ripped off - this really wasn't a VFM experience! :(
Title: Re: First Meet and Greet: tips and info sought
Post by: ariich on February 22, 2016, 03:18:17 AM
To be fair, I almost never wear the shirt of the band I'm going to see. Not some "rule" - just personal choice.
Usually same for me. Mainly because if I'm wearing a band t-shirt, it's to say "I like this band". If I'm at a gig for the band, it's pretty much a given that I like them, so wearing a different band provides a different potential talking point. Not a rule at all though. Especially if one of the bands I'm interested in is the support, then I'll usually wear their t-shirt if I have one, for a similar reason.
Title: Re: First Meet and Greet: tips and info sought
Post by: ariich on February 22, 2016, 03:20:18 AM
I certainly don't feel I Met or Gret the band
I love creating new words. :lol
Title: Re: First Meet and Greet: tips and info sought
Post by: Kotowboy on February 22, 2016, 05:37:43 AM
Don't grab JP's crotch no matter how distracted you get him.

:lol Just imagine if you did that though.

Hey !

Hey ! What's up ?

On not much * GRAB*

:|

:emo: WHY THE FUCK DID I DO THAT
Title: Re: First Meet and Greet: tips and info sought
Post by: Prog Snob on February 22, 2016, 05:49:48 AM
Don't grab JP's crotch no matter how distracted you get him.

:lol Just imagine if you did that though.

Hey !

Hey ! What's up ?

On not much * GRAB*

:|

:emo: WHY THE FUCK DID I DO THAT

I've met him a number of times and judging by his personality that would probably be beyond awkward for him. Someone like MP would probably get freaked out and then laugh about it.  I can always sense JPs awkwardness when talking on stage and whatnot. He's definitely more introverted and I would become his new Count of Tuscany. He'd probably write a song called The Goose of Prince's Bay.
Title: Re: First Meet and Greet: tips and info sought
Post by: The Curious Orange on February 22, 2016, 08:37:14 AM
I thought JP came across as the most open and friendly of the lot of them, together with MM. JLB was either really jet-lagged or saving his energy for the show, and JR came across really intense, like an old physics professor or something.
Title: Re: First Meet and Greet: tips and info sought
Post by: Setlist Scotty on February 22, 2016, 12:32:33 PM
Well, the M&G at the Palladium was a little - rushed.  I forked out for the Mick Fleetwood M&G at the Fleetwood Mac O2 show last year, and that was my only other M&G experience. Mick was great, he spent a lot of time with us, chatting, taking questions, it was a real experience.

By contrast, DT were strictly in, photo, autograph, out. It certainly wasn't value for money. There were about 90 people there, and while I get that they can only spend a few seconds with each one, I don't think it would have hurt them to talk to us as a group, and take a few Q&As.

The "poster" was a tiny 12"x12" - a real let down after the giant art print on the last tour. And the "special" tour gift was even less special! So while I'm glad I've got a CD signed, I certainly don't feel I Met or Gret the band, and buying a signed CD from EBay would probably have been cheaper. All in all I feel a bit ripped off - this really wasn't a VFM experience! :(
Sorry to hear that Orange. It wasn't always like that - back when they started the whole paid M&G thing, originally they limited the number of people that could get the M&G package and besides the photo with the band, there was time to mingle with the band members. Shame that it's devolved to what it has.
Title: Re: First Meet and Greet: tips and info sought
Post by: Carlos_7x on February 22, 2016, 03:30:23 PM
I was wondering if I could go with a blue beard - MP alike without any trouble.

But then I decided not to.  :-\
Title: Re: First Meet and Greet: tips and info sought
Post by: genome on February 22, 2016, 04:07:38 PM
I thought JP came across as the most open and friendly of the lot of them, together with MM. JLB was either really jet-lagged or saving his energy for the show, and JR came across really intense, like an old physics professor or something.

I was lucky enough to meet them after the show for about 20 or 30 minutes. I think MM was a little tipsy on wine and was really outgoing. JP was great, though I found JLB to be quite relaxed and chatty (he was telling me and ariich about how he nearly chopped his fingers off before the tour) so perhaps he was just a little nervous about the show. Definitely agreed on JR. He was perfectly chatty, but the way he holds your gaze is quite intense.  :lol
Title: Re: First Meet and Greet: tips and info sought
Post by: ariich on February 22, 2016, 04:38:12 PM
I thought JP came across as the most open and friendly of the lot of them, together with MM. JLB was either really jet-lagged or saving his energy for the show, and JR came across really intense, like an old physics professor or something.

I was lucky enough to meet them after the show for about 20 or 30 minutes. I think MM was a little tipsy on wine and was really outgoing. JP was great, though I found JLB to be quite relaxed and chatty (he was telling me and ariich about how he nearly chopped his fingers off before the tour) so perhaps he was just a little nervous about the show. Definitely agreed on JR. He was perfectly chatty, but the way he holds your gaze is quite intense.  :lol
I'd agree with that, but I have to say I really liked JR. I can see why he might come across as intense, but to me he came across as genuinely interested, which I really liked.
Title: Re: First Meet and Greet: tips and info sought
Post by: genome on February 22, 2016, 04:45:42 PM
Oh, yeah of course! He was great.
Title: Re: First Meet and Greet: tips and info sought
Post by: Prog Snob on February 22, 2016, 05:02:30 PM
I've met them all numerous times, and even interviewed MP with a friend for a local radio station, and I have to say that James has been the most outgoing and friendliest.
Title: Re: First Meet and Greet: tips and info sought
Post by: cramx3 on February 23, 2016, 06:14:16 AM
I've met them all numerous times, and even interviewed MP with a friend for a local radio station, and I have to say that James has been the most outgoing and friendliest.

Probably cause he is Canadian and not American  :lol
Title: Re: First Meet and Greet: tips and info sought
Post by: Prog Snob on February 23, 2016, 06:19:43 AM
I've met them all numerous times, and even interviewed MP with a friend for a local radio station, and I have to say that James has been the most outgoing and friendliest.

Probably cause he is Canadian and not American  :lol

That could very well be it. You know how desperate those Canadians are for friendship.   :lol   *hides from Chad*
Title: Re: First Meet and Greet: tips and info sought
Post by: El Barto on February 24, 2016, 12:33:58 PM
When you shake Mangini's hand, announce loudly "Wow! I can't believe I'm meeting Mike Portnoy!"
Address JMX as Ma'am.
Try to grab Petrucci's crotch at least twice. I've heard it's worth it.
Whatever you say to JLB, make sure it ends with eh.
Try do discuss gravity and space-time with Rudess. I'll bet he's got some fascinating insight.
Title: Re: First Meet and Greet: tips and info sought
Post by: pcs90 on February 24, 2016, 07:44:00 PM
When you shake Mangini's hand, announce loudly "Wow! I can't believe I'm meeting Mike Portnoy!"
I can't help but wonder if this has ever actually happened.
Title: Re: First Meet and Greet: tips and info sought
Post by: Rickharris1011 on February 27, 2016, 04:43:49 AM
The whole rule about t-shirts is kind of funny, did that come from a movie?  It's not true at all, I'd imagine since you've gone to other shows you have noticed it.

I typically may be the only one not wearing a band t-shirt at a show, I just don't normally wear band t-shirts anymore.

It's probably a little sad that this will be my input on the thread.... but yes - it was from movie.  1994's cinematic apex, PCU. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GgFcl3BrJpU


Title: Re: First Meet and Greet: tips and info sought
Post by: Tathy on March 14, 2016, 11:55:07 AM
A
Title: Re: First Meet and Greet: tips and info sought
Post by: BFRedrocks on March 16, 2016, 05:32:02 PM
Just curious what folks think of this idea:

In 2007, I did a M&G with the band and got everyone to sign a 10" drum head, with MP drawing the DT logo in the center (on his own...I didn't request that).  I was thinking about bringing the same drum head and having MM sign it to have the "complete" lineup (at least ever since JR joined).  Would that be cool or tacky/weird?
Title: Re: First Meet and Greet: tips and info sought
Post by: Sir GuitarCozmo on April 14, 2016, 12:50:24 PM
The whole rule about t-shirts is kind of funny, did that come from a movie?  It's not true at all, I'd imagine since you've gone to other shows you have noticed it.

I typically may be the only one not wearing a band t-shirt at a show, I just don't normally wear band t-shirts anymore.

It's probably a little sad that this will be my input on the thread.... but yes - it was from movie.  1994's cinematic apex, PCU. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GgFcl3BrJpU

Classic.  I love PCU.  Although I still think the T-shirt rule is wrong.
Title: Re: First Meet and Greet: tips and info sought
Post by: Uncle Pauly on April 14, 2016, 12:56:32 PM
For the M & G on this tour what is the time frame for it? I guess specifically, can you exit the location of the meet & greet and come back in later for your seat. I am intending on getting a guitar signed and am hoping I can give it to a buddy outside to take to my house as I don't really want to carry it around all night. Thanks for any responses........cheers!
Title: Re: First Meet and Greet: tips and info sought
Post by: El Barto on April 14, 2016, 04:48:37 PM
Just curious what folks think of this idea:

In 2007, I did a M&G with the band and got everyone to sign a 10" drum head, with MP drawing the DT logo in the center (on his own...I didn't request that).  I was thinking about bringing the same drum head and having MM sign it to have the "complete" lineup (at least ever since JR joined).  Would that be cool or tacky/weird?
I don't know if they would think it was weird/tacky or not. However, I suspect MM would be far too polite to object, and it's not like any of them were going to ask you out for drinks after the show, or invite you to fuck their sister or something. If it's something you want signed I don't see why it'd be a problem. Personally, I don't think it'd be something I wanted. I'd take a different drum head and get them all to sign that one (and order Mangini to draw something on it better than Portnoy's).
Title: Re: First Meet and Greet: tips and info sought
Post by: El Barto on April 14, 2016, 04:54:08 PM
My tendency is to try be the only person in a building wearing a particular shirt. That usually means it's not a shirt from the band performing, unless it's something unique. On the rare occasion that DT deigns to play Dallas I'll wear my Score shirt, for example. Otherwise, for shows down here I'll usually wear shirts from tours that didn't come through. 
Title: Re: First Meet and Greet: tips and info sought
Post by: cramx3 on April 15, 2016, 06:11:10 AM
I typically don't think too much about what I am going to wear, but one time when I saw Iron Maiden I clearly didn't think at all before I left my house in the morning and actually wore a white t-shirt.  My friend ended up doing the same thing surprisingly on the same concert day.  So when we both arrived to the concert, we were the only two people in white shirts.  We were laughing so hard at ourselves.  The best part though, was the we were right up front, maybe about 3 or 4 people away from the barrier and the band released a crowd shot from the concert and you can clearly see a sea of black and two people with white shirts  :lol  (I saved this picture, but it's on my home PC) It seemed like we did that on purpose but I swear we did not.  Regardless, I woke up this morning knowing I am going to a concert right after work so I wore a black Jack Daniels shirt.
Title: Re: First Meet and Greet: tips and info sought
Post by: Sir GuitarCozmo on April 15, 2016, 07:04:43 AM
My tendency is to try be the only person in a building wearing a particular shirt. That usually means it's not a shirt from the band performing, unless it's something unique. On the rare occasion that DT deigns to play Dallas I'll wear my Score shirt, for example. Otherwise, for shows down here I'll usually wear shirts from tours that didn't come through. 

My favorite shirt for that sort of occasion (something nobody else is wearing) is an all black shirt with two spotlights shining up on the words "Your band sucks."

I've worn that to multi-band festivals that we've played, several times.  :lol
Title: Re: First Meet and Greet: tips and info sought
Post by: El Barto on April 15, 2016, 08:23:44 AM
I typically don't think too much about what I am going to wear, but one time when I saw Iron Maiden I clearly didn't think at all before I left my house in the morning and actually wore a white t-shirt.  My friend ended up doing the same thing surprisingly on the same concert day.  So when we both arrived to the concert, we were the only two people in white shirts.  We were laughing so hard at ourselves.  The best part though, was the we were right up front, maybe about 3 or 4 people away from the barrier and the band released a crowd shot from the concert and you can clearly see a sea of black and two people with white shirts  :lol  (I saved this picture, but it's on my home PC) It seemed like we did that on purpose but I swear we did not.  Regardless, I woke up this morning knowing I am going to a concert right after work so I wore a black Jack Daniels shirt.
First time I saw Maiden I was 14 and doing a year at a Christian private school. I had to leave straight from school and was wearing a button down shirt and slacks. Tried my best to make it look casual and unkempt to blend in, but there's only so much you can do. We had passes for that show so I went backstage afterward wearing that, which made me feel even more dorky.
Title: Re: First Meet and Greet: tips and info sought
Post by: vtgrad on April 15, 2016, 09:39:33 AM
Just curious what folks think of this idea:

In 2007, I did a M&G with the band and got everyone to sign a 10" drum head, with MP drawing the DT logo in the center (on his own...I didn't request that).  I was thinking about bringing the same drum head and having MM sign it to have the "complete" lineup (at least ever since JR joined).  Would that be cool or tacky/weird?

For the DC stop of the ADTOE tour, I brought the original Lifting Shadows (box and all) and asked them to sign the box.  MM said "you sure you want me to sign this?  I'm not in it."  I said of course I wanted him to sign it, he's part of the family now; JLB looked at me and laughed a little bit.  For the three M&Gs I've done, they've all been very relaxed and signed anything in front of them.

I'll say that JP, MP (2007), and JM have been the most responsive during the M&Gs I've been a part of; JP especially.  He joked with my wife and I a little about the GoT chair he's sitting in on the Guitar World cover I had him sign... he told my wife he has that chair and sits in it all the time for "inspiration".  JP's got a natural laugh.

I try to remember to tell them that I appreciate what they do... and that they're still doing it.
Title: Re: First Meet and Greet: tips and info sought
Post by: Victimlas on April 17, 2016, 11:28:28 AM
For the M & G on this tour what is the time frame for it? I guess specifically, can you exit the location of the meet & greet and come back in later for your seat. I am intending on getting a guitar signed and am hoping I can give it to a buddy outside to take to my house as I don't really want to carry it around all night. Thanks for any responses........cheers!

Time wise there will be enough time for you to take the guitar back out to your friend (or to take signed items to the car). Some venues have a strict no re-entry policy but we've never had an issue when asking nicely to drop things off to our car after a VIP.  I would definitely ask when you check in for the VIP, and then when you exit, make sure you tell security at the door what you are doing and that you'll be right back.
Title: Re: First Meet and Greet: tips and info sought
Post by: oyajiben on May 05, 2016, 03:54:24 PM
Well, the M&G at the Palladium was a little - rushed.  I forked out for the Mick Fleetwood M&G at the Fleetwood Mac O2 show last year, and that was my only other M&G experience. Mick was great, he spent a lot of time with us, chatting, taking questions, it was a real experience.

By contrast, DT were strictly in, photo, autograph, out. It certainly wasn't value for money. There were about 90 people there, and while I get that they can only spend a few seconds with each one, I don't think it would have hurt them to talk to us as a group, and take a few Q&As.

The "poster" was a tiny 12"x12" - a real let down after the giant art print on the last tour. And the "special" tour gift was even less special! So while I'm glad I've got a CD signed, I certainly don't feel I Met or Gret the band, and buying a signed CD from EBay would probably have been cheaper. All in all I feel a bit ripped off - this really wasn't a VFM experience! :(

In general, has anybody seen the official photos of the meet and greet? I got the platinum package for this coming Saturday in LA and got the password of the "event" site so I checked out almost every single picture of the meet and greets . The quality of the pics is pretty lame and based on several pics I saw from different angles, looks like there's a guy or two taking pictures with a smart phone. I hope they aren't the official "photographers" (in quotation marks, as a real photographer uses a camera not a cell phone).
Title: Re: First Meet and Greet: tips and info sought
Post by: RaiseTheKnife on May 05, 2016, 04:04:28 PM
Definitely not smart phone pictures.  They used a real camera in every M&G I've attended.  Personally, I've never had any qualms with the quality of the images made available, but others might have higher standards.  I dunno.
Title: Re: First Meet and Greet: tips and info sought
Post by: earlilano on May 05, 2016, 10:47:39 PM
Are you allowed to bring your own camera for meet and greets?
Title: Re: First Meet and Greet: tips and info sought
Post by: RaiseTheKnife on May 05, 2016, 10:56:22 PM
I don't think so.  They do not allow you to take your own pictures with the band.
Title: Re: First Meet and Greet: tips and info sought
Post by: Uncle Pauly on May 08, 2016, 11:42:03 AM
When do they send your info for M & G?  My show is in 2 days and I don't have yet to be contacted.
Title: Re: First Meet and Greet: tips and info sought
Post by: earlilano on May 08, 2016, 12:01:48 PM
When do they send your info for M & G?  My show is in 2 days and I don't have yet to be contacted.

Should be by today. You could also just email songkick. Also, make sure you check your spam folder.
Title: Re: First Meet and Greet: tips and info sought
Post by: noxon on June 27, 2016, 12:11:11 PM
Cell phone picture would be better quality than what we do get... It's a 1280x720 shot cropped to remove the border around the DT banner - so in practice it's arround 1100 wide... Not print quality at all. Having a picture taken by my iPhone would be a tremendous quality increase over what we did get...
Title: Re: First Meet and Greet: tips and info sought
Post by: Drinktheater on September 23, 2017, 10:42:07 AM
I think I will just bump this old thread instead of making a new ones so less clutter.

Anyway I am wondering how did the meet and greet events in 2017 Images and words beyond go? I am excited will see them in two days in Manila!

I have my Tablature of I&W and Awake ready to be signed by JP, I also plan to bring the I&W sleeve to be signed by the rest.

I have already a few questions ready to ask them except for MM and JLB!!

I don't want to sound awkward or much worst rude!, English is not my first language obviously lol.
Title: Re: First Meet and Greet: tips and info sought
Post by: lucky7 on September 24, 2017, 10:10:49 PM
If it is anything like Australia, you will have time to get your things signed and ask quick questions.
You may get pushed along if it looks like you are holding everyone else up.
But they are all very friendly, and as everyone else in the line is a fan as well, they won't rush you!  :)
Title: Re: First Meet and Greet: tips and info sought
Post by: Drinktheater on September 25, 2017, 12:17:01 AM
Nice I am excited .

I am litteraly waiting at the venue now as of this moment!!
Title: Re: First Meet and Greet: tips and info sought
Post by: Ben_Jamin on October 29, 2017, 12:29:49 AM
Alright. Show is tomorrow...

I'm going to bring the Images portion of the DT biography. And have them sign a random photo from inside.  Also, I'm gonna ask them if they have a story to go with that pic. One special question from JR, since he was here and posted a pic on his FB page, probably checking out the venue.

Also, I have no idea what to have Mangini sign?
Title: Re: First Meet and Greet: tips and info sought
Post by: Drinktheater on October 30, 2017, 01:06:17 PM
Alright. Show is tomorrow...

I'm going to bring the Images portion of the DT biography. And have them sign a random photo from inside.  Also, I'm gonna ask them if they have a story to go with that pic. One special question from JR, since he was here and posted a pic on his FB page, probably checking out the venue.

Also, I have no idea what to have Mangini sign?

I choked during my Meet and greet if this is your first time damn you might get star struck and just fumble around and may end up you getting the band sign the wrong items or that wrong place.

That is my dilemma too what to have Mike Mangini sign.  I am suppose to have him sign a Steve Vai album the Fire Garden Suite where he performed Drums but I panicked and he end up signing my Images and Words album sleeve instead.
Title: Re: First Meet and Greet: tips and info sought
Post by: Ben_Jamin on October 30, 2017, 01:57:00 PM
Yeah I just ended up having them sign pics I just randomly turned to. Funny thing JLB and JR were both surprised at the Images portion of the biography...asking something akin to "what version is this? Ive never seen this?"

Particularly JR because the page he signed was when he joined and it had an old pic of him.

It was fun and neat. But I felt rushed but could've been me being me. Did get a bit starstruck but not much. I know they're people too and pretty funny as well.

Myung was Myung, and JP was really talkative. Asking how we were, I said "Ready to rock" he said "Thats what I like to hear."

Title: Re: First Meet and Greet: tips and info sought
Post by: Drinktheater on October 31, 2017, 11:14:05 AM
Yeah I just ended up having them sign pics I just randomly turned to. Funny thing JLB and JR were both surprised at the Images portion of the biography...asking something akin to "what version is this? Ive never seen this?"

Particularly JR because the page he signed was when he joined and it had an old pic of him.

It was fun and neat. But I felt rushed but could've been me being me. Did get a bit starstruck but not much. I know they're people too and pretty funny as well.

Myung was Myung, and JP was really talkative. Asking how we were, I said "Ready to rock" he said "Thats what I like to hear."

Good you seem to really enjoyed

I enjoyed greatly too, I felt a bit rushed but not because we are being rushed its just I lost tracked of time.  I was not able to talk much to Jordan because when I saw Mike Mangini there is no one infront of him so he has nothing to do and when he made I contact he smiled and wave at me and ask me

"Hey whats up" "What album do you want me to sign?"

I was not prepared for that I thought they will be too busy signing others stuff but damn I choked and I just said hi and I made him sign the Images and Words sleeve, I was still infront of Jordan so I just said thank you to Jordan and move on to Mike, Mike was saying something like "Oh wow do you want to sign that book too?"  he was referring to my Awake Guitar Tablature so I just hand it over to him and I said thank you.

Even though I am not suppose to have him sign it but its like I don't want to disappoint him or something so I just say yes please. Oh and I am not really prepared that they will really interact like that. As for JP it seems he is kinda super relax and just being himself and I ask him a quick question " I ask him if he ever played classical guitar pieces like in a real classical nylon guitar and it seems it kinda caught him offguard and have to think for a couple of seconds and he replied "oh nope sorry but I never played classical" and he replied "do you?"

That is where I got starstruck more damn the Guitar God just ask me back if I play classical guitar and that is where it got awkward I was not able to directly answer the question and I just mumbled something and said "ah yes but I am not really good at it" I think he felt that I am really feeling awkward and he just said "oh uhh okay" And I just thank you and move to James.

Oh my Like I said I felt rushed because I think was not able to compose myself and I moved kinda fast really a great experience though, I would certainly do it again even though I think it is overpriced.

I think it is really just better to bring two items since you are only allowed to have them sign up to two Items per member. I planned to have them signed different album covers per member so I brought like 5 items total. Like I only plan JP and  to sign the Awake and I&Ws guitar tabs and have James and Jordan Labrie Sign Scenes from a memory and I&Ws and John Myung to sign the Awake albums  and for Mike to sign the tour poster 

It got too complicated when I am already there and I end up only getting one signature from Jordan and John Myung.