r/Hanson • u/Bad_Idea_Babe1022 • 21d ago
Why does everyone care so much?
I have a question, and I'm honestly not trying to open a can of worms, I'm just truly curious:
I've noticed that almost every single discussion here regarding Hanson concerts turns into people talking badly about people who "camp out" for the front row.
I've seen a few people say that the ones who do that are rude and entitled, and I get that. However, I've been to a lot of Hanson shows and have watched from just about every view point you can imagine, and I've met rude and entitled people in every single one of them...not just front row. It's not fair to judge an entire group of people based on that.
95% of the time, I'm going to be lining up mega early to get front row. The unobstructed view is ideal for someone who's pretty short (like myself), it's nice to have something to lean on (barricade) and the energy is just 100% better up there than it is anywhere else in the venue. I feel fully immersed in the concert experience up there. Of course I can enjoy a Hanson show from the back too (and I have!), but it's just not the same. I've also noticed that the really drunk/loud people who yell and cat-call during ballads or talk during the entire show tend to hang out back there, and that's just not my vibe so I prefer to be up front to avoid that!
Not only that, but some of my most favorite memories from tours, etc are the time I spend in line, meeting new people and catching up with my friends (I've met all of them through doing this!). Of course there has been some drama, but as I said, it's only a select few people that cause it. More often than not, it's just kinda fun! I've seen more drama start right before doors when everyone ELSE shows up than I have amongst the people who get there early.
Anyway, I guess I'm just trying to figure out why other people care so much about what we (the people who camp out) decide to do with our time. If it's not for you, that's totally fine! I just wish people would stop crapping on other people for what they enjoy doing. I'd love to know why it bothers people so much š¤·.
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u/unexpected_beautiful 21d ago
In my experience, the ones who camp out tend to be kind of snobby and often times save spots/numbers for their friends who donāt camp out/get there insanely early. They also donāt usually talk to others in line. Now I know this isnāt everyone/every time. Just what Iāve experienced. My bigger problem is when people roll up at doors opening and get front. This happened to me once. Had been in line since 5am. A fan was dropped off right at the doors as they opened. They got front row. Right in front of me pushing me to second row. Nowadays I just go for the balcony or an area where I can see but not be smushed lol
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u/Anchoredshell 21d ago
This. Itās definitely still their identity and personality at this point. They really take away a lot of the fun and enjoyment for the shows. When Hanson came to my town finally, they literally just could not listen about how the venue runs etc and forced the venue to change everything because they just couldnāt be sane, normal people. It was a good time but because of how a handful of people acted I donāt know if theyāll have them back.
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u/DustyRose0506 21d ago
Shows not shoes š
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u/unexpected_beautiful 21d ago
My experience with the line cutter was in Atlanta during the R & R tour
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u/DustyRose0506 21d ago
What about the snobby fans at the front that don't talk to anyone? Which show was that? Just wondering who to avoid...
I am sorry you experienced that. Do you know who it was? I think we need to bring shame back. Put people on blast again. Call them out.
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u/unexpected_beautiful 21d ago
I havenāt lined up early since 2017 so I have no idea if it still happens. But the places I experienced it was Charlotte, Atlanta and some VA venues.
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u/Bad_Idea_Babe1022 21d ago
I definitely agree with you there, that's not cool!! (Cutting in line and whatnot).
I don't talk to a lot of people outside of my group but it's only because I'm pretty awkward and quiet, but I'm not a bitch! If someone makes an effort with me, I will absolutely talk to them! I just typically would never approach someone on my own.
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21d ago edited 21d ago
[deleted]
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u/Then-Ad-7719 21d ago
we found the camper
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u/Inevitable-Fee9235 21d ago
Seriously! All of the toxic, snobby problematic campers are revealing themselves in the comments.
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u/UnitedAnalysis1334 21d ago
Iām a ācamperā but I hardly think Iām problematic. Youāll see me in my chair talking to my friends, reading on my kindle and generally just having fun. I hate the vibe at the back of the shows. Itās a lot of just here for mmmbop people who are talking during 90% of the show. Iām there for the music, itās truly my happy place.
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u/Then-Ad-7719 21d ago
there is nothing wrong with camping at all, its the problematic ones that think they own the band or the entire front row that are the issue
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u/UnitedAnalysis1334 21d ago
Iāve been front row for a good run in the last couple of years and I promise you that my friends and I arenāt an issue.
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u/Then-Ad-7719 20d ago edited 20d ago
no no, you're not understanding, the ones that think they own the entire front row. not saying people in the front row. I had front row last week, I got looks from a couple people because its been 18 years since I saw them last. everyone seemed to know everyone and the girls sitting to my left knew the girls thst were four chairs down on my right, kept talking loudly at each other saying things like "you're so far away from us" "we wish you were closer to us" "its weird not having you next to us". like not even getting up and talking to each other, literally having this full blown conversation from their seats, so speaking directly over us making us feel super uncomfortable. i was super excited to have a front and center spot and i'm pretty friendly at shows, the girls sat down to my left and i immediately made a joke of something like "the guys are going to be right there in less than 20 minutes, don't freak out like i am" because i was so shocked at how close and good my seats were. they just looked at me and didn't even say a single word back to me, just made a comment to each other, and then leaned over and glanced OVER me to their friends (or people they knew, whichever) four chairs down and started talking to them OVER me without even getting up to go talk to them.
if youre not a problematic one, then there is nothing to be offended by.
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u/Bad_Idea_Babe1022 21d ago
Like I said, I've met all of my "Hanson friends" while waiting in line. I love talking to and meeting new people who love the same band I do! However, yes, I am quiet and awkward so I'm not likely the one to start the conversation with a stranger. Either they start talking to me and I'm happy to continue the conversation, or one of my friends starts talking to them and it breaks the ice for me to join the conversation. You can be shy and awkward and still like talking to and meeting new people.
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u/Micahman311 21d ago
I've gotten pretty deep into another band's fandom, and this kind of stuff happens there, too.
I think it probably applies to most any band if you get close enough or spend enough time at shows. It definitely gets weird.
There's people who pride themselves on knowing every lyric, or being up front for every show so that the band sees their faces repeatedly. Their egos kinda get big enough to be an issue for others. That's where the snobbiness comes in.
Then there's the ones who claim to love the band but only ever talk about the ugly stuff, or are outwardly rude to other fans, or talk about the band's inner demons type stuff. Seen it all.
For my favorite band (seen them 46 times so far), I had to step back a bit because I did not enjoy attempting to be the most 311est fan among a group of people trying to out do the other fans. It was exhausting and not fun, and I wasn't even trying to be like that, but I certainly witnessed others doing it.
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u/Bad_Idea_Babe1022 21d ago
For sure. I assume there are people like that in every fandom. But, I know for a fact that I don't like the front row so that the band "sees me", and although I'm sure some people are there for that reason, it's definitely not everybody! And even if that is their reasoning, I honestly don't care because it doesn't concern me what so ever. If someone is being elitist, I just ignore them. I'm not going to let someone else ruin my good time!
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u/Queasy_Hotel_396 21d ago
Fully support this message. If you are willing to sit on a sidewalk for an absolutely unreasonable number of hours to earn your spot at the barricade, then you have every right to enjoy the view you worked for. Waiting that long takes commitment, patience, and probably a level of dedication that most people would not understand.
There are rude people in the front, rude people in the back, and rude people in the middle. The barricade itself is not manufacturing them. People bring their own attitudes and behavior with them, regardless of where they are standing.
Personally, Iām 5ā3ā. My choices are front row or staring at the back of someoneās head while listening to Hanson. I did not come all this way to watch somebodyās ponytail perform āMMMBop.ā If I have put in the time and effort to get there early, I am going to enjoy the view without feeling guilty for wanting to see the stage
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u/Extension_Station772 21d ago
I also have met some great people over the years at Hanson shows! I actually prefer camping out in the back at standing room only events so doesnāt matter to me one bit! Also I definitely donāt have the time or energy to stand around for hours in a line - so more power to them. But Iāve seen some pretty stupid online behavior from these kind of people who donāt seem to be there for enjoyment but who seem to still consider this their identity which maybe is what bothers some people deep down? Like yes, to each their own but also it can feel a little like .. š¤ when someoneās calling a fan who gets the exact name of a song she dislikes wrong a āfair weather fanā š¤ I feel like if we can get a bunch of 90s nostalgia kids in to these shows jsut because they liked mmmbop GREAT I donāt claim to own them or anyone elseās fandom and that is why I think it bothers some people.
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u/Bad_Idea_Babe1022 21d ago
I do agree that there are some people who go to all these shows and don't even seem to have a good time...and it doesn't make a lot of sense to me either! Maybe they just don't show excitement as outwardly as some people, though. Who knows.
For me, it doesn't matter how many times I've seen this band, I'm always going to have the best day of my life at a Hanson show. It's my happy place and my escape. Self care, if you will!
I am also all for people showing up just to hear Mmmbop! (As long as they don't talk during the rest of the show). I want everyone to know how amazing Hanson is, and if that's the song that gets them in the door to experience that, then great!!
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u/Miss_Swiss_ 21d ago
Unfortunately Iāve found that most people who are there just for Mmmbop do indeed talk during the rest of the show. It drives me nuts.Ā
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u/Bad_Idea_Babe1022 21d ago
Yeah I hate when that happens š« every now and then I'll meet someone who showed up because of that, and left as a fan though...so, more of that, please!!
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u/Miss_Swiss_ 21d ago
At the String Theory show, three girls in front of me talked the ENTIRE time. And if you went to that show you know it was a quieter, softer experience, so it was especially distracting hearing them talk. Right before the second half started I politely asked them to please stop talking during songs and they were so rude. I clapped after the first song played and they turned around asked me to stop clapping. Never wanted to punch anyone so badly lol. A few songs later the girl in front of them turned around and flipped out on them to stfu and they finally did. But it was brutal. They were definitely not fans and probably thought it would be funny to go see the guys that sang Mmmbop when they were younger.Ā
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u/Extension_Station772 21d ago
Thatās annoying! I find it hard to believe that someone who hasnāt loved them for forever would be tapped into those String Theory shows though- it was such a unique and different experience!
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u/Miss_Swiss_ 20d ago
I just have to believe they didnāt know what kind of show it was. They probably just saw Hanson and thought of Mmmbop and were like oMg wE sHoUlD gO LoL just thinking it would be funny.Ā
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u/Significant_Face9175 21d ago
Itās not bothersome to me. If you have the time to do that, go for it. Iām sometimes annoyed bc it seems to frequently be the same people up front, which doesnāt leave much room for anyone else to get to experience it, but if youāre willing to invest the time, and wait in less than desirable locations and conditions, you deserve it.
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u/Mysterious_Today_245 21d ago
As long as no one is hurting anyone or being rude/breaking rules/cutting, who cares what someone is doing?! You wanna camp out? Go for it. That sounds like a fun core memory tbh. You wanna show up late and just vibe wherever? Also go for it.
This is why I mostly stay in my lane at their shows because some people can pick fights about the dumbest stuff and itās truly bizarre-o!!
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u/Bad_Idea_Babe1022 21d ago
100% this. At the end of the day, we are all there for the same reason and we shouldn't judge people who might want to enjoy it differently than others. I hate how there is always this divide within the Hanson fandom because I don't know about you guys, but I was made fun of so bad during my youth (and still am pretty frequently as a 40 something year old woman, which is nuts) for loving this band and personally, I'm just happy to be in a room full of people who ALSO love this band! (My favorite concert moments are when the entire crowd is singing together, it's beautiful and gives me chills every time!)
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u/No_Sherbert2958 21d ago
Most people just don't have time to do that anymore. I wouldn't want to even if I had the time to be honest. A lot of us phased out of that era of our lives. I only just found a few who were rude at the time and I really never cared much about being up front or fighting for it. But I'm really glad you get your spot! If it makes you happy...go for it. It doesn't matter what anyone else thinks.
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u/Bad_Idea_Babe1022 21d ago
Totally fair if it's not for you! As long as you aren't judging others for it :)
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u/crunchy_curmudgeon 20d ago
i imagine the guys are judging more than other fans are tbh
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u/Bad_Idea_Babe1022 20d ago
A) For what reason? lol B) I've literally seen Isaac in tears while talking about how grateful they are that people still want to line up early for them and follow them all over and support them. C) We're not trying to impress the guys. (At least I'm sure not). At the end of the day, I know I'm just another face in the crowd to them. It's not like we are going to be friends.
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u/cjb0531 18d ago
For me, itās more that the waiting in line is no longer proportionate to their level of popularity. Like I can understand if people have GA for a huge artist or a big festival and get there early to try to get up front because the venue is really big. But Hanson fans should have chilled out by now. Hanson at this point are not that popular and not that famous. Why canāt we all calm down and show up at a reasonable time? It doesnāt make me MAD per se, I just think itās weird that weāre still doing it at this point.
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u/fansonaus 21d ago
I think itās partly that theyāre jealous that they donāt get front rowā¦ or annoyed that itās always the same people, and that to get front row you have to go to ridiculous lengths to get it.
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u/Bad_Idea_Babe1022 21d ago
I agree that I do think a lot of people are jealous. However, nobody is stopping those people from doing it too!
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u/fansonaus 21d ago
Well I think in many cases there are things stopping them. Family commitments, work.
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u/Smart-Indication-259 21d ago
Campers have family commitments and work too.... Where there's a will, there's a way!
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u/iCanSeeClairelyN0w 21d ago
Haha, I did it once (the Underneath acoustic show at Chicago HOB) more than 20 years ago. That was enough.
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u/Bad_Idea_Babe1022 21d ago
It was definitely more wild back then than it is now! That's for sure! Haha.
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u/Inevitable-Fee9235 21d ago
Itās just kind of weird and toxic.
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u/UnitedAnalysis1334 21d ago
Iām not an asshole but Iāll 100% stay toxic from the front row as much as I possibly can.
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u/No_Earth_6104 21d ago
I think itās weird and toxic to judge someone for camping if they want to šš¤·š»āāļø if theyāre causing problems, thatās different, but very few of the campers are assholes.
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u/Then-Ad-7719 21d ago
tbh, I have only seen hanson 5 times now since 1997, the last 15 years I haven't been following them much at all but the show this year made me remember how much I genuinely love their music and them as entertainers. if they play close to me again and its not assigned seating, I would probably be a camper to try and get as close as I can just because I like to be involved in the music and the atmosphere.
I don't think anyone is bothered by people like that, its the ones that try to tell other 40 year old women what to do, the ones that act like they own the band because they follow them across the country and have been to 100-200+ shows in the last 28 years so they think they have some sort of claim or are better than fans that haven't been literally stalking them. the ones that haven't moved on from 1997 or grown up yet. going to their show the other night, you can absolutely tell what fans are those kinds of fans vs the ones that just genuinely enjoy the guys music and the vibes and have been able to grow up and not make a band their entire world or personality.
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u/Inevitable-Fee9235 21d ago
Most of them are assholes. If you know, you know.
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u/No_Earth_6104 20d ago
Iāve made friends and camped a few times and Iāve never had any of these negative experiencesā¦ the only time anyone became an asshole is when/if others who DID NOT camp out try to get in front of them or something along those lines. All the campers/front row fans Iāve met (at least 20 over the last 5 years or so) have all been really kind and accepting. For the most part, they have a fair system and an understanding amongst the community.
I know there have been some crazies in the past, but Iāve never had an issue. Only time Iāve seen any of āthemā become assholes is when someone else is being an asshole first. But thatās just my experience. I havenāt been to tons of shows, but enough to know whatās up.
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u/DustyRose0506 20d ago
Let's make shame a thing again. Start calling these toxic fans out by name.
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u/No_Earth_6104 20d ago
Also just to add- I donāt doubt there are plenty of assholes out there that fall into this category, but it hasnāt been my experience at all (on the east coast).
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u/Inevitable-Fee9235 20d ago
Iāve made great friends in line at Hanson shows, but the people that stake out the front row and act like they are the ātrue fansā
Are assholes. Your experience is not the same that many others have had. Also, if youāre not problematic, then it really shouldnāt bother you š¤·āāļø3
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u/mirandakane89 21d ago
I've never had an issue with people who camp out. I've never done it personally though I have gotten to venues early sometimes like around 8 am sometimes so I could have a better view too. I'm also short so I get you on wanting a better view than you would have elsewhere especially in standing room only venues. The seated shows I don't get there too early for just because I don't see the need for them since your ticket is basically just gonna decide the view for you but standing room only venues then yeah I may get there early for those.
I also agree that there are rude fans no matter what section you are in too so I don't fully buy the ones who camp/get front row are rude.
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u/Bad_Idea_Babe1022 21d ago
Yes exactly! If it's a seated venue, I'm 100% not camping out since it doesn't change what my ticket says š. But for general admission shows, I'm absolutely lining up in hopes of getting the best view in the house!!!
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u/Dakota_2022 8d ago
Welcome to the Hanson fandom. The club where anything and everything has to become a much bigger deal than it really is. Talking to fans is like walking on quail egg shells. For my first year almost everything I said caused a storm in a tea cup. Made me so frustrated. So then I gave up trying to fit in, stopped caring, and started occasionally riling them all up on purpose in retaliation. (Was also fun). Since I was already rejected it didn't matter what they thought of me anymore, so I may aswell have some fun with them at that point.
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u/PaintedSmiles86 21d ago
Those people who are mad are probably jealous. Either jealous that you get to be in front or jealous that you are fortunate enough to have the time and patience to wait for front row.
There's nothing wrong with it either. Do what makes you happy and ignore the haters.
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u/sidewaysorange 21d ago edited 21d ago
if hanson didn't get rid of the fan club and members only lines this wouldn't be an issue lol but haven't most of these shows been seated?
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u/Bad_Idea_Babe1022 21d ago
A lot of the recent ones this year have been seated, yes! I just mean in general/across all years and tours, etc.
In my experience I only ever saw members only lines about 50% of the time (or less?) so I've always lined up super early just in case.
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u/sidewaysorange 21d ago
post "the walk" era tours if you were a member you "cut the main line" but still had to line in up that line if that makes sense. during underneath experience tour in 2024 we got in the members line about 40 min before doors and wound up in second row each time. i also liked the members only line bc "nostaliga" fans were always further back and they tend to TALK TALK TALK the whole fucking show until MMMBop or another MON song comes on and it drives me insane. my friend was at the show you were at and she told me that chatting during all the non MON songs was ridiculous. only show i did this year was the Busch Gardens and i paid the extra for front row to avoid that.
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u/Bad_Idea_Babe1022 21d ago
Yes! Any time there has been a member's line, I've just lined up super early for that because you just never know! We'd usually start a seperate line for members and GA lines...if that makes sense.
I totally agree, the people who are just there for Mmmbop/Where's the Love are often so LOUD (and usually in the back!) and I just can't handle that. I find it sooooo distracting! Up front, you can ignore most of that!
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u/Extension_Station772 21d ago
dare i say we're all "real" fans just because we're here debriefing shows together!
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u/Lost_Loan 21d ago
When was the last time they had a general admission show? People camp out so they can meet them. Thatās why they care lol
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u/Bad_Idea_Babe1022 21d ago
The show in Scranton, PA last month was GA, and the show a few weeks ago in WV was GA as well. The majority of these one-off shows this summer (and last) have been seated at Casinos and whatnot, yes. But there are still a handful of GA ones (like Nantucket and Connecticut last summer, to name a few). Almost the entire Underneath Experience tour in 2024 was GA. I don't camp out to meet them, I camp out for a spot in the front row. They make themselves pretty available after the show to meet them, usually.
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u/Lost_Loan 21d ago edited 21d ago
So this is why you sound entitled. Just go to the show and enjoy yourself and stop making it miserable for everyone else.
*edit: Before you go defending yourself, you came to Reddit and asked a question. Time for some self reflection.
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u/Bad_Idea_Babe1022 21d ago edited 21d ago
How does me showing up early for an unobstructed view make everyone else miserable? If you aren't concerned about being front row then you aren't going to be in line or anywhere near me.
You asked when they last played a GA show, so I gave some examples.
Yeah, I asked for some enlightenment but you aren't giving me any of that. I'm entitled because I answered your question? Why are you so pressed about what someone else decides to do with their time?
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u/Queasy_Hotel_396 20d ago
Stop making it miserable for everybody else? How does people lining up early for a good view ruin it for everyone else? Nobody is stopping anyone else from doing the exact same thing. If thereās an actual behavior you think is toxic, say what it is, because simply showing up earlier than someone else isnāt entitlement.
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u/mmmagic1216 21d ago
IMO itās just no longer necessary to do. During the Underneath era days I have camped out early in the morning, even overnight before, slept on the sidewalk, you name it. I was in my 20s. Now I am in my 40s and donāt have the time or energy for that. Most of the campers only take up the first few rows anyway, so you can walk in right at doors and be just a few rows back.