TJ Questions, What's New, Pussycat?
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June Question of the Month: Fan Appreciation?
Wednesday, May 31st, 2006Our question of the month is:
Let’s just say Tom’s management offered a fan appreciation program.
What should it be? AND, how much more over the ticket price — if anything — would you pay for it?
Last month we played “let’s say” and asked what you’d like to hear if, let’s say, Tom were to replace the two songs in his encore. This month we’re playing that game again.
Before you answer, you might want to read the information below.
Barry Manilow reserves the first three rows for his devoted “Fanilows” and, his most devoted Fanilows — known as “Barry’s Girls” — may choose to pay $1,000. For that price they get front row center seats, a pre-show cocktail party with Barry, a photo with him and an autographed program.
On a less grand scale, fans of U2 can pay an annual fee (about 40 USD) and get preferential ticket ordering privileges — for all U2 concerts worldwide — a few days before tickets go on general sale. Bob Dylan fans can go to his site and, for free, can get a code to order tickets for any of his concerts anywhere in the world at a presale.
NOTE: These services are available worldwide and the actual geographical location of the site has no bearing on ability to take advantage of the offer. It is a function of the performer/performer’s management taking the initiative to work out the details with the ticket outlets and venues.
Julio Iglesias has a party for fans when he plays Las Vegas and Bruce Willis had one, too. And there was no admission fee.
Of course, all any performer owes an audience is a good performance. We know that. But this is a place for dreams, isn’t it? So, please share yours.
June 1st, 2006 at 8:55 am
My first choice would be to have tickets available online to registered fans prior to the public sale, similar to what TomJones.com has for their British fans. They could be a higher price, perhaps $50 over the scheduled highest ticket price. Their management really needs a U.S. based fan site, like tomjonesinternational.com, to serve the fans here in these matters.
Second, I would choose a package similar to the $1,000 Barry Manilow promotion, but at a more reasonable price, perhaps $500. I say this because when I (and many people) see Tom, flights, hotel, etc. have to be booked and it adds up. However, if there were no options available other than a $1,000 price tag, I would gladly pay it. It would be really nice if a dinner with him were included in that price.
It would be a dream come true to have Tom’s management team host a party (gratis) for his fans a couple of times a year, but I don’t think hell is due to freeze over anytime soon.
June 1st, 2006 at 12:56 pm
I Totally agree with you, Laura. I am from Canada and the cost does add up, especially when you see several shows a year. Any choice as long as TJ is included in the package is OK with me.I would go along with the Barry promo, with dinner. To host a private party/(gratis) for fans from different locales: (US, Canada) a couple of times a year would be great, too!!
June 2nd, 2006 at 8:03 am
I agree with Laura and Katherine but instead of “paying perhaps $50 over the scheduled highest ticket price,” I’d be willing to pay an annual fee like the U2 fans do. Of course, Bob Dylan has the best price (free) for presale but I’d be willing to pay $40 to $50 a year for the right to purchase tickets early.
Although I think what the Barry’s Girls have to pay ($1000) is a bit steep, I would be willing to pay up to $500 because the final cost would be around $1,000 anyway (or more) due to travel and hotels (unless you live in Vegas like some folks do )
But a private party, especially gratis, would be way too awesome! I know that Gerard Butler hosts a party for his “Tarts” in Scotland. He’s not always at the gatherings but family members are and it’s a great way for his fans to meet each other and see a bit of Scotland. If Tom’s management would host a party in Las Vegas, Los Angeles, or Wales, I’d start saving my pennies today!!!
BTW, thanks for asking!
I know that,in essence, all Tom really owes us is continued great performances BUT then again, where would he be without us???? I don’t want Hell to freeze over but it would be nice if Tom’s management showed his fans a bit more respect and appreciation.
June 2nd, 2006 at 11:53 am
You know what I would LOVE? I celebrated my birthday on Wednesday and I would have just died and gone to heaven if I got a phone call from Tom Jones on my birthday. Failing that, they could randomly choose members from the website and:
1. Mail them an autographed CD or some SWAG with a Happy Birthday autographed photo from TJ;
OR
2. a free pair of concert tickets for the next show in their area. Oohhhh! That would be sweeeeet!
PS: I live in Toronto. I’m not busy in July ; )))
Fay
June 2nd, 2006 at 11:54 am
Oh… and I live really close to Hamilton, Ontario and London, Ontario too.
June 2nd, 2006 at 12:06 pm
Fanilow? Good God and heaven above, that is creepy.
Speaking of which: do Tom Jones’ fans have a name? Jonesers? Welsh Support Cups? Tom Thumbs Up? Tommy’s Knockers? Just a thought ; ))
June 2nd, 2006 at 12:13 pm
Oooh! What about a custom voicemail message from TJ for a few lucky fans:
(Insert Tom Jones voice) “Hello, you have reached Fay’s private voicemail, the pussycat is powdering her ahem nose and is not able to take your call at the moment. Please leave a message at the sound of the (insert pussy cat growl).”
How awesomecool would THAT be?!
June 2nd, 2006 at 6:57 pm
OK, from reading the above comments, I can see how behind the times I must be. I don’t see to many shows except for Tom, so therefore I was not even aware of these fan incentives. All of your suggestions are great, but it does seem to me to be giant leaps for his management. I personally would settle for baby steps.
As a fan I would feel appreciated if there was a current tour book to purchase. Also, I would like to see show merchandise available for sale. I know this is nothing that has not been suggested in the past, but I feel it bears repeating. Also I think Tom and his management would be pleased to know the lengths I and other U.S. fans go to promote his popularity here. I have a job where I work one-on-one with the public in a quiet atmosphere, and use this time to play Tom’s music (mostly current). So many of my clients want to know where to purchase the music for themselves, but cannot without the hassle of online searching and ordering and waiting. If it’s too much trouble, they forget about it. Making these items more available to the fans would be appreciated. I have also been vey pleased to see a number of my clients attending shows at my suggestion. I feel like a Tom Jones sales rep without the proper support from headquarters.
June 3rd, 2006 at 8:16 am
I have to say that after much thought, I have to agree with Audrey. Although it would be wonderful to have a party with Tom, it would be impossible for him to accommodate all the people who would show up!
I also agree that it would be nice to be appreciated by his management. Just to acknowledge the fans all over the world by having shirts, programs etc. at concerts would be a wonderful start.
As far as paying to meet Tom, I still go back to the fact that it leaves out a number of people who can’t afford to pay $1,000.00.
June 3rd, 2006 at 9:49 am
Just a note that we weren’t suggesting by any means that Tom’s management charge $1,000 (or £531.46) to meet him. We were merely giving examples of what other entertainers do. Awhile back someone wrote that Wayne Newton has a program at a relatively moderate price that enables fans to have a meet-and-greet backstage. There are all sorts of ways to do fan appreciation and we are not advocating any one. These are absolutely not our suggestions or, necessarily, our choices for fan appreciation.
They were just a list of what some fans are offered.
June 5th, 2006 at 8:26 am
What’s important to me is I would like a chance at advanced ticket sales. However, I wouldn’t complain about a draw for a backstage meet & greet or a music gift of some sort. This is what Rod Stewart is doing:
“Rod Stewart Fan Club Membership
We are happy to announce the opportunity for fans to join the ultimate Rod Stewart members-only fan community. You can add a membership to the new club with your copy of Volume IV! Membership includes access to a members-only Web site with exclusive content and community features such as a message board and chat room and access to advanced ticket sales! You will also receive a club gift within the membership year.
The exclusive fan club Web site is currently being constructed and you will receive an email when the site is officially launched. The email will provide instructions on how to log in and how to update all of your personal information.
To purchase a membership at an initial discounted price, make sure to select the correct area (USA and Canada $39.95 or International $44.95) from the drop-down box below, as any incorrect orders will be VOIDED.”
June 7th, 2006 at 5:59 pm
Wow! These are great ideas. I really like the voicemail msg idea, the wording is purrrrfect. I would pay extra to get early and good tickets, I would love having the opportunity to do this. Obviously Tom has been very poorly marketed in the US, surprising since the more he earns the more management earns and inherits. Go figure.
June 7th, 2006 at 7:11 pm
I think Tom should do like Wayne Newton.I think that it would be great to have Tom sings to us and be able to meet and greet Tom.
—Flo
June 8th, 2006 at 4:52 am
I totally agree with Audrey…if management is going to do anything, baby steps like getting new tour books and more merchandise would be a great start. I love the cover of the one I bought in Vegas back in 2004 but I would LOVE a giant size photo of him in that goatee!!!
However, I LOVE all the other ideas suggested as well! A birthday phone call??? Wouldn’t that be just so way too awesome??? Of course, with my luck, I would be in the backyard, in the bathroom, or on the rare occasion out and about but if he would leave a message, I could save it and listen to it over and over again!
June 9th, 2006 at 9:13 pm
I think it would be appropriate for Tom to charge up to $100 extra for a Meet & Greet. Wayne Newton has “Gold Circle Seats” for his shows for $100: that includes a front row seat & meet and greet (pictures but no autographs) I think it would be worth it. On eBay, Engelbert sent a note & dozen roses to a lucky bidder for Mother’s Day. Maybe Tom could aution off old shirts or the like. I just wish Tom would sell more DVDs that are playable on US players. PS: Belated Happy Birthday TJ
June 13th, 2006 at 7:53 pm
I would like to have the opportunity to buy the best seats available. How about a Tom Jones T-Shirt “for members only?” I was very disappointed that there was no merchandise for sale at the last two concerts. I would like to have a new Tom Jones DVD. I am just happy when I do get to see him and look forward to my next opportunity.
June 20th, 2006 at 10:52 am
It’s interesting that this question is echoed in the official forum question of whether fans are listened to. We didn’t post it but we have followed the responses from fans and Tom’s management with interest. We recognize that you cannot please everyone (didn’t Abraham Lincoln point that out?) but we think what people mostly feel is the complete lack of effort, whether it be merch, TV appearances, interviews, etc. A look at the poll on tomjones.com reveals that of the few who answered it (and one forum writer was correct, it’s difficult to sign in and often not worth the effort just to click on a poll answer) the overwhelming number are from North America. Shouldn’t that speak loudly and clearly to management? We hope it will. Everyone — fan, management and performer alike — would benefit if there were a real recognition of the fans and their (usually reasonable) wishes.