Fan Fare, What's New, Pussycat?
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A Note On Ticket Prices and Other Charges
Monday, January 26th, 2009The price of Tom Jones concert tickets are not out of line with what other performers are getting these days. But what many fans believe is out of line are those extra charges — variously called “surcharges” or “convenience” charges.
Two east coast fans who are otherwise thrilled beyond words that Sir Tom will be there next month wrote and called to express their disgust at Live Nation’s “ticket fee” of $14.75 (!) and Ticketmaster’s $9.45 “convenience charge.” And, if for some reason you must have the tickets mailed (highly unusual) it can cost up to $18 more.
Of course, if you can get to the venue to buy the tickets these charges aren’t a factor.
For the record, the top two tiers of seats as Asbury Park’s Paramount Theatre ($100 and $79.50) are no longer available. In fact, the $100 tickets were never generally available but were held for subscribers and VIPs.
January 27th, 2009 at 1:52 am
It’s too bad these fees are added to the price of the ticket,everyone is cutting back due to the financial climate and this dos’ent help.However’I must say I have always found Tom’s tickets well priced to other artist’s.
January 27th, 2009 at 5:57 am
When the tickets for Asbury Park, NJ went on sale this Sat at 10:00 a.m. I was right on that phone at 10:01, only to be told there were not tickets left (already) in the first 2 sections and then when I inquired about remaining tickets, I was told the computer froze and to call back later. When I called back in the afternoon, the computer was up but they had no seating chart (I did) to tell me where they were putting me. So I went on line Monday to find there are $69.50 seats which are OK, but still pretty far back. In checking ticket brokers, they are selling front row to 4th row seats. Because I travel all over to see Sir Tom, I think the easiest venue to purchase tickets is at the MGM in Las Vegas – you call, you get good seats – end of story – and no hassle (and no convenience charge)
January 27th, 2009 at 6:33 am
Carol M – I had similar problems with the tickets last year for the Florida venue, see how it goes this year. I totally agree with MGM Las Vegas experience – always kind service, best seats and NO charges when buying via phone at the mgm box office
)))
January 27th, 2009 at 7:15 am
I am waiting with excitement for the tickets to go on sell for Tom’s concert at the House Of Blues in Cleveland this is a great place to see Tom. If you have never had the opportunity to see him at a House Of Blues you should go, it is AWESOME to see him perform in such a great place it is always filled with excitement.
January 27th, 2009 at 8:11 am
A note on tickets at the MGM: In Las Vegas there is a notation on the tickets that says, “LET and handling charge included.” “LET” stands for “Live Entertainment Tax” and it is most often included in the price. The tax — in this state which makes up for its lack of a state income tax with other so-called “sin” or “convenience” taxes — is 10 percent of the ticket price and on top of that add whatever the venue or seller adds as a convenience charge. I’ve seen the MGM convenience charge at various prices in the five-to-seven dollar range. So you pay the charges, but they don’t hit you in the face with them.
But, yes, the MGM box office service is very good.
January 27th, 2009 at 12:05 pm
Last June I purchased three ticket thru Ticketmaster (better seats then thru Silver Legacy Casino) for a performance by OUR SIR TOM for July l9th. I paid extra for insurance coverage (in case of illness). As it was my daughter became too ill to travel over l50 miles to Reno to attend (she ended up in the hospital). My refund was denied “not a new condition”. They said it was in the printed papers. Aside from losing over three hundred dollars we missed seeing and enjoying another performance that we had so looked forward to attending. The initial price of the seats was not overly priced. But you’re right. Ellen and Bebe, MGM treats you right!!! Note: don’t plan to use Ticketmaster again.
January 27th, 2009 at 2:16 pm
Shirley P – I also had bad ticketmaster experiences (not TOM related) so I only buy from ticketmaster when there is NO other way! MGM box office – angels at work – I had to return TOM tickets last year because a friend couldn’t tavel last minute – they were No Refund tickets but the mgm angels made it possible that I got a refund – they are the BEST – well right after TOM, hahaha
January 27th, 2009 at 6:03 pm
Hi Everyone,
I always have the same problem as Carol M. I usually have to “tip” an usher, and lo and behold I get a good seat. It’s worth the extra bucks to see Tom up close.
Carol, what is a ticket broker? I never heard of that.
Thanks, Darla
January 27th, 2009 at 6:57 pm
I will agree that the best box office is at the MGM. Everytime I have used them they have always been very profesional, and super helpful. The very 1st time I bought tickets to see Tom, I asked to see if they had any tickets up close . She gave me seats in the very front and I asked if they were nice and she told me “My god any closer you’ll be on stage with him” we all laughed. I always enjoy buying my tickets from them.
January 28th, 2009 at 7:43 am
Just ordered my tickets for March 3,I am now really anxious for that date to arrive I really am looking forward with much EXCITEMENT !!!!!!! to hear the new songs from 24 HOURS