I THINK the point management are making is that he can't make it too cheap. The problem is that they were cheap in the first place. In hindsight, the only thing I'd have suggested is jacking up the price slightly more gradually as Dev raises momentum (he's still a fairly small potato in a big field), like $90 would have probably been more acceptable amongst people. Although saying that, like I said before; the London package is £119 which is nearly $200USD and I still bought it without quibble cause I thought it was worth it. I guess it depends on different people with different opinions on how much something is worth.

[Octillus]

that one was also for a special event in London and you get more things in the package.

Seems there's two parts to this;

• Whether the higher prices are such that genuine fans are unable to afford it or otherwise put off.
• Whether the higher prices are some sort of gouge such that we pay more, but Dev and the band don't get any extra.

I suspect Dev would like the VIP stuff to be for those who take a real interest in what he does, not just a reasonably well-off subset of that - this is at odds with the "business" view, which would be to charge whatever people are willing to pay, hence the conflict. Also, part of the point is that a VIP isn't a vast crowd of people and price is one way of achieving that, and pretty much guarantees you'll only get people who really are interested, but it still doesn't feel fair to me. Someone less able to afford it isn't any less of a fan, necessarily. Did the cheaper VIP things sell out?

On the second one, the fact that VIP prices were cranked up without Dev's knowledge might imply he's not getting anything more out of it. That would suck. I've bought tickets for both the London VIPs, and yes they're expensive, but I'm happy to pay that as a way of supporting what Dev does (been listening to him since VAI). But in order for that sort of fan-loyalty to work, you have to think that buying these things is a good way of giving support. The price hike brings that into question. On the other hand, if the management etc are being supportive of Dev, and giving him the freedom to do what he wants to do, then helping make that commercially viable is no bad thing either.

One other thing - Dev seems to go out of his way to be accessible - showing up in guitar shops and record stores, coming out after shows, etc. He isn't some rockstar hiding away somewhere that you have to pay to 'meet and greet'. If he's doing a show and you want to say Hi and get something signed, then you probably can, VIP or not. The mini-acoustic shows made the VIPs something very special that you really couldn't get any other way. For the US tour (and the London shows?), it looks like there isn't an acoustic show and instead there is some extra merch, but that's really not the same. Anyone will be able to buy the ziltoid puppet eventually, won't they? (And we will, won't we? )

that one was also for a special event in London and you get more things in the package.

Just a booklet and a flashdrive I think. No puppet though.

^ All good points clearly expressed. Although, I'm sure he does get extra money from it (i.e. increased VIP tix), he probably just doesn't get it broken down in some way were he'd know.

The above was not for Lettuce, the member before him.

Btw you can meet and greet with Megadeth during the Rockstar festival for FREE (though Dave is pretty much silent before shows).

I'm curious what Dave being 'silent' before shows means!?!? I was considering getting one for Megadeth at some point.

[Octillus]

Did the cheaper VIP things sell out?

I know there were a ton of people at the San Francisco one last year, a friend and I had to sneak and sit on stools in the back, because there was already at least twenty people sitting there in storytime theater status around Dev. It was awesome.

The above was not for Lettuce, the member before him.

I'M A GIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIRL

Nobody is upset with Devin himself. I agree he deserves all the support he can get, but I wonder how much of the money from these jacked up VIP tickets go to him anyway.

People are not complaining that he's not worth it, it's just a matter of whether or not some people can afford to do it. One VIP ticket is probably doable but a lot of us have to buy more than one ticket. So please, speak for yourself "angusruler" and stop making generalizations about people on the forum.

the only "generalization" i made was referring to the "whiners."

if i somehow insulted anyone on this forum, i sincerely apologize.

last years vip prices are turning out to be a double edged sword. great for us that took advantage, but also one hell of a bargain compared to this years prices.

I'M A GIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIRL

Ooops! Apologies. No offence intended. I apparently ruined Pete Sandoval's day today too with something taken out of context and the wrong way. I'll be best logging off til tomorrow to avoid further damage to people! Doing too much simultaneously.

Did the cheaper VIP things sell out?

I know there were a ton of people at the San Francisco one last year, a friend and I had to sneak and sit on stools in the back, because there was already at least twenty people sitting there in storytime theater status around Dev. It was awesome.

sounds exactly like what happened at "jaxx" in va. it was awesome!

I'm curious what Dave being 'silent' before shows means!?!? I was considering getting one for Megadeth at some point.

Many vocalists try not to talk too much before a show. It's just a preparation thing.

I'm curious what Dave being 'silent' before shows means!?!? I was considering getting one for Megadeth at some point.

Many vocalists try not to talk too much before a show. It's just a preparation thing.

i don't know how the hell he does it night after night! my voice would be toast.

Well, after reading today's tweets it's clear that the price isn't going to change which was a long shot anyway with them already putting them up for sale yesterday morning. However, it is exciting to read Devin say "I'm going to figure out something on my own to make it worth it for the people who invest in it." So, who knows what that means but chances are good that it will be awesome. Oh well, I guess I'm going to end up breaking on this and getting these tickets. Which is a shame because I was really attached to having two kidneys. Oh well, an ice bath, a bottle of bourbon and some steady hands and it'll all be over soon. Wish me luck!

^ All good points clearly expressed. Although, I'm sure he does get extra money from it (i.e. increased VIP tix), he probably just doesn't get it broken down in some way were he'd know.

The above was not for Lettuce, the member before him.

Btw you can meet and greet with Megadeth during the Rockstar festival for FREE (though Dave is pretty much silent before shows).

I'm curious what Dave being 'silent' before shows means!?!? I was considering getting one for Megadeth at some point.

Silent - he doesn't talk to you. Times may have changed though.

Silent - he doesn't talk to you. Times may have changed though.

But surely he just stays quiet, I mean he'd hardly ignore you if you spoke to him!?! Or would he!