Turkued

I think this is a great show. Then, again, I'm from Boston originally, love punk and you couldn't pay me to go to a Little Steven show (yes, I've tried it). Just shows you Bruce has lots of cross genre appeal.

48 minutes ago, badlands78 said:

Thanks for all the back story and details which I hadn't been aware of.  I respect your opinions on this.

And I respect those who have a different take on things, as well.

On 3/27/2019 at 9:44 AM, badlands78 said:

Could someone clarify what has been removed from YouTube?  Was it only videos that contained officially released audio (Nugs etc.)?

No. Everything, and in the most aggressive manner possible.

I had a video up of the Belfast pre-show. No longer. The fact Universal didn't own the coipyright on part of the performance didn't matter to them. Even when I challenged them to prove ownership they persisted in their claim without doing so. So far Google, owners of YouTube, has sided with their corporate friend. I'm an attorney with a background in i.p. and some of the crap they have been sending me has no basis in law. It's pure intimidation.

I don't monetarize concert videos. That would be wrong. I do have a bunch of other non music videos up that do provide me with some income. I should say did. I now have a copyright strike thanks to Bruce Inc. He's literally taking money from me. All they had to do was ask me to take it down and I would have. But no, direct, punitive action. So...

1. I'm taking down all my Springsteen videos,

2. I'll continue to pursue this through the ADR processes,

3. I'm done with a man I now consider a fraud.

I should note that there is a valid defence against the copyright claim of Universal in the particular video in question. No full songs were involved, only small chunks. it was part of a vlog about the uniqueness of Bruce's pre-shows. It's fair dealing.

I have over 1,400 music videos on YouTube. During the last U2 tour I used the platform to distribute Mr. MacPhisto's, a Bono character, artistic attacks on some of the right wing candidates in Brasil and the United States. One went viral, wound up on Brasilian national TV. A member of the U2 staff tracked me down and thanked me. U2 thanks me, Bruce does his thing.

Yes, I flew across the ocean and paid a ton of money to see Springsteen on Broadway. There were those in this community who criticised the high prices as a money grab. I ignored them. It was Bruce, after all. Well...

I'm done.

Bruce Inc. could have done what every other band does, save a few exceptions: claim the copyright and make money from our work. If he was going to persist in having the videos taken down he simply could have asked me to do so. It's happened a few times in the past and, of course, I complied. Not Bruce.

I'll recover, he won't. While he's been off doing his exclusive shows the world has moved on. YouTube is a promotional vehicle for most acts. Bruce is a dinosaur for folks under 35. There's a reason he can't fill arenas in much of the United States. Outside of a few markets, here in Europe his stadium days are done. Wrecking Ball was a brilliant commentary for our times. During the Trump era, Bruce has been relatively quiet while his ex-business partner, one who I have no doubt he opposes politically, does his thing. Yes, ex-business partner. TRO promoted some of his mid '80's Giants Stadium gigs. Bruce has become irrelevant and silent. I wonder why?

I remember the Bruce who sued to try to prevent the Ticketmaster - Live Nation merger. Now he sells Ticketmaster Platinum tickets for seats on the floor of stadiums. Verified fan which empowers the Ticketmaster data base, instead of the Glastonbury model, very adaptable for a small theatre, which is more effective against resales, and does not. Broadway ticket prices.

Now a "new" album of songs he apparently wrote years ago. Old songs by an old man for...packaged as new. No thanks.

Looking forward to seeing Jake and Max and Garry, most of all Garry, on tour. As for Bruce, no thanks. A man who literally sues his fans, contrary to what virtually every other act does, is not worth my time. I hope he enjoys his daughters horse jumping. If he's lucky, maybe she can marry into the Royal Family. They do things like that. May he be happy and enjoy his wealth.

Bruce should be careful, though. Many in the internet community don't like high handed corporate i.p. enforcement. Wouldn't it be a shame if his own web site was taken down by a few well intentioned individuals? I, of course, would oppose any such action. But karma is strange...

Peace all and enjoy our memories, because in Bruce-land they are a lot better than the present. And for those waiting for the next tour here in Europe, be sure to buy all your tickets for all shows at Ticketmaster. Forget Eventim, See and other vendors. Only tickets bought through Ticketmaster count in the Verified Fan algorithm, which they will be rolling out in the 4th quarter of this year in Europe. Forget the principles that caused Bruce to sue Ticketmaster and get with the new program...

You left out the tour finale...Moon, November 5th.

7 hours ago, wolfinthepines said:

Could the boredom finally be setting in? Joking (honestly)

Finally.

Now will he finally announce the obvious: the High Hopes tour is coming to Europe in 2019. We've waited long enough. Is Frankie still in love? Are they still Harry's girls? Do we not need the wisdom of "This Is Your Sword" more than ever?

This album only got played in Aussie-NZ. That's not fair. Harry has never been played live. That's not right.

Before dismissing this, listen to the friggen album again. It's damn good, better than a lot of stuff he did in the '90's. Sort of flew under the radar.

Finish Broadway, celebrate the holidays and get over here with or without the band. High Hopes for Europe. We've waited long enough!

(Does that This Hard Land video get anyone else's juices flowing? Memories of Kilkenny. It's time.)

One thing to consider: Where CAN Bruce go from here?

BITUSA will maximise revenues. He may be able to play stadiums with it. Fairly short, stadium tour, US-Europe 2019.

Example: U2 Joshua Tree Tour. 2017. 

Then the new album, arena tour. Example: U2 2018

Neither band can fill stadiums regularly in all parts of the country / world. It takes the mega album.

In the States, I'm quite sure we'll see seats on the field, Platinum seats etc. Perhaps Golden Circle in Europe. 

Personally, I won't be going to a nostalgia show. I look forward to new, timely music. I hope we get it sometime.

The rest of the world has an obligation to force the United States to honour its treaty obligations.

In 1995 the United States signed the Convention on the Right of the Child. Article 9 (1) requires that "States Parties shall ensure that a child shall not be separated from his or her parents against their will", subject to derogations that relate to the safety of the child. Article 9(3) requires "States Parties shall respect the right of the child who is separated from one or both parents to maintain personal relations and direct contact with both parents on a regular basis, except if it is contrary to the child's best interests.".

The recent American policy has placed the United States in violation of its treaty obligations in both cases. Hopefully, President Trump's Executive Order will eventually bring the United States into compliance. We in the international community need to monitor it's compliance.

November will be a defining election, for the United States and the world. This is not about policy, it is about orientation. Under President Trump the United States "America First" policy has made the rest of the world "the other". If the American people chose to move in this direction, that is their right. It will then be time, though. for the rest of us to react and exclude the United States and it's citizens from those institutions designed to further and progress western liberal democratic values. 

Bruce speaks, the President caves. Life is as it should be. May it continue.

With the Asbury appearance and this comment it almost feels like Bruce has ditched the sedatives someone has had him on. Welcome back Bruce!

It may be too much to ask, but your country needs you and your common sense leadership. Bono can't save the world by himself.  You picked your spot well. I was taken from my mother at birth and put into an orphanage before months later being adopted. It's still inside me. This evil much stop.

As Bruce has made it clear that there is separation between himself and the E-Street Band, I'd suggest it can go both ways. I'd love to see an E-Street Band tour without Bruce...a mixture of their solo stuff, covers, whatever works. They are the best "bar band" out there and I'd love to see them play together without the lead. Anyone else?

On 11/27/2017 at 8:04 AM, janeymarywendy said:

I'm glad you got a ticket in the end, @Turkued.  There was a time a few months ago when you were going to sue Ticketmaster, wasn't there?  I look forward to your review next week.  I hope it won't be the 'last time' for you.  I can't really see Bruce doing a 'fat Elvis' - but what I AM wondering is whether he'll ever go back to big stadium shows again, after this experience that he's had.

Hi JMW,

Yup, the threat to sue prompted the Wall Street Journal article which, I believe, led to changes in the second round and now. Even Ticketmaster is not above the law (although I'm sad to see Bruce becoming one of their big supporters; it wasn't so long ago he was leading the push back against them). A bit melancholy; lots of great memories, but I'm afraid the long shows, the stadium shows may be gone. Age sucks. If he does go out for BITUSA...well, there is only one Bruce album I don't like. It will be a thrill to see him next week and, perhaps, if I'm lucky to get a seat and he does come to London one more time.  If past is any indication, the London shows will be in the "intimate" European venue of the O2 arena, thus bolstering all our chances to see him.

I appreciate the review S2S. My chance is next week. 

I actually agree with those who have knocked Mr. Springsteen for the pricing and location of this event, but not for doing it. There are larger theaters, there are places closer to his home that would have less of a fixed cost. None would provide the x factor that Broadway provides though. When Bruce signs with HBO or similar firm for a one off and/or releases the video the location is a plus. Fine. This is a business.

U2 is pricing balcony seats for their upcoming tour at $330. That's arena balcony. Scandalous. To their credit they do have a lot of cheaper seats and have kept GA on the floor at $80. I have no trouble with Bruce $850 top seats, would be fine if they were a grand or more - if they scaled the rest of the house lower. The fact there are only two rows of lower priced tickets is not acceptable to me. Yet I'm going, frankly in seats I can't afford but I'm going.  Why?

To say good bye. He tells us he hasn't written in five years. He feels no need to comment musically on the current political scene. The way the last tour ended, the four hour shows featuring the classics. Videos show him walking in a way that suggests continued back problems. It's been a long and glorious run, tons of fun, even more contemplation, but it's over. The book, this show: a very unique way to define his story and his legacy in his own way.

Long after Bruce and most of us are gone I suspect this production will be brought back, with Bruce clones, following the script, telling the story. This has been done for others but what's unique is the original here was performed and written by the star. That's pretty damn special.

Next week I will don a suit, put on my Sunday best and go to Broadway to see a show, hear a story and listen to some songs.  I will rejoice in this man's life, be thankful his has impacted mine in such a major way, will reflect on that but then cut the ties. If there are future concerts and shows, which on a full scale basis I doubt, I won't be there. I don't want to see the "Fat Elvis" version of Bruce and I don't think he wants any of us to. This is a pretty neat way of letting us in so we can let go. It's time.

(For those who feel differently, full props to you. Just explaining why I'm spending money that I really don't have to see the show. After around 200 shows this will be it for me. With gratitude for one last chance to reflect and, by my presence, say 'thanks').

On 10/18/2017 at 8:51 AM, RickW said:

Surely us unverified fans are due a break sometime soon?

 

Ban any previous purchasers, that would help...

Sorry...new category: Verified non-fans.

"I an effort to expand his audience and win converts, Ticketmaster has announced that verified non-fans will receive priority for tickets for the third leg of Springsteen's Broadway run. Only those who have never bought Springsteen tickets or merchandise will be given an access code for the sale. Due to technical limitations, fans of Bruce Hornsby and Lenny Bruce will likewise be excluded. It is hoped this new policy will allow for increased merchandise sales as, by definitions, attendees will own nothing Bruce branded".

...through June on Broadway?

https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/Bruce-Springsteen-to-Extend-His-Run-on-Broadway-20171017

If it's touring to London...and it's still an if...Piccadilly Theatre April to early May, 5 week run...has been broached as a possibility. Do with this what you want, I certainly wouldn't count on it, don't even know if Bruce is aware of it, but there has been some to and fro between London and New York and that has been proposed. 

Slightly larger theatre than the Kerr but at least not the American arena to European stadium differential we're used to. 

In other news, Ticketmaster is going to try to bring Verified Fan to the U.K. ( https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/ticketmaster-to-out-the-ticket-touts-through-social-media-stmddsktb ). Note they seem to be stressing social media. Given E.U. privacy and competition (antitrust for the Americans) laws I'm not sure how this plays over here. I just know that I won't participate. I remember the Bruce who was very vocal opposing the Ticketmaster - Live Nation merger. Now he's helping them launch their class based ticketing system that locks out younger fans and helps TM further their efforts to monopolise the ticketing industry. If Glastonbury can put photos on tickets and do ID checks, the same can be done at small theatres. Of course, TM wouldn't like that because they are a big player in the secondary ticket market over here (http://www.getmein.com ) (https://www.seatwave.com). It's all about the dollars and pounds.

For those thinking about using Stubhub...I just flew across the ocean to Vegas for a festival this weekend. Stubhub was supposed to have delivered two passes to us at our hotel yesterday. UPS has lost the package. Stubhub offered us a refund for the tickets, not new tickets. After a lot of yelling they will now try to find replacements. Lots of uncertainty. Won't travel without tickets in hand again.

On 10 September 2017 at 11:08 PM, roskilde19 said:

Have you tickets for the broaday shows ?

Yes. I hope. Ticketmaster put them initially in someone else's account (after I paid for and printed them) but have cancelled the initial codes and e-mailed me new tickets. Just in case, I plan on being number 1 in line...get my codes processed ASAP...in fact, I better start the line now. Marker and notebook ready...

16 minutes ago, ukjohnney said:

He wouldn't use Europe as a cash cow would he?   No never what a silly suggestion that is! 

On a positive note, in Europe Bruce will want to read from his other, superior book ( https://www.amazon.co.uk/Outlaw-Pete-Bruce-Springsteen/dp/1501103857/ref=sr_1_4?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1505078475&sr=1-4&keywords=springsteen+kids ) and will perform in intimate stadiums, no more than 70,000 seats. Just before the tour starts he will scrap the literary aspect, bring back the full band, and play greatest hits in the Springsteen on Broadway European tour. 

PCS, I actually agree with you that the West End is a cert. The reason I'm hopping over the pond, is all jokes aside, it won't be the same show. Bruce USA and Bruce Europe are two different creatures. And...

I may not be a verified fan over here. Simple truth. I sometimes buy tickets from places other than Ticketmaster UK. I may be unverified. Or even worse, an Eventim verified in a Ticketmaster world.  

28 minutes ago, rachelharms said:

Thank you for the replies regarding flights... I wasn't sure if because I'm going in January perhaps the flights would be cheaper as less people would want to fly due to weather. 

I had a look on BA who I've booked with for my trips to NY this year and I'm looking at £1700 each for a return flight in January and I can't afford that 

so i will look on skyscanner for an alternative 

Hi Rachel,

A few alternatives you might not think of:

Icelandair and WOW: Two carriers based in Iceland. What's neat about them is you can stop off for free in Reykjavik if you like. Highly recommended if you haven't been. Fantastic city.

Thomas Cook Airlines: from regional UK cities.

Air India: Really.

Norwegian will probably be the cheapest. Highly advise going with either of the Icelandic carriers instead. 

Also, flights out of Ireland are generally cheaper because of the reduced taxation. At times you can save a lot by hopping Ryanair or Aer Lingus over to Dublin and catching your transatlantic flight from there. Give yourself plenty of time as you'll have to travel on two tickets and recheck your bags.

2 hours ago, Kim91 said:

Hi everyone! It's been a while since I was on here, but I was wondering if anyone has experience with ticket prices dropping on StubHub closer to the date of the show? (Don't judge me!! ) Does anyone have experience with false tickets? 

I am one of the unlucky ones, on standby twice, no code.. I am especially disappointed for my dad, he was really counting on it (even though I told him not to, considering the odds) and he would have loved to take the trip to NYC with me. I am still trying to cope with my disappointment by scouring the internet trying to convince myself there's still a way to get tickets and not be broke for the rest of the year  

I might keep an eye on stubhub to see if ticket prices drop.. (I know that's against the Bruce-rules, but bear with me here)

Prices will drop. They'll also go up. Stub Hub has a LMS centre in New York. That means you can get tickets day of show. May not help much if you have to travel, but the last 24 hours is when I've found tix to drop the most. You can also expect some tickets to be released day of show by the theater.

I got a code...a week late, but they have learned how to text the UK!

May The Queen of the Supermarket greet all Lakers at Ticketmaster today - instead of Harry. It may be Harry's world but if the Queen could please direct the stocker person to aisle UK I would be greatly appreciative.

Be sure to check your junk folders.

Have a friend in the States who was sent a code off Standby, found it on the weekend in her junk folder. Happy ending: she was able to get tix on Monday.

We'll see what happens. Hoping as many Lakers as possible get in. This is a really special group of people. Bruce would be lucky to have all of you at his shows. 

4 minutes ago, VABOSSFAN said:

It's so cute. I got one last week and I got one this week. The fun part is where they tell you if they can't contact you by phone they will email you. That was special.

Who knows? Maybe this time things will work. Ha, ha, ha, ha...and to think, I used to be an optimist

Well, I'm selected. Again.

As far as I can tell from my conversations with Ticketmaster nothing has changed. No code will ever arrive. But I have two neat souvenir e-mails and was interviewed by the Wall Street Journal. That's something.

Good luck everyone.