wilburysteve
Junior Member
You can be The Master of your own fate.
Posts: 30
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Post by wilburysteve on Mar 23, 2024 10:42:41 GMT
The final gig will be Birmingham. Richard and Roy will make an appearance, not too sure about Bev. Even if it's just a curtain call. Don't count on Rich being there. He's had health issues lately.
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Post by BIuebird on Mar 23, 2024 11:11:12 GMT
A mix up of different hits would be cool! I would love to hear Strange Magic, Hold on Tight, etc. I also hope he will play a song or two from FOON, since the majority of us didn't get to see any of those songs performed live, short of some TV appearances. I really think "One More Time" would make a perfect set opener for his final tour.
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Post by bluedemon25 on Mar 23, 2024 14:28:56 GMT
I reckon Jeff would probably take a different view of it and would see it as trying to please as many people as possible. It’s also highly likely that even a large number of the die-hard fans want to hear the ‘bangers’ and aren’t that fussy about the order in which they are played either. I can only speak for me - but I’m one of them. Seems to me he’s damned if he does and damned if he doesn’t. Just my opinion. I grouch about it a bit too, but friendly reminder that it’s not just Jeff, this is what’s preached within the entire music industry. Even to young bands who are excited about the new songs they’ve just written—only play a few songs from the new album, because the hits are what people come to hear. “The only reason to record a new album is to have a reason to tour and play the old hits!” as Mick Jagger says. I think you pretty much have to be a Kate Bush—someone known to play by your own rules—to be willing to break the industry rules, and willing to disappoint a portion of your fans. Like Sparks; I thought they did a great job with their setlist last year, about 1/3 new material, 1/3 hits/crowd favorites, and 1/3 deeper cuts. And yet there were still some fans complaining because they only played a few songs from their most popular albums. It works for Sparks because they know those complaints are the minority, they know they’re a relatively cult band with a large proportion of die-hard fans. But even as one of those die-hard fans myself, I would’ve been disappointed had the hits been any fewer. In part because it was my first time seeing them live and I really wanted to hear those songs—and it’s always someone’s first show. And in part because I’m ALWAYS going to want to hear those songs (unless a show is specifically advertised as a special occasion where the hits won’t be played), because I do love those songs too, there’s a reason they’re hits, after all, and often those songs are some of the most enjoyable to me as a live experience because that’s when the audience energy is highest. I think you're right it's tough to do a show otherwise. One other interesting exception though was the recent Peter Gabriel tour where he played many of the new songs. Personally I quite enjoyed that.
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Post by jackpunch on Mar 23, 2024 18:46:21 GMT
The final gig will be Birmingham. Richard and Roy will make an appearance, not too sure about Bev. Even if it's just a curtain call. Don't count on Rich being there. He's had health issues lately. I know. If he's in one piece he'll be there to take the curtain call I'm sure
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Post by bmac on Mar 25, 2024 14:52:54 GMT
You hit the nail on the head Whoman. I want to hear the bangers!! I suspect most do to be fair. Also I don’t think it’s accurate to say the set lists have always been the same. The 2017 tour was different to 2016 which again was a lot different to the come back gig at Hyde Park. And there was a different running order. The 2018 tour was pretty much a continuation of the 2017 tour. The set lists HAVE been pretty much the same on the last two tours with only a few changes, even the backdrop visuals were the same. These shows are not cheap to see and fans paying £100s will be disapointed if Jeff plays a near identical setlist this year as well. I could name at least a dozen to 15 songs now that will be played, I get the 'diehards will be the minority' viewpoint and that the masses will just want the hits, but to me this sounds like Jeff is more bothered about his bank balance rather than the people who made made him wealthy (and no doubt he is extremely wealthy) in the first place. Just my opinion. I don’t want to be cynical, but I happen to agree with what you said. If Jeff were to add half an hour to the set list, it would add about six or seven more songs which would please everyone. as for the people saying he’s too old to do something like that I would ask why is he going on tour then? I’m looking at the tickets for Madison Square Garden and the seats in the upper sections are going for $220. The lower section they’re going for about $330. I think it’s somewhat criminal to charge those prices and play less than two hours. Perhaps he will fool me and play 2+ hours. I would be very pleasantly surprised.
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Post by Poorboy on Mar 25, 2024 16:46:12 GMT
With regard to the ticket sales, does anyone know how the sales are going at the moment? I’m assuming the success of sales in the US and Canada will determine if dates in the UK and Europe will be announced?
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Post by Horacewimp on Mar 25, 2024 18:18:10 GMT
I checked five or six venues this afternoon, at all of them you could still get decent tickets (for a price) and many of the cheaper ones are still available. There are lots of resale tickets also available.
I would say sales have been good but not brilliant.
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Post by bmac on Mar 25, 2024 19:10:11 GMT
I checked five or six venues this afternoon, at all of them you could still get decent tickets (for a price) and many of the cheaper ones are still available. There are lots of resale tickets also available. I would say sales have been good but not brilliant. Philly is almost sold out and Boston is close to that as well. New York is selling really well even though it has the most expensive tickets. There are a couple of other venues like Atlanta where they are selling well but the majority of the venues have only about 10 - 20% of the tickets sold. If you go on the ticketmaster site you can see how many seats have been sold.
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Post by LoserGoneWild on Mar 26, 2024 9:25:13 GMT
The set lists HAVE been pretty much the same on the last two tours with only a few changes, even the backdrop visuals were the same. These shows are not cheap to see and fans paying £100s will be disapointed if Jeff plays a near identical setlist this year as well. I could name at least a dozen to 15 songs now that will be played, I get the 'diehards will be the minority' viewpoint and that the masses will just want the hits, but to me this sounds like Jeff is more bothered about his bank balance rather than the people who made made him wealthy (and no doubt he is extremely wealthy) in the first place. Just my opinion. I don’t want to be cynical, but I happen to agree with what you said. If Jeff were to add half an hour to the set list, it would add about six or seven more songs which would please everyone. as for the people saying he’s too old to do something like that I would ask why is he going on tour then? I’m looking at the tickets for Madison Square Garden and the seats in the upper sections are going for $220. The lower section they’re going for about $330. I think it’s somewhat criminal to charge those prices and play less than two hours. Perhaps he will fool me and play 2+ hours. I would be very pleasantly surprised. Well we don’t know yet that he isn’t going to add an extra half an hour. No support act has been announced as yet. And no indication yet there will be a support. Also it’s not so much a question of him being too old. He seems in pretty good shape for his age and other artists are performing into their 80’s. And I’m sure Jeff is going into this with his eyes open although I hope he isn’t being pushed into doing more than he should by the music suits. But the intensity of the tour did raise my eyebrows a bit. 27 dates in 2 months is a pretty grueling schedule and given Jeff’s comments about the brutal tour schedules of old - ie 64 dates in 67 days - and he was only in his 20’s then. Don’t get me wrong, I’m delighted he’s giving it one last hurrah. But equally I hope he’s not biting off more than he can chew. Which is why I’m all for cutting the guy a break. A lot of talk about ticket prices and set lists etc. But people have choice if they feel that strongly- they can choose not to go. If we are lucky enough to see him one more time in the UK (I’m not convinced we will) then I will go and will make the most of this ‘One More Time’.
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Post by Timeblue on Mar 26, 2024 13:23:22 GMT
Don't count on Rich being there. He's had health issues lately. I know. If he's in one piece he'll be there to take the curtain call I'm sure Richards birthday today,he's 76. Hope he's in good health.
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Post by jackpunch on Mar 26, 2024 20:16:26 GMT
I know. If he's in one piece he'll be there to take the curtain call I'm sure Richards birthday today,he's 76. Hope he's in good health. So do I. An incredibly important part of ELOs sound
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Post by whoman on Mar 27, 2024 8:17:19 GMT
I checked five or six venues this afternoon, at all of them you could still get decent tickets (for a price) and many of the cheaper ones are still available. There are lots of resale tickets also available. I would say sales have been good but not brilliant. I think this could be a reflection of lost momentum. Four years plus of inactivity, dire social media, no re-issue campaign and no mainstream media profile are bound to lead to apathy from fans and general public alike. If there is some sort of campaign coming with a new album and major label support then ticket sales could pick up. I get the impression there is no real buzz or excitement on this forum so what would prompt ticket sales to the general public. Jeff might need to get on the sofa on a few chat shows to get things going.
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Post by ShardEnder on Mar 27, 2024 21:26:45 GMT
My worry with this tour is that it being listed as the last is the hook, and I just don't think that's close to enough after so long out of the spotlight. Sure, it wasn't the fault of Jeff or his management this time around, but they've had every opportunity over the past four years to do something - anything - with the back catalogue or even cobble together a new album he could now be promoting as the reason for his comeback, or victory lap as it's now being marketed. We know from previous cycles that Jeff isn't exactly a good subject on the interview circuit, and his closed "menu" of questions means we'd likely only hear the same few talking points that have become just as much of a barrier for him to hide behind than the ever-present aviators. Outside of a few comments whenever he's discussing his latest project or writing liner notes for an archival release (on the rare occasions we now get those), where are the insights for those who already know the basic ELO story and want something a bit deeper? Perpetuating the myth of Jeff's craft being some absolute set of qualities defined by a handful of the same familiar hits and a continuing trickle of fresh material that many see as not holding a candle to the classic era risks harming the legacy. Alas, this looks to be one final trip in the spaceship rather than a chance to shake things up, though I'd love to see the vaults opened up going much further down the line as a way to maintain interest for generations to come, even if I already have a feeling any future releases will be limited in their numbers and prone to heavy, protective curation.
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Post by lawrev on Mar 27, 2024 22:14:49 GMT
My worry with this tour is that it being listed as the last is the hook, and I just don't think that's close to enough after so long out of the spotlight. Sure, it wasn't the fault of Jeff or his management this time around, but they've had every opportunity over the past four years to do something - anything - with the back catalogue or even cobble together a new album he could now be promoting as the reason for his comeback, or victory lap as it's now being marketed. We know from previous cycles that Jeff isn't exactly a good subject on the interview circuit, and his closed "menu" of questions means we'd likely only hear the same few talking points that have become just as much of a barrier for him to hide behind than the ever-present aviators. Outside of a few comments whenever he's discussing his latest project or writing liner notes for an archival release (on the rare occasions we now get those), where are the insights for those who already know the basic ELO story and want something a bit deeper? Perpetuating the myth of Jeff's craft being some absolute set of qualities defined by a handful of the same familiar hits and a continuing trickle of fresh material that many see as not holding a candle to the classic era risks harming the legacy. Alas, this looks to be one final trip in the spaceship rather than a chance to shake things up, though I'd love to see the vaults opened up going much further down the line as a way to maintain interest for generations to come, even if I already have a feeling any future releases will be limited in their numbers and prone to heavy, protective curation. My thoughts tend to track along the same lines as those elucidated by ShardEnder but only to add that a new album and the set list for the USA dates could indicate whether Jeff intends to shake things up. So, the basic question is: Will Jeff coast or shake things up?
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Post by Chippa on Mar 28, 2024 12:31:53 GMT
My worry with this tour is that it being listed as the last is the hook, and I just don't think that's close to enough after so long out of the spotlight. Sure, it wasn't the fault of Jeff or his management this time around, but they've had every opportunity over the past four years to do something - anything - with the back catalogue or even cobble together a new album he could now be promoting as the reason for his comeback, or victory lap as it's now being marketed. We know from previous cycles that Jeff isn't exactly a good subject on the interview circuit, and his closed "menu" of questions means we'd likely only hear the same few talking points that have become just as much of a barrier for him to hide behind than the ever-present aviators. Outside of a few comments whenever he's discussing his latest project or writing liner notes for an archival release (on the rare occasions we now get those), where are the insights for those who already know the basic ELO story and want something a bit deeper? Perpetuating the myth of Jeff's craft being some absolute set of qualities defined by a handful of the same familiar hits and a continuing trickle of fresh material that many see as not holding a candle to the classic era risks harming the legacy. Alas, this looks to be one final trip in the spaceship rather than a chance to shake things up, though I'd love to see the vaults opened up going much further down the line as a way to maintain interest for generations to come, even if I already have a feeling any future releases will be limited in their numbers and prone to heavy, protective curation. My thoughts tend to track along the same lines as those elucidated by ShardEnder but only to add that a new album and the set list for the USA dates could indicate whether Jeff intends to shake things up. So, the basic question is: Will Jeff coast or shake things up? He's 76. How much shaking do you want?
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