VIP Experience

[prickly_pete]

Hey everyone, I hate to have my first post go in a negative direction but not sure where else to provide some feedback on the VIP experience this tour.

First off, I love MMJ. I've been listening to them since 2004, been to 20+ shows over the past 20 years, joined OBF, etc. This year, I attended the Thursday and Saturday shows in Brooklyn and got VIP tickets for Thursday's show. Compared to VIP experiences in the past, this one was drastically different.

For example, I got VIP tickets for MMJ's show in Forest Hills, Queens, in 2021, and it was a fantastic experience. Tickets were $105 each, and the package included a limited-edition, show-specific poster signed and numbered by the poster artist; an exclusive My Morning Jacket x Osprey backpack; My Morning Jacket earplugs and carrying case; and access to a VIP-only section before, during, and after the show. There was a separate entrance for VIP ticket holders, and there was a booth with multiple VIP hosts, and the seats were in a prime location. When I saw the band was doing a VIP experience this year, I jumped at the chance, despite the price having almost doubled to $206 per ticket this tour.

However, when I arrived at the venue in Brooklyn, there was one person sitting at a folding table in a corner of the lobby with a sign that said "VIP." I had no idea where it was at first, walked right past it, and had to search it out to find it. The VIP "experience" included being handed what looks like a plastic tray that resembles a vinyl record, a small poster with what looks like candid shots of the band and the year 2025 at the bottom (not show-specific), and a lanyard.

Merchandise aside, there was no VIP "experience" whatsoever. We walked in the same entrance as everyone else and stood in GA with everyone else. Getting in the venue 15 minutes before the general public is cool but unless you want to stake out a GA spot and stand there for 4 hours it's tough to take advantage. At first I thought the premium balcony-type section of the Brooklyn Paramount had something to do with the VIP experience since there were actual hosts there and all, but turns out we each had to pay an additional $30+ fee to get up there. Show-specific posters, as I'm sure everyone here knows, were an additional $50 each.

Like I said, I love the band. The shows themselves were two of the best I've ever seen—not just MMJ, but any band. The guys fucking blow my mind every time, I love and respect what they do out there every night, and I can't wait until they come around again. However, like I said, I'm not sure what experience they're selling with these VIP tickets. I have no idea what I paid for with the almost 100% markup for VIP. I would've been able to go to all three shows if I hadn't paid so much for the one night.

So, I just want to say I'm extremely disappointed. I'll still see the band every time they come around, but I'm pretty shocked they would approve this as an experience for their fans.

[Cameron]

Yes, it was a total waste this year.

[ChiefOKONO]

I totally agree.  I didn't think it was worth it at all, and most likely will not opt for it again unless it is much more like 2021 as you mentioned above.

On another note, I'd say One Big Family is totally worth it for the live stuff that they post.  I hope there is another fan designed shirt next year though...

[ericm]

Yes, it was a total waste this year.

Agreed.

[ranyart]

We've done VIP over the years for various bands, mostly to get the best seats, but also for the meet and greet chances and swag.  We've had some really good fun with it over the years.  We sat front row center for Jon Batiste literally a couple of weeks ago, and got to meet him which was really cool.

We've had some good MMJ VIP experiences over the years, and of course there was Roll Call which was awesome.  This year's MMJ VIP deal definitely got us some good seats, but we can't even give away the goodies (except for the rolling trays), and we have plenty of them (10 from Louisville plus 2 from Newport - we skipped getting them in Atlanta).

[MPP]

Thanks for posting this prickly_pete.
Spot on.  The small black bag they gave out was the only useful swag, I stuck my poster tube in it and hung it on the cup holders, lol. Needless to say, not quite worth the 125% or so markup from regular face. It seemed a bit out of place for them, since we all know how much they value the fans and experience.
 
Some of my favorite posters are the previous recent VIP (band signed upside down girl, RR (2023?) mountaintop wizard in diff colors).

[dcfire]

VIP was not worth it this year except for Red Rocks and Knoxville. they should do away with the useless swag and just guarantee better seats in seated venues for those who buy VIP. for GA venues, just let all OBF members in early at no extra cost.

[ChiefOKONO]

Everyone, please check your emails.  MMJ sent out a survey about this topic and I think that they should hear from all of us about VIP and related topics to make the experience better :)