If you’ve ever been in my position, you’ve probably found yourself eyeing pictures of your favorite artists and thinking to yourself, “If only I could meet them!”, and thanks to some popular artists you can! Well, that is, if you have a few hundred bucks to spare. I used to see this as a great idea, but as I’ve come to understand, some artists don’t offer meet and greets and instead stay at the venue later to meet fans after shows (which I find a much better option). I’ve come to see paid meet and greets as awkward encounters (see Avril Lavigne’s awkward M&G photo below) that do not equal the same value as the $300 you cough up, simply just a ploy to oust more money from your pocket.
Recently one of my favorite artists, Marina & the Diamonds, has spoken out on meet and greets. In April she made the decision to not meet fans before or after shows, instead insisting on choosing a select 5 individuals to formally meet before the show. This decision was met with widespread criticism, where fans insisted that they’d pay to meet the welsh songstress, but Marina stood her ground.
“…I don’t believe it’s right to monetise a genuine experience between 2 people” she tweeted.
Meet & greets to me are very impersonal, awkward and often exclusive to the rich population. These profitable encounters take away from the intimacy and magic that is a impromptu meeting with an artist. They usher you along, prompt you to pose, take the picture, and the experience is gone before you know it. Those who wish to meet their idols but don’t have the money are excluded from this interaction and must hope that one day their chance at meeting their idol becomes a reality. I’ve contemplated what I’d do in that situation (pay or not pay?) and the answer differs on the artist. If the artist would have a profound impact on me, I’d pay, but if I knew I had a strong chance of meeting them or I knew the experience wouldn’t be like I’d imagine, I’d try my luck.
“Would you pay $300+ for a meet and greet with your favorite artist or try your luck trying to meet them after a show? And do you think it’s right to monetize an experience between 2 individuals?”
“I would pay the money for my favourite artist. As for if it’s right: yes and no. Yes because i understand that is the way the artist makes money. But no because a genuine human connection is hard to create when there is a trade off of currency involved” – Ashlyn
“If the second idea doesn’t work first, THEN spend the money. Is it right? Not at all. It’s downright idiotic.” – Adin
“I would rather try and look for them after a show. I can kind of understand paying a small amount to meet an artist but when it’s over $100, it’s too much.” – Alyssa
“I would definitely pay. I’ve tried the looking around after the show and waiting outside for hours after the show. It just leaves me incredibly disappointed and depressed. I don’t make a lot of money but I would save up in a heart beat.” – Anonymous
“I always sneak around the back to try and meet them. I think it’s kind of rude to monetize that experience because you’re already paying so much for tickets. I understand that yeah you should probably charge for meet & greets but why charge so much?” – Madison
“Depends. If the meet and greet includes other perks or if it’s a get in take and a photo and get out deal. I feel if the artist is well established and the price is fair, then why not? Last year I dropped $250 on a VIP but it was a private one (me plus one other) on the tour bus with the band, food, drinks, CDs, shirts, etc.” – Paul
“I don’t think it’s okay to monetize it, but I would pay to meet my idol.” – Furyal
The more responses I received, the more it became clear to me that most individuals do not agree with the principles of meet & greets but would pay nonetheless if it meant meeting the artist. I can see the reasoning when it comes to paying for a m&g with huge stars like One Direction and 5SOS, but there comes a defining moment when it’s not worth it. These moments can be when the price is much too high, or there aren’t enough perks for your liking. If you’re not willing to fork over some money or your favorite artist isn’t having a meet and greet, you can try waiting before and after the show to meet them (although it’s not always guaranteed). Whatever you choose to do, be happy with your decision and I wish you luck on your meet & greet ventures!