Honor the local vibe

Posted on by Webmaster

I want to vent about the Beastie Boys concert at the Orange Peel. Tickets went on sale online and sold out fast. The server wasn't prepared for the traffic. I have yet to talk to an Ashevillean who was even able to open the page. The Web site claims people just need to be more aggressive, but there are Internet companies with all the latest tech gear, buying up mass amounts of tickets and then scalping the tickets for huge profits — none of which go to the band, the venue or the local economy. I just looked up tickets for the band TOOL. Tickets that sold for $44 are now selling from $80 to over $400.

The Orange Peel really wants to be seen as a social network, and I love that concept. But when Asheville finally sees big names, who visit not just for the gig but also for the vibe, we locals can't get in! This happened two years ago with the Smashing Pumpkins — and they played nine shows! I know the Beastie Boys concert would have sold out in a single day if the only way to buy tickets was to go to the Orange Peel and buy them. The Orange Peel would have to pay employees to work the ticket counter. But in the long run, it would give traveling bands a bigger dose of the Asheville vibe and make the Orange Peel more rooted in the social club it aims to be.

—  Matt Stivers
West Asheville

Arts & Entertainment Editor Rebecca Sulock responds: Regarding the frustration many Ashevilleans felt over not getting tickets to the Orange Peel show, the venue did not set the terms for how many tickets would be released at the box office for this show. The Orange Peel did pay employees to work the ticket counter on the day tickets went on sale, but they did not decide how many tickets were to be sold there. This show had strict processes to guard against scalping: Ticket buyers had to be present at will-call with ID, wherein they were ushered directly into the venue.

SHARE

Thanks for reading through to the end…

We share your inclination to get the whole story. For the past 25 years, Xpress has been committed to in-depth, balanced reporting about the greater Asheville area. We want everyone to have access to our stories. That’s a big part of why we've never charged for the paper or put up a paywall.

We’re pretty sure that you know journalism faces big challenges these days. Advertising no longer pays the whole cost. Media outlets around the country are asking their readers to chip in. Xpress needs help, too. We hope you’ll consider signing up to be a member of Xpress. For as little as $5 a month — the cost of a craft beer or kombucha — you can help keep local journalism strong. It only takes a moment.

About Webmaster
Mountain Xpress Webmaster Follow me @MXWebTeam
View all posts by Webmaster →

Before you comment

The comments section is here to provide a platform for civil dialogue on the issues we face together as a local community. Xpress is committed to offering this platform for all voices, but when the tone of the discussion gets nasty or strays off topic, we believe many people choose not to participate. Xpress editors are determined to moderate comments to ensure a constructive interchange is maintained. All comments judged not to be in keeping with the spirit of civil discourse will be removed and repeat violators will be banned. See here for our terms of service. Thank you for being part of this effort to promote respectful discussion.

One thought on “Honor the local vibe”

  1. Mysterylogger

    A venue owes you nothing, its the luck of the draw. Support them if you want but they owe you nothing other then getting talent. Your end of the deal is to buy the tickets, which is by luck.

    I have missed many a show due to sell out, it happens.

Leave a Reply

To leave a reply you may Login with your Mountain Xpress account, connect socially or enter your name and e-mail. Your e-mail address will not be published. All fields are required.