mail-order-pricing-switcharoo-turns-shapiro-from-genius-to-jackass-overnight/#comment-1090

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bill-grahm-exhibit

In a questionable move fueled by something other than good will, those who received their tickets by mail this week were met with surprise and suspicion when the pricing levels and seating charts mysteriously changed AFTER all their money orders were cashed. People that have called me an apologist for the band and/or the promoter will love this article! I just write about things as honestly as I see them and whoever made this decision needs to be reacquainted with the Great Equalizer. I’m a Dead Head first and foremost and try to be a voice for us, not anyone else. The Dead and its affiliates have NEVER given me anything for nothing, I’ve ALWAYS paid my own way.

Prior to being aware of the demand for the Chicago Fare Thee Well Shows, widely published seating charts on The Dead’s site looked like this.

seating-chart

THIS was the chart that all of the people who sent in for Mail Order were sending their money for. THIS is what the deal was when people sent money orders to GDTSTOO.

After the unexpected deluge of requests came in from the mail order, it was announced that the floor was being opened up to all GA as opposed to reserve seating to accommodate more people which seemed like a kind and generous thing to do. The seating charts were then changed to something like this.

Seating#2

Take note, 300 Level seats are still $79.50 or $119.50. Floor Seats are still $99.50. The ONLY tickets at the $199.50 price point were the best seats to either side of the stage.

Following some consideration by the organizing parties, and prior to the internet on sale, it was decided that there would be seating behind the stage to accommodate as many people as possible. That seemed like a generous and thoughtful idea as well. At that point the seating chart changed to reflect seating behind the stage.

There’s a few things to take note of as we look at these charts. The 300 level seats, were all priced at either $79.50 or $119.50. Once the floor became all GA, the prices for tickets there were all $99.50.

Here’s where the Switcheroo takes place! People receiving Mail Order tickets this week received 300 level tickets that were priced at $199.50. See evidence here:

300levelticket

Not only that, floor seats as well as 300 Level seats that were released on TicketMaster this morning were all priced at $199.50. That my friends is a real unethical, unkind, unrighteous, and immoral maneuver. Whether it’s illegal, I’m not certain as I haven’t read through anything that may state that prices are subject to change without notice. What I do know, is it’s a move that stinks of greed and completely goes against everything that the band and its organization has provided throughout the years. It’s a move that Bill Graham NEVER would have made. This event misses him almost as much as it misses Garcia. Was there not enough money coming in already? This is where Shapiro goes from Genius to Jackass overnight. Is there anyone other than him that could be responsible??? I don’t think so… Loose with the truth, Petey it’s your fire… Baby I hope you don’t get burned…

We’re not a bunch of dumb, stoned kids anymore… It was completely, totally and unequivocally the WRONG thing to do. Given the situation, would fans decline their tickets or ask for a refund if they were told about pricing changes? Probably not if we’re being honest… Was this a poor decision by the leadership? It absolutely was. I don’t think the guys that make the music have anything to do with decisions like this so I absolutely don’t hold them accountable but someone should be held accountable. I probably won’t make any new friends with this post, but it’s the truth…

Dead To The Core,
Dean Sottile (pronounced So Tilly)

Mail Order Pricing Switcharoo Turns Shapiro From Genius To Jackass Overnight

June 5, 2015

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93 thoughts on “Mail Order Pricing Switcharoo Turns Shapiro From Genius To Jackass Overnight”

  1. LDKJune 5, 2015 at 5:11 pm
    Exactly what I posted in response to the other thread.
    The lawsuit should name Shapiro, Madison House, AEG, GDTSTOO, Weir, Lesh, Kreutzmann and Hart.
    You need the last four for the publicity. GRATEFUL DEAD SUED BY FANS puts a lot more pressure on them to make this right than GRATEFUL DEAD PROMOTER SUED BY FANS.

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    2. Bill BatsonJune 5, 2015 at 6:32 pm
      The entire premise of this article is based on a prank. The second seating chart posted here was never officially released. It was one of several fakes being passed around the internet. It began circulating around the end of January. TicketMaster did not reveal the revised seating chart until February 25. Some more research would have indicated that this seating chart was invalid.

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      1. gratefuldeanPost authorJune 5, 2015 at 6:55 pm
        Bill, it’s cute that you’re trying to play detective but the fact of the matter is there were NO seating charts that had 300 Level Seats at $199.50. When EVERYONE sent in their money, ALL 300 Level Seats were either $79.50 or $119.50. When Mail Orders arrived this week, 300 Level tickets were $199.50.

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          1. RBJune 6, 2015 at 2:18 am
            And those second prices are a whole 4 dollars higher than the first ones!!

            Which, from what I remember, is due to a charity addition or something added on to each ticket.

          2. Tennessee JedJune 6, 2015 at 9:43 am
            No RB, not the $4 add-ons. Please don’t try and play gotcha, I know what I’m talking about with Santa Clara.

            Original: See Section 247, 248, and 249. Also see the front sections in the 400 sections. Tickets went up $40-$50 dollars after orders were placed.

            http://www.levisstadium.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/LS-Pricing-Map-GRATEFUL-DEAD-2.jpg?hc_location=ufi

            Post-Sale, after they overcharged some unlucky people, they released this, which had those sections with new colors and higher prices:

            http://www.levisstadium.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/LS-Pricing-Map-GRATEFUL-DEAD-21.jpg

        2. RowJune 6, 2015 at 7:52 pm
          This whole seating thing is ridiculous! Everything should have been General admission from the beginning . Charge everyone the same price and it’s first come first serve on seating. Real Hippies and Fans no how to act about seating. We dont need no Upper class people getting better seats than anyone else cause they have more money. Make everything equal and fair for everybody. If it’s not about the money .. just charge everyone the same price 120.00 G.A.

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          2. MandyJune 7, 2015 at 10:29 am
            You’re right. GA all the way, We DO NOT NEED seat attendants telling us where we can and can’t go or sit.

  2. MikeJune 5, 2015 at 5:24 pm
    A friend of mine got those 300 level seats and he was pissed when he first saw them. Then he found out his seats are VIP club level and is happier then all get out.

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  3. Michael KiernanJune 5, 2015 at 5:28 pm
    CAN YOU SAY “CLASS ACTION LAW SUIT”?

    Be very surprised if the band played any part in this..
    Money = root of all evil

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  5. AnonymousJune 5, 2015 at 5:42 pm
    Section 332 149.50 I think. 163.35 with ticketmaster fees.

    I believe the entire 100 section was 199.50.

    What we don’t know is how costs increased by the increase of 20,000 per night or how many 199.50 & 149.50 seats were on the floor and how many GA’s they sold for 99.50 in their place.

    Doesn’t look Kosher to me. On the other hand people that mailed in for 199.50 tickets shouldn’t have been penalized with no seats because of all the floor seats disappearing. They could have issued rebate checks with the tickets but people would have objected to that also. I guess the question is how many people that ordered less expensive tickets or the cheap seats had their orders filled.

    The one thing that they should absolutely do is what Phish does and give free MP3 downloads to every ticket holder.

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    1. Sean BurnsJune 5, 2015 at 6:17 pm
      This one needs to be straightened out – it would be nice if folks stepped up and did the right thing in time to spin the gigs and discussion in the proper direction- as in towards the music. Backroom conference boys (and girls) quick…………….

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  6. JoelJune 5, 2015 at 5:55 pm
    I generally don’t pay much attention to the seating in the stands, as I have never been off the ground for a show (well, twice, but it was by choice and I had my reasons). I’m pretty sure, however, that the GA Field, which was originally intended to have seats at $199.50, still remained at the $199.50 price even after changing to GA. The “complaints” at the time were double sided; people were happy that more floor space was opening up and that we had a better chance of getting those tickets, and the flip-side being that they were keeping them at the same price as the seats were to be. They were making more money by fitting more people in the same space.

    I know people that received a refund along with their tickets. Although they were disappointed about the crappy 400 level seats that they got (which should have all gone to Ticketmaster), they were happy that they didn’t spend silly money for them. What Ticketmaster did today was unfair. I was fortunate and was able to score a GA field for one night (nothing for any of the others), and still paid a little more than it should have cost…only because of the fees. I saw many others complaining how they paid more then I did for 300 level seats. That is just wrong.

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  7. Joshua KozaJune 5, 2015 at 6:11 pm
    Spot on. I mailed in for the $199.50 tickets for my wife and some of our friends. We were elated to hear that we were going to be receiving tickets. Received them yesterday to have 1 night in the 200 level and 2 nights in the 300 level. According to my math (admittedly shaky at best…Art teacher), we were overcharged to the tune of approximately $1500.00. So I emailed GDTSTOO (insert painfully overdramatized eye roll here). Their response was to deny those seating charts (I had attached the original) and tell me that they empathized with me and had been crying about it for a week. They did, however, offer me a full refund. We, of course, did NOT take that offer.

    Look, we are thrilled to be going to these shows and once we cross the Cook County line in a little less than a month, it’ll be all smiles, but this is just about as underhanded and crooked as you can get. I’ve made it a point to stay above all of the complaining and negativity up until now. I mean, they are effectively scalping their own tickets!

    Anyway, I think in honor of the way things have been handled, I’m going to go cash out my savings account and throw it into a bonfire while dancing naked like a lunatic on my front lawn. Yeah…that’s a reasonable response.

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    1. YelliJune 6, 2015 at 1:33 am
      I fully remember seeing that first seating chart on their site. It would be a flat out lie to say they were not. I put in for 95.50 (79.00) mail order and received tickets in the upper 400. I was incredibly disappointed. I probably would have paid the extra to be closer had I known.

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      1. Jerry in ChicagoJune 7, 2015 at 12:31 pm
        We put in for $79 seats, and got them just on the outer part of the original $79 section. I’m happy with our seats. I realize they didn’t have tons of good seats. I think they did us solid, and we’re thrilled to be going.

        Now, let’s just hope they invest profits in a proper sound system.

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  9. lilybeeJune 5, 2015 at 6:24 pm
    I ordered one for each night from mail order. They cashed my three $95 money orders and sent me seats in the 400s. That doesn’t seem right.

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    1. travisJune 5, 2015 at 6:42 pm
      I got 400 level seats for $95.50 that should have been $59.00. Am i happy I’m going? Yes…but I’ll need a sherpa and an oxygen tank to get to my seats and binoculars to really enjoy my seats.

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    3. chrisJune 6, 2015 at 12:15 am
      same here. Thought ALL mail orders…..were going to be GA PIT. They claim to have fill 60 in tickets via mail order. Ok great. forget the pricing…..that is a crime in itself…..but to have been assured 20k tickets per night were released from GDTS, and then to be advised WE get the floor……to later receive my tickets…..section 429, 436, 429…the FURTHEST POINT FROM STAGE. Is THAT why I mail ordered? Hell no.

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  10. Tennessee JedJune 5, 2015 at 6:25 pm
    This happened in Santa Clara too. A “revised” seating chart” that was released AFTER the Santa Clara ticket sale occurred. This resulted in people being overcharged for their tickets according to the seating chart that accompanied the ticket sale. When they requested that the price be adjusted to match the chart, they were told that the price they were charged reflected the “revised” chart. This is shameless. I was overcharged by around $50 per ticket (my seats are in section 248). Someone needs to hold them accountable. Heck, a lawsuit wouldn’t be out of the question.

    Original: See Section 247, 248, and 249. Also see the front sections in the 400 sections.

    http://www.levisstadium.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/LS-Pricing-Map-GRATEFUL-DEAD-2.jpg?hc_location=ufi

    Post-Sale, after they overcharged some unlucky people, the released this, which had those sections with new colors and higher prices:

    http://www.levisstadium.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/LS-Pricing-Map-GRATEFUL-DEAD-2.jpg?hc_location=ufi

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        1. Tennessee JedJune 5, 2015 at 6:32 pm
          Yeah, I know. I’m telling you this happened at both venues. And trying to get the word out. Thanks for bringing attention to this.

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  11. TeddJune 5, 2015 at 6:31 pm
    Did the people who received these higher priced tickets get a bill or was their credit card charged? I can’t help but wonder if the tickets were already printed when the chart changed.

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  14. DCJune 5, 2015 at 7:10 pm
    They also changed some of the 400 level seats at SC to $119 seats that were originally $79. When I saw that I had received these after ordering best available this was the response I got back from Tickets today:

    Hello,

    Please note that seating charts reflect the venue’s current layout and are subject to change per show.
    The venue’s updated seating chart can be found at
    http://www.levisstadium.com/events/event/grateful-dead/

    Section 403 has P3 level seats in it, as the front of the section is still considered P3.

    Thank you,
    Ticketing Customer Service Department

    SO….since they didn’t have enough $119 tickets, they just created more out of what were $79 tickets. So now there are folks sitting in section 403 in $79 tickets and folks sitting one row in front of them in $119 tickets. Bill Graham is rolling over in his grave.

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  15. Duggles FoustJune 5, 2015 at 7:11 pm
    This may or may not be a legal issue. I do not know the laws, however, this IS a kindness issue, this IS an issue of reputation, and certainly this IS an issue of respect. Respect for the fans and the loss of respect by the fans. We will see how all of this plays out but this whole process of ticketing has been a cluster fuck. ~ Duggles

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  16. ShawnJune 5, 2015 at 7:15 pm
    How is something like this ok with the band. Is this the taste they want to leave in the mouths of the “greatest fans in rock”. Shapiro should be ashamed. All involves should be ashamed. There is no way this escaped the band. I only mail ordered for two price categories $215 which was lower level or floor. I was prepare to pay what it took to be there. I can’t believe the bait and switch. It actually repulsed me. How many ways van greed kill a joyous occasion.
    Let’s hope that they make this right and don’t take the money and run. Dean keep up the good work.

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  17. MichaelJune 5, 2015 at 7:15 pm
    Yes it was a douche move.

    BUT.

    As you said no one would say no thanks if they told us this months ago. As a matter of fact they purposely timed it like this. Imagine the months of outrage wondering “WHAT” we were going to get. So tell them as late as possible. I know its wrong but why harbor it?

    Carrying this negative energy I will not do. Talk of lawyers?

    Come on. this will be over in a hot minute if you want it too. I love your stuff Dean Always have but I feel this might just rile the peeps up more. An angry vibe on your page. Ooh doesn’t feel like the normal Dean.

    Now start writing some comedy damn it!

    Yogi

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    1. gratefuldeanPost authorJune 5, 2015 at 7:19 pm
      I appreciate it Yogi. I’m definitely one to call it as I see it. This had to be mentioned by somebody. It happened to be me…

      Now, a Priest and 2 Hookers walk into a bar…

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      1. MichaelJune 5, 2015 at 7:41 pm
        Way to go brother. You probably were the best one to do this someone else would have been much harsher. Thanks man.

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  18. RandallJune 5, 2015 at 7:22 pm
    Don’t think there was any trickery for Santa Clara. Unless I am missing something, the only difference in the the two charts is $4 for each ticket at each price tier. This was an additional fee that was revealed at the outset. Second chart merely includes it.

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  19. DCJune 5, 2015 at 7:24 pm
    The trickery was turning part of the P4 tickets into P3s after the original seating chart. Look at section 403.

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  20. Tennessee JedJune 5, 2015 at 7:26 pm
    You’re mistaken. Looks at sections 247, 248, and 249. All changed color. Believe me, I know, as these were the $200 seats I got stuck with. And, look at the front sections of 401 through 410. All had the prices raised. My friend got stuck with those. It is a bait-and-switch. When we committed our $$, the chart was different.

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  21. DCJune 5, 2015 at 7:35 pm
    again, they gave folks who ordered nothing worse than $119 tickets, $79 tickets and just changed the section. 403 were not $119 tickets when the original seating chart and onsale happened. When we got our confirms there were a number of us who were surprised that we were sitting in the 400s in $119 seats and that several of the rows were re-classified. It is obvious they didn’t have enough tix for those who specified this config and so they created more $119 seats.

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  22. LDKJune 5, 2015 at 7:56 pm
    The original seating chart is still on the Dead50.net website if you know how to access it. I have the URL at home; will post it later. A tiny fraction of the stands were $199.50.

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  24. BillJune 5, 2015 at 8:48 pm
    I was concerned when I got my upper 200 level Levi’s tickets that they may be playing games with the price levels. I actually emailed Elvis to see if he heard they were doing this with the Chicago tickets. GDTSTOO hadn’t gotten tickets yet, and he couldn’t promise, but assured me it was unlikely we would be getting 300 level tickets…… GDTSTOO only got what Shapiro gave them. Not their fault.

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  25. BillJune 5, 2015 at 8:54 pm
    Another question, did the people who mail ordered pit tickets get pit tickets? Or are they in the 400s?

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    1. jen garciaJune 5, 2015 at 9:10 pm
      i stupidly did what gdts always suggests and had always worked
      2 money orders and asked for either pit or reserved
      all 3 nights nosebleeds in the back
      w/3 $20 money orders
      at least i have a tix
      arrrrggggg!
      3 weeks to SC!!!

      Reply ↓
    2. John MunsonJune 5, 2015 at 10:07 pm
      I mail ordered on the first day of allowed mail order (Jan 20 I believe) from Chicago and included money orders for the cheapest 79 seats (2 for each night) and then added additional money orders for the 99 dollar GA PIT seats. Well, the tickets came today and they are all 6 (2 for each night) in the GA PIT! I am thrilled! I just got lucky I guess, but I did rack up 300 plus lives shows from 1976 to 1995, so I guess why not me? :)

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  27. John MunsonJune 5, 2015 at 10:09 pm
    I mail ordered on the first day of allowed mail order (Jan 20 I believe) from Chicago and included money orders for the cheapest 79 seats (2 for each night) and then added additional money orders for the 99 dollar GA PIT seats. Well, the tickets came today and they are all 6 (2 for each night) in the GA PIT! I am thrilled! I just got lucky I guess, but I did rack up 300 plus lives shows from 1976 to 1995, so I guess why not me? :)

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  28. MartyJune 5, 2015 at 10:22 pm
    All in all, truth be told (insert your own cliche here), we all would have paid whatever they posted. The problem is that people’s expectations exceeded the reality. I did not get my mail order request (first time ever) and when Ticketmaster went on sale, I was “lucky” to receive my behind the stage no view 3 day passes for $195. Truth is I used to tape shows and be in front but my eyes were closed and I danced. I was there for the music. I figure I should have pretty decent sound behind stage with speakers facing that direction and perhaps a video screen (what am I thinking?). But I know I will have a real good time seeing old friends from around the country and being at a great party before, during and after. At 50 years old (my age), I can’t ask for a better time. Looking forward to seeing yall in a positive light. Nothing left to do but smile, smile, SMILE!!!

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    1. Len SilvestriJune 6, 2015 at 9:12 am
      This is the original chart. If I remember correctly the 199 tix had to be specified reserved or floor. I picked reserved and am hoping I got the 100 level shown. If not I will be upset. Especially since my daughter and her husband got a package with seats in 107. Maybe I can trade a night with a slight guilt trip laud their way? Update to follow when tickets received.

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  30. Grammar Goddess (Melian)June 5, 2015 at 10:44 pm
    I’m out — purely for important personal reasons that need attention.

    W&B, plus we don’t have jobs.

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    1. KaleidoscopeeyesJune 6, 2015 at 7:21 pm
      Same as us but didn’t try…felt this vibe from the start and didn’t trust bringing my children ( so sad that I have doubt)… This is not how I remember…if heads are treated badly and arguing something is wrong somewhere…but this is disgusting…where did the GA’s go???

      Reply ↓
  31. John MunsonJune 5, 2015 at 10:46 pm
    Thanks Dean! Now I just have to figure out how I can afford to fly back to Chicago from where I live here in Austria! My mom did all the mail ordering for me at age 82 from Chicago, bless her soul!
    Dean, please research whether the dead will have a backdrop blocking the view of the stage from behind the band or not. If the band are thinking wisely, they will leave it open so all those behind the stage can still see the band! Those might be the best seats in the house, if there is nothing hung to block people’s view from behind. The only thing the band should hang behind and on the sides of the stage are speakers and nothing else!

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  32. jingleJune 5, 2015 at 11:41 pm
    if these people wrote best avalible on there mail orders ,even if the prices changed on the charter i dont belive a law suit would hold up in court,,,

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    1. SpreadHeadJune 6, 2015 at 1:26 am
      When I purchased money orders for my chance to ‘win’ mail order tickets, I was given three price levels, none of which was the fourth level. When I pay for 3rd level and am given 4th level that cost almost half what I paid, I have every right to be pissed and demand an explanation. Bait and switch!

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  33. Michael kiernanJune 6, 2015 at 1:00 am
    Agree.. Maybe I was rushed to judgement.. Worst part for me is giving the trolls more dirt to run with.. I refuse to get on the bashing wagon, and want this to continue the magical event it was designed to be.. Peace,love,grateful dead.

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  34. SpreadHeadJune 6, 2015 at 1:30 am
    Best available was for best available of the three price levels that mail order offered, 400 were not advertised as being an option during mail order, this is criminal what they are doing to the loyal ‘mail order’ fans!

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  35. steerJune 6, 2015 at 8:14 am
    the was no gdtstoo mail order for santa clara.
    these comments are blending two very different ticketing processes.
    please, be clear as to which venue you are referring.
    thank you.

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  36. John KettlerJune 6, 2015 at 10:24 am
    @ John Munson…I have had the pleasure of working for a couple conglomerations of the band over the years. I am sorry to say that it is unlikely the band will perform ‘in the round’. The likely best case for obstructed view is a black mesh netting behind the band. The guys each have their own tech with their own “world” behind them. For example, Robby Taylor sits in a lawn chair in Phil’s bass world directly behind Phil. They have workstations to change guitar strings and keep spare guitars, drum heads, etc. They have performed this way for decades. If there is no black scrim covering the back of the stage, the view will be of cases and techs. You might get a couple nice sneak peeks of the next guest artist strapping on his guitar though. :) No worries, there will be no bad seats at this show at any price, and there will be video screens and side fill speakers for obstructed view seats.

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  37. MiltyJune 6, 2015 at 12:27 pm
    This is bullshit!!! I got sec 249 for Santa Clara tix in the lottery. They were clearly color-coded in the pinkish/red color@ $149.50. I got charged $199.50 and emailed them immediately saying that I’ve been overcharged $50/ ticket! Their reply after 2 weeks, and needing to send my “complaint” again, YOU ARE WRONG AND WE WE ARE RIGHT! Please see REVISED Grateful Dead Pricing Chart. We having conveniently changed the color of YOUR SECTION TO GOLD! The price is now $199.50. Amazing how they magically did that! Sections 247,248,249 don’t even exist on Levi’s normal seating chart! They are creating these sections out of what???! I’m guessing some bleachers that they rent for the weekend! A $199.50 seat, with no back rest??? We will see…?
    Bottom line is, all this changing of prices is complete BULLSHIT! He should hire bodyguards for the rest of his life, he’ll definitely be able to afford it… The headlines should read:
    GRATEFUL DEAD FANS SUE THE PROMOTERS FOR BEING TOTAL ASSHOLES AND THEIVES!!
    This is just WRONG!!!!!!!!!

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  38. RealityJune 6, 2015 at 12:39 pm
    Bill Graham was no Mr. Nice Guy like some people try to make out. He was a hard man who was very much primarily money focused, even if he did enjoy the music. He did a lot of things that were not at all friendly.

    The writer may think most deadheads are not still young and silly, to paraphrase him, but a quick glance at most deadhead facebook groups should dispel that unfounded notion pretty quickly. To be honest, I find it sad and disappointing how most heads have become burn-outs who can barely articulate their stereotypical thoughts. They’ve fallen for the establishment liberal narrative unquestioningly and naively. There don’t seem to be many who actually gained a lot of wisdom from all of those years on the road. But that would be because they were running to escape reality in a debauched haze rather than embarking on a quest to gain wisdom. I say this after many years of witnessing over doses, glorification of junkie mentality, rip-offs, narcs, those who don’t pay their debts, and those who talk a lot about family but are never there for their so called family.

    Is it any wonder that the band and its promoters seem to be mirroring the deadhead scene, or is it vice-versa? Since Jerry died it’s been all downhill…

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  39. bill yostJune 6, 2015 at 3:24 pm
    when we received our tickets yesterday we got the 79.50 ones for all three nights, but our seats are on the FOURTH level, which was supposed to be 59.00. According to the chart we should be on the THIRD level, so those who paid 199.00 and got third level tix aren’t the only ones who feel screwed…

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  40. bill yostJune 6, 2015 at 3:38 pm
    Also, when we did mail order we were given three price levels: 79,149, and 199. The fourth level seats where are seats are for all three nights were priced at 59 and we couldn’t have ordered those any way as they were not offered. So, we’ve paid 79 for for the 59 dollar fourth level nosebleed seats, which I consider to be the worst seats in the whole place.

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  41. AndrewJune 6, 2015 at 5:12 pm
    Thanks Dean for all you’ve done! 400 level happened to us as well! This should not just be forgiven and forgotten. We are all exited about going, but the fact remains that there is a liar and thief among the orchestrators of these events, and this should not EVER be tolerated. I will never consider Shapiro a fan of the music and will never again support anything that is associated with him.

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  42. TDubJune 6, 2015 at 5:56 pm
    I agree, the posted seating chart for mail order should represent the seats received based on price point. I was shocked to see $199 tickets in section 314. I love the band and love the scene but we’re not talking about the difference in $39 pavilion seat vs a $29 GA Lawn seat anymore. When I ponied up 200 bills to be down in the guts with the real mail order family, that’s what I expected.

    I think the biggest disappointment is the TRUST I had for our scene, a TRUST that was still alive in my heart after 20 years has been broken.

    I haven’t received my mail order yet, but I will be sure to post my results here.

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  43. TripJune 6, 2015 at 6:18 pm
    Two negatives never make a positive, unless it’s a math problem, but talking with emotion, it’s just a hate builder. Lets see how everything shakes out before we think the worst, although free country so sorry say what you like, only reason i remain hopeful is robert hunter is the best human being on this planet. He’s a fair guy. It will work out, and in the end guess it doesn’t matter anyway….unless your pits are 400’s now doh…sorry. I went with the 80 buck 5 show PPV, and have been bombarded my MLB marketing. No big deal as long as the webcasts sound and look decent. Poor naive’ Shapiro, Dead Heads are not whom you want to piss off, as they have long memories, just ask their 57th show setlist :<). Best throw down to refunds and/or Childrens charities, but just one man opinion. One love all, if you do feel you were shorted money, my best advice is a calm nicely written letter to the powers that be at the Dead will make you whole in terms of money, might have to wait, but save locations being switched, money is an easy thing to refund if you run an honest business. Good luck everyone, try not to let it bum you out, but yah it is tough, just know you are loved by your friends and family, and that trumps all.

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  44. BillayJune 6, 2015 at 7:28 pm
    All Shipiro had to do was send an email out to all of us getting mail order tickets – and let us know we may not be getting exactly what we signed up for and could cancel their order. How many of us would have cancelled?…..one (there’s always one).
    I haven’t received tickets yet but now I’m prepared. Wish the dickhead had sent the email so I could have the elusion of being able to cancel.

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  45. kurtis st.clairJune 6, 2015 at 8:44 pm
    hi- all i know is that i am not rich. 79$ seats(95.50 with fees) 1 each night for soldiers field is all i could afford to order# dead of winter is slow season in the trades… i got the e-mail on 2/25 11pm that order # 359 – i will be getting tickets. yesterday i got my mail order seats in the lower rows of the 433/434/435 sections….just a bit higher up from where i sat for the 6/21/91 single date show. i may be breaking rank here- but i am very grateful( no pun intended) to even have had my mail order filled. i just have to say that it is a privilage to have the chance to participate in history…

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  46. Jerry in ChicagoJune 7, 2015 at 12:40 pm
    Don’t get pulled down by the promoter, expectations, or distractions. If you’re in, you’re in. Those with $200 seats will have great views. Those with $79 seats will have views, seats, and didn’t pay thru the nose. Our $79 seats are just barely where they were supposed to be. Looking forward to seeing all of you.

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  47. EllenJune 7, 2015 at 4:51 pm
    GA floors were NEVER $99.50 at soldier or levis. Why they are $100 more than the closer GA Pit tickets, I don’t understand, but they were always priced at $199.50.

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    1. gratefuldeanPost authorJune 7, 2015 at 5:05 pm
      The Pit was priced at 99.50 when mail order were sent in for Soldier Field. Originally, the rest of the floor was reserved seating at $199.50. Initially I found it strange that the Pit, being closest, was cheaper than the seats behind it.

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  48. DanJune 7, 2015 at 5:10 pm
    Paid 99.50 for field/GA- didn’t want pit for $199, nor beyond level one for $59. I ended up in the 400’s! Paid the second highest tier, ended- with the cheapest tier. Was so grateful to win mail order lottery #192- just knew that I won a great spot for sound and sight. Instead, I’m row 28,- section 428- great view and sound- of the airport! Very sad, CID Entertainment conducts business as such… Even sadder, this is how I get to see the boys go out! Family and friends-will make this trip epic, and when the boys retire- so does my dealings w CID Entertainment! Just cancelled Phish Labor Day. No Time To Hate!

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  49. DL3June 7, 2015 at 6:05 pm
    I was able to score two tickets to the Friday show during the re-release on Friday morning. I paid the $196 price for seats in section FLOOR 20. Does anyone know why it’s not labeled FLOOR GA? If it’s going to be all GA why do mine have a section? Just feel like I’m going to get hosed somehow after ready everyone’s comments.

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  50. TomJune 7, 2015 at 9:10 pm
    Hey, I’ve been following tickets for the Chicago shows since notices and resales started. What I see is that due to demand all GAField tickets went to Bears season ticket holders and ticketmaster. GDTSTOO sold seats for $95.50 reserved seating somewhere in the stadium with a view of the stage, $115.50 GA Pit tickets to real deadheads, mail order only, and permimum reserved seats at $215.50 for the bowl 100 sections, hopefully really close to the stage. Have you noticed that sections 106, 142, and 141 are not listed in any resale sites? How the number of premimum seats that GDTSTOO sold and their location has yet to be defined. If you notice people are stating that their $199 tickets are in the 300 section, not their $215.50 tickets. Also, listed tickets on resale are all starting from the top and appear to be working down. So if you don’t have your tickets yet good news you’re getting closer to the stage. Hope everyone has a fantastic weekend of friends and music and that you enjoy the
    city of Chicago as well!

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  52. JJJune 7, 2015 at 10:32 pm
    Hey dean, my apologies for asking about the link mentioning the Chicago show were all GA. I see now that was a spoof site. I should have looked more carefully. I have GDTS Too tickets for all three nights at the $200 price point that haven’t arrived yet and after reading your post I’m a little concerned the seats won’t be very good. My very first concert was the Grateful Dead through their ticket service. 10th row center at Richfield coliseum September 1993. Thanks for all the updates. Cheers.

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