Pre Show Packages

The stuff i saw on FB/IG/Twitter sometimes you just gotta take with a grain of salt. I don't want to be a downer about something that is truly a unique experience. There will always be people where some stuff is just never good enough for them. I can understand that the band being late and cutting it short would be annoying, but the merch part doesn't really bother me. Stuff happens that is sometimes out of the bands control. but what do I know

I went to the pre-show last week in Atlanta. I'm glad I did it, but am not sure that I would do it again (solely based on the cost and my financial situation right now). I loved being one of 15 or 20 people getting to hear four special songs. My first time hearing Sweet Morphine and Have Mercy! They didn't start right on time, but I don't think any of us minded. We probably only waited about 20 minutes. They didn't offer to let us buy merch, but I didn't hear anyone complaining.

azlisa wrote:

Stuff happens that is sometimes out of the bands control

^THIS x 1000

matkins wrote:

I went to the pre-show last week in Atlanta. I'm glad I did it, but am not sure that I would do it again (solely based on the cost and my financial situation right now). I loved being one of 15 or 20 people getting to hear four special songs. My first time hearing Sweet Morphine and Have Mercy! They didn't start right on time, but I don't think any of us minded. We probably only waited about 20 minutes. They didn't offer to let us buy merch, but I didn't hear anyone complaining.

Did they seem to be into it or did it feel more like a label-mandated chore? That's my one hold up--if the band seems stoked about getting to play for the fans, these sorts of things can be amazing. If they look like they're just going through the motions though, it can feel pretty awkward (in my experience at least).

shredderrrrrr wrote:

matkins wrote:

I went to the pre-show last week in Atlanta. I'm glad I did it, but am not sure that I would do it again (solely based on the cost and my financial situation right now). I loved being one of 15 or 20 people getting to hear four special songs. My first time hearing Sweet Morphine and Have Mercy! They didn't start right on time, but I don't think any of us minded. We probably only waited about 20 minutes. They didn't offer to let us buy merch, but I didn't hear anyone complaining.

Did they seem to be into it or did it feel more like a label-mandated chore? That's my one hold up--if the band seems stoked about getting to play for the fans, these sorts of things can be amazing. If they look like they're just going through the motions though, it can feel pretty awkward (in my experience at least).

Don't worry, it's not awkward. That was a concern of mine too but it's very chill and informal. It's clear that they're trying to make it a worthwhile experience for people, not just treating it as a chore. My advice, just try it. It's worth doing at least once.

StitchesOnTheRadio wrote:

shredderrrrrr wrote:

matkins wrote:

I went to the pre-show last week in Atlanta. I'm glad I did it, but am not sure that I would do it again (solely based on the cost and my financial situation right now). I loved being one of 15 or 20 people getting to hear four special songs. My first time hearing Sweet Morphine and Have Mercy! They didn't start right on time, but I don't think any of us minded. We probably only waited about 20 minutes. They didn't offer to let us buy merch, but I didn't hear anyone complaining.

Did they seem to be into it or did it feel more like a label-mandated chore? That's my one hold up--if the band seems stoked about getting to play for the fans, these sorts of things can be amazing. If they look like they're just going through the motions though, it can feel pretty awkward (in my experience at least).

Don't worry, it's not awkward. That was a concern of mine too but it's very chill and informal. It's clear that they're trying to make it a worthwhile experience for people, not just treating it as a chore. My advice, just try it. It's worth doing at least once.

Thanks for the encouragement! I actually just bought pre-show for the Kansas City show--left it to the last minute! I certainly don't have the money to be spending on this right now, but I'd be damned if I missed an opportunity as sweet as this.

I can't say that it's worth the full price. If you're getting a fan club discount and/or the multiple ticket discount it is. But for what it is, full price...I wouldn't be able to warrant it.

Really good reading a variety of differing and honest opinions on the whole pre show. I wonder how they will be looked back on overall after the tour ends, and if the band will offer them again in future.

I know this is a crazy long shot but I am wondering if anyone has any thoughts. My girlfriend and I are attending a pre show in England in November and I am thinking about proposing to her later this year.

We work together but really got talking first because we are both fans of the Gaslight Anthem.

I have no idea if this is even a way I could get a message to the band but it would be the most awesome proposal ever if they could somehow help me make it a part of the pre-show experience I am surprising her with already.

Any thoughts are appreciated.

Boyfromlittleeden wrote:

Really good reading a variety of differing and honest opinions on the whole pre show. I wonder how they will be looked back on overall after the tour ends, and if the band will offer them again in future.

I know this is a crazy long shot but I am wondering if anyone has any thoughts. My girlfriend and I are attending a pre show in England in November and I am thinking about proposing to her later this year.

We work together but really got talking first because we are both fans of the Gaslight Anthem.

I have no idea if this is even a way I could get a message to the band but it would be the most awesome proposal ever if they could somehow help me make it a part of the pre-show experience I am surprising her with already.

Any thoughts are appreciated.

You could send an email to their management and see if they can do anything. Their manager's contacts are on the Gaslight facebook page:



Hope that helps, good luck!

Definitely a good idea to try that. You could also try to tweet any member of the band since they're all on twitter. It's a long shot but it's good to do as much as you can. I would die if my BF proposed to me at a gaslight show!

Hi both - thanks for the swift respondes and words of encouragement!

Enola - thanks for sharing, that was one of the email address I found on the bands main website and emailed when I first had the idea a week ago. Nothing back yet but I'll keep you informed if I hear anything!

azlisa - I thought about that but going via my own Twitter or facebook is likely to get my cover blown as my girlfriend will check it! Maybe I could set up a cover twitter account and try that! Alex L seems pretty active on his Twitter and answers fans.

If I could make it happen the pre show would be perfect! I have the girl, the ring - just need the band now

Boyfromlittleeden wrote:

Hi both - thanks for the swift respondes and words of encouragement!

Enola - thanks for sharing, that was one of the email address I found on the bands main website and emailed when I first had the idea a week ago. Nothing back yet but I'll keep you informed if I hear anything!

azlisa - I thought about that but going via my own Twitter or facebook is likely to get my cover blown as my girlfriend will check it! Maybe I could set up a cover twitter account and try that! Alex L seems pretty active on his Twitter and answers fans.

If I could make it happen the pre show would be perfect! I have the girl, the ring - just need the band now

A good idea to hide those, hahaha! My boyfriend never looks at my twitter, LOL. I've only ever gotten responses from benny and Ian. You can also try Instagram

Thanks Azlisa - I have set up a Twitter account @gaslightromeo and tweeted the band! Fingers crossed a social media revolution can make some good happen

Man, I’ve gotta say—I have no idea how anyone could not be satisfied with the preshow package. Absolutely incredible experience. Worth every last penny. And this is coming from someone who literally did not have the money to buy it and had to convince his wife to let him put it on a credit card. Here are my (lengthy) thoughts for those that are interested:

*I should first note that I have been absolutely obsessed with Gaslight for over 5 years and this was the first time I ever saw them, so my enthusiasm is likely heightened.

First the tour manager came out and gave us the landyards and cameras. Say what you will, but I thought the cameras were a really neat touch. It was a lot of fun hearing the two kids behind me ask their dad why they couldn’t view the pictures and why there was a limit. They then let us in and we all speed-walked to the stage where we could all hear the band playing a slow rendition of Keepsake. Once finished, they played it full speed for us. Next, they played Too Much Blood. At the end, Brian spent 5 minutes telling us all what the song was really about. Next, they played Miles Davis in an alternative tuning. Ian then wanted to fiddle with his new delay pedal (to use for Have Mercy) and Brian talked to us while he did. He gave some background on the recording of Have Mercy and then took questions for 15 minutes or so. He then took requests from us for what we wanted to hear—we chose Selected Poems and Sweet Morphine. Of course, Brian interspersed each with plenty of commentary and interaction. As we were leaving, he was shocked to find out the father of the two kids paid for their pre-show admission and told him to speak with the manager about getting their expenses reimbursed. We then got our Simpsons prints, a chance to buy merch, and were escorted out. All told, the experience took about an hour.


At least for my wife and I, the experience was surreal. Getting to see Gaslight play a five-song set to a crowd of 15, standing comfortably a few feet away, was amazing. It really felt like an intimate experience. Brian did a fantastic job connecting with fans and making the whole experience more than just watching a couple songs. He even asked, “Is there anything you guys want? Now’s your chance to ask!”

For me, it was well worth the money. Think of it like this—would you pay $19 to have Gaslight come play a lesser-played or requested song for you and a couple other people as well as talk to you a bit? Some people would pass—those are the people that shouldn’t do the pre-show. For me, $19/song in this context is a steal. Then again, I may change my mind if I see Gaslight 20 more times (especially in small venues).

The only complaint I can think of is that they played 3 of the songs in the show, which took away from some of the pre-show benefit. But hearing Miles Davis, Sweet Morphine, and Keepsake twice is certainly nothing to complain about!

I’m not sure if this show was an outlier experience, but if it is the norm, I would highly recommend everyone try it.

WOW! Your experience sounds AMAZING!

First of all, which show did you go to? I would of LOVED to be able to ask questions AND hear the best song on GH (Selected Poems)! also, curious how you never saw them before this time? Glad you had a great time!!!

Glad you had such a great experience! I think you're was a bit of an outlier (a whole hour? wow) but someone else correct me if I'm wrong and you had the same experience at a different pre-show.

I laughed at what you said about those kids with the cameras. I wondered if there'd be any younger fans at one of these things that would be a bit confused.

azlisa wrote:

WOW! Your experience sounds AMAZING!

First of all, which show did you go to? I would of LOVED to be able to ask questions AND hear the best song on GH (Selected Poems)! also, curious how you never saw them before this time? Glad you had a great time!!!

It was the Kansas City show.

I really have no clue how I haven't seen them yet. It's not like I don't go to shows--I go to a show at least every month or two! It has really just been an issue of timing I think. I live in Iowa so it's not like they're in my area frequently. When they have been though, I've just always had conflicts. Also, while I've been into them since 59 Sound, I lost some interest after American Slang for some reason (despite loving the record now, it turned me off at the time). Handwritten reignited my passion for the band.

As shitty as it is that I've gone all these years without seeing them, it made last night even more incredible! Years of anticipation waiting to see my favorite band? Took everything in me not to be a giddy schoolgirl when I walked up to the stage and saw the band playing!

StitchesOnTheRadio wrote:

Glad you had such a great experience! I think you're was a bit of an outlier (a whole hour? wow) but someone else correct me if I'm wrong and you had the same experience at a different pre-show.

I laughed at what you said about those kids with the cameras. I wondered if there'd be any younger fans at one of these things that would be a bit confused.

Yeah, the length surprised me. I was expecting to feel rushed, but honestly it felt like Brian WANTED us to stay longer. He kept saying, "You sure you don't have any more questions? You sure??" I wonder if it was a conscious effort in response to complaints--he even touched on the feedback (saying he heard some people didn't feel like they got a chance to talk to the band and weren't happy about the experience).

If nothing else, I've gotta give the band credit for trying to appease everyone. Brian clearly wants to make sure the fans are happy.

I like hearing positive experiences. The band cares about their fans, otherwise they wouldn't of offered something like this, IMO. I hope you get to see them again soon!! Did you get any merch?

How great for you and the KC fans!

shredderrrrrr wrote:

StitchesOnTheRadio wrote:

Glad you had such a great experience! I think you're was a bit of an outlier (a whole hour? wow) but someone else correct me if I'm wrong and you had the same experience at a different pre-show.

I laughed at what you said about those kids with the cameras. I wondered if there'd be any younger fans at one of these things that would be a bit confused.

Yeah, the length surprised me. I was expecting to feel rushed, but honestly it felt like Brian WANTED us to stay longer. He kept saying, "You sure you don't have any more questions? You sure??" I wonder if it was a conscious effort in response to complaints--he even touched on the feedback (saying he heard some people didn't feel like they got a chance to talk to the band and weren't happy about the experience).

If nothing else, I've gotta give the band credit for trying to appease everyone. Brian clearly wants to make sure the fans are happy.

That's really cool. Yeah from talking to him about it briefly and from what I've seen I think it's really important to him (and I imagine the other guys too) that people feel they're getting their money's worth. Sounds like you did!

shredderrrrrr wrote:

azlisa wrote:

WOW! Your experience sounds AMAZING!

First of all, which show did you go to? I would of LOVED to be able to ask questions AND hear the best song on GH (Selected Poems)! also, curious how you never saw them before this time? Glad you had a great time!!!

It was the Kansas City show.

I really have no clue how I haven't seen them yet. It's not like I don't go to shows--I go to a show at least every month or two! It has really just been an issue of timing I think. I live in Iowa so it's not like they're in my area frequently. When they have been though, I've just always had conflicts. Also, while I've been into them since 59 Sound, I lost some interest after American Slang for some reason (despite loving the record now, it turned me off at the time). Handwritten reignited my passion for the band.

As shitty as it is that I've gone all these years without seeing them, it made last night even more incredible! Years of anticipation waiting to see my favorite band? Took everything in me not to be a giddy schoolgirl when I walked up to the stage and saw the band playing!

Weird. I was at the KC show and I'm from Iowa too lol! Where in Iowa are you guys? The KC show was great. Wish I could have made the pre-show but we didn't even get to the venue until after the show started. Hopefully there will be a next time.

shredderrrrrr wrote:

Man, I’ve gotta say—I have no idea how anyone could not be satisfied with the preshow package. Absolutely incredible experience. Worth every last penny. And this is coming from someone who literally did not have the money to buy it and had to convince his wife to let him put it on a credit card. Here are my (lengthy) thoughts for those that are interested:

Thanks so much for sharing your experience. Sounds like one hell of a preshow!

CutToRibbons wrote:

shredderrrrrr wrote:

azlisa wrote:

WOW! Your experience sounds AMAZING!

First of all, which show did you go to? I would of LOVED to be able to ask questions AND hear the best song on GH (Selected Poems)! also, curious how you never saw them before this time? Glad you had a great time!!!

It was the Kansas City show.

I really have no clue how I haven't seen them yet. It's not like I don't go to shows--I go to a show at least every month or two! It has really just been an issue of timing I think. I live in Iowa so it's not like they're in my area frequently. When they have been though, I've just always had conflicts. Also, while I've been into them since 59 Sound, I lost some interest after American Slang for some reason (despite loving the record now, it turned me off at the time). Handwritten reignited my passion for the band.

As shitty as it is that I've gone all these years without seeing them, it made last night even more incredible! Years of anticipation waiting to see my favorite band? Took everything in me not to be a giddy schoolgirl when I walked up to the stage and saw the band playing!

Weird. I was at the KC show and I'm from Iowa too lol! Where in Iowa are you guys? The KC show was great. Wish I could have made the pre-show but we didn't even get to the venue until after the show started. Hopefully there will be a next time.

Awesome! We're from Des Moines, so not too far from KC. Thankfully my wife (a special ed teacher) and I (law student) had fall break this week so we could make it down plenty early.

Thanks for sharing this - wow, I was stoked before, now I am off the charts as this is exactly what I was hoping it could and up being like! Requests and answering all those questions makes it sound like its worth every penny!