Getting ready for ONE OK ROCK live at Club Nokia, Los Angeles, California 2014.02.07
Note: This isn't a con report. But I think I needed to document what happened in case someone wants to know how Club Nokia operates
When OOR announced a European tour, I stayed up at 3am or so to buy London and Paris tickets. Those sold out in a matter of three minutes or less. CRAZY! I waited and waited for airfare to go down, and at last waited to see how the protests were going in Instanbul, if it calmed down. THEN OOR announced their first USA concerts, with meet and greet VIP packages. Scrapped Europe and tried to figure out how I will survive in LA and NYC solo.
Tickets. Should be easier right? After buying Japanese and European tickets, this should be a breeze. Also, though both had the same presale times, they're both on different time zones. First was NYC, and axs was down. Freak out time! I read facebook and it seemed everyone was having a problem. Called customer service, and they confirmed the glitch. After 45 minutes, I was able to access it and I got my ticket! I had to use my breakfast/coffee and lunch break waaaaaay before lunch just for that! LA went much smoother. There's a problem though. LA VIP were balcony seats. On the website it says that to get to the pit, you need a pit wristband which they hand out on a first come first serve basis. So the smartass me emailed and called customer service including the venue if I can buy AND use two tickets. Asked a friend who has been to the venue before and she confirmed there is a pit wristband. This gets all iffy and confusing. So I emailed and confirmed at least twice that I will be using my VIP ticket to get early entry, then use my general admission ticket to get pit wristband for -obviously- a pit access. They said okay, I had paper trail, but I was still not assured. Since VIP has a different door from GA, I even asked how I can get my pit ticket if the line is forming on GA entrance instead. They told me to ask for this or that person when I get there to get my pit wristband. ALL that in email. It sounded like all problem areas were covered, but I was still nervous and unsure.
My VIP ticket was on the first row on the balcony and smack in the center, probably one of the best seats up there. But that wasn't enough, I'd do anything for front row on the floor. I was sure VIP people would want to go on the floor, but I didn't want to risk it. I want front row and I had to have front row. I flew all the way from Texas for this, and this is my once-in-a-lifetime chance to be in that front row, why wouldn't I do my utmost best? Even if it's driving me mad? Ballot drives me mad too but that doesn't ensure a front row ticket.
Concert day.I ended up meeting a Taka fan in person the day before. I was calling her to get her butt to Hollywood to meet Taka. She didn't know how to get there. In the end we just checked the venue the nth time, hoping for another chance encounter, prepped the candles and tried to not sleep. We checked the venue at midnight when many people were still there.. checked it again at 3am when party people were trying to leave... then slept. Aimed for 5am, but overslept and woke up to a 7am alarm. Ran to the venue again without washing faces or brushing our hair and saw people on the third floor. Got there and it was 8 people deep. Actually more cos they have friends coming. Apparently first person got there at 5AM. Yeah yeah, I got VIP, but who knows since we asked several times and they weren't sure how the line will work. So only one line. I secured our spot while she went back to her room to get ready. Messaged a friend that line was forming, only to see her arrive. When she told me she was going to the show, I was so happy to see her again! Also, I knew she could handle problems that might occur with our VIP and GA tickets.
The line. People in line were super friendly. We both left our spot later in the afternoon and it was still there when we returned. I was sleepy but couldn't sleep.Later staff came and did say there is only one line and both GA and VIP tickets get inside at the same time. Anyway, friend was worried because she thought VIP would get in first. That it's not fair, we paid a lot more for the ticket so we should get early entry. At that point I thought we didn't need our GA ticket. It kinda pissed me off. True LA VIP ticket was more expensive than NYC's, plus the GA, that's $200! My friend waited too late that LA tix sold out, so her friend bought her $30 GA for $300. Crazy! Despite that, I was actually relieved and more thankful that we get to be in the pit regardless of our ticket. So it was 5:30, they were getting ready to let us enter. They checked bags and we have to go through a metal detector. Yipee! I was sure we'd be safe from getting shot or stabbed at least. I was freaking out from excitement though. After the metal detector, we had to go up the stairs instead of heading towards the main hall. On the top balcony, you feel like you're on top of the world when you look down because you're at the front of the line while the rest of the line is on the third floor and first floor looping around the building.
THE DRAMA. Before the actual doors, there was one person to scan our tickets and give us our wristband. Now here's the problem, we have two tickets for two wristbands. Though several staff before said there wouldn't be any problem, AT THAT MOMENT, with the door BEFORE us and thousands of fans BEHIND us, the door guy says I can only use ONE ticket. BREAKDOWN. I raised hell... well not really cos i'm a crybaby. I took out the email trail from their reps. Freaking out, then friend starts talking to the guy. Still no. Manager arrives, I start talking but friend tells me to shut up... I attempted again and she tells me I'm about to cry and let her handle it. The fan, Z, behind us who also bought VIP and GA ticket told me to calm down. I felt the world just crash upon me. They had another door man come out to scan the tickets of the people behind us. We WERE in front of the line!!! Then suddenly, fan after fan, hoards of fans behind us were waltzing into the venue, while we were still out there waiting for our issues to be resolved. I clearly remember her telling the big boss "Okay, there's a misunderstanding, you don't understand." and he's like "No ma'am, I understand, YOU don't understand." I'm all, oh dear lord, save us all. Finally, he instructed the door guy that people who bought VIP and GA tickets will be given two wristbands each and to tell the other door man dude. When I heard that I was overjoyed and hugged my friend, told her thank you and cried. Then I rushed in, only to arrive inside and see the very long line of people. My heart sank. T__T
Z then came to me and told me that VIP lines up on the other side of the room. We didn't enter by the main hall but through VIP the lounge. The GA line was right in front of the bar, while the VIP one was by the lounge chairs. I felt too light headed from the roller coaster of emotions to register what was really happening at that moment. VIP line was less than a dozen people, the same people I was in line with outside. So we just sat around instead of actually forming a line. I dizzily walked to the bar to get my $5 water bottle, totally worth it if you're in the pit. Then I rehashed with Z what happened and he was glad my friend was there to sort things out cos we were all speechless at that point. We couldn't fight back whatever they were throwing at us. That it's not fair for us to buy two tickets, blah blah blah. That is why I asked and called! Several times! Asked again when we got to the venue... anyway, thanks to friend for saving my useless bum.
Stamp is for entry to the third floor line, they restricted access later
Pink plastic wristband is for VIP
Purple paper wristband for pit access
The line actually stretches both ends. When I entered I was at the very back.
There weren't much VIP lining up, as you can see all the empty space in this side of the room.Time to enter the hall. VIP wristband holders went in first to go to the balcony. After that, the VIP AND pit wristband holders get to form another line to go down. It turned out, I was FIRST in line. FIRST to enter the floor!!!!!! HAPPINESS! Anyway, so we were told to walk slowly... fought the urge to run... or we did ran and they scolded us. Friend and I were both Toru fans so we situated almost in the center but towards Toru's side. The same spot as my first OOR live in Zepp Osaka. When I held that front row barrier, it was a dream come true. This is what I came for. Despite all that happened, I'm finally here holding this bar and facing the stage with unobstructed view. While I'm in heaven, flailing with friend on my right and Z and his friends on my left, holding each others' hand to prevent from completely losing ourselves from the excitement.... OOR staff looked at us strangely and wondered why we were there already. She told CN guys the stage was not ready and for us to go back. We did... which was funny because it felt like after ALL the trouble of getting to that spot, it turned into a rehearsal. There weren't many of us who had both wristbands though. We giggled to ourselves how clever we were.. it was time to do so after all the tears shed. But I couldn't really, I still felt bad for VIPs who lined up with us hoping to get to the pit only to not receive a pit wristband at the door. That was ten hours in line!!!! They were allowed floor access, but without the pit wristband, they can only access the area behind hte pit.
What one has to go through to get a view like this.
My first time lining up the whole day for a show.
Checking out the venue on Feb 5. Noted the small lockers. That many for a 2k+ capacity venue.
LA's poster for OOR
The front of the line and the metal detector.
To the back of the line. Had to buy a sleeping bag cos the concrete was cold. Thankfully I brought a blanket. That girl productively spent her time by making bracelets for the boys.
While I spent my time trying to catch up on some Zzzzz's. Unsuccessful.
Early AM line on the third floor
I ordered pizza for lunch. It was delivered to me at the venue. HAHA. The delivery guy was asking what we were in line for. It was pretty good, though I had to force others to finish it with us.
Early but not too early people in line
Lesson learned. Things may look really good, then you hit rock bottom, and you think the world is over and it's all dark, but then the sun starts shining and you see the rainbow.
EDIT: Another note. During my emails and calls, I asked how does a VIP access the floor. I had expected we'd enter through VIP door which was said to go straight to the lounge. Actually I asked if I'd have to jump from the balcony to the floor. They said there's an elevator access from the lounge/balcony to the floor. Well as it turned out, we access the floor through flights of stairs from the lounge area. I think it was a good idea that we were able to chill in the lounge. I was able to go to buy some water and go to the restroom before going downstairs.
When OOR announced a European tour, I stayed up at 3am or so to buy London and Paris tickets. Those sold out in a matter of three minutes or less. CRAZY! I waited and waited for airfare to go down, and at last waited to see how the protests were going in Instanbul, if it calmed down. THEN OOR announced their first USA concerts, with meet and greet VIP packages. Scrapped Europe and tried to figure out how I will survive in LA and NYC solo.
Tickets. Should be easier right? After buying Japanese and European tickets, this should be a breeze. Also, though both had the same presale times, they're both on different time zones. First was NYC, and axs was down. Freak out time! I read facebook and it seemed everyone was having a problem. Called customer service, and they confirmed the glitch. After 45 minutes, I was able to access it and I got my ticket! I had to use my breakfast/coffee and lunch break waaaaaay before lunch just for that! LA went much smoother. There's a problem though. LA VIP were balcony seats. On the website it says that to get to the pit, you need a pit wristband which they hand out on a first come first serve basis. So the smartass me emailed and called customer service including the venue if I can buy AND use two tickets. Asked a friend who has been to the venue before and she confirmed there is a pit wristband. This gets all iffy and confusing. So I emailed and confirmed at least twice that I will be using my VIP ticket to get early entry, then use my general admission ticket to get pit wristband for -obviously- a pit access. They said okay, I had paper trail, but I was still not assured. Since VIP has a different door from GA, I even asked how I can get my pit ticket if the line is forming on GA entrance instead. They told me to ask for this or that person when I get there to get my pit wristband. ALL that in email. It sounded like all problem areas were covered, but I was still nervous and unsure.
My VIP ticket was on the first row on the balcony and smack in the center, probably one of the best seats up there. But that wasn't enough, I'd do anything for front row on the floor. I was sure VIP people would want to go on the floor, but I didn't want to risk it. I want front row and I had to have front row. I flew all the way from Texas for this, and this is my once-in-a-lifetime chance to be in that front row, why wouldn't I do my utmost best? Even if it's driving me mad? Ballot drives me mad too but that doesn't ensure a front row ticket.
Concert day.I ended up meeting a Taka fan in person the day before. I was calling her to get her butt to Hollywood to meet Taka. She didn't know how to get there. In the end we just checked the venue the nth time, hoping for another chance encounter, prepped the candles and tried to not sleep. We checked the venue at midnight when many people were still there.. checked it again at 3am when party people were trying to leave... then slept. Aimed for 5am, but overslept and woke up to a 7am alarm. Ran to the venue again without washing faces or brushing our hair and saw people on the third floor. Got there and it was 8 people deep. Actually more cos they have friends coming. Apparently first person got there at 5AM. Yeah yeah, I got VIP, but who knows since we asked several times and they weren't sure how the line will work. So only one line. I secured our spot while she went back to her room to get ready. Messaged a friend that line was forming, only to see her arrive. When she told me she was going to the show, I was so happy to see her again! Also, I knew she could handle problems that might occur with our VIP and GA tickets.
The line. People in line were super friendly. We both left our spot later in the afternoon and it was still there when we returned. I was sleepy but couldn't sleep.Later staff came and did say there is only one line and both GA and VIP tickets get inside at the same time. Anyway, friend was worried because she thought VIP would get in first. That it's not fair, we paid a lot more for the ticket so we should get early entry. At that point I thought we didn't need our GA ticket. It kinda pissed me off. True LA VIP ticket was more expensive than NYC's, plus the GA, that's $200! My friend waited too late that LA tix sold out, so her friend bought her $30 GA for $300. Crazy! Despite that, I was actually relieved and more thankful that we get to be in the pit regardless of our ticket. So it was 5:30, they were getting ready to let us enter. They checked bags and we have to go through a metal detector. Yipee! I was sure we'd be safe from getting shot or stabbed at least. I was freaking out from excitement though. After the metal detector, we had to go up the stairs instead of heading towards the main hall. On the top balcony, you feel like you're on top of the world when you look down because you're at the front of the line while the rest of the line is on the third floor and first floor looping around the building.
THE DRAMA. Before the actual doors, there was one person to scan our tickets and give us our wristband. Now here's the problem, we have two tickets for two wristbands. Though several staff before said there wouldn't be any problem, AT THAT MOMENT, with the door BEFORE us and thousands of fans BEHIND us, the door guy says I can only use ONE ticket. BREAKDOWN. I raised hell... well not really cos i'm a crybaby. I took out the email trail from their reps. Freaking out, then friend starts talking to the guy. Still no. Manager arrives, I start talking but friend tells me to shut up... I attempted again and she tells me I'm about to cry and let her handle it. The fan, Z, behind us who also bought VIP and GA ticket told me to calm down. I felt the world just crash upon me. They had another door man come out to scan the tickets of the people behind us. We WERE in front of the line!!! Then suddenly, fan after fan, hoards of fans behind us were waltzing into the venue, while we were still out there waiting for our issues to be resolved. I clearly remember her telling the big boss "Okay, there's a misunderstanding, you don't understand." and he's like "No ma'am, I understand, YOU don't understand." I'm all, oh dear lord, save us all. Finally, he instructed the door guy that people who bought VIP and GA tickets will be given two wristbands each and to tell the other door man dude. When I heard that I was overjoyed and hugged my friend, told her thank you and cried. Then I rushed in, only to arrive inside and see the very long line of people. My heart sank. T__T
Z then came to me and told me that VIP lines up on the other side of the room. We didn't enter by the main hall but through VIP the lounge. The GA line was right in front of the bar, while the VIP one was by the lounge chairs. I felt too light headed from the roller coaster of emotions to register what was really happening at that moment. VIP line was less than a dozen people, the same people I was in line with outside. So we just sat around instead of actually forming a line. I dizzily walked to the bar to get my $5 water bottle, totally worth it if you're in the pit. Then I rehashed with Z what happened and he was glad my friend was there to sort things out cos we were all speechless at that point. We couldn't fight back whatever they were throwing at us. That it's not fair for us to buy two tickets, blah blah blah. That is why I asked and called! Several times! Asked again when we got to the venue... anyway, thanks to friend for saving my useless bum.
Stamp is for entry to the third floor line, they restricted access later
Pink plastic wristband is for VIP
Purple paper wristband for pit access
The line actually stretches both ends. When I entered I was at the very back.
There weren't much VIP lining up, as you can see all the empty space in this side of the room.Time to enter the hall. VIP wristband holders went in first to go to the balcony. After that, the VIP AND pit wristband holders get to form another line to go down. It turned out, I was FIRST in line. FIRST to enter the floor!!!!!! HAPPINESS! Anyway, so we were told to walk slowly... fought the urge to run... or we did ran and they scolded us. Friend and I were both Toru fans so we situated almost in the center but towards Toru's side. The same spot as my first OOR live in Zepp Osaka. When I held that front row barrier, it was a dream come true. This is what I came for. Despite all that happened, I'm finally here holding this bar and facing the stage with unobstructed view. While I'm in heaven, flailing with friend on my right and Z and his friends on my left, holding each others' hand to prevent from completely losing ourselves from the excitement.... OOR staff looked at us strangely and wondered why we were there already. She told CN guys the stage was not ready and for us to go back. We did... which was funny because it felt like after ALL the trouble of getting to that spot, it turned into a rehearsal. There weren't many of us who had both wristbands though. We giggled to ourselves how clever we were.. it was time to do so after all the tears shed. But I couldn't really, I still felt bad for VIPs who lined up with us hoping to get to the pit only to not receive a pit wristband at the door. That was ten hours in line!!!! They were allowed floor access, but without the pit wristband, they can only access the area behind hte pit.
What one has to go through to get a view like this.
My first time lining up the whole day for a show.
Checking out the venue on Feb 5. Noted the small lockers. That many for a 2k+ capacity venue.
LA's poster for OOR
The front of the line and the metal detector.
To the back of the line. Had to buy a sleeping bag cos the concrete was cold. Thankfully I brought a blanket. That girl productively spent her time by making bracelets for the boys.
While I spent my time trying to catch up on some Zzzzz's. Unsuccessful.
Early AM line on the third floor
I ordered pizza for lunch. It was delivered to me at the venue. HAHA. The delivery guy was asking what we were in line for. It was pretty good, though I had to force others to finish it with us.
Early but not too early people in line
Lesson learned. Things may look really good, then you hit rock bottom, and you think the world is over and it's all dark, but then the sun starts shining and you see the rainbow.
EDIT: Another note. During my emails and calls, I asked how does a VIP access the floor. I had expected we'd enter through VIP door which was said to go straight to the lounge. Actually I asked if I'd have to jump from the balcony to the floor. They said there's an elevator access from the lounge/balcony to the floor. Well as it turned out, we access the floor through flights of stairs from the lounge area. I think it was a good idea that we were able to chill in the lounge. I was able to go to buy some water and go to the restroom before going downstairs.