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The last few years we've seen Jimmy cutting back on tour dates...
Understandable reasons...New album , more family time, new Margaritaville openings to attend and such. But could it be that 2007 is the year for a "perfect storm" where he decides to treat us to bit of the old days and tour like a crazy man.

OK, humor me- here are my thoughts...
a) He's replaced Corona with his own Land Shark Lager as a sponsor of his concerts. Jimmy is a master marketer...he knows thats gonna need some selling...good reason to get out on the road
b) The Margaritaville openings have surged big time...especially in the Caribbean...great time to back the image up with a great tour.
c)"Take the Weather with You" album has a head of steam on it that can easily carry him through another touring year without any major releases it to back it up -less studio work, more stage work
d) And more than anything- having gone to see Jimmy forever- He seemed to be truly re-invigorated (and re-invested) with the musical side of things last year. The band sounded fresh and clean- He was having an amazing time on stage.

OK maybe I'm dreaming ...but I think we just might get a free pass to a big concert year this...I hope anyway.

PHins uP!

Most of you will think I'm negative about this, but I'm looking at it as a realist:

I don't think it will be a good touring year. Ya, he'll make his $$$ and sell out every single show...but he's closer to retirement than ever. He said it on the RM interview he's doing fewer shows, and that to me means that ticket prices will even get higher. Ticket prices have risen every year since 2000.

Higher demand, and more old folks that can afford $200+ for a ticket to see JB. Plus, don't we think it'll be at smaller venues? And if he's gonna do some amphitheatre shows they'll be few and far between. I would love to see him again, but I still can't justify paying $120+ to see him again when I could go to the venue drink, and listen to the show on sirius..A heck of a lot cheaper than going to the show and putting up with 40, 50, 60 yr olds that want to be in their 20's again, and bubba forgetting more and more of his lyrics to his songs. I know some, not all people here feel the same was as I do.

- With the beer...I've bought it and its really not that good. If you're a serious beer drinker, LSL is not for you...only for novice beer drinkers. Plus 3.2% alcohol? That's tooo lite. But with all the people willing to try it out it'll be a success b/c anything buffett puts his name on it turns to gold.

- TTWWY will still get some 'press' b/c its a glorfied county album, and that on affects the people that love the 'country' sound. Not everyone likes that sound, as you can see in the billboard 100 drop.

- More M'ville means more $$$, I think with the insane amounts of money he's making off all of his ventures (Sirius, LSL, His clothing line, food, etc..) why would he need to tour again? Buffett will be a billionaire by 2010.

- Sirius / RM. More and more people are buying it..so why not go to a show that tickets are from $26-$126, when you can sit at home (or anywhere in the world) and listen to the show. Sometimes its better than being there with people there to hear the SYKBH, and spilling beer all over you. Sirius/RM hasn't put a dent on buffett concert attendance, but why go to the show when you can chill at home? Sirius gives you that option, and at $13.95 a month is better than spending $126+ on a single ticket, plus parking, plus all the alcohol we drink at the shows, $8 beers inside the venue, and the hassle of waiting in traffic, etc...

- We'll see about 2007. I wish bubba the best, I still love buffett but man things have really changed from years past...

"Higher demand, and more old folks that can afford $200+ for a ticket to see JB. Plus, don't we think it'll be at smaller venues? And if he's gonna do some amphitheatre shows they'll be few and far between. I would love to see him again, but I still can't justify paying $120+ to see him again when I could go to the venue drink, and listen to the show on sirius..A heck of a lot cheaper than going to the show and putting up with 40, 50, 60 yr olds that want to be in their 20's again, and bubba forgetting more and more of his lyrics to his songs. I know some, not all people here feel the same was as I do. "


I get really tired of the slams on us "older folks" who - I'm SO sorry, have the money to pay the higher prices. Last concert season I saw so many posts that suggested that those of us who can afford it for some reason are "less worthy" concert goers. Well pardon the hell out of me for having a good job and being a 50 something who still enjoys having a blast at the tailgate. Fortunately the group that I go with which includes 30, 40 AND 50 somethings doesn't feel the same way.

ScarletB wrote:"Higher demand, and more old folks that can afford $200+ for a ticket to see JB. Plus, don't we think it'll be at smaller venues? And if he's gonna do some amphitheatre shows they'll be few and far between. I would love to see him again, but I still can't justify paying $120+ to see him again when I could go to the venue drink, and listen to the show on sirius..A heck of a lot cheaper than going to the show and putting up with 40, 50, 60 yr olds that want to be in their 20's again, and bubba forgetting more and more of his lyrics to his songs. I know some, not all people here feel the same was as I do. "


I get really tired of the slams on us "older folks" who - I'm SO sorry, have the money to pay the higher prices. Last concert season I saw so many posts that suggested that those of us who can afford it for some reason are "less worthy" concert goers. Well pardon the hell out of me for having a good job and being a 50 something who still enjoys having a blast at the tailgate. Fortunately the group that I go with which includes 30, 40 AND 50 somethings doesn't feel the same way.

I'm 26, own my own house..so I'm not at your 'status' yet, so you can brag away. ou worked hard, and you've earned it... but yet I can't justify seeing buffett on a weekend and drop $500+ to see him, whe ni could do other things. It was cheaper in years past. And yes; the older, richer fans are the reason why ticket prices have risen so high, and that the avg fan can't get tickets when huge corporations get the tickets b/c they can fork out the exuberant amount of money to see jimmy.

It's not a knock on old people. You guys can afford taking days off, fly across the country and spend lots of money on tickets. More power to you.

I'm not "bragging" what I object to is the tone which suggests that those of us in a certain age group with the ability and willingness to pay for a ticket are somehow ruining your concert experience even if you do decide to go. At your age, naturally your priorities for your disposable income would and should be different than mine. But don't give me and everyone else a hard time for wanting to enjoy the concert experience.

I was hoping this wouldn't evolve into an us against them thing - because it really isn't. We're Parrotheads-the peaceful party people!
The ticket prices unfortunately are venue driven a lot of the times- if you're in Vegas plan on at least $150+ but if you check out the upcoming Orlando show they start at $26.
That being said- what I've always loved about going to Jimmy's shows is how he has achieved what so many musicians haven't been able to - a fan base that is an honest crossover of mutliple generations! And how they party so well together.

Party in peace, Parrotheads

TraderRick wrote:I was hoping this wouldn't evolve into an us against them thing - because it really isn't. We're Parrotheads-the peaceful party people!
The ticket prices unfortunately are venue driven a lot of the times- if you're in Vegas plan on at least $150+ but if you check out the upcoming Orlando show they start at $26.
That being said- what I've always loved about going to Jimmy's shows is how he has achieved what so many musicians haven't been able to - a fan base that is an honest crossover of mutliple generations! And how they party so well together.

Party in peace, Parrotheads

$26 is for BEHIND the stage. I know a lot of folks are like me that if you can not get a good seat what is the point of even going.

Tickets are way overpriced all across the board pretty much

$400+ for The Rolling Stones
$200+ for The Who
$300+ for NFL Playoff Tickets
$70+ for most MLB regular Season Games
$125+ for Ice seats at a NHL game

though I have been lucky-- last 2 concert tickets I have bought haven't been ridcously overpriced

$55 for 11th row seats MAIN FLOOR CENTER STAGE for Brooks & Dunn/Sugarland/Jack Ingram

$65 for 10th row seats centerstage off main floor (In the round show) for GEORGE STRAIT

You know, we only paid $100 for 15th row center Paul Simon tickets at a venue that only seats 5,000.

Coconuts wrote:You know, we only paid $100 for 15th row center Paul Simon tickets at a venue that only seats 5,000.

Thats a hell of a deal

Coconuts wrote:You know, we only paid $100 for 15th row center Paul Simon tickets at a venue that only seats 5,000.

I can back that up. In October I paid $129.50can. for 13th row center for Paul Simon at a venue that seats even less peaple 2,780. I also payed around $120can. for great stones tickets row 15 I beleive.

ScarletB wrote:I'm not "bragging" what I object to is the tone which suggests that those of us in a certain age group with the ability and willingness to pay for a ticket are somehow ruining your concert experience even if you do decide to go. At your age, naturally your priorities for your disposable income would and should be different than mine. But don't give me and everyone else a hard time for wanting to enjoy the concert experience.

I'm not giving you a hard time sir/maam, it's just the truth.

If this is going to be about ticket prices- bottom line, then so be it..

It's common knowledge- musicians do not make their money (money meaning a PROFIT) on the actual concert- they make it hopefully on the CD, DVD, residual merchandising, etc.. They hope the concert creates a buzz or momentum in their favor and pray that they don't end up being the flavor of the week. Many hate the road, would rather be in the studio 100%- and would kiss the road goodbye in a heartbeat.

Jimmy is the road king, connects with his fans like no other act and put's on a kick-ass show worth every dime.

I happen to produce events (not concerts) for a living - have for over 30yrs. It' not like the old days... hell, I can remember seeing the Stones for $5 ( 12th row ticket). That was dreamland baby. Everything has skyrocked...road & fuel costs, venue cost, vendor costs, insurance, security costs, middle-middle men, you name it. Every vendor wants to cover their rears- and so as an act/promoter you sign all kinds of guarantees, releases, waivers and more to secure venues and support services which leaves you having to put it out there on the ticket price. It's a crap shoot-you hope people show up. I agree- the prices have gone through the roof but there many reasons for it.. all comes down to the value you put on the concert experience.

In truth today, I see very few other acts other than Jimmy. The reason is I don't just go for the concert- that's maybe 30% of the motivation. It's the gathering of "Parrothead Nation"- old and young, liberal & conservative, crazy & crazier- that makes it worth the $150 ticket.

Pablo is right - Jimmy is going to retire fairly soon- so I guess you have to put in perspective and decide what that ticket/experience really means to you.

PHins Up!

TraderRick wrote:If this is going to be about ticket prices- bottom line, then so be it..

It's common knowledge- musicians do not make their money (money meaning a PROFIT) on the actual concert- they make it hopefully on the CD, DVD, residual merchandising, etc.. .

Well, you know Jimmy makes $750,000 every time he takes the stage?

He has his own merch ring...and now his beer at the shows. He's cornering the market...pretty soon he'll start his own consessions at his shows (if he doesn't retire first). That's very impressive, so yeah..he does make a profit every single show.

Jimmy's asked for a raise every year for promotions for his shows every single year since 2000. That's why the raise for tickets prices, and why Atlanta didn't get a show for a couple of years b/c the guys at HiFi Buys Amph didn't want to pay buffett.

Here's what a friend told me about his asking price per show since 2000:

2000: $500,000

2001-2002: $615,000

2002-2004:$650,000

2005-2007:$750,000

and from what is rumored from him is that 2008 is it. So he could make over $800,000 a show in his last year. That's amazing if its true.

I have heard from a few sources-- the min amount that Jimmy will take the stage for is 1 million dollars. There may be different reasons if he doesn't- say like a charity event.

I'm not speaking in numbers here, cause I have no knowledge... but out of the $$ that is supposedly made per show, doesn't Jimmy also have to pay the members of the band, and other assorted things - like insurance, various other staff, etc??

The RM message sounded like he wanted to scale back and maybe do some smaller, unique concerts this year. This remains to be seen but it sounds like a pretty good game plan to me. Only thing is, how accessible will these more unique concerts be to the average fan.

Pablo Escobar wrote:..A heck of a lot cheaper than going to the show and putting up with 40, 50, 60 yr olds that want to be in their 20's again, and bubba forgetting more and more of his lyrics to his songs. ...

yeah, you're right. You should definitely stay home. Jimmy and the rest of us old folks will be just fine without you.

You should be ashamed of yourself, young man, for that kind of talk, and here of all places!!

I share your distress at ticket prices, and really dont understand why Mr. Buffett doesnt make more of an effort, like some stars, to make prices and availability of tickets more aimed at his fans (of all ages..and not of us older fans have big bankbooks) I have no quarrel at all with his having more money than God as a result of our long term loyalty, but he actually could begin to return the favor....

....and yes, it would be just great to have him give a well deserved rest to about 7 or 8 of the standards and begin to revisit many of his great great songs. I realize he would have to learn them again, its been so long, but why the h*ll not??

A heck of a lot cheaper than going to the show and putting up with 40, 50, 60 yr olds that want to be in their 20's again, and bubba forgetting more and more of his lyrics to his songs.

well Pablo i happen to be in my late thirties and i don't want to be anywhere near my 20's again!! Why so i can drink so much at the concert(WHICH I HAVE WITNESSED AT BUFFETT AND OTHER SHOWS) that i am puking and don't remember the show?!? If you don't like the prices don't go!!!!!!

Jimmy, Jimmy can you hear me?