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Sep. 8th, 2013 10:41 pmThanks to everyone who commented on the post I did about GazettE fan meet-ups. There were a LOT of good opinions expressed. Among the people who contacted me was a representative of a group that's already talking about Gaze fan activities; they figure online meetups should happen first, and then, if there's enough interest, in-person meetups. I'll be helping them with that.
And meanwhile, regarding the Not-Quite-World Tour . . I'm hearing some pretty appalling things about fan behavior. I don't mean the airport photography. (Though I hear there's been some photographing and filming of the lives themselves after the band and staff asked people not to do it, and now rumors are circulating that the Mexico setlist was shortened because of that. Not quite sure how true that is, if at all). I mean the way I've seen a couple of people acting toward those who expressed unhappiness at not being able to see the band in their country. At least one person has been answering every one of these with a curt "You want to see them? Go to Japan!"
Um, yeah, it is NOT that easy. Going to Japan, at least for North Americans, is a HUGE investment of time and money. It is a LONG and EXPENSIVE flight, for one thing. Once you're there, you can't just stay a few days and leave - there's such a huge time difference that your body needs to adjust to the jet lag. (And besides, you don't want to just stay a few days after that flight!) So you're looking at a 10-day to two-week commitment in most cases. Then there's the matter of paying for not only the flight but also accommodations, food, attractions and shopping, plus the live itself. Like I said, HUGE commitment. For Gazefans who are in college or younger, it's impossible. Even for adults with a full-time job, it may or may not be doable, depending on how much they make and their company's leave policy. When I went to Japan - and this was to visit a friend who was living there at the time - the trip was in the planning stages for six months before it actually happened. Why am I going to Munich during the Not-Quite-World Tour instead of to Japan? Because Europe is a LOT more accessible and affordable for people who live in my neck of the woods.
Now, I don't know if the person ordering everyone to go to Japan is someone who travels there regularly - maybe she has a well-paying job with a generous leave policy. If she does, more power to her - but she's got to remember that not everyone is in her boat. In fact, she is the severe exception to the rule.
Oh, and the other kind of behavior I was appalled with? Rumors of fans pushing and shoving at concerts and at least one report of a regular ticket holder trying to steal someone's VIP Ticket badge. Really? Wasn't that kind of thing what put the band off last time they toured overseas? The band hasn't said anything about it yet (maybe they weren't aware), but I imagine if they hear enough about it, they'll retreat back to touring in Japan only for a good long time.
And meanwhile, regarding the Not-Quite-World Tour . . I'm hearing some pretty appalling things about fan behavior. I don't mean the airport photography. (Though I hear there's been some photographing and filming of the lives themselves after the band and staff asked people not to do it, and now rumors are circulating that the Mexico setlist was shortened because of that. Not quite sure how true that is, if at all). I mean the way I've seen a couple of people acting toward those who expressed unhappiness at not being able to see the band in their country. At least one person has been answering every one of these with a curt "You want to see them? Go to Japan!"
Um, yeah, it is NOT that easy. Going to Japan, at least for North Americans, is a HUGE investment of time and money. It is a LONG and EXPENSIVE flight, for one thing. Once you're there, you can't just stay a few days and leave - there's such a huge time difference that your body needs to adjust to the jet lag. (And besides, you don't want to just stay a few days after that flight!) So you're looking at a 10-day to two-week commitment in most cases. Then there's the matter of paying for not only the flight but also accommodations, food, attractions and shopping, plus the live itself. Like I said, HUGE commitment. For Gazefans who are in college or younger, it's impossible. Even for adults with a full-time job, it may or may not be doable, depending on how much they make and their company's leave policy. When I went to Japan - and this was to visit a friend who was living there at the time - the trip was in the planning stages for six months before it actually happened. Why am I going to Munich during the Not-Quite-World Tour instead of to Japan? Because Europe is a LOT more accessible and affordable for people who live in my neck of the woods.
Now, I don't know if the person ordering everyone to go to Japan is someone who travels there regularly - maybe she has a well-paying job with a generous leave policy. If she does, more power to her - but she's got to remember that not everyone is in her boat. In fact, she is the severe exception to the rule.
Oh, and the other kind of behavior I was appalled with? Rumors of fans pushing and shoving at concerts and at least one report of a regular ticket holder trying to steal someone's VIP Ticket badge. Really? Wasn't that kind of thing what put the band off last time they toured overseas? The band hasn't said anything about it yet (maybe they weren't aware), but I imagine if they hear enough about it, they'll retreat back to touring in Japan only for a good long time.
