Aside from the fact we do not have our swag yet I, for one, would like to compliment how well the VIP Nation process worked in Denver. Of course it doesn’t hurt that we managed to snag Second Row Dead Center! The two in front of us also obtained their tickets via the VIP Gold package route. Front row center for an average Joe (and Jill)? Awesome, absolutely awesome! Looking at StubHub in the days leading up to the show there were very few seats for resale in the first 10 rows. Combine that with the fact everyone around us I could see had the wristbands indicating the VIP route, and I would say this process both thwarted the resellers AND offered the average guy who doesn’t know anyone special the opportunity to garner an absolutely great seat (albeit a $400 one). I say this because they could have EASILY kept the first two or three rows for their buddies, insiders, radio stations, etc. BUT THEY DIDN’T! It is unnerving not knowing your seat until the day of, but it is a bit exciting as well, and certainly seeing 2nd row center made the anticipation worthwhile! My only comment would be to divide the VIP sections into 5 row packages (Platnium – 1-5 / Gold 6-10 / Silver 11-15) with corresponding price changes. Same price for row 1 and row 10 might be just a little unfair (or disappointing)… All in all though, I’d take the VIP Nation route over Ticketbastard any day. Say what you will about capitalism, the new normal, or whatever, you’re not getting 2nd row center for $400 with those greedy crooks! No way, no how… As far as the show goes – PERFECT! Something tells me this may be the last time I see them and I couldn’t write a more perfect ending to a most excellent ride. The band seemed tight, on, and as mentioned before, Geddy brought his pipes! Since the last time I was up real close the photographer pit has gotten a little deeper, making the front few rows just a little more insulated from the action. Maybe half the time it appears on the video screens that the band is interacting with the audience down front, they are actually mugging for the cameras at their feet. Nevertheless, still a never to be forgotten experience seeing everything so close. Also, the security fellows didn’t have much of a sense of humor, and seemed a bit nitpicky at times. I will cut anybody some slack however, if their job is to sit and watch people watch a concert. We talked to one of the guys about how he got the up front duty and he said, “Nothing special, aside from the fact I had to promise over and over I would not turn around, and that sucks as this is one of my favorite bands!". Overall – I couldn’t have been happier with the experience last night. Thanks Rush for a (my) perfect ending to a unbelievable touring career! Now I’m feeling old… Cant wait for the DVD!
