Thank you, BillW, for your explanation, but I guess that I still don't see the attraction for this kind of event. I have been to many "public" concerts where it was pre-arranged with many other discussion board members, not unlike those here, to get together at one without paying the extra cost of a "private" concert (if there is no generous soul that will carry the entire cost)or denying anyone else the joy of seeing Gord live in the process (because they were not invited by that generous soul). Gord's venues are enough of an intimate nature so I've always felt part of a private group that appreciates his genius. Have you not ever gotten into a conversation with the people sitting around you, pre-show or during intermission and found an instant camaraderie or even yet, discover that you've been chatting with them on a discussion board? I feel that to put together a "private -invitation only" concert is a slap in the face to those who for one reason or another would not be chosen to be part of the group. Madonna's private concert was such a big hit, because her normal concerts are in venues where unless you are lucky enough to score a great and $$$ ticket, you could end up needing binoculars to see what color her hair is that day. You are one of thousands at her concerts, not hundreds. And they are so screaming loud, you just can't connect with her. Gord's concerts are so quiet, so intimate, that you can fool yourself that he is singing just for you. And if are lucky enough to end up in a front row seat (which is still an affordable price...unlike the Material Girl) he will often look directly at you and once in a while you will get a nod or a wink from one of the band guys.
If Gord should find his way back to touring again, it will be on such a limited basis I fear, that I personally would hate to take away any chance of someone seeing him perform because of not being included or not being able to pay the exorbitant price of the ticket. If getting together with a select group of friends to attend a concert is your goal my advice would be to enjoy the public concerts he books, but pre-arranged to get the group together, book a block of seats, stay in the same hotel, make a day or two of it. I've read that they've done that for the concerts at Massey Hall and have had a blast. The staff at EMP has been known to say they enjoy seeing us enjoy ourselves.
I guess what I am looking for is a good explanation as to why a private concert is such a "dream come true". Is it because you hope to have the chance to speak to him one-on-one? Well, with even 100 people (and we all know he has more "best fans" than that), that isn't going to be logistically possible. Your chances are better at a public concert, by showing up as soon as the venue doors open and approach his manager, Barry Harvey, as he can often be seen out in the audience prior to the show, and get down on your knees and beg. LOL. Just kidding. But a respectful request is sometimes honored depending on how many "in the business" people they already have going backstage. Failing that, stand outside the stage door (look for the truck and the bus and the sedan rental cars) and wait patiently. He will make time for you then.
Again, I am not trying to flame...just trying to get where you all are coming from because from what I can tell, what you are looking for can be achieve without the stress of trying to book a private concert. This is a theme that comes up alot in this site and I can't understand why anyone would want to privatized Gord even for just one concert...because at this stage of the game...one concert is a big percentage of his tour...if he ever gets back out there and let's pray that he does. It's great news that he has his eye on the road, but there still that ol'reality bug that might bite us all.
I appreciate your indulgence in my curiosity.
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