were VIP tix worth it?

TLDR: yes, but only if you’re willing to spend the time to queue maybe 4 hours before the concert gates open. For those that work, that may mean taking full/ half-day leave. If not, cat 2 tix by the side of the stage/ standing pit are a good alternative.

Timelines:

I had work that day so I had to take half-day leave (I don’t have a lot of leave days left so not a full day lol), chuck stuff in my office locker and change out before running to stadium at 2pm.

2pm: the merch queue was insane by the time I got there. It was snaking along one of the walls of the mall. My friends and I got a pretty decent spot though, thankfully.

3.15pm: the queue finally moved and we got to collect our merch bags. I snagged Olivia’s grey shirt and sg poster too. Then, it was time to queue again for security checks. As part of the first group of VIPs in line, we were queueing up on the right side of the tunnel leading to the security checks (this is important).

4.50pmish: all hell breaks loose. The organisers inform everyone on our side that we are on the wrong side and will not be let in unless we move to the left side of the tunnel. Fans start running from the right to the left, causing a mini stampede. Someone cried because they lost their spot in front. Someone else started complaining to security about losing their spot as they came down at 5am. We silently (and begrudgingly) move to the back of the left queue.

Honestly, the organisers could have handled this better. It was obvious to them that our group was not in the right place as early as 3.15pm but they didn’t sound this out.

Anyway.

5.15-6pm: we finally start moving through the security tunnel. Things are now very organised and peaceful. We’re escorted into another holding area and given wristbands.

6-6.40pm: WE MAKE IT INSIDE!!! Everyone moves to whichever part of the pit they want. I squeeze out of the crowd to grab water and snacks before squeezing back through.

7pm: We sit down and wait for the show to start. Someone spills beer on the floor near us 🙃

8pm ish: the concert starts and I’m thankful that Olivia performs on time because I don’t think I can stand for too long lol

Pit experience:

We had SUPER good views of Olivia the entire night (except for when she was on the moon). She even came over to say hi to some people at the barricade, which was relatively close to where I was.

I actually had A LOT of space to myself compared to every other concert I’ve been to (especially the 1975 - we were packed like sardines). There was space for me to move and turn. This was especially important since I had a bag (for once) and had my merch bag on me. I’m thankful my neighbours weren’t rowdy and I had a pretty good time.

This experience really confirmed my belief that having a small bag or none at all is the best for concerts because you don’t have to worry about your belongings + would have free hands to video/ take photos to your heart’s content.

The concert itself:

Olivia was amazing - I think she’s improved her live singing so, so much and sounded incredible. The show ran like a well-oiled machine and it was crazy to hear how loud the crowd was (during N1).

I fell in love with Olivia’s songs after hearing get him back! and bad idea right?, and discovering her discography has only made me appreciate her songwriting more. I love that she’s able to capture the raw, messy and confusing feelings I’ve had growing up (like with jealousy, jealousy, love is embarrassing, obsessed, good 4 u, brutal). I also love the imagery from lines like “one heart broke, four hands bloody” or basically all of lacy. Hearing these songs live was fulfilling.

Conclusion:

Are VIP tix worth it? Yes, but only if you’re willing to queue early(ish). We got there at 2pm, 4 hours before the VIP entrance queue started and was able to get our merch on time and make it to a good spot in the pit. I heard that latecomers were put in the general standing pit(?) so please do try to come early or on time to make the most of your tickets if you can. I think that the chances of getting barricade or the front few rows is genuinely luck dependent (because of the organising incident that happened), so bear that in mind if you really want to try for that.

However - while in the pit my friends and I realised that there were seats directly facing the pit which would have been great spots to watch the show without all of the hassle we went through. If you’d like to enjoy your concerts stress free, I’d recommend opting for those seats instead - typically cat 2 sides (ie near the stage area) for the indoor stadium.

If you’d like to know how I usually prep for standing concerts, you might be interested in this post: 5 tips to survive your next standing concert

See y’all in the next post!

#RealTalk #MyLemon8Diary #concerts #oliviarodrigo #gutsworldtour