while on some level, i see where you are coming from, i think the fan club is a great idea. it's a great way to support the guys, and the benefits outweigh a mere $50. the after-show mingling was going to come to an end eventually (it's not productive time-wise, energy-wise, or vocally), and i agree that it's hard for people to get to know the band without sixertown, but they aren't losing fans over it. people are still connecting to the music, and are still coming to love the guys. those fans will, i believe, want to join a fan club (a community where they can connect to other fans, much like these message boards connect us all) where they get to see the personal side of the guys. we've been lucky that they've given us any time, because as another person on here pointed out to me, they don't owe us anything but great music and musicianship. everything else is extra. i fully support the fan club idea. you get way more for 50 bucks with sk6ers than any other fan club - and you get to know that you're helping support music and musicians you love.
Home » SK6ERS Talk
Fan club?
80 posts • Started 1 year ago by malary • Latest post from AnthemSoSweet
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< bethany >Posted 1 year ago on October 17, 2010 LINK
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Well, you certainly get way more for $50 with other bands, it's silly to say otherwise. As far as owing fans anything of course they owe us something. A band better show that they are grateful for my time and money or me and most other people will stop spending our time and money and find free ways to download their stuff...with the Internet you can get ANYTHING for free.
Angela ~ Fan Since 04 (November 7th, 2004 To Be Exact) 34 Shows And CountingPosted 1 year ago on October 17, 2010 LINK -
I think what Bethany was saying was that they don't owe the fans the face to face time that some of us have gotten. Yeah, many people remember the days when we would sit around talking in the parking lot or hearing songs. But, also remember how Stephen's voice got after months of that strain. They just can't physically talk to that many people at the shows anymore. The health implications of talking for that long and getting germs from all those people after awhile becomes a huge risk for a band that tours. Every band gets to the point where they have to limit that contact just to keep going. As for the price, if you just had a fan club with no price, the exclusivity of it wouldn't be there. The cost ensures that people can feel like they are getting exclusive content while still being able to interact. And for $50, you are getting a shirt, in most cases early access to shows, and songs every month. If you figure shirts are $25 and tracks are 99 cents each, you are already up to 37 without the benefits of meeting the guys. They are always looking for ways to improve Sixertown so shoot Jess an email but in my mind it's a good deal. Plus, we are hearing really rare songs at Sixertown. That is definitely worth something to me. I heard songs that I had been hoping to hear for years cause they aren't "fan favs". It's awesome.
SarahPosted 1 year ago on October 18, 2010 LINK -
Also, it IS about the money. Yes, the band is very grounded, and they put their music and their fans first, but it is a JOB. They have bills, families, expenses, and a general need to support themselves, and afford Mac products, just like the rest of us. They might have been able to say "it's not about the money" a few years ago but I don't think that's very realistic anymore. That being said, I highly doubt the $50 from each member of Sixertown is going to be putting a Kellogg kid through college. I had a hard time handing over the $50 at first as well, but then it was gone and oh, wait....AWESOME SIXERTOWN EXPERIENCES. And a whole year's worth to come!
Yes, I miss the opportunity to shmooze, but a) I think that it is commendable for SK to say "hey, I need to do this for myself and for the well-being of the band" by taking a break from the post-show M&G, and b) the band is growing and evolving in a healthy way. They do what they can to keep things fresh and exciting, and it's fun to be part of that adventure with them.
-LauraPosted 1 year ago on October 18, 2010 LINK -
i don't think the sixers having a fan club you have to pay for makes them less appreciative of their fans in the least. in my experience, i don't think the guys have ever taken any fan for granted.
as for getting anything online for free, yes, you can find pretty much all of their music online for free. but you don't get the atmosphere or the memories from a download that you can get from a live show. some of my most cherished memories involve a sixers concert, and i think dishing 50 bucks out to hear obscure songs and have face-to-face time with the guys is more than worth it.
i'm not trying to be mean, or rude, or anything, i just think that when it comes down to it, the sk6ers are wise to create a fan club. they're still giving people an opportunity to get to know them and create lasting experiences, and i don't know of anyone who walked away from a sixertown wishing they hadn't joined. and laurlaur nailed it with saying this money isn't sending a kid through college, but it's helping them pay the bills. any band has to find ways to pay the bills. if you're mad about spending the money, then get mad about the price of all the merch, because that's all helping keep the lights on, too.
< bethany >Posted 1 year ago on October 18, 2010 LINK -
Ultimately, you have to look at what your expectations are. If your expectations are to hang out with your friends and take in the show, buy a ticket. If you expect to be able to hear a 2-song pre-show set, or anything that is a "bonus" pay the $50 and have a great time enjoying the perks of Sixertown. The Sixers are trying to fulfill the expectations of fans to the best of their ability without sacrificing valuable time, their health, and the quality of their live show.
Posted 1 year ago on October 18, 2010 LINK -
agreed, marissa. what's the comment andy made about it? about giving away the available?
< bethany >Posted 1 year ago on October 18, 2010 LINK -
Sell the scarce, give away the infinite.
Posted 1 year ago on October 18, 2010 LINK -
Being someone in the industry on the business side, I agree that it’s time for something like Sixertown to be done. Jess has said before that it really does take a toll on SK’s voice to meet and talk to everyone after the show – and the fact that he has graciously and patiently met with all of the fans post show up until now speaks a lot for him and the other guys. And honestly, when you come to a show, aren’t you going to hear the music? You shouldn’t walk away from a killer show and still be upset because you didn’t get to chat it up with SK or crack a few jokes with the guys. Yes, it’s a nice addition, but people should not be so riled up about it. It’s pretty rare for a band to come out and greet their fans after every single show – especially after being a band for 5 years – most of their fans will have already met them.
To me, Sixertown is about SK6ers fans coming together to be a part of something really neat – not a lot of bands will bring you into their green room or their tour bus and play a few rare requests for you. It’s their way to share an even more special part of what they do with us. It’s well worth it – and if you don’t feel that the price is worth what you get, than don’t pay it – but please don’t complain that the band is selling out.
* catherinePosted 1 year ago on October 18, 2010 LINK -
If you're going to more than one show a year, Sixertown is well worth it. And if I'm not mistaken, if you join now, membership is good until the end of 2011 (so that means there's plenty of chances to catch the band somewhere near you).
Most people I know aren't as lucky to see their favorite band as often as we do, nevermind get to meet and talk to them EVER. The main purpose of Sixertown is to give back to the fans that have been there over the years and to give them something that they won't get anywhere else. Never in a million years did I ever think I would hear them play Another Midas Story on their tour bus for me and a small group of fans....but it happened. I think moments like that are worth more than any dollar amount. I know they're already looking for ways to improve the fan club so if you're unhappy or have suggestions, email them!! They want to hear it!-elisePosted 1 year ago on October 18, 2010 LINK -
I'm pretty surprised to see Sixertown being portrayed as a negative.
Personally, I feel like it has made me feel even more appreciated as a fan of this band. I feel like they've gone an extra step to connect with their fans and find a new way to interact with them. Things are never the same old routine with the Sixers and that is why I have gone to so many shows and continue to follow them after several years. It doesn't get much cooler than getting to stand directly in front of your favorite band while they play some rare requests. To me, this is just a new/more fun twist on the same old meet & greet that most of us have experienced already in the past.
~Britt~Posted 1 year ago on October 18, 2010 LINK -
Sixertown is probably not for everyone. Meeting bands can definitely be a fun aspect of a show, but the main reason I go to shows is for the music. I've been following the Sixers for over five years and I was also skeptical about Sixertown at first. $50 does seem like a lot, but many of us go to multiple shows a year and when I thought about it, it was only adding $5-10 to each show I typically go to. Tickets for the Sixers are usually not too expensive, so I decided it wasn't going to break the bank.
Also, since it is a one time cost, it isn't as if the band is making gobs of money from it. I much prefer Sixertown to the VIP ticket packages they offered a few years ago (I think it was $100 for a ticket to the show, a shirt, a CD, and a pre-show acoustic performance of about 4-5 songs). I managed to do that for one show as a special treat, but it is not something I could've done over and over again.
Now, having gone to several Sixertown sets, I can't believe I ever thought about not joining. I have been able to experience the guys' music in a way I never had in the past five years. I've already been able to request some of my rare, all-time favorite songs and heard them in unique settings (dressing rooms, tour bus, etc.) in front of very few people. There are so many bands that wouldn't even think about doing something like this before almost every show. The Sixers obviously appreciate their fans but had to come up with something different than standing around for hours after every show talking to everyone. I can't imagine doing that night after night after putting on such high energy performances. It was great that they were able to do that for so long, but it's unrealistic that it would go on forever. I think Sixertown was a creative way to keep an intimate relationship with fans while not draining themselves in the process. Like Britt said, it actually makes me more appreciative of the band.
Posted 1 year ago on October 18, 2010 LINK -
I really like everything you said Laura
If I were going to more then one show I'd join sixertown but since I'll only be in Rochester I think I'll be waiting to join.I love that people on here are able to share their opinions without other fans jumping on their back if they don't agree!
Ps: Does anyone know their plans for touring in 2011? Didn't they say something about making a new album?
<3 Cathy & Kelly <3Posted 1 year ago on October 18, 2010 LINK -
I too am a little shocked at the negativity surrounding Sixertown from some. Like Laura, I too was a little down on the price at the beginning, but got over it quickly (especially after my first Sixertown experience). Compared to other fan clubs, this one is amazing. Back in the day I was a part of Local-83 (John Mayer's fan club) and the only thing you really got was presale tickets. That was about it. Granted, Sixers are not on the same level as John Mayer, but a private performance (and music once a month...and a t-shirt) seems way beyond what bands would normally offer in a fan club. Which seems very Sixers - they have been nothing but gracious and usually go above and beyond for fans. How many bands could you email to give suggestions about their fan club? And have them take it seriously on top of that?
Some of us who have been around awhile, it is an adjustment. But the band grew, it can't be the same. When I was seeing them in Madison in the beginning of 2005 shows pretty much were a Sixertown experience. There were about 12 of us standing up by the stage and it felt like my own personal concert. But its not 2005 anymore - now hundreds of people attend the Madison show. I'd much rather have that than a continuation of 2005 (if that was the case, I don't think they would/could come to Madison anymore). I think that can be said for a lot of cities the Sixers visit across America. And, I say this out of TOTAL love, but the guys aren't young spring chickens anymore.
They aren't 20 year olds who can talk for hours and sing. They have told us its for health reasons they don't come out, and that is definitely a good enough reason for me. SK has been doing this for a long time; I can't imagine soundchecking, giving 110% during a show, and then meeting and greeting. That's got to take a toll. Of course its a little sad to see it go, but I agree that it had to come to an end at some point. At least we have the option of Sixertown and they still are, after all, meeting their fans and staying connected.I think we are super lucky when it comes to the Sixers. I think any of us would be hard pressed to think of a band that is more appreciative, personable, and NICER to their fans than the Sixers are. They are still touring a lot and making great music - if you need more than that then your option is to join Sixertown. If the touring and music is enough - then thank God they are still going as strong as they are.
But sell out? I don't think so.
~ JenPosted 1 year ago on October 18, 2010 LINK -
Thanks Cathy & Kelly.
Totally agreed, Jen!
Like LaurLaur and Bethany mentioned, Sixertown is hardly a cash cow. It's not as if they are out putting down payments on mansions with this money. There are probably 100 people in Sixertown tops. Do the math. If they were trying to sell out, they aren't doing a very good job.
Posted 1 year ago on October 18, 2010 LINK -
nicely put, Laura & Jen.
-elisePosted 1 year ago on October 18, 2010 LINK -
Well said, Jen. I understand where Chrissy's coming from to a degree. I was a little put off initially at paying for the things that had always come free to us before. And then I thought about it some more. Even before Sixertown, I used to wonder how the hell did they do it all? Staying late to chat with fans and take pictures, all the while acting as their own roadies most of the time? I know how tired I am after just watching a show, so I don't know how they could do that night after night and still keep their energy going. Then I considered the fact that, were I ever forced to choose one band to see for the rest of my life, the Sixers would be that band without question. When I thought about the reasons why this is so, I came to the realization that they are doing what is best for them and us. Things change, and the band continues to grow, and I think we can all agree that's a good thing. I think they sounded better than ever on this tour. I don't know if it's because of new equipment, more energy, but whatever it is, it's all good.
"Aaannnd I'm gonna keeep on lovvvinn youuu ..."
-whitPosted 1 year ago on October 18, 2010 LINK -
I am also in favor of Sixertown. Although I was skeptical about the 50 dollars at first I totally agree with everyone that this is their job, and if they have to ask for us to help them make new music, I'm all for it.
I recently attended a Sixertown set at the Boston show on 10/14. They played my request and the feeling of my favorite band singing my favorite song directly in front of me is DEFINITELY worth the money! I also loved the opportunity to get to know some more fans that are as passionate about the music as I am.twitter.com/ashleylatifaPosted 1 year ago on October 18, 2010 LINK -
I envy all of you. It sounds like you guys get to see the SK6ERS a lot. For you guys that have the SK6ERS in your hometown multiple times a year, I would imagine the $50 would be totally worth it. I have only been able to see them a few times in the past couple of years. I wanted to pay $50 for Sixertown, but for only one show in Iowa this tour, I couldn't justify it.
Posted 1 year ago on October 19, 2010 LINK -
That definitely makes sense nkrob.
~ JenPosted 1 year ago on October 20, 2010 LINK
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