True fans spare no effort and time to see the idols with their own eyes. But now, to get an autograph at a concert or make a picture with a star, you need more than just dexterity. You will need money to get the desired “access to the body” of the celebs. The British edition of the Daily Mail published prices for meet-and-greet autograph sessions that promoters placed on the ticket selling web sites.
How Much Should You Pay to Meet Justin Bieber?
The long-awaited meeting with the star lasts only a couple of seconds, but the most ardent fans are willing to pay any sum for such a moment. For example, Justin Bieber, during his 2012 tour, Believe, is ready to smile for the camera for 350 pounds (but such tickets were sold long ago!). No need for despair, you can get to the concert in Los Angeles for 1932 pounds sterling. The fans in Minneapolis will have to fork out as much as three thousand pounds for a ticket.
Rihanna, Britney and Katy Perry Want Money, Too
Rihanna’s requirements are a little smaller – you can get photos, autographs and souvenirs from the Barbadian diva for 340 lbs. Britney Spears during her tour Femme Fatale in 2011, asked for 644 lbs. Katy Perry offers her fans free parking. In addition, her 319-pound VIP-tickets include a souvenir bag, a photo and the treasured signature.
Beyonce: No Hugs
However, not all stars have such moderate prices. For example, in 2003, Beyoncé asked just 285 pounds for an autograph session, but after six years in the show business she decided to raise the price to 1100 pounds. However, for this money you will not even have a possibility to pat your favourite singer on the shoulder – strict security guards will send you home at once. The singer has a firm rule – “no hugs”.
Paul McCartney Also Earns This Way
The reason for such celeb’s requirements turns out quite obvious. Paul McCartney’s PR manager, Stuart Bell, for example, states that when album sales are falling, it is necessary to look for any opportunity to earn extra money. Such meetings with fans can add around 600 thousand pounds to the organizers’ purses, if you invite, for example, twenty fans daily during a 50-day tour.
However, Bell immediately added that it did not concern the long-livers of the world stage:
The old guard like the Stones and Sir Paul McCartney do occasional meet-and-greets with competition winners or for charity, which is how it always used to be. When Sir Paul was touring we had competitions to find the biggest fans in each territory and then he would meet-and-greet ten fans in Belgium, ten in Mexico and so on. It wasn’t for money – they were not paying for it – but he was pleased to do it
Another Option for Fans from Celebs
Despite the fact that neither Paul McCartney nor Rod Stewart or Kylie Minogue take money for giving autographs, they nonetheless offer to purchase VIP-tickets a la “all inclusive”: here you can visit the run-through and get the guaranteed front-row seats and gifts from the stars, as well as go to the afterparty with your idol.
For example, Rod Stewart offers to pay 1250 pounds for this splendor, while a “veteran” of show business, Madonna, is ready to give her fans only a “guaranteed” photo and an autograph for 1950 pounds. At least Madonna guarantees something. With Elton John everything depends on his mood (the tickets have a note “at Elton John’s discretion”).
What Makes Celebrities Charge Their Fans?
Do not rush to blame the stars for greed: some sources say that the new trend is not initiated by the artists but the music fans themselves. Blurry photos, illegible signatures, the artist’s indifference is not a problem. The most important thing is the treasured photo and autograph in your hands.
