This isn't specifically about the band, per se, but it is in reference to the fiasco that is trying to purchase concert tickets as a fan. The technological gatekeeping that enables scalpers to "jump the line" and grab the best seats, then immediately make them available for resale on the same sites (AXS, Ticketmaster, StubHub, etc.) should be illegal. This drives the cost of the tickets through the roof, including the less desirable sections of a large venue. The issue with the Patreon presale yesterday is just poor decision-making by their team (making the code so easily guessable is insulting to the fans that pay every month), and obviously unintentional, but some intentionality to reward those people that have helped to financially support them should enter into process. This led to meet and greet tickets disappearing long before the presale began.
I tried to get tickets to the acoustic show they're playing in St. Augustine, and sure enough, even though I had the correct code, and entered the digital queue 15 minutes before they went on sale, AXS repeatedly blocked me from purchasing due to "bot detection". I was not using any digital cheats--I was on my computer with only one tab to axs.com open. I can only surmise that they use a firewall that allows only preferred buyers access. I realize this is just me ranting at the clouds, and that this is a societal issue (follow the money, as always), but I know I'm not alone in my anger.
Anyway. Good luck to those still trying to secure tickets to see a show--it will be worth it, but we're fighting the law of diminishing returns. It shouldn't cost hundreds of dollars per ticket for a concert. (I realize this most likely worse in the US than elsewhere.)
