my son and I went to the Raiders championship game back in 2003. We were walking in a few people told us Metallica was playing in the parking lot. We didn’t believe it, so just got BBQ and went to our seats. Come to find out. They WERE there and playing in the parking lot. I was so mad at myself for not just checking it out.
When Metallica played in Berkeley with the San Francisco Symphony I was online the minute tickets went on sale, but they were sold out immediately, small venue. I told a coworker, well she was a volunteer usher and got me in with her. I just helped people to their seats, and when the concert started sat on the floor with a clear view and enjoyed the show.
After that I volunteered at the Concord Pavillion for several, years. Saw some good shows. Only one I really had to work handling the crowd was Sammy Hagar. He had people on the stage drinking tequila shots.
That’s how my older brother would get into shows and events. Volunteering LOL. Then they would quit when the actual show is underway. I did the same thing when Lollapalooza was in town, and “volunteered” at the events area just to get the passes. Back in the last 90’s, it was close to $50 a ticket.
The vivid one I remember was rage Against the Machine. These anti-capitalist, leftist, commie band was CHARGING $40 for their show. The Irony they were capitalist in charging money. So I “volunteered” for the one of the t-shirt guys and quit halfway. In a fair way, he didnt even pay me for helping him get the t-shirts to the stand so we’re good..
Great story!! Fun times :-)