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“This was the worst VIP experience I have ever paid for...”

written by on 08/09/2010

This was the worst VIP experience I have ever paid for -- and I have been to several in my life!

The Sturgis, South Dakota Glencoe Campground and promoter negotiations dissolved mid-summer 2010, so an alternative site, the Monkey Rock stage and party area were built within a few weeks -- right up to the opening night August 9.

Usually a VIP party package that is purchased may or may not have a meet-n-greet, but usually provides drinks and/or snacks.

The Godsmack VIP package sold to me months previously had a list of what was to be received, including a VIP area off-stage for those of us who chose to spend the money to be up close.

When I arrived, my tickets were nowhere to be found and I waited an hour for "John," the representative, to come to the ticket booth to take me to the party I paid for.

The new Monkey Rock area did not have a VIP section of the stage available -- only a tent with chairs set up in the dust off to the side of the GA area and we were charged for every drink. To their credit, they did bring out meat balls, chips and crudites.

I did send an email to Godsmack.com to ask for compensation for the fraud. They stated that I had to speak to the promoter, DC Global. As a loyal Godsmack fan who has spent thousands of dollars on their VIP packages and have had great experiences, I was taken aback by this abrupt and terse passing of the buck. I usually would not take time out of my life to "complain," but after thinking long and hard about this, I do feel that if a situation is truly unjust, then it must be brought into the light and exposed, if only for improvement. I have been providing customer service for 32+ years and do feel qualified to write this review!

I cannot recommend a future Godsmack VIP experience at this point. I had paid close to $700 for 2 tickets, not including air fare, food, travel expenses and housing only to receive a chair (hence a 1 star) to sit in for a concert. I am quite embarrassed for and disgusted by Godsmack.com for not honoring themselves and what they sold. Granted, Godsmack.com could control the Glencoe:promoter change of venue, but compensation after the fact should be considered.

I will never go to the Monkey Rock venue again, either; but will spend my money at the Buffalo Chip Campground, where service is provided to the customer and the PDC ("Pretty Damn Close") stage and VIP party are set up all for the consumer. The promoter of Monkey Rock should study and learn from what works.

Currently, I am looking at new and younger band's music to enjoy:)