UK merchandise/meet+greet
Bad news: we’re not allowed to ship boxes of t-shirts and posters to the UK without getting into a whole Customs and Excise mess. This is an oversight on my part really: we filled out a carnet listing each piece of equipment, but those are for temporary export whereas merchandise is for sale. I’d assumed we could just include the ‘merch’ in with the rest of the equipment.
As a consequence we won’t be able to have a merch table at the Scala and Hyde Park shows. Which in turn means our ‘meet’n'greet’ system won’t work either (wherein random people that buy an item get a ‘purple ticket’ to a meet’n'greet after the show.) At least the Sole Inhabitant Tour t-shirts and posters are for sale at the online store on this web site.
I’ll try to work out how to do the meet’n'greet. It’s not really an option for me just to stick around the Scala and sign stuff, as they’ll be kicking us all out at 9.30pm for the disco that happens later. And at Hyde Park there are probably stringent security rules. So one possibility is that we find somewhere close to the Scala for around 10pm that’s willing to let us use a back room. This would be for registered Forum members only, and I’ll say hello and sign whatever records/memorabilia you bring along. I can’t easily organise this from here in the USA, so it would take an enterprising UK based person to organise it. I’m open to suggestions! Give us your comments here.
I’ll also ask Lunesse to post this on the Forum.
June 13th, 2006 at 10:23 am
That’s a dreadful shame about the merch, I was hoping to take my tour T-shirt to show my friends in Tenerife, I’m going too soon to order one off the store for it’s arrival on time, like the “80s Stripped import”.
This is a purely selfish request, so I don’t think it’s likely, but can we find somewhere that permits Under-18′s?
June 13th, 2006 at 12:09 pm
TMDR, why don’t you all just bring an “extra suitcase” with extra t-shirts (merch)? lol, just nothing over 50 lbs! Tell customs that they are part of your act “I Live in a Suitcase”
June 13th, 2006 at 12:49 pm
That’s okay, mate. So long as you’re there that is all that matters.
June 13th, 2006 at 4:24 pm
Retro: maybe TMDR can meet you outside the door on his way into the meet/greet if it is over 18? You could at least say hello.
June 13th, 2006 at 4:49 pm
I’ll bring over my vintage Radio operator headphones and a sharpie just in case and my sole inhabitant T-shirt of course!:))
June 13th, 2006 at 10:53 pm
Forum members only?
Remember my name…..VALEN….VALEN…..VALEN
(Spoken in a hpynotic tone)
Seriously though, it’s amazing the work and effort you are putting in for your fans.
Thank you.
June 14th, 2006 at 12:40 am
We could always meet in a Hotel Bar/lounge and then any under 18′s would be able to meet TMDR.
It’s just finding a Hotel near King’s Cross that doesn’t charge by the hour…if you know what i mean…
I’d be happy to do a bit of research into this and try and find somewhere suitable, I work in Warren St…so not far away.
June 14th, 2006 at 2:23 am
Cmon Thomas, Backroom…Friday Night…Kings Cross??? Like anything would be available!!!
Seriously though, bar/lounge in a hotel sounds like a good thing – trouble is how crowded would they be at this time of night on a friday.
June 14th, 2006 at 2:32 am
Actually, I thought I’d add something useful…
If there was a pretty definite number then maybe we could all book a big table at a nearby restaurant – there should be lots of space at 9.30-10pm at night. Much more relaxed and people could come and go as they need to catch trains, etc. – Thomas could join us for a slurpy + tofu dog or something or simply just walk round the table signing aut’s, etc.
June 14th, 2006 at 3:48 am
J.J. I like the idea of the restaurant. Any in mind?
Maybe a Mexican…
Sure to Have some Hot Sauce.
June 14th, 2006 at 4:10 am
Let me get this right…are you guys asking Thomas Dolby out on a ‘date’?
Thats so crazy it might just work!!
I can imagine the call now…
“Hi, I would like to book a table for 200 please, around 10.00pm, under the name ‘Thomas Dobly’ ….Thats right, Hyperactive, yep, yep, ok thank you.”
June 14th, 2006 at 5:04 am
Never thought of it like that. Imagine my wifes reaction if I said I was out on a date in Kings Cross.
Merely an idea, sir. Just thinking of the logistics of meet and greets on a Friday night in a horrendously busy area of London.
Of course, there’s still a chance that someone can get a, ahem, room for it do be done in for an hour or so which doesnt have a coin-operated vibrating bed or a love heart shaped tub.
No, thats not from experience!! Lol.
I still can’t understand why The Scala wouldnt allow us to congregate somewhere for the greet – isn’t that top floor still available like when it was a cool cinema? The website says there are three bars there – surely we could all meet in one for half an hour or so without causing a security issue.
June 14th, 2006 at 5:17 am
I’m DJing at a venue just off Oxford Street straight after the show. Any use?
June 14th, 2006 at 5:41 am
Well, put it another way. I have to go and work straight after the gig, so i’m probably going to miss the meet n greet. And I will be SO upset….
June 14th, 2006 at 6:13 am
Hi everyone,
))))))))
It’s mine and my wife’s (is that grammer correct??) 1st wedding anniversary on the saturday after the Scala gig. What a perfect present! Not only seeing Thomas Dolby, but the chance to meet him too afterwards!
Come on guys, we’ve got to get a brief chat at least
Richard & Rosie (You’ll spot us a mile off – we’ll be the sloppy, all loved up couple. Some even say I look like the man himself!)
June 14th, 2006 at 6:15 am
Table for 200 it is then! Even if TMDR doesnt show up we’d all have a good time. My train home leaves at around midnight. I’d be up for that.
I’m sure that he reads EVERY post here, so he’ll be there
Richard & Rosie
June 14th, 2006 at 9:36 am
Ok, the Scala may be able to offer us the ‘Glass Bar’ for 50 people from 9.30pm to 10.15pm or so on the 23rd. Question is, how to fairly limit the number of people with passes to 50. As we’ve seen, there’s no single system that seems to make everyone happy. So I propose we make an online ‘ticket’ that Forum members can print out and bring to the show. At the Scala Box Office you present this and they give you a pass to the Glass Bar, but only the first 50 people. It’s up to you to find out what time the box office opens on 23rd and be there early.
Dominik Fusina has offered to design a nice printable ticket. For anyone that doesn’t have a t-shirt or album/CD to get signed, an autographed meet’n'greet ticket will make a nice souvenir.
Comments?
June 14th, 2006 at 10:12 am
Erm…I think you’re very nice.
June 14th, 2006 at 11:03 am
Ahoy TMDR
So I print this ticket, I fly from Belfast with my wife and uncle, we go straight to the box office and I get to meet a cult legend!!
Will this ticket cover the three of us? Or will I have to register my wife and uncle also? Then print them a ticket?
Last, but not least, are you hiring this room? If so, should a donation be made from those attending?
Many thanks
AG
June 14th, 2006 at 11:09 am
I guess fifty is an OK number for board members but a lot will be with partners and some may even be with families. I know for a fact my wife won’t appreciate standing outside the Scala waiting for me – and if you could see the way she cracks walnuts, you wouldnt want to annoy her either!
The Box office will need to limit the number of passes per person in some way also.
Selling them via the on-line shop for a nominal amount might avoid that – even better why not sell them for the cost of a t-shirt and/or poster, bring a box of each over with you knowing you have sold them guaranteed in advance. Whoever checks the passes can give them out in the bar.
Just a thought – but it would make a lot of the meet-and-greeters very happy indeed, I’m sure.
June 14th, 2006 at 11:16 am
Just reading your post Valen – the first-come, first-served when the box office opens issue might cause problems for those not based in London (and I live here – I’m just being honest!).
Whatever happens, it is a fantastic thing that you are doing, sir – and may the best 50 people get to meet you.
June 14th, 2006 at 11:18 am
Good point J.J.
Money is the only way to settle this.
Or who ever has the better looking wife!
Although on a serious note, an online payment seems the best way to go.
Benefits? You will…
a) Get an accurate figure of attendance
b) Cover the cost of hiring the room
c) Avoid disappointment for fans
d) Get to meet me an J.J.
Word.
June 14th, 2006 at 11:24 am
That’s so lovely of you Thomas! I may see if I can get my start time delayed a little so I can pop up and shake your hand…
June 14th, 2006 at 12:05 pm
I like the online ticket idea thing. I’ve got the whole day to camp if I have to.
June 14th, 2006 at 2:26 pm
I printed ticked per person=1 pass.
Someone should find out what time the Scala box office opens. It’s tough on out of towners, people working late etc… but if you’re really industrious you can get a friend to pop down.
And BTW folks, there is NO system that is going to make everyone happy. I won”t charge money, that would be tacky.
June 14th, 2006 at 2:49 pm
When this is all confirmed:
Tickets will be free, one per person. First come, first serve at the door for the first 50 who exchange it for a pass. The pass will let you into the meet n’ greet, not the ticket itself. It’s the best arrangement we can do with a short staff, no time, and no merch.
Just remember, our wonderful man Thomas doesn’t have to offer something like this, which lengthens his working day, at ALL. He’s a super nice guy!
June 14th, 2006 at 3:35 pm
Here Here!
I second that!
SUPER SUPER NICE!
: D
June 14th, 2006 at 3:44 pm
J.J. Spimm / Space intruder !!
Can you email me @ austin26@btinternet.com
I need your help
June 14th, 2006 at 4:29 pm
The Scala Box Office according to the ticketweb website is open at 10am.
http://www.ticketweb.co.uk/venuepages/scala.html
June 14th, 2006 at 10:25 pm
That IS super nice of Thomas to figure all that out for his fans. Certainly above and beyond the call of duty. Now everyone needs to think ahead on what they’ll say/have signed since that leaves less than a minute per person to visit with Thomas. So be prepared and hope you all have a great time!
June 15th, 2006 at 12:17 am
Hey guys, this is great.
One thing I might add though…please, please, please give us guys who are coming down later a chance to hand in our printed tickets. I woud be feel totally gutted if I knew that a few people had handed in 50 tickets between them to dish them out to their mates later. The earliest we can get there would be about 3pm. I hope we’re still in the first 50 at that time.
This is a great opportunity for his long time fans to make it a night of a life time :-p
Rich
June 15th, 2006 at 12:22 am
How do I get a meet’n'greet ticket?
Tapio J, Finland
June 15th, 2006 at 12:22 am
So, where is the link to the ticket? Rich
June 15th, 2006 at 1:07 am
MrNormall what time are you going to arrive in london?
Maybe certain foreign travellers could have tickets reserved in their name?
I have a feeling these tickets may become legendary…
June 15th, 2006 at 1:49 am
I think it’s easy to forget (given that anyone on this board is obviously a big, big fan) that this is a stunning act of generosity and staying faithful to the faithful. Most artists wouldn’t even think to organise something like this. And considering that this is a family holiday (albeit a working one!)… well, WOW!
So in case it all gets forgotten in the scramble to get CDs signed – Thank You, Thomas for being willing to do this.
Hopefully see you there….
June 15th, 2006 at 2:25 am
I have to laugh, this reminds me of the ‘Fieldwork video’.
June 15th, 2006 at 2:51 am
Hi Thomas,
Have been a fan since Wireless came out – 1982 I think? time goes too fast
I’m really looking forward to the Scala gig having been waiting over 20 years to see you live.
I’ll be coming down with my wife and friends so meet and greet would be great, but unfortunately won’t be getting to the Scala until 7pm, and anyway what would I say?
So as it looks like you read this stuff I’d just like to say Thanks – for the music and everything it’s meant to me, for just the chance to meet and greet – and as others have posted – your generosity by actually doing a meet like this for us fans. Above and beyond indeed.
June 15th, 2006 at 5:04 am
I don’t think anyone really has forgotten that it’s an incredible act. But the O.P. did ask for comments which have been offered and discussed.
Actually, a lot of artists offer meet-and-greets, it’s not that unusual. I ended up shelling out big bucks so she could meet Duran Duran in some fan package a few years back. She was so happy, she cried.
I cried a month later when the credit card statement arrived
Seriously though, I don’t think anyone is underestimating what is being offered – people are just aware that this may be their only chance in the near future.
June 20th, 2006 at 2:04 am
Hey Thomas, me and my brother Andy (who 40th birthday it will be) are travelling down from Bristol for the gig – we’re really looking forward to seeing! Spose there’s no chance of hearing The Flat Earth (my number one desert island disc).
June 23rd, 2006 at 7:14 am
My very man! Is it really fourteen years since I saw you last? The Grand in Clapham if my memory serves me correctly, with Eddi Reader. Great to have you back in town, so looking forward to seeing you tonight at Scala. Sadly, I suspect all the meet and greet tickets have long gone by now, and I’m still stuck at work! If I had been organised enough I’d have taken the day off and got my ass down to the smoke to be at that box office when it opened…. Still, just to hear you again after so long is as much as I need. Best dash, got a train to catch!
August 16th, 2008 at 1:46 am
Debt…
just stopped in. good site….