Fozzy's New VIP Makes Us Dance Like Mick Jagger For An Hour

...Actually, a bit longer than that. Around three days, to be precise!

 Now, those of you who have followed this blog for a while will know I have written about Fozzy VIPs before. But they aren't quite the same as they used to be. The band has evolved, more people want to come to VIP, and so things had to change a little. This is NO bad thing.

On Sunday, I headed to Southampton to experience Fozzy VIP 2015, and I have to say, I loved it! As always, we were given a signed photo, early access to merchandise, a group VIP photo, plus individual photos with the band. That would be enough of a treat for most fans, but what's new this year is the soundcheck, the mini private gig, and a question and answer session!

"Why do we need a mini private gig?" I hear you ask! Well, I'll tell you! First and foremost, the best thing for me was the chance to be very close to the stage and enjoy a bit of the show without any concerns about being squished against the barriers. I know, I know - that is all part of the fun, but not everyone is as... moshy as some, and some of the VIP'ers I spoke to were thrilled because this private show meant they could relax and take very close up photos without any concerns. Not only that, but Fozzy take requests - and not just their own songs, either. In Southampton, we were treated to an awesome version of You Really Got Me that had everyone rocking out!

The Q&A session was also a brilliant addition to the VIP package. A lot of times, if you meet a band member in passing, there isn't enough time to ask a question, and if there is, the answer can be rushed because these guys don't have a lot of time to chat. This designated time for questions was brilliant as it meant everyone who had something they always wanted to ask could so in a relaxed way, without feeling too hurried.

One thing I always need to mention when it comes to Fozzy VIP is this: A lot of times people are on the fence about whether to upgrade to the VIP package. The reasons for the hesitation vary, but a lot of fans want to know firstly if it's value for money, and secondly, whether they can handle their nerves! The answer to question one is yes, it's absolutely worth the money! I have done VIP a few times, and each time it's different, for different reasons. I have never had two identical VIP experiences, and as you get to know the band better, you will eventually end up with your own inside jokes!  And nerves? Perfectly normal, but the guys are SO down to earth, they put you at ease from the first hello.

SO, if you are considering a VIP package - just go for it!

Also, if you are a Fozzy virgin, it's a really good idea to let them pop your cherry, because you will leave their shows with a buzz that cannot be beaten.

Fozzy Rocks Plymouth - VIP Experience, Round Two!

I feel like this in spirit - 3 hours sleep means I can barely lift my eyelids, let alone shake it like a polaroid picture! :p

SO, I did it again, Fozzy VIP round two, and oh my goodness...

Right from the beginning, everything went perfectly. We were met by the VIP rep, Scott, and the fun began. There were jokes, high fives, some banter about English accents/words, and the kind of chatter you usually have with people after you've known them a while - not just five minutes. No disrespect to the last rep because he did his job well, BUT Scott made us all feel SO welcome by being as hyped as we were, and not being afraid to have a bit of fun with us! Having him around really set the night off to a great start.

VIP Swag (We weren't allowed to take Scott :p )

At dinner, all the guys from Fozzy were on top form, and the level of nerves around the table from the VIPers was significantly lower this time. Maybe because three of us had done it before, so instead of meeting them and thinking, "OH MY GOD I'M EATING WITH FOZZY!!" it was like catching up with friends! Props to them, they remembered those of us who were there last time, and welcomed the newbies with enthusiasm!

It was much easier to move around and talk to everyone this time, and I was ecstatic that I finally got to spend time chatting to Rich Ward. The man is not only a legend, but one of the most genuinely sweet guys I've ever been lucky enough to meet. I also met Billy Grey for the first time, and talked to Paul Di Leo a bit more. Honestly, all the guys are absolutely amazing but I'm a big Frank Fontsere fan! I may have exceeded some kind of daily hug limit, but I think that's okay...hopefully. :D

 

I got me a signed Frank drumstick!

Okay... moving on to the gig!

 

I don't know how it's possible, but Fozzy get better and better every time I see them. I thought they were at the top  of their game in December, but they continue to prove me wrong. They were louder, wilder, sharper, more energetic than before and the crowd were more than happy to scream and shout their enthusiasm.

Fozzy's set included songs from Sin and Bones, including their first ever live performance of Shine Forever, plus the ever catchy She's My Addiction, and fan favourite, Sandpaper. One of the best responses of the night came during God Pounds His Nails, at which point the crowd nearly ripped the roof off the White Rabbit! 

Jericho continues to be an exceptional frontman, and with such unmistakable onstage chemistry between the band, it's easy to see why fans keep coming back for more. 

Anyone who is waiting to see Fozzy on this tour is in for an awesome time because they are rocking harder than ever, so you'd better be ready for it! There are still VIP tickets, and gig tickets available here. 

Now, on the night, I took a bunch of photos and videos, but for unknown reasons, my camera decided to stop recording sound which made the videos useless. To make up for it, I put together this little video montage so those videos weren't a total waste! (If you don't hear sound on this, let me know, but it's working for me!)

Six Days To Go!

Don't worry, this isn't the start of one of those really annoying countdowns, it is merely to state my excitement that there are now only six days to go until I get to meet Fozzy for the second time! The boys are headed back to the UK next week, and if you haven't got your tickets yet, what are you waiting for?! You can get tickets and VIP upgrades here and if you have never done VIP before, I would definitely recommend it. You can read about my last VIP experience here, and you'll see just how freaking brilliant it is!

I can't even begin to explain how excited I am to be doing this again - plus meeting up with one of the friends I made last time. That is part of the beauty of Fozzy VIP. You get to meet a whole bunch of new people!

Obviously, I will be posting all about it once it's over, but why rely on my word? Grab a ticket now, and see for yourself!