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Original poster

How to contact a group to arrange something for sick child?

39 replies

mears · 09/01/2004 13:47

We have got tickets for a Blink182 concert in Glasgow and DS's friend had wanted to go but it looks unlikely. He is going to have surgery to remove a malignant tumour from his leg about 2 weeks before the gig. He might be able to attend in a wheelchair but we don't know how he will be feeling and it might be really close to his next lot of chemotherapy.
Question is - how do people arrange meetings with the band or personal note from them. I have looked at the internet and you seem to need to subscribe to a sites to get actual contact info and I don't really want to do that. I want to phone someone - any ideas?

OP posts:
Original poster
mears · 09/01/2004 14:07

No-one with ontacts on mumsnet? Have phoned the venue but there is no-one in the box office till tomorrow.

OP posts:
Original poster
mears · 09/01/2004 14:07

contacts even.

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suzywong · 09/01/2004 14:11

You need to find out who the tour manager is, they are the most powerful person when the band is on the road.

Do Blink182 have a website, there may be a contact us page.

Or find out what record lable they are on and go through the London office.

But if you can, get the name of the tour manager and pester him/her.

Blink182 have a reputation as bein particularly nice and down to earth so you could be lucky.

When is the date of the concert?

Hope this helps

Original poster
mears · 09/01/2004 14:14

Thanks Suzywong - there isn't an actual contact number on the site. Will try the record label. The concert is on 8th February.

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suzywong · 09/01/2004 14:14

here it is blink182

suzywong · 09/01/2004 14:15

Post crossed

I cannot promise anything but I have a couple of contacts and I will see if they can point us in the right directions.

Please don't get hopes up but will try and get you to the tour mananger at least

WideWebWitch · 09/01/2004 14:24

I found the name of their agent but couldn't find a contact no. He is Rick Bonde at the Tahoe Agency and their manager is Rick DeVoe. (they both sound made up names to me! Never even heard of the band either but then I am middle aged) Looks like Suzywong may be able to help though. Poor boy Mears, I hope you can arrange something for him.

WideWebWitch · 09/01/2004 14:26

Or if you can't get hold of anyone might it be worth talking to the Make a wish foundation?

fio2 · 09/01/2004 14:27

make a wish foundation are brilliant, my sister got something really lovely off them. I would definately try them

Original poster
mears · 09/01/2004 14:29

Thanks very much. I found the names but thought how do i contact them so that they do not think it is a windup. Anyway, had a brainwave and contacted our local radio station. I ended up in tears trying to explain what I wanted to do. Spoke to a very nice lady who said to leave it with her and she will speak to the DJ my son listens to who doesn't come into work till 5.30pm. Will let you know what happens.

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Original poster
mears · 09/01/2004 14:34

I thought about the make a wish foundation, but thought that was really for children who have terminal illness. The concert is something he wanted to go to when he was well and we are trying to organise this without his knowledge incase it all falls through. There may be something else that he would really want to do later if his treatment is not successful IYKWIM?

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fio2 · 09/01/2004 14:47

mears, it is for all children with a life threatening illness which leukeamia is. My sister has cystic fibrosis so wasnt about to die when she received the gift - but her life was limited iykwim

Original poster
mears · 09/01/2004 14:56

That's what I mean fio2. At the moment his life is not limited (we hope). However that could change. I will give them a call if I don't have any success with the other avenues. Thanks.

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fio2 · 09/01/2004 14:58

Mears I honestly think he would qualify. My sister received her gift when she 14, she lived another six years after that.

I hope his life isnt limited either

fio2 · 09/01/2004 14:58

seven years actually!

Original poster
mears · 09/01/2004 14:58

Didn't read that properly either. I think we are all in denial that he is not going to be cured in the next 4 months. I think his mum would have difficulty getting assistance from the foundation at this stage.

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Original poster
mears · 09/01/2004 15:01

sorry - posts crossed. His mum said to me her initial feelings were she would feel guilty about getting him anything special because it is like cashing in on it. She has changed her mind on that one and now thinks why shouldn't he get something to look forward to.

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WideWebWitch · 09/01/2004 15:08

tour manger's name is Gus, here but I can't get a number for him. The record label is Geffen and their website is here .

fio2 · 09/01/2004 15:09

I agree, that is why these charities are set up. What is happening to him and their family is absolutely devastating and why shouldnt he be entitled to something special? He should. I would give it a try mears even if you get no-where with it.

Original poster
mears · 09/01/2004 15:10

Thankyou so much for getting that info www.
Will let you all know how I get on.

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Original poster
mears · 09/01/2004 15:11

will do fio2.

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suzywong · 09/01/2004 15:34

Mears

Gus Brandt is a very nice man and would not think it was a wind up

May be able to advise you more on how to get through to him a little later.

suedonim · 09/01/2004 16:24

Mears, we have a friend who DJ's for (?)Beat 106 in Glasgow. I can get in touch with him, if it would help.

Original poster
mears · 09/01/2004 16:43

Thanks everyone. Won't be able to log on again till much later tonight (am night shift) or till tomorrow once I have slept.

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suzywong · 09/01/2004 21:07

Mears, I have spoken to my rock world contacts and this is the general consensus.

Call the venue and ask to speak to the Production Manager and explain the situation, don' t think they are unapproachable, they are just ordinary people at the end of the phone and ask. Don't ask for the booking office as this has nothing to do with tickets (you already have them), go along the wheelchair access lines - can they give you a good position because - just tell them the true story, this is the best route as even the tour manager would have to go through that process with the venue production manager as well so you may as well cut out the middle man.

The key is to get beyond the booking office who may fob you off. Even asking for the production office will make you sound like you know what you are talking about.
You have to blag it and be honest and confident it would be great PR for the band and they are a nice bunch of lads.

Let me know how you get on because I do have a direct contact to the tour manager if you get no joy.

Hope this helps