Primer Festival/MADVMA: Gigs in Greece as a foreigner

I want to talk briefly about the VIP access to two events that happened this summer. The Mad Video Music Awards #MADVMA and the Primer Festival featuring Tyga and Tiesto. For each event I'll talk about the following: Seating, performances, overall.

I knew Greece was the place I wanted to retire to and spend my life when I was working in Larisa back in 2011. BUT, being here in Greece isn't without some BIG challenges. It's not just the language barrier sometimes, it's not the driving, it's not making friends or finding a job. My biggest "challenge" was finding something I actually enjoyed doing, besides eating amazing food and going to beautiful beaches. So, when there's a concert or event that interests me, I'm all ready to go do it… and do it in style.

Mad Video Music Awards #MADVMA

The MADVMA were amazing. Honestly one of the best events I've ever attended in my life. We decided to attend the event "in style" by buying VIP+ tickets (Artist Lounge). The tickets were in the most expensive category. However, to attend an event of this caliber in the US, you'd pay 4 times as much.

• Seating

The seating in the Artist Lounge was amazing and honestly couldn't have been better. We had a fantastic front-row spot and could see every artist on stage unobstructed. The actual chairs could've been better. They were just folding chairs dressed up with a cover. Nice-looking, but not too comfortable.

• Performances

Everyone was well-rehearsed and brought their "A-game." Every artist was truly amazing. The sound, the special effects, the lighting, the stage… everything was just perfect. I couldn't have asked for a better show.

That said, a fight broke out between two artists and this interrupted the performances for about 30 minutes. I think this could've been handled a bit better by security, without such a long delay. However, Greeks generally did NOT put up with this kind of fighting/behavior. Something that really impressed me was that when the two artists came out to perform after the fight incident, the crowd booed both of them. Greeks (thank God) are not going to tolerate that kind of barbaric behavior.

• Overall

Excellent… truly, it was an amazing moment! Two things I'd do better if I were running this event are:

1. Make sure there's adequate air conditioning…. It was really hot. I don't know what was going on with the AC, but it wasn't working properly.

2. For Artist Lounge ticket holders, there should be a dedicated entrance and more information. Maybe someone to escort us to the area, to let us know what to expect. Also a separate area for drinks. I wasn't sure if there was an area where we could go to meet some of the artists, take photos… like an actual "lounge."

But, like we said… it was a truly amazing event and EVERY artist was TOP-notch!

Primer Festival with Tyga and Tiesto

The Primer Festival with Tyga and Tiesto was yet another top-notch, amazing event. The festival was in a large area and we again bought VIP tickets for this event. The energy was so amazing!

• Seating

So… the VIP area had tables and a few chairs and wasn't too crowded. It was full enough to meet people and feel the energy, but not so full that we couldn't sit or see. We were seated, had a separate area for drinks, and the platform was raised. However, the platform was a bit far from the stage. I'm not sure why it wasn't closer, but, it wasn't that big of a problem.

• Performances

What can I say… At the festival both the energy and the artists were amazing. Tyga and Tiesto are world famous and know exactly how to give their fans joy. I was really surprised by how "on time" the event ran. Tyga was scheduled to appear at 11pm and came out right around 11pm. Unfortunately, we had a lot of rain on the 2nd day when Tiestowas supposed to appear, but the event went exactly as scheduled. The stage was covered for the artist and both he and the equipment were able to keep going…

• Overall

Here's where I'm going to get a little ugly… This event got delayed for 2 years because of COVID and I had bought VIP tickets in 2020 from Viva (the event organizer) back in 2020. The VIP tickets were around 150 euros for both days. The same VIP tickets for the postponed event were over 400 euros. Viva canceled and refunded everyone their original 2020 purchase and forced everyone to buy the MUCH more expensive 2022 tickets. This was a big deal and almost made me decide not to even attend.

Going from 150 to 400 euros for the same event is UNACCEPTABLE. I have no idea what's behind the price increase, but it seems like a lot to me. That said, I don't think I'd buy VIP tickets at that price again, unless we were closer to the stage and had some better perks to justify spending 10X more than a general admission ticket.

Final thoughts

Greece is amazing and nothing compares to its beautiful beaches, weather, and people. Now, Greece can say it's doing a good job organizing amazing events for people to enjoy and experience. In 2023 I hope all of you decide to attend one or both of these events, and if you do, look me up (@daveingreece – IG) at both.

Love you all!