(07-08-2009, 10:38 AM)cathb Wrote:

(07-08-2009, 10:26 AM)VAMPS + American Street Team + Wrote:

(07-08-2009, 10:09 AM)cathb Wrote:

(07-08-2009, 02:09 AM)VAMPS + American Street Team + Wrote: Hey everyone! How's it going? VAMPS kick off their tour in just DAYS from today (4 to be exact - if you're on the west coast). I get major knots in my stomach just thinking about it.

Ok, let me get on with it. I really hope you are all excited and thrilled about the announcements of the autograph sessions/meet 'n greets. However, I just want to say that I am so sorry that there will not be an autograph session in New York. I can't even begin to express how sorry I am. I know that some of you might think I'm full of crap. However, that can't be farther from the truth. I never wanted to disappoint anyone because I very much know what it feels like to be disappointed. As a human being, I know how it feels and it really, really, really sucks. So, I hope my sincerity reaches you, somehow.

If it is any consolation at all, VAMPS are not holding an autograph session in New York because of certain issues, not because they don't want to. They want to meet as many of their fans as possible, so I hope fans attending the show in New York don't think that VAMPS don't want to see them. That is definitely NOT TRUE at all. I know it may not seem fair, but I can only say, "I'm sorry." My words may seem hollow and it might not be good enough, but I am truly very, very sorry to have disappointed anyone.

I also want to thank all of you so much for supporting VAMPS, especially for all the time and effort you have all spent into helping to promote the tour. THANK YOU! I hope you all have a kick-@ss and memorable time this Saturday. ;) Please take care of yourselves (and others). Be safe, have fun, and rock on. ;)

Much VAMPS-love,
Heather

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Ok, with all that said, it is very much understood at this point that VAMPS will hold several autograph sessions. I'm not trying to pour salt in wounds, but the fact that VAMPS (and their staff) have decided to do such a thing, is unprecedented. Fans in Japan are very much hard-pressed to get HYDE's autograph, let alone VAMPS. VAMPS have worked extremely hard to make this happen. Again, I deeply apologize to fans who are going to the shows in which VAMPS will not hold autograph sessions. However, the fact that they have even decided to come to the United States in the first place is amazing. I still can't believe that in 4 days' time, VAMPS will step foot in the U.S. of A. They have worked so hard and have fought hard to make this tour happen. That, coupled with the fact that they have managed to schedule these autograph session in their already hectic schedule, is even more amazing.

Because VAMPS are doing so much and are putting so much time/effort into this tour and the upcoming events, I'd say that it is more than enough of an incentive to help them when they need it, right? I'd say so. And guess what? They do need us. They need us now more than ever to help get these tickets sold out.

There are still so many tickets for this tour still available and while it's true we face difficult barriers such as this economic crisis, I think we need to push it up a notch and try even harder to help get these tickets sold. We need to push for as many people as possible to experience the absolute joy and amazement we feel when we hear the music VAMPS creates. If we feel that by simply watching YouTube vids or listening to their CDs, then imagine what that experience is like live...

I'll speak directly to fans on the west coast now: we definitely have a lot to be grateful for at this point. Therefore, we need to show our appreciation and spread the word about this tour as much as possible. I know you're out there and I understand that you all have other important priorities, which is fine. But, if you at any moment have the opportunity to help promote this tour, please do so. Fans in the Seattle, Portland, San Diego, and San Francisco areas, we seriously need your help in posting fliers (please PM me if interested).

To all who have been spreading the word and have been posting fliers, I sincerely thank you. You might not be aware of it, but by choosing to help, you have also helped me in promoting a band I love so much. So, I sincerely thank you for your efforts.

Sorry for the long, autobiographical post, but I cannot express enough just exactly how much VAMPS need our help. While I understand that this thread may go unread, I hope my words have reached you.

Much VAMPS-love,
Heather

I have been promoting San Diego as much as possible. Like I said elsewhere, EVERY Hot Topic in San Diego county has a VAMPS poster up. I've got fliers out in the main Japanese community and elsewhere. I don't live in San Diego either so this has not been easy with work, school, and other obligations.

I've contacted the newspapers and radio stations with no success. My request does not get played....same as elsewhere. I've donated to the online causes.

I made a shirt last month and wear it when I go anywhere...even to the grocery. My car has VAMPS info on both sides. I talk about them constantly. I truly think the econcomy is the kicker. Many of us have talked about frustration with not finding jobs. I've been looking since January with no luck. People just do not have the money anymore. If I did, I would be at Portland and Seattle, too.

BUT because I am a crazy person, there is one more bit of promotion that I had planned to do. You know those people who stand on corners with the signs advertising? Well....... I have it printed but not put together as Microsoft Publisher puts it out in pieces. I've bought the board to put it on. I hope to start hitting the busy intersections this weekend. We will see how it goes.....sigh

This is not a well-what-do-you-think-we-have-been-doing-already post. You know (and hopefully their management knows) we have all been trying. I'm just afraid they will never come back. The economy just sucks.

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I hear you. I definitely hear you. Your efforts are truly extraordinary, honestly. Thank you so much for all you've been doing!! I just want you to know that this thread was posted in an effort to help motivate people to start getting involved, and wasn't directed at anyone personally.

Ok, with that said, good luck this weekend!! I hope all goes well. ;)

I did not take it personally. I think we all are just so frustrated that the tour is not selling out. I am just so effing thankful that they even decided to come over.

Every time I get discouraged about promoting I just think....this is Hyde and this little man has done so much to make my life happy. It is the least I can do for him. Then I get fired up again. That's why I decided to do the stand on the corner and look like an idiot bit.

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Ha ha ha...I don't think standing on the corner is ridiculous at all! I think it's a great promotion tactic and I wish I'd thought of it. ;) Good luck with everything! Don't forget the sunblock. ;)