It's about one week away until March 1st, the hype is building! I haven't been to a game concert since Play! in Stockholm last June, and I'm ready! With this post I wanted to give some tips for those attending the show or the meet and greet session with Nobuo Uematsu and Arnie Roth.
1. Arrive at the venue early with your camera.
Trust me, I have seen Nobuo Uematsu and Yasunori Mitsuda walking outside a theater before the show started. That will be a good opportunity to meet Mr. Uematsu before the meet and greet. Many people may not even know what Mr. Uematsu looks like.
My photo with Akira Yamaoka below? That was taken before the concert, when he was walking around outside taking pictures of the concert hall. I have a feeling that nobody knew who he was. I thought I may be intruding, but he was extremely nice.
All of the composers I have met have been wonderful. Remember to be respectful if you see a good opportunity.
2. Bring stuff to get autographed.
I have heard many fans who said they should have brought something to get autographed. Remember, it's not every day an opportunity like this comes along. Don't forget anything.
You may hear something like "only one picture or one item to get signed". You'll have to be quick and resourceful, if you want to get a bunch of games or CDs signed, open all of them beforehand. Either the liner notes or the discs themselves. It can be done.
The line will be long for the meet & greet, and no one wants to be there all night.
3. Don't forget your camera!
If you would like a picture with Mr. Uematsu, don't forget your camera, especially if you had to lock it up before the concert.In my experience, cameras are allowed in the meeting sessions, but may not be allowed during the concert. Although with so many camera phones out there, it's a little hard to control that now.
If you don't have a camera, maybe someone in the line will be nice and take a picture for you, and e-mail it afterwards!
One last thing. I am unsure if they will make you turn in your bag, if you bring stuff to get autographed. My tip is to bring those items in something smaller, it will be less likely for someone on staff at the theater to see it and ask you to turn it in. Otherwise, you'll have to run and get it after the show, and there could be a line, and it will delay you getting a good spot in line for the meeting session.
Hope this can be of some help, and I look forward to seeing you all there!
