I always contact the venue first to make sure they'll pass on my letter. But still, they usually only pass it onto the bands manager, and sometimes the manager doesn't pass it onto the band for whatever reason (even if there's no meet and greet, like jaffer said)

[quote="Jaffer"]Dancing girl's advice is very good. I would add one thing- if the artist is selling "meet and greets" for that particular concert, there is a strong chance they will not reply. It seems management will not pass it on. I can understand the logic, but if the meet and greet is sold out, it does seem churlish on their part.[/quote]

Thanks Jaffer 8) YES! I think this why RIHANNA, LADY GAGA, KESHA, and BRITNEY (for her 2011 Tour) don't ever do fan mail...Because they had M&G. This is very true! {up} to Jaffer! Good advice!

I've had some great success via venue! A couple that haven't been returned but, as with any TTM, it's a gamble. I always send a minimum of 2 weeks in advance of the show and try to e-mail or contact the venue to make sure they forward. Can't hurt to try, good luck!

Thank you so much everyone!!!!!!!!! :D :) {up} {??}

Dancing girl's advice is very good. I would add one thing- if the artist is selling "meet and greets" for that particular concert, there is a strong chance they will not reply. It seems management will not pass it on. I can understand the logic, but if the meet and greet is sold out, it does seem churlish on their part.

I do what dancingirl1 says and i've had quite a few successes via venue too. Of course there are some artists who just won't reply no matter what, so you can never be certain of getting a reply.

I tend to keep a list of upcoming gigs i want to write to so i'm prepared to do it in advance.

And this list on fanmail can be helpful as well to tell you which venues do usually pass on mail from people's previous experiences.

http://www.fanmail.biz/mboard/viewtopic.php?f=125&t=24711

I LOVE DOING VV requests! Because it gives us a chance to get more rare autographs. I am sooo good @ doing VV requests. I got about 94% of my requests for VV back...My most recent is MINDLESS BEHAVIOR from Philly. {up} And there is a technique about it.

--Only send within 10 days of the show date.
--ALWAYS send a photo with your letter.
--Address it to the artist.
--Provide postage for both envelopes.
--Make sure the arena passes mail.

If you follow these pointers above, you will get your photo back signed. {up}
PROOF THAT VV REQUESTS WORK: http://fanmail.biz/mboard/viewtopic.php?f=125&t=259993

:mrgreen:

[quote="knicksfannumba1"]Via venue is kinda tough for music. Usually they are at the venue for only a couple days and they won't get the mail in time. There are sometimes when they will forward it along, but not usually. It's safer to send through a broadway or play or movie set, because generally speaking they are at the venue for at least a month or so.[/quote]

^It's only tough depending on how the artists signs. I've never gotten anything where it be concert, broadway, or movie set, so no. That's just YOUR luck.

You have to make sure the venue passes mail. Simple as that. Email them, and usually someone will promise to pass along. I've had to address it to a manager at the place so it would be given directly to a celeb. {up} {up}

you could always call the location and ask if they forward mail

Via venue is kinda tough for music. Usually they are at the venue for only a couple days and they won't get the mail in time. There are sometimes when they will forward it along, but not usually. It's safer to send through a broadway or play or movie set, because generally speaking they are at the venue for at least a month or so.