NEW YORK (CelebrityAccess) Azoff MSG Entertainment and Live Nation Entertainment have quietly launched a digital ticketing platform, exclusive to American Express, called LaneOne, with tickets to Eagles and Harry Styles already on the service.
The platform, which appears to be akin to Ticketmaster’s Verified Fan initiative, was announced by AMEX via Business Wire Jan. 24, but Grammys Week coverage got most of the press. As of Jan. 24, American Express Card Members got exclusive access to Eagles premium tickets, and Styles will have an exclusive onsale window starting Feb. 7.
The service will provide a two-week exclusive window to premium tickets located in the first 10 rows – the kind of tickets that usually end up in the hands of scalpers and, then, suits with deep pockets – before the general onsale. The service includes amenities like a preferred entrance, special parking and/or a $50 Uber credit and “dedicated LaneOne ambassador support.”
A call to an American Express spokeswoman was not returned at press time, but the service appears to be an effort to keep the money from the front-row tickets in the hands of the artists versus the coffers of the secondary market and possibly a switch from AMEX’s VIP services. The announcement and website do not mention VIP perks like meet-and-greets, preshow parties or bags of tchotchkes.
Although Live Nation or Azoff MSG have yet to send out press releases, possibly keeping a low profile as the trial balloon is floated, at least one person (or possible sockpuppet) is very happy with the service.
“They are offering Eagles Front (and center) Row seat for $1349 each, in most of their upcoming tour dates,” the post reads. “You can’t find front row seats for most concerts without paying an arm and a leg through the resale market; they are offering other seats in the first few rows on the best sections. I was able to buy centered-Row 3 seats for the Phoenix show for a very reasonable $760/ticket.
“It seems that the only concerts they are offering these awesome deals on are The Eagles and Harry Styles but I assume there is more to come since this is brand new. Pretty awesome stuff, if you ask me!!!!”
The tickets are fully transferable in the LaneOne app. The company has Eric Johnson as CEO.
“Our entertainment platform was created thirty years ago with the intent of bringing our Card Members closer to the artists they love, so we’re thrilled to introduce LaneOne’s exciting new digital ticketing platform to music lovers,” Deborah Curtis, VP Entertainment Marketing & Sponsorships at American Express, said in a statement. “As a totally digital experience, the LaneOne services and mobile app is so easy to use and delivers a seamless experience from ticket purchase through the entire concert experience, with a dedication to service that matches our own.”
Eagles and Styles are both management clients of Irving Azoff.
