Actually, the implementation "VIP" access tends to make it sort of a self-fulfilling prophecy. I've known the guys in Iced Earth for a long time (I'm a *genuine* VIP!
), but the last two times I've seen them, I haven't had much of a chance to even say hello. Why? Because after the show, there's a giant line of people that have to make it through the regimented meet-and-greet. That takes a lot of time, and it's time that's taken away from the normal, relaxed, hanging-out-with-fans time that they had in the past. Sure, I could wait until the band is done with all their contractually-obligated socialization and then say hello, but I ain't gonna wait around for all that.
Even worse, at the show they played in Chicago, I think the VIP meet-and-greet may have contributed to 4 songs being cut from the setlist. Chicago/House of Blues has some pretty early curfew limits, and I'm sure they had to reserve time for the post-show meet-and-greet within that curfew window, and the only way to reserve that time is by cutting the setlist short. So basically the "VIP" crowd screwed over the rest of us in the proletariat (and themselves) by giving us less music in exchange for the opportunity to stand in a long line.
Neil