Well, isn't THIS a surprise! For those that might be interested, tickets to tonight's "fan club" show at the Hammerstein Ballroom in New York are now available to the public. http://www.ticketmaster.com/event/0000372FAD00CA4A?brand=&artistid=723578&ma... No need to join the fan club. No need to participate in any "auction". No hassle. You can purchase up to 4 tickets at a price of $48.50 each (plus their "convenience" charges). As the time of the show gets closer, more tickets will be released. It's a last ditch effort to create the illusion of a "hot ticket" and build anxiety in those anxious to get tickets. The Hammerstein is a big venue. As popular as he is, Sting's fan club members aren't big enough to fill it to capacity. However, since they forced so many people to join the club in order to get tickets, including the clever ploy of a "free membership with auction win", the percentages will look better. Although I'm not sure who really benefits from that--perhaps the fan club when it comes to marketing future shows? "Only Sting's fan club members got to see his last album release show", or something sneaky like that. And if you can make to the Hammerstein box office itself, you can even spare yourself the extra charges by picking them up directly. After all the hassle involved, I personally decided not to go. I'd still love to catch the proper tour when it comes around next year, but the process behind getting tickets for this particular show seemed more headache than it was worth. I'm also upset on behalf of the fans that were duped into spending more money than they really had to just to see one of their favorite artists. It's taking advantage of people, it's not right, but I realize that there really isn't anything I can do about it. Thanks for reading. I really would be interested to know what anyone else might think. For those going tonight, have a wonderful time and be sure to post a review for the rest of us! :-) Brian