DISQUS

You Go, Liz Coco! · 5 months ago

Fuck fan clubs. They get everything, for paying $30. Recessions suck, and I never have the money, then and now. I think an open fan club without admission fees would be GREAT.

I believe you are a great man for thinking MAINLY of the fans. You have a big heart, Gabe. I'm sure you choose the best choice. Do what you believe is right, and never do anything that you aren't COMPLETELY and HONESTLY in love with or agree about (if that made sense?).

I say, fan club without admission fees. And if you can't do that, don't give in, and say NO. Fan clubs are the spawn the the devil, Gabe.

ShoutLauren · 5 months ago

Agreed. :)

tam019 · 5 months ago

I agree too :)

tam019 · 5 months ago

i agree with her too :)

AlyssaBuff · 5 months ago

I agree.

desireenichole · 5 months ago

If everyone is a member it might as well not be a fanclub. Why not keep doing presale like they do and award the first 30-50 with meet and greet and early entry and... not have a fan club?
It would be the same thing, and give everyone a chance.

Janneduhh · 5 months ago

i agree!!!! (: Good point!

decemberglow · 5 months ago

I'm not part of any fanclubs precisely because of the admission fees. I totally agree with Lizy_Luxury.

Janneduhh · 5 months ago

agreed!

cobrafallacademy<3 · 5 months ago

agreed.

Angelia · 5 months ago

Amen!

amanda_zkfski · 5 months ago

I so agree!

LauCH · 5 months ago

I soooooooooo agree with you. I joined fan clubs, and it's a total waste of money. Oh yeah, you get a little card saying you're in the fan club, a picture with FAKE signatures... and a t shirt way too big for you to wear and fucking ugly too. WOOHOO. what a great present.

I like the idea of buying a CD and get a free membership card. i really agree with you, lizy_luxury. Gabe, you are right to think like that. Keep thinking this way, because what goes around comes back around. you will be thank for that.

ATLauren · 5 months ago

i agree :)
but is this gonna apply to interntional countries? (*cough* australia *cough*) lol

KelseyLynn · 5 months ago

Buy the CD & get free membership? why the hell not?! I paid about $30 for the Panic at the Disco "Northern Downpour" fan club just to get pre-sale offers, which was totally NOT worth it. I even got a lame t-shirt that is 10 sizes too big and I will never wear. I don't think it's an annual fee, but if it is I am def NOT renewing it. You'd have to really blow me away with the perks for me to pay for a fan club. All I want to do is listen to your music. What else do you need? Are the suits saying that unless you have a fan club you're not legit? All they have to do is look at your myspace, twitter, facebook, & this blog to see that all of us are in the club - it's called the "put your fuckin fangs up and party club"... and guess what - the suits aren't invited.

Llamatastic · 5 months ago

You my friend, win at life. :) "put your fuckin fangs up and party club" is now the best phrase I have heard this week.

PunkRockPrincess · 5 months ago

i 100% agree with this. yrs ago i joined some fan clubs. saved up so much money just to join the damn things and when i got the stuff i got shirts that i would never wear or even think about purchasing. nothing was my size. it was either too big or too small and nothing for average normal ppl. I got autographed photos that werent even signed by the band it was like this autopen shit and the other gifts i recieved just continued to be lamer and lamer it was not worth it and i was so pissed that i spent my money on that. gabe u already have a fanclub as kelseylynn said. its the ppl on your myspace and twitter and on this blog. the ones that try to keep contact with you and care about wtf you have to say and its not about how much merch we can get for free or at a discount price cause basically you are paying for the merch you are getting when u join those damn fanclubs. please kick the suits to a corner and only ask for their input when its really needed. you've already got the fan part under control.

desireenichole · 5 months ago

Hi, you pretty much summed up how I feel.
We're all read a club/gang/mob/cult and we dont need a membership to prove it.

Jedi Iwakura · 5 months ago

THIS. ♥

herebytheocean · 5 months ago

i totally agreed.
well said :)

angiestarship · 4 months ago

i agree! :))

blendybri · 5 months ago

I think the idea of a fanclub is basically not a good one, even with your admission idea. With a fanclub, do you know how many arguments that would bring up? You would basically have this whole "I'M THE BIGGER FAN" crap start, but with the intensity of the sun. That's no fun at all. You'll have the non-fanclub members arguing about how fanclub members are rich elitists.

And wouldn't the guys want people to continue paying money that could be used for something else to have all these "perks"? What for? We pay to see your shows, we pay to get your CDs, we pay to get your merch, what more could they want? It disappoints me to think that if you did have a fanclub, admission fee and all, that the only kids who would really join are the ones whose parents can keep supporting them year after year. Some of us aren't that lucky to have that kind of money to spend. It's not fair to those in financial difficulty - especially in these hard times - to pay for more "oppurtunities." You guys already hang out with us and we paid to get into your show; why should we have to pay even more for that extra?

I've seen a lot of fanclub privileges in a bunch of LJ communities for foreign bands. They get pre-sale, merch goods, even different DVD features. It sucks to not be able to afford it.

Anyway, I don't have any favorite things for clubs. I've never joined one and I never will, no matter how big a fan I am. I feel better by knowing that I could buy a CD or a shirt and STILL support my favorite bands.

But you are a kind person for letting us tell you our thoughts and thinking about us; you and the rest of Cobra don't need a fanclub to see our devotion.

Basically (sorry for language, I usually don't curse much), tell the suits to fuck that idea and let you play Halo. :)

Loochh · 5 months ago

I think you show some very good points in this. Thank you. :)

PunkRockPrincess · 5 months ago

yes i agree. ppl are just gonna fight. there isnt a fan club and ppl already debating and arguing over who is more of a devoted fan. I myself cannot afford to join fan clubs and honestly i rather go to a show and actually meet a band to get photos of them and autographs etc instead of paying a 30 dollar fee to have the fan club send me a photo already autographed. I buy merch when i can and i'm proud of it because i know that i put time into earning that money and chose to spend it on something i love and not just have merch thrown at me and say take it or leave it. whoever these suits are telling u that a fanclub is a great idea really need to stfu. there are better ways to reach out to fans. and like u said those who actually buy the cds etc show that they are dedicated fans through that. i say fuck that idea too and dont give in. you've done what you wanted pretty much all these yrs why start listening to suits now.

Loochh · 5 months ago

Yeah like people have all those little icons 'I loved Cobra before MTV and Viva La Cobra' WELL DONE, GET THE FUCK OVER YOURSELVES. SO HAVE THE MAJORITY OF US.

I really don't know what to go for. Free fanclub, yeah I'm up for it. But I'm a stubborn bitch and I don't want Gabe to give in to the suits, just to show them who is boss around here.

I've stated I hate fanclubs many times, but the free-ness of it is swaying me. You've made valid points and so has everyone else so I really don't know.

Angelia · 5 months ago

"You would basically have this whole "I'M THE BIGGER FAN" crap start, but with the intensity of the sun. That's no fun at all. You'll have the non-fanclub members arguing about how fanclub members are rich elitists."

THIS THIS THIS SO MUCH. It always happens and that sucks.

caileyberg · 5 months ago

well NOW it lets me post. i'll just copy and paste what i emailed you with a little extra added in. and some shit taken out to save my own face.

I fucking hate fanclubs. they're awful. I can tell you right now I've waited for 30+ hours at every show. you know which shows I am never front row for, after wiaiting overnight, sometimes in snow, or rain, or getting sunburned, and not eating or sleeping for two days or more? shows that have fanclubs. fucking early entry and meet and greet kids parents (sometimes themselves) put up $50 for them to break the rules and be able to show up 5 minutes before doors, meet the band AND get front row. fuck that.

now really, i could give two shits about meet and greets. i've met the bands i want to meet multiple times. i'm waiting there overnight for front row. THAT is a concert experience to me. because honestly? you guys don't OWE us anything more than that concert. i don't expect you to come out and meet everyone and shake everyone's hand and talk. that is just a perk. and i don't want to PAY to have perks like meeting you guys, or pay to even have a chance at front row.

however, if you didn't do early entry and meet and greet kids got sent to the BACK of the line after meeting the band, then hell, do it.

another thing, I wouldn't buy a membership. of course I'm buying the cd. of course I'm buying the concert ticket. of course I'm buying merch. fuck, I'm usually buying 5 or more concert tickets because I follow you guys like jesus. I wouldn't renew the membership after it ran out from purchasing the cd. I already bought all that shit, what more do I need to buy to be a "real" fan.

the fans that fanclubs hurt are fans like me. i can't drop $50 when i'm spending over $3000 to follow you on tour. then i travel for 11 plus hours by car to see you, or 1000 miles by plane, wait in line for over 24 hours, and then 150 early entry/meet and greet kids get to prance in front of me. NOT having it. that is a BIG reason why i follow you guys, because it is an atmosphere where no one is treated like a 'better' fan than another, as opposed to fall out boy where people fan club kids get all sorts of shit and there me and my friends are, who have been there since 1pm the day BEFORE the concert, hanging out at the back of the pit when we FAIRLY arrived the day before in order to be in the front row.

caileyberg · 5 months ago

i guess another thing is, i realize that everyone who buys the cd would be in the fanclub. what i'm worried about is what happens AFTER that. is it a year to year thing? renewal fees, etc. clearly it is early entry/meet and greet kids who get to cut the line that pisses me off so much. other perks like presales, merch, meet and greets that don't get to cut the line, exclusive stuff, that's all cool with me. just thought i should clear that up.

PunkRockPrincess · 5 months ago

exactly. i pay a shitload of money as is to support cobra because i want to and because its all part of the experience and to tell me that paying 50 bucks for a fanclub to make me more of a "fan" just makes no sense to me. i will not join the fanclub nor would i renew it if thats what you have to do at the end of the yr because honestly i too feel that i dont need to prove that i am fan because i know i am a fan at the end of the day and i dont need a little certificate or newsletter to tell me or anyone else that im any more of a fan than others. that pisses me off when i see kids just jump in front of me and cut the line and i'm there for hrs. we all werent blessed with rich parents and i pay for stuff on my own so i dont even have that option of having parents pay for me even if they could afford it. this is just a horrible idea and please gabe do not give in to the suits! you guys do more than enough to reward us fans by just hanging out with us. you are one of the most interactive bands i've met and you dont need to give us anything more and anyone who tells you otherwise is just in it for free shit and dont give a crap about the actual band.

whoaallison · 5 months ago

i couldnt agree more. especially when you said that they are the most interactive band.
i think that there should be no fan club even if its free and cobra should just hang out before and after the show. thats pretty much all i would want. just to be able to hang out and talk to them.

Sountrack-of-my-summer · 5 months ago

tottaly agreeed with every single word u said. Please gabe no fan club :[ and honestly i think its veryy good u decided to ask us our oppinion on this another reason i love youu :]

GreenEmbers · 5 months ago

I've never really had the money to spare to join a fan club, and from experience Fan club kids always seem to think they're better than the fans who aren't in the club.
I mean I'm sure not everyone's like that but Idk it seems that kids out there assume that because they paid to be in the club, they're the better fan, you know?
I always thought it was a good idea, for pre-sale and meet and greets and stufff, but you can only hear about how one kids met your Idol a million times before it fucking hurts you know?
Fan clubs take meeting you guys further away from the kids who can't aford to get membership.
Idk maybe I just don't like the idea because I know I wouldn't be able to join the Club.
I think it's nice to have an equal playing field among fans though, and for some fans a fan club's giving them an unfair advantage.
=) Go with your Heart Gabe. x

kittysmart11 · 5 months ago

I like my Gabe Saporta cheap and frisky please.

Its too expensive, I did Fall Out Boy and Panic at the Disco and it was just a waste. With both bands, you had to enter to do the meet n greet and I didn;t think it was fair to all the others who joined the fanclub in the first place and never got to meet the band.

Did I mention expensive?

Plus the membership cards... what's the point of them? For real? It's not even swipe-able!

kathleengapit · 5 months ago

i am against fan clubs. they ask fans for money to generate the site. what about those who doesn't have their own credit cards? being a fan should be free from any cost. :D

ilikeyellowlemons · 5 months ago

NO FAN CLUB!!

PLEASE?!?

I always feel really left out in the UK because all the pros of the fan clubs are only ever for those in the USA, and you don't only have a big fanbase there.

Also, they are so expensive!! It's not fair that we have to pay more to have a chance to meet our idols, or to get to the front of a show. It's especially unfair to those who queue all day to get barrier, and then end up second or third row because some others had the money to pay extra.

Free membership for a year with the CD release is a good idea though....Madina Lake did that and the fan club section of their site is awesome, but I'm not gonna be able to afford to pay for it next year. Actually I don't even know if it's available to those outside of the USA...which brings me back to my first point of it's unfair that only those in the USA get all these perks...actually it's unfair that they have to pay extra to get these perks in the first place...ok now I'm just going in circles

so yeah, NO FAN CLUB!!! PLEASE?
I've always liked the fact that you didn't have one, because they always seem to have the effect that those who aren't a member of it are made to feel inferior to those who are a part of it because they get all these special opportunities even though some of those who aren't a part of it may love you guys even more than those who are a part of it, just can't afford it.

please don't make a fan club?

sorry for the essay......
#

oh and congrats to The Audition!!! I've been wanting to see them for years now and every time they come to the UK, I've had to miss their shows ¬_¬ BRING 'EM TO THE UK!!!!

Loochh · 5 months ago

they're supporting ATL over here. london show is sold out ¬¬

ilikeyellowlemons · 5 months ago

see what I mean?!?

missing them, AGAIN

and I'm missing ATL again....fml :(

stupid exams ruining my gig schedule....aghhhhhhhhhhhhhh

Loochh · 5 months ago

we're both really unlucky... first it was cobra, now atl. FML!!
i'm missing hey monday too because of sodding work experience.

ilikeyellowlemons · 5 months ago

I'm missing all of those ahndddddddddddddd The Mission District all because I'm going to fail my exams and hence not be allowed out for the rest of my life ¬_¬

and none of them are on a weekend/friday so i can't even sneek out

AGHHHHHHHHHHH

Loochh · 5 months ago

ditto. ugh.

and the thing is, if cobra does shows on school nights when they're back, i'll be missing them AGAIN.

ilikeyellowlemons · 5 months ago

If cobra come back any time this year, next january or next May-July, I'm going to be be missing them again....FML

exams really do ruin every ounce of fun in my life ¬_¬

ughh

Loochh · 4 months ago

but for me, i'll be off school in july cas in going into year 11. i just hope that there will be two london ones on a fri and a sat. exams ruin everything.

ilikeyellowlemons · 4 months ago

if I miss them again next year, it'll be something like the 5th time...and that's just unacceptable :(

I NEED to see them live!

gali130 · 5 months ago

The only advantage I can think if is pre-sale tickets. And truly the best thing about Cobra's "scene" is that everyone is excited about the MUSIC and shows up ready to dance and make friends. And I see the same kids at every show so I know, as well as you do, that a large part of Cobra's fanbase is made up of die-hards. I can definitely see a fan club creating tension between those who are in and those who are out, whether or not it has anything to do with money.

So you might think there's no risk in doing the membership with CD purchase, but there might actually be (but if you ARE going to do it, then that's definitely the way to go... and maybe the membership can be renewed every time a CD drops, and members renew by buying the new CD).

Thanks for taking our opinion into consideration, but just go with your gut. If you think it could take off in a positive way then you're probably right and if you don't feel right about it then forget it. Your instincts have brought us all this far so just trust yourself.

gali130 · 5 months ago

Lastly, Gabe, after one of Cobra's shows in Chicago last year my friends and I waited in the alley behind Angels and Kings for like 2 hours before your van finally pulled in and the first thing you did after getting out of the car was tell all your managers and friends to hold on, walked straight up to us, and carried on like a 15 minute conversation. THAT is what we want. That's what we care about and that's why we don't just love your music, we love your band. You treated me just the same on that day as when I met you after Cobra's very first show at the Key Club in L.A. We don't need early entry, or exclusive merch, or secret tracks, or meet-and-greets. Just keep respecting us.

catherine_andy · 5 months ago

i cant afford to pay to join a fan club.
its $30 (usa $$ so, about $60 for me ) i need to buy somthing else.
over here (new zealand) concerts cost anything between $60 and $120 NZD, which when your a full time uni student, is a lot of money, and merch is between $40 - $60 for a shirt, and $90 - $150 for a hoodie. i normaly try to save for merch before a show. and i go out and buy CD's, i like having the physical thing.
i like to believe this makes me a true fan. i would love the perks of a fan club, but seriously its a cost i cant afford, its like my bus fair to get to uni each week, and i know its a one off payment. but i'm prolly paying for a show lol.

but your idea is AWESOME! buy a cd = fanclub membership, coz today going out and buying a cd does making you a true fan.

cheers
Catherine

AliciaLovesYouuu · 5 months ago

i'm from new zealand too,
and i'm a major cobra fan.

i'm already definately going to buy the cd, so why not throw in a free fanclub membership?!

i buy cd's, i don't download. and i bought tickets to your show in new zealand on the 30th august last year. i think that's what being a fan is about, not paying shitloads to join a fanclub. i just don't have the money to pay $60 - $100 NZD to join a fanclub. i would much rather have your cd's and see you play live.

i was going to join the academy is' fanclub after christmas, when i have all my money from family and stuff, but reading all of these comments makes it seem pointless.

but i'm sure you'll do the right thing :)
x

iAlex · 5 months ago

i dunno, i dont really like fan clubs cause i can never afford them, and i dont like having to be i member of a fanclub to be a 'proper fan', but if membership comes free with the cd then why not? ive already preordered it. and if it doesnt work out, it doesnt work out..

marilou · 5 months ago

I would maybe join a fan club if they thought a little more of the fans who do not live in United States...

ilikeyellowlemons · 5 months ago

oh and also, I think meet and greet opportunities are only ever worth wile for those asshole bands that aren't willing to spend even a little time hanging around after and before a show with the actual fans, and I hope to god that you will never become a band like that...

CD+free membership is a really good idea though!!

splashingaround · 5 months ago

although i don't reckon you guys should do early entry. like some other people have stated, there are many fans who get to the venue at like 8am etc and wait all day for you guys, then it would just be totally unfair to let idk, 40 kids jump infront of them to go in early when they've only been queuing for 10 minutes?
and have those people who have queued all day end up third or fourth row, having the fanclub kids infront of them, even though it would be free, not EVERYONE can have early entry

Hyrah · 5 months ago

im not in any fanclubs just bc it doesnt benefit me in anyway. i dont live in th US so if i do join those fanclubs, i wont even get those perks.

for your idea of giving membership to those who buys a CD, bring it international pls. at least for once we'd get to meet you guys or smth. i wont even mind paying to have a membership if you guys bring the perks overseas.

bymarine · 5 months ago

SO TRUE!
Gabe u could do like fall out boy : even though u're not coming here as much as you visit lots of cities in usa; at least let every member having the same privileges whether they live in bangkok; paris or dallas!
Like having m&g for the first 10,15,20 or I dont know members who got their tix on the fanclub;and that for all u show anywhere u go (overseas included) it would be great :)
I've read lots of comments, like the girl I replied I don't mind paying for membership if it worths it but I think that most of your fans don't want or can't afford idk; so I don't have opinion about that ;)

Johntel · 5 months ago

Hooray for the Audition...

Now on the fanclub idea... I think a fanclub is what you make it, (this is coming from a person whos been in We the Fans, Santis Little Helpers, and Overcast Kids)

I think that having people get in it for buying the CD is an excellent idea, and maybe you can do something like graduated membership fees, where its lower for each yearly renewal or something

Also, We the Kings did something really cool with theirs, on the Bamboozled Roadshow they sold like laminates with a password for the fanclub for $10 ...so that people who actually took the time to see and support them could get discounted deals. You could probably do something like that along with the CD idea or something

People HATE the people that get early entry, so if you can avoid it then DO IT! Or make it some ridiculously small number like 10 people per show or something.

You all are some of the most accessible band people ever (im talking about web-wise and before/after shows) so I don't see the point of exclusive meet & greets, esp since those usually end up as what I like to call the "assembly line" where a person goes down the row asembling each signature, and then re goes down the line to get a picture.

When the Academy Is... first started their fanclub they had it where they basically would all be in a room and so would all the people who got m&g, and then there'd be a set amount of time & each person could talk to whomever for however long they wanted. I think this works really well and the perk is you dont have to wait an hour or more after the show to talk to you guys & its not as crowded etc. Cause you all come out after the shows anyways, and so by having the m&g be more intimate that can seperate it from the free option of just waiting for oyu guys to shower & drink or do whatever you do after your set. This is part of the reason why I think All Time Low's Hutler club is ridiculous because each of the guys is so accesabile and the fanclub ends up so crowded (i snuck into one once) that its almost the same as just being patient before & after shows,( though I commend them for sticking to the informal way of meeting rather than the assembly line)

If anything I think that the fanclub perks that relate to the concerts should be kept to a small number and that way people dont get pissed at early entry kids cause there arent enough to make a difference, and meet and greets can stay personal.

If anything, the main perks should be things like exclusive merch, presale (people do like knowing their tickets are secure haha) - though I do like the system you have now, where if you've ever ordered a ticket through cobra you auto get an email about presale, maybe a private stickam or something, and contests! kiddies love the contests!

Most of the time, fanclubs start great with soooo much potential, but then they just start to decline. Despite all the ideas i've been throwing out, and the fac t that I have been a member of fanclubs...I think that its a bad idea...I really respect you guys for how accomadating you are to EVERYONE and while i appreciate the sentiment about celebrating those who put their money where their mouth is and buy your CDs, I think a fanclub is the wrong way to go about it

lauzmur · 5 months ago

THIS is why i love you gabe!
but idk, fanclubs like overcast kids are really unfair, they pay over £50 (because you need to pay extra for postage and shit over here in the UK) for a t-shirt and maybe the slightest chance of getting to meet FOB, but when they do meet them, its just a table you go along really quickly, so its not exactly meeting and interacting with them. this is from my friends experiances, i'm not part of any fanclubs, i tried to join northern downpour, but for some reason it wouldn't accept me, so that kinda means i'll never get to meet panic!. & i wouldn't want that happpening with you guys just because when i met you (Glasgow gig in may, stood and talked to you for about an hour after the gig lmao) it was great fun and we didn't need to worry about any security or how much time we have. I love knowing that whenever cobra come back to the UK that i probably will get the chance to do that again.
Also i think it is kinda unfair on people who maybe can't afford to pay to join.
In my opinion i think knowing that if we go to one of your gigs, we KNOW we will get to meet you, and thats probably the biggest gift and perk of being a cobra fan. infact.. just being a cobra fan is a perk for me, i don't care about early entrys or shit, just knowing that i'm actually seeing you guys and meeting you is the best thing i could i ask for.
maybe this is only because i'm in Scotland and you's don't usually come over here anyways, so i'm just happy that you were there or that. but idk.
I love how cobra don't have a fanclub, and i think it should stay that way. Because they end up becoming bitchy and when people join later on, some people who have joined from when it started up, start getting bitchy and calling them shit fans etc.

omg this is so long lmfao, & i know this probably won't get read but hopefully gabe if you read this, it'll change your mind a bit! haha.

xxxx!

jennisashark · 5 months ago

I've always wanted to be a part of a fan club, but I don't wanna waste $30 a year to be a part of one. Maybe if there's a ONE TIME fee, or like you said, no fee at all.
But for the most part, fuck fan clubs. You really need a fan club to know how important you are to all of us? I don't think so.

chatoxred · 5 months ago

Honestly I don't think a fan club is a good idea. I mean it costs money and a lot of people can't afford the 30 dollars a month, or whatever the price would be. Like I can afford to go to shows and stuff but my parents wont want to pay the monthly fee. If the fan club is free then, why not try it. But it will most likely be a bad idea. sorry.

I mean I'm a huge fan and I've loved you guys for three and a half years now and it will suck with a fan club that I can't be paying. It also sucks cause the rich kids will get all the deals and others wont be able to. Especially parents wont pay for fan clubs. My family has the money but I would have to pay for it. and I don't have it.

The only thing that is a great idea for you guys to do is just play at SMALL clubs/venues! That is the best bet!!!
P.S. Can't wait for August 11. West Hollywood, we are going to have a fkn party =]

shyona · 5 months ago

If you do decide to go through with the fanclub thing (which obviously has pros and cons - and you won't even please everyone) - just dont let Artist Arena be in charge.

All they will succeed in doing is running it into the ground. Seriously.

Also never do meet and greets where you guys are behind a table - creating a physical barrier only builds a greater distance between fan and band. I mean, I donno how loco things are for you all now in the US, I'd still like to think its pretty chill in the UK (well, mostly). But the minute theres strict rules and regulations is the minute it stops being fun for everyone. Gotta keep things spontaneous and exciting.

While it sounds awesome to offer it up to everyone that buys a CD, eh, I donno. I've always been a fan of lifetime memberships (AFI did it for something like $40), or really cheap online memberships - where you dont have to get the ill-fitting tshirt and blurry photograph.

ie. During the first year of TAI's SLH you could buy the 'online only' package which was something like $10. To pay $10 to have access to meet and greets, competitions, a forum and a site with 'exclusive' content as well as knowing that there is a person whose specially there to deal with the club (rather than just putting it on some other band/crew memebers plate) is reassuring too.

splashingaround · 5 months ago

even if you guys do end up taking this fanclub opportunity, then you've gotta promise you'll still come hang out with everyone after the shows?
cos thats one thing i love about you guys, you've always came out after the show and hung

jennalovee · 5 months ago

FUCK IT! I really hate fan clubs. I'm sorry. That's just my blunt opinion.

But your idea, buying the CD, free membership, blah blah blah is actually a good idea. I go out and buy all my CDS. I like supporting bands, instead of ripping them off via Strikegently, or limewire.

It sucks to have to pay extra money just so you can get in front for a concert, or to meet the people you look up to so much.

Cbot · 5 months ago

I'm surprised and a little disappointed to say you are the first person in your position to point this out, and your feeling on this is exactly what I've felt all along. Not to mention the people who don't/can't afford to join the bloody fanclub get the short end of the stick. We want to hang out with the band just as much as everyone else.

And hooray, The Audition!

Elizabeth_Leigh · 5 months ago

i wish i could see you on this tour but i can't =/
i love the fanclub idea though

a few tips i have:
- don't charge a fee after a year
- have a chatroom that one of you guys can come in every couple of weeks or so to keep people interested
- actually go on your message boards every once in a while. it doesn't need to be a daily thing. but posting every
- hold contests for things such as signed merch, meet and greets, early entry, etc. on a regular basis
- give members other perks such as being able to see tour dates and track listings early, allowing them to preorder tickets, and get discounted merchandise

i can't really think of any others. but i will tell you if i do :)

geeradurine · 5 months ago

no a fan club is such a bad idea. it singles out fans, and makes them look crazy. and even if you do the "free membership if you buy the cd" once your year is up you're gonna have to pay to get back in.
its shitty bc then kids get to meet you guys, and the kids that don't have fanclub are shit out of luck.
we already pay money to go to the shows, why do we have to pay more to meet some guy in a band?

Gabe Saporta · 5 months ago

well thats what i'm saying. if we give it a free try for a year, and it sucks and it's bullshit. then fuck it. no one has lost anything.

geeradurine · 5 months ago

yeah but then what if kids buy it off itunes? do they still get the free admission?
i mean i am in fanclubs, and it's like a for sure "you're gonna meet the band!" or "early entry!" it's all by chance. then the guys end up not coming out after shows to meet the kids. and early entry sucks bc the kids who go out and wait all fuckin' day to get in, don't even get barricade and shit bc of the early entry kids who got there 30 minutes before the show.
like cobra is one of my favorite bands on FBR and i think it would fuckin' suck if you guys got fan club.

Elizabeth_Leigh · 5 months ago

i understand what you're saying with the early entry thing. but entry isn't fair regardless. for example, nobody EVER comes to my state. i travel out of state to every concert i go to. as much as i want to, i can't get there at 6 a.m. if there's a 5 hour drive required. so being guaranteed a decent spot is pretty great. they shouldn't make it e.e. for everybody. but maybe hold contests for like 30 people per show. that way, the people who do get there early, will still get a good spot.

geeradurine · 5 months ago

i see what you mean and that sucks! but i just don't like early entry at all. i think it should be more, first come first serve. and i get that for fan clubs it's all "oh well i paid for this EE!" but then the kids who sat out for hours on end paid too in a way.

Alexis · 5 months ago

"and early entry sucks bc the kids who go out and wait all fuckin' day to get in, don't even get barricade and shit bc of the early entry kids who got there 30 minutes before the show." -- Completely with you on this, didn't even think about that.

Rachael_G · 5 months ago

A fan club just seems to put more space between the fans and the band, you know? Because if you meet a band outside of a "fan club meet and greet" then it seems more natural and relaxed. Fan clubs kind of bring out the fangirl in all of us which makes us look stupid.

I mean, sure there are good parts about fan clubs, but Cobra does shit like that anyway. Fan clubs just make me feel lame. And Cobra is not about feeling lame. Cobra is about having a damn good time. And that shouldn't be limited to people just in the fan club.

But I suppose if there must be a fan club, a free membership with the CD is the way to go. And none of that one year membership bullshit. Every time I see one of those, I'm like goddamnit, I know this is going to expire right when I actually try to use it, so it's not worth it. Lifetime membership.

But that's just my two cents.

Gabe Saporta · 5 months ago

we'll still def hang outside "official" m&gs

Rachael_G · 5 months ago

Awesome. That's one more reason to add to my list of reasons why you guys are my favorite band.

Loochh · 5 months ago

NO FAN CLUB. NO. PLEASE :(
if it's a free thing, with extra little perks. awesome. but if i have to pay shit loads a year, fuck no. and i like the idea of the membership with the cd, it stops illegal downloads. but will i have to pay for membership after the year is over? i already owe my dad £130 which is about $215.

i quite agree with the girl above and the girl below.

and i glad you understand that we would get pissed about this. it's a sign that you're getting bigger. and we're apprehensive about it.

Gabe Saporta · 5 months ago

i know. i got your email about how much you hate fan clubs, and i fwd'd it to the suits when we were arguing. thats how we came up with the idea of just giving free memberships to everyone who buys the CD

Loochh · 5 months ago

thank you.
it's just a conversation i've been having with my friends many times and we've all agreed we'd be really upset if a fanclub happened.
and i probably extremely rambled in that email. but i'm glad you got the jist of what i was talking about.

rachel revenge · 5 months ago

i'm really not a fan of fan clubs in general, but if it was free i'd be more inclined to check it out. i plan on buying hot mess so i think the idea of something along the lines of a trial membership would be kind of cool? i don't know, but i generally dislike fan clubs; just because i don't have 30 bucks to blow on a membership card & the occasional meet and greet pass doesn't mean i don't love a band. plus i feel sometimes the people in fan clubs kind of get elitist about stuff and it's not really fair. but whatever, i guess the point i'm trying to make is i would join a cobra starship fan club if it was free with the purchase of a cd.

dreamsandschemes · 5 months ago

Congrats to the audition! they are amazing.

Now on to the fan club.
That idea sounds like a win. like you said, anyone who goes to their local store and buys the album is in the fan club. That's how it should be done. Now, for perks, Limited edition stuff is always nice, and presales too. And i guess exclusive chats could be a plus too. But ultimately, it's up to you to give out what you want. :)

hannah · 5 months ago

Damn, now I wish I was going to this tour, and that this tour was coming to Chicago!
I freaking love The Audition and The Friday Night Boys, and I haven't seen Cobra yet so that would be awesome!

But anyways, congrats Audition boys! (:

Oh, and I ALWAYS buy physical CD copies, so I think that would be really cool to have anyone who buys a physical copy gets a membership fan club things (:

Would that include pre-ordering it online, though? I was thinking about pre-ordering it, but I have no money atm aha.

mariablandini · 5 months ago

woooooooot. okay, fanclub :l
i know for a fact i wouldn't be able to pay for it, i already have to bitch and fuss to buy the cd's, tickets, merch, and everything. (hell, i'm even going out of state to see you guys on hot mess across the us) but since i preordered the cd and i get a free membership? idek, that confuses me. i honestly don't like the whole fanclub idea, and i agree with what you said about the people that are already buying merch. i'm not in any fanclubs because i can't afford them. but if you guys were to have them, maybe like, just like a free little gift acouple times a year or something?

but i'm just confused about if i bought the cd, free membership thing. cause i already bought the cd ;)

<3

Gabe Saporta · 5 months ago

no, thats what i'm saying: if you buy the CD, you will automatically be in the fan club.
does that sound fair?

TSTLSOOM · 5 months ago

yes, that sounds fair. speaking of Halo 3, when will you be on again Ulysses? haha

Gabe Saporta · 5 months ago

dude! i've been so busy i havent even turned my xbox ON in months. :(

TSTLSOOM · 5 months ago

i know, its all good. haha

lmfaodudeXO · 5 months ago

no dont. its not fair. its still a fucking fan club.
dont do it please. your the only band i still have faith in

mariablandini · 5 months ago

hahah okay, yeah, it does, completely :)

Loochh · 5 months ago

when a year ends, will we have to pay for it?

michmybelle · 5 months ago

Yes it's fair!!! So can I be PRES or what??? PLZZZZ

erinn_bo_berinn · 5 months ago

but then, how would we go about having the free membership if we already pre-ordered bc unless this wasn't just decided, wouldn't we need like a code for the membership or something like that?

Deidre · 5 months ago

that sounds the best to me, if you cant do it this way..please dont have a fanclub. we are poor. and its not fair when people "more fortunate" get the "perks". so because i dont have money i cant get any?

so yeah. i already pre ordered the cd...i wouldnt have to go out and buy another one just to be in the fanclub cause it will probably start up after the record comes out would i?

pavlove · 5 months ago

i love the idea of buying the cd to gain membership. i think fanclubs that cost a bunch every year end up being total bullshit, but what we've all seen from you so far, actually doing things like this and directly connecting with the fans, it's going to be a pretty good deal. it's so easy and accessible, and that's what most people want with band/fan relationships.

ourgossiplips · 5 months ago

YES :D :D :D

himynamewas · 5 months ago

Answering your questions, for me your deal makes sense. And if you have a fan club, please make it free 'cause I don't have much money, or at least let me pay with the money of my country, I would like that. I still didn't join any club 'cause I can't pay them. And no, thank you.

EDIT: And I can't buy the CD to get into the fan club, 'cause you aren't going to sell it here. Can you try to sell it?

shelbygoesgrawr · 5 months ago

i liek your deal. but it has to be for EVERYONE who buys a cd. not just ones who buy them offline, because some ppl dont have credit cards and stuff :)

heyleighann · 5 months ago

Normally, I’m not one to join fan clubs. But the All Time Low fan club is REALLY cool. There’s a bunch of awesome people, and we get good perks.
Your deal is really good. Usually fan clubs are like $30 and have a $10 shipping cost for the ~welcome package. And cd’s are what, $10 - $13? It’s a really good deal, in my opinion. I’d definetely join it. :)
Some good perks would be early entrance into the venue, meet & greets, etc. All Time Low actually did a side stage thing for Warped, but I dunno if you could do that on your tours. A fan club package would be c00l too. Like a t-shirt and maybe a bracelet or something? But shipping shouldn’t be too ridiculous.
Anyway, like I said, I’d totally join if you just had to purchase the cd.

holysanti · 5 months ago

yeah, i like the idea of it for free only cause of meet and greets.
i mean it would be awesome to get into a meet and greet but i dont have the money to spend.
but i dont think ill ever join any fan clubs and i dont think that makes me a shitty fan.
and i think every fan who has seen cobra in philly knows me cause i always fight my way to exactly third from the barricade (but then i get out and dance with random strangers..) so early admission isnt that big of a deal for me.


but gabe i think you have our best intentions in mind so i agree with what you choose.

crimsonandclovr4 · 5 months ago

i've always been curious, what DO you get with ATL's fan club (Hustlers, right?)

kruger · 5 months ago

fanclubs just seem to give the kids that can AFFORD it more privileges~ and i don't think thats fair. a lot of parents don't want to pay for their kids to join a fanclub, and for the older kids that are out on their own, they probably can't afford to join a fanclub and pay an annual fee, especially if they're paying for college, or even if they're out of college and are paying their own bills.

though honestly it all depends on the "benefits" or whatnot, especially the meet & greets, because once a band starts a fanclub and then offer meet & greets for the first 100 people to buy tickets at $40 (ie, all time low, dont get me wrong i love the boys but the hustler club m&g is ridiculous, i've tried to get them and it never works) their appearances after shows get rarer and rarer (though in all time low's case, they just have to avoid the twelve year olds)

gabe, if you think that you should start a fanclub, then go ahead, but if you can, don't make it too expensive, or there could be some mishigas

edit: i must've missed the part where you said that if you buy a CD you're in the club, sorry i'm on a train haha. thats a fabulous idea, especially with no annual fees. that i would do.

dianac · 5 months ago

im not really a fan of fan clubs, but i am in the hustler club (All Time Low) and i love the perks. the only part i don't really like about the clubs is the fact that it is a bit expensive to stay apart of them. so i really like the whole buy-a-cd-get-in-the-club deal. thats actually how im in the hustler club, they had a but-meet-and-greet-tickets-get-in-the-club deal, so i was getting the tickets anyway, and went with it.

dannibearrr · 5 months ago

PLEASE NO FAN CLUB!!! Fan clubs are over rated and not everyone can afford them, it's totally unfair to those who don't have the money to buy the membership. I only ask if you do have a fan club, that it's a free fan club. Because to be honest, that would be a lot more awesome than having to pay. Please Gabe, have a free fan club, do it for the recession!

Loochh · 5 months ago

AMEN DANNI. we've had this conversation so many times now. :D
and in this current economic distress (my favourite line, ask katie xD) i cannot afford to splash out on such luxuries.


Oh and UK fans should add www.myspace.com/cobrastarship_uk and follow @cobrastarshipuk
sorry for shameless self advertisement, but it had to be done!

ceciliaaaxD · 5 months ago

Ehh.
The fan club idea,
im not thrilled. But if buying your CD (which everyoneshould) will get a membership for free. then why not.

beccalwhite · 5 months ago

I personally agree. I think the fan club idea is actually pretty cool if you are willing to give it out with the CD because i know I am planning on buying Hot Mess because I hate gyping bands I like out of their money that they deserve for their work and what I enjoy.

And The Audition? Hell yes :D

Can't wait to see you guys Monday!

Keelan · 5 months ago

I like the idea of a fan club the way you told it to them. I usually stay away from them only because my parents refuse to pay money to get all the perks they come with and I am unemployed, but if buying the CD gets me in then I say go for it.

natashapratt · 5 months ago

Alright. I think that a fan club sounds amazing. I know that I will be an amazing member to it... because I love Cobras more than the next kid. lmfao.

Plus, I wanna join at least ONE fan club and Cobra Starship is one that I will join in a heartbeat. =D <3

ayelet1226 · 5 months ago

it should have been anarbor.. i love the audition... but i love anarbor WAY more... damn gabe. no fan club. i agree with you.
p.s. you were rhyming for a little while there

moodyje2 · 5 months ago

Fan clubs can be fun, but really they take away from your interactions with the fans. You guys like to come out and meet everyone - you really can't do that with the fan club, otherwise their "meet and greet" isn't special. Plus the "perks" really aren't that awesome. Only some people in the fan club get EE, get m&g, it's saying that there are the "elite" fan club members, and then the "more elite" people who get the EE, m&g, etc.

That being said, I'm the member of several fan clubs, but it's not a concept I especially love.

gabeisasexyvege · 5 months ago

wow!! joel madden helped out!!!!!!!!!

daniiidarko · 5 months ago

the CD giving free membership would be amazing really.
the only club i have joined and actually liked was "The Hustler Club" from All Time Low.
and my friends really enjoy "Overcast Kids".
so anything like those would be incredible.

Gabe you are one of a kind and I truly admire you. If you don't want a fanclub thats cool.
But the meet and greets/etc would be the only reason it would be cool. all the contests and stuff.

anyways, absolutely stoked for the New CD. I willllll be buying it.

much love!

mementoxliz · 5 months ago

Dammit. I was hoping for Runner Runner or Uh Oh! Explosion

kudimup519 · 5 months ago

free fan club entry if you get the CD sounds like a great deal.

dickweed_girl · 5 months ago

xliss · 5 months ago

OH ! soo cool !

Gabriel, well, In Chile we're waiting for u :( and we know that u wanna come here.
Just see it please... answer our question :)
http://twitpic.com/caqwh
Te queremos de Chile :)

dizzyxdork · 5 months ago

i think its a great idea! i've been trying to convince mom to let me join a club for a while, but she says its to expencive and not worth it. it would be great to be a part of something like that, it makes me feel special lol.

woahmmmmegan · 5 months ago

If you do start a fan club, the CD/free membership thing would be cool. What I don't like is that you pay 20-50 dollars to join these fanclubs for stuff that I am already getting from you guys for supporting you in the traditional ways (buying hardcopy albums/going to the shows.) It seems like a band becomes less reachable to people without all the extra dough to fork out per year.

TAInews · 5 months ago

I like your idea. Buy the cd & get free membership. Otherwise, I don't think it's a good idea.

morganmess · 5 months ago

I think that is a really good idea Gabe! You're right. Those who buy the CD deserve it.

BlackoutMemory · 5 months ago

Congrats to The Audition. =)

Your idea is a good one, but the suits won't go for it since it won't bring in the money that would have came from a fan club. But the free part is great since most fan club prices are ridiculous.

Elizabeth_Leigh · 5 months ago

i disagree. i think more people would buy the cd if they knew membership came with it.

Loochh · 5 months ago

I think it's a good idea in that sense. It helps CD sales.

BlackoutMemory · 5 months ago

I know what you're saying. I was thinking that some fans would pay maybe $20-30 on top of the CD rather than $15. Thats why I said that. Either way, I still think it's a good idea.

emily_anne · 5 months ago

If it came free with buying the CD than why not. I mean I plan on buying the CD so I don't mind if there is a fan club subscription that comes with it. Thats a pretty kickin idea to me. It's the perfect way to get kids to try it out. Those who buy the CD just get the fanclub and see if they like it. I think it doesn't hurt to try. The fan club should be focused on getting to interact with you more, like I guess opportunities to win Meet and Greets. I just hate the fact fan clubs are usually just a way like you said to take advantage of the fact kids love a band and make them pay just to be able to do live chats and win stuff. So, if its free with the CD I think it would be a good idea to give it a trial run and shut up the "suits" aha. I love you Gabe (:

stephanielovesgabe · 5 months ago

fan clubs are stupid. if your a fan your a fan!! XD

but if you did have a fan club, id say do that cd/free membership idea! i would join.!! :]

as for perks.. hmm.. autographhed stuff!
stuff i hate about fan clubs... when the celebs ask for a shitload of money!! XD

but yeah... your awesome.
i love you. :)

ayelet1226 · 5 months ago

ohh shit i'm slow. so yes, your idea of just having to buy the cd is good. fanclubs cost WAY too fucking much, and the cd is cheaper&easier. =]

ourgossiplips · 5 months ago

about the fanclub: i definitely like your idea better than all the other ones because paying extra for all that stuff sucks and just buying the cd is a awesome idea because paying like 60 dollars a year is for shit! i agree with everyone else who posted.. i hate fan clubs but if that's what you think is best go for it :)

dropdeaddudlynn · 5 months ago

FUCK IT! fan clubs just aren't worth it. I hate fan clubs but that's only because everyone should get to meet the band not the people who pay that much extra..And paying to get into one is bullshit we're in a recession I'm saving all the money I can to see you guys LIVE. Please no fan club!

nicole. · 5 months ago

Buying a CD, free membership is a great idea but I dont think Cobra Starship needs a fanclub (suggest that idea to TAI and FOB).
I like that you always hang around before and after shows to meet the die-hards anyway. Early-entry is bullshit. The kids who sit out in the heat for ten hours before the show DESERVE that barricade spot.
I'm in The Academy Is...'s fanclub and although I will continue to renew, its only b/c of the friends I made on their Message Boards and not b/c of the perks.
Fanclubs also give kids this unnecessary superiority complex that pisses me the fuck off. Just b/c you paid a few extra dollars, doesn't make you a better fan.

Point blank, NO CS FAN CLUB

LissaLoveXoX · 5 months ago

NICOLE!!
I found you. :D

itsbciliketodance · 5 months ago

well, im apart of The Academy Is fan club and I LOVE IT. the percs are awsome =]. they have free bees and special contests that are a ton of fun to enter. plus the meet and greets and early admission to the shows are fantastic. i just love the feeling of being apart of somting that helps the group you love the most. and if ppl feel thats unfair, then well...thats their problem. i really think cobra should give it a go and see what happens. mabe magic will happen ;). ya never know!

rachelftw · 5 months ago

i think that's a great idea, and i respect you so much more for understanding this whole deal. i know a lot of people that are HUGE fans of bands, have all the cds, all of that... but can't join the fanclub for whatever reason.. money, whatever. and that's really not fair that they have to miss out on so much.
so i think you should definitely do it. (:

BUT i hope this wouldn't change much. i understand that you're getting bigger and more "famous" and everything, so you obviously won't be able to hang out and meet everyone as usual. but i hope it won't be where ONLY the fanclub members can ever have a chance of meeting you.
i saw tai last night, and i've been wanting to meet them for a long long time, but i couldn't because i wasn't part of SLH, and it sucked. there weren't even that many people waiting to meet them.

so, yeah. not that i think you guys will change (or that i think tai has "changed"... it was the security. not trying to hate!) but you know.

palomasnapples · 5 months ago

I get what you mean by the whole fan club thing. I think it's complete bullshit if you have to PAY to get all the inside scoop from a band. fans should be treated equally, no matter what the perks are and since when is it about the money?

I'm not part of any fan clubs because of the whole money issue. if you buy and really like a band's CD, you're immediately a fan. it's as simple as that. I guess that a good thing about fan clubs must be all the contests? and the ability to get signed stuff from the band and pre-sale tickets/early entry.. I don't know, man, I think you're gonna get a ton of mixed decisions on this.

and woo for The Audition! :D

TooFarGone · 5 months ago

i HATEHATEHATE fanclubs. please don't do it.

But if you do end up doing a fanclub, i think just the fact that you're trying to do that whole buy cd get in, is awesome and is fair. I can't pay for a $40 membership on top of a ticket, i'm a broke colelge kid that can barely pay to buy concert tickets and cds already.

lisamosbrucker · 5 months ago

I think it's a good idea where a fanclub membership comes with the purchase of the CD. That's how I became a member of Fall Out Boy's fanclub, it was like $2 extra with the purchase of the album at Target. And now I'm meeting them on Thursday through the fanclub. I think you should do it, because then you're giving fans a place to talk and find more people who like your music. That's what I like about fanclubs. Being able to find fans in my area. I don't have many friends who like Cobra, and I would love to have a place to make more. You could also include like meet and greet opportunities and stuff when you're on tour. And like, presale and stuff. I don't know, haha.

marissamuffin · 5 months ago

but the thing is, you can meet cobra starship pretty much whenever, i mean it's not a huge deal, but fob is a totally different story. if pete wentz just hung out after a show, he'd get mobbed by twelve year olds. gabe can still do that, so why would we need to organize actual meet and greets if they hang out after shows anyway?

lisamosbrucker · 5 months ago

No, I know. But like, All Time Low has a fanclub with organized meet and greets, but they also hang out after the show. I was just using Fall Out Boy as the example because I got my membership with the CD, not by paying $30 like I did for ATL's. And the meet and greets work for people whose parents take them to shows and don't let them stay after the meet the bands. The ones who can't drive themselves to and from shows. If you get where I'm coming from with that? And to me, fanclubs are mostly about meeting other fans anyways. I think organized meet and greets could be a bonus, but I frown totally on early entry because I know what it's like to wait outside all day and then have fanclub members get in before me. The meet and greet was just a suggestion. Especially when they tour during the school year. Because there's only 3 days to a weekend and often 40+ shows on a tour, so not everybody can hang around until midnight to meet a band, no matter how badly they want to.

marissamuffin · 5 months ago

yeahh i see what you mean, my friends and i just got our drivers licenses so up until just now, we never really had a lot of chances to hang around after shows and wait for bands to come out. my main thing with this is that as long as they still come hang around after shows anywayyy on top of their fanclub meet and greets, then alright. because i highly doubt the "suits" (haha) would agree to giving membership to everyone who buys the cd and then having no yearly fee after that. cuz based on these comments, obviously most of us can't afford that and we still wanna meet them!

twiztidsteph · 5 months ago

please please PLEASE dont start a fan club. those things are so stupid. some kids cant afford to be in one, and even if they're free some kids cant afford to buy the cd but it doesnt mean they arent fans. i get to your concerts at least twelve hours early every single time in vegas, and i would be so pissed if some little kid with rich parents who got them into a fan club could get infront of me arriving just before set time. i mean really, its happened before. fan clubs dont make die hard fans. the only thing that makes die hard fans is the relationship between the musicians and the kids. i love you guys, please dont give into the 'suits' and start a fangster club.

fuck clubs.
the fangsters are family
lets keep it that way, yeah?

sabiiine · 5 months ago

"some kids cant afford to buy the cd but it doesnt mean they arent fans. " agreed, I looked for it in brazil and haven't found any cd and it's very hard to buy by internet here, it's too expensive...this band is my life, I'm doing my best to buy hot mess, but I don't know, if u want to do the fanclub... and sorry about my english :P

laurainwonderland · 5 months ago

Yes fanclub!!! But maybe make it for a limited time only....
And also does that apply to cd's bought on websites like amazon and play.com?
Cos nobody sells cobra records in ireland....which sucks but there you go.
xoxo

SophieOkay · 5 months ago

Fanclubs always seem to come off really tacky; or atleast, thats what I've found.
And they normally seem to be total rip offs - my friend pays 30pounds a year or something to get presales and the very slight chance to meet whatever band it is. But sending it out for free to whoever buys the CD? fucking go for it. I only buy CDs of bands that I am a 'die hard fan' for anyway, I dont even have a working CD player, it's just to support the band, because we all know its cheaper on iTunes.

Gabe Saporta · 5 months ago

we're gonna make it so that if you buy the CD on itunes you can be in the fanclub too. i'm not exactly sure how the logistics will work, but i dont think it's fair if only the kids who buy the physical cd get the fanclub.

michmybelle · 5 months ago

I think it's awesome!!! Can I be the president???

erinn_bo_berinn · 5 months ago

i agreee with gabe!

vivalahotmess · 5 months ago

THANK YOU GABE! I wanted the CD the day it came out but since I was going to be on vacation I had to preorder it on iTunes.

sabiiine · 5 months ago

but gabe, if I don't buy the cd by iTunes (I'm gonna buy it on the store) , can I be in the fanclub too? ((:

briannaloved · 5 months ago

Buying your CD is on my shopping list for when it comes out:) if i got a free membership to get into your fan that would be awesome. But if i had to spend money i have to take out of my parents pocket every year then that would suck. I really like the buying CD idea though, that would be awesome:)

nicole. · 5 months ago

ALSO if you do decide to start a fan club for w/e reason, dont make it ridiculously priced for the international kids. It's not fair.

AND dont charge us 30 bucks for the membership plus 10 dollars for the shipping. the 30 bucks should cover the fucking shipping!

vivalameghann · 5 months ago

you guys should definitely have a fan club! just like fall out boy with overcast kids. give memebers a chance for early entries like you said and maybe even meet and greets. I've never seen a fan club you can get in to for free so that sounds like a really good idea. Just have contests and all like other fan clubs or do whatever you want. whoever doesn't like it doesn't have to join but anyone who turns down a free membership is just stubborn. DOOOOITTTTTT :)!

kidslikedeadends · 5 months ago

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!
Please Gabe.
Its serisouly all I can ask of you to NOT get Cobra a fan club.
Please.
If its one thing I hate, its when bands have fan clubs, because it makes THOSE kids alienate other fans, that maybe cant offord to pay 30 fucking dollars just to get stuff bands couldve given out by contests or something.
Then sooner or later it makes those bands alienate the fans that arent in the fan club.
Its just shitty.
DONT DO IT.
JUST FUCK IT.
FUCK THE SUITS.
And Im not saying that because I buy over itunes or some shit like that, I probably would be in, considering I pre-ordered Hot Mess.
Call me what you want. Die hard or not I dont like other fansm like myself, being alienated by the band AND other fans.
Just. Dont.
PLEASE.

-Natalie

heydanielle · 5 months ago

Glad to hear The Audition will be on the tour!

as far as fan clubs go, I don't think they're a good idea at all.
BUT if you still decide to do it I'd have to wonder how you're going to get everyone a free membership? Is it just going to be the people that have pre-ordered or just anyone that picks up the CD anywhere (walmart, target, best buy etc)? Because if the latter is the case then it would probably be tone of the biggest fan clubs and would probably be flooded and there really isn't a point to that. It's a great idea to let anyone who buys the record get a free membership but that kind of cancels out the whole idea because the majority of your fanbase will be members anyway. You could still do meet and greets and contets and limited stuff by just doing simple contests open to everyone.

falloutdance · 5 months ago

its just it sucks to pay for a fanclub when you cant afford it. i rather be buying tickets to your shows or your album or a shirt.

and then the tools who have mommy and daddy use their cards to pay for it automatically think they are a better fan than the ones who dont have membership.

but its nice that you came to ur fans and asked about it. and the + membership from the buying the album sounds good to me but then its kinda pointless because it would be the same thing as not having membership... everyone would get the presale like they do now, people will get pissed about meet and greets or whatever you guys to decide to do.

i dont know, i just think its an overall bad idea but its your call dude.

falloutdance · 5 months ago

like the whole fanclub thing is about being ~exclusive~ but if everyone is getting one by buying the album its gonna be pretty much everyone in the fanclub so the whole exclusive thing is out. it seems pointless?

theselines · 5 months ago

Yes to the fan club only if you get membership by purchasing the CD.
Otherwise it's way to expensive, and the members get bitched at for being elitists.

smokethisdancefloor · 5 months ago

I love the free membership thing. I'm already in OCK (fall out boy's fanclub), and I hate having to renew my membership (pay $30) every year. It's just kind of a hassle.
So I like this idea a lot.

daniellewaslike · 5 months ago

I agree that the fan club should be if you buy a cd. But try and stray from the norm and do something a little more creative with it than just pre-sales and meet and greets.

mementoxliz · 5 months ago

And the fan club idea is kinda ethical. Because if you have your fans go out to buy your hard copies, it makes your record sales go up. Good for you guys right? And if the hard copies come with free fanclub memberships, good for us correct? So it's all good in my opinion.
But it's all up to you guys.

thomasisonfire · 5 months ago

fuck fan clubs,most of them don't have a 10% of the band's fans

plus,people outside the US like me,can't join
but still,as much as I love cobra,I wouldn't join...at least you do the CD membership,wich could also increase las ventas del cd,but that's

greets desde españa

lisamosbrucker · 5 months ago

and would you have to preorder to get a membership? because i'm just going to buy the album in stores on the 11th...

Kaleigh · 5 months ago

Congratulations to The Audition! I can't wait to see them on tour with you guys, those'll be some amazing shows.

I think your deal makes the most sense and it's fair too. Though I would join your guys's fanclub no matter what, so the $30 fee or whatever wouldn't bother me. How exactly would it work with the CDs though, would they come with extra little things like codes to join the fanclub or what? As for the perks, I think things like presales (even though you guys already do that without a fanclub) and meet and greets are good. Even though you guys meet as many fans as you can anyway, maybe it would guarantee that you're able to meet more, or maybe they'll be more special than the usual hanging around? Not sure. I'm down with the fanclub idea though, because at some point you guys are going to blow up to the point where it'll be needed for some things.

karyncristina · 5 months ago

Free with cd purchase sounds great. I don't like paying for fan club memberships either, they can get pretty expensive.

Killendaali · 5 months ago

That free membership thing sounds cool.

I always buy the Cds I want, 'cause I hate downloading them from internet.

xshara · 5 months ago

I think you've presented a pretty good idea. At the very least, it will encourage people to actually buy the CD.

My only advice is DON'T change the way you normally do things just because of a fan club. You guys are probably the best band out there as far as fan-to-band communication goes, and I wouldn't want that to change. For example, Panic at the Disco's fanclub is a wopping 30$ just to join (though a shirt/magnets/stickers are included) and as far as "special perks" go, the only thing you get is access to a special website (which includes the news and a forum basically, things you can get anywhere for free). The meet and greet's are not a guarantee for being a member. It's NOT worth the money countless fans spent on it, and knowing how their fans are (blindly following, young and willing to spend parent's money), it seems someone was trying to take advantage.

TL;DR = If you do the fanclub thing, don't fuck up like Panic did. Personally, I feel like every fan is part of an exclusive fanclub, with all the things you do for us. But if early admission and pre-sales are something you want to give, I suggest you tread carefully.

amsayxD · 5 months ago

Panic's fan club pisses me off. They hardly ever seem to be doing anything. I don't go on the forums because they're dead, and every forum i see that's even moving is about some nonsense about how "Sydon" or whatever exists, or Team Brendon.

And with their break up, I don't even want to see the forums, because the fanclub divided the fans so much already, I'd hate to see what it'd be like with "Team Ryan" and 'Team Jon" or whatever out of the "game"

Not to mention: They don't seem to care anymore. I dunno if it's just be, but Panic seems to have lost what made them great. I loved the energy and joyfull bounce they had, now it all seems dead. I feel like them going mainstream went to their heads, and ruined their attitude towards fans. They just don't seem the same, you know?

I love them, I do, with all my heart. But I've grown more to Cobra Starship, because they reply to their fans on twitter, they hang out with them randomly outside, they hold after parties at clubs, they interact, they care, and they seem to know that without fans, they'd not be the sassy fuckers they are today, and they seem thankfull for that. Other bands, like Panic, just... don't anymore.

camidundala · 5 months ago

Well! Since you're asking, Gabington, I don't really like fanclubs. I always feel like I'm not into the band enough to pay that much money to be in the club, but then when they get free perks I admit I wish I was in the club, but then it's the mooooney. Because since I like so many bands, I'd want to be in all of the clubs or none, really, since I don't have a favorite.

BUT your idea about giving everyone who buys the CD admission to the fanclub - well that's just pretty amazing and makes tons of sense. I don't know why no one else has thought of it! So, I mean, if you make an official fanclub that I'd have to pay 30 dollars to get into, I won't be doing that, but if you make one that comes if you buy the album then I'm in!

But would you have to buy the physical album? Or does itunes count? What about Zune?
[questionsquestionsquestions]

dickweed_girl · 5 months ago

dude, the cd idea is good. totally get that.
apart from that, the general idea of fanclubs is overrated, especially for 'international fans.'
like i get ocks (as an example) used to do meet ups or whatever, but that never happens.
also, you either get early entry OR meet and greet so it's like you shell out this ton of money for like a special tshirt which like X amount of other suckers have.
and then you have to re-subscribe each year.
i dunno. face value, just comes across as exploitation, only good thing being pre-sale tickets.

xtheend · 5 months ago

It'd be awesome if you had a really exclusive, almost impossible to get into free fanclub, or with the CD.
Like FOB's Secret Order Kids-style, but with the Cobra twist--but definitely not a $30 fanclub, I can't stand those.
As for perks? Exclusive interviews/behind-the-scenes, seeing videos before the premiere, heads up on secret shows if you ever do them, exclusive presales for tours/albums, live chats, exclusive merch, etc.

jennmagz · 5 months ago

yay for the audition :)
dude, I fucking hate fanclubs. It's just a way for bands to rip off their fans. I don't need to pay $30 to show a band that I'm a fan. I'll buy their cd and go to their shows. Just as simple as that.

stephanielovesgabe · 5 months ago

your really sweet and awesome for letting whoever bought the cd be in the club. :]
that would be cool.

i hate when celebs make it like so much to get into the fan club. :(
i mean come on we buy your stuff already. now we have to pay to be a fan?

haha grr will your fall tour land in L.A.?
the hollywood tour date that's in a few days is sold out. :(

<333

kmc724 · 5 months ago

Yes, if it's free with a CD purchase. Hopefully, this includes those who have already preordered the album (including myself).

No, if it's going to cost extra. It doesn't mean you're a bigger fan, it simply means you have more money to spend. It's not fair that someone who is a huge fan, but cannot afford membership fees, does not have access to these "perks."

Some ideas for perks are meet-and-greets, the ability to purchase tickets before the general public or other presale, special discount codes for merch every so often, getting news before others, etc.

RachRockinOut · 5 months ago

NO FAN CLUB.

Sure, if its free with the purchase of a cd, itd be a fun way to be a true fan, but you guys already have semi fan clubs everywhere! Consider your myspace page with all your friends, facebook, twitter - i mean, all these places give you direct contact with the fans, you can share ideas and send announcements, without charging all the kids a hefty ransome. You can still have contests and special edition merch on the existing sites, just keep it open and fair to the fans, not a "members only" ordeal.

Tamia · 5 months ago

I like the idea of fan club, but alot of times they suck. With the "Overcast Kids" the meet and greet and early entry situation is always fucked up and sometimes the presale ticket codes are wrong. I definitely like the idea of giving it away free with the CD. Make sure those that are willing to sign up and be active members really get something for it. Not just a free postcard, but shirts, signed merch, and the meet and greet tickets.

luv2swim93 · 5 months ago

oh my gosh! i would SOOOOOO join that fan club! and all i would want is presale offers :) but i also don't think some things should be reserved just for being a part of the fan club. some people can't afford it and i always feel bad that they don't get to enter some of the contests because they're only for fan club members. but if anyone who buys the cd gets a free membership, then nobody really has anything to complain about now do they? so i say do it. please :)

laurainwonderland · 5 months ago

Its a really good idea!!!! But will it be available on online store like amazon and play.com, cos no record stores in ireland that i know of sell cobra cds. Which sucks.
xoxo

thomasisonfire · 5 months ago

fuck fan clubs,most of them don't have a 10% of the band's fans

plus,people outside the US like me,can't join
but still,as much as I love cobra,I wouldn't join...at least you do the CD membership,wich could also increase las ventas del cd,but that's other stuff

greets desde españa

dropdeaddudlynn · 5 months ago

:\ FUCK IT. no fan clubs would be better..we're in a recession, i'd rather spend like 30 bucks to see you guys live than join a fan club no offense. if it's free then i say go for it, but also the perks of paying to see you guys when in a fan club kinda sucks.. the people who pay extra well whatever, but i just think you should keep it fair..ya know?

viam_inveniam · 5 months ago

I'm in three fan clubs for pre-sale perks but in the end, that shit means nothing. Some kids can't afford the $30/year (plus shipping and handling) fee and that makes them feel inadequate and makes fan club members looks like elitists, when we're not. I think there are a lot of positives, like giving fans an organized setting to meet the band. But unless you're in a band that is physically incapable of hanging out after a show without ten thousand kids mobbing you for an autograph/picture, I don't think a fan club is necessary, and your attitude that every fan should be treated like a VIP will make your fans feel more cherished and appreciated than any fan club ever could. Just sayin'.

luv2swim93 · 5 months ago

i take my answer back. i completely agree with you.

MegLizzy · 5 months ago

So heres the thing gabe. The Fall Out Boy fanclub will be my example. I fucking hate how I payed 30 bucks for it, but then they realized "oh shit, weve got too many kids, so we cant meet them all and let them all in early, itd be like the whole fucking place." So they picked 10 kids to let in early and get meet and greets. So basically, the rest of us not included in this 10, just wasted 30 bucks on a piece of paper stating that we're in this fanclub. It bullshit.

The kids that wanna be there early, will be there early. And as long as you dont go all lame band that hates meeting fans, keep doing what you do, and hanging with us after the shows and before. Dont put any fans on a pedestal. Its fucked.

But thats a nice plan to sell more albums, nice thinkin Saporta.

MegLizzy · 5 months ago

Also, I know itd be free, but fanclubs are just bullshit. Plus now everyones gonna buy the CD and youd have to like, let everyone in early and meet them all and shit, so whats the point?

nayomieSYKES · 5 months ago

THIS. I've been an OCK for about 3 years now and not once have I ever been picked for a m&g. I keep wasting $30 on a paper telling me I'm in a fanclub. (but that's my own fault)

MegLizzy · 5 months ago

haha OCKs a pain in the ass. But I love fob so much I cant stop myself from renewing every year with high hopes. I met them anyway though, stalking their buses.

saradawn · 5 months ago

i think your ideas about the fanclub are fucking awesome, because most bands don't care charging their fans a shitload of money for not many perks.....i've paid for some that i can afford, but really, some are outrageous. it's really amazing the way you think about your fans, and the respect and appreciation you seem to have for them.
some perks that i enjoy are early entry / meet and greet / pre-sale opportunities, but i'm sure you cobras will think of awesome shit on top of all that ;)
i think getting access to a fan club by buying the cd instead of paying $40 a year is a great incentive, because if you're a fan, you want the cd anyway haha.
but honestly, even though i say all that, and i like some of the perks, i really don't think any of the fan clubs are truly worth it. you cobras are fucking awesome to your fans, so i think if you keep that up, you don't need fan clubs.

youdontevenknow · 5 months ago

I have to thank you so much for writing this and allowing fans to have an input. I personally cannot stand fan clubs. When I love and support a band I'm completely against paying to be their "fan" in a fan club when I already show my support by buying CD's, Merch, going to shows, and getting my friends to listen to the music I like so why should I have to pay more to get preferential treatment? The few fan clubs I am member of are only and i repeat ONLY for presale or meet and greet information. I never use the message boards or enter contests and whatnot normal fan clubs offer. I will admit that I really like your idea of offering a fan club membership with the purchase of Hot Mess if more fan clubs were like that then I wouldn't be so opposed to them in the first place since I have no problem buying CD's or concert tickets. I just don't want to pay an extra 40$ on top of all that. Still as great as your idea is I don't like the idea of Cobra having a fan club I really admired the fact that after all this time you guys were still one of the few bigger bands on the scene without one.

Eruwenfuin · 5 months ago

Congrats to the Audtion boys, I hope they have fun (and kick people's asses on Halo 3).

As for the fanclub. While the idea of a fanclub always has merit, for both a band, or rather the suits behind it, and the fans, it usually goes cock-eyed for some reason or other.

And I'm wondering about your Cd buying plan = membership. Whilst it is thought out up to a point it might become a bit of a problem for your international fans. In general, or at least what I've heard, the general perks include access to presale tickets and meet and greets. Whilst it might be very lovely for somebody in *insert random country/region/continent* to become a member of said fanclub, they might never actually get to use the perks, or rather those specific perks if there are more, due to CS not touring anywhere near that particular country/region/continent.

On the other hand, they didn't pay in any way to make use of them(discounting the CD, for I assume, naively, they just want the CD for the CD content, not the added bonus), so if they can't it's not like they wasted money on it, since they still have the CD. Also other perks may make up for that. Access to limited edition merch (though overseas shipping, but hey! vintage cobra hoodies!) , I heard/ read somebody bring up chat sessions?That might be an idea, or some sort of members only fanboard? That's all I got for today.

MaryKateR · 5 months ago

i don't really like fan clubs, but i think this sounds fair for people who do want to be in a fan club. i'm still a physical cd buyer but i know that a lot of people aren't. this will reward the people who are, and it will probably also make people that go digital now want to buy the actual cd. as long as you stick with the free membership for people who actually go out and buy the cd, it sounds like a good deal to me.

Killendaali · 5 months ago

That free membership thing sounds cool.

I always buy CDs I want, 'cause I hate downloading them from the net.

salwaytay · 5 months ago

You've got the right idea gabe

it really annoys me that in order to be a diehard fan you have to have the funds to back it up.
With the recession and all, people quit the music first. shame.

Free membership sounds amazing.

Fave things? I like the boards and the presales cause i always get scared im not gonna get a ticket.
dont have too many tickets on presale though, cause non fan club members get pissed.


p.s get your asses back over to the UK, we miss you ;D

jennaDM · 5 months ago

i hate paying to be part of a fan club.

emoder · 5 months ago

So I'd definitely love to see a free fan club set up.

There have been so many times where I felt the urge to sign up for a fan club for my favorite bands, but there's never enough available information up front for me to pay the $30 or so up front. I love the fact that bands can give out some perks and stuff, but if they're going to charge up front, they need to make all of the perks available to see so people know exactly what they're paying for. And I mean EVERY perk. Every time a new one is added, the page needs to be updated thirty seconds before the perk is release so new subscribers know exactly what they're paying for.

Also, quick question. Those of us who have preordered the album (I even shelled out the huge amount for more than just the CD =D ). Would we still receive the membership?

samanthasweet · 5 months ago

I like the idea. If all you have to do is buy a cd that sounds like a really good deal. I would still join even if it did cost.

rubypearl · 5 months ago

Woo! I love The Audition!!! I remember seeing them two years ago opening for Boys Like Girls on Tourzilla. Crazy fun! Which reminds me of fan clubs. Because I got to meet the bois of BLG that way. I'll admit it was super fun to meet them. Things happened there for we all couldn't hang out that long. But there were only six of us that got to meet them. That alone was fun. But I'll admit, I like fan clubs. I like the presale tickets. Other than that I'm not one for em. I don't go on to the message boards. Connecting with fans? Awesome. I like your idea Gabe, a free membership is the way to go if you go threw with a fan club. I like the fact that you guys don't have one. But whatever you choose, I know you're thinking of your fans.

With that being said, and my hoping that makes the least bit of sense. I can't wait to see you NEXT friday in Colorado Springs. I hope to meet you again. I've got another bag I made and I want you all to sign it! The fact that you liked my other bag when you signed it in Denver with FOB was ... WOW! Thank you! It meant so much! *laughs* Hmmm I need to get ready for that five hour car drive to see you guys. XD Okay I'll stop my ramble now ... *laughs*

xshara · 5 months ago

Also how do you plan on doing the free fanclub thing? Would it be like, a code you put into a website or some shit? Other than that I can't see how everyone who buys the CD gets in, especially since some already preordered the CD and some will get it on iTunes.

stefanielugassy · 5 months ago

i say yes to fan club. if you don't buy the cd then you aren't supporting the band, therefore you shouldn't be in a FAN club.

and meet and greets would be wonderful since it's so damn difficult to meet you guys these days

puzzleheart · 5 months ago

You give a good point about the fan clubs, it should be everyone who actually purchases the cd. I'm against fan clubs where you have to pay a lot just to be a member and thats the only way you can get presale tickets.

If you do a fan club, do the cd thing.I also think there would be more members if you buy the cd. I honestly don't think I would just pay to be in a fanclub, even though I love Cobra Starship A LOT. Other people may feel that way too, but I know I will buy the cd. I know a lot of other people that would agree with this also.

If you honestly don't like the idea of fan clubs at all, then don't do it though.

carolinex3x · 5 months ago

i say no to the fanclub. if you're really a fan, you don't feel the need to join a club to show you are. just sayin'.

MelissaCrown · 5 months ago

Reading about the audition winning makes me SUPER CONTENTA :D
but now to talk about the fan club:]
i think your idea is great, anyone who buys hotmess should get a free membership. i like the idea because i know i'd be super crushed knowing my parents wont buy me the membership cuz they hate buying stuff online:[
so if i go out and buy hotmess this means i wont have to flippin beg my parents to buy me the membership online:l
im a DIE HARD FAN! and i really hope you make those fuckers consider your idea:] i deffinetly back your idea gabee. see you very soon! in tucson!<3

and i also read a few of the talkin shit replies:] and i believe we all have this in common:]

Laurie_CobraStar26 · 5 months ago

I really like your idea!! Buy the CD and get a free membership to the fanclub is perfect! You're a GENIUS Gabe! x) I'm sure that kids won't get pissed about that! I'm TOTALLY in!! n_n

katrina4294 · 5 months ago

i enjoy presales and early entrys thats why i like fan clubs

hurrikaynekatya · 5 months ago

I LOVE the idea of buying the cd and being in the "fanclub."
I dislike the idea of a monthly paid fanclub.

How would it work out though? Like, would you the CD automatically come with some sheet of paper or something stating you bought the cd and that your in the fanclub because you've physically purchased the CD? Or would you just have to bring the CD to the concert physically?
.....Sorry if thats a lot of questions. You dont even have to answer.

But just know, we ALL appreciate how you thought about your fans first.
<3

HollylovesCobra · 5 months ago

YES DO IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! i refuse to buy CD's from off of iTunes. its retarded. you can't put it in your CD player and rock out so its retarded. Gabe, please do it!

bonniemarie · 5 months ago

Good choice on The Audition.

The issue with fan clubs, from my experience, is that they lose their spark after a year or so. The kids who subscribe to the service get screwed over due to their being so many members (the devil's in the machine) and customer service isn't in the least helpful. While I think that the precedent for fan clubs in your present genre has certainly been set, there's of course still a stigma around the idea. I think your heart's in the right place for offering fan club membership to everyone who buys the record... but the issue is that you'll see the problems that pop up in fan clubs that have been around for a couple of years right away if you give the standard membership to everyone who buys the record. I know that sounds insane, but the mere amount of people who join fan clubs after a while seem to be the root of the biggest problems (it's too hard to get tickets in a seemingly 'exclusive' presale, meet&greets and other special things are impossible to win).

I thought the "levels" of membership for The Academy's fan club was useful--it was something like $10 if you just wanted to join for a year, get a member card, and $30 if you wanted the whole shebang--special swag, membership for the year, blah blah. Seems like TAI handles their fan club really well too. I'm not a member but they let kids use their membership cards as proof in order for them to get into meet and greets for the fan club. They still meet their non-fan-club fans, but they make a point to recognize the ones that have been around the longest in some way.

In conclusion (I'll be surprised if you've read all of this... I'm surprised I'm writing it): If you decide to go with a fan club, which may not be the worst idea, you either have to put a limitation on how many kids get in (first 5000 to register with a code from the CD, or something like that, maybe) or have membership last for a month, or a series of months instead of a year, or have some other incentive to subscribe to another higher level of fan club. There's just too many fans to handle the old-fashioned way, anymore!

Good luck :)

Touchmyplanet · 5 months ago

I should have been 'lets get it', Dink.

anirok · 5 months ago

I don't know if you're still reading these but I think having it come along with cd purchases is a great idea.

I've been in two fanclubs. One I got some cheesy ass magazine 4 times a year and the other you could get into meet and greets with the band and when you got a membership they sent you a shirt, a cd, and some stickers or something. I don't really remember, I got really tired of paying $30 for that package yearly and no other perks since they didn't tour near me and the one time they did it was like "ok get in this line with 200 other people and once you get your autograph you have to leave immediately"

Maybe some exclusive merch or something? I'm not sure what you could offer.

I've got a lot of respect for you/Cobra for turning the suits down so much. Can't wait to hear Hot Mess.

NozexBleed · 5 months ago

I like fanclubs.
Hate paying to prove my fan-ity.

redbullpowderflow · 5 months ago

You're right, normally I'm one of those assholes who just downloads music, but actually the moment Alex tweeted about the pre-sale of Hot Mess, I was all up in that shit.

I think the CD buying thing is a good idea, just a fanclub in general is a good idea.

Perks..hm..I do like the ideas of pre-sales and get-in-earlyness, and maybe some club only merch would do (like little patches, anything really). I know with Japanese bands they do a lot of messages/videos that are members only, which is a pretty cool thing.

nayomieSYKES · 5 months ago

Honestly, no. I personally think fan clubs are such a stupid idea because bands want to interact with fans and the fans want to interact with the bands and with fan clubs in the way, only people who have access to daddy's credit cards are able to meet you guys. Thanks but no thanks. We're in a recession and I don't have an extra $40 to spend when I need that money to buy tickets to shows and merch to support the bands.
BUT, if it's free then I'll possibly join. If it's free, it's for me.

amsayxD · 5 months ago

Again, why are you people assuming that the people in the fan clubs are teenagers who made mom and dad pay? I paid for my own, with my own money that I worked for. I find it a tad offensive.

alimahhosein · 5 months ago

I think a fan club would be a great idea. I like your idea of if you buy the CD, then you get in or whatever. But paying monthly or yearly really is annoying. And I have both your CD's, and I plan on being the first one to buy Hot Mess. So I'm supporting the band anyways. But I definitely think a fan club is a good idea!

TSTLSOOM · 5 months ago

if you are looking for a low key kind of fan club, the aquabats have one for their fans. every year they have a "summit" where everyone goes to and they do a show with guests and all that jazz. Im not saying do that, but i think a fan club that has a show just for the club would be sick. (and if i pay for a fan club for cobra, include cobracam)

Elizabeth_Leigh · 5 months ago

how would they do that? if people aren't willing to pay $40 to join, they sure as hell aren't going to pay $500 to fly out to a show.
maybe they could do little shows just for members before or after the concerts though.

twiztidsteph · 5 months ago

no fan club, please no fan club, not even if we buy the cds. im so sick of every one thinking that being n a fan club makes you a more dedicated fan then someone else. i get to all of your concerts over twelve hours early every single time and i personally think that shows more dedication then whether mommy or daddy can buy some little teeny bopper a card that says they're better than me. i don't need a card and some 'early entry' perks to tell me im a dedicated fan to any band. i cant afford to buy any fan club packages for any band, and honestly i dont think i want to be in one. its much more special if you get that one oppertunity to see and be with the people you look up to because you work hard for it- not because its forced on you.

cobra starship is different.
we dont need a cobra club.
the fangsters are family, plain and simple.
and it should stay that way without cards and perks to mess it up.

amsayxD · 5 months ago

I think it's a bit rude to asssume that the people who have "mummy and daddy" pay for their memberships are better than you.

Not everyone is a douche bag who will rub it in your face, and not everyone has their parents pay for them. I bought my Panic at the Disco and Simple Plan memberships myself because, one: it's the price of the teeshirt alone, basically, and you get a bunch of other things to go alone with it, and it's sort of fun.

Just because it's something you don't have doesn't mean that everyone who does have it sucks. it's like saying you hate people who have uggs. You're judging them on material possessions, and not who they are.

amsayxD · 5 months ago

Now, would this "buy the CD and get a free membership" be included when you, say, buy it at your Local HMV?

Because to be honest, I don't like buying stuff online, especially from the FBR store, because it takes me like, four weeks to get it. And living in Canada is awesome and all, but we don't seem to get a lot of the perks American's do. Like, we have to pay extra shipping because apparently you have to cross a large body of water to ship here, thus requiring an air plane when it's easy to drive, dipshits.

Anyways, the reason I'm asking is because we Canadians and other countries besides America, we usually get the shaft. Which sucks for all countries, but I think the fact that Canada is directly above and it doesn't take long to even get there from where I live is even worse. It's like having your favourite food sitting behind an unbreakable glass wall.

You get to see it, but you can't have it. And then in comes all the other people, who get to eat it because they're on the other side of the wall.

Know what I mean?

lauzmur · 5 months ago

i don't live in Canada, but i live in Scotland and i agree with this.
i know Scotlands much further away than Canada, obviously but i don't get why America get everything. I think there should be a fbrwebstore for different parts of the world, because the prices of shipping you have to pay is unbelievable and i really want to pre-order the deluxe edition of Hot Mess but its just too expensive!
sorry went OT for a bit there haha.
but i agree totally with what your saying.

amsayxD · 5 months ago

I know right?! It's brutal. Especially when on top of shipping, you also have to calculate currency costs, and so on. so, then you're 30 buck fan club membership is like, 65 because of where you live.

It's hardly fair. I agree with fan clubs, I do, but it has to be done right. And it has to benefit everyone. I know it's hard, but it's the only way everyone get's ackowledged.

i mean, it's hard enough finding a Cobra Starship anything in Canada. I can't imagine the difficulties it must be in a place like Scotland.

I love Scotland. <3

Loochh · 5 months ago

exactly. and i hate how they have the same shipping cost for the whole of the uk. they are probably different costs for different states in the US, why do they treat the UK as a whole? obviously, it will cost more to get it to the east of the uk than the west. and i know it can't cost that much to ship over here as my friends dad had some huge boxset shipped over for about $5 or something.

ever checked out clandestine's shipping to the uk? i tried to order a hoodie, and the shipping was the exact same price as the hoodie, so i could have bought two ¬¬ i didn't get it in the end.

Charlvanti · 5 months ago

All considering, It sounds like a good plan.
It sounds like you thought it through and as you said, if kids don't like it then they can leave.
It kinda sucks if you're overseas though, considering supply doesn't always meet demand (hard copies), or iTunes only allows for select albums to be bought/downloaded.
All in all though, I can't see much of a problem in it.

theauditionrox · 5 months ago

the CD idea is good but how could someone prove they bought a CD...and if someone buys it on itunes, or amazon.com or a CD store do they all get the same perks? i'm sure with a little thought the idea can work, but i think a fan club would be nice. even though it's exclusive, and it puts an invisible line between the fan base...it gives fans special opportunities to show their support for the band. the all time low fan club gives fan club members access to presale, meet and greet and early entry tickets, as well as an actively maintained website to let everyone know whats up with the band. meet and greets give fans a definite reassurance that they can meet the members of the band...and who wouldn't want that?

virgothepoet · 5 months ago

i think you should give it a try. whats the harm? i mean fanclubs do have alot of perks. i mean the merchandise and benefits can be awesome. i think you should give a free membership to ppl who go out and buy a physical cd. and honestly its not your decision to decided what fans want to do. if fans want to be apart of a fanclub for cobra, let them. whats the harm? do your best to not rip them off. i mean a club has its positives and negatives of course.

look. by starting a fanclub you are giving an opportunity to ppl. there is nothing wrong with that. if you start one there is no law saying ppl have to join. so for all the fucking ppl who keep bitching "no fan clubs" maybe yall should take a chill pill. no one is making you join! if there are ppl who want to be apart of it, why not let them?

really. all you need to ask yourself gabe is "is it really hurting anyone to start one? and can you do it without fucking your fans up the asshole?" bc if so, then just do it. let fans be fans.

i mean im a total lover, not a hater. but i think all the ppl on here who are like "fuck that. its dumb. fuck no. blah blah..." need a valium. i can only repeat myself so many times, but seriously, no one is gonna make you join. no one has a glock to your head telling you to pay 30 bucks or whatever. but if there are ppl who WANT to be apart of a fanclub, then just let them.

seriously. whats the big deal?

one more thing....obviously Gabe if the suits cant do it your way, and compromise with you, then i would scratch the idear. you dont wanna give in completely. you want to find a compromise.

karluvmost · 5 months ago

That's just a great idea, really. You shouldn't have to pay loads of money to show that you support a band. I love the way you seem to think about your fans instead of thinking about yourself, and you show us so much respect at the same time.

lizsays · 5 months ago

i agree with what everyone's been saying. im not a fan of fanclubs. paying more money does not mean you're a more legit fan of a certain band.
i've never joined a fanclub, so what's especially annoying to me is when fanclub kids get into shows early. it just makes everything more complicated and its not fair to people who wait outside all day.

because of all this i clearly like your idea better than a traditional fanclub. a lot more kids would be involved. it's less a fanclub and more an oh-lets-give-these-kids-some-extra-bonus-stuff-just-for-buying-our-cd. which is awesome. as long as it applies to those of us that preordered it ;)
and hopefully it'll encourage people to buy the actual cd too.
so basically give your idea a try and steer clear of normal fanclubs.

alimahhosein · 5 months ago

I say fanclub without admission fees. I plan on buying Hot Mess anyways. And I like the idea of if you buy the CD then you automatically get the perk. You guys are my favourite band in the world and I love you guys so much! Gabe I love you especially, and it's so great that you think about your fans so much. But yeah I'm down for the fan club!

Erinbby · 5 months ago

I think your free fan club idea is an amazing idea cos I always buy the cds and after buying cd's tickets and merch I dont want to have to pay to join the fan club cos I've already proved I am a fan right?
Also I hate when people pay to join these fan clubs and they think they are better than you cos they are "real fans" Lol. But if its free if you buy the cd then I dont think it'll be like that.
Lol. That is all.

Love as always.
xxx.

sunshineinajar · 5 months ago

awesome, I'm excited to see what these guys have got!

idk...I'm not a huge fan of fan clubs. I'll absolutely agree with your opinion...kids that join the fanclubs are generally some of the biggest, most loyal supporters of the band and it tends to be a rip-off more than anything else. Put $40 down and get a T-shirt and the ability to say that you're a member of a club? With the slight possibility of getting pre-sale tickets that are rarely if ever much better than tickets available to everyone else (not to mention with a lot less hassle, fees, and annoyance most of the time)... eh. Not really my idea of a good deal.

I'm a member of the Panic fan club, and I will say that I like the T-shirts, the random little gifts they send out with your original membership package, and the pre-sale tickets (if they manage to give you enough advance notice, that is) plus there have been other pretty neat exclusive opportunities offered...not many, but a few. The rest...eh, not so much. It's not like you find out information before anyone else...the news of the Panic split showed up everywhere BUT the fan club website for a while. It's getting better, but it's still not worth what I paid for it IMHO. The meet n greet system, in particular, is flawed. But I digress.

As someone that always goes out and buys the actual CD for bands I really like, I absolutely approve of your idea. Buy the CD, get the membership. Works for me, so long as the price of the CD doesn't get jacked up. An inexpensive fan club is a lot more palatable.

thanks for caring and asking what we think, Gabe :)

xliss · 5 months ago

Gabrieel ! por favor ve este video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GUa8FVcoWtE ♥ es un video de tus locas fans en Chile :)

michmybelle · 5 months ago

It's a great idea, but since you guys already treat your fans so fucking awesome (even though I have yet to meet you :( Not after Bamboozle and not after Hammerstein!!) You will need to come up with something EXTRA special that will make it better than the average fan club!

puzzleheart · 5 months ago

Damn Idk if my thing posted. Ok I may or may not have posted something already, but if you do a fan club, the cd thing is the way to go. I don't think I would ever actually buy a membership to a fan club, but I'm buying the cd anyway so that would be pretty cool. If you hate fanclubs though, don't do it.

neurotic_nikki · 5 months ago

As cool as fanclubs sound, does anybody really have the money for them? We don't have money to join every fanclub for every band we love. And I am the only one of all my friends who still goes to Target or Best Buy and whatnot, to buy CDs. Everyone downloads them off the internet. So yes the deal you made makes tons of sense, and I totally back it 100%.

mariella · 5 months ago

peacelovedexter · 5 months ago

I think your deal is pretty much genius. It sucks to pay $30 a year without getting much in return.

I like how with Overcast Kids, you can sign-up for the next year at a lower coast (unlike Northern Downpour. Another $40? Are you serious?).

What I really hate is that the same people get meet n greets. How is that even fair to those of us who have never had the chance to meet the band? If you get meet n greet more than once, step down and give someone else a chance. It doesn't seem like these fan clubs pay attention to the winners of meet n greets.

Conyy · 5 months ago

Ok i'm in some fan club, but here in Chile you don't have to pay for be on it. That's what i can be part of them, 'cause i can't pay for it, i don't have the money. But i hate the fans club that you have to pay, 'cause they're just for people with money, so i think that it's a completly amazing idea if you have a free membership if you buy the album, is the best thing against the ilegal download and for everyone without a lot of money. That way we can be closest to the band and i hope that the people from others countrys could be in the fan club.

tinasoysauce · 5 months ago

i can't decide on whether the idea of a cobra starship fanclub is something to go for, or not.
i dig the idea of a fanclub, personally. i've always wanted to meet you guys, and experience your show from the front because of early entry, and all the other perks.
but fanclub membership requires people to pay, and in my opinion, i just don't think that's fair.
especially in times like these, where extra money to spend is just hard to come by.

i think the idea of having free membership already if you buy a cd, is genius.
i don't know how it'd end up working out, because i imagine it isn't as easy as just counting 123.
but if it could happen somehow, it might just be one of the greatest things ever.

point is, even though i love the idea of a cobra fanclub.
i would still vote no on the whole thing because i just don't think it's fair for everyone.

steff1993 · 5 months ago

I think this is a really good idea I always buy the CDs instead of downloading will the membership be available for people in the uk, cause I preorded my cd on fueled by ramen but I'm in the uk so yeah

BASSwizSTEPHYbiz · 5 months ago

do the people who pre-order get into this fanclub if the deal works out?

anyway, i'm not much of a fanclub person for a few reasons:
1) i'm NOT paying however much to join a club. yeah sure they get perks and whatnot, but people who aren't part of it still get chances at presales and meeting the bands. as for the other perks, i could live without them. i'd much rather watch a performance and enjoy the show instead of wasting money on stuff that i know will eventually just become more shit in my room to collect dust.

2) it just creates tension between fanclub members and non fanclub members. people might start going around claiming they're soandso's "better" fans just because they paid money for what the club has to offer.

besides, isn't it about the music, perks or no perks? since when did i need a limited edition hoodie or tee to enjoy music? i certainly don't need early entrance to shows. if i want a good spot, then i'll try my best to get to the venue early.

It_Child · 5 months ago

I dont think anyone who goes out & buys cd's should b rewarded for anything! I mean, really if you really care about the band & their well-being, then you'll get your ass up & help them out.Like a lot of other ppl have said, i dont think its right to say "if u spend this much,then you'll be able to get their autograph or go backstage" or something. But i think its awesome that everyone who buys the cd would get in 4 free...but once you get in,is that where we'll be hackled with all these fees???!Becasue,thats where is gets shity and annoying...

alexis_says · 5 months ago

i honestly think the fan club is a great idea if it comes with buying the cd. that way, whether fans want to be a part of it or not, they have the choice.

kyprieth · 5 months ago

As a full-time student with no time for a part-time job (time time time), I greedily squirrel away any money I accumulate from birthdays, Channukah, benevolent Bubbies, etc. for concerts and (yes) my favorite bands' CDs and DVDs. A low price to the fanclub would be key. I think you are fucking fantastic for literally asking us for our opinions in order to construct the best possible fan club.

I think posters, stickers, buttons, and other Cobra-related knick-knacks (basically any tacky jewelery with a cobra or fangs on it is excellent) would be awesome little perks for fan club members. In this age of twitter and blogs you guys have made it really easy to find you before/after a show to hang out (a thousand thanks for that) so I think Meet & Greet passes might be moot, considering you're extremely fair to your fanbase as a whole. Early entry passes to shows would be ideal, considering it's hellish to get through the most rabid of fifteen-year-olds (and to those I suppose you could say, 'you go, Extremely Neon CoCo!') who are all trying to get as close as possible to you in order to palm you and shriek and whatnot. If it were in my power, I'd line up outside the venue as early as possible to get close to the stage at shows (I love the crush) but what with school it's hard to get there at the right time.

Those are my 2 cents, I'm sure a lot of other people have good suggestions as well.

(While I- possibly- have your attention, could I ask... is there ever going to be a Cobra live DVD? I would really, really enjoy that. Your sound live is different from your record sound, and I'd love to have that on my iPod as well. Plus, you motherfuckers know how to put on a good show. :D)

jellypop12 · 5 months ago

the buying the cd to get in is great :)
I'm only in one fan club that I had to pay for and its hard to keep up with no money,

wearestars · 5 months ago

the idea of fanclubs don't excite me. (hey, but i did tell my friend a long time ago if you guys made a fanclub it'll be the only one that i would be willing to join.)
the thing is the way that you guys run cobra starship,as in the way that you interact with fans already, I really believe there is no need for one even if it's free (but if you do it, I have no problem at all going along with the ride).
The main thing that has stopped me from getting a fanclub membership is that yes it's cool to have pre-sales, meet and greets, early entry but i want to know what do you get on a band's down time?That's the only reason why friend has the FOB fanclub is for those reasons and I don't believe that it's worth it. let's just say that the suit guys say no to your offer of "cd= free membership" What will you guys do to make it worth the $30? What would you guys do with the fanclub when you're not writing a new record or going out on tour? because for me that's when I'll really realize if the fanclub is worth it or not.
the perks of fanclub- other than pre-sales, meet and greets (which i don't think is really needed, every cobra fans knows it's not really that hard to meet you guys) and early entry (which i don't feel is fair to all fans, but if you're doing the cd/free membership then it's really not a perk...every cobra fan would get in early.)
what i would like to see- what is going to happen during the down time (when there is no touring or music writing)

so i'm saying the suits let you do it for free, then fucking it do it. but if they say no and you still decide to take a shot at it, then just make it worth it.

I just wanted to say thanks, I'm glad there are still bands like Cobra out there that don't forget about the fans with this type of business.

Coincidental · 5 months ago

While I get the idea you're putting foward, the logistics don't seem to add up, surely.

You're suggesting every person that buys you new album - as a CD or digitally I believe you've said to someone before me - would get membership initially.

But, membership for fanclubs usually entitles a person to pre-sale tickets, early entry at shows and or meet and greet, but considering how many people will likely buy the album, isn't that going to render the membership almost pointless considering how many people there would be?

Assuming the idea went through, I can only figure that you would have to lucky dip - or to that effect - for those with membership to get anything, otherwise you would end up with the whole audience on meet or greet or early entry, for example.

Perhaps I'm making no sense or maybe I'm just picking holes in things, but I'm just trying get my head around how it would all work.

Regardless, I think it's awesome that you are trying to do it in a way that doesn't involve your fans trying to scrape together money they don't have, especially these days. :) (Maybe you could set an example to some other bands you're acquainted with whose fanclubs cause issues amongst fans and cost too much)

xoxo

wearestars · 5 months ago

Assuming the idea went through, I can only figure that you would have to lucky dip - or to that effect - for those with membership to get anything, otherwise you would end up with the whole audience on meet or greet or early entry, for example.

same idea i thought.

burningxbridges · 5 months ago

"It'd be awesome if you had a really exclusive, almost impossible to get into free fanclub, or with the CD.
Like FOB's Secret Order Kids-style, but with the Cobra twist--but definitely not a $30 fanclub, I can't stand those.
As for perks? Exclusive interviews/behind-the-scenes, seeing videos before the premiere, heads up on secret shows if you ever do them, exclusive presales for tours/albums, live chats, exclusive merch, etc" - xtheend,


i love those ideas. I think there should be the thing with the Hot Mess sales, but a little harder than that. Like, maybe a code in Hot Mess to get to a hard quiz that only BIG fans would know the answers to, not just anyone. Or even a scavenger-hunt like thing, or just some viral campaign or something.

Not just anyone, it takes away from the whole idea of a fanclub, and makes it seem a lot more phony. Which is why people hate it so much.


And maybe not call it a fanclub... :P

But that's awesome you're asking us first and coming up with an awesome idea that would benefit both you guys and us. (:
xxx

Han89 · 5 months ago

I'm in England and though I've wanted to join clubs for other bands (FOB, Panic, that sort of thing) I've never done it because for the most point they seem directed towards American fans. Obviously there are a lot of American fans and there are more tours over there, that sort of thing, but I wouldn't want to pay for something that hardly affected me at all. If the fanclub were free I would definitely want to join, maybe that's just me being selfish but maybe if it really needed to be a paid thing, there could be different levels or something, paid/unpaid.

Loochh · 5 months ago

I agree with you. Bands aren't here enough for us to blow our money on a fanclub.

crimsonandclovr4 · 5 months ago

let me just say that i respect you for being one of the few level headed people who take into consideration where the fans may be coming from.

i agree with you, i think it's a sham. i've always hated fan clubs. it's like - i go buy your cd's, your shirts, i buy tickets to your shows, i drive hours to go to see you... and whaaat you want more from my burning wallet? it just sucks! not everyone can afford the $30-something fee just to have a sure shot of meeting a band after a show. i think all the fans should get that opportunity without extra fees. maybe i'm being really cheap, but come on, some of us don't live on our parents' credit cards anymore.

vivalameghann · 5 months ago

I'm definitely in as long as people who preordered get this deal too!

staceofbase · 5 months ago

Shit yeah! I dig this idea. I joined Panic's fan club when it first started for the presale codes so I could get the best seats, so the perks definitely rock but I always thought paying for it was kinda bogus because I was already a hardcore fan before the fan club came around.

So, what would I like to see? Lots of glowsticks. Cobra shaped glowsticks.

AzaleaVerde · 5 months ago

I think it's pretty much been said but I think the idea of a free membership with purchase of a cd is great (preferably if the offer is available if you buy it off iTunes too but that might be difficult to work out). Pre-sale, unreleased tracks (fans need more songs in between cds!), and extra stupendous clothes are the best perks.

The Audition are cool I'm looking forward to seeing them with you guys.

P.S. You should totally leak us a track from the new album :D Pretty please?!

His Girl, Wednesday · 5 months ago

I'm not too sure if the deal makes sense. I'm not good at business stuff. I don't know if I would back it either because all the other FBR/DD clubs you have to pay. I already spent $100 on you guys gettin' the Hot Mess super bundle mabob. I don't think the mommy llama's check book would be too happy. If the Cobras do get a club I'd most definitely would want to see band/ fan club interaction. Pre-sales are cool too, but not super special. I'm not too sure as of yet. I don't have favorites from clubs. I'm on the MCR street team, but I don't really count that as a club since well it's a street team. So yeah. Either way I'll be happy. If the CD thing gets you in for free how is that going to work for people who pre-ordered through FBR though?

wjb · 5 months ago

dude some guy on apsloutepunk.com is chatting shit bout da new album in his blog

im sure its good tho

<3

mfitch · 5 months ago

I don't think fanclubs are necessary, really. and Gabe you make a really good point; the same point I've been making to a lot of people, actually. Fuck that shit.

I mean your CD offer doesn't sound bad, and ultimately it's up to you, but fanclubs have always turned me off 'cuz I'm a real cheapass and Im not into paying more money than i have to. Sometimes it feels kind of like a rip off. I enjoy the time I have at your shows and it makes my day if I get the chance to spend any time with one of you. And honestly, having access to your music is all I need.

whatever decision you make, I'll back you up :) just thanks soooo much for asking us kids and taking us into consideration. In short, you're awesome. peace out.

social_ghost · 5 months ago

I think fanclubs are kinda stupid, especially when they cost money.
It's like "why do i have to pay $30 to be your fan?.."
I'm not apart of any fanclubs so maybe i'm just biased but I say that there's no use for fanclubs and i think it's more than okay for cobra not to have one. but either way you guys go, i'll still love you eternally.

<3 brittany

danielleg · 5 months ago

That does sound smart of you Gabe :)
If you buy the CD you get into the fan club.
Because it is just way too much money to be spending each year for.... what forums
and what not.

But if you do make a fan club, make it free.
That's the only way to go.
Start a new trend! Show all those other bands that "Hey we love our fans just as much as you
and we care about their finacial situations, so it's all free, the contests, the forums, sign ups for meet and greets the whole sha-BANG!"

That would be the most kick ass thing ever.


But on emore thing, very sad that seven story fall didn't win :(
they deserved it a whole bunch.

katielouise_x · 5 months ago

Firstly thank you so much for thinking about us. Asking our opinions and stuff. It's really great shows how much you care!
And if you are going to have a fanclub then it's great that you're doing it for free. I know i'd pay if i had to, mostly because i would feel like less of a fan if i didn't.
And also i love FOB, but i've pretty much given up hope of meeting them. Because there so big and theres no way they can meet everyone in the fanclub at m&gs. They would be there for days. It's hard to get my head around the fact that i may have to think of you guys like that in the future.
Don't get me wrong, I seriously don't resent you guys for getting bigger. Fuck no. You deserve it sooooo much and i am behind you all the way.

Sorry if i sound selfish in anyway. It's just i'd rather be truthful to you than just agree because it's something you have said.

On a lighter note, i've never heard the auditions stuff before. I may have to go give them a listen. Hopefully i will like them, because finding new bands to love is the best xD.

Loochh · 5 months ago

'It's just i'd rather be truthful to you than just agree because it's something you have said.'

In other words, Katie meant: I'm using my own personal opinions and my own brain and I'm not fucking sucking up to you just to look good, even if my opinion is something completely different. aha ;D

'I know i'd pay if i had to, mostly because i would feel like less of a fan if i didn't.' we don't like our fanship doubted!!

Cotabulous · 5 months ago

The whole money idea sucks, for any fan club. If you are already paying $15 for a cd, why not make the club free? The suits are just thinking of the profit from $30 memberships. Also, Ppople already make their own fansites so why couldn't you just partner with some of them and distribute special opportunities that way? Personally, as a 17 year old who has to pay for car insurence, gas, and cellphone bills, when I buy a cd it's for bands I truely support ( as you stated in your own way above).

elshbesh · 5 months ago

My main issue with fan clubs is the way members generally seem to think that because they've forked out this extra money, they are somehow a more dedicated fan than everyone else. I've never joined a fan club in my life because being in Australia I already have to pay ridiculous amounts to see international bands in concert and I always buy their albums on top of that, plus at their concerts I'll usually buy some merch too. That all adds up and I know that in the past I've spent anywhere up to $200 on tickets, CD's and merch within the space of a few months, and now that I'm a uni student, I really sort of feel how that can put a dent in the money I have to just survive. Also, as I said, I'm Australian and have had plenty of Aussies who are members of various fan clubs tell me that it's not worth that extra money because being all the way down here, we don't really end up experiencing the benefits until the band tours, which is usually once every second year (if we're lucky). Also, I've noticed that some bands who have fan clubs become sort of, less accessible I guess, to fans who aren't members of those clubs. I've always liked the way you guys seem to be happy to go out of your way to say 'hi' to the fans at shows and I'd hate to see that change.

However, if you are thinking of starting a fan club, I think giving free membership to people who actually go out and buy the album is a really good way of going about it. I think it's sort of a good way of 'rewarding' the fans who are willing to support you by buying the CD. If I was to get free membership just by going down to the local CD store and buying a copy of your CD like I'm planning on doing anyway, then sure, I'd join.

oneandonlylora · 5 months ago

I think that your idea for the people who actually purchase the CDs get special deals is great. I never download music because I think that, even if it's payed for, it's cheating a lil bit. I buy CDs and that's it.. so I'm cool with a little bit of a perk for actually buying a phsical newfangled Compact Disc. I back that 100% =) Whether or not I'd actually take advantage of the potential perks, though, has yet to be determined. I'm not completely into online offers and such... I'm more old-school... for whatever reason...

lizblack · 5 months ago

the only thing i like about fanclubs is having a guaranteed meet and greet. usually the meet and greets are wack though, like 10 minutes of signing 30 people stuff. then 10 minutes to take everyones picture. so if you do have a fanclub make the m&g deal sweeter. i also hate renewing a membership every year. so if i have to pay like $40 a year i'm not going to stay it in it. yeah they may have perks, but most of the time you have to win that shit. the cd shit sounds the best...if cobra decides on the fanclub.

oscaristhebest00 · 5 months ago

The idea for if you buy the cd you get a free membership seems very fair. While I will miss getting free meet and greet and early entry for just buying presale its only the price of a cd that a fan should be buying anyways. the fan club i am in is santi's little helpers. I obviously like the free meet and greets you get for just being in the club, and presale. I wish there was more contest type things though and that it would be updated more often than it is. you will get a lot of crap for having a fan club because your "selling out" to the elitists. but its not like you are charging $30 like over cast kids, where it has become a heiracrhy. i say go for it.... as long as its not expensive

Llamatastic · 5 months ago

I have to agree with the 'forced' feeling of an official meet and greet from a comment up there (sorry I couldn't find your post!). I was in a 'meet and greet' (not an official one, but for all the fans that stayed behind after the show) for a band and I felt like I was going to make a huge fool of myself, so I felt extremely self-conscious. However, I've met several bands before and after outside venues and it's very relaxed. Of course, I still make a fool of myself but at least I'm not worrying about it!

I've noticed in most cases a fan club separates fans into several categories, and I'm not a huge fan of that. It's nicer when everybody of different walks of life are able to come together over their love for a band. :)

mariella · 5 months ago

Why is everyone against this fanclub idea?
I know the economy crisis is hard and bla bla bla but downloading the album for free is illegal, and the fanclub thing can be like a "prize" for buying the album legally.

jordanabanana · 5 months ago

In my honest opinion, the idea of "fan clubs" sounds lame. But perks are always good! ;)
I like your idea about buying a CD and then getting automatically in. Hopefully it would go for itunes too, cause damn, internet is taking over! (Kinda sad, kinda helpful?) I already pre-ordered Hot Mess on itunes cause it honestly looks awesome.
I don't really have a CD player anymore, but I do have a record player. Like old school kind of records. ( Original Michael Jackson records!!! R.I.P) I don't know if you have some out, but I know PATD does and records make everything sound so good!
That maybe could be a free record...or you can just make one and give it to me! : P
Just kidding.

But if you were to go for a fan cub, or a trial. It should 1. be a witty name, 2. free, 3. perks that don't get your hopes up.

And if the suits don't agree, go up to them, and say fuck it.


P.S. I've been playing Cobra Starship for my friends, they love it! I think what makes your music one of the best is that you actually write it, and it SOUNDS like you and not studio-made: so congrats!

KelseyLynn · 5 months ago

FYI Jordana - Cobra does have a purple vinyl record which is sweet. only about $15 too - check it out on the fueldbyramen website. i'm jealous that you have a player - i actually just bought it because it looks cool. haha i wish i could hear it actually play!

jordanabanana · 5 months ago

thanks! ya, maybe I should check that out...loly.
If i become recording savy then I'll tried to record it...i doubt that will happen, loly. Really the only recording thing that I know how to use is garage band.

Loochh · 5 months ago

I'm looking forward to the witty name mainly.

jordanabanana · 5 months ago

Ya hopefully its either offensive/naughty, or just funny. it would be better than the "cobra starship fan-club members." thats boring and it sounds lame. (Not the Cobra Starship part)

Loochh · 5 months ago

LOL exactly. i'm for the offensive/naughty.

kidslikedeadends · 5 months ago

I vote no on the fanclub, I understand the whole buy cd, get the membership and its not even that because of course, ill end up being hot mess and all but I don't like the idea of fanclubs. Fanclubs give fans a chance to single out fans who aren't part of it, I've seen it happen with every club. And maybe I can afford Hot Mess, but I know fans who's parents are just going to waste money on an album they could just rip off the internet. Plus usually fan clubs are a yearly thing, and I know that I don't need a fanclub to meet you guys, or any other band for that matter because I've done it, even for bands with clubs. To me fanclubs are another way to exploit the fans money, and maybe if most of us weren't underage and jobless that wouldn't be as bad, and even though I do have money to waste on bands, not everyone does. And usually fans in fanclubs just use that to tell other fans that they're not legit fans of a band because they aren't part of the club. The one thing I love about you Gabe, is how conscious you are, you are aware people go through shit, and you are aware that we don't really have the money now. I hate fanclubs, I hate the idea, and even though I see what you're trying to do, I don't think its a good idea.

-Caro (downlitkids, I dont have an DISQUS account)

ifeellessalone · 5 months ago

The free membership with the CDs is a good idea, because I know I wouldn't want to have to pay just to be in a fan club. So it totally makes sense to me. I love how much you're thinking of us fans though, Gabe, because you know there's a lot of douche band guys out there who don't give a shit if they piss off the fans. (:

If we did have a fan club...huh. Dude I dunno, I'm not in any fan clubs haha. I don't really know how the whole thing works. But some early admissions and VIP stuff would be awesome. ;)

Either way, I still don't want to have to pay anything to get in the club. I'll go out and buy the damn CD to get a free membership, but if I'm gonna end up having to pay more fees in the future for it, then there's no point in it to me.

acupppofjo · 5 months ago

if everyone who bought a cd got the benefits of a fanclub, then there would simply be no benefits. The GOOD side to a fanclub is that there are limited members, who all obviously really care about the band. This makes it much easier for the bands to give back. I.E. chats, m&gs, etc.

Sort of how SLH automatically get M&G when they sign up for it(or atleast they used to)
THC(the hustlers club) get stickam chats with all time low. and etc.

There aren't that many members, therefor these things are amazing experiences. If anyone who bought a CD got these benefits, then it would lesser everyone's experience. there would be so many people that it would not be enjoyable. I understand where you are coming from, and it's quite a nice idea, but if that's how it would work, then there just shouldn't be a fanclub at all. It would be pointless. Plus, 30$ isn't really all that much...

Band merch t-shirts are 20$, most of the time. If you can afford that, then 10$ isn't that much more when you usually get a free t-shirt+other merch to go along with it.

HanaHotMess · 5 months ago

Fanclubs are a good idea. I also think you guys should charge though, because if you don't, it sucks. We get boards full of overrun teenies and everyone who thinks there the shit. I think it's good. I'm in Panics, but a lot of people go for presales. There is some of us that do it for the boreds, like I. It's wonderful. It makes us more friends, funner, firsthand opportunites with you guys. Also, its promise (if you guys do meet and greet) then guessing and then being disappointed. We get band stuff, and makes us feel special. All those people who don't want it are butthurt over $30 dollars. If you do, do what panic did, offer free shipping or a discount with the new cd. A fanclub without fees ends bad, because then everyone hates going onbecause its full of teenies and PACKED, and no one can ever get a word in. Another thing with the boreds, is when we feel like loosing hope in that band, we're convinced not to by the other fans. I could type an essay, but yes, I think you should. We discuss this on Panic's quite often.

Loochh · 5 months ago

I've had a good think about it and I've got a few questions.

Is this just a free trial?
I mean, is it only free so we can test it out and see if it works. THEN we'll have to pay.
OR
Will it STAY free?

I just think fanclubs ruin things. It makes me feel as if you're only a real fan if you're in a fan club. Someone also stated in a comment that fanclubs force a space between the fans and a band, which I agree on.

But saying that, after my nice long debate inside my own head, I'm for it. If it's FREE. Free things are always good. And it encourages legal sales rather than kids going on a spree on Limewire.

And have the suits agreed with what you've said? Or is this just a vague idea to get our views on it?

splashingaround · 5 months ago

i agree with what you've said about forming a space between the fans and the band. it does sometimes |:

ChanceEncounterRecs · 5 months ago

Good idea, but a couple implementation questions from an SSDS grad:

1) Do you have to buy the next CD (after Hot Mess) to stay in the fanclub, or is buying one CD enough for a lifetime membership? And if you get lifetime membership for buying one CD, what about people who bought While the City Sleeps or Viva?

2) Is there a paid option for those who don't buy the CD? Or is there only one way in, and that's to buy the CD?

3) Can you hook up an SSDS grad with tickets to the Troubadour show on August 11? (This one's a joke. Maybe).

SSDS Represent!

lunar_scythe · 5 months ago

There's both good and bad things about a club; on one hand, as there's more and more fans, the chances of actually getting to meet you guys shrinks dramatically; things just get to a point where it's too dangerous for everyone, with people pushing & trying to get to you. Organized meet & greets may eventually be the only choice, the only way to do *anything* with fans, even if it isn't with as many as you'd like. They can give fans a chance to talk to you a little more, maybe not have to rush so much, actually have a conversation, lol, instead of having a few seconds then having to give the next person their turn. Fanclubs are one of the easiest ways of arranging things like that, no matter how much people hate them.

On the other hand, the fees really do *suck*; the original $30 or so isn't the part that gets me, it's the fact that to *stay* in, you have to pay the same each year or whatever!
Take OCK: That first $30.00 gets you a shirt, a postcard, a button, and a membership card, you have higher odds of being picked for a m&g, or ee, too. Well, band tees alone run $20-30 each, and buttons and postcards run anywhere from free to $5 each, from what I've seen, so that's really not *that* bad...but then the next year, they want you to pay the same thing again, only now? you just stay a member. if there were a different shirt every year included, or even a mixtape CD sent, or *something*, it wouldn't be bad, but when renewed members pay the same price as new ones, and don't even get anything, and have *lower* odds of being selected for something, why bother?

The idea of giving it with the cd is a good way to start it, I think, and I suggest if you *do* have to go with a yearly fee after that first year? either have it be a lower rate, or include something special only for those renewing each year, something different each year.

HanaHotMess · 5 months ago

I know in NDP they give us a new t-shirt and goodies each year xD.

kupo18 · 5 months ago

You are a great guy for sticking up for us, Gabe.
Fan clubs bother me because you have to renew your membership every year, which can be difficult for those of us without any cash or an ability to pay for these things ourselves (I don't have a credit card or paypal account). Most of these things have been mentioned already.
Keep sticking up for our better interests.
Thanks

Gley · 5 months ago

Noo. No fan clubs, Gabe.
I'm a member of one and I pay ALOT per year.

They say you get early access to tickets and get better seats. I got one of the farthest seats when I bought my tickets on presale and this girl I knew got General Admission. SHE WASN'T A FANCLUB MEMBER.

For Meet and Greets, you have to pay or enter a contest which is like the lottery.

But if it's for free, then MAYBE, just maybe we could try it and see how it works out.

Oh and I was just wondering when you guys will be releasing the FALL TOUR dates.
Now I have to choose carefully which shows I'm going to because I have limited freedom when it comes to this now. Which SUCKS, alot.

Will the Fall Tour venues be much bigger?

Cause I'm trying to decide whether to go to the Hot Mess Release one or the Fall Tour.
I reallreallyreally want to see you guys again.

BND Tour was amazing in Georgia. My first Cobra show and I will never ever forget it.

I just really hope it won't be at the Masquerade because I'm banned from that place. :[

lilashes87 · 5 months ago

I hate fan clubs.

I am always that person that gets in line in the early morning to wait all day to see a band I love. And then people in the fan club come about an hour before the show starts to get in before me, and it doesn't seem fair. I cannot afford to spend a bunch of money to prove I'm a bigger fan. I already go out and spend a bunch of money on the bands music, shows, and merch. I don't think fans should have to spend more money to basically meet the bands and get in first.

Thanks for giving us the opportunity to tell you how we feel about it. Cobra doesn't need a fan club, and I think it'll be really sad to see a bunch of devoted fans get screwed over because they can't afford to be in the fan club.

developedbyjackie · 5 months ago

I think the CD idea is a great one. I'm always a little bummed and annoyed when there's an insert that says "JOIN OUR CLUB because I already shelled out bank for the CD, I support at the concerts and buy merch... even if not a full membership even a super discount! I always want to join fan clubs but then i realize that I have bills to pay and you can't sacrifice paying a bill for that membership, you know? It sucks. I love your idea and it just goes to show that you REALLY do care about the fans, no matter what the haters say. fuck 'em. you're epic, gabe!

luceeeeey · 5 months ago

well firstly, by posting this and saying you think it is wrong to charge your loyal fans is a lot more than most bans can say. one of the things i think people love about the band is that you do care and respect the fans, and the music means a lot to you, whereas you see some people in the music business all for the money, which is very admirable.
i think your way is the best way, real fans are the people who pay for your music rather than download it illegally. i know some people will say that is wrong, because illegal music is so common, but if music really mattered that much to someone, they would find a way to pay for it. i do anything i can to be able to pay for music myself and i know millions of other people do too. i think it is an amazing idea, and it shows you really really do care about your fans, but i agree, i think a lot of your most loyal people couldnt afford it. i know myself, i would have to get the money and i cant even scrape SLH membership at the moment, so having a cobra fan club would just make things more tricky for me. i just love the band.... and i would try very very hard to be able to pay for it, but would it be worth it for your over sea's fans? but i do still love the band so i would try. it just shows you are very kind Gabe.. and a lot better than the fuckers in suits (:
ps i am momentarily going to order your album... (yn) with the necklace. and you have halo 3 on the xbox ?!?!?! xo

getoffmyd1ckyo · 5 months ago

to be honest, i hate the idea of having to pay the upfront fee to join a fan club. i've seen bands charge as much as fifty bucks upfront for a year long membership. to me, that's a bit too much. i want to join a fanclub to support my favorite bands...and it feels awkward for me having to shell out so much money just to do that.

i like your idea of giving people who buy a cd free membership, because well - i hoard stacks and stacks of cds/ep's in my closet. :)

i think it'd be cool to make a fan do something to spread the word of cobra to get membership into your possible fanclub. like having them do something creative and out there to get people's attention when it comes to cobra. i'm not sure what - but cobra fans are pretty out there and creative, they could come up with something c;
<3
so basically, i'm going to love a fanclub i don't have to pay for :D mostly because i'm broke as fuck.
<3333

quietriot1212 · 5 months ago

hmmm well in all honesty it's really up to you as the band. I think that fan clubs do ask for a bit of money from people JUST to sign up, plus then you have to buy the all the other cool (though also expensive as well) items that are custom made with the band's name on it.. it's kind of a hard decision really. i don't know how your proposition would work, but if it could that would pretty cool lol. i do like that meet and greets are part of fan clubs, but every time i've been at a meet and greet, it seems kind of a let down because there is barely any time to actually get to know the band. i actually like talking to the people that make the music i listen to, and to only have just a few short minutes kinda sucks

so that part of having a fan club is cool because only a few selected at random can have the opportunity to see the band up close. BUT like i said, it's kind of a hard one to decide because there are pros and cons. whatever you decide will be fine though because i won't be mad if it ends up that you don't want to have a fan club :) still gonna listen to y'all! have a good day gabe!! :)

ilovemusic · 5 months ago

Okay so i dont think a fan club is that good of an idea .You are completely right alot of haters will just come on register even if you have to pay and start to make a big deal about something.Which im sure that some band fan clubs have to delete alot of things that people write( some critisem isnt that bad but people can get carried away.).Some fan clubs are great and work out but for the most part i dont think its a good idea.Letting fans who buy the record and get in free is sweet and a good thought about us . You guys are the best.Much love and luck. ;)
P.S. Even if you say no to a fan club or yes dosent make me think any less of you guys and im sure other people will feel the same.Do what you think is best and we will all go with the flow. Have an awsome night. ;)

HanaHotMess · 5 months ago

We don't have many haters, actually.

ilovemusic · 5 months ago

thats good because your awsome ;)

HanaHotMess · 5 months ago

It's really nice. Because on the boards, we have maybe less than 50 people who post regularly, so it's not packed. Though, Panic!'s been on break, so there updaiting FAILS. But I think that if Cobra did one, it'd be sweet. I think it's a good idea.
I mean, come on, butthurt over $30 a year? Give me a break.

ilovemusic · 5 months ago

I think what ever Cobra desides will be about the fans no matter what so if its a yes or a no ill still be behind them all the way. and im positive i will be buying the record when it comes out. And your abslutly right $30 thats crazy i love Panic! but i cant afford that.

HanaHotMess · 5 months ago

I don't mind paying for it-- but I join clubs as my birthday present. So if Cobra made a club, I'd just ask my mom for it as a late/early birthday present along with my renewing of NDP.
I think honestly though, it's not bad. You get presale, m&g's some times, EE, a t-shirt every year, first year with a card, second year with magnets. It's not bad. I think they should do like freeshiping or something with the purchase of an album if the cobras do it though.

KristinMc · 5 months ago

1.) Can we still become part of the fan club if we buy it off itunes or no?

2.) Let's say we like it. Will we have to pay a yearly fee?

Christina Muniz · 5 months ago

I have been in three fan clubs. Fall Out Boy, The Academy Is.., and All Time Low's. To be honest I regret joining the fall out boy fan club. I didn't get many perks, the one meet and greet I did get was very rushed and was not worth the money. The community chat boards are not worth it, neither is the shirt they send you (sorry I would have much rather bought one of the merch shirts which were much cuter). I was not satisfied with that fanclub at all.

Now to the two other fanclubs, I love the academy is and their effort to keep it worth the money but it gets ruined sometimes. When they do those Q & A videos exclusive to the club, they end up on youtube the next day. Once again the boards on the fanclub site are not worth it either. I mean I give them major props for trying to do an aim style chat but there were just so many kids it was just a mission impossible. I enjoy stickam-ing with victoria a lot more. I do like the facts that they try and keep it up beat during their down time with contests and such. But the main reason I joined the fanclub was for the presale and for meet and greet. I enjoy their meet and greet because it is very relaxed and you could go about and just have a little more time than in other situations. I find it harder to meet them otherwise, or if you do happen to catch them it is at an awkward moment and do not approach them because you do not want to seem disrespectful. This is probably why I am still in this fanclub. As far as All Time Low's fanclub, it is pretty much the same as The Academy Is...'s. I like the presale and meet and greet opportunity and is probably the only reason why I am in the club. Once again, the contests are nice but the boards are also not worth it.

Overall from my experiences, I would not start a fanclub, its not worth it. I LOVE what you did on the sassyback tour with the presale meet and greet. It was fair and had all the perks of a fanclub without actually paying an extra $30 dollars. I LOVE the fact that victoria uses stickam. A free way of communicating with the fans, yes it gets a bit chaotic sometimes, but is ten times greater than a message board. Not only that but you guys are not the type of band to have a fan club. Look how successful you have been (and will continue to be) and how many loving, supportive fans you have. This is because of the great show you put on, how you have the ability to turn someone's shitastic day into a great one, how you shake it and dance como un latino, make jokes and say things that don't make sense, how you will go out after a show whether in the freezing cold, rain, or heat and meet the fans who have been waiting there. You don't need a fanclub, because you already have one. You have a multitude of fans from all over the world who enjoy your music and are in the "fangs up" gang. Perdoname, I know this is very long and probably has a lot of grammatical errors but I am trying to type fast because estoy cocinando congri con pollo empanizado.

fuqwhatyouknow · 5 months ago

this free fanclub idea isn't bad. honestly idc as long as i can still meet you guys even if i don't have m&g. that would piss me off to no end. i preordered the cd off fbr though :( the only reason i planned on buying it physically in a store was if it came censored because fuck censoring! so would i still be in the fanclub?

mb there can be posters/merch given out? i'm not even sure, ive never been a part of a fanclub. idk, from what ive heard about fanclubs, they're not all that great mainly because not everyone gets to share the wealth and in the end, the perks aren't even worth it. idk, i liked the idea of cobra not having a fanclub tbh :/ i know gggb is making you guys bigger but a big band having no fanclub would set you a part from other bands i think. it's kind of....refreshing?

kellbell3 · 5 months ago

I personally don't like the idea of fan clubs, but I think the buy the cd get the membership is a better idea than paying yearly. If there is a fan club and after a year will we have to actually start paying for it? Or will the membership be renewed once a new cd is released and you buy that?
It'd be stupid to have to pay like 30$ a year so you can just buy tickets early.


Thanks for creating the cd idea because its much more reasonable and its a good idea. :)

KristinMc · 5 months ago

As long as you guys are still willing to hang with the fans after or before the show then I'm down with it. It can't do much harm. I think it would be cool to talk about you guys and the music with other cobra fans.
However, if we do like it and have to pay for a yearly fee, can you persuade the suits to keep it low? 30 dollars each year for a fan club is pretty much a waste, in my opinion.

Elestren · 5 months ago

I LOVE fanclubs, but only if they're run really well. I'm a member of Santi's Little Helpers (The Academy Is...) and The Inner Machine (Goo Goo Dolls -- shut your mouth, they're fucking good). They provide some really cool opportunities for the people who join, and I love being a part of that. The usual perks include M&Gs, Q&As, exclusive video and audio (for example, you could put up all your demos and b-sides so people like me don't have to feel bad about downloading them), and (*cough*decentlypriced*cough*) presales. My favorite part is there's usually a forum, so us fans can all connect, which is surprisingly hard to do without it.

Sometimes they aren't run very well, though. The two I've joined are very good, but there are some things that make me really mad. For example, the forum that I love so much on the IM has one moderator who, BTW, is insane and deletes entire 30+ page threads (instead of individual posts) because someone mentions one of the bandmates' significant other, among other things. Also, if you start doing Q&As or something every month or week or whatever, PLEASE stick to the schedule. It's really disappointing to get your July Q&A in late August. And just go ahead and find some articles about the Bon Jovi fanclub (which I am not a member of, mostly because I'm just not that big a fan, but also partly because I've heard how bad it is) if you want to see how NOT to run a fanclub.

I gotta tell you, your idea of a free membership with the CD is AMAZING. I don't buy hard copies of everyone's CDs (iTunes and I are great friends), but the ones I really like (which includes Cobra Starship), I'm at the store the morning they come out. Fanclub memberships usually run about 30-50 bucks (depending on the band -- Fuck you, Bon Jovi, and your ridiculously-priced and reportedly-shitty fanclub), so if I get a CD AND fanclub membership. Dude. I am so in!

And...so...yeah. That's my two cents. Well, okay, that's my, like, dollar, but whatever!

dlainey · 5 months ago

I never get to join any fan clubs because I don't have $30! I don't get payed THAT much for cat-sitting and house-sitting for my neighbors.. It would take me months of cleaning cat boxes and cleaning up hairballs to come up with that kind of money. Ha! And it's not like we all can rely on our parents to pay for it.. My mom's always telling me if I want to go to concerts, I have to pay for the tickets myself. So that's where my savings are usually spent! And I would much rather go to a Cobra concert then join a fan club. It's not fair that people who pay to get into 'exclusive' fan clubs get all the special treatment.

erinn_bo_berinn · 5 months ago

OMFG Gabe!! I sooo think that the fan club idea is a really good idea!! I mean it would be really great to get cool stuff and get to order tickets before every one else!

The thing I dont like about fan clubs is having to pay like $40 just to be on a website...I want you to have the sort of fan club that doesn't make you pay money...like i am a part of All Time Low's fan club and i love them but you have to pay $35 just to be a member for 1 year but they send you a special fan club tee-shirt...and it is like $25 for the tee-shirt alone.
Another thing I dont like is you can only use credit cards...well what is a 14 year old girl to do if she doesn't have a credit card and her parents dont let her always use theirs...another thing that you should have on yours (if you have one, of course) is you should have the option to either pay for somehing by a credit card or send in a money order or check..ya know??

But to stop this message I say go with the Free Fan Club Idea..and if it is only is you buy a CD?? IDC bc I already have one pre-ordered!! LOL I love youuuu Gabeeeeeee!!

xoxo-erin

jimmyheartcore · 5 months ago

Dude, I just commented about the Audition, but they fucking rule. Nice choice!

Talk to Pete about fan clubs - they've been running the whole Overcast Kids thing for a while, and those kids get all sorts of extra shit. They get invites to be in videos, etc. Keep it legit.

If you ever need any designs, hit me up son! Stoked on the new album.

realfakewilliam · 5 months ago

Ive never been in a fan club
but do the kids who preordered it get to get in? Cause i preordered it the first day.

xcocochanel · 5 months ago

i like that idea, because sometimes people who really deserve it still get to be apart of the fan club.
although then i guess it doesnt sort of seperate people,
but i love the fan clubs ive meant tons of great friends through them.

so yeah i admire your decision and hopefully it will work

stellanoir · 5 months ago

I say roll with the idea of free membership to cd owners. it seems fair~
but what exactly are the perks of being a cd buying fan?


I'm going to be honest and say I didn't spend a single dime on your previous releases.
however, after spending quality time listening to it, I'd buy it over and over again.

I think you propose a good idea, just make sure it's executed well. [no pun intended. ;D]

ps: are fanclubs really about the merch more than the actual concert experience?
I'm not at all familiar with fanclubs except for my sister being part of mileyworld.
it's probably a horrible example, but it's nothing too extraordinary. so she gets to be part of the website, receives an exclusive cd and "signed" photo... but that doesn't make her membership necessarily special.

I think I feel better as fan in the crowd; singing and dancing along rather than having an exclusive mass produced photo. haha.

itsrachel · 5 months ago

gabe you are seriously amazing. like, you're my hero. i can't believe you said that!
i don't really like clubs, but free membership for buying a CD sounds fair.
i'm in all time low's hustler club, and i do like the meet-n-greets and early entry to shows. and also the silly contests for drumsticks or something. but the thing that sucks is, EVERYBODY has to complain. some people in the club think they're better fans for being in the club and demean other fans. some people not in the club have to bash people in the club and complain about not getting perks. it just causes a lot of unnecessary drama.
so if you do start the club thing, i just hope you know what you're in for (: if it means anything, i would definitely join the club! <3

sierraohhh · 5 months ago

I think you guys should get an artist arena fan club.
with meet and greet and early entry,
&like special shirts and/or bracelets when you join. :)

KissMySass567 · 5 months ago

I would do the fan club even if we had to pay.. lol....im not gonna be be one of the kids thats gonna buy it online im gonna actually take the time and go out and buy it.. even if i have to walk two hours to get it i will walk for this cd :).. i cant wait for Hot Mess :)..YEAYEA..

yourloverseyes · 5 months ago

tbh i don't like joining fanclubs because bands never come near me enough (i live in central canada) for me to get the perks. but i do end up buying the CDs, so i like the idea of everyone who buys one getting a membership. i like how people in fanclubs get things like fanclub packages, t-shirts or w/e and how they get presale and m&g. otherwise i think that fanclubs are kinda pointless, haha

desireenichole · 5 months ago

Fan clubs are awful. It puts a huge divider between the band and the fans who aren't willing to shell out the cash to be able to meet their favorite artists, and to get the perks they deserve just by being fans. They alienate people - and ulimately favor the fans with the money.

Also, your idea is a good one BUT... if everyone who buys the CD is a member, you can assume that 99% of the kids at the show bought the CD and are... therefore members. So it defeats the purpose because everyone is a member and you can't give those perks to every single person - if that makes sense.

Why not continue what you did on the Sassyback tour? First 30-50 presale tickets bought get early entry and meet and greet? Leave presale open to everyone on Artist Arena and give everyone a chance to get the perks? Everyone is a fan, everyone would have a chance.
Really, you should just tell the suits to fuck off, because honestly - meeting bands after the show as real people will always be better than two seconds with a table between you.

bluesteelbaby · 5 months ago

I mos def back that.
I think it should be fair to give it a try.
&like you said, if it sucks its like we don't lose anything
&the step you took in asking our opinions first just makes the situation more acceptable to me.
I've never spent money on membership for a fanclub before.
I mean I don't exactly have a job to keep paying to get free merch or advantages.
But its always nice for a little trial.


iiloveyou!<3
&anything you pick to do is best.

tashamclellan · 5 months ago

if i'm honest, i am generally against fanclubs purely for the fact that i don't feel as though anyone should have to pay to be, well, a fan. however, i think giving away free fanclub membership to people who purchase the album is a good idea. i back that, and i will back it as long as we don't end up having to pay for membership (though i really doubt that's going to happen from what this post says?) i think that you are handling the fanclub "pressure" and all that bullshit extremely well gabe, kudos.

sierraohhh · 5 months ago

PS for all the people wanting free fan clubs..
For all the sweet perks and shit you get for fan clubs, its well worth the $30 dollars. If you want a free fan club, your not really going to get anything. Bands don’t have the money to be giving people free shirts and crap. And as far as meet and greet’s go, if it’s free, people are going to be bitching about “omg how am i supposed to win if theres 4085340953 people in this FREE fan club!?”. So that’s not a good idea.

ThatsWhatSheSaid · 5 months ago

The absolute best part about shows is the gamble of trying to get there before everyone else so you score the front row, right againts the stage.

But with fan clubs.. comes early entry. And nothing sucks more than watching those people arrive ten minutes before the show and walk right past you. it blows, for lack of a better word.

Props to the idea you came up with though, when i read it i almost didnt completely hate fan clubs anymore haha. :)

rachelftw · 5 months ago

WAIT, what if we already preordered hot mess?

fuqwhatyouknow · 5 months ago

oh and if yr wondering about what the guy on ap said, here's his review: http://www.absolutepunk.net/journal.php?do=show... lol i just read some of his comments. i can see why you would get annoyed with some of these people :/ ugh this comment just keeps getting longer, sry :( but why don't you comment on ap? i know you have an account there and the arguments you would get into with some of the members who say dumb shit would be epic as fuck y/n? i wish they would understand you don't give a fuck about 'musical dignity' anymore. if they let cobra tarnish yr past 'dignity' than that's their loss.

btw, how did he even get the cd? more importantly though, how come he gets it before anton??

Alexis · 5 months ago

"more importantly though, how come he gets it before anton??" -- lol my thoughts exactly

stef919 · 5 months ago

I think you're idea is pretty alright if they're on your back for a fanclub. I haven't actually joined a fanclub that i've had to pay for because I think it's a load of shit. We shouldn't have to pay just for liking a band and wanting free stuff like the meet and greets and early entry.

I think they're pretty useless - you can just preorder cd's, most shows (in Australia anyway) for American bands coming over here have presales and as for the meet and greets, you guys usually come out after the show anyway, if anyone deserves a meet and greet, it's the kids who wait around to meet and talk to you. Meet and greets are just you guys sitting at a fucking table signing posters while kids wait in a line. That's not meeting you guys.

Personally I don't think you need one. You've got pretty loyal fans who are willing to back you up regardless of what happens. The fanclub will get a lot of hits seeing as you're getting a whole lot bigger (i'm proud of you guys by the way). But then the fans you have already have gotten together thought the stickam stuff, which gave us the shelf kids, so many of us are proud to have witnessed that and found so many friends through it, and that was free. Then there's whatever fanpages already going around, all no doubt are free forums. you guys don't need it. you've done perfectly fine before you had one.

abbyyy · 5 months ago

First of all: hurray the Audition!!<3

And now, warning Gabe this is gonna be tl:dr...but you asked our opinions, and I'm a very opinionated person. ;) So it'd be awesome if you make yourself some popcorn, curl up with a blanket or snuggie and actually read this noise.

The short: I'm very anti-fanclub.

The long: While I lovelovelove music, its what keeps me breathing, I don't think its right that some people have the opportunity to BUY their way into perks like being up front for a show or meeting a band. I've seen some kids defend fanclubs by saying: "oh well if someone is REALLY dedicated and wants to meet the band bad enough they'll pay extra". Um no. You can't pay extra if you don't have the extra to pay with, ya know? Not everyone is making $100K+ a year or have a rich mommy and daddy. Does not having the money make those people any less of a fan? No. I spend my hard earned money on cds (yes I still buy cds), concert tickets, and band merch. Money which most the time I don't have, but since I love music so much I think its worth it. And also all of which I try to buy directly from the band when possible to skip out the middle man and make sure the profits go solely to who theyre supposed to. If I want to be up front at a show, I wait it out all day in front of the venue, if I want to meet a band afterwards, guess what, I wait all night at the venue. To me THIS is what shows real dedication, not the fact that I can shell out $30+ a year to Artist Arena so they can reap the benefits (bc we all know they get a large cut and we also all know theyre the company behind most the fanclubs nowadays). If I were to join a club for every band that I like, I believe it would cost about $400 a year. No lie dude. And I just can't do it, and I don't know many people who can. But also the sad part is, I'm not naming names but there have been alot of bands who would ALWAYS come out after shows and meet their fans, throw a fan club into the picture, it doesn't happen anymore. While I know it takes alot to meet hundreds of kids a night, and I'm thankful that there are still bands who even meet their fans at all with those numbers, its sad knowing some people get to always meet anyone they want to just because they paid. And the kids who cant come up with the cash? It can pretty much feel like a big "Fxck you" to them. But thats what the music industrys come to right? Well I'm done ranting, hopefully the suits won't get ya! And if they do, in all honesty I probably will break down and join, even though I'm against it, you guys are one of my favorite bands. If you're able to do the club with free membership than that would be amazing, and I would hope other bands would jump on that wagon opposed to the "lemme charge kids fees out the ass every year for things they shouldnt have to pay extra for to begin with" wagon. Love ya guys and see ya in Orlando!

iamgemmah · 5 months ago

I do really appreciate that idea because for bands I do truly care about, I go to the store and buy the physical copy of their record on the day it is released and it would feel awesome to get a reward for doing that. It also is awesome you said this at all because now I know that it means something to someone that I go out and buy those on the day it is released, or at all.

Danni_O · 5 months ago

Taking the Audition on tour after they've just toured is bullshit.
Fan clubs are crap especially when run by Artist Arena.
If you do have a fan club it should just be $10 a year, and be about pre sale/ early entry, etc.

HanaHotMess · 5 months ago

Maybe to test the waters, give the fanclub for free to those who preordered?
Besides that, free is stupid in my opinon, charge something so theres not a billion people in it and we get some benfits.
/short.

bymarine · 5 months ago

Looks like some fans are not ok with the fact that fan clubs aren't free.
But from my point of view if it's free anyone -fans or not- would become a member just like that and after people who just wanna meet you for fun couldcould win a m&g instead of real fans?
So if you don't wanna do an original fanclub (nearly 40€) so u could make it at 5 symbolic dollars so that non-fans wouldn't take their credit card and pay $5 ?
Just an idea between 252 others ;)

Love LOVE love
(PS France loves you, really!)

lyrical_lie777 · 5 months ago

no no no. you are seriously the only band, especially on fbr or decaydance that doesnt have one and i love you guys for that.


when i saw you on the rrrgl tour, i was first in line because i got my ass up early and drove to the venue, getting there before you guys even got there, just so i could be first. i would hate to have that taken away by someone who bought the fanclub membership, showed up 5 minutes before, and got to go in before me just because they got early entry.

plus with the fan clubs, i've seen the biggest increase of bands not being accessible to their fans before and after shows. one such being ciwwaf. back when they started, it was easy to find them after a show and get pics and meet them. then since their fan club started, the last time i saw them, i only saw jeff and dave, but they were just going from the venue straight to their bus. they didnt even try to meet the fans.

We buy your cds, we buy your merch. we attend your shows. without the fans you would be nothing so why would you charge us just to meet you?

I'd hate to have to see something like that, especially with a band that i have always gotten to meet at least one member every time i have seen them live, because of a fan club.

and the only way i'd be down with a fan club is if you did what nin did with the money going to help someone who needed it. that was bitching and i'd jump on that in a heart beat.

Javaplay · 5 months ago

Fan club are good, especially because the groups know well that people want and support them anyway.
and know that many countries want (como en chile: D)

Some benefit to being a bit of the banda (LL)

I'm not very good for the English, I speak Spanish ... I am trying = O

robbieofcourse · 5 months ago

Things I like about fanclubs-
Pre sales
messageboards
Sometimes, exclusive merch

Oh ps, fuck yearly fees. Lifetime membership is the way to go, a la AFI($30)

FueledByDenielle · 5 months ago

I love the 'buy a cd get a membership' thing. But is there going to be a code in the album when you buy it in a store. Or can you only get a membership if you buy it off of a certain site?

jessiematth · 5 months ago

idk I actually kind of like your idea...The whole if buy the cd u get a chance to be in the fan club. they really do get a ton of perks, when I went to the FOB concert u guys played at, u could get discounts on tickets if you were in their fan club. I'm actually one of those ppl who buys cds of the bands I like cuz one: it supports them and two: u don't get a ton of fucking viruses on ur computer from downloading. Idk maybe this only appeals to me but a fan club would be nice, but yeah I agree with the chick below, a free or cheap fan club would be really nice, but just a regular one..gonna have to go with no.

brittanyberserk · 5 months ago

hell ya gabe!
if i buy the cd, then im in the fan club? sweet, thats easy enough for me since i always make sure to get the album even if i have all the songs on itunes.. that's just how i've always been, not just for cobra.
i'm a diehard fan of cobra, fob, patd, metrostation, alt, blink and soo many more, but paying $35 to join a fanclub? im just not doin it..
and what pisses me off the most is the fact that I ACTUALLY AM A DIEHARD FAN
i know more of your music then just the songs played on the radio or the songs that are #1 on itunes because i like you guys, and listen to you guys. alot. all the fuckin time to be quite honest..
and not just cobra, everyy band worthy of naming here
i go to the shows, understand your music, feel the excitment and the joy with you when you enter the stage.
ive been there since the beginning, and im in this for the long haul lol. when the music stops, then i will. but until then im still gonna be jammin to allll ur tunes
so from a diehard fan-- fuck yea! make it free gabe! that's what we want!


and btw, i saw u guys in april and i cant wait for your next tour(:
keep rockin hard n keep ur fangs upppppppppp

falloutgirly444 · 5 months ago

No bad idea! i't's good to wanna be doing a free fan club but i got in fall out boy's fan club for free and i have gotten no benifits at all. like they only pick 100 people to meet the band me not being one of them so i say no clubs at all.

Hailey · 5 months ago

I like the idea that we'd get Early Entry or Meet & Greet to a show. I also love the contests in fan clubs. but honestly, I really hate how we have to pay to be in a club. I do agree, buying a CD shows a lot especially when most people just steal the music anyway. So if you do it like that, then Id think itd be more fair, cheaper & more worth it. I was going to buy the CD any way(:

fabulous · 5 months ago

what if we bought it off of itunes?

taylorasmith · 5 months ago

totally agree!! so many people pirate thier music, those of us who still go to the record store on tuesdays to get new albums deserve some perks. Meet and greets are awesome, or chances at tickets before they go on sale to prevent the dreaded sell out!! But no admission fee, just keep it with the cd purchase. put a code in hot mess or something, cuz i'll be there the day it comes out jumping up and down in line to get my copy!

fabulous · 5 months ago

but tbh it just turns people into complete elitists because they paid to be in a fanclub while others didn't. Then people argue about who's the better fan. Idk I've seen it and makes people look ridiculous.

heycarrie · 5 months ago

A fan club is a waste of money and time. In the end, the 'perks' are rarely enough to equal the amount of money you spend on membership. Just say no to fan clubs...

madaskatie · 5 months ago

it IS annoying when only rich kids in fanclubs get all the perks BUT...
i LIKE this deal! think about it people! if you buy a CD, you're in. now, if you do have to pay an annual fee, then fuck it, but we don't know that yet. if ALL you have to do is buy the CD, then it's a great idea. if it was COMPLETELY free, then everyone would be in it and it would just be the same as now, so why not just tell teh suits to shove it?
people say that it will start fights about who's a bigger fan. well, if you don't buy a CD and just steal it off the internet, then screw, put you're f*ing fake fangs down. it wouldn't just be the rich kids, YOU GET IN WHEN YOU BUY THE CD! people BUY the CDs, right? and as i said, IF you have to pay a renewal fee, fuck the club
eugh, i don't think i can express everything i'm thinking, but i hope you get my points
ONE CD (LIKE EVERYONE SHOULD BUY ANYWAY), AND ENTRY=WIN
MORE FEES FOR THE LUCKY LITTLE RICH KIDS=FAIL

ksl0406 · 5 months ago

I think your idea of being in the fanclub if you purchase the CD is a good idea.
You should do it

therese · 5 months ago

I'm in two fan clubs purely for the pre-sale opportunites. Because where I live the next closest show is a minimum of 8 hours away. If hometown sells out, I'm fucked. So I like to make sure I've got that ticket no matter what. I've roadtripped extensively to see my favorite band, followed them around the country for nearly 4 weeks, and talked to a lot of different people in different places about fan clubs, early entry, perks, etc. Here's the bottom line: fan clubs will turn your fans into whiney 4 year olds.

Fan clubs only piss people off. People who don't believe in them on principle will call those who have joined "elitist bitches" and you get nasty debates about non-clubbers assuming clubbers think they're a better fan. Even worse, non-clubbers assume YOU think clubbers are better fans and they start calling you a sell-out - again.

Fuck that. A fan is a fan is a fan. If you like the music and it makes you feel something, you're a fan. Pure and simple.

Eventually, the people who joined start bitching too. Complaining that they aren't getting enough for their $30 (which seems to be the going rate for these things.) They complain when the meet & greets are at a table - how else are you going to accommodate 100+ fans in some cities when the venue has only given you 30 minutes before show time? They complain when they don't get gold engraved personal invitations even though the instructions for early entry and m&g are clearly explained on the websites. They complain when they don't like the t-shirt design.

I know you guys are blowing up right now and that's great but I've never had trouble meeting you after a show. Until you get to the point where you're having the security issues of Panic or FOB, I'd say run from starting any sort of fan club for your own peace mind.

jujubees · 5 months ago

never been in a fan club, never plan on being in one. (unless you go through with this idea)
but on a side note (not fan club speaking) it figures the audition won. i didn't get to give my input on the "battle of the bands" but Zolof would have been coooool. i love that band so much. I love the Audition too, but it was pretty obvious they were going to win. haha oh well. i'm not even going because you aren't coming anywhere near central new york and i dont feel like begging someone to take me to the closest show. its probably sold out anyways.
alsoo i'm sorry gabe but i did download your two first cd's :( but i bought them after i listened :) i always download a cd, listen to see if it's any good then if i think it's worth it i buy it. i'll probably end up buying your new one too if you have this fan club dealio. its a good way to get kids to buy the music rather than download it.
the last cd i downloaded then bought was the morning of. cuz thats a fucking amazing cd. okay i'm done now.

Chris88 · 5 months ago

I don't really like the whole fanclub thing. If you guys do decide to try it out though it should be free because most of the fans don't have money to spend on that kind of thing even though we still love all you guys a lot. Saw you guys last November and had so much fun. Hope I get to see you again soon!

jilluh · 5 months ago

so i think a fan club is an alright idea, but i definitely support what your plan is. and i would even moreso if the packaging that would have the cd doesn't advertise it because someone who might know the band from one song might see that and think "SCORE!", then they have the perks above fans who haven't physically bought the cd. also with that, there are still going to be people who don't buy the cd and who are still die-hards and that's the situation with any other fanclub...money issues or something similar. i would be entirely pleased either way, fan club or not, and at the end of the day it's your music that brings us all together and that's the most important thing. (:

Lexie527 · 5 months ago

People have made some great points here, and props to you if you actually wade through all of these comments. But that's the thing about Cobra - you guys have always treated us, your fans, like gold. Whether it's coming out to talk to us before and after shows or throwing out love to us from the stage, you've never made us need a fan club to feel like a part of the experience.

I've never bought a fan membership for another band. I've always considered it, always wanted the presale tickets and the early entry, but never wanted to shell out the extra cash to do so. I like the idea that everyone who buys the CD would get a membership (as long as us CD preorder kids don't get left out in the cold! I got a sweet polaroid with Viva La Cobra! and I'm hoping for a sick album cover with Hot Mess).

But honestly, you guys don't need a fan club. You've already got one, and we've been buying presale tickets from Artist Arena and standing out for hours in crazy weather for years now. As long as you keep on being genuinely awesome people, we don't need memberships to be real fans.

Alexis · 5 months ago

Congrats to the band.

Onwards... Being someone who has had experience with fan clubs before the mere word alone is enough to send me gagging and running for the hills. However, I appreciate the concern and thought you put into how you'd go about handling a Cobra fan club during its test run (fair to call it that?). I have some questions about that first before I go into my small comments about the fan clubs in general. Those who buy the actual CD get a free membership, okay. How does that work? Like you get a code and you get in? Does this membership then last forever for those who get the CD or would they have to "renew" once the test run is over and it's legit?

I guess this segues into some of my comments. I've signed up for, in the past, fan clubs that after you purchase a membership for 30 bucks you're in it for life. I've also signed up for clubs that after one year your membership is invalid unless you renew it for another 30 bucks (so, thirty a year as opposed to thirty for life). Needless to say after that one year I never renewed that shit for a couple of reasons.

In fan club numero uno I got a card, a t-shirt, a poster, a patch, a button, and an armband that were exclusive to the club only. Along with this comes the "pre-sale" benefits and special exclusives to the club. I have never to this day seen any of those pre-sale benefits and any exclusives to the club have in one way or another been let out for everyone to see. Aside from the physical gifts I received for joining, there's nothing showing for the membership I paid for. What gives!?

Despite this shittiness I thought about giving the fan club thing another try last year and bought a one year membership for a band's club. I got a shirt, a card, and a piece of paper for my money (which all took over half the year to arrive on my doorstep and did NOT arrive in time for me to use any of those "benefits" at a show). Early entry? Nope, never seen it happen. I'd have more faith in just waiting twelve hours on line in the burning sun. I guess meet and greets are also considered a perk? My fan club membership did not get my friends and I to m&g, our ability to talk to people who were with the band did. I'm not gonna lie either, I think official meet and greets suck. It's awkward, rushed, and you say about three words when it's all done with. Like bad sex. Plus I always kind of felt one of the things that made cobros was that you guys just chilled out with us at the end of shows. I skimmed through some comments and saw you said you guys would do that even with official m&gs, but I have to think about how arriving early for meet and greets and then staying late to hang out can take a toll on you guys too. Also, sometimes those m&gs are held after the show (as experienced this week at the Katy Perry show) which would then cut in to hanging out after.


"They told me about all the special perks; the pre-sale opportunities, the early admission to shows; the limited-edition goodies, etc, etc." --- I've never really had a problem with how your pre-sales have gone down in the past, so maybe that's why I don't see this one as a big perk. I've never seen early admission go down and I'm pretty sure that even if I were to get in earlier than the rest, cobra fans are wicked in the pits and pertaining a "sweet spot" earlier wouldn't help me keep it. As for the limited-edition goodie shit, FBR loves their limited stuff as it is and comes out with whatever giant bundles they can think of. In that sense that it doesn't really seem like something fresh and new to me I can't see that as a perk either.

I'll be picking up a CD the day it comes out, there's no way I'd go without having a physical Cobra cd, so I'll live with the free fan club membership for however long the test run plays out. I just kind of don't see the point? You've got loyal as fuck fans as it is who are content with how things are now. But that's just me. I guess I'll see how it plays out. I just wanted to get some thoughts in so you know that all that glitters not gold as these suits are making it out to be. It's actually pretty shitty. Not to mention the incredible amount of elitism that'll spark once fans start paying for this.

Anyways, thanks for taking the time out to ask us what we thought about this. I appreciate that, and I'll see you guys at Crazy Donkey and hopefully in FL and CT too.

-alexis

WhatThePANTS · 5 months ago

Bleh, fuck fan clubs I say.
I don't think I should have to pay extra money to show how much I like a band, it's enough that I'll go out and buy the CDs (and of course listen to them nonstop for a week or so. haha) try to see shows when I can and grab a band tee or two when I've got extra cash.
I like the idea of giving the membership with a CD though, very good idea :)

xoAlisababayyy · 5 months ago

fanclubs arent exactly my thing.
but i love cobra starship so the cd+membership thing sounds like a really great idea!

and i think most people would agree tht paying 20, 30 dollers just for a memebership card kinda sucks cause i personally dnt have money to spend on tht.but i think if it was a free thing with like ocasional fun little contests tht help like support or premote the band and some meet and greets would be pretty good.

samanthax · 5 months ago

I would hate if you guys got a fanclub. I have to say its why I love cobra the most.
Its such a let down to see bands like TAI and paramore have fanclubs where you have to waste $30 for shit really.
i've bought every one of cobra's cds and i think i would be more of a die hard fan then someone who wasted 30 dollars and has 5 songs just to meet you guys.
i find fan clubs very unfair.

kitkatcatherine · 5 months ago

i like the idea of- buy a CD and your in the fan club, but i think it might make fan clubs HUUGE and if your granting early entry or meet and greet or advance purchasing or whatever it wont really be worth it if 75% of people at the shows have advance entry...ect,ect,ect
I also don't join in general because i don't see enough benefits, like if i join the fan club and that band comes to my town once that year i don't really get much return other than a t-shirt.
i also hate it when if i see a band after the show and i'm like "hey can u sign my ticket stub" and they'll reply with like, "sorry, we do i signing at meet n greets only, should've joined the fan club".
and Gabe, i've met you after a show before and u were really chill and u stayed until EVERYONE had a picture and that was really cool and you don't need a fan club to replicate that i don't think it ever can
-peace

LissaLoveXoX · 5 months ago

If it runs like Santi's Little Helper's I think it'd be an awesome idea. TAI is way to good to us in SLH. And I've never seen SLH start any "I'm a bigger fan" B.S. I mean come on, if you're a fan of a band you should get along with other fans regardless. You're always gonna have people who think they're "bigger" or "better" fans because they've been listening to a band "the longest." I mean, the nonsense is unavoidable. It happens anyway so why make t a bigger issue? I've never seen it a problem inside or outside SLH so I don't see why it should be such a big deal here. I say go for it. You can always end it if it doesn't work out.
DON'T KNOCK SOMETHING UNTIL YOU'VE TRIED IT!!!
Oh and speaking from personal experience with SLH it has honestly just made us a tighter knit fanbase. FanClubs make it so much easier to meet and interact with other fans in one place. I enjoy it, other people don't. Why not give it a test run? Nothing wrong with trying.

emilysembem · 5 months ago

I can't read through all of these, so I don't know if somebody's suggested this already.
If you must have a fan club, an extraordinary idea would be having memberships expire for each new album you release, so that the fans are required to legally purchase the album to remain in the fanclub.
Truthfully, I'm mostly opposed to fanclubs, but if you use the above idea, it wouldn't be that bad.

jmarie_469 · 5 months ago

Yay for the Audition! Even though I am devastated that I'm not going to be able to make it to Lawrence (or any other date) of the Hot Mess tour, I'm still super excited that the boys had so much backing. I really wish/hope that they might even join you for the fall tour (which I plan on making it to, no matter what!). *hint, hint* As for the fan club idea - I honestly have wondered why you guys didn't have one sooner, esp. since most of the FBR/Decaydance fam does. From the beginning, you guys have been a band who has always seemed willing and tried your best to be accessible to us fans... and I LOVE that and appeciate it SO much. I think it's very important these days for bands to be available. But, as your popularity and fame grow, so will the masses and thus it may be harder for us to get that time w/ you... maybe not though. When OCK started, it was alright, but lately I don't feel like it's all that worth it. Now Santis Little Helpers has been fun and more than worthwhile in my opinion. I like that TAI are so involved w/ their fanclub. Of course, I do so appreciate how the guys still manage to make time to stay before/after shows as well. In the end, it's all up to you really. I just think that if you do have one you all should stay involved with it. Pre-sales are nice. Early entry doesn't really effect me usually. Contests, exclusives, and band chats are fun. And if you must do "formal" or "members only" meet/greets, I really think you should keep them laid back and casual... no tables, no lines, no rushing. I support your decision regardless, and I'm highly anticipating the fall tour w/ The Audition... *fingers crossed* :)

singlecell · 5 months ago

YEah, I don't really like fanclubs. Gotta pay and shit and besides, what the fuck, they're usually only in the States and sometimes it includes Canada and/or Britain. I mean, I get that other countries may not get pre-sales and shit because, yeah, they don't get concerts in the first place, but, still.

I mean, I'm from Argentina and whenever I get to travel I buy CDs and stuff and of course I'd like to be in the fanclub, but not if I have to paya ridiculous amount of money. I know fanclubs that not only have admission fees, but also monthly rates and stuff, it's insane.

Chameleongirl · 5 months ago

If you choose to open a fan club, don't get Artist Arena to run it for you - they suck dead donkey balls and seem to genuinely hate the fans!

Meli_Flo · 5 months ago

fucking economy. aka im broke and without a job (and summers basically over so so much for that). so i wudnt even be able to afford the membership anyway. im down if all we gotta do is buy the cd since im doing that anyway!!

staywithmethursday · 5 months ago

It's not really worth it if people that live overseas don't get to see you that often.
For Example I'm from Australia and I signed up to TAI...'s fanclub and I'm kinda pissed that when I signed up last year I missed M&G and now that TAI are coming back in a couple of weeks my first year membership is going to be expired and I have to re-new just to meet them, that's $50. And I also had to wait 8 months for my membership package.
It's so Bullshit.

natashapratt · 5 months ago

My god.
Alright. If ALL YOU HAVE TO DO is buy the CD to join the fan club, That's like... amazing, okay?! Some fan clubs [I won't mention any... *coughSLHcough*] you have to pay like... $50 just to join. Plus, this way, you can get presale tickets and meet and greet?!

...Hell yes!

malloryxdollface · 5 months ago

I think the deal you made was a good idea. Fanclubs usually cost alot more money, like $30, and some people just can't afford it, despite how much they love a band.
I like the pre-sale and special videos and contests and things that you get to do being in a fanclub.
Mostly though, I like when the bands become really interactive in it. Like, when they really try to get to know their fans.
It's always the best part to me.
:)

ritaskellington · 5 months ago

Well, if all you have to do is buy a CD, I am one of the three people left in the world who still do. I'm in.
I guess pre-sale tickets and interaction with fans. That's the one of the two things that bother me- lack of communication with fans and paying money to join fan clubs. >.> we can't all pay for those memberships.

ninteymay · 5 months ago

I'm not in any fan clubs due to the huge prices and, a bit, because of the obsessive mood that can surround them. However, sometimes they do offer awesome perks. I think the CD as an admission fee is a good idea both because it cuts the exorbitant costs and because more of Cobra's fan base will join.

saraxscandal · 5 months ago

i do like this fan club idea if it comes free when you buy a CD. but my only question is.. would it matter where you bought it? in other words, would we have to purchase it through FBR to get the fan club perks? because i'm probably just going to go out and buy it at best buy or target or whatever because my parents don't let me use their credit card to buy anything online anymore.

becky=] · 5 months ago

The fanclub idea is a little.... conventional. But i agree with the whole "anyone who buys the cd is a diehard fan". Music that i really love, i go out an buy the cd. So if a free member ship with perks comes with a cd, then sweet.

Perks? Maybe a raffle for backstage passes at the concert closest to the winner? I know i'd love that. Or advanced ticket order. Because some people, like me, happened to be in the middle of fucking south dakota when tickets went on sale so some of us dont have tickets. sorry, personal rant. or maybe an autograph picture? maybe? i know thats alot for you guys to sign but idk.

vivalahotmess · 5 months ago

Gabe, like the idea and I'd join...but I preordered the CD on itunes like a month ago. Also, listened to your message. Bring the fancy toothbrush on tour!!!

vivalahotmess · 5 months ago

thought some more about it, and i'm indifferent to it now. if you had one free with the cd i'd join but i'm not begging for one. it does alienate fans a little bit, and while i can't stay after to meet you (my dad wouldn't let me, and i'm only 13) i know i'll be able to in a few years.

jessie623 · 5 months ago

nooo fan clubs. in my head, cobra starship should never have a fanclub. please don't. but that idea about buying CD and automatically enter the fanclub is good, but that's too easy so in the marketing POV it probably won't work...then again i have never joined a fanclub so i wouldn't know.

i think you cobras are managing fine without a fanclub

Deidre · 5 months ago

posting this again so i can get an answer :)

that sounds the best to me, if you cant do it this way..please dont have a fanclub. we are poor. and its not fair when people "more fortunate" get the "perks". so because i dont have money i cant get any?

so yeah. i already pre ordered the cd...i wouldnt have to go out and buy another one just to be in the fanclub cause it will probably start up after the record comes out would i?

random:
the way that panic at the disco and fall out boy do their "fan club" m&g's really really suck. i know its not completely their fault but it puts up such a huge wall between them and the fans when all you can do is say something short and line up with them in front of some background to take a group picture. i feel like a fanclub is against what Cobra Starship stands for (if that even makes sense). but I mean...you've already said you think its dumb and I think your idea is the best way to go. if you cant do it that way...well then for the fans sake...dont do it all. no one likes fanclubs. we're not 13 with mommy & daddy's money (sorry 13 year olds)

Deidre · 5 months ago

and when im talking about m&g's i mean the ones rewarded for fanclub members

HanaHotMess · 5 months ago

I wanna know why everyones so butthurt over $30 for a t-shirt, a membership card, and a member ship to a VIP site with boreds to talk to other fans with contests and discouts with merch and presale, EE, and M&G.

Seriously you guys, $30 isn't that much, when most of you will drop that much on a t-shirt in a mall when the membership pays for itself.

rebeccawest · 5 months ago

Because:

a) I have never, ever gotten a fanclub t-shirt that was actually well-designed, and therefore never wear them.

b) What the fuck's the point of a membership card? Am I gonna whip it out to prove I'm a fan? Seriously?

c) I've already got a place to talk to other fans, it's called "the real world" and they're called "my friends".

d) Contests, discounts, presales, M&G, and EE can all happen without a fanclub, and I think EE sucks anyway.

e) $30 is plenty of money. $30 fills my gas tank. $30 is half a student loan payment or my monthly gym membership. $30 is a week of grabbing lunch at the bagel place on my lunch breaks. I would never spend $30 on a t-shirt unless that t-shirt was something real special. $30 is a concert ticket - if I've got to choose between a fanclub and a concert ticket, then what's the fucking point?

HanaHotMess · 5 months ago

That may be for you. Where I live, theres no fans of CS. I live in a small area, so I have no way to connect with other CS fans, so it'd be useful. The card is just something to throw around, I keep it just for the heck of it. Also very few discounts and stuff happen with the recession, the bands crew needs money too. & I'v never seen a concert ticket for $30 in my life. I know my BND ticket, which was pretty cheap, ended up at $60 each.Then you have all the fees. You might as well have fun in the fan club for the small fee with fun benefits than have a free one with 2934820394 million fans. I mean, look at panics free club, or what it used to be. Explains itself.

rebeccawest · 5 months ago

Apart from a fanclub site, there are plenty of fan communities already out there - friendsorenemies/buzznet, livejournal, etc, and besides that, there doesn't need to be a fanclub for there to be a message board.

I'm aware that the band and their crew need to get paid just as much as we do. When was the last time you tipped the merch guy? I don't mind spending money to support them, but there are far more useful things I could do with my money even in that vein. As for concert tickets, go to a small venue and not an arena and they'll start somewhere around $10 for the tiny bands. Not all concerts are Fall Out Boy extravaganzas.

I would rather have a free-with-CD fanclub, because I'm gonna buy the CD anyway, and agree with Gabe when he says anyone who buys the actual CD is a diehard. I don't know hardly anyone who actually buys CDs anymore. I am not familiar with Panic's free club at all, so I can't offer an opinion on that, but it just seems to me that a pricey fanclub is never really worth it.

Jedi Iwakura · 5 months ago

You make generalizations and then when someone pushes the point, you don't see it. And of course you won't, because for it to not be such a big deal to you, you don't seem to mind spending $30 on a shirt. There's plenty of fans out there who don't, and plenty who do. It's a matter of personal finances. That's all.

HanaHotMess · 5 months ago

I understand, but I know many people who don't have a problem with it. If you do, don't join. Period. I know in all the other clubs people have no problem paying that. I mean it lasts for a YEAR. Basically, if you don't want it, don't join.

Jedi Iwakura · 5 months ago

And so then it becomes an issue of privilege. Can't and won't are not the same thing.

HanaHotMess · 5 months ago

These people are paying for the privlage. If you want the privlage, pay. If you can't/don't thats the end of it. I'm sure I'm not the only one that doesn't mind a pay fanclub.

Jedi Iwakura · 5 months ago

Then you understand the issue here, oversimplification of it or not.

HanaHotMess · 5 months ago

I understand it. Basically that's how everything works. I'm totally fine with it eaither way. I eaither want a pay fan club, or no fanclub. A free one will end bad. It'll have nothing besides message boreds.

Jedi Iwakura · 5 months ago

I wouldn't say -everything-. I've gotten a lot of "privileges" without paying for things, but sure.

There's either going to be one (with fees) or none at all. Preferably I'd say not but since it's not my choice, all I can do is give Gabe my opinions on the matter and hope that if there IS one, it doesn't get so unaccommodating as OCK's gotten in the past two or three years.

HanaHotMess · 5 months ago

How OCK is run is bad-- I'll give you that. I think NDP is run better, but still not great. I think Cobra could do better. As I said before- Paid fan club or no fan club.

Deidre · 5 months ago

AMEN sister.

erinn_bo_berinn · 5 months ago

OMFG Gabe!! I sooo think that the fan club idea is a really good idea!! I mean it would be really great to get cool stuff and get to order tickets before every one else!

The thing I dont like about fan clubs is having to pay like $40 just to be on a website...I want you to have the sort of fan club that doesn't make you pay money...like i am a part of All Time Low's fan club and i love them but you have to pay $35 just to be a member for 1 year but they send you a special fan club tee-shirt...and it is like $25 for the tee-shirt alone.
Another thing I dont like is you can only use credit cards...well what is a 14 year old girl to do if she doesn't have a credit card and her parents dont let her always use theirs...another thing that you should have on yours (if you have one, of course) is you should have the option to either pay for somehing by a credit card or send in a money order or check..ya know??

But to stop this message I say go with the Free Fan Club Idea..and if it is only is you buy a CD?? IDC bc I already have one pre-ordered!! LOL I love youuuu Gabeeeeeee!!

xoxo-erin

shaneo717 · 5 months ago

you shouldve picked jonny craig this guy has an amazing voice and his music is the shit well if you dont perform with him this time you should check him out and consider performing with him some time

frayedends · 5 months ago

the main thing that deters me is that i'm from australia (yeah i'm aware i'm representing a minority here haha) and generally this sort of stuff isn't worth it. bands come here once a year/every two years and sometimes don't even run the m&gs, so usually the only benefits are the free shit (and i've heard that the sending of the free shit interntaionally gets fucked up a LOT and sometimes you don't even get it in the end).
and seeing as you asked for bad experiences - this year when FOB came, the arrangements for their fan club were fucking ludicrous. i'm not a part of it, but if i were i would have felt so ripped off. it was an arena tour so tickets were already about $86 at cheapest, but then they realeased 'packages' for the fan club. basically they ranged from getting a ticket and m&g (which was basically just go to the table, get something signed, move along), to getting a ticket, a signed picture and m&g, and prices were from $160 to $250. and these are the supposed benefits of being in the fanclub. it was fucking ridiculous.

yeah so generally i've always felt like fanclubs were bullshit anyway, like, "hey we love you, fans....but we love fans that PAY even more!" and i can see the benefits of things like meet and greets, but i always just assumed that would never be an issue with you guys seeing as you're all pretty dedicated to hanging out after shows anyway. and honestly with exchange rates and shit i wouldn't be able to afford it. the cheapest price to see an international band here is usually around $40 so it's already really expensive when it all adds up.

if having the club free would extend to international fans, then i'd be stoked, but i don't know whether you'd be able to do that just cos of international shipping costs and stuff? whatever, i'm still so excited to go out and buy hot mess and have it in my hands when it comes out here.

btw, extreme kudos for handling it this way. you're basically the only artist i've ever seen do this and it's about time.

Camilla · 5 months ago

fan clubs just seem like a really good way for bands to rape fans in the ass for money, tbh. the fans usually get shit all in return, or keep having to pay extra. but i live in new zealand where we get bands once every two years or so, so it's different. dnw to pay for a year's membership when that band might not even come in that year, which is more than likely. tell the suits to fuck themselves, gabe, i'm planning to buy your record and that should be enough, right?

CroutonLittle · 5 months ago

I'm buying your album, regardless.
You guys are the shit, I always buy your albums.

stfu_gina · 5 months ago

ok so basically, i preordered the cd, which automatically places me in the fan club for free? ok i'd be down with that. but honestly, that's the only reason. if i had to shell out 30 some odd dollars and then renew after a year, i'd say fuck that shit. the thing that really gets to me about fan clubs has already been expressed by various people in these comments already, so i don't want to go back and regurgitate it. pretty much, i just think it's stupid to have to pay to be able to meet a band or get presale tickets and whatever else. everyone should have that opportunity because it's not fair if they can't afford to pay for it.

AliWayandCardenLovah · 5 months ago

I love you for thinking about the fans. Truth is, I love bands so much, and I would be in a lot of fanclubs if I had the money to do so. But in reality, I ended up having to choose just one (SLH) and not being in others that I really wanted to be in (OCK, Northern Downpour, Hustler Club) because I don't have the money. I'm 15 years old, so I can't get a job or anything. Kinda sucks. But I do go out and buy cds, because I love to support the bands that deserve it. Cobra definitely deserves everything you guys have gotten and more. I will most definitely buy your cd, and I love the deal you made. It's so you to think of the fans, and that's one of the main reasons I respect you so much. I like the idea of a fanclub, and I like the deal. Go for it.
I hope you guys have a great time on the upcoming tour and I can't wait to see you in ATL!!! <3

-Kelsey<3

ilovegabanti · 5 months ago

i think your idea is smart(: because unlike other bands youre giving basically all fans a chance to see what the fan club is like while other bands just put one up and you waste your money on something you dont even know if it will suck or not...
im not in any fan club but they seem kinda ridiculous because what do you get an akward meet n greet and a few free pieces of merch?.. because i like work my ass off just to get tix or like pre-order a cd (also i wanna ask if you pre-order hot mess that like counts as buying it right? cause i preordered hot mess super deluxe...:D?) or like buy merch and such...
and besides when i went to the pompano beach bndpd concert in fl you guys were all like chillin by the fence and it was like seemed better to just go up to bands that way then going to like meet n greets because its like more up close and personal then like having this like long line in order and all that confusion when you can just go up to a band next to a fence and like have more time to talk and like really ''meet n greet" them, you know?
so i think the idea is good how you planned it cause its like if its shitty and totally sucks no one loses anything and if its awsome and like the best fan club ever then maybe even Cobra can like not make their fans pay like $40 for another year and charge like lesser cause that would probably get even more members...
so yea thats my thoughts... thanks for listening to your loving fans gabe!<3

gee89 · 5 months ago

Gabey Baby real talk I've always really liked cobra because you guys are different then other bands. You legitly care about fan and i've seen it personally. I just think fanclubs are to much drama and confusion. Like what makes me more worthy then another cobra fan to get in early or to get presale or to get to meet you guys. I've been a fan since I saw you in 07 with FOB and I was like damn who is that latino shakin it and gettin it on stage I need to hear more of this ! But many people have came before and after me. I'm just trying to say all fans are equal. Maybe someone doesnt buy your cd but they buy merch or they go to your show or even if the dont spend one cent but they tell their friends about cobra which give u more fans. So i think by just letting people be in the fan club by buying the cd wont be fair either because that doesnt neessarly mean your a diehard fan. and then its drama too because if im in the fanclub and my friends arent then i get in early or meet u guys and my friends dont and then they get a lil j and salty with me you know??? but anyway i support whatever u choose to do and ill keep on supporting cobra no matter what
xxx
gee

gee89 · 5 months ago

Gabey Baby real talk I've always really liked cobra because you guys are different then other bands. You legitly care about fan and i've seen it personally. I just think fanclubs are to much drama and confusion. Like what makes me more worthy then another cobra fan to get in early or to get presale or to get to meet you guys. I've been a fan since I saw you in 07 with FOB and I was like damn who is that latino shakin it and gettin it on stage I need to hear more of this ! But many people have came before and after me. I'm just trying to say all fans are equal. Maybe someone doesnt buy your cd but they buy merch or they go to your show or even if the dont spend one cent but they tell their friends about cobra which give u more fans. So i think by just letting people be in the fan club by buying the cd wont be fair either because that doesnt neessarly mean your a diehard fan. and then its drama too because if im in the fanclub and my friends arent then i get in early or meet u guys and my friends dont and then they get a lil j and salty with me you know??? but anyway i support whatever u choose to do and ill keep on supporting cobra no matter what
xxxxx gee

rainbeach · 5 months ago

If by just buying the CD that would get a membership, then I think that's definitely a decent idea. Definitely don't do the $30 membership for a year thing, that's really just crap.

Mostly I just like pre-sale and forums from fan clubs.

Thanks for asking the fans about it. We appreciate it. (:

itsger_yadig · 5 months ago

I don't think I've ever really felt as passionate about a band until I stumbled upon yours. I mean, I like bands, go out and buy their CDs, listen to their songs none stop, and hopefully get to see them live some day, but they've never really impacted me as much as Cobra Starship has. Simply put, no, I've never been part of an OFFICIAL fan club before. Truthfully, an official fan club seems really cheesy to begin with, but since I enjoy your music so much (though I am a new fan, and new is used REAL lightly), even if there is some catch with joining such a club, I would go out of my way to do it. By simply buying your new CD, that process would be made ten times easier. I'm rambling and I have a feeling I'm saying too much, but what I really want to say is that I appreciate that you care about your fans enough to not BS them and open the club to so many.

As for what perks the club would offer, I'm happy with anything. As I said, I've never been part of another club before so I have nothing to compare it to. Either way, I'd be eager to see a Cobra Starship fan club, just the same it wouldn't be a huge deal if there isn't one. (:

Keep making awesome music and I'll be a happy camper.

gee89 · 5 months ago

Gabey Baby real talk I've always really liked cobra because you guys are different then other bands. You legitly care about fan and i've seen it personally. I just think fanclubs are to much drama and confusion. Like what makes me more worthy then another cobra fan to get in early or to get presale or to get to meet you guys. I've been a fan since I saw you in 07 with FOB and I was like damn who is that latino shakin it and gettin it on stage I need to hear more of this ! But many people have came before and after me. I'm just trying to say all fans are equal. Maybe someone doesnt buy your cd but they buy merch or they go to your show or even if the dont spend one cent but they tell their friends about cobra which give u more fans. So i think by just letting people be in the fan club by buying the cd wont be fair either because that doesnt neessarly mean your a diehard fan. and then its drama too because if im in the fanclub and my friends arent then i get in early or meet u guys and my friends dont and then they get a lil j and salty with me you know??? but anyway i support whatever u choose to do and ill keep on supporting cobra no matter what
xxx gee

PippaTopsy · 5 months ago

I really appreciate you taking all the factors into consideration.

I think what you said makes sense.

I hate the fact that every time an American Band i love comes to Australia I feel like i have to pay 30 american dollars which is almost 60 Auzzie dollars on top of the $40 ticket cost, just see and meet for 5 seconds one of my favourite bands.

I love how when Cobra came to australia those 2 times. i saw you guys met, talked and felt appreciated by you guys as a fan without all the bullshit.

So i think "membership" thing could be cool in the terms you stated but it shouldnt matter as long as you guys stay as true to the fans as you have always been. :)

Love Pippa
xox

P.S Cant wait for you to comes to Aus again. You're being played on mainstream radio here now!! :D

kcd_ndp · 5 months ago

im in quite a few fan clubs and i enjoy them as ive met most of my close friends on the message boards.
being an international fan we usually pay an extra $20 - $30 for shipping and convertion of dollers and sometimes we dont get any extra perks.
when an international band comes to australia there are so many people to fit in one small venue for 1 show every year or every years sometimes and the idea or early entry to some is a great idea but not for the people who line up for maybe 15 hours just to get the front only to have people turn up half an hour before doors and take their spot.
as for m&g's when a fan club has meet and greets a lot of people think the only way they are going to be able to meet a band is if they join the fan club and win a meet and greet.
but the way the economy is these days some people dont want to pay $30 - $50 to join a fan club that they may not get anything for. However i do like your idea with buying the cd you get a membership and maybe for the second year they pay fee to continue

as an international fan i say no to the fan club but as a fan i say yes, sorry if that didn't make any sense or it didn't help. xoxo

cobrajules · 5 months ago

Gabe I think the free membership for buying the CD is awesome. If the year after comes with fees though that sucks. I like what you guys have been doing with artist arena presales. I have gotten a M&G, free poster, and early entry. Pretty much what they do in the fan clubs anyways. First come first serve and limited number of people get extras for being first. I already pre-ordered Hot Mess from FBR so if you do the free thing just make sure FBR pre-orders get their membership however it's going to be offered.
I like things how they are, but if change is going to come I guess I'll see what happens and go with the flow. See you the 21st in West Palm!!

rebeccawest · 5 months ago

Fuck yeah the Audition! I'm so stoked for this tour!

That aside.

I fucking hate fanclubs. I make like $8 an hour and I can't go around dropping $30/year for every band I like. I spend SO MUCH MONEY on CDs (yeah, I'm the kid who still buys actual CDs, goes home and drops it on the stereo and reads through the liner notes during the first listen - I can't help it, I'm from the 90s), shows, merch, I support bands I love as much as I possibly can, and I don't need a crappy fanclub t-shirt and "exclusive content" bullshit that gets ripped and put all over the internet anyway to know that or to broadcast that to the world. I understand the need for meet-and-greets as a band's fanbase grows, and I love the way you guys have been handling that, but there are ways of organizing that without a fanclub, like you did with Sassyback. Meet-and-greets can be great, as long as you don't start doing that thing where you sit behind a table and everyone files along in their line getting their shit signed. That's super-awkward and it sucks.

But man, while I'm talking, you know what else I hate? Early fucking entry. Sometimes a girl's gotta be at work when the presale happens and once those early entry kids get in, there's no chance of getting up front even if you've sat your ass outside the venue since six in the morning. I like presales in general, because it gives fans an extra chance to grab tickets (and artistarena is generally cheaper than ticketmaster, and I am always down for being less broke), but early entry, man. I can deal with it sometimes, but when it happens at every show ever, it gets annoying.

Anyway, the dumbest thing about fanclubs is the exclusivity thing - what, I'm not a "fan" if I'm not in the club? I don't deserve what the "real fans" get because I've got other things to spend my money on? I call bullshit. If it's a fanclub without admission fees, then it's a little different, and I'd like to see how that works.

I think you're fantastic for asking us about this before you decide how to deal with it, because really, we're the ones who are gonna be dealing with it, right? I know I'm sounding super-negative about the whole concept here, but I think that if there's a way to do the fanclub thing without igniting rage in the hearts of fans everywhere, you'll figure it out.

Whatever you decide, I'm super-excited to see you in a few weeks. Take care, keep on rockin' in the free world, and sorry in advance for drunkenly accosting you/your band when you get here.

diehard2k5 · 5 months ago

You are a fucking idiot.

rebeccawest · 5 months ago

Thank you for you input, and please feel free to provide any further insight you may come up with in the future.

diehard2k5 · 5 months ago

You're still a fat fucking idiot.

rebeccawest · 5 months ago

And you're a troll on the internet. Glad to see we can all stay classy in these troubled times.

Loochh · 5 months ago

GTFO

Anna · 5 months ago

lol

diehard2k5 · 5 months ago

I don't see why the girls in the comments are complaining.

He's offering a fan-club FREE with the purchase of the CD. Are you trying to say you're not even going to buy the CD?

gee89 · 5 months ago

que significa boludo?

itsnothingpersonal · 5 months ago

All of these are tl;dr, so I'm probably repeating what someone else said. But fuck it. I do what I want. And I’m going to play Devil’s Advocate and present both sides in my own tl;dr.

To put it nicely, most fan clubs are shit. This is kind of hypocritical of me to say as I did join All Time Low’s “Hustler Club”, but I don't really give a fuck. It tore the whole fan base apart. You had people who were from their earlier boards bitching at people from THC, and people from THC bitching at people from the earlier boards, all trying to prove that they’re the “better fan”. It created so much drama and hate that it was, and still is, ridiculous. Then there’s early entry, which is shit anyway you look at it. If you have the balls to wait outside a venue for five plus hours for a show, then you should get in first. Also, it’s not even run by the boys/their management. It’s run by Artist Arena, who are pretty damn shady with the way they’re doing things. Not to mention it’s incredibly impersonal and makes the guys look a bit douchey.

But there are perks. First of all, if you have a message board attached, it’s a great way to meet other fans from around your area who have the same interest/s as you: it does give the opportunity to forge great friendships. Having a special M&G gives you the ability to meet and converse with people that you never thought you would get the chance to meet. Also, I think doing it so that if you buy a CD you get automatic entry is an really fair idea that will help eliminate a lot of hate.

However, if you do go through with it, here are a few tips:

Run it yourself or have someone you know/trust run it.

If you do M&G, don’t sit behind a table and sign a poster, get a quick picture, and then shoo
people away. Actually get out there and talk to the people who give you the opportunity to do what you do.

Try to be unique in the way you do things. There are a lot of fan clubs out there all doing the same thing. Be different. Be Cobra.

Don’t put the people in the fan club on a pedestal. Treat all the fans the same, because favoritism invokes hate. Every time.

You can’t please everyone. Keep it classy, keep it Cobra, and keep it real.

See you Monday, trick.

rebeccawest · 5 months ago

You just said pretty much what I wanted to, but in a way more coherent and organized fashion. Thanks! You're awesome.

darlingskyline · 5 months ago

I think your idea about buying a CD and gaining membership is pretty legit, but imo i say fuck the suits. i know so many people who can't afford to buy cds now (considering they're freaking 20 bucks at the store and not everyone can use a credit card but that comes with shipping costs as well) but can save up enough to actually go to a concert. they go super early, but imagine how disheartening it would be if a whole shit load of people who are fortunate to have gotten that cd membership just cut in front because they have ~privileges~ for early entry? i know i'd be mad pissed. they're just as much as a fan as the ones who buys the cds and i dont think it's fair.

but i guess if you really want to have a fanclub (or the suits forced it upon you or something) backstage VIP passes would be really cool. limited edition merch, cool and pretty tickets? haha idk

i love how you want to ask the fans about this. shows you have a great character.

septembergirl · 5 months ago

I dont like fanclubs. Having the fans pay more to meet you guys or get pre-sales, we get that already. It seems like a way just for the suits to make some money for the stuff that is free. I think the idea of getting into the fanclub for free would be a good idea. But then would the record company have to pay to send us stuff, or would we get the same stuff that we do now(m and g and presale)? Also would people who pre-order get it? Thanks for thinking of the fans Gabe! I know you will do what you think is best :)

LauraMay · 5 months ago

Great Choice with The Audition.. Love their music and I think they will compliment you very well. I would have loved to have chosen We the Kings, but they are out doing their own thing. Also Charlotte Sometimes would have been a great choice.. Miss seeing her on tour.

Fan Club free with CD purchase is a great idea. Or if you have to charge for it , make it very affordable. These kids cant afford the prices that some of these clubs charge. I think a preshow meet and greet with fan club members would be a great idea...

Speaking of which.. My daughter and I will be seeing you Monday at "The Basement " in Columbus Ohio.. It was the very first place I saw you many years ago, so I am very excited to see you on the opening day of the new tour. It is an amazing little hole in the wall venue that makes the performance so intimate and personal. The low ceilings are always a challenge for you extra tall boys.

Cant wait for my hug Gabey Baby..
Lots and Lots of Love,
Laura in Ohio ( The one and Only COBRA COUGAR)

marcela30 · 5 months ago

You also gotta think about the kids who dont have the money to pay all these vip shits and cool stuff and who are REAL FANS . it would kinda sucks for them , no ? anyway. i think it's better when there's a contest to meet you guys and when you post it on myspace cause only real fans go out to check this stuff. i mean, what you said make sense and you guys i think pasan tiempo with them after show ? so it would only make you more money and thats good too for you cobra. ANYWAY. that was my opinion... btw i really like como piensas tus ideas. sorry for writing spanish/english lol

itsnothingpersonal · 5 months ago

fuck. double post.

tyanarozella · 5 months ago

EARLY ENTRY ! ! ! ! ! !

this is the best perk, but i really don't like how fanclubs make you pay close to $35 or so every year...

nabii · 5 months ago

if you do decide to use the CD option, make sure it's also on international prints - i ordered when the city sleeps and viva la cobra off the fbr site, but then bought second copies when they were printed here (...so you'd get your australian album sales up, so you'd tour more frequently).

laurjulia · 5 months ago

fan clubs are, eh kind of lame. they are expensive, i don't want to pay 40 bucks a year for what seems like nothing. and if everyone is in the 'fanclub' it's not really a club, is it? the only perk i've ever had from a fan club is getting into concerts early. and i've always felt ripped-off from fan clubs. who says you are a hardcore fan just by paying money to be a lame fuck club? it's kind of retarded to me. but you guys can do whatever, i'll still love you either way xD

hushsoundislove · 5 months ago

I wouldn't mind joining the fanclub, it would be super cool I think.
Just can't have it be too steep to join...steep as in price wise.
For free stuff, early access to show's would be cool...free downloads and stuff?
I've never joined fanclubs before so I'm not that great on suggesting stuff....

GlmrKllsMichi · 5 months ago

I believe that you shouldnt start a fanclub. Not for anyone to be mad at me but because these fanclubs cost money to actually join and kids, like me, dont have twenty or something dollars to join this club. I just think that that isnt fair for some of us that dont have that kind of money. I couldnt join ATL's Huslter Club because I didnt have the money. Plus I live in a crappy area, which is southern Indiana and thats like a negative for this because I dont have anyone to take me to your shows or anything so why get a perk for preordering tickets if i cant come to a show? Yeah, people on this blog will just tell me to not join but im sure if im here thinking it, someone else is too. So cut me some slack Gabe :P

SarahZephyr · 5 months ago

i think it sounds fair if it would make people stop downloading songs illegally and stuff. probably the perks could be like having a meet and greet with the band, etc. but i do think that having a fan club is corny. oh yeah and about the tour, when will you be touring asia? please come gabeee!

pineapplehead · 5 months ago

Most fan clubs suck coz u have to pay shit loads of money to get in and all u get is a crapy t-shirt u should get like an exclusive song or a lesson wit one of the band members like a confidence lesson wit gabe or a guitar lesson with ryland. Something that not everyone else does. Also i live in new zealand and you should have stuff that you can buy over here and contests that you can enter over. Apart from that i agree. Cobra starship ROCKS!!!

pet2unya · 5 months ago

The thing is...no matter what you do kids will still be fighting the 'I'm a bigger fan' war till the end of time. We all want to be that special #1 fan. But I'm a part of Overcast Kids(Fall Out Boy's fanclub) and its actually pretty awesome. I just won a meet and greet for the Blink-182 concert and I'm ecstatic. But at the same time I feel aweful for all of the fans who are just as big(if not bigger) fans of them than me but don't have the money to join and therefore don't get to meet their favorite band. I say if you do start one, that the whole go buy a CD and its free thing is an awesome idea because a lot of my friends and I still buy CDs. Its nice to know that people still remember CDs. Especially now where some bands aren't even releasing CDs anymore. Its all too electronic(and yes, I realize the irony of the fact that I'm typing this ON A COMPUTER to a thing you wrote ON A COMPUTER). Also, I wouldn't make meet and greet contests strictly fanclub access. I say give fanclubers extra perks(early entry to concerts, meet and greet, pre-sales, special/cheeper merch., etc., etc.) but don't always make it strictly club access all the time. Just, regulate it a little and I think a fanclub would be a wondeful idea.

adnama85 · 5 months ago

No. No fan club ever. One of the things that I thought was special about Cobra was the fact you guys didnt have one in the first place. You made time to come out and meet everyone, sign shit and just chit chat. I dont care if it comes free with the cd, I'm gonna buy the cd no matter what. fan clubs are bullshit.

genesisss · 5 months ago

I personally don't like fanclubs.
I mean if you want to, and become convinced at some point, I'll join of course, I love Cobra Starship! lol
But I'm pretty okay without a fan club

And thank you so much for thinking of the fans(: that's one of the main reasons i love Cobra Starship<33

kylee · 5 months ago

the thing about the free membership is too, how would that work? a password we would get? who says someone gets the password and goes on live journal and posts it? i think you guys should keep doing what your doing. fanclubs arent even that great when it comes down to it. ive heard crap things about the meet and greets when its fanclubs, and cobra arent crap. just keep coming out before and after the shows, doing the contests and having the after parties.

jaackiiee · 5 months ago

I'm not into the idea of fan clubs, because, like you said, it always pisses everyone off. When All Time Low started their fan club, it tore ATL fans apart. There's a huge rivalry, I guess you'd call it, between "old fans" and "new fans", and "old fans" accuse THC of being made up of "new fans", stereotyping them as 12 year old fangirls whose parents pay for them to be able to get meet and greets.
I think it's much better for a band to not offer these perks, because it makes those who get them feel superior to other fans, and it makes the fans who don't feel like they're not as appreciated by the band. Personally, I love it bands to come out after the show to hang out, talk, sign, & take pictures with all of their fans who care enough to stay, instead of doing the whole meet and greet thing.
But if you guys do decide to have a fan club, I definitely like the idea of giving everyone who buys the CD a free membership. That way, money doesn't become a factor in the whole fan club situation.

Deidre · 5 months ago

omg here i am commenting again. (sorry)

1. IF you did a paid lame fanclub you should make it under $20, especially if it has to be renewed every year (which i have never understood about fanclubs)

2. if you cant do it the way that you want to do it...dont do it. just dont do it. no one wants to anyway...i mean really....why? last time i checked all of us fans were in it together anyway...why give us (or actually...the ones that can pay) a title? doesnt make any sense to me....fanclubs are for the 8 year old Jonas Brothers fans...I mean really.....little kids are the only ones that actually like fanclubs....older people that join a bands fanclub...only do it so they can have a chance...but do they really want to be in a "o0o0o fanclub!"...no probably not really. (only speaking for me and almost everyone i know though)

DONT let them convince you Gabe. fanclubs for the most part are so dreadful.

devondanger · 5 months ago

I vote no.
It singles out people too much and makes people crazy.
I think it's awesome how you're going about this.
Thanks for thinking about us.
:D

fangsupnicolee · 5 months ago

I agree with the buy a cd and get membership thing,
because people who actually buy physical music formats are
rad. and fan clubs are gay but if it was a cobra one then i'm
sure i'll totally change my mind. :)

littlesanti23 · 5 months ago

I say fuck it.

Fan clubs are what the bands make them, but I think the main reason why people join them is for the meet and greets.

Meet and greets usually suck dick.

You're forced to get your shit signed without uttering more than a rushed "hello" to the band cause the venue's staff has to hurry the fuck up and get it over with. M&G's just usually don't mean as much as waiting until the band comes out after the show and getting to just hang. Cobra already does a fine job of conducting those kinds of meet and greets, if you ask me.

The only other things that fanclubs have to offer are message boards, contests, "exclusive" videos (that are just gonna end up on YouTube) and disappointment when you don't win Early Entry, which brings me to my next point.

Early entry equally sucks dick.

You wait in line for 11 hours just to watch hella kids go inside before you cause their financially-secure parents dropped some cash for the fanclub. Not everyone has it like that, especially in this economy. I'm sure we'll be just fine getting the spot in the crowd that we waited for.

So once again, I say fuck it. =]

Heidi_S · 5 months ago

The only thing I like about fanclubs is:

A) Being guaranteed to get some kind of perk at a show.

The shirt and forums and all that crap is disposable. I was in the Panic fanclub when they came to Oz with you guys in 2008 and that was well worth the money. However, they are really hard to speak to or approach in a non M&G environment. I saw you Gabe out the back of the Brisbane show afterwards signing autographs for AGES, and my friends who wanted to come hang out with you guys during shows went and did that. Because of the Panic fanclub however (and Zack), I got to meet the band at every single Aussie show, and have early entry at all of them too, which meant front row, which meant no sleeping outside on concrete, which was a huge relief. I didn't get to actually meet you on the tour though, because whenever I saw you after a show there were about a billion people crowded around you (many of whom never went away and let others have a chance, after getting something signed), so in that respect, a structured M&G would be really cool. But then, I dunno. I kinda like that with you guys, no fans are better than others.

I don't know if you remember me though, but I did get my little hello with you at the end of that tour. (I was the one blonde girl front row at just about every show on that tour). After the NZ show at the airport, probably about 6am in the morning, everyone looked like shit, me included, you and Victoria were still wearing your concert gear, she had the broken arm. I was checking in at the next airline's counter at the Auckland airport, going back to Australia, and I think you guys were going to Japan. Anyway, you looked over at me and gave me the biggest grin and waved at me, and it was awesome. You love your fans, and you make sure they know it. Don't ever stop doing that.

I totally lost the point of this rant, but... As long as we get to meet you guys, that's all we care about. The people who really want front row will do the time and get it. Then again, if there is a fanclub and Early Entries, make them for everyone in the fanclub, not just a select few.

And please come back to Australia, please please please.

marybelstarship · 5 months ago

Can you guys pleeeease add more dates in California? Like SF or Sac?

I've seen you guys 5 times, but that is not nearly enough. you are AMAZING live!!!

love you Gabe!

Loochh · 5 months ago

I'm seriously annoying myself here. I can't decide on my views on this. I've always hated fanclubs, and I always will. But I'm for this because it's free.

At the same time, I think you should just turn to the suits, give them the finger then that's it.

I'm swaying more towards for it, than against it.

oh fuck it, just go for it Gabe. we won't be losing anything.

carcrashheart · 5 months ago

firstly, i just want to say that i think it's brilliant that you ask for everyone's opinion, and don't just ignore what the fans want.
i agree with what pretty much everyone else has said. we don't need an overpriced 'club' that gives you a free t-shirt when you join, and sends you the occasional email. they seem pretty pointless to me. if it was free, then it would be less of a waste of time, but with no money going in to it, i can't see how there can be any perks. also, living in england, everything costs about three times as much, because of shipping. if you do start something, then it'd be great if there was some way you could get around.
i just want you to continue with stuff like this - interacting with your fans, and seeing what they want. reading other comments from people that have met you, it seems like you're happy to just come out after a show and talk to them. i unfortunately haven't seen you guys before, but i will be in D.C. on the 26th, and i honestly can't wait. i just hope you still do what makes you different from most other musicians and celebrities, and are happy to just talk to me.

C-Diirty · 5 months ago

I don't really like fan clubs.
But, I like the free membership with purchase of a CD idea. AND more people will probably go buy the CD rather than get it on Itunes.

If there was a fan club, I'd like to see some meet-and-greets because I would love to meet you guys. And everytime people do get to meet you, I have no idea how they found out about it.

So, yeah.
I support your deal. :)

see · 5 months ago

Thank you, your idea rocks. :)

Jedi Iwakura · 5 months ago

Don't do the fan club thing. Please. I have had so many issues with OCK and the Panic one, and I was pretty much just paying $30 annually for bragging rights. Fuck Early Entry, Fuck M&G, Fuck cards and shirts and shit that's just there for some fan with the cash to hold over other fans' heads. OCK hasn't done SHIT for me as a fan in the past three years worth the cash I paid.

I'm also not that big on how much hate and anger it causes between fans who are privileged enough to be able to pay for things like that. So you have money and can spend it like that. That's nice. But don't shit on other people because they don't.

Thank YOU, Gabe, for being as great as you can to us, you and your band. I think I've been able to see you guys around venues for free and get hugs and shit more often than I've entered into M&G club lotteries for FOB and Panic combined.

♥

ForrestS · 5 months ago

This may sound sad, but I don't even own an i-pod.
I've never downloaded music in my life and I don't plan to.
I fully believe in just going to my local record store and just buying a CD.

A fan-club... I don't know. I don't think you guys even really need one.
I mean, hopefully there are enough people out there who see the importance of actually buying your CD instead of downloading, because I know I'm definitely one of them.
You love your fans, whether they're apart of your fan-club (if you get one) or not. And that's really amazing. You don't chose favourites.

For me personally, I'll always be one of the kids who go out and buy a CD. The idea of downloading just...seems impersonal. I don't know.

Oh, and because I have no idea where else to tell you this, yesterday I got my first tattoo. It's a Midtown lyric :) Been a fan since 2001.

But yeah. You'll do what you think is best. If you get a fan-club, I'll do my best to join with the whole money issue most people might have. If you don't, even better. But Gabe, I don't think you really need one, which is a good thing in my books.

fuqwhatyouknow · 5 months ago

which lyric jw

ForrestS · 5 months ago

"we reach for what we're missing in ourselves" :)

fuqwhatyouknow · 5 months ago

good choice! :) lol if i liked tattoos i'd get 'one day soon you're
safe' for sure

fuqwhatyouknow · 5 months ago

good choice! :) lol if i liked tattoos i'd get 'one day soon you're
safe' for sure

Ce_18 · 5 months ago

i know you're gonna do anything you want, but fanclubs are always a bad thing for people like who doesn't live in USA. Most times i can signed up for this fanclubs but the good stuf they promess never (NEVER) arrived, so if you wanna do it, do it, but don't promess things that aren't going to happen.

PD: When are you gonna come to Argentina? Maybe we don't have THAT many fans, but i'm sure i can gather enough for a concert.

thanks for reading all my nonsense.

theshannynt · 5 months ago

in this resession? im not paying 30 bucks lol. i have never joined a fan club and i never will.

glam_cat · 5 months ago

I never join such clubs, because of one reason: they do nothing for me as I live in Poland, Europe. I'm not getting any "buy the ticket first", or "meet and greet" because there are no Cobra gigs here :( Even if I decide to go on a concert to the UK I still won't have a chance for perks as a non- british :/ So either way I'm always fucked :(

coun · 5 months ago

I don't think that fanclubs are a really good thing, it may be cool for people who live there, in the U.S, but if you are from other countries you don't get all the benfits. I live in Argentina and I have a few friends who are fans, and we can barely get your records, if we convince our parents to buy them online -because there's no place we can buy them here-.
But I don't know, if it's good for american fans, it would be okay?
Of course it's your choice and I'm sure that whatever you choose will be great.

Gabelicious · 5 months ago

I was never a big fan of fan clubs and I never joined one!! I think the idea of a fan club is pretty cool but it just don't work for everybody the same! For me it really sucks, all my fav bands are from the USA, like you guys and I'm from Germany!! So I can barely go to shows and enjoy the special treats but I also have to pay like 30$! Which is the next problem I don't have dollars so I need to make a new cash account to be able to actually pay for it!! At least you're only a official die-hard fan when you can pay for the fan club and stuff!! That's a totally bummer cause I know a lot of ppl how are maybe the biggest fans but aren't in any fan clubs!!

Anyway I'm glad to hear you think about it so much!! I think the buy-a-CD-and-become-a-member idea is pretty cool!! But does it mean you have to buy it from a special place? Cause I can't buy your record here in Germany and from the FBR store it's too expensive with all the shipping and stuff!! So I always get it from eBay!! But I always buy CD's and I totally agree that this shows how much you love a band in this time!!

It doesn't matter if you guys will have a fan club I couldn't join!! At least I'll always be a big fan and supporter like with Cobra Starship Online (a fan side I'm writing for)! Wow Papi himself said I did his job better than himself!! lol So that means a lot to me and I hope for you too! ;)

I love you guys!! Stay awesome!!

ephotography · 5 months ago

NO. FANCLUBS. God, I hate that shit. it seems so unfair that just because you aren't in the fanclub you can't get the perks, meet the band, blah blah... and also, I think it's just another way to make the fans cough up the cash. I do like your idea though, because I'm definitely getting a CD.

Anna · 5 months ago

gabe when i see you on the 25th we should hang out after the show ok ok ok
and i actually feel like one of the only people that could pay for the fanclub if you ever did have to... i feel really bad idk. i would pay for everyone's but thats kind of a heavy load on a credit card bill.

sabiiine · 5 months ago

I really loved the idea,but i want u here in brazil,gabe ! i need it ): *cry*

ninjavampire · 5 months ago

I say fuck it. It's better if you don't start a fan club because you are already hanging out with fans after the show and just being amazing to everyone. If you did start a fan club it would probably just bring disputes between people who are in the club and people who are not. The fact that you are asking us about this shows how much you care for your fans, so thank you Gabe:)

timechangesfate · 5 months ago

i seriously love your idea
i buy cds from my fav bands,and youre def one of them
cds are dying with the whole downloading era,which is sad,i like cds..haha...so i try to buy as much cds as possible
if you do the fan club do the cd membership thing
i havnt joined any band fanclubs cause id have to pay for it,and id rather spend that money on going to more concerts than being up close in one concert

jennajackson · 5 months ago

Honestly, I think it's genius. I agree, I hateee fan clubs. I dont think you should have to pay to show your support of a band, but the CD thing is really smarttt(: I preordered the album already so I'm goood.

Smart_R · 5 months ago

yeah, you could have an individual code inside each cd case that would equal free membership to the fanclub. I prefer buying cds than downloading digital ones.

DeadHollywood · 5 months ago

the fan club thing...If you really put some time in it it could be great.I've never been a member in fan clubs ( guess why).The buy a record/get free membership thing is a great idea!I'm sure you will find a great solution for it.
And Gabe,I just want you to know that,on August 11th,I will make sure to be the first one here in Croatia to check out if the only record store in this town got Hot Mess.And IF THEY DO,be sure I will buy it first.Because I love you guys with all my heart and i will do what i can to support you.I want you to make music as long as you want to,and I think you deserve so much more than you have right now.In my opinion,you are better than all the other bands i've heard from in my entire life.You have so much talent,you could give it to 1000 other bands and you would still have enough of it to be the best band ever.What you do is the work of a genius.I may not be the best one to judge it,but this is just how I feel and I appreciate what you have done for me.I don't think I will ever be able to see you guys live,or meet you to show you how much I love you.This is still reality,and reality is that i'm stuck here in Croatia,and my family has not enough money to give me a ticket to fly to a country where you play in AND buy a concert ticket for me.But I am still lucky.I am lucky that i finally have enough to buy the record,and that is a first step,isn't it?Even though I would pretty much everything to get a ticket,I can be happy that you even exist.As long as you are here,I will be behind your back supporting what you do.Keep on doing what you're doing,and who knows,maybe in one year,when i can start working,I will be able to see you guys live one time!xoxo,Sarah

richellearnold · 5 months ago

I think thats Great!
It's awesome that it is free,too!
I agree with Lizy_Luxury!(;

richellearnold · 5 months ago

This is the best idea i have ever heard of!

Loochh · 5 months ago

i'm fucking going round in circles here. but my final conclusion is go tell the suits to fuck themselves and let's just keep things nice and simple.

you've given us a good deal, Gabe. but soon, we'll have to pay for it. i doubt the club will be able to run on no contributions.

no fanclubs. thanks.

pinksparklystars · 5 months ago

Fan clubs are the "man" I don't need to join a club to be a die hard fan. You know what makes me a fan of cobra starship? I own all of your cds (the hard copies not downloaded) I don't miss a Texas show even if that means driving all over the state just to catch every show or driving to Ohio when you are added to the lineup after the tour past through Texas. It means getting shows at 4am just so I know I will we will get the rail. When fan clubs get into the picture people think they have some sort of privilege just because they pay 30 buck a year they can arrive late and get in before the people who have been waiting for 12 hours to see their favorite band in the freeze cold. I would rather spend that 30 bucks on another concert ticket. I have followed you before you were being mobed by fans after every show back when you could have extended conversations with fans. Back when you were still just the guy who sings snakes on a plane to 90 percent of anyone. Before MTV (who is also the man) before all of that bullshit. And I will be a fan after all the hype too. That is a die hard fan, not someone who pays 30 buck for a free shirt and early entry into a show. I know there are a ton more fans like me who will never but into the fan club crap and like people have said you guys already to a peesale that is open to everyone even the people who can't afford to buy your CD at the momment but need to see you live. If you sell out to the fan club hype that's cool, I will still be doing what I do without the "perks" but in the end its the music that matters you should never put limitations on people who just want to listen to great music. Just because someone can't afford to be in the club doesn't mean they should miss out on something. Damn the man! Save the music!

likeWHOAitsSonia · 5 months ago

i love you for asking.
because i think fan clubs suck.
i've been a member of ock for three years now
and i have no idea why i still pay for it
because it sucks
the only real benefit is the presales
because i have yet to win a meet and greet
i've gotten early entry, but that's it
all you get for joining is
an ill fitting tshirt, a sticker, a post card, and a card that you don't do anything with.
you don't really get anything exclusive from the band.
nothing that you can't find on the regular band website.
idk
i would probably join a cobra fansite,
just because i love you guys
but i don't like them.
thanks for asking c:

i'm psyched for hot mess!!!!
it comes out the day after my birthday!!!
i'm preordering the deluxe package!!!

leesar · 5 months ago

I think the CD=Membership is a bloody brilliant idea, but make sure it includes us UK kids otherwise I shan't be too pleased, anyway that idea is definitely full of win.

But then again if everyone buys a CD then it's not really a fan club, just a bunch kids who bought your record, therefore making the concept of a fan club obsolete.

I would be willing to pay for a fan club, BUT only if it actually had perks for those outside of the US as well.

That's my reckoning anyway.

lmfaodudeXO · 5 months ago

no fucking way.
no fan club.
fan clubs are for losers.
(and sellouts.)
theyll probably make you have meet & greets instead of just chilling w/ fans like they did with fob.
dont give in gabe,
go tell the suits to fuck it hard.


Xoxo

whoaallison · 5 months ago

i agree.
no fan club.
meet and greets suck because its like impossible to get in. its so much better to just hang out after the show.
plus admission is too expensive. thats why i've never joined one.
and they are kinda for sellouts...

aedail108 · 5 months ago

My parents haven't let me join any fan clubs, they say it's a waste of money. I never have enough money to pay for membership myself, but I do buy all the CDs from bands I like. Please don't make a cobra fan club, us poor kids would be even more left out.

Ginny · 5 months ago

First of all thanks for asking our opinion, it's not something we are asked often, not on things like that anyway :) and thanks for worrying about that, about fees and all and not just say 'yeah do whatever you want with fans and don't bother me'.

Personally I hate fanclubs. For one I can't stand to have to pay to show someone I'm their fan...wtf? I buy merch, cd, show tickets why should I pay more for rights? Like...if I don't have enough money I'm not worth to try and win an early entry or to meet the band?
Plus..usually the start of a fanclub is the death of a real relationship with fans. There are official M&G so less and less time and reasons to stay out of venues before/after shows, some fans who can afford special tickets or pay the fanclub fee have all that shiny things that all the others can't...
Not to talk about all the things fanclubs promise you and you never receive/have (even after you paid for it)
I always found a way to pay for fanclubs if it was something I was interested for, I won M&G and early entries, so I'm not telling that because I'd feel left out, it's just that I think fan clubs are classist.
And honestly...you guys don't seem a band to tell fans 'ok, you have ten minutes of M&G 'coz you won it', not from what I saw outside your shows when you were kidding and taking pics with fans.
So my answer would be NO to the fanclub...but I understand that if they're pressuring and all it could be a good idea to accept and like you said fans buy the cd anyway so...'free' fanclub for who'll buy the cd would be ok I guess, it would give the same chances at win or pre-orders or stuff to all the real fans and that could be ok ;) Just...if you do it...make contest or whatever you're thinking of and give something special to the winners but please don't take anything away from other fans just to make the fanclub 'special', most of all not all the time you guys are so amazing to give us just because the fanclub tells you so or because if you do what the fanclub asks you won't have time for other fans. Your band is so much better than five minute in a room with a few kid with some money just because you have to ;)

raintree3000 · 5 months ago

If you must have a fan club, I like your idea of having to buy the CD for admission to the club. How do you prove you've bought the CD though?

ThisIsNeroli · 5 months ago

That's a really good idea to make it dependant on if somebody buys your CD. That would be especially awesome for those of us who live in other countries - I live in New Zealand, and so the postage over here on anything is like $30 US, and that means by the time it gets to here I've spent about $120 on a membership - so obviously, I can't join any. But if you could make that work, that would be amazing! I always buy CDs, I have too much respect for musicians to steal their music, and I love Cobra! But, I have to admit everyone's saying it makes life for other fans really difficult because of fan club kids getting early entry to gigs, meet and greets and stuff like that, and that just sucks. It would be pretty sweet for the people in the fan club, but that's completely unfair for anyone who isn't. I think Cobra are actually a good enough band, who are close enough to the fans, that you don't need a fanclub. It would just encourage elitism. You're a good person for putting this to us, Gabe, but... I think I might have to vote 'no'..

DJ_Jazzy_J · 5 months ago

Fuck I go away for 3 days and I miss the poll!!! Suburban Legends should've won, btw!! But about fan clubs...I've never joined one and probably never will. Probably not even if it was free. They just seem kinda lame. The "free" stuff isn't all that exciting either. Idk, maybe because it's you guys and it's free, but most likely not. Idc if you start one, because it probably won't effect me either way.

absolutlyamber · 5 months ago

i would like the fan club. i've never been a part of one so i wouldnt know what to tell you. but my sister was a part of northern downpour, and i liked how we got presale tickets so we could always get the best tickets! other than that i dont know. a shirt would be nice. haha.

wtfporscha · 5 months ago

yeah i'm with her, i've never been in a fan club, and i was kinda always waiting to cobra starship to create one so i could join it, since cobra is my favorite band, but it is kinda a lot of money so idk if i could afford it now since im like dead ass broke haha D:
so i can't really say an opinion whether a fan club is a good idea or not, but a free fanclub with a purchase of the cd is super cool, cause i was planning on getting it the day it comes out anyway :)

DJ_Jazzy_J · 5 months ago

Fuck, I'm gone for 3 days and I miss the poll!!! Suburban Legends should've won, btw!! But about fan clubs...I've never joined one and probably never will. Probably not even if it was free. They just seem really lame. The "free" stuff is really not that exciting either. Idk, maybe because it's you guys and it's free, but most likely not. Idc if you start one, it doesn't effect me either way.

MarsAcademy · 5 months ago

Honestly, when you start to get big, it becomes impossible to do everything for everyone. Even doing something like early entry for presale tix is bound to leave some people out - but it has to be done unless you give up meeting fans or giving perks at all. It's just physically impossible. And no matter which way you choose to go, someone gets left out. I think setting up any kind of qualification is better than none - at least SOME of the real fans get in and it lessens the chance of the "just got lucky" bystanders getting a big share of the "extras".

I seriously don't understand the gripe about costs (assuming you ever went with a regular paid fanclub). 35 years ago when I started going to concerts, they cost the same, and my wages were around $5/hour. I babysat for a weekend and I could go to a concert. Most of the fanclubs are around $30/year and that's easily earnable in one weekend.

I think including it with the CD this year is fine. See how it goes and decide how you want it to continue - if you do - next year

Haya_Mohamad · 5 months ago

i definitely agreee!! xD

whoaallison · 5 months ago

I agree with desireenichole only dont do a "real" meet and greet where its like the first 50 people get to go. just hang out after the show like you usually do or at least used to do. :)

cobra_style · 5 months ago

PLEASE DO THAT!!!! I never sign up for fan clubs, pretty much because I don't want to give my credit card information on the web. But, I plan to buy your C.D. no matter what, so it would soo much better if you made the club free to everyone who buys the C.D. It's a great idea!! I live in Canada, so any perks probably wouldn't be much use,unless you decied to come to Ottawa (..please..?) But still, a fan club is an amazing idea!

emk9 · 5 months ago

i'm no fan of fan clubs.
to me, if a band is to the point where they're able to start a fanclub, they really don't need that money. and fan clubs make me feel like an obsessive fangirl or something.
i get your point, and im glad youre considering it this much and getting the fans point of view, but i would personally never join a fan club. i support bands i like by buying their albums and merch and tickets to shows and whatnot. and to me, that's enough.

fcrluvr · 5 months ago

I say do it.What's so bad if you start a fan club anyways?You get to meet more awesome people too.I met you guys at bamboozle left. I bet you I was the only British person who did when you were there.It was awesome, and if you met fans through the fan club,I'm sure they would be as happy as I was. Fan club=joy giving.

rosemaryy · 5 months ago

wow, there's already 427 "Motherfuckers talkin shit" so I'll keep this extremely short.

no fanclub please. they suck.

fcrluvr · 5 months ago

I think there should be a fan club. Fan clubs allow you guys to get closer to fans for sure. I met you by chance at Bamboozle Left. [I WAS THE BRITISH GIRL] If fan clubs allow you guys to meet your fans maybe there will be even more joy giving than the joy that we already get from listening to your music. :)

amandasaurus · 5 months ago

Oh I would DEFINITELY want to be in a fan club I didn't have to pay extra money for! Letting CD buyers join is the best idea ever - I ALWAYS buy the hard copy!

If I were in the Cobra fanclub, I'd want to do fun and ridiculous street team missions and get free stickers and buttons in return. That's all I really ask. ^_^

xlovemary · 5 months ago

i don't have anything against fanclubs.... but i have to say i don't really want one. i love your idea :]

xliss · 5 months ago

En Chile hay un fan club :) de Cobra ♥ se llama SEND OUR PLEASURE TO THE WAR !
We love u!

uhohmeagan · 5 months ago

As much as I love the band, I would never pay for a fanclub membership (to any band, really). I love that you want to offer the fans free membership with the purchase of a CD. As for the free shirt that comes with the membership - I'd like to see you design it. Please don't give us a lame shirt that you know we'd never wear (if YOU wouldn't wear it, WE won't, lol). You already offer presales, so would fanclub members get pre-presales? That doesn't really make sense. Perhaps we could see specials for percentage off merch?

But when you step back and think about it, there's really no sense in getting all these perks with a free membership. You already offer us so much great stuff, I say, "Screw the Suits." We already get advanced ticket opportunities, free stuff, merch specials that a fanclub really doesn't make any sense. And if the suits are taking stabs at your credibility, tell them to look on here, the band website, myspace, friendsorenemies, twitter, etc. We are your fanclub, and because we're your real fans, we don't need a fan club to prove it. =) My friend and I are driving from Chicago to Madison just to see you play. Why should we have to pay to call ourselves fans? Gabe, don't let the elite rule the streets...we're all equal.

FridayNightGirl307 · 5 months ago

YES! YES! YES! i love that idea! I wanted to join panic's fan club but my mom didn't like that i had to pay money.
i'm only into the idea if admission is free. if they don't do that, then screw it. but if it's free i'm in for it 100%
also one of the perks should be getting to know tour dates a little earlier than everyone else and tickets to sold out shows if possible (wanted to see you guys but Connecticut sold out)

mariaaxwerd · 5 months ago

I think that you shouldn't have a fanclub. Besides the fucking admission fees, they just suck ass. Don't get me wrong, I'm in a few, but, really, I've only gotten something out of it like, once. Which is great, too. But.
I say if you're going to have perks and meet and greets, the fans that will stand outside in the rain and cold and wtf ever else there is should be the ones who get to meet you, not the richbitchez.

xkendallx · 5 months ago

i completely agree that if i really love a band i will pay the money for a cd but then i have nothing left for fifty dollar fucking fan club memberships. i think your idea of free membership for ppl who buy a cd is a FANTASTIC idea!! honestly fan clubs kinda suck balls for me anyways cuz i live in canada and unfortunately there is alot of bands that just dont come here very often so its basically a waste of money for me but if it was just the cost of buying a cd i would definitely join still!! i love the meet and greet things that fan clubs do and the pre sales.. they do make it worth it! so my ramble is over but yes i agree!!! .. and come to fucking calgary this tour PLEASE!!
p.s. gabe you are sexy!

PatrickStumpLVRxoxo · 5 months ago

I think the fanclub is a great idea. I will definately go out and buy the actual cd. People will be less likely to get pissed cuz u aren't charging $30 or more like other fan clubs. It's really nice of u guys to do it this way. You are right about the die hards being the ones who go out and buy the cd. This will let people show support even if they can't afford a fanclub membership and don't feel left out. Please do this and it will be greatly appreciated by me and many others.

annieDUHH · 5 months ago

please don't get a fan club! I'm begging you!!!!! I mean I don't think it's fair for some of us fans because we don't all have the money to waste on a fan club so we can see/ get extra stuff. My mom gets mad when I want to buy a CD there's no way she'll let me join a fan club. Plus I've been ripped off multiple times by fan clubs.

jwebb · 5 months ago

yea no fan club. thats a pretty stupid idea in its self. what are we in like 5th grade or what? i mean that the ones that are the diehard music fans will support their bands without a "fanclub." i think there should just be perks for the first come first serve basis. its about gettin the music out there and the fanclub should be free anyways cause your fans make you able to play more and more anyways.

jwebb · 5 months ago

y

paigem · 5 months ago

I think a free fanclub is an amazing idea! Most usually cost more than are worth.

One perk I'd definately like to see is more concerts in Canada! You guys usually do a couple of shows here when you tour, but only in the huge cities. A few smaller town stops (especially on the east coast) sure couldn't hurt!

viva_la_amy · 5 months ago

Even if I hadn't already pre-ordered Hot Mess, I would have bought it, as I have with all your other
CDs.
What you said makes me realise that you actually appreciate what I, amongst other people, do when we go out of our way to buy your music; that it's not just completely overlooked, as I previously thought. So, thanks :)

On that note; I think that trialling the fan club idea by giving people who buy the CD a free membership is a really good idea, but I also see where you are coming from by thinking that fan clubs are corny, I kind of agree when you have to pay a ridiculous amount of money for them (I live in Australia so, with the exchange it costs a shitload). BUT a free fan club would be AWESOME in my opinion. But if the suits disagree...then you can tell them to fuck it ;)

But...before I get too excited, if the free fan club does happen, and I get presale for a year, you gotta promise me that I'll get a chance to use it, at least once. ;)

Anywhoo, that was quite long-winded. I guess I think that it would be best to do what you want; after all, isn't that what every one loves about Cobra Starship? ;)
xo

lmfaodudeXO · 5 months ago

i thought that gabe doesnt want to and the suits does.
lol idk

kizk · 5 months ago

When i was younger there was no internet, I was member of fan club because I wanted to get band news.
Though event or goods are sweet..
honestly I don't think fan club is important so much now there is news everywhere. :|

IAMABBIE · 5 months ago

i agree if you buy a CD then you automatically are part of the fan club!

with this recession i cant afford to be doin this pay monthly business....MY BANK BALANCE CAN'T MANAGE IT! lol

i dunno what "packages" you'll have in it but i think to benifit me and my broke self i should get guestlist for your shows sometimes (when i say sometimes i mean everytime you guys are in london)

lol

i think as bday pressie i should get a CD for FREE!!!!!!!!!!!
xoxo

heymisterdj · 5 months ago

I totally agree. I pre-ordered the deluxe edition of the Hot Mess CD and I am so excited. I never thoght of you guys having a fan club, it sounds so great and even better for free. I would love these perks. It would help alot too if some times you could have a canadian tour! You always tour the US and sometimes Britain and i know that me and my friends really love you and would love to go to one of your shows.

For perks it would be great to have stuff like limited- editon t-shirts and stuff like that, random goodies, like i know from the Northern Downpour fanclub for Panic at the Disco you get magnets and an official certificate. Pre-Sale tickets are always in good taste. At least come to Montana for some tours, that would mean so much to me.
I love you guys so much.

amanda_zkfski · 5 months ago

Fuck fan clubs!

I actually used to be a huge advocate of fan clubs. But then I realized... $40 a year for a shot at meeting the band on their tour? Half the time, it's not even guaranteed. A free t-shirt? Not worth it. And getting to talk to other fans on an exclusive message board? I could still talk to fans for free elsewhere.

You shouldn't have to prove yourself to be a fan by spending money. You're right, it's a fucking recession.

I think it's cool that you guys don't ~hand-pick~ the fans you want to meet and you're willing to hang out with everyone. I think it should stay that way.

In my opinion, the best way to do a fan club is a free one.

Alexish · 5 months ago

Congrats to The Audition! that would be another band that I wont be able to see...

Okay, so Im really iffy on the whole fan club issue. yeah, its pretty sweet if we get a free membership with the CD purchase. earlier this year, i finally joined FOB's club, overcast kids. it seemed like a good idea at the time, because of all of the perks that came with it, like the m&gs, i thought that i would finally have chance to go to one of their shows because i was so sure it would convince my mom to drive me to one. Not only have i not had any chances for ANYTHING since my joining, im stuck with a really shitty shirt, a non-legit "membership card", and im out 40 bucks.

so joining that fan club was an honest mistake.

and with that said, i think the free 1 year membership is a good idea. thank you sooo much gabe for actually thinking about your fans. i respect you for that. :)

BewareAlexia · 5 months ago

i used to be an ock and an slh, and it sucks because i never go on there, the community mainly sucks, pre-sales sold out sometimes before i even bought my ticket, and meet and greets were like "hi how are you? -picture- thanks, bye." All the times i've met and talked on the phone with you guys, you always make some sort of convo and make me going out to the show and going through things to be allowed to go worthwhile. fan clubs suck, they make people feel "elite" and i love your idea. Kids don't have that much money to spend nowadays and the small amount that our parents are able to give us or we get out of work is so hard to earn, that we can't afford to spend it on things like fan clubs.

thank you so much for standing up for us, Gabe.
my respect for you keeps getting higher every time you post a blog like this one.

KMlightning · 5 months ago

Well, you're cobra starship. Don't you think it'd be against nature if you DIDN'T go back to the suits and tell them to fuck it? The world might end. Besides, you guys are already being accused of being sell outs. You'd be fucked if you started a fan club.

KMlightning · 5 months ago

You guys are Cobra Starship. Wouldn't it go against nature if you DIDN'T tell the suits to fuck it? Besides, you're already being accused of selling out. If you were to start a fan club, you'd be fucked.

jesskieta · 5 months ago

Fanclubs can be lame, but I love ones like OCK because of M&G, early entry, stuff like that. And I definitely back the CD/free membership idea :).

Flamingsword · 5 months ago

As panicky as the record industry is over the decline of CD sales, you'd think they would break into jazzhands at any idea that would promote the sale of physical merchandise.

EmilyCOBRA · 5 months ago

Usually my opinion on Fan Clubs is that they're all overrated and full of fuckers. The kids in fan clubs tend to flaunt the title and go around mouthing shit "Oh yes I love (insert band name here) so much and I'm in their fan club and I rock hard core now". No. Those kids are lame; far past lame. But if Cobra were to actually get a fan club, I indeed would join it and know of numerous kids who would because we can tell you guys are different. Y'all aren't in it just to scam us out of 30 bucks and have it over with. I understand that completely. And Gabriel, your idea for the whole album buying shit is genius. I've been counting down the release date of the album for over a month now, so the fan club perk would just extra excitement. The illegal downloads and all the buisness are convinent, yeah, I mean, we all do it. But I know many kids (including myself) who NEED to buy the actual hard out CD because it's better. more pure. Like "hey, this is the CD. not the download I got off limewire and such". I need it. Other kids need it. Die-hard fans are out there, I promise you. But if you guys did get a Fan Club, one awesome perk that the kids always go for is Meet and Greet. Those rock, not gonna lie. And, you get to meet all your dedicated fans and what not. So win-win situation? I think so. This is just my imput. Hope it made some sort of impact. Love you Gabriel, see you in 2 days on August 4 in Madison<3 (Day after my birthday! getting exactly what I wanted too.. TO SEE YOU GUYS!) My fangs are fucking up til I hit the grave.

laurenlovescobra · 5 months ago

i think this is an awesome idea. i was a part of one fanclub and we were promised a fan gift and it turned out to be a cheap book and stickers. also the presales never worked because everyones computers freeze and meet and greets were like a contest. and usually only ten people per city were chosen to meet the band. the fanclub was a huge ripoff and a waste of my money. therefore, i love this idea. im just confused on the exact details but im sure those will get worked out. :)

iamprecious · 5 months ago

Your idea is great!! Maybe once the CD is purchased and in the Fan Club then...there could be perks like discouts off merchandise so we could still chose what we want to buy and wear and size and so on... but at the same time its still a perk...=)

mra_z · 5 months ago

do a fan club!! and you should do like presales early admissions meet and greet and contests to win stuff and meet you guys

shelbyatl · 5 months ago

fan clubs can suck it, especially if you have to pay!

stay true gabe saporta.

cant wait for your show aug. 8!

Flamingsword · 5 months ago

It's often worthwhile to try out bad ideas for the seeds of future good ideas they contain. Unless your success or failure somehow hinges on this decision, why should your label complain?

But I've never joined a fanclub, so I'm no help with the rest of this.

shelby2051 · 5 months ago

Honestly fan clubs are kind of a rip.
fans shouldn't have to pay $30+ to prove their a fan, or get to meet the band.

Theres a lot of fanclubs that give you meet & greet opportunites when you buy the fanclub, and I think its crap. I love it so much more when you get to meet the bands before or after the show, to me its so much more personal. In the organized meet & greets you barely get to talk to the band, which doesn't make sense, hence the Greet part..

The really only perk that I see is the early entry, but even then, the die-hard fans will show up super early to shows to get the good spots in the front of the stage next to the rail. I say veto the fanclub dealio.

shelby2051 · 5 months ago

I think fanclubs are a rip. The die-hard fans will show up early regardless of the fanclub early entrys to get the good spots in the front of the stage next to the rail.
It sucks too because most fanclubs make it so you can only meet the band via the fanclub which sucks because it makes it so impersonal that way, you only get to meet the band, theres no greeting going on usually, because they have to get through it so quickly.
I say veto the fanclub dealio.

tamimalnuweiri · 5 months ago

Personally, i think the cd idea is genius. as for the fan club thing in general.. its kind of a shitty. im being asked to pay to be a fan? thats bogus. as for other fan clubs ive been a part of, they do grow really big sometimes and then the perks become limited and then theres no point really to paying this admission fee. the thing about illegal downloading is also true. i buy your albums cause im supportive. im a die hard fan. other bands that im not smuch of a fan of i do illegally download their shit. so asking for a payment to prove your a fan for perks like pre ticket sales is a little bit ridiculous.

hahanichole · 5 months ago

Honestly, I do go out and buy the cd's and listen to it from a CD player once or twice then upload it to my ipod and then its all done. I let it sit in my closet for show. I love CD's though and the little lyrics in the little notebook are always different for everyband. fall out boy didnt even put lyrics in theirs. but i think you should have a fan club because your true fans get everything before everyone, we will know whats going on with you guys and get entered into contests for amazing things. it helps bands get closer to their fans and i personally love that. so yes, get a fan club and yes, i will buy your cd.

-Nichole.

muffinmix75 · 5 months ago

I'm not rlly into the fan club thing but hey, i'm sure as hell buying the CD and I think you have a great idea. I hope i can go to the show on the 12th! My mom is being a bitch about it so yeah. fingers crossed

JennyisaHotMess · 5 months ago

Really, I think your idea is great. I mean, I was just planning on buying the cd on itunes, but if I get a free admission to the fan club, then fuck yeah I'll buy it in the store. That was a smart thing to do, but you really should jsut do waht you feel is best because if you arent all for the idea, the whats the point of putting time and effort into it?
But I think you should :D

Lots of love,

juliabk · 5 months ago

.

juliabk · 5 months ago

DONT HAVE A FANCLUB sorry i just think it's a stupid idea. but if there was a fanclub you should get free membership if you buy the album on itunes cause i dunno how many people would be willing to buy the cd and the album off itunes (cause we all want the album on our ipods, right?) and anyway if there was a fanclub, i'd still join it even though i wouldnt be able to use the pre-sale stuff and the early admission cause a)i'm broke b)i doubt that no matter how much i cry and scream, my mom (yes, i am a minor) won't let me go to a cobra concert and c)if by some miricle i convinced my mom to let me go, i could only go if you guys came to grand rapids (pleasssssssssssee) on the fall tour, cause everywhere else is too far. holy shit, i just re-read that and nonee of it makes any sense. sorry, i ramble a lot. btw, how's the jew fro?
oh wait, i LOVE you're not in on the joke, it just popped up in my email

hermansgirl · 5 months ago

Well, I can see that everyone here for the most part is against the whole idea of a fanclub. But, <insert sigh of "why-am-I-defending-the-other-side-yet-again"> sometimes you need to look at it from the perspective of "the suits". Their business is to make money. It is not part of their job description to care about the fans. They see sales going down because of the recession, because of downloads, because of fucking whatever and they are looking for something to bolster those slumping sales. They don't perceive these situations the way most people do. They look at it in the "I want you to spend your money on my shit instead of someone else's shit" way. They see a fanclub as a way to make more money in a relatively cost effective way. I think it is a very nearsighted solution. I think doing something linked to purchasing cd's is a much more long term solution in several ways. If you are going to do that though you have to have some good points to back it up and an even better counter argument to the "it's good for the fans" crap. I think sometimes fans don't see the business aspect of music. It's a fucking awsome job, but it's still a job. If you piss off "the suits" too much, having or not having a fanclub will be the least of worries. But, I'm fucking done talking about it. I'm going to go make dinner. I hate talking about business on an empty tum. Have a blessed evening...Erin

sabiiine · 5 months ago

ABOUT YOU'RE NOT IN ON THE JOKE ! the part that says 'i'm super sweet sealing the kiss' would be better if it was 'selling the kiss'. and i would buy it :9 HAHAHAHA <3

canelise26 · 5 months ago

Ya know what, Gabe, I say if the suits want a fan club, you give em a fucking fan club. Then, to throw it in their face, you call the club "Python Spaceship". They dont like it, fuck em. You're too damn salty to put up with their shit. Or call the club " We <3 Ashley Tisdale " to piss her off along with the suits. It's basically a win win situation. You cant lose! but then again, you never lose, you're fucking Gabe Saporta.


Love u fuckface.

mexipinay · 5 months ago

WOO_HOO for The Audition! too bad I'm not going because it's sold out!

i say no to fan clubs. I'm currently enrolled in a fan club, not saying who, because I love the band, but it's not worth it. I got a membership card that's supposed to "hook me up" when I go to their booth, but when I got to the booth and showed my card, they told me they dont take it...WTF?
Also they rarely update the website, and when they did, it was mostly for the east coast, & i'm in California! The stuff i got were good, but the perks sucked!

If you want to do the fan club, try the free membership w/ the CD deal before charging your fans. The fans already buy the CDs, Merch & Concert Tixs. Most of your fans have to ask their parents for the dinero.

mt11 · 5 months ago

I think a fanclub is a bad idea with all the perks. If anyone who buys a cd gets early admission or whatever that would be a lot of early admission. Plus I was pist when i was first in line at your concert and all these people got to go in for a meet and greet and ended up stayin inside so it didn't even matter we were first in line. We waited three hours! Understandable about the meet and greet but they should ve at least had to come back outside and get in line

cassandra811 · 5 months ago

If the fan club genuinely doesn't fuck people over, go for it.

I was in a fan club and paid a shit ton of money to be in it and got a whole lot of nothing that really mattered to me. I didn't want a membership card or a postcard or a sticker. That's all I got. I was supposed to get access to tickets and whatnot but I never did.

I think the CD idea is good. I don't have extra money to pay to be in a fan club as well as buy the CDs. Not to mention renewing memberships BLOWS.

phoebehunter · 4 months ago

Hey Gabe!

i dont think you'll remember me but we met outside of a hey monday show this summer in nyc and you had left all the other people that you were taking pictures with and were walking down the street towards 9th ave and I was walking behind you (not creepily) and you turned around and I was like omg you're gabe!! and you were so nice and sweet and i was a total loser because i finally got to meet you.

ANYWAYS!

I really need to go to the cobra starship show on august 27th at the crazy donkey on long island. i know the tickets have been sold out for weeks and I meant to get one while they were on sale but hey! i'm a kid trying to pay for school and kept thinking I could put it off. stupidly i should've guessed that you would get sold out but i didn't, now the only tickets I can find are for over 100 dollars and no offense to you or the band but I really don't have that kind of money. I've never been to a cobra show and i would LOVE to go. I'm legit willing to sell my soul for these tickets, I've loved you guys forever and I was so excited to get to go to this show before they sold out.

Like I said I will sell my soul, I'll help sell merch, walk up and down the line waiting outside and sell copies of hot mess, play bouncer and kick fiesty bitches out of the show, get up on stage in the middle of the show and dance the funky chicken, or do the guilty pleasure dance you name it! just please tell me theres a way I can get into this show.

I'm begging you, when I met you for that brief period of time outside of highline you were just SO nice, so please please please tell me theres a way :)

oxoxo


PLEASE EMAIL ME

ifuwantedasong@aim.com

Soraya_Electric · 4 months ago

Real fans wait in rain, snow, heat, and anything else they throw at us, just to get crushed against a stage surrounded by unknown sweaty people to listen to the most magnificent band ever, that is Cobra Starship. We don’t need to be members of any “exclusive group” to make us cobras. The legit fans, are the broke fans, that spend 24-7 thinking about the next time they’ll be able to get a glimpse of you guys. Fan clubs just show who’s mommy and daddy have the money to buy their kids early entry/backstage passes. Just keep in mind that the TRUE fans will ALWAYS be there, fan club members or not.

Ambereen · 4 months ago

All right. A little late, but still. And I do hope you actually read this. Even if you just manage to comment with a nod, I just need to make sure this gets to you.

Fan clubs suck. In so many, freaking ways. And so does early entry. M&Gs can be well and good if done correctly, and the people that show up five minutes before get sent to the back of the line.

Early entry doesn't need to be done. Ever. I was at a cobra concert at 7 in the morning once, on your birthday. We were three of the four people there, when you were taking pictures of the area. You talked to us for a good amount of time, and I felt like the happiest person in the world. And then, ten minutes before the show, a group of so. many. damn. people. just showed up and got to line up opposite us and I had to stand there, fighting back tears of anger because they all got let in before us. And in some venues, that actually causes a problem because of the sheer amount of people in front of you.

We fought the weather, the time, the traffic, because we wanted front row, we wanted to party. We deserved it. And it got taken away because of people who had early entry. That we didn't even know about. For fuck's sake if you're gonna have EE give it to the people who get there first, who spend the time and energy to show up and be die-hard fans.

We already know who we are, we already know how much we are valued by you and the band. We don't need a fan club.

Ambereen · 4 months ago

All right. A little late, but still. And I do hope you actually read this. Even if you just manage to comment with a nod, I just need to make sure this gets to you.

Fan clubs suck. In so many, freaking ways. And so does early entry. M&Gs can be well and good if done correctly, and the people that show up five minutes before get sent to the back of the line.

Early entry doesn't need to be done. Ever. I was at a cobra concert at 7 in the morning once, on your birthday. We were three of the four people there, when you were taking pictures of the area. You talked to us for a good amount of time, and I felt like the happiest person in the world. And then, ten minutes before the show, a group of so. many. damn. people. just showed up and got to line up opposite us and I had to stand there, fighting back tears of anger because they all got let in before us. And in some venues, that actually causes a problem because of the sheer amount of people in front of you.

We fought the weather, the time, the traffic, because we wanted front row, we wanted to party. We deserved it. And it got taken away because of people who had early entry. That we didn't even know about. For fuck's sake if you're gonna have EE give it to the people who get there first, who spend the time and energy to show up and be die-hard fans.

We already know who we are, we already know how much we are valued by you and the band. We don't need a fan club.

kerikakes · 4 months ago

I completely agree with you, Gabe. I think that fan clubs are a good thing because of the perks obviously. But it sucks when you're denied access to stuff just because you didn't pay the stupid fee. In this day and age, i think a free fan club would be revolutionary. Money's tight, and fan clubs aren't the first things that people want to throw their money at.

what i like about fan clubs is the stuff that you get, but what i don't like is the early entry stuff. i went to see Fall Out Boy this past spring and we sat in line since before daybreak, and the people that were in the "fanclub" were allowed to just jump right in front of us. and they had just arrived prior to showtime!! so i think it's just unfair because i'm sure i was just as big a fan of FOB as they were.

okay those are my thoughts. :) please consider them!

WeCanCreate · 4 months ago

I just feel like all the meet and greet stuff is just... i don't know, it's cool but, to have to pay more to meet the bands ? It's kinda weird. And "early admissions" feel kind of like cheating to me, because some fans just wait hours to be in the front row, while otheers just have to pay ? I mean, there are fans that doon't have the money to pay for the fan-club, does that make them "less bigger fans" that those who can ? I like the idea that everyone who buys the cd should be in the fan club, but after that we'll still have to pay to renew the membership. Personally, I'm not saying that because I don't have the money, but more because it seems unfair too me to give privileges to those who can pay, and added to the fact that i feel like fan clubs really give a "commercial" image to a band, i just don't think it's a good idea. Honestly : it would be a little disapointment for me to see that a Cobra Starship fan club is created. I would get over it, but I feel like you are one of the bands that, though getting bigger and bigger, don't get too serious about it. On the other hand, this may make more people buy the CDs, which you totally deserve, but i don't know, you'd have to find another way to renew the membership than pay admission fees, and I would consider it fair. Otherwise, no. And please, please, please, just stay the same, and don't let yourself be influenced by all those people who only want money. We want your music, that is all that matters. But I'm sure you'll make the right choice, and I'll respect it whatever it is.

vivalarevolucion · 4 months ago

I think fan clubs are mostly shit. There is one fn club I have joined and that's the AFI fan club called The Despair Faction. You get some cool shit on signing up like a t-shirt, wrist band etc. There's a special DF online store where we get discounts and such. DF members go into the draw fro meet and greets in at the show they are going to. And the best part of the DF?

A ONE TIME PAYMENT FOR A LIFETIME MEMBERSHIP. Most people who will go out and buy your cd's simply dont have the money for a yearly fee and frankly I think yearly fees to be a fan of a band is complete bullshit.

I think you should tell the suits that if they want you to make people pay a yearly fee to be a "die-hard" fan of a band, then you're going to lose fans and get some more musical elitism. And there's very few things worse in the music industry today than people thinking they are more of a fan than another person just because they can afford to be in a fan club.

itsalexisyo · 4 months ago

no gabe.
no fan club,
fan clubs are for dick sucking bands like the jonas brothers and their crazed fans.
and your right, you dont need a fan club to prove that your a dedicated fan.
but yeah, if there is a fan club, do the if you buy the cd thing you are in, and then see how that goes.
buuuuuuuuuut if there does turn out to be one, make sure you make things for the chance for all of us VVVVVVVVVVVVVVV to meet you and the rest of the cobras :)

fangs out...alexis.

heybelinda · 4 months ago

Hell yes! I buy CDs sometimes and I think I deserve bragging rights every now and then. I mean, I don't truly think I'm ~so above~ anyone but I would totally nag on a few people like "WHADDUP I'M IN THE FANCLUB!!"

jessiehallett · 4 months ago

Yanno what? I, like you, am in love with actual CD's. There is something so tangible about being able to pull it out and say, "look at this KILLER cd. The jacket artwork is amazing." Hardly anyone else has it. CD's rule the world (:

And the fan club thing, I honestly don't give a fuck, but I love it when the suits get told to fuck off, it totally rocks. I wouldn't be joining it, because that stuff is cheap and a total rip-off...right, presale tickets...but the band doesn't even come to your city, so what's the point?

Loochh · 4 months ago

i heard the fanclubs already happened? someone's got their hot mess cd in the post super early. fingers crossed this'll work out. but the thing is, will we be paying for the next years membership? if yes, really, i wont be in the 'cobra crew 4 life' because i won't be able to afford it.

radxitsxgrace · 4 months ago

People on here are saying the admission prices suck, & I agree they do. But, you pay once a year. On top of that you get a t-shirt, access to the site, and perks that make it well worth it. I joined Santis Little Helpers, and the 30$ fee is waayy worth it. So, 20 of that goes to the t-shirt or whatever they give you. & The other is for the maintenance of the site. I can see how it is sort of corny, but honestly, in the end it is way worth it if you want chances to meet the band, get in early etc., etc.

The only thing I'm not too crazy about is the boards on the other fan clubs. There are always the people who make huge deals out of nothing and act as though they're the only ones who can like the band, which gets somewhat irritating, but I just learned not the go on the boards or ignore those people (mostly the girls who somehow think one day they will marry one of the members of the band, haha).

All in all, I think the fan club is a good idea, because in most cases the people who want these perks most are the ones willing to pay for it. The only thing I feel bad about are the ones unable to pay for it.