It’s been awhile since I’ve been to the Showbox (at the Market), and I’ve yet to go to the new Showbox Sodo. In fact, it might have been for the Decemberists show in October 2005. I don’t like the Showbox (at the Market).

A few weeks ago, though, I signed up for their mailing list, realizing that I’m probably missing out on some musical acts that I would gladly put up with my dislike of the Showbox (at the Market) in order to see. A couple days ago, I got an email announcing a special pre-sale for the band X’s reunion tour at the end of March. In that moment, I decided that I must buy my ticket then and there, so as to guarantee my attendance at the show. I am a bad judge of a musical act’s popularity so I must assume the shows will sell out.

But let me get to the advice. Unless it is virtually guaranteed the show will sell out, or if you are in another state or continent when the ticket sale goes on, DO NOT buy your tickets to the Showbox (either location) online. Always, always go to the box office at the Market location and buy your tickets. I remember thinking it was highway robbery and false advertising that the Showbox adds a $2 service charge when you buy your advance tickets at their box office. But that is nothing compared to the continued rape by Ticketmaster.  You’d think they would have learned their lesson, but it seems that after all the hubbub over the years, they have actually raised their fees.

I bought one $25 ticket and paid almost $40 total.  How? Ticket price $25 plus “convenience charge” of $8.25 (should not be more than the $2.50 round trip bus ticket I would have paid to get to the box office) plus “order processing charge” of $5.36 (they must use monkeys and abaci) plus $0.42 tax. Tax on what is unclear, as is the rate of the tax. It’s not Seattle sales tax on any of the charges.

I went ahead and bought the ticket because I want to be sure that I go see X for once in my life. And I know how I am – I will be able to come up with all sorts of things to do that will prevent me from going to the box office. And by the time I do get there, the show will be sold out. But never again, I say! Always, always buy your tickets at the box office! If you ever hear me say again that I bought a Showbox ticket online, you have my permission to punch me in the stomach.