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Radiohead Fans Offered Make-Up Tickets—in New Jersey

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By Catherine Andrews

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I was also issued the refund offer via email given the same message as posted by E. However, I was able to do all of this online. I sent an email to Nissan requesting a refund on May 14th. I then received an email back the same day with the offer for lawn tickets in New Jersey. My husband and I will be unable to attend that show, and so I requested a full refund again. It took about a week, but I then received an email offering the refund.

I would agree with E’s note that you probably need to contact Nissan first to get your request in. Simply sending in unused tickets without prior contact with Nissan may not suffice.

Posted by: Cherie | May 21, 2008 07:38:26 AM

Here we go -- as a reminder, these are the steps I followed:
I called Nissan, received a call back two days later, was offered replacement tickets, declined and requested a refund, was told that I would get an email within 48 hours with instructions for getting a refund, and have since received the following email:

"Thank you for your response regarding a refund for the Radiohead concert at Nissan Pavilion on May 11. We have reviewed your situation and are prepared to process your refund. In order to obtain your refund, we will need to have your unused, unscanned tickets back in our possession. Please mail them to the address below. All refunds will be issued as checks and may take up to six weeks to process, so we ask for your patience in advance. Please remember that we must get your old tickets back ? a confirmation of your order will not suffice. Please be sure to also include your return address so we know exactly where to send your refund.

If your tickets were held at will call and you did not pick them up, let us know and we can find them for you and make the exchange on your behalf.

The address to send your tickets to is:

7800 Cellar Door Drive
Bristow, VA 20136
ATTN: Radiohead Refund

Thank you again for your patronage of Live Nation and we sincerely hope this helps to make up for the experience you had on May 11."

So note ( I suspect this to be the case since there was a processing time before I received the quoted email) that maybe you actually have to call the Pavilion and make sure they put your name on whatever list it is they’re keeping for refunds -- just following these instructions may not be enough if they’re not expecting to get your tickets for refund in the mail.

Hope this helps.

Posted by: E | May 20, 2008 09:09:42 PM

No update yet but promise to keep posted as soon as I do -- it’ll have been 48 working hours later today.

Posted by: E | May 20, 2008 09:11:57 AM

thanks for providing this info. just called Nissan for my refund and was promised a call back. Right.

Posted by: ges | May 20, 2008 07:27:18 AM

Any update on the refunds? I too was sent the wonderful offer of lawn tickets to replace my PIT tickets I spent $250 for. Lawn tickets in NJ are not an acceptable replacement.

Posted by: John | May 19, 2008 01:45:11 PM

E, if you get information on a refund, please post it here. We had four pavillion seats and lawn seats in NJ would be unacceptable to us as well. I think the people that are calling us whiners fail to realize that it wasn’t the weather that caused us to miss the show, it was the incompetence of the venue organizers and police that created the traffic bottleneck from hell. We arrived within one mile of the venue at 7:30 pm (the show’s start time). We were DENIED entrance into the venue and forced to drive around the venue for four hours due to the venue’s lack of adequate parking and lack of any organization or planning. Bad weather or not, NO ONE should expect to wait four hours to travel one mile to enter the venue and then be told to turn around and go home.

Posted by: SYS | May 16, 2008 01:40:36 PM

Someone from Nissan returned my call and offered tickets to a show of my choice at Nissan or two lawn tickets (for my four seated initially purchased) for the NJ show. Upon explaining that I would not accept either option and wanted nothing less than a refund, I was asked for my email address and told that instructions for getting a full refund (including fees -- I specifically asked) would be mailed to me within 48 hours. Though I won’t celebrate until I see the money, I am pretty optimistic.

Posted by: E | May 16, 2008 11:06:33 AM

Kid -A-

Did you go to a different radiohead concert than I did? Because, while yes, their setlist was incredible, it was a miserable, miserable experience. I could have enjoyed the experience more on another day, had they cancelled the show and re-scheduled.

Even those of us lucky enough to get in were soaked to the bone (and I was in the Pavilion!).

While Nissan is not responsible for the weather, they are responsible on taking care of provisions for handling the weather and if they cannot do that, then they needed to cancel the show.

I got out of the parking lot at 1:30am, on the verge of either hypothermia or extreme rage.

Posted by: john | May 16, 2008 08:30:51 AM

Yes, I contacted Nissan Pavilion on Monday (via e-mail) and they did offer me lawn tickets to Camden, NJ. I am puzzled why I have to spend more money on go out of my way?! It makes no sense. It felt like a slap across my face. I NEVER missed or was late to a concert in my life before.

Posted by: S | May 16, 2008 08:05:52 AM

IF Radiohead cares about the environment, they would never play Nissan Pavillion. It is widely known, even without flooding, that getting to and from Nissan is a nightmare. There are too few roads, no public transportation, and too many seats for this venue location. Radiohead should have known this already and should be more committed to picking venues that allow for less congestion--a huge source of carbon dixoide emissions!

Posted by: Rockhead | May 16, 2008 07:26:16 AM

Nissan Pavillion is a joke. I realized that years ago and refuse to see a show there. It should not be considered a DC area venue.

Posted by: Chris | May 16, 2008 06:21:37 AM

"They should have just cancelled the show. Even for the fans who did manage to get in, it was one of the worst rainstorms to hit our area, and I was told that they had to stand in a minimum of 6 inches of water for HOURS before, during, and after the show.

If this isn’t negligence, I don’t know what is. "

Negligence on whose part? God?

The people who got in (early) saw one of the best concerts Radiohead has ever put on. Why would you want to ruin their good time?

Posted by: Kid A | May 15, 2008 02:05:45 PM

I live 10 miles from Nissan Pavilion and it took more than 4 hours to reach the venue. Once we arrived at the gate, we were denied entrance to the concert, as we were told by security that it was already over. We arrived at the entrance at 10:30pm, after having spent 4 hours in my car for what was only a one mile distance.

Once off of the 66 exit, the traffic was so poorly managed that it took 2 hours to get to the first entrance to Nissan, only to be directed by police to the second entrance, because the road access to the first entrance was flooded. Once re-routed, it took an additional 2 hours to even gain access to the second entrance.

Nissan Pavilion states that they will hold events, rain or shine. With that being said, accomodations to handle the concert traffic need to be in place. There was no provisional on how to handle the rain and road closures, not to mention the surrounding area’s street repairs which closed two lanes down to one. What ended up happening was that thousands of concert goers, like myself, were forced into a dangerous bottleneck towards Nissan Pavilion with the only open area to turn around and go home was the entrance to the park itself.
I saw many people getting out of their cars, trying to run to Nissan Pavilion, desperate to get even a glimpse of radiohead of which they paid more than $50 dollars to see (not including the almost $25 of other "service charges).

The least LiveNation (the Promoters for Nissan Pavilion) can do is generate a refund for all unscanned tickets. This is the worst experience I have ever had and it will deter me and many other fans from ever attending another concert at Nissan Pavilion.

A complimentary lawn ticket for a show in New Jersey is not "complimentary"...especially if you paid for Pavilion seats, which I did. It is insulting and not even close to a compromise.

They should have just cancelled the show. Even for the fans who did manage to get in, it was one of the worst rainstorms to hit our area, and I was told that they had to stand in a minimum of 6 inches of water for HOURS before, during, and after the show.

If this isn’t negligence, I don’t know what is.

Posted by: AC | May 15, 2008 11:52:39 AM

So E- what are you going to do if tickets to NJ (and lawn at that) are the only thing they offer you? Pout in impotent rage? What leg do you have to stand on?

Posted by: A | May 15, 2008 10:49:40 AM

You know what’s bs? I had tickets to a sporting event in New Orleans and those mofos cancelled it cause of Katrina. Of course mother nature happens but their inability to deal with adverse weather was terrible!!! I want my money back!! Wahhhhh.

Posted by: NO Saint | May 15, 2008 10:44:27 AM

For those on either side of this discussion, I flew from Boston to attend this show. I frequent 15 to 20 live shows per year, and am well versed in arriving early, especially in inclement weather. Im from Florida originally, torrential rain is a daily occurrence. My party and I left Clarendon at 430pm for a 730pm show. After circling the venue twice, decided to call it a day and turn around at 10pm. Im not sure about the rest of you, but 5 and a half hours, rain or shine, is absurd. A police officer even commented that after 15 years of directing traffic for this venue, he’s never seen anything like it.
Nissan is making an effort, and has offered the New Jersey tickets to me via email from customer service, faulting the weather alone. I will give them that, but for those that cannot make it to a weekday show in yet again another state, the tickets are meaningless. Especially lawn tickets after $300 were spent on actual seats. Its going to be a lose-lose situation, regardless of free lawn tickets. Nissan needs better "adverse weather" planning for the next time, and to offer refunds for those who honestly cannot make it to the New Jersey show. .

Posted by: tmb | May 14, 2008 08:50:19 PM

This past weekend was absolutely hell. While I was able to get in and see the show, I spent 3 hours in the parking lot WAITING TO MOVE OUT of my parking space. The parking lot was at a standstill till 1:45 am.

I hope Nissan is happy with all the money they stole from tickets sales, I will never go there ever again, and will inform all of my friends how horribly the staff handled everything.

I also decided not to buy a 2008 Altima, and bought a new Volvo S40 today. Eat that Nissan.

Posted by: Dave | May 14, 2008 08:38:38 PM

Well, paul clearly is ignorant, if not grumpy. That argument is acceptable when the supply equals the demand if the person follows the rules. However, that’s not the case in this situation.

Also considering what Radiohead fan suggested: Let’s suppose everybody showed up 3 hours early...there would still be a significant number of people who *PAID* for parking and concert entrance and got neither.

This means that the venue reneged on its part of the contract. It would be one thing if the rains shortened the show or made things difficult, but in denying access due to its own inabilities, the venue was negligent.

No, people should not be grateful (or greatful as paul said) to get substandard tickets to an extremely inconvenient location. They should be upset that the people who had no problem taking the money for the tickets do not have the ethics to return the money to those whom they did not serve.

Someone offering a service or product has the responsibility ensuring that it is executed correctly and safely, and that includes insuring for things that go wrong. Anyone who gets less than a refund of all their money including fees and taxes was scammed.

Posted by: not paul | May 14, 2008 04:59:53 PM

I would call Nissan Pavilion 703 754 6400 and get on the list of people they’ll be calling back over the next "couple of days". They’re looking into it on a "case by case basis" so I wouldn’t start the conversation with "I hear you’re giving out replacement tickets" but rather explaining that you are upset at missing the show and would like to be compensated or reimbursed, and see what they say before being specific.

Posted by: E | May 14, 2008 03:28:18 PM

If alternative tickets are being offered, I would love to take some. If this is true could someone please post some instructions? Thank you

Posted by: DE | May 14, 2008 09:44:46 AM

I was one of those denied access to the lot...at Nissan Pavilion, mind you, EVERY TICKET is charged a parking fee. I saw none of the show, but was in the "detour" for over 2.5 hours.

We made it to within 10 miles of Nissan at 7:00pm, and did not see one song...and there were hundreds (literally miles) of cars behind us. In fact, when we finally reached the parking lot entrance and were denied access I said - "but the show is not over". The cop shouted back - "it’s over"! Which was a blatant lie at that point.

I called Nissan on Monday and left my name and number. They said I’d hear back in "a couple of days" but I haven’t heard anything.

Posted by: radiohokie | May 14, 2008 09:23:49 AM

I was denied and was planning on going to see them in NJ anyway. Keep me posted on these tix. I’ll NEVER buy tickets to Nissan again. I’m DISGUSTED! Lighting does strike twice it seems (pardon the analogy). I was turned away from Bull Run and Nissan. I saw RH fine in NJ and Merriweather. It must be something about RH, and VA, and Rain.

Bjranno@gmail.com Please keep me posted.

Posted by: Brad J. Ranno | May 14, 2008 08:08:25 AM

i have been offered NOTHING from nissan, even though i called and emailed. not even tickets to NJ, which i dont want.

Posted by: angry | May 14, 2008 08:00:44 AM

Of course mother nature happens. However, if a venue is unable to adequately manage a situation, concert-goers should not be penalized. We were pointed in circles around the pavilion thinking we were being directed to the show for over 3 hours. We left DC 5 hours before radiohead was to go on. Their parking lots were full, their drainage overwhelmed . . . The venue chose not to cancel the show -- yet could not accommodate paying customers. A refund is in order.

Posted by: E | May 14, 2008 07:48:05 AM

Many of us did plan to get to the concert ahead of time, the rains came on route, and we were stuck in the traffic that then was turned away. Although Nissan P cannot control the weather, they can provide information on closures through a hotline or via a popular radio station, for example. Being an outdoor venue that has limited roads and is not accessible through public transport, they have a responsibility to inform the clients and assist with and prepare for contingencies. A New Jersey concert is not a viable alternative. Some form of reimbursement or "local" compensation for the lack of client satisfaction is merited, particularly if they want people to attend performances at their venue in the future. If we are not compensated, there are many who will most likely never attend a concert there in the future.

Posted by: L | May 14, 2008 07:13:51 AM

Those being offered the tickets should be honored that they’re even being invited into the greatest state in the union rather than complain.

Posted by: New Jerseyite | May 14, 2008 07:03:40 AM

what a bunch of whiners.

Mother Nature happens. Plenty of people got there early and saw the show.

Posted by: Radiohead fan | May 13, 2008 07:23:46 PM

I contacted the Nissan Pavilion e-mail, but no one has responded. Like others, what should have been a 30-60 minute ride from Reston ended up a 3 1/2 hour circling of the Pavilion. And I missed the whole show!!

For what it’s worth, Radiohead has posted this response on their blog:
http://www.radiohead.com/deadairspace/index.php?a=372

Posted by: k | May 13, 2008 07:14:08 PM

you should be greatful you were offered anything. Next time you should be cognizant of the forecast, plan accordingly, and allow extra time to get to a notoriously congested venue. You should get nothing in return, especially with those atitudes...

Posted by: paul | May 13, 2008 05:00:01 PM

I received the same offer: a show in New Jersey. This is insufficient reimbursement. Nissan Pavilion says that Mother Nature is not under their control, but the reality is that they were completely unprepared and are now asking us to pay the price. They did not have the infrastructure or organization to handle both a large crowd and a rain storm. Heavy rain is not an act of god, but a common reality for outdoor events. Nissan Pavilion should compensate everyone for the total disaster for which they are responsible. I lost six hours and gallons of gasoline without seeing a single Radiohead song.

Posted by: frank | May 13, 2008 01:33:47 PM

I called and was told that someone would return my call within a day, but that no policy had yet been decided.

Tickets (and lawn at that) in NJ would be completely unnacceptable.

Posted by: E | May 13, 2008 12:51:10 PM

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