the simplest trick to all kinds of first-world concert problems, starting from getting a parking space, a good row or even getting a setlist. It is a must for those who wants a setlist since at the end of the show, the crew usually throws the setlist not too far from the first three rows. Like they say, the early bird gets the worm, so then the earlier you come, the higher the chance of getting a setlist!

kindness goes a long way when it comes to these things. It is suggested to try to talk and lure the security crew from the beginning of the show, sometimes they’re even kind enough to give you the setlist when you ask them nicely. Some security crew doesn’t know what a setlist is, explain it to them politely and then request them for their help. Make it subtle though, small talks and a few jokes to break the ice, don’t make it seem like you’re only acting nice for a reward. It will be much easier to talk to the crew if you are in the front row.

Other than the security crew, befriending the band crew is also the key. They are the ones who usually throw off that priceless piece of paper at a random pace, but when you’re nice and lucky enough, they might even give it to you specifically. Calling out “hey you with the red shirt, give me the setlist” will definitely not get you anythhing, instead try to beg respectfully without the whole kicking and screaming. Hysterical fans are also a big no, act non-chalant yet aware to get what you want. If you make a really good impression, the crew would even scare off the grabbers and give the setlist especially to you.

They said that honesty is the best policy, but when you would do anything to get a setlist of the band playing, a little white lie won’t hurt. Whether it’s lying that you’ve spent so many hours to get to the concert or that you are a mint-condition setlist collector, lying may be useful as long as it is not harmful or offensive. For example, telling them that you have to take plane or need to ride for hours because you live outside of the city. Or, for girls, the best lie to use is : “Hey,man! I’m currently pregnant now, my baby is craving for a setlist”. At this point, everyone who heard that will be like “Awhhh, just let her and her infant have the setlist, and we’ll be good. (BUT! This kind of lying is pretty much has crossed the lines, however, if you are the all-or-nothing person, this would be your best formula). The crew would sometimes believe you and give it to you straight away, just make sure the lie is believable so they won’t call your bluff.

It is a serious madness those seconds when the setlist is thrown, even if you’ve already caught the setlist, some mischivieous people may grab it from your grasp. That’s why once you’ve gotten ahold of the setlist, do not let go even for a nanosecond, and when it does happen there is nothing wrong to unleash the inner ghetto side of yours and take back what you’ve earned

When all attempts have failed miserably, it is time to take on the moolah for action. Some security crew tend to offer the setlist for an amount of money, and later can be bid by the highest bidder. The more green you’re willing to pay, the greater the chance you can get the setlist. It is a nice and clean way of getting the setlist, but for those who had the chance of getting the setlist without buying, it is way more thrilling to get your hands dirty and get the setlist with determination and a bit of perseverence.

You might envy people who can easily get the setlist because they have connections with the concert crew, the promoters, or the insiders. But keep in mind, the attempts of getting a wrinkled and worn out setlist of paper is the euphoria itself, instead of trying to get an insider or buying your way in. The hard work will seem much more worthy and that setlist in your grasp is the token of what you have done to earn it, some kind of a prized  medal in the olympics of getting-the-setlist in the ocean of beady-eyed fans with envy green stares. If you follow the pointers above, there will be a more likely success to get the setlist you’ve dreamed of. Good luck and may the odds be in your favor!