Austinist.com reports that wristbands for SXSW went on sale at noon at Waterloo Records. Here’s what Austinist says: “Ditch work and get in line, because SXSW wristbands just went on sale! Waterloo Records, corner of 6th and Lamar, limit 2 per person, cash or credit card. Supplies are very limited, so GO NOW.”
I am so fucking sad right now – I don’t think we’ll get these. what are the details on the other wristbands? this day SUCKS.
got mine! – freakin’ psyched!
How were the lines? were you the first there or something?
i got there and was back at work by 12:30. the line was up the alley and down the street behind waterloo when i left. that’s where i was last year and took about an hour or so to get through the line.
Yeah, I’d also like to know how the lines are!
I was on the ball and in my truck as soon as i got the sms –
and even though it took me 15 min. to get to waterloo, i still only waited 15 min. in line.
However, when i got out, the line was already around the block. I barely made it before the throng.
are they selling the other wristbands right after these or will it be on another day? man – I am so disappointed right now.
they are selling 4000 wristbands today. The first 2000 are earmarked for locals only – the next 2000 for whoever.
if they have extras after that (they usually do), they’ll put those onsale the week of the fest.
What a f’ing bummer. Though I live in Austin (5yrs) I kept my old cell area code, so no SMS, so no wristband, so no SXSW, so no reason to live come Mar 16.
I hate those elitist fu(ks with the (512).
i got there around 12:20 and had to wait about 25 minutes but still got the $130 wristbands. by that time, the line was all the way around the the block and back in front of waterloo again and then some! good luck to all.
Just because you didn’t get the text message doesn’t mean you can’t go buy a wristband. You only need proof of residence like a driver’s license. That said, when I bought mine (at 12:30 or so), the line was more than around the block, it started wrapping back around up the alley.
yeah but the text was the fastest way to find out – the radio stations announced minutes after. I don’t know. I don’t think we got them anyway.
Hey byo and others,
don’t freak out, as someone who used to be involved with SXSW, wristbands will always be available. After the second batch and rate hike, they will continue to sell more at the official venues when the event starts. They are so fuckin’ greedy that they will not stop selling or letting people into the venues (you will be able to purchase single admission tickets at all venues for around $25.00 but you will need to get to whichever venue you choose early and stay there all night). Most SXSW cashiers will be at their venues by 6:00pm and will start selling single admission and any wristbands they have been alloted to sell. SXSW cannot stop making as much fuckin’ money from you slobs. Remember, they do not want any venue to be empty so deals will always be made to get bodies in the door. You may not be able to get into the Iggy Pops,et al, but there are always some rather cool small acts that are worth checking out and will be begging for an audience when their time slot runs up against said headliners. And as always anyone scalping an extra wristband or even thinking about any form of counterfeiting…beware…SXSW is VERY litigious!!!They have no sense of humor in this matter and will prosecute! Also said wristbands and badges have some new anti-counterfeiting process so buyer beware if buying from someone you do not know! Also if you just watch this website you should be able to find schedules for any and all SXSW acts for free somewhere as most acts play parties and free gigs all over town which INFURIATES SXSW to no end. So enjoy the free stuff before giving SXSW your money. And as always support the bands as the only money they make will be coming from t-shirts and CD sales (SXSW pays squat!) Enjoy!
Yeah, I know i can still get them…but I cant get there today, i need notice to take an afternoon off, so there goes face value wristband. Just so bummed is all. Next year the will have us fighting to the death to get on an SMS list.
Thanks sad for the pick me up…Anyone konw if the Pitchfork fest is free and open to the public?
“SXSW cannot stop making as much fuckin’ money from you slobs.”
Well, I’ll just make sure my shirt’s tucked in while I enjoy the Stooges without your negativity getting in my way.
Just to remind everyone, and this is important: A SXSW WRISTBAND DOES NOT GUARANTEE YOU ADMITTANCE!!! Read the fine print everyone! This is the one thing I have noticed (and by noticed I have seen people start fights and even demand their money back because they could not get in to see what ever “buzz band” playing at Emo’s! Understand, you have bought a piece of plastic for a hundred bucks or so and you ARE NOT guaranteed entrance! This is madness! If there is something you want to see go to the venue early and buy a single admission ticket for $25.00 bucks. Granted you are going to be standing around at 6:00pm and waiting for the show to start but your in! Now also understand that SXSW will NOT be selling single admission tickets to the MOST popular shows because they have to leave room for the SXSW Badge people (they are pretty much guaranteed entrance to all venues pending capacity). Which , by the way you should know the SXSW Venue Hierarchy: Badges first and foremost, then wristbands if there is room, and then single admission (also understand that they will only sell around 25 single admissions early and then sell more as the evening drags on and only if the room is empty they will sell more.) Again, a SXSW DOES NOT GUARANTEE YOU ENTRANCE!!! You must get to any venue early and stay or you will lose! This is NOT Austin City Limits Festival! Just because you bought a wristband does not entitle you to all access!!! Again, buyer beware!!!
I’ve lived in Austin for four years and don’t have a 512 number either. I asked people I knew with a 512 number to sign up and call me when they got the sms. I had to wait in line for 1.5 hours, but I still got mine for $130.
Oh and byo wristband…I doubt you will be getting into see Iggy and the Stooges. SXSW will make this an ALL BADGE EVENT! Meaning that they anticipate this to be a “hot ticket” and must accomodate all the people who plucked down $600.00 bucks for a badge! This has happened before and will continue. They do not want some SXSW Badge holder to be screaming at them about paying that kind of money and not having access to this show…you, not so much! If and only if, Stubbs has room and no more badges show up they may let some wristbands in. But this is going to be an ALL BADGE EVENT…trust me. Good luck.
“Oh and byo wristband..”
As a showcasing musician, I’ll have a badge, but thanks for your overemotional concern.
Il – what time did you get there?
Unfortunately, I couldn’t bail from work until 1. By the time I got there, the line was wrapped around the block. Literally. I said forget it and went to get some lunch. I think the only band I really wanted to see that wasn’t playing for free during the afternoon was Cursive. Other than that, I can live with watching the free shows and getting drunk in the afternoon, and going back home with friends to BBQ at night. The money saved on a wristband can always go directly to the bands at the merch table.
I got there about 12:30.
Austin Bob…we are talking wristbands here! Why don’t you piss some more on these people about your fuckin’ SXSW Badge. If you want to gloat over your badge and subsequent acceptance as a SXSW Showcasing artist…then go talk on the SXSW “official” website about your so called good fortune (you gotta be one of Brant Grulkke’s friends band). And by the way, are you a singer/songwriter or a band? Only ask because SXSW only gives “1” badge per band meaning that you have to share the “1” badge with all your bandmates, which means while you are enjoying Iggy…your bandmates will be standing outside of Stubbs’s cursing your name!!!
“Why don’t you piss some more on these people about your fuckin’ SXSW Badge. ”
I’m not the one spewing bile about a festival that gets better every year.
Why don’t you just ignore it if it sucks so bad?
Like I said, the rest of us will still have a great time without you.
“(you gotta be one of Brant Grulkke’s friends band)”
When you’re done feeling sorry for yourself and the rest of the neg-holes, maybe you can make some other erroneous assumptions.
On a more civil note:
anyone know exactly what the deal is with showcasing artists & their ability to buy wristbands? I have a buddy who is showcasing and he’s up for buying me one, but doesn’t know when, where and how. Anyone have this info?
thanks….
SXSWSUX – you haven’t had a bad experience in the past have you with either the SXSW machine given you “used to be involved with SXSW” or is it just that you didn’t get in some time ago to a show or do you just envy those folk who have bought badges. You know you could have bought one too. I hope you dont buy a badge, wristband or single ticket to any show I attend, you sound like someone who would kill the atmosphere wherever you go. Enjoy the misery of your own bedroom. Now back to the decisions about who to see……
Last year if you were a showcasing artist, you could buy one wristband in addition to the ones you get for your band and crew.
No reason to think it’d be any different this year.
“Last year if you were a showcasing artist, you could buy one wristband in addition to the ones you get for your band and crew.”
Thanks for that. Do you know if this can be done at the Concention Ctr during the fest, and if I’ve gotta be there with him?
No, the wristband doesn’t guarantee admittance, and I wouldn’t call it fine print. They’re pretty up front about it. I’ve been to the past four SXSW’s, and only once have I not been able to get into a “buzz” showcase/act, but that’s only because I refused to wait around for a while to get in. Waiting during SXSW is silly, because there’s plenty of other things to do and see at any given moment.
jj – I’m pretty sure it has to be done at the Convention Center, and you don’t have to be with him, but he does have to have his band’s badge with him to get the wristband.
Thanks Bob – good info.
Most of us are here to share info and continue soaking in the anticipation of one of the best weeks of the year.
Alright so my husband called and he got us the 130 dollar wristbands – I am so thrilled, I could piss myself. SXSW is going to be awesome – we always meet the coolest people who love music. for once, I’m being positive since I’m one of the most negative people ever.
Oh Austin Bob…you knucklehead…you are so right! Gosh, thanks for sharing your wise info. You have certainly made me see the err of my ways…wait..wait…ahhhh, I’m soaking in the anticipation…gosh I feel better and I am going forth to spread your good word!
Like I said, most of us are here to share info and soak in the anticipation. Sad that some can’t find anything better to do than bitch and moan.
At least it’s unlikely they’ll be taking up space in any of the venues I’ll be at.
so are all the wristbands all gone at this point..anyone know?
I just talked to my mom in line a few minutes ago. Sounded like they were definitely still selling wristbands. Parking and lines are apparently buck nutty.
Jealousy is a bitch…
I just passed by Waterloo about 15 mins. ago and the line was still wrapped around the building.
Yeah my husband said he waited in line from about 12:30 to 3:30 and still got 2 of the first 2000 wristbands. crazy, huh?
And please, people, don’t contribute to the ass-hats that are already selling them on Craigslist for 250-300 a pop. That’s just rediculous. Remember, you can see many of the same bands in the afternoon for FREE! Not only that, many of these places holding free afternoon shows usually have free beer or food. Free afternoon shows are where it’s at.
They’ve cut off the line at this point.
Oh no =[ my friend JUST got there at 5:20, i hope he was able to get in line…
I picked up 2 wristbands, but can anybody tell me…since the wristbands I bought are going to my friend and I who are both 20, will we get rejected from most venues? I read that “most venues restrict minors” on the way home and my stomach sank.
Bret – the majority of venues are 21+, and yes they will reject minors even if you have a wristband =/
you should check the venue information on the sxsw online schedule information. it includes age policy information for each showcase.
Do you guys think it would be worth it for me to keep the wristbands then?
I just drove by Waterloo on my way home from work, and there’s no line, and wristbands are still available. Get em while you can!
I’d check out the shows that let minors in. If you hit all of those up, then I’d say keep it – otherwise I’d sell them and check out the free day shows.
yay for everyone who snagged a wristband!
jj, like Bob said, you should be able to get a wristband at the convention center. you just need the badge. last year they actually let me buy two wristbands on my badge because our guitarist lost his and we needed one more on top of that. woulda been nicer if they could have just replaced the lost one, but buying two worked, too. i just made sure i was nice as possible to them and kept asking up the volunteer food chain until they let me buy another.
and it does kind of blow that a band gets only one badge to share, but there are some, um, creative ways to work around that so everyone can use the badge to get in where they want.
I went to three SXSW’s while underage. It’s still worth it as long as you plan accordingly.
Hey settledown…be careful…if you are going to do what I think are with your band badge (i.e., passing the badge through the fence or door of what ever venue you are at to your mates), SXSW WILL confiscate the badge if you are caught! Trust me…I have seen it happen. Also anyone using your badge or a band badge whose name is NOT on the badge…they will confiscate it. They have people stationed at all the important venues and they match your driver’s license name to the SXSW badge name (if your badge is in a “band name” be prepared to show proof!) They have and will confiscate badges (if you look at the badge is says “Non transferable!”) They mean it!
What my bands have always done is just shared the badge…most people have day jobs, so they don’t necessarily care about panels, and they’ll get priority at night – if there’s a show more than one of us want to get into, there’s almost always a way if you’re motivated and crafty enough.
Half the adventure is figuring out the difficult maneuvers, and seeing them through.
it’s 7:40 and there are still wristbands available, fyi
I signed for the SMS text messages a couple of weeks ago and I got a confirmation text within a few minutes. However, I have still not received a wristband sale text. I saw it on this site first. I got to Waterloo at 4pm and the line was insanely long and I honestly, thought that even if I did wait in line I probably still wouldn’t get a wristband. I went to see Volver and after the movie I called the store and they said they sill had bands available. So at 6:45 I walked into Waterloo and bought 2 wristbands at $160 each. I hope that SXSW reverts back to the way they’ve communicated Wristband sales in the past.
can’t i just steal a badge off of someones shirt?
I drove from Houston as soon as I heard they were on sale. I got there at 3.30, and the line was around the block at Amy’s Ice Cream ,but had my wristbands by 5pm. Wasn’t that bad actually.
I drove up from Houston and thwarted all of the new bullsh!t. I not only got 2 wristbands, I put on a jacket and got two more.
Seen craigslist? No shortage of people scalping wristbands. What an utter joke the new ‘rules’ are.
At least some real music fans that drove in and will spend lots of money in bars, for hotels, eating will get to go with a wristband. Six of us in all.
CALL THIS NUMBER AND LET THEM KNOW THEY ARE A JERK. WHAT MORON WOULD POST THEIR # ON CRAIG’S LIST ?
“I have three wristbands I will sell for $310 each or $900 for all three.These wristbands get you in to all shows NO COVER can make arrangements to meet 214-415-8273”
i drove six hours from central oklahoma, got to waterloo at 8:30pm and my friend and i still got wristbands.
so apparently it died down significantly after 5.
does anyone think that if i showed up at 10am this morning that i should be able to get a wristband??
Good lord! The wristbands are all over Craig’s list and eBay. Despite the new rules, once again a very signficant percentage of the wristbands went to people who don’t give a crap about music or Austin. And how does some fu(khead wind up with 12? That steams me. The only possible justifcation for this thievery may be that it is the only way people who don’t live in or have friends in Austin can be assured of getting a wristband, but it’s an awful lot of money to pay for something that can’t even guarantee access to all the shows you might want to see.
There’s always going to be scalpers involved, there’s no way to stop that. Unless they only sold wristbands when the festival begins and they make you put them on right then and there. I know they do sell some that way, though. But for people who are out of state or can’t make it to buy some, buying them off ebay may be their only chance. And noone’s making them pay a higher price, it’s their choice to do so. As for the real music fans who live in Austin or can drive there, they’ll do it. They’ll stand in line, they’ll make the sacrifices and they’ll get their wristband, just like I did. :)
The current system of wristband sales caters directly to scalpers.
As supply goes down, and the supply becomes more difficult for Austinites with full-time jobs not at 6th and Lamar to acquire (re: me) the demand for them goes up and people with the time and front money capitalize easy. SXSW continues to hurt those who love it and help those who could not care less.
I hate SXSW as an organization…
It would be so much better if they just sold them online, two per person max, and you had to give a name for each person you were buying them for. You then have to pick them up in person at a central location in Austin the week of SXSW and must each show your ID to match the name(s) on your wristband order, and THEN you must have the wristband(s) placed on your wrist(s) right then & there, with no room for scalping transactions to occur. Problem solved, and out of towners get access to the wristbands provided they actually intend to come down, stay in Austin and most importantly SPEND TOURIST DOLLARS IN AUSTIN–the city is a hungry beast, she is! (Obviously, some Austinites would object, but they’re most likely the ones profiteering from scalping the bands currently, so tough titty.)
Just went by and bought two – they’re $160 now but available and no waiting.
So did they ever sell out of wristbands? Anyone know about when?
Doe anyone know if there is still wristbands available at $160. I did not get a text from SXSW for both ticket releases having registered.
They sold out early yesterday (Tuesday).
btw, there was only one ticket release.