Sleeping out for Robbie Williams

Quoted from: http://www.abc.net.au

'Wednesday, 7 June 2006
Reporter: Phil Smith
Presenter: Spencer Howson

Brisbane fans of Robbie Williams get comfortable in the Queens St Mall while waiting for the ticket office to open

Thousands of Brisbane fans of English singing sensation Robbie Williams receieved Repetitive Strain Injuries on Friday, as they clicked their way to success purchasing tickets online to Robbie's December 13 Lang Park concert.
Often though, the experience took them hours, and they didn't get to participate in sleeping bag races, unlike the fans who took the old-fashioned approach to buying tickets: sleeping out to be first in line when the ticket office opens.
About 50 fans were lining up in the Queen St Mall at 6.30am this morning, awaiting the ticket office opening at 9.00. It was a scene littered with eskies, sleeping bags, folding chairs, thermoses, with even a TV for one of the better prepared fans. One pair of fans started their stake-out at 9.30 yesterday morning. "We've had a few [caffeine drinks] but we've really been sustained by the Baileys and coffee..." one fan admitted.

Staying warm during the sleep out

However, the pair was planning a very polite assault on the ticket office, when it finally opened at 9.00. "Absolutely - we’re very nice people, very refined, actually."
Other fans weren't so sure. "Well, so far everyone’s been really friendly - I don’t know what it’s going to be like when the doors open!" one commented.
The fans had plenty of drive to survive the icy conditions in the city overnight. "It’s the concert of the decade - we didn’t want to miss out," said one.
Another was looking forward to the concert experience for inspiration. "All the songs are favourites," she said, "so [I'm looking forward to] being able the sing along with all of them... I think the atmosphere will just be fun fun fun!"
However, for some of the people waiting, lining up for tickets wasn't part of their original plan. Some just had no luck with internet sales. "Believe me, we tried," said one woman. "We had four computers going on Friday to get presale tickets that we were eligible to buy - four computers and four people and and we spent 2 ½ hours and we got nowhere - that's why we're here!"No doubt they were grateful, too, when they realised internet tickets didn't come with sleeping bag races'