National show to Webster | People pissed, National sorry

THE NATIONAL

BOWERY SHOW MOVES TO WEBSTER HALL
There was some initial confusion about the May 21st National show at Bowery Ballroom because “The Hold Steady” were listed as opener. People found out quickly that wasn’t happening, and the show sold out in no time anyway. (Doveman and Baby Dayliner are opening instead). Then ticketholders found out the show was moved to the larger and less desirable Webster Hall. The National sent out this message:

Hi Everyone. Just a quick note to let you know the May 21st Show in NYC at Bowery Ballroom sold out very quickly and has been moved to Webster Hall for the same night (it wasnt possible to add a 2nd Bowery show). So there are more tickets available now. Thanks and hope to see you there!

PEOPLE ARE PISSED
“I feel taken advantage of. They didn’t even offer a half-assed refund option, as they sometimes do when dates or venues get moved around.” [Central Village]

“I’m bummed.” [in an email I got]

“the f*cking national show was moved to webster hall…a-holes.” [in the comments]

SO I CONTACTED THE NATIONAL, AND THIS IS WHAT THEY SAID….
“We agreed to play a benefit at the Bowery Ballroom on May 21st for the not-for-profit writers’ workshop 826NYC, but the organizers couldn’t get other bands to committ to play. Bowery then asked us if we wanted to play a headline show instead on that date. We agreed and confirmed it mid last week and announced the show in an email to our mailing list. We didn’t realize tickets would sell out as fast as they did and before the show was listed in the papers. So there were lots of fans/friends who didn’t have a chance to buy tixs before they were gone. We tried to add a second night at Bowery but that was impossible as Monday the 22nd was already reserved. We decided with Bowery to move the show to a larger room since we are about to enter the studio to record a new album, and therefore won’t be playing shows in NYC again until at least the Fall. That’s the story….it didnt occur to us that the switch could bother some folks who prefer bowery until the decision was made….in hindsight, we all feel bad that some people who prefer Bowery and bought tickets thinking that was the venue are upset by this. but that being said, we will make sure the show at Webster is great.”

Previously
I stayed for the National | 2005 Plug Award Winners