Got free Ticketmaster vouchers? 18 NJ concerts you should see

Got free Ticketmaster vouchers? 18 NJ concerts you should see

Getty Images

The good news: If you've used Ticketmaster in the last few years, you almost certainly have free tickets or discounts waiting for you in your online account.

The bad news: The list of shows you can go to see is still being finalized — so details are a little murky.

But New Jersey music fans will have plenty of great choices for concerts in their summer lineups, and we're hoping these shows — all on sale through Ticketmaster — make it onto the free list. You can still likely knock a few bucks off of those that don't.

Here's what's going on: Last month, Ticketmaster settled a $400 million class action lawsuit over charges it filed for things like processing costs (we always thought those seemed a little high). About 50 million people who bought tickets from Oct. 21, 1999 through Feb. 27, 2013 are covered.

If you're one of them, you may have gotten an email from Ticketmaster already — but check your online account. There's a good chance it shows as many as 17 discount codes worth up to $2.25 each — and two can be used per transaction. If you bought your tickets with UPS, you'll get another $5 back for future UPS shipping.

But it gets better!

Ticketmaster is also offering free ticket codes — when it's ready, the full list will be available here. The company says it'll be updating periodically, but as of Monday morning, nothing's listed on the site.

To use your ticket code(s), login to your account, and then select "Active Vouchers" or go here. You should see your codes for discounts and free shows. On the billing page during your transaction, look for a “Voucher Code” link and enter your code there.

Earlier this spring, our own Joe V. rounded up the year's can't-miss shows — the five most-talked-about summer concerts at each of New Jersey's four busiest music venues. Each is being sold through Ticketmaster.

Topping each list is Joe's pick for that venue's can't-miss concert of the summer. The write-ups and recommendations below are Joe's as well. Maybe you'll get to see each for free!

Best of luck!

Metlife Stadium — East Rutherford, NJ

The can't-miss concert: Guns N' Roses — Saturday, July 23 and Sunday, July 24

This is at the top of my Metlife priority list this summer. Their full concert schedule is one amazing act after another, but millions have been waiting for the day when Slash and Axl Rose would suck it up and reunite for a real Guns N' Roses tour, and now it's finally happening.

The video clip above is actually from the very first night they shared a stage together in 23 years. I don't have an ounce of musical talent, but I guarantee you I can hum every note of Slash's three guitar solos in "November Rain" better than you.

Paul McCartney — Saturday, Aug. 7
Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band — Tuesday, Aug. 23 and Thursday, Aug. 25
Kenny Chesney — Saturday, Aug. 20
Coldplay — Saturday, July 16 and Sunday, July 17
For ticket information and Metlife Stadium's full concert calendar, click here.

PNC Bank Arts Center — Holmdel, NJ

The can't-miss concert: Blink-182 — Sunday, Aug. 14

One of my favorite bands growing up is back with new music and a new vocalist. Matt Skiba from Alkaline Trio has replaced UFO enthusiast Tom DeLonge and the members of Blink 182 are taking a bunch of their friends on the road with them. By friends I mean THREE MORE AWESOME POP PUNK BANDS that I and many others listened to nonstop in high school. The full lineup for this Blink-182 tour includes A Day To Remember, All Time Low and The All American Rejects.

Def Leppard — Wednesday, July 13
ZZ Top & Gregg Allman - Thursday, Sep. 1
(Joe was also really excited about these shows that have already passed)
Dave Matthews Band — Monday, June 6
Toby Keith — Saturday, June 18

The Stone Pony Summerstage — Asbury Park, NJ

The can't-miss concert: Blues Traveler and The Wallflowers — Friday, Aug. 26

Princeton's own Blues Traveler will grace the Stone Pony Summer Stage in August along with The Wallflowers, led by Bob Dylan's son, Jakob. I can't think of a better way to spend this likely humid Friday evening. Blues Traveler and The Wallflowers both put on great sets and they play their hearts out each and every time out there. Sure, I may only know four songs total between the two acts, but I don't need to know every word to every song to have a good time.

BB&T Pavilion — Camden, NJ

The can't-miss concert: Dead & Company — Monday, June 20

Ever since this band was assembled last year, this has been a bucket-list concert of mine. Dead & Company consists of former Grateful Dead members Bob Weir, Mickey Hart and Bill Kreutzmann, as well as the one and only John Mayer. This project was initially supposed to be a one time only event at Madison Square Garden last Halloween, but due to high demand and great reviews, a tour soon followed. They're hitting the road again this summer and Camden is one of their first stops!


Categories: Deminski & Doyle, New Jersey News, Talking About ..., Weekends

More From New Jersey 101.5 FM