Brett Annis, the new ticketing director for the Hard Rock Live in Hollywood, Florida, discusses life in the world of live shows and sporting events.
What’s your claim-to-fame?
I’m the new ticketing director for the Hard Rock Live, but I’ve been managing ticketing in South Florida for almost 25 years.
Where did you grow up?
In South Miami. Specifically, in the Kendall area.
How long have you lived in South Florida?
I’ve lived here my entire life, except for college.
What part of South Florida do you live in now?
Plantation.
Since you don’t live in Kendall anymore, do you miss anything about it?
Yes, being able to drive around without any traffic (laughs).
What do you like most about living here?
That I’m near friends and family.
If I go out, it’s mostly to The Drive.
What South Florida venue do you miss that’s gone?
The Miami Arena.
If you had to live somewhere else other than here, where would you live?
In New York City or London.
Which one of your old jobs least prepared you for what you do now?
My first job—I Managed inventory for a glass company.
Who’s your favorite band?
U2.
What’s the best concert that you ever saw?
I’ve seen U2 fourteen times. The energy of their performance is so infectious.
Who’s your favorite sports team?
For college, the Florida Gators. For professional teams, the Miami Dolphins.
What’s the best sporting event that you ever saw?
The Gators BCS National Championship in 2008, because it was in my stadium.
What show sold out the fastest?
Billy Joel. He sold out in ten minutes.
How do you come up with the ticket prices for each show?
It’s based on the market demand.
What’s been the most expensive ticket so far?
The Rolling Stones. Their top price was $1000.
Of all the years that you’ve worked in box offices, what was the biggest mistake that ever happened?
When a group had fake tickets, and I had them ejected from the stadium because my ex-wife and kids showed up with the real tickets for those seats.
What’s been the most nerve-wracking show that you ever had to reconcile?
A show for a certain famous sitcom star.
What road manager was the most difficult to work with?
The one for that certain famous sitcom star (laughs).
What’s the best act that you’ve ever booked?
One that we’re working on right now; however, I can’t disclose it at this time. That show will be the best.
What act would you love to see at the Hard Rock?
U2!
What celebrity did you act like a “fan” around?
When we had Real Madrid at the stadium, Cristiano Ronaldo. Out of 70,000 people in the stadium that night, I walked out with his signed, sweaty game-worn jersey. So, in theory I have his DNA in my home!
What celebrity that you met was not what you pictured?
Most artists that you see backstage look completely different with no makeup on.
What makes the new Hard Rock Live venue state-of-the-art?
The last row in the second balcony is only 163 feet to the front of the stage. Every seat is great, and the acoustics are high quality.
What’s the weirdest question that a customer’s asked you?
“Can I bring my service racoon into the show?”
What did you do for work when the Hard Rock was closed?
I worked at Fresh Market. I found my retirement job ten years in advance.
What would your drag name be?
Comps Galore.
What would your autobiography be called?
That’s the Ticket.
What do you want to live long enough to see?
The Dolphins winning a Super Bowl.
What’s on your bucket list?
To travel to Antarctica and the South Pole.
Where can we see you?
At the Hard Rock Live on show days!
