Olivia Rodrigo mania has truly swept through Australia, with fans beginning to queue for her Melbourne performances three days ahead of time. The “drivers license” singer kicks off her Australian tour in Melbourne this evening, Wednesday, October 9, with some fans having camped out since Sunday. Such incredible commitment!

Given that the VIP GA Pit Experience tickets are priced at an astounding $455.65 each, it’s surprising to me that fans still feel the need to line up, but it seems some Aussie Livies are aiming for a specific spot on the barricade. 

During each concert, Miss Olivia engages with a fan in the front row by accepting a gift, which she then uses to transition into “jealousy, jealousy”. She has also previously walked along the barricade, touching the hands of fans in the front row, though it’s unclear if she will do this at her Australian concerts. 

Okay, but being this close to Olivia Rodrigo would be a dream. (Image: Getty)

The first group to begin camping shared a TikTok, with Scarlett (@scarlett.bakker) offering tips and explaining the process in the comments. Although the concert is at the Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne, the VIP line is organized at Kia Arena and moves to Rod Laver at 8am on the concert day. 

“We have wristbands and can leave for a bit, as long as you stay overnight and stuff,” Scarlett wrote. “Security has said [the numbering system] will be honoured.”

READ MORE

87 Outfit Ideas For Olivia Rodrigo’s Australian GUTS Tour, If You Were Lucky Enough To Score Tickets

Another TikToker, Liv (@oliviacchristiee) began queuing at 3pm on Monday and was 21st in line. By 5.45pm, there were already about 100 people in the VIP line. 

According to what “venue management and the stagehands” informed the TikToker, the barricade will accommodate around 200 people. 

There was some backlash from other Olivia Rodrigo fans, with some claiming the groups were violating venue rules. Historically, Rod Laver Arena has stated that queuing is prohibited before 8am on the day of the concert. 

“This is actually insane and it’s also a privilege… homeless people get moved on from all over the city for doing this and you think it’s okay? It’s VIP, you’re on the floor at a small venue,” one person wrote.

“Saying people who camp are the ones who deserve front row when there’s plenty of people who cannot afford to skip work or looking after their family to be able to do so is ignorant. Lots of people deserve front row, not just campers,” another added. 

Others noted that sometimes there’s trash left behind by those who camp for concerts. 

“[Many people] leave [their tents] from what I’ve seen in my experience. Not everyone of course but many also leave rubbish and whatnot which the poor venue staff have to clean up all their crap,” one person said.

“They just leave tents and trash EVERYWHERE. It’s so wasteful,” another added.

“They made people who rocked up at a normal time for GA Niall [Horan] line up around Kia Arena and all the tents were left there and it STANK,” a third wrote. 

There were a few fans who admired the campers’ dedication, with one saying: “I hope y’all get the spots you wanted, the commitment is real”. 

I can kind of understand both perspectives! Most of these teens are just eager to see their favorite artist up close, and that’s hard to criticize. Either way, I’m just hoping they all tidy up after themselves and are exceptionally courteous to the venue staff.

Lead image: TikTok @scarlett.bakker, @iluvmiddleagedactresses, Getty