The first of Vodafones TBA spontaneous gigs takes place tonight in central London when Snow Patrol take the stage at a secret venue. Access to the gig has been restricted to fans registered with the official Snow Patrol fan club, who were eligible to win a ticket for themselves and a guest to attend the gig.
The ticketing technology is being provided by mobile ticketing and couponing company Mobiqa, which is sending mobi-tickets to the lucky winners. Fans receive their tickets as an SMS message. The message contains a barcode that is scanned at the venue to allow entry.
Mobi-tickets add to the excitement of a secret live music gig because they are so instant, intuitive and personal says Mobiqa CEO Iain McCready. You dont have to wait for the mail, all you need is your mobile phone. It also offers promoters flexibility and lets them release information to their audience at very short notice.
Tonights gig is the first in as series of six secret gigs taking place over the summer, culminating in The Vodafone Live Music Awards in October. Each gig will be broadcast on Channel 4 and E4, with excerpts from the gig, and behind-the-scenes footage, including interviews with the band. 
