Ultimately, a lot of it is down to luck and also acting confidently. If other people want autographs, chances are they will arrive in advance too. But I'd say that I have had more success prior to concerts than after (I met Avril Lavigne just walking along the street with all of her minders/bouncers prior to a concert), unless there is a specific organised signing after. Have you tried calling ahead and asking the people at the venue whether there is a designated signing place after (such as after Broadway shows people wait around backstage)? If you are polite, express genuine interest in who you are trying to obtain an autograph from, then you will be surprised who will help you.

I have been to Murat many,many times. Cool venue and easy getting people Just watch out for dealers. I know they have been known to hang out there.

Thanks for the tips. I never thought about trying to give a person the stuff to pass on.

To increase your chances of sigs, even if you can't get to them, you could write a note and take an SAE with you, and if it's clear that you're not going to get to the band then look out for someone who is clearly "with the band" (avoid the really stressy or prima donna-ish ones, people who are smiling before you approach them are generally a good bet) and ask them nicely to pass it on. It has worked for me at smaller venues a few times now.

You won't need to stand on a street corner and watch all sides. If it's after the show look for the tour bus, van, or car. If it's before the show, find the stage door and wait there. The artist very rarely walks through the front door (though I have seen it before with Alanis Morissette and Emmylou Harris).

I recommend going before the show and trying to get them as they arrive as I'm sure you'll have to deal with a much bigger crowd after the show. BUT if you do go before the show they might be less willing to sign because they have to "go to work." I've seen Cher and Paul McCartney both use this excuse on the way in. (Paul later signed after the show, and Cher left, she got in her car without signing but was quickly stalled at a red light and rolled down her window and signed).

If they are good about signing then even most people are cool after the show.

I am currently planning on going to the Social Distortion concert at the Murat Centre in Indianapolis on May 6th. I have heard that the guys in the band, especially lead singer Mike Ness, are awesome if you get to meet them. I have never tried to obtain any in person autographs outside of signing events. Does anyone have any tips to increase my chances of meeting them? I've been told by a friend that some bands show up 3-5 hours before the show to do a sound check, and to try to get them then. I've also read that some bands do signings/"meet-and-greets" after their shows. The venue is very small. My only thought is to stand on the street corner, where I can see down two sides of the building, before and after the show and hope they use one of those two sides. Has anyone had any success with this band or this venue? Any help is appreciated. (If it makes any difference, this is a very small venue. Egyptian Room at the Murat Centre is a just a large open room, standing room only.) Thanks.