Sebastian Maniscalco Becomes First Stand-Up Comedian to Gift NFTs to Showgoers

variety.com:

Todd Spangler NY Digital EditorTop stand-up comedian Sebastian Maniscalco surprised fans at his shows in the New York area by giving away free commemorative NFTs to all ticketholders — the first comedian to launch such an offering using the next-gen digital collectible technology.The observational comedian’s complimentary NFTs (nonfungible tokens), designed by his wife, Lana Gomez, are uniquely designed for each show.

The gold-shaded NFTs, minted by Ticketmaster, feature each ticketholder’s individual section, row and seat. Owners of the NFTs will get exclusive access to future Maniscalco offers and events.“I have never done this before and hell — who knows — I may never do it again!” Maniscalco said in announcing the NFT freebies on social media.

The free NFTs are available to fans who purchased tickets to Maniscalco’s “Nobody Does This Tour” in Toronto (March 19), Madison Square Garden (March 21), Prudential Center in Newark, N.J. (March 23), Barclays Center in Brooklyn (March 24) and UBS Arena in Belmont Park, N.Y. (March 26).“I have always looked at New York City as a second home, and I have always had a special connection with the people of the city,” Maniscalco said.His four New York-area shows are playing to over 80,000 attendees, building on sold-out arena shows that have included a comedy record for Chicago’s United Center with 21,286 fans as well as the highest gross for a single event at Boston’s TD Garden.The comedian is latching on to NFT mania — which shows no signs of abating — as a way to elevate engagement with his fans, and laying groundwork for future promotions.