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While Hong Kong is still no New York, Tokyo or even Singapore when it comes to big-name, live music acts, at least it has developed into a more regular stopover for Asian or world tours.

This year's   performances included ones by Coldplay,  Franz Ferdinand and  Black Eyed Peas. Despite a few  problems, such as the Mariah Carey cancellation fiasco, the trend seems likely to continue.

The problem now is that banks, brokers and other big companies often snap up the best seats well before they become available to the public through mass ticketing outlets Urbtix and Hong Kong Ticketing - meaning unless you are one of their key clients, you are going to have a tough time getting anywhere near the stage no matter how platinum your card is.

So how can you make sure you are front and centre in the audience when your favourite bands finally play in Hong Kong?

One way of staying ahead of the pack is to become  a member of one of the city's  growing number of private members' clubs or concierge services.

Certainly the most coveted one comes with the  exclusive American Express Centurion Card. Launched in Hong Kong in 2000, the black-coloured plastic is available by invitation only and costs  HK$19,800 a year.

Public affairs manager Catherine Lai says arranging  tickets  is just one of many benefits offered by its  round-the-clock concierge service. However, you can sign up with the less picky  Quintessentially  at HK$11,000 to HK$300,000 a year. Launched in Britain in 2000 and in Hong Kong in May this year, it has an extensive network of contacts that gives members access to all things exclusive, including  tickets to shows and concerts.

'We jump into action the minute we hear someone's coming,' said Elizabeth McIntosh, the club's general manager.

When the Black Eyed Peas were in town,  Quintessentially members received advance booking privileges well before tickets officially went on sale. It also arranges corporate hospitality packages for members, pre-concert cocktail parties or dinners, access to the best seats and, in special cases, even backstage passes.

Private members' club newcomer Mint, another British import, is a more affordable option, offering individual membership for HK$4,000 and corporate at HK$30,000.

According to executive director Andrew Charles Lewis, access to hot concert tickets count among  its many benefits.

'We have local promoters coming to us to arrange offers for our members and shareholders,' he said. Most recently, his club was able to get  members special access to  Tuesday's Kanye West concert in West Kowloon.

Concierge services at top hotels  are another alternative.

While normally reserved for hotel guests, Jackie Chu, assistant chief concierge at the Peninsula Hotel, says regulars at its bars and  restaurants may also avail themselves of the service.

It is also helpful to keep your finger on the pulse of the live music scene. Local  promoters such as Live Nation (livenationasia.com), which is bringing Pink Floyd's Roger Walter in February, and Oasis-importer Lushington Entertainments (lushington.com), allow fans to register online for regular e-mail updates on upcoming concerts.

Some promoters  offer limited VIP packages that  include the best seats and drinks before or after the show.

If all else fails, or money is  no object, hire your own big name act, as Richard Li did when he brought  Whitney Houston out for his private  millennium bash.  Charles Edwards, executive producer of Asian entertainment producer The Media Village, says: 'It's less money than you might think.'



Joining private clubs just the ticket