From Swifties to Service Fees: Why Are Concert Tickets Breaking the Bank?
Hey concert-goers! Have you been wondering why you pay out the ass for concert tickets nowadays? If so, this episode is for you!
Concerts are a vital part of the music experience, acting as a bridge between artists and fans. However, the complex web of ticket prices and hidden fees often leaves concert-goers feeling frustrated and confused. In this blog post, we talked about concert ticket fees and the multiple realities that impact how much you pay to see your favorite artists live. From the experience of buying tickets online to understanding where your money goes, we wanted to use this episode as a way to unlock the hidden truths behind the ticketing process.
Me being me, I have little experience compared to Brandi and Sarah when it comes to buying tickets, selling tickets, and going to concerts overall. Don’t get me wrong, I love live music, but our lives have taken slightly different paths on our way to our love for music. Mine was typically deep-diving into albums online and learning each song. While I was at home in my bedroom, they were in person with the crowds! Now we go to a lot of concerts and festivals together, but I lean on them in this episode to educate myself and our listeners about the world of tickets and service fees.
To begin with, we must understand that concert ticket prices have changed dramatically in the past few decades. What once seemed a reasonable expenditure now often morphs into a shocking sticker price after adding in service fees, facility fees, and other costs associated with live events. For many concert attendees, the monetary burden of attending a live show can feel overwhelming. What was originally a simple transaction to catch a live performance can lead to unexpected financial stress, as these fees can double or even triple the initial ticket price.
The root of this issue can often be traced back to Ticketmaster, the dominant force in the concert ticketing landscape. Holding an incredible amount of market power, Ticketmaster has been involved in numerous lawsuits, with customers frequently citing excessive fees and a lack of transparency. In our discussion, we reveal statistics indicating that service fees alone can account for over 27% of the ticket price, a staggering amount that concert-goers rarely anticipate. Despite efforts to provide some financial relief, the true financial framework behind concert ticket sales remains convoluted.
Many listeners might wonder why we, as music enthusiasts, should care about these fees at all. After all, isn't attending a concert a luxury? Consider the impact of these ticket priced realities on local venues and artists themselves. The fees tied to ticket sales often fund essential services for venues and artists alike. It is critical for fans to realize that a portion of these fees helps maintain venues, pay staff, and even enrich artists through merchandise sales. By supporting local venues and artists, we support an entire ecosystem that relies on concert attendance and ticket sales.
Within our episode, we highlight the values of artist merchandise as a significant revenue stream. Often, artists only receive a small percentage of the ticket sales, emphasizing the necessity of fans purchasing merchandise at shows to financially support their musical heroes. We stressed the importance of thinking about how to budget tickets and then also contribute to local venues when you're out attending a show.
The conversation also navigates the complex world of ticket resales. While purchasing resale tickets can seem like a solution for those wanting to obtain sold-out seats, the process can be riddled with its own set of issues. We explored the various state laws and different platforms that offer various experiences of purchasing and selling concert tickets. In this segment, we examined how ticket scalpers exploit this market and why some states are implementing regulations to ensure that ticket resale remains fair and accessible.
Moreover, the current state of the concert ticket market raises concerns about monopolistic practices that stifle competition. The ongoing investigations led by the Department of Justice into Ticketmaster and Live Nation reveal dissatisfaction not just among customers but also within the music industry itself. Changes must be made to restore fairness and transparency to the concert ticket process, enabling fans to enjoy live music without the stress of exorbitant fees.
In summary, our podcast sheds light on the intricacies of concert ticket pricing, revealing what happens to your hard-earned money when you decide to purchase a ticket. We hope that by understanding the complexities behind these transactions, concert-goers can make more informed decisions, foster awareness of the players involved, and ultimately advocate for change in the ticketing landscape. Keep following us as we stay updated on new developments and continue to serve as a voice for those who love attending live performances.
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We ended the episode curious about your experiences…what’s the worst concert ticket experience you’ve had? We would love to know more and share with our listeners!
So until next time - stay bold, stay empowered…
Rachael & the Girl Gang
