Why are tickets so friggin' expensive?

[hunkgolden]

last I checked, FUGAZI still only charges $6 for tickets. Now, granted, they generally play in small shitty holes in the wall, and clearly, if the BBoys weren't making some money, they wouldn't be able to pay for this forum. But honestly, I really don't feel like shelling out $40 to hear them play in a hall designed for hockey with crappy sound. I just think it's a little excessive, that's all. :(

[MidwestPain]

I see a lot of people complaining about ticket prices. C'mon...what other kind of entertainment are you going to get for less than that? Been to a movie lately? Or a half way decent restaurant? I just dont understand why people waste their time registering just to make one post bitching about something they dont like. I know what it is like being on a tight budget, but if you cant save up $40 then maybe you should get your priorities straight and not go.

[rumbles]

I see a lot of people complaining about ticket prices. C'mon...what other kind of entertainment are you going to get for less than that? Been to a movie lately? Or a half way decent restaurant? I just dont understand why people waste their time registering just to make one post bitching about something they dont like. I know what it is like being on a tight budget, but if you cant save up $40 then maybe you should get your priorities straight and not go.

If making one post bitching about something they dont like is a waste of time why bother posting a reply to it!? hypocritical? :confused:

[Johanna]

If making one post bitching about something they dont like is a waste of time why bother posting a reply to it!? hypocritical? :confused:
word

[synch]

I believe he's refering to the fact that that is his first and only post on this forum, meaning he signed up to "bitch" about ticket prices.

[rumbles]

I believe he's refering to the fact that that is his first and only post on this forum, meaning he signed up to "bitch" about ticket prices.


furry muff, but if he wants to bitch let him bitch, its what this whole forum thingy is about, say what you wann say, if no-one replies then you know you've waisted your time.

[synch]

Wasn't defending or attacking anyone, just clearing something up :)

I'm pissed off at the skyrocketing prices of basically everything, it just means I pick my concerts more carefully.

I paid extra to get my beastie boys tickets two days before the regular ticket sale because I didn't want to take any chances :)

It's all a question of priorities.

[rumbles]

Wasn't defending or attacking anyone, just clearing something up :)

I'm pissed off at the skyrocketing prices of basically everything, it just means I pick my concerts more carefully.

I paid extra to get my beastie boys tickets two days before the regular ticket sale because I didn't want to take any chances :)

It's all a question of priorities.


true! Got mine for the gig in london nice and early, wander what they'll end up going for on e-bay!?!

[MidwestPain]

If making one post bitching about something they dont like is a waste of time why bother posting a reply to it!? hypocritical? :confused:

I guess I wasted my time replying to bitch at him for the same reason you wasted your time to reply to me. Maybe when you get a chance you can send me a list of "Worth Your Time" posts that I should respond to so that I dont waste my time anymore.

[synch]

true! Got mine for the gig in london nice and early, wander what they'll end up going for on e-bay!?!
Dunno, but the tickets for the very very limited concert they gave here in amsterdam last year went from the original 10 euro (about seven quid) to 100-200 euro on the night and on the net.

I don't think this one is even sold out to be honest, it's a huge concert hall.

[hunkgolden]

You're absolutely right it's a question of priorities - yours, mine and the BBoys. This is exactly why I don't go to sports events in the States, because they're too expensive, and the players get paid too much. It's absolutely market driven, and once a good percentage of people stop going, they'll start thinking about why and maybe lower their prices. Hence, my reason for posting on a forum to get other people thinking about it. But if you think that's a wast of time, well, go live in a fascist country where you don't have the opportunity to voice your opinion.

[rumbles]

I guess I wasted my time replying to bitch at him for the same reason you wasted your time to reply to me. Maybe when you get a chance you can send me a list of "Worth Your Time" posts that I should respond to so that I dont waste my time anymore.

ooooooh! someones throwing their toys out of the pram! cheer up mate! ;)

[johnny_ryall]

You wanna talk about expensive? Madonna sells her tickets for $500 a pop. That's outrageous. You should be grateful of the Beastie's prices. They gotta make their money somehow since most of the listeners today steal the music.

[Johanna]

You wanna talk about expensive? Madonna sells her tickets for $500 a pop. That's outrageous. You should be grateful of the Beastie's prices. They gotta make their money somehow since most of the listeners today steal the music.
yeah, cus they're so poor... :rolleyes:

[rumbles]

Dunno, but the tickets for the very very limited concert they gave here in amsterdam last year went from the original 10 euro (about seven quid) to 100-200 euro on the night and on the net.

I don't think this one is even sold out to be honest, it's a huge concert hall.


its crazy but people will pay it, sounds like you may have a few of us brits over to help fill up your stadium then! :)

[rumbles]

yeah, cus they're so poor... :rolleyes:

ha ha, they must be, have you seen some of the clothes they have to wear!?!! :D

[MidwestPain]

This is exactly why I don't go to sports events in the States, because they're too expensive, and the players get paid too much.

I agree with you on that completely. I have lost interest in pro sports completely for this reason. I just love how easily an arguement can break out on this board. Trust me...I hate paying the money to see concerts. I remember back in the day thinking $15.00 was ridiculous. All I was getting at was if you cant manage to scrounge up $40 then obviously you might want to consider focusing on something other than going to concerts.

[MidwestPain]

Its all good Rumbles. I like to ruffle feathers for the fun of it too sometimes. (y)

[johnny_ryall]

I remember when Hot Dogs cost a nickle. We've heard it all b4.

[rumbles]

Its all good Rumbles. I like to ruffle feathers for the fun of it too sometimes. (y)

no worries, makes it a little more fun! (y)

[hunkgolden]

I just love how easily an arguement can break out on this board.

I hear ya brotha - there sure are a lot of people out there like us not doing what they're supposed to be doing, i.e., work!

It's unfortunate, but I probably won't go see them for that very reason. I've only seen them in show once, in Salt Lake Shitty, and I think the tickets were about 10 bucks then. I don't even really go to movies anymore because they include advertisements at the beginning - I'm paying them to advertise to me?!?!?!

Ah well, all i can say is, thank God we have the opportunity to discuss as we feel free to!

And along those lines - DON'T VOTE FOR BUSH!!!!!!

OK, I'm signin off now.... :)

[rumbles]

I just love how easily an arguement can break out on this board.

I hear ya brotha - there sure are a lot of people out there like us not doing what they're supposed to be doing, i.e., work!

It's unfortunate, but I probably won't go see them for that very reason. I've only seen them in show once, in Salt Lake Shitty, and I think the tickets were about 10 bucks then. I don't even really go to movies anymore because they include advertisements at the beginning - I'm paying them to advertise to me?!?!?!

Ah well, all i can say is, thank God we have the opportunity to discuss as we feel free to!

And along those lines - DON'T VOTE FOR BUSH!!!!!!

OK, I'm signin off now.... :)


Hey i'm british and i'm voting for kerry, buts that a WHOLE other forum!!! (y)

[synch]

its crazy but people will pay it, sounds like you may have a few of us brits over to help fill up your stadium then! :)
Actually it's next to the Ajax stadium :D

It was built especially for concerts so the acoustics are incredible. They got a few 'experts' together to design it, including one of the lads from Massive Attack.

I saw Massive Attack, Motorhead/Anthrax and a punk festival including Pennywise, Lagwagon and a bunch of other bands, the sounds is fantastic.

[rumbles]

[QUOTE=synch]Actually it's next to the Ajax stadium :D

It was built especially for concerts so the acoustics are incredible. They got a few 'experts' together to design it, including one of the lads from Massive Attack.

I saw Massive Attack, Motorhead/Anthrax and a punk festival including Pennywise, Lagwagon and a bunch of other bands, the sounds is fantastic.[/QUOTE

Massive Attack what a group, probably one of my five dessert island discs (cd's)! (y)

[synch]

Massive Attack what a group, probably one of my five dessert island discs (cd's)! (y)
Yeah, fantastic stuff. They were very very good live. Did you see them on their last tour? The one with the huge dot matrix screen.

[rumbles]

Yeah, fantastic stuff. They were very very good live. Did you see them on their last tour? The one with the huge dot matrix screen.

never had the opertunity mate (n)

anyway, thats my work day over some i'm off home, l8terz dude! :)

[synch]

I'm off too. And with a one hour time difference as well.

Ah well ;)

Later mate.

[framboiseatomik]

I think that's not that much expensive, I paid 61$ ( I live in canada) to be in the first row. And also they give 1$ to a charity organization on each tickets, the other groups don't do nothing at all.

[synch]

What's that in us dollars, euro or pound?

[framboiseatomik]

What's that in us dollars, euro or pound?

In us dollar it's 45$. I think, I'm not sure.

[WheyZ]

i got my tickets yesterday and im hyped! i rarely pay for concerts but this one i had to, they were like $45 a pop, but i gotta support, its not like the beasties tour all the time...if i dont see them now, when will i??? last time i saw them was in 94!!!!!! and i live in miami, one of the bigger cities in the US. so u know i gotta see them now!

[synch]

In us dollar it's 45$. I think, I'm not sure.
That's about what I paid then.

Lots of money, but it's worth it :)

[framboiseatomik]

That's about what I paid then.

Lots of money, but it's worth it :)

but we don't know when they going to come back and I want to see them at least one time in my life. I can't wait to see the show, it's in 30 days, it's so long :( !!!

[synch]

Those are ridiculous prices though. Going to see the Mad Caddies and two or three other bands for 12 euro's (if I manage to get my lazy arse in gear and get tickets that is! :D ).

[SovietUnionSq]

I think the ticket price is dirt cheap, especially when you take in consideration that you get to see two great artists on one ticket. Three, if you count the dogs.

Most top acts these days charge $100 per ticket, with "premium seats" in the $150 to $300 range.

Below is a list of average ticket prices for several artists who toured in 2003 (pulled from Billboard reports):

The Rolling Stones $200
Eagles $116
Billy Joel/Elton John $110
Fleetwood Mac $95
Kiss/Aerosmith $81.50
Cher $80
Metallica $80
Ozzfest $69
Bruce Springsteen $65
Dave Matthews Band $47

The Beastie Boys' ticket price is well under those prices. I think they deserve praise for keeping their ticket price low.

-M
It kind of says something, though, when that's considered a "low" ticket price.

"We see a lot of kids coming to our shows in T-shirts and Birkenstocks, like they're on the way to the bathroom," said Horovitz, known for his tongue-in-cheek humor. "If I paid whatever it is, like $30, to see a show, I'm not going to dress like I'm going to the bathroom."

$30, please...with ticketmaster surcharges two tickets for MSG set me back $120. What really bothers me though is this internet presale crap which basically, if you want good seats, forces you to buy through ticketmaster as opposed to going right to the box office and avoiding the ridiculous surcharges.

[JBernas]

Lots of money, but it's worth it :)

That's actually cheap compared to other bands....I paid $150 last year to see Metallica.....45 is very reasonable, esp. since every ticket is 45....it doesn't go up the closer you get.... (y)

[synch]

That's at the box office? 150$?

I hope that for that amount they didn't play anything that wasn't on the first five albums ;)

[RUBen1off]

You gotta remember that this is what they do for a living. I'm sure record sales give them a good amount of loot, but Merch and Live Shows probably gives them a lot more.....but I am probably just speaking out of my ass.
I paid the $50 (all BS charges included) for some shitty seats but, its better than spending $50 at the bar.....at least I'm hoping that it is.

[fugazi]

I think the ticket price is dirt cheap, especially when you take in consideration that you get to see two great artists on one ticket. Three, if you count the dogs.

Most top acts these days charge $100 per ticket, with "premium seats" in the $150 to $300 range.

Below is a list of average ticket prices for several artists who toured in 2003 (pulled from Billboard reports):

The Rolling Stones $200
Eagles $116
Billy Joel/Elton John $110
Fleetwood Mac $95
Kiss/Aerosmith $81.50
Cher $80
Metallica $80
Ozzfest $69
Bruce Springsteen $65
Dave Matthews Band $47

The Beastie Boys' ticket price is well under those prices. I think they deserve praise for keeping their ticket price low.

-M

you forgot

Fugazi $5

[johnny_ryall]

Ticketmaster is the devil.

[JBernas]

That's at the box office? 150$?

I hope that for that amount they didn't play anything that wasn't on the first five albums ;)

It was a good show.....not much new stuff...they played mostly stuff up through the black album (y) but they also played with Linkin Park and Limp Bizkit, so you're paying for that too......still 150 is pretty steep when you add in the $8 beers and the $6 hot dogs.....

[hunkgolden]

It kind of says something, though, when that's considered a "low" ticket price.

"We see a lot of kids coming to our shows in T-shirts and Birkenstocks, like they're on the way to the bathroom," said Horovitz, known for his tongue-in-cheek humor. "If I paid whatever it is, like $30, to see a show, I'm not going to dress like I'm going to the bathroom."

$30, please...with ticketmaster surcharges two tickets for MSG set me back $120. What really bothers me though is this internet presale crap which basically, if you want good seats, forces you to buy through ticketmaster as opposed to going right to the box office and avoiding the ridiculous surcharges.

[hunkgolden]

It kind of says something, though, when that's considered a "low" ticket price.



OK, I did that last one wrong - still figuring out this message board thing...

You got that right, man - you know what that's called? It's called a shifting baseline. It applies to ticket prices, your civil rights, environmental degradation... When people start saying that it's OK for the Federal Government to tap your phone line because of 'terrrorist' concerns, then you're not too far away from being watched all the time.

Similarly, when Madonna charges $500 for a front row seat, suddenly, $45 doesn't seem like too much. I have to agree that it's not ridiculously expensive, but still too much.

And right on, man, Fugazi for $5....

[BangkokB]

Hulk Hokan
I havent given your threat justice byt readin it
But I'll say this the Eagles are comin here and won't to charge $200 a ticket thatls just crazy nuts why dont you
These are 60 yr old men that havent written a good song in 24 + yrss and here we go

[sea_dragon]

You gotta remember that this is what they do for a living. I'm sure record sales give them a good amount of loot, but Merch and Live Shows probably gives them a lot more.....but I am probably just speaking out of my ass.
I paid the $50 (all BS charges included) for some shitty seats but, its better than spending $50 at the bar.....at least I'm hoping that it is.

Actually, from what I've heard bands don't make much at all from record sales, most of their income is from touring and merchandise. Courtney Love wrote about it awhile ago on salon.com
http://dir.salon.com/tech/feature/2000/06/14/love/index.html

and Steve Albini wrote about it too, although he includes touring as another way that artists lose money:
http://www.arancidamoeba.com/mrr/problemwithmusic.html

And this article quotes an agent saying that only the top 10% make any money from record sales:
http://abcnews.go.com/sections/business/Entertainment/forbes_concertcash_030711.html

[synch]

It was a good show.....not much new stuff...they played mostly stuff up through the black album (y) but they also played with Linkin Park and Limp Bizkit, so you're paying for that too......still 150 is pretty steep when you add in the $8 beers and the $6 hot dogs.....
Metallica, Limp Bizkit, Linkin Park....

That sounds soooo wrong together.

[TheCroShow]

i'm getting sick of hearing people complain about the ticket prices. WHO FUCKING CARES??? Do you have any idea how fortunate you are to have the chance to see The Beastie Boys?? I was fortunate enough to see them in Vancouver, the trip cost me about $250-300 in total (ticket, hotel, food, shirt, etc) and I was more than happy with the experience. I'm not saying the cost to me was excessive, because there were people that traveled from as far as Regina!

Stop your bitching, suck it up. I spoke with a girl from Buenos Aires that would KILL for a chance to see The Beastie Boys. Get over yourself and cough up the cash for the best show you will ever see. go to hell cheapskate /rantmode off

[beastie_dee]

cause its worth it love :)

I mean it is the beastie boys

[sea_dragon]

Metallica, Limp Bizkit, Linkin Park....

That sounds soooo wrong together.

Just sounds completely unappealing to me...

[hunkgolden]

Actually, from what I've heard bands don't make much at all from record sales, most of their income is from touring and merchandise. Courtney Love wrote about it awhile ago on salon.com


Thanks for the links - that's good info. I had a feeling that bands were getting screwed by the record companies, but I guess I didn't realize just how badly. See, this is what the message board is for, the exchange of ideas and information, not randomly yelling at people to suck it up. (y)

[sea_dragon]

The Steve Albini one is particularly alarming, because it breaks down the numbers and you can really see how a band could end up in the hole if their record doesn't sell.

I saw a Frontline program where one of the people said that this really started being a problem when the big corporations like Sony, Warner, etc. realized how much money there was to be made in the recording industry, and the focus changed from being about the music to about the profits.

Another relevant article by Don Henley:
http://www.commondreams.org/views04/0217-01.htm

And here's the Frontline site, you could spend hours reading through this stuff (and watching the program itself, if you've got the bandwidth), but it's kind of depressing:
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/shows/music/

They contrast how Sarah Hudson (Kate Hudson's sister) and Velvet Revolver were signed and marketed prior to their first releases.

[mike-m]

The tickets must be expensive only in the US/Canada. Over here in Britain they're are only 24 English pounds. Very cheap for an arena gig. I was expecting to pay at least 40 pounds. (!)

[cheftowny]

this there get super rich and retire tour so they play all the biggest venus and charge as much as they can for the tickets.

[Blue Nun]

The prices they are charging for the venues they are playing are decent. Concerts are stupidly expensive these days. Their prices are pretty reasonable. A friend wanted my husband to go to the Van Halen concert with him... $130 Cdn for VH vs under $60 Cdn for the Boys in the same venue? (a) He had no desire to go to VH and (b) wtf?! a $130!?... no thanks!