Concert Prices Are A SCAM (And Will Only Get Worse)

Summary

The video script explores the sharp rise in concert ticket prices, particularly for major bands like Ghost, Slipknot, and Iron Maiden. The speaker reflects on how prices have skyrocketed in recent years, especially post-pandemic, and highlights the disparity between general admission and seated tickets. They also discuss the additional costs fans face, such as food, travel, and merchandise. The speaker critiques the greed driving ticket price inflation, which is pricing out smaller bands and artists. While fans may still support these high-cost shows, the speaker expresses concern for the future of live music and the impact on both artists and fans.

Takeaways

• 😀 Concert ticket prices have soared in recent years, with many big bands charging exorbitant amounts for their shows.
• 🤔 Bands like Ghost, Iron Maiden, and Slipknot now have prices comparable to major pop stars, such as Taylor Swift and Bruce Springsteen.
• 💸 Some concert tickets, especially for general admission, can cost upwards of £170–£200 ($200–$250), making it unaffordable for many fans.
• 📊 The cost of attending a live show has increased due to the rising prices of venues, production costs, and demand for bigger spectacles.
• 😲 The prices for smaller or mid-level bands are also rising due to inflated costs from major acts, creating an imbalance in the live music market.
• 📈 Since the post-COVID era, ticket prices have escalated dramatically, with the average price for a concert ticket now hovering around $120–$150.
• 😷 While COVID-19 initially caused a slump, it didn't fully explain the surge in ticket prices in the past couple of years.
• 🤯 Bands are increasingly introducing VIP or reserved seating options, which further push up ticket prices beyond basic entry fees.
• 😕 Fans are feeling guilty about high ticket prices, with some artists using personal stories about touring expenses to encourage spending.
• 💔 This trend towards higher prices may ultimately price out smaller bands and limit their ability to tour, further consolidating the live music scene under a few major acts.

Q & A

Why did the speaker decide to investigate the rising costs of concert tickets?

The speaker was seeing screenshots of exorbitant ticket prices being shared online and decided to investigate whether these high prices were anomalies or part of a larger trend.

What surprised the speaker about the ticket prices for bands like Ghost?

The speaker was surprised that bands like Ghost, while popular, were charging nearly the same amount for tickets as legendary bands like Iron Maiden and Slipknot, despite not being in the same category of 'all-time greats.'

How do ticket prices for standing tickets compare to seating tickets for some bands?

In some cases, standing tickets were cheaper than seating tickets. For example, standing tickets for Slipknot were priced at £100, whereas seating tickets were as high as £277.

What is the speaker's opinion on the current state of concert ticket prices?

The speaker views the rising ticket prices as a form of 'extortion' and feels that the costs have become arbitrarily high due to increased demand and corporate greed.

What factors does the speaker identify as contributing to the rising costs of concert tickets?

The speaker attributes the price increases to factors such as increased production value of shows, rising venue costs, higher touring expenses, and the general greed of major bands and corporations in the music industry.

What does the speaker say about the affordability of live shows for fans?

The speaker points out that the high prices are making it increasingly difficult for regular fans to afford tickets, and many are being priced out of attending live concerts, especially as additional costs like food, drinks, and travel add up.

How has the COVID-19 pandemic affected concert ticket prices?

The pandemic led to a significant slump in live shows, but since the pandemic's end, ticket prices have surged dramatically, with the average concert ticket price reaching around $120 to $150, and even higher in some cases.

What does the speaker think about the impact of ticket prices on smaller bands?

The speaker believes that the rising costs are pricing out smaller and mid-level bands, as the industry becomes more monopolized by large, established acts. This, in turn, raises costs for smaller bands who can no longer afford touring expenses.

What role does demand play in driving up ticket prices, according to the speaker?

The speaker notes that increased demand for larger, more spectacular shows and bigger outdoor festivals has led to higher ticket prices, as fans are willing to spend more for these experiences.

What does the speaker suggest about the future of live music pricing?

The speaker hopes that the 'bubble' of inflated ticket prices will eventually burst, but they remain skeptical, fearing that the live music market will continue to prioritize profits over accessibility.