Why are concert tickets becoming increasingly expensive?
With Oasis' comeback, the discussion about the prices of concert tickets for international stars has resumed with renewed vigor: the dynamic sales system put in place has caused prices to skyrocket, offending fans with prices doubling during the purchase process.
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By adjusting ticket prices in real time based on demand, this sales method cynically applies the rules of unbridled capitalism… and it works: all the tickets were sold out in 10 hours, despite the controversy. This practice, still relatively uncommon in France, is widespread in the United States. It has led to a lawsuit against Live Nation from the U.S. Department of Justice for its practices, following the scandal of the exorbitant prices of Taylor Swift's 2022 tour.
The hyperinflation of concert tickets has continued its runaway trajectory since the end of the pandemic and shows no signs of stopping. The scapegoating of lost revenue during the pandemic and inflation is conveniently used as a pretext: a Pollstar study commissioned by the Wall Street Journal shows that the increase is more than offset. As highlighted in this article, which provides an accurate overview of the situation, the market's concentration around a handful of bankable artists, Ticketmaster's monopolistic position in ticket sales, and Live Nation's control over the biggest tours and festivals are rigging the game. One detail that is significant: the two giants merged in 2020 to create Live Nation Entertainment.
How can we counter this mad rush?
Solutions exist to counter this race, but they require political will and genuine cooperation between artists, producers, and audiences. Several recent examples show that artists can, for instance, impose their own rules. Take the band Indochine, for instance, who regularly express their desire to keep their concert tickets affordable for everyone and refuse to give in to pressure from producers. The Cure's frontman also challenged Ticketmaster, demanding they reimburse fans for part of the ticket purchase costs for the American tour. In addition to the cheapest tickets ($20), there was an $11 service fee, a $10 processing fee, and a $5.50 order processing fee, for a total of $46.50.
When demand exceeds supply, other solutions are possible: the "first come, first served" principle still works, even if it requires sales platforms to have the financial strength to handle the surge in connections (a criticism frequently leveled during major events). For example, the Paris 2024 Olympic Games implemented a lottery system.
As for the public, one can certainly question their ability to spend such sums. Alternatives? Refusing to attend concerts that exceed a certain psychological price point, broadening their horizons to include less established artists who are just as emotionally engaging, and rediscovering the pleasure of discovering and supporting them, rather than accepting their cavalier rules.
When will a tech player take on the problem and offer a solution that empowers artists and fans?