High ticket prices are pricing fans out of the music scene.
The UK's cost of living crisis has had a profound impact on live music, with many fans forced to reevaluate their gig-going habits due to exorbitant ticket prices. For some, it's as simple as not being able to afford a show, while for others, it's the cumulative effect of booking fees, transport and accommodation costs that's putting a significant dent in their pocket.
A recent case in point is Amy Law, a 35-year-old New Zealander living in London. She used to attend gigs weekly but hasn't been since June due to the increasingly steep prices. "Fifty quid for a gig is just out of my budget," she laments, referring to the current price of tickets for Lost Frequencies at Electric Brixton.
The problem is not just about individual prices; it's also about the systemic issues that drive up costs. Dynamic ticket pricing and resale websites have created a market where people are willing to pay top dollar for tickets, further exacerbating the issue. Even major platforms like Ticketmaster have been accused of enabling these practices.
Mark Rushton, 65, from Bury, shares Amy's frustration with ticket prices. "It's outrageous," he says, pointing the finger at Ticketmaster as the main culprit behind high fees. While it's true that the company has changed its sales tactics in response to consumer complaints, many fans still feel that they're being squeezed dry.
Traveling for a gig is becoming an increasingly expensive proposition, with rail fares rising faster than wages in recent years. This means that even if someone can afford to attend a show, getting there may be out of reach. For Mark Woollard, 51, from London, the issue goes beyond just ticket prices; it's also about the cost of food and drink in big venues.
"I've started looking for smaller gigs," he explains, highlighting the benefits of discovering new artists at grassroots venues. "It's been great to experience intimate shows with truly up-and-coming bands." His recent favorite discoveries include Prima Queen, Honeyglaze, and Coming Up Roses – a testament to the power of exploring alternative scenes.
While some fans are adapting by opting for smaller gigs or even traveling to see their favorite artists elsewhere, others may be forced out of the music scene altogether. As prices continue to rise, it's essential that promoters, ticketing platforms, and venues work together to create more affordable options for music lovers.
The UK's cost of living crisis has had a profound impact on live music, with many fans forced to reevaluate their gig-going habits due to exorbitant ticket prices. For some, it's as simple as not being able to afford a show, while for others, it's the cumulative effect of booking fees, transport and accommodation costs that's putting a significant dent in their pocket.
A recent case in point is Amy Law, a 35-year-old New Zealander living in London. She used to attend gigs weekly but hasn't been since June due to the increasingly steep prices. "Fifty quid for a gig is just out of my budget," she laments, referring to the current price of tickets for Lost Frequencies at Electric Brixton.
The problem is not just about individual prices; it's also about the systemic issues that drive up costs. Dynamic ticket pricing and resale websites have created a market where people are willing to pay top dollar for tickets, further exacerbating the issue. Even major platforms like Ticketmaster have been accused of enabling these practices.
Mark Rushton, 65, from Bury, shares Amy's frustration with ticket prices. "It's outrageous," he says, pointing the finger at Ticketmaster as the main culprit behind high fees. While it's true that the company has changed its sales tactics in response to consumer complaints, many fans still feel that they're being squeezed dry.
Traveling for a gig is becoming an increasingly expensive proposition, with rail fares rising faster than wages in recent years. This means that even if someone can afford to attend a show, getting there may be out of reach. For Mark Woollard, 51, from London, the issue goes beyond just ticket prices; it's also about the cost of food and drink in big venues.
"I've started looking for smaller gigs," he explains, highlighting the benefits of discovering new artists at grassroots venues. "It's been great to experience intimate shows with truly up-and-coming bands." His recent favorite discoveries include Prima Queen, Honeyglaze, and Coming Up Roses – a testament to the power of exploring alternative scenes.
While some fans are adapting by opting for smaller gigs or even traveling to see their favorite artists elsewhere, others may be forced out of the music scene altogether. As prices continue to rise, it's essential that promoters, ticketing platforms, and venues work together to create more affordable options for music lovers.
I'm so frustrated when I see tickets going up in price like crazy... 50 quid for a gig is just not fair 
especially when you're trying to enjoy live music with your friends or family. It's not just the individual ticket prices that are the problem, it's also these dynamic pricing systems and resale websites that create a market where people are willing to pay ridiculous amounts of money.
because they're usually way cheaper. Plus, you get to discover new artists at a grassroots level which is amazing! I've been to some incredible shows at these types of venues and it's really brought the music scene back to life for me.
especially with the cost of living crisis on, people just can't afford it anymore. We need more options for budget-friendly gigs and festivals, or risk losing an entire generation of music lovers to the high prices 
. its like they wanna charge us an arm and a leg to see our fave artists live. and yeah dynamic pricing and resale sites are the worst - i mean who needs to pay 50 quid for a ticket when theres always some dude selling it on facebook marketplace for 100? its just ridiculous 
. promoters need to start looking at the bigger picture and not just about making that extra cash. and btw, have you seen the prices of food and drink at those big festivals? its like they're trying to drain your wallet 
. smaller gigs all the way im with mark woollard on this one 
. And don't even get me started on those dynamic ticket prices... it's just daylight robbery 
. And what about people who are on a tight budget? Or those with kids or elderly relatives who can't afford it? It's just not fair, you know?
. I mean, Ticketmaster and all those resale sites are just taking advantage of fans 
. Maybe we need to find some ways to support smaller gigs and venues? Like, I've been checking out some local shows and they're so much more chill 
.
! Mark Rushton is right that they're the main culprit behind high fees 
. It's outrageous that fans have to deal with these extra costs on top of already exorbitant ticket prices 
. And let's not forget about traveling for a gig – rail fares are rising faster than wages in recent years, making it even harder for people to attend shows #TransportCosts.
! We need more venues and promoters to create affordable options for music lovers #MoreAffordableGigs 
For some, the price of tickets might seem like a small sacrifice, but for others, it's a matter of affordability and access. It's interesting how ticket prices have become a system that perpetuates inequality in the music scene 
. We're not just talking about fans being priced out, we're talking about people being forced to reevaluate their relationship with art and entertainment 
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. They're basically charging us for the privilege of buying tickets too 
. Nowadays, it seems like the whole thing has been commercialized to the point where it's just not worth it for some people 
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. And maybe promoters, ticketing platforms, and venues could work together to create more affordable options... that's the key 
. Can't have music lovers being priced out of the scene altogether