UK concert ticket prices are spiraling out of control, forcing fans to make drastic choices. For many, attending live music events is no longer a viable option due to astronomical costs.
Take Amy Law, a 35-year-old Londoner who has all but given up on going to concerts. "I used to go to gigs weekly," she says. "But after prices skyrocketed, I haven't been since June." The former EDM fan cites the price of a Lost Frequencies show as the final straw: £50 was simply too much to bear. Amy's experience is not unique; a recent survey found that 40% of respondents had reduced their concert-going habits due to rising ticket prices.
The cost of living crisis and the proliferation of resale websites have contributed significantly to these price hikes. Dynamic ticket pricing, which allows artists and promoters to adjust prices based on demand, has also become a major factor. As a result, fans like Mark Rushton are being priced out of their favorite events. "It's outrageous," he says. "I saw Bruce Springsteen for £6.50 in 1981 – that's about £25 now." Rushton attributes the high costs to Ticketmaster, which has become the primary platform for ticket sales.
Many fans have taken matters into their own hands by booking flights and accommodation for shows abroad or exploring smaller venues. Nathan Maddison, a Newcastle resident who attended an Iron Maiden concert in June, opted not to attend due to financial constraints. "I will travel to gigs," he says. "But you've got to factor in transport and accommodation costs." Maddison is not alone; Elaine, 48, from London, has become a "one and done" gig goer due to the high prices of food and drink at larger venues.
In response to rising ticket prices, fans like Mark Woollard are embracing smaller gigs and up-and-coming artists. He says that attending intimate shows in grassroots venues has been "great" – not only do the tickets cost significantly less (£16 or £17), but he often gets to meet the artists themselves after their performances.
Mark's new approach has broadened his musical horizons, allowing him to discover new bands and experiences. "I've always been interested in finding new artists," he says. "In the last couple of years, I've actively gone out and hunted down these little gigs." As the UK concert ticket market continues to evolve, fans will need to adapt – or take a chance on international events like Amy did.
Take Amy Law, a 35-year-old Londoner who has all but given up on going to concerts. "I used to go to gigs weekly," she says. "But after prices skyrocketed, I haven't been since June." The former EDM fan cites the price of a Lost Frequencies show as the final straw: £50 was simply too much to bear. Amy's experience is not unique; a recent survey found that 40% of respondents had reduced their concert-going habits due to rising ticket prices.
The cost of living crisis and the proliferation of resale websites have contributed significantly to these price hikes. Dynamic ticket pricing, which allows artists and promoters to adjust prices based on demand, has also become a major factor. As a result, fans like Mark Rushton are being priced out of their favorite events. "It's outrageous," he says. "I saw Bruce Springsteen for £6.50 in 1981 – that's about £25 now." Rushton attributes the high costs to Ticketmaster, which has become the primary platform for ticket sales.
Many fans have taken matters into their own hands by booking flights and accommodation for shows abroad or exploring smaller venues. Nathan Maddison, a Newcastle resident who attended an Iron Maiden concert in June, opted not to attend due to financial constraints. "I will travel to gigs," he says. "But you've got to factor in transport and accommodation costs." Maddison is not alone; Elaine, 48, from London, has become a "one and done" gig goer due to the high prices of food and drink at larger venues.
In response to rising ticket prices, fans like Mark Woollard are embracing smaller gigs and up-and-coming artists. He says that attending intimate shows in grassroots venues has been "great" – not only do the tickets cost significantly less (£16 or £17), but he often gets to meet the artists themselves after their performances.
Mark's new approach has broadened his musical horizons, allowing him to discover new bands and experiences. "I've always been interested in finding new artists," he says. "In the last couple of years, I've actively gone out and hunted down these little gigs." As the UK concert ticket market continues to evolve, fans will need to adapt – or take a chance on international events like Amy did.
Ticket prices are indeed becoming the ultimate barrier to entry for many music lovers 
The rise of resale sites and dynamic pricing is making it super tough for people to afford live shows. I feel for those who have to make sacrifices just to enjoy their favorite artists. It's not just about the ticket price, though – it's also about what you can get inside a venue, like decent food and drink options 
Smaller gigs might be the way forward for some fans, but others will keep on traveling to catch their faves abroad 
their avocado toast is insane 
but anyway back to concerts - £50 for a Lost Frequencies show? that's wild 
i remember when i could see live music for under 10 quid and it was still an amazing experience 
has anyone tried those new portable guitar amps they've been raving about on tiktok 
The prices are just crazy! I remember when I was a teenager and tickets were super affordable, now it's like they're charging you by the minute 
I've noticed that smaller venues are becoming more popular because of this - its great for new artists but can be tough on fans who want to see their favorite big-name acts 
ugh i'm not surprised at all 
these prices are just ridiculous. it's like they're charging fans per breath 
and ticketmaster is the worst culprit for this 
. and those who do stick around have to pay extra for food and drinks at larger venues 
anyone else sick of being priced out of live music events? 
that's the way to do it! let's keep the music scene alive but not at the cost of breaking our bank balances 
At least some fans are finding ways around it by looking abroad or checking out smaller gigs, but I'm still nostalgic for the old school concert-going experience 
Can't believe how fast ticket prices have jumped up. I remember when I was young and buying tickets for festivals was actually affordable... now it's like they're trying to rob us blind! 
