UK music fans feel the pinch as ticket prices soar out of control.
For many, going to live concerts is a highlight of their social calendar. But with prices skyrocketing to dizzying heights – think £15 for a DJ at Electric Brixton, or £50 for a similar show – it's becoming increasingly difficult to justify the cost. Amy Law, 35, from New Zealand living in London, says she hasn't attended a gig since June due to rising ticket prices.
Amy, an EDM fan, is not alone in her frustration. As prices have risen, so has the number of fans cutting back on gigs altogether. Mark Rushton, 65, from Bury, points to Ticketmaster as the main culprit, saying the company's "outrageous prices" and extra fees are putting him off attending shows in Manchester.
Rushton remembers when he saw Bruce Springsteen at the Apollo in Manchester for £6.50 – a price that would be equivalent to around £25 today. Now, the same ticket costs £150, with additional fees tacked on. "It's just not doable," Rushton says.
Others are taking matters into their own hands by traveling to different cities to see their favorite artists. Amy Law, who booked a flight to Luxembourg for €50 (£43.62) to see Lorde play a show there, is a prime example. The cost of flights and accommodation may be similar to the ticket price at home, but the experience is still worth it.
In response to the growing criticism, Ticketmaster has agreed to change its sales tactics. However, for many fans, the issue goes beyond just the company's policies – it's about the rising cost of living and the impact that's having on their music-going habits.
Some fans are turning to smaller venues as an alternative. Elaine, 48, from London, says she now attends one and done gigs, opting for a single ticket over multiple shows by her favorite artists. This approach has taken the fun out of going to see music live, according to Elaine, but it's a small price to pay compared to the cost of attending bigger shows.
Mark Woollard, 51, a facilities manager from London, is another fan who has started exploring smaller gigs. He says he's discovered new artists and enjoyed intimate performances in grassroots venues – experiences that are often priced at £16 or £17 per ticket.
As prices continue to rise, it seems that many fans will be forced to get creative with their music-going habits. Whether it's traveling to different cities or opting for smaller shows, the options may be limited, but the passion for live music remains strong.
For many, going to live concerts is a highlight of their social calendar. But with prices skyrocketing to dizzying heights – think £15 for a DJ at Electric Brixton, or £50 for a similar show – it's becoming increasingly difficult to justify the cost. Amy Law, 35, from New Zealand living in London, says she hasn't attended a gig since June due to rising ticket prices.
Amy, an EDM fan, is not alone in her frustration. As prices have risen, so has the number of fans cutting back on gigs altogether. Mark Rushton, 65, from Bury, points to Ticketmaster as the main culprit, saying the company's "outrageous prices" and extra fees are putting him off attending shows in Manchester.
Rushton remembers when he saw Bruce Springsteen at the Apollo in Manchester for £6.50 – a price that would be equivalent to around £25 today. Now, the same ticket costs £150, with additional fees tacked on. "It's just not doable," Rushton says.
Others are taking matters into their own hands by traveling to different cities to see their favorite artists. Amy Law, who booked a flight to Luxembourg for €50 (£43.62) to see Lorde play a show there, is a prime example. The cost of flights and accommodation may be similar to the ticket price at home, but the experience is still worth it.
In response to the growing criticism, Ticketmaster has agreed to change its sales tactics. However, for many fans, the issue goes beyond just the company's policies – it's about the rising cost of living and the impact that's having on their music-going habits.
Some fans are turning to smaller venues as an alternative. Elaine, 48, from London, says she now attends one and done gigs, opting for a single ticket over multiple shows by her favorite artists. This approach has taken the fun out of going to see music live, according to Elaine, but it's a small price to pay compared to the cost of attending bigger shows.
Mark Woollard, 51, a facilities manager from London, is another fan who has started exploring smaller gigs. He says he's discovered new artists and enjoyed intimate performances in grassroots venues – experiences that are often priced at £16 or £17 per ticket.
As prices continue to rise, it seems that many fans will be forced to get creative with their music-going habits. Whether it's traveling to different cities or opting for smaller shows, the options may be limited, but the passion for live music remains strong.
anyways idk about changing their sales tactics tho its prob still gonna be all about makin money not makin sure fans can afford to go but like i feel for people who are missin out on shows cuz they cant afford it 
I feel so bad for people like Amy and Mark who can't afford to go to concerts anymore. £15-£150 is just crazy! 
Ticketmaster needs to do more than just change their sales tactics, they need to think about the fans too. 
I'm all for smaller gigs at £16-£17 a pop, it's like you said Mark Woollard - discovering new artists and having an intimate experience is worth it. 
But what's happening to the live music scene in general? Are we just losing out on some amazing experiences because of rising costs? 
I'm not sure there's a simple solution, but maybe if people like Elaine and Mark start going to more one and done gigs, they can keep the bigger shows alive too... or at least find ways to make them more affordable. 
prices r just crazy! i remember when going 2 concerts was like a fun night out with friends, not this expensive nightmare... maybe smaller venues will save the day? btw did u know that £6.50 is equivalent to £25 now?! that's wild 
Ticket prices are just getting crazy! £15 for a DJ at Electric Brixton? That's like, what, £10 from like 5 years ago? And £50 for another show? Come on! I get it, the cost of living is rising and all that, but isn't there something we can do about it? 
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. It's almost as if the value of a live show has become detached from its actual cost 
. Maybe we need a new business model that prioritizes affordability over profit margins 
. For many music enthusiasts, attending live concerts was once a highlight of their social calendar 
, but now it's becoming increasingly difficult to justify the expense 
.
. Not only do they offer more intimate experiences, but often at a lower price point 
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.
I think we need to start questioning those expectations and finding new ways to connect with music that don't break the bank.