Complaints by music fans pointing to more expensive concert tickets by big pop-rock figures are based on fact, not subjective sensation. It’s a gradual process that goes a long way and accelerated by the effect. Pandemic‘ and the revival of tours. The sum of the accumulated factors (inflation and the increase in material costs are in the foreground), the rise of the ‘vip culture’ and the disruptive effect of resale and pervasive dynamic pricingwhich the stock climbs to value and multiplies the initial fees.
latest promotions Madonna And Beyonce They raised the cry of alarm. The sound of ‘Like a virgin’ offered a wide range of prices for their concert at Palau Sant Jordi on 1 and 2 November, between 40 and 300 euros (i.e. between 45.50 and 333.50) including management fees. although tickets such as will be made in Spain, those of the track were in an unprecedented range of 200 (226.50) and 250 euros (283.50).
In addition, ‘vip’ packages, which include various sweets and special attention, exceeded one thousand euros. And the most striking thing was the dynamic mechanism applied to the (very few) tickets waiting to be sold: This Friday, 1 to 1 ‘show’ was given some bids. 793 euros more expense.
‘Premium’ categories
The same has been replaced by dynamic rates for existing “tickets” for Beyoncé, whose initial price range for the concert at the Estadi Olímpic on June 8 increased from 62.50 to 209.50 Euros (plus costs). the cheapest is now 601.50 euros. Offer named ‘vip2 pure honey stage boosters’ in ‘Premium’ categories, ‘tickets’ at the bottom of the stage are from 2,377 Euros.
It is observed that the lower price bands generally vary relatively (The Cure: 50.50 euros in 2016; 51 euros in 2022) and the more desirable a location is, the more ambitious it is. This is where the climbs usually happen. Let’s take a look at Coldplay: tickets for their four concerts at Estadi in May starting at 56.50 euros (up from 60 euros in 2014), while in the higher categories the numbers are out of control: New categories like the ‘My Universe Lounge’ package for up to 170 euros (there were 90 in 2014) and 485 euros plus an expense of 64.50 euros. With Elton John In Palau Sant Jordi it went from 50.50 Euros to 90 Euros (2014) to 68-324 Euros.
The most exclusive places
At the same time, dynamic prices, adjusted to demand and starring in hardcore episodes in the United States, enter the scene: the more than 6,000 euros offered for a Bruce Springsteen ticket last summer. In Spain, this system, comparable to flights or VTC vehicles, has been implemented at demonstrations in Spain. Starlite, the ’boutique’ festival in Cirque du Soleil and Marbella, and only in recent months has it reached large-capacity concerts. According to Ticketmaster, these are “high quality” tickets that represent no more than a break. 5% and 7% of capacity.
For Neo Room, These prices “help the artist generate extra income that would otherwise go into the pockets of illegitimate sellers,” said Doctor Music’s founder and CEO. The organizer is wondering “why is this system causing so much weirdness”, given that “airlines and hotels have used it for decades”. Scroll to the Liceu website for a visible detail that says “seats will increase in price when an area exceeds 70% occupancy”.
material cost
HE rising cost of manufacturing materials and energy It is cited as a relevant factor in the post-pandemic price increase. “There is an increase of easily 15 percent” respect Tito Ramoneda, Vice President and Project Head of APM (Music Promoters Association). This management fees, A controversial part is explained because “behind every purchase there is a computer system that guarantees that the buyer has access to the mobile phone at that time, and it’s worth the money”. something else resale prices, it always gets fired up, and to him that creates confusion. “People may have the perception that this is the official price,” he observes. “There are those who don’t know what they’re getting on resale.”
Neo Sala sees another key in the door. The rise of the ‘vip culture’. The organizer, who said at other times that “there were no VIP cabins in nightclubs, preferential lanes in amusement parks or special ‘packages’ in sports, which is the order of the day,” points to the packages offered by Barça in the League. , with a ‘vip premium’ offer of up to 3,915 Euros.
these unique prices
Today, it sounds crazy to remember that in the ’80s and ’90s Bruce Springsteen, Madonna or the Rolling Stones filled stadiums at unmatched prices for the entire venue. Could it be argued that it is fairer for the fan to wait in line for hours and run when the doors open, than to sell the seats to the highest bidder? “I don’t think so,” Tito Ramoneda guesses. “And not civilized.”
By widening the framework, the development of prices in the long run has been very sharp. 40 years ago in Turkey summer 1983star concerts with 1,200 pesetas (7.2 euros) 2,000 (12 Euros) from Dire Straits and Supertramp represented 1% and 1.7% of the average wage, respectively your time. Today 226.50 of an average Madonna “ticket” represents 12.8% of salary. Of course, current productions are much more expensive (complex sets, sophisticated ‘LED’ screens, ‘best’ sound systems), but the rise in prices is also a reflection of the shift to directorial music in the music business after profits have dwindled. from the records.
increased demand
And, after all, a not insignificant factor: the exponential increase in public demand. Without this, the racket will be doomed to express correction. But idol tickets often sell out, especially the most expensive ones. “There are now more people than any other time interested in seeing an artist live, and because the year is still 365 days, the number of concerts an artist can give per year is the same”points out Neo Sala. After the pandemic, a certain urgency was added to make up for lost time by increasing fares (we’re talking about one of the hardest hit sectors), but “there is a risk after all: if the tickets are too expensive, they won’t sell,” he reasoned. Tito Ramoneda.
Stressful context with live music and “extreme competition” among organizers “festivals pay exorbitant amounts for caches”, He points to the vice president of APM. The artists play emotional cards: the final tour (Elton John), the epic comeback in ‘extremis’ (Springsteen with E Street Band), the ultimate ‘biggest hit’ (Madonna)… It’s almost like the world ends with every concert. And it works for now.