The Story Why your gig tickets will get even more expensive
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Jul 1, 2025 Jonathan Dean, executive editor at the Sunday Times Culture, dives deep into the soaring prices of concert tickets. He discusses the impact of dynamic pricing and VIP packages, making it harder for fans to afford live music. Dean also scrutinizes the monopolistic practices of Live Nation and how the online ticketing landscape contributes to audience segregation. The crucial discussion on accessibility highlights concerns that rising costs could undermine the communal joy of concerts, making the future of live music uncertain for many.
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Billie Eilish Ticket Price Surge
- Billie Eilish's standing ticket price at the O2 surged from £76 to £245 in just three years.
- This dramatic increase sparked an investigation into why gig prices are rising sharply.
Guns N' Roses £935 Ticket Experience
- Guns N' Roses sold a front section standing ticket at Wembley for £935 plus fees.
- The VIP perks included a photo op with instruments and asking a technical crew member a question, but no artist interaction.
Dynamic Pricing Drives Ticket Inflation
- Dynamic pricing inflates ticket costs by adjusting prices based on demand during purchase.
- It benefits from high demand events, exemplified by the extreme case during Oasis ticket sales.