Ticket Prices Affect Bands In Tough Economy

Ticket prices have been forced down due to the financial situation we are all facing right now. The average person often laughs at a ticket price of $7, what they don’t realize is that $7 does not go very far when you have to pay the venue, band, sound, advertising etc. Often pre-selling tickets is a good idea, but the fees associated in doing this can hurt bands and everyones bottom line. Bands and production companies can reduce their ticket price all they want, but the ticketing companies that sell advance tickets are still charging the same prices, which is unfortunate. In todays market venues that hold 3,000 and fewer are generally selling tickets for between $10 and $25.

The Ticketmaster-Live Nation merger plan has drawn criticism. The Justice Department launched an investigation of the proposed merger in February, which came just days after a protest by fans and lawmakers over Ticketmaster’s pricing arrangements for a Bruce Springsteen show. Springsteen himself accused Ticketmaster of “in effect ‘scalping’ ” the tickets. Ticketmaster CEO Irving Azoff apologized to Springsteen after that incident.

Don’t be afraid of $7 to $10 ticket prices at the door, go out and support the local music scene. These small time bads trying to make their way need your help too!