These days ticket prices are continuing to skyrocket and fewer and fewer people are going to shows, or are able to go to shows as frequently as they have in the past. I remember in college, about seven years ago, going to concerts every weekend. Even multiple concerts in one weekend! It was an amazing experience to see a favorite band or listen to new music at one of the best venues in downtown Chicago. The Metro played host to local bands, nationally known bands, etc. All at reasonable prices – even the big guns. Nowadays it costs a hundred plus dollars for a pair of tickets to see a concert. It seems only the monster acts are going on tour these days, and the lesser known are far too unknown to create a draw. Even some of the big timers are having a hard time selling out, and as a result have cancelled shows and even whole tours. When will the music industry get it right and start thinking differently on how to make music and break new artists. There’s too much crap out there now, and so few chances to make an impact. For those artists who have made that impact, for example Lady Gaga, how long will they continue to hold our attention? These artists can only keep shocking us for so long. Don’t get me wrong, I am a Lady Gaga fan – but does she and other artists in the same boat have the sustainability?
According to Rolling Stone,
“This summer has brought one disaster after another for the concert industry with acts from U2 to Christina Aguilera canceling shows expected to rake in big bucks. Not everybody is bombing though: Jay-Z, Lady Gaga and the Carole King/James Taylor double bill are selling out everywhere and grossing around $1.3 million a night. Here’s a look at some of the surprising hits and misses:
• Billboard Boxscore reports that Spandau Ballet,Tears for Fears and Jack Jones grossed $1,509,660 over two nights in Sydney, Australia. Who knew that Aussies were willing to shell out big bucks to hear “True” and “Everybody Wants to Rule the World” again?
• Pearl Jam usually sell out every venue they play, but their May 13th show in Bristow, Virginia, only moved 13,706 out of 23,385 available tickets according to Pollstar. Shows that same month in Noblesville, Indiana, Kansas City and Cleveland all sold out, though, and the Bristow show still grossed $717,175. The poor showing is more likely a result of fans’ unwillingness to sit on a lawn and shell out big bucks for parking and drinks.
• Julian Casablancas will have a huge payday when the Strokes reunite this month for a European tour, but his solo tour has had its struggles. According to Pollstar, he just sold 49 percent of the house when he played the Houston House of Blues on April 12th.
• Even in Indianapolis, nobody wants to see George W. Bush. He spoke at Canseco Fieldhouse and according to Pollstar he just sold 28 percent of 8,442 tickets — which was pretty much his approval rating by the time he left office in 2009.
• You’d think there would be at least 200 people in the Washington, DC area willing to pay to hear a live version of “Mmm Mmm Mmm Mmm,” but according to Pollstar, the Crash Test Dummies only sold 132 out of 200 tickets for their show at the Jammin’ Java in Vienna, Virginia.”
What are your thoughts on the state of touring musicians and concert prices?
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