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Rock and Roll ain't supposed to be so 'spensive!

Posted at 3:04 PM on February 27, 2007 by Danny Sigelman (13 Comments)

Argh!

As much as I want to see some of my favorite bands, U2, the Police or the upcoming Roger Waters tour these ticket prices and convoluted requisite "fan club" memberships is getting too out of hand!

I know this isn't big news or anything but I need to vent. Rock and Roll should be for everyone not just for those who can always afford it!

I am infinately more impressed by a band, who load/unload their own gear, and can knock everyone's socks off in a place like the 7th Street Entry for a $5 cover than having to sit in nosebleed seats for a month's rent for another overblown ho-hum concert.

There's something to be said about a band that does it because they just have to then those that simply can and make a mint doing so. "Don't forget about the Underground" as they say, afterall Sting and Bono were there once themselves.

That being said, anybody got an extra ticket, give me a holler! ;)

Comments (13)

That's why I've always loved Fugazi. They played a show in my hometown several years ago. All tickets $6. When the show got close to capacity, the venue started charging double at the door. When the band found out, they made the venue donate the difference to a local charity. C'mon ... what's not to love about that band?

Posted by Jacquie Fuller | February 27, 2007 3:53 PM

I agree Danny. Sadly, the band is not the only factor in how much they charge for the show. Sure, the more those people earn the more the tickets are going to cost, and of course they decide what their stage sets are going to be which also influences the cost. But often times the promoters and the venues and the labels and who knows who else are involved in setting the ticket prices based on supply and demand. It sucks, but can't always be blamed solely on the band.

It just makes me really thankful that I was able to see a lot of these bands in their emerging days when I could still afford the prices. I feel badly for the kids these days; bands become famous and huge so quickly that sometimes on a first tour the prices are already sky high, and then they just keep going up from there.

Posted by Ali Lozoff | February 27, 2007 4:03 PM

I think a lot of people share this opinion, but how many people get their butts out there and go local? I can only think of 2 of my friends who are willing to go see a band they haven't heard of... or see a great indie band at the Entry for under $10. It's a shame. I balk at $20 tickets now since I've been going to so much around the Cities that's cheaper. Sorry Police and U2, I can see 10 other shows for the price of your one!

Posted by stacy sandstrom | February 27, 2007 5:02 PM

I'd have to diehard in awe of the muscian(s) to see an arena show anymore. The coolness factor of concerts wore off around age 24 and if I can't be relatively close for a decent price, I'm not going. (Maybe if the tix are free.) I can watch someone on tv and have a better view.

I'll see my first First Ave show Friday - Aqualung & Pete Yorn. I'm glad for the inexpensive ticket price. However, after Ticketmaster fees, my 2 $19 tix totaled up to $54 - and that was with free shipping. Hmm.

Posted by nee | February 27, 2007 5:55 PM

I gotta agree with y'all here. Two examples. Dave Matthews Band at the Target Center, November 2005. Sixty bucks a piece for nose-bleed seats - and this band is committed to keeping ticket prices fairly low. Pair that with a major screamer who wouldn't let us hear the show until she lost her voice. A month later, we saw the Rev. Horton Heat at First Ave. Thirteen bucks for two tickets, I believe. Standing room only, but everyone was respectful and listened to the band. Much better view, too. Hilarious below-zero run to catch the last light rail train of the evening made the Heat show even more fun. Hey, I'm a Minnesotan. What can I say? I love frost-burnt lungs.

Posted by Mary Warner | February 27, 2007 9:52 PM

I agree with ya, Danny. I normally turn my nose up at ridiculous ticket prices and would rather opt for a night at the Ave. It is for this very reason I've declined the chance to see McCartney and have shunned more recent tours by U2.

But the Police one will be an exception. It really shouldn't be on principle alone, but I reeeally want to go.

Plus, I'm not really buying them. They're going to be my birthday present from my girlfriend.

Posted by Kevin | February 28, 2007 9:14 AM

There's been a few times when I've been lucky enough to see a band before they got big. As a result, I tend to avoid seeing them live once they start selling out huge venues--not out of any snobbishness, but because I hold the memory of the last time I saw them live so dear. I don't want to ruin the memory. Kind of like not wanting to go to your grandma's open-casket funeral.

Here's an example. I saw Arcade Fire at this tiny, sweaty little hole in Tempe, AZ. It was nothing short of a religious experience, and that's how I want to remember them. When they pack the Main Room at First Ave, or the Orpheum, or wherever they play when they come through town, I will be listening to Neon Bible on my headphones in the comfort of my home.

Posted by Jacquie Fuller | February 28, 2007 9:23 AM

It is a no brainer for me. Why would I want to spend $60+ to drink Bud Light and see a band whose songs are ingrained in my consciousness? I'd much rather spend $20 to see a new band with a unique sound and drink Bells/Summit at First Ave.

Posted by botski | February 28, 2007 9:55 AM

I hear ya, Danny. Personally, I just won't do it any more. It makes me wonder what the artists are thinking. I mean, even U2, who come off as so da*n socially conscious, charges a couple of days pay for their concert tickets. Multiply that by however many seats the metrodome holds and it makes you wonder where they get the nerve.

I much prefer seeing a lesser-known act in a small, intimate venue than shell out $150 (plus another $15 in ticketmaster fees!) for a couple of tickets for a band whose music I've heard a million times, and whose faces I can't even see from the nosebleed seats. It's ridiculous to spend that much money on a couple of hours entertainment when you have a mortgage and car payments. Heck, some of the best concerts I've ever seen cost $15 or less.

Posted by auntie smedley | February 28, 2007 5:14 PM

back in my high school days i was a pro at sneaking into big concerts.

i actually had a little band of fellow buskers that would play music in front of the bigger venues before concerts and aside from people's spare change we would often get free tix thrown into our hat or we would wait around for security to go out for a smoke and would slide past into the arena.. not that i ever would do that anymore ;)

Posted by Danny Sigelman | March 1, 2007 12:59 PM

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Posted by asncm | January 2, 2008 3:39 AM

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