Music artists are human and sometimes they need to postpone or cancel shows for a variety of reasons. Heart recently cancelled some European dates because Ann Willson needs a medical procedure and recovery time. These things can’t be helped.
And during the pandemic, touring came to an abrupt and screeching halt that musicians are just now recouping.
The Black Keys recently neglected large venues for more intimate surroundings and Jennifer Lopez has cancelled her upcoming tour because she needs some “me” time.
While artists like Taylor Swift are packing the houses no matter how big; the truth of it is, the average music fan can no longer afford to attend concerts.
In the 20th century, concert tickets were priced so that fans could enjoy an evening of their favourite music. Over the past several years, ticket prices resemble round trip airfare to the other side of the world.
But what is to blame???
When an artist or band plans a tour they must rent each venue – which often means only the venue. Lighting techs, sound techs, and security are all an extra charge. Then every roadie, crew member, and musician must be paid – all union wages, not the federal minimum wage. It adds up…quickly; but that has always been the case. Ticket prices and merchandise sales is how many artists today make a majority of their income since streaming sites pay what amounts to nothing for each song play.
So, what’s changed???
Fans no longer line up hours before the ticket office opens to purchase their tickets; they get tickets online where the ticket sales are amassed into a monopoly. Ticket sales include “fees” and “surcharges” that often amount to more than the original ticket price. Scalpers can scarf up hundreds of tickets and put them on “third party ticket sites” – often owned by the original ticket seller – at several times the original price knowing a desperate fan will “fork over the cash” to see their favourite artist.
But when is enough, enough?
Attending a concert where other fans are screaming so no one can hear and standing so no one else can see may no longer be worth the trouble of high ticket prices, parking fees, high priced concessions, and possible baby sitter fees. In an age where music is readily available numerous formats, is it really worth all the hassle???
Some fans are saying enough and refusing to pay the high prices. When the Rogers Centre first opened in Toronto people would say that ticket prices were so high a family of four could go to Disney World for the same price. The same could also be said about trying to attend a rock concert.
When a single concert ticket cost as much or more as the monthly rent/mortgage it is time a quiet revolt and refuse the high prices!