Here’s an explanation of why concert tickets are so expensive this summer
Just like the price of gas and the chaos at airports, the cost of concert tickets is a global issue. But let’s drill down a bit. What’s behind the spike (~20%) in the price of an average concert ticket? Billboard tries to explain.
It breaks down like this:
- Rising expenses on the part of the artist: Roadies, trucks, gas, other materials. They’re subject to the same inflation problems as the rest of us.
- Profits are being split differently. According to Billboard, the split was traditionally 85% to the artist and 15% to promoters. Now, though, artists are asking for more and are taking more of the profit.
- As a result, promoters have had to find money elsewhere, including service fees, order processing fees, and facility fees.
I’d add the following:
- The higher the ticket price, the more you’re going to pay in sales tax. And if a jurisdiction allows for charging sales take on service fees, order processing fees, and facility fees…
- Venues are charging more for parking and concessions. At the Sum 41 show at Budweiser Stage in Toronto, a brisket sandwich and a bottle of water set me back more than $30.
- High demand. People are sick of COVID and want to go out. There are only so many seats in which to put bums.
- Artists and promoters are trying to make up for lost time and money caused by COVID.
- Currency exchange pressures. With the US dollar surging against currencies worldwide–and with so many artists demanding payment in American dollars–currencies like the loonie have less purchasing power.
Bottom line? If you wanna go to a show, pay up, buttercup.
