The price of a ticket to see your favourite artist in concert could be compared to an iPhone or a luxurious holiday, leaving music fans asking why concert prices have spiralled out of control
Spending a significant amount of money to see your favourite artists is nothing new, but the recent surge in ticket prices for a two-hour concert has become increasingly outrageous.
Over the years, concerts have evolved in many ways. Venues have become bigger, and the lighting, stage effects, and overall performance quality have turned concerts into full spectacles rather than just musical events. Attending a concert was once an affordable and enjoyable night out for everyone, but it has become a luxury reserved for those who can afford the steep prices.
The dramatic rise in ticket costs is evident when looking at major artists like Taylor Swift, Beyoncé, Coldplay, and Oasis, where the price of a single ticket could almost cover the cost of the latest iPhone, or even a holiday.
In the past, front-row tickets could be purchased for as little as £80, but today, those same seats can cost £400 or more. Additionally, the introduction of VIP and premium packages has driven prices even higher, with some costing thousands of pounds. These packages often promise an enhanced experience, but they ultimately create a financial barrier, making concerts feel less accessible and enjoyable for the average fan.
What’s behind the rising concert ticket costs?
The growing popularity of stadium tours and outdoor festivals has contributed to rising ticket prices, as an increasing number of people are willing to pay exorbitant amounts just to see their favourite artists live. According to reports, concert ticket prices have risen by 42% since the COVID-19 pandemic.
Several factors contribute to this increase, including rising production costs, operational expenses, venue rental fees, touring costs, and increase of demand, which often leads to additional show dates being added to a tour. Other reports have stated that for a major artists with a large-scale production, a world tour can potentially cost hundreds of millions of pounds in total expenses.
However, one of the biggest issues driving up prices is ticket reselling. The rise of ticket scalpers and automated bots purchasing large quantities of tickets has made it even more difficult for genuine fans to buy them at face value.
In many cases, a ticket originally priced at £50 can end up being resold for three times its original cost simply because the event has sold out. This unfair practice has forced many fans to miss out on concerts they would have otherwise attended.
Fortunately, steps are being taken to tackle the issue of ticket reselling. In October 2024, the Labour government initiated discussions in Westminster about introducing restrictions on resale prices to prevent unfair mark-ups. Additionally, some EU countries have already implemented regulations to protect consumers, ensuring that resale prices are capped at a reasonable limit.
While concerts and festivals remain a beloved way of entertainment, as well as seeing and hearing your favourite artist live, the rising costs have left many feeling frustrated.
If ticket prices and resale practices aren’t regulated, attending to them might be an exclusive event for those who can only afford it.