Comments on: It’s a Rich Man’s World – Has the Live Market Reached it’s Peak?

By: bertrand d'oyle carte

bertrand d'oyle carte — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 07:46:09 +0000

Smaller gigs can be as rewarding anyway. Three of my favourites from 07 were the cheapest: Marah, Stephanie Dosen and Great Lake Swimmers. All sensibly priced and breathtaking gigs. I already have my ‘no SECC’ rule and sadly soon there will be a ‘no £25 tickets’ rule joining it.

By: Chucky Lovepump

Chucky Lovepump — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 22:21:38 +0000

very very simple, when they stop selling enough tickets, they drop the price till they start selling enough tickets (or have a war with the ticket agency’s fees).

Dukes up, round one. ding ding!

Toodles
C.L.

By: extremelisteningmode

extremelisteningmode — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 21:53:27 +0000

I’ve never seen us all agree so unanimously on here!

Sure, we’ll pay it until we can’t anymore…but what do the bands do then?

By: Chucky Lovepump

Chucky Lovepump — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 18:48:09 +0000

Capitalism and the free market working to part you with your readies.

Don’t think I’ve ever sprung more than 20 notes for a gig and don’t think I ever will, not worth it IMO. Like the overpopulated festival circuit the crowds will ultimately decide what the price will be. Next time you are presented with a gig you want to go and see but think too expensive, just pick 2 or 3 small gigs by local bands to go to then score yourself some crack to freebase before it, I promise you’ll have just as good a time.

As far as CD’s are concerned at least the US got something right in that it fined the big record companies, sadly for a fraction of the money they fleeced their customers for.
http://www.theregister.co.uk/2003/07/29/labels_charged_with_pricefixing_again/

Price fixing is always occuring in society, people are greedy. Largely they get away with it, or are fined less than the profits they reap so such behaviour makes economic sense. Until there are laws and regulatory bodies with the proper powers to swiftly investigate and prosecute the offenders there is a strong case for companies to continue operating in this fashion.

Toodles
C.L.

By: Good god, man!

Good god, man! — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 17:17:30 +0000

The live nation deals being signed by every already millionaire act in the world strike fear in my heart – not because I can’t afford to go and see Madonna – I’ve seen better stringy old birds in an Asda 2-for-1 battery hen special offer, frankly – but because they are going to start setting dangerous precedents for bleeding the live audience dry.

I don’t have a problem with musicians making money, they are the talent after all, but I have a very big problem with cunts in suits talking bilge about 360 degree contracts.

By: howlinwhippet

howlinwhippet — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 15:51:42 +0000

I’m with you guys. I strongly object to the prices of gig tickets and try to blag my way into the ones I fancy. However, this only works at the wee venues and how any band can justify 30-40 quid for a fucking gig is beyond me.
My daughter went to see kylie (freebie ticket which had face value of £50.00) and the EIGHT PAGE programme of glossy pics was twenty fucking notes. Needless to say, lots of kids were getting them bought. I suppose, that with falling cd sales, merch and tickets is where the bands make the cash, but as you say, its only time before people vote with their feet.
I say, lets only go and see local/breakthrough acts until it levels out. And go watch Albion Rovers instead of the Old Firm!!

By: bertrand d'oyle carte

bertrand d'oyle carte — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 15:36:08 +0000

It is just a trend of late: to push prices until people complain, and clearly no-one has really kicked up a fuss yet. Same in sport, especially football. Bleed the audience dry until they walk away.

By: extremelisteningmode

extremelisteningmode — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 12:47:02 +0000

I will probably end up going….but I feel a bit ripped off.

As you say, it’s doubtful that they need the cash to stage the show, especially as this jaunt has no Amiina or horn section.

By: bertrand d'oyle carte

bertrand d'oyle carte — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 10:34:40 +0000

I recall many years ago REM charging £15 less for a Wembley Arena gig than anyone else at the time….when asked why Michael Stipe said: “For our show, and including hiring the venue, everything above £8 is profit, and don’t believe anything to the contrary. We have added enough to make the tour a success, and no more.”

I love Sigur Ros but I doubt it costs over £60,000 to put on their show……I bought a ticket simply because I am lucky; credit crunch not hit me yet.