UK concert-goers are bucking up against sky-high ticket prices by taking drastic measures to see their favourite bands live.
For some fans like Amy Law, 35, going to the gig has become a luxury she can no longer afford. The New Zealander now finds herself booking flights across Europe for under £50 just to catch her favorite DJ Lost Frequencies play a show in Luxembourg – all this for significantly cheaper than what it would cost in the UK.
Amy admits that high ticket prices have made her go weeks without attending any gigs, stating "Live music is my passion, but over the last couple of years, prices have gone crazy." Other fans such as Mark Rushton from Bury are also feeling the pinch with some even going so far as to claim that Ticketmaster's fees enable the company's high charges.
Rushton remembers seeing Bruce Springsteen live in May – a price he paid £150 for on resale website Twickets, which was reduced after making an offer. He compares this starkly with when he saw the legendary rockstar play at the Apollo in Manchester back in 1981 for just £6.50 – roughly equivalent to £25 today.
In response to these rising costs, some have opted to seek out gigs from smaller venues rather than big-name acts. Elaine from London has taken on a similar approach: "outrageous ticket prices have stopped me going to see someone I've seen before". The food and drink prices in bigger venues, however, also take the fun out of live music for her.
On a more positive note, Mark Woollard says he's started choosing up-and-coming artists – who play at smaller, lower-priced gigs. "It's been great to experience truly intimate gigs in grassroots venues" he notes.
For some fans like Amy Law, 35, going to the gig has become a luxury she can no longer afford. The New Zealander now finds herself booking flights across Europe for under £50 just to catch her favorite DJ Lost Frequencies play a show in Luxembourg – all this for significantly cheaper than what it would cost in the UK.
Amy admits that high ticket prices have made her go weeks without attending any gigs, stating "Live music is my passion, but over the last couple of years, prices have gone crazy." Other fans such as Mark Rushton from Bury are also feeling the pinch with some even going so far as to claim that Ticketmaster's fees enable the company's high charges.
Rushton remembers seeing Bruce Springsteen live in May – a price he paid £150 for on resale website Twickets, which was reduced after making an offer. He compares this starkly with when he saw the legendary rockstar play at the Apollo in Manchester back in 1981 for just £6.50 – roughly equivalent to £25 today.
In response to these rising costs, some have opted to seek out gigs from smaller venues rather than big-name acts. Elaine from London has taken on a similar approach: "outrageous ticket prices have stopped me going to see someone I've seen before". The food and drink prices in bigger venues, however, also take the fun out of live music for her.
On a more positive note, Mark Woollard says he's started choosing up-and-coming artists – who play at smaller, lower-priced gigs. "It's been great to experience truly intimate gigs in grassroots venues" he notes.
. And now Ticketmaster's taking a cut? That's just not right. I swear, some people think they're above the law or something 
. But hey, if it's all about supporting up-and-coming artists at those grassroots gigs, more power to 'em! At least you can get a decent pint for £5 and enjoy some live music without breaking the bank 
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. It's crazy that some fans have to book flights across Europe just to see their fave artists live 
. I get it, inflation is real and all that jazz 
, but £150 for a resale website? That's just ridiculous! 
. But what really gets me is how Ticketmaster's fees are driving up prices in the first place 
. It's like, can't we just keep it simple? 
I feel you guys! 
I know how hard it can be to splurge on concert tickets, especially when prices are sky-high 
. It's crazy that some fans have to take flights across Europe just to catch a show for cheaper 
️. Mark Rushton's story about seeing Bruce Springsteen live in '81 and now paying £150 is mind-boggling 
! I get it, though - bigger venues can be pricey too 
! It's all about being flexible and finding those hidden gems 
. Keep on rocking out, everyone! 
But it's worth considering that sometimes those prices are just a reflection of supply and demand... or maybe we've become too willing to pay top dollar for the name alone? 
. It's crazy how the live music scene has changed with prices going through the roof 
. But on the flip side, I guess you have to pay to play, right? Some fans are finding gigs at smaller venues or even traveling abroad for cheaper shows 
. I mean, £6.50 back in 1981 is like peanuts compared to what they're paying today 
. It's like they know exactly how much we love live music and are just taking us for a ride 
. I mean, what happened to the good old days when you could get a decent gig for under £10? It's like live music has become a luxury item 
!
but hey if ppl r finding gigs at smaller venues & enjoying themselves, that's all good imo 
I remember when I was younger, going to concerts was about the music and the experience, not just about the price tag. It's sad that it's come down to that for some fans. On a positive note, I love that Mark is discovering new up-and-coming artists - there's nothing like seeing them before they blow up! 
!
. and who knows, u might discover ur new fave band! 
. It's like they're profiteering off our desperation to see our favorite bands live. Twickets, in particular, is a nightmare – I've had offers pulled on me before because some random person decided I was too enthusiastic for their liking 
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. I'm loving the whole up-and-coming artist scene – it's been amazing to discover new bands and see them play in tiny venues that actually feel like a gig 
You can't even get a decent meal at those places anymore, and the fees from ticket sellers like Ticketmaster are ridiculous. It's no wonder people are taking matters into their own hands and looking for cheaper gigs in smaller venues.
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. Food for thought, folks! 
it's sad 2 hear that some fans are having to book flights across europe just 2 see their fave band play 
Ticketmaster fees r definitely a big part of the problem tbh