Concert ticket prices setting gold records

[desdemona]

Concert ticket prices setting gold records

Sunday, May 23, 2004

Clint O'Connor

Plain Dealer Reporter

When guitar genius Jimi Hendrix played Cleveland's Music Hall in 1968, tickets were $3. It was a little steep, more than the price of a movie or an album. But, hey, it was Hendrix.

When Madonna kicks off her summer world tour Monday in Los Angeles, top tickets will cost $300.

That's face value. Before scalpers, eBay and online ticket agencies fan the flames of added zeros.

What fans are willing to shell out for concerts has been a long, strange trip of dollar signs since the dawn of massive stadium shows in the '70s to last year's most successful tour, Bruce Springsteen - one of the few artists who can still fill a stadium.

For music fans, ticket prices have never been higher.

Primo seats for Fleetwood Mac at Blossom Music Center in June are $125. In July, you can shell out $100 to see Jimmy Buffett at Blossom, or save a few bucks by catching Rod Stewart at Gund Arena for $97.25.

read the article here:

http://www.cleveland.com/entertainment/pla...04604315961.xml

[Ken]

I don't go to concerts.

Too much money, and I hate having to deal with idiots, and the "atmosphere" that comes along with it.

[desdemona]

well I still think there's nothing like seeing a grp or artist you enjoy "live". I won't pay those prices either though, some grps don't charge like that, I saw the allman brothers last yr for just $20, great seats too, it's about 40-60 this yr but that's ok with me, I know I'm seeing a unique performance with impromptu jams. beyond me who would pay that much to see madonna or britney spears.

[Ken]

well I still think there's nothing like seeing a grp or artist you enjoy "live"

Actually, you're perfectly right from many people's perspectives, not just yours. I love hearing a band perform live too.

I'm just saying, on my personal level, I don't like being around the types of crowds live concerts attract, and what they bring with them (ONE example: I don't want to smell your pot. Please go somewhere else and do it.)

It's too much to put up with, that I couldn't enjoy listening to the band.

[CTC Command]

As long as there are idiots that will pay that much for a ticket, they'll charge it.

You remember the old saying about fools and money?

Though I'd pay a hell of a lot more more than $3 bucks to see Hendrix...

Edited May 23, 2004 by CTC Command