The concert business is facing what could be its worst summer

[binnie]

Well, it's recession time isn't it - going to a concert is hardly a necessity, and it's not cheap these days.

Promotion is the key though: sell something enough and people will come.

[Terry]

For me, it's the pricing above all else.

20...25 years ago, when I think of all the killer bands I saw in a four year stretch, not one show cost more than $17.50 per ticket.

Shows in major arenas in the last few years were edging upwards of $100 a pop. That's just for nosebleed seats, mind you.

Frankly, none of these bands are worth it. It would have been neat to have seen The Police a couple of years ago. I really like that band. However, when the benchmark for the tickets was announced at $125 bucks per ticket, nope. Even half of that price, when I factor in parking, a few overpriced beers and a t-shirt (when the fuck did concert t-shirts start selling for $40 a shirt?)...I mean, fuck these bands. They don't need the money, least not my money. Most of them are on the downward trajectory, career-wise anyway.

[ODShowtime]

and yet all the cuntry acts will sell out the stadiums. God damned ignorant hicks.

[sadaist]

Although they don't get the really huge bands, casinos aren't a bad concert circuit. Next month at one local casino they are offering Steve Miller Band on Friday night, and Yes/Peter Frampton on Saturday night. Might be a great weekend to score a bag of weed & book a room at the hotel. Buffets, massage, swimming pool, blackjack by day...sweet classic rock by night.

Ticket prices won't be cheap, but nothing you can't win back at the blackjack table.