What the hell is up with concert ticket prices this year?  Many years ago, I told my self that if The Police ever regrouped and toured again, there was no way I was going to miss it.  I said the same about Genesis (even if it was the three-man lineup).  Stevie Wonder is due for a concert in our area within the next few weeks, but I unfortunately had to pass on that one also.  And when the Stray Cats toured this summer, I had to miss it for the same reason: ticket prices.  What has concertgoing turned into?

Apparently, going to concerts has turned into a luxury that only the affluent can afford.  I can not see spending two to three weeks’ grocery money on a concert that is over in the blink of an eye.  As much as I like these groups or artists, I can’t justify the high ticket prices.  I would much rather wait for the concert DVD for $19.95 and watch it in the comfort of my own home.

I’d just like to know what is fueling these outrageous prices.  Some say that the artists are doing this as a money grab…but are they?  When you see some huge stage setup delivered with a dozen tractor trailers (or more), a crew of dozens, and enough equipment to fund the national debt, you have to wonder if it’s all worth it.  Don’t rule out the middlemen, including greedy promoters and Ticketmaster.  It may give the artists a profit, but I highly doubt they’re rolling in cash from touring with these exhorbitant prices.

Even if I had the money, I would not want to pay these prices.  Think about the experience.  For larger tours, you’re going to a large arena with bad sonics, a traffic jam in the parking lot for an hour before and after, horrendous prices for drinks and souvenirs, and maybe having a seat good enough that you can see the stage clearly.  Maybe when I was younger and major concerts were $20, it didn’t bother me so much.  But $200 and up, for these hassles?  Forget it.

Many of us are voting with our wallets and not seeing these concerts, but there are enough others out there who are still selling these out.  Which is a shame, in a way.  A dose of reality is what the entertainment industry needs.  The very fans they make their music for are the ones who can no longer afford it.