** Overpriced Concert Tix **

satansbedbugs

Anyone else think that these tickets WAY overpriced?? Hey , if you can get it great , but I think there should be a ceiling on these tickets.. I know, I know if you dont like the price then dont buy , but jeez for a concert? And they are only going to go up.. Love the band , love the shows, but I got more important issues to spend my money on.. AKA engagement rings, houses, weddings, beer...etc

A satellite forever orbiting

satansbedbugs wrote:

Anyone else think that these tickets WAY overpriced??

no.

benjs

satansbedbugs wrote:

Anyone else think that these tickets WAY overpriced?? Hey , if you can get it great , but I think there should be a ceiling on these tickets.. I know, I know if you dont like the price then dont buy , but jeez for a concert? And they are only going to go up.. Love the band , love the shows, but I got more important issues to spend my money on.. AKA engagement rings, houses, weddings, beer...etc

Is anyone else tired of this question? You'll find that the $80 the band charges is quite fair, and quite average. If there's a company that I'm not happy with their prices - I simply won't buy their products. Sadly, most overpriced products aren't as addictive as a Pearl Jam concert. In any case, it is what it is, but I don't know what can come out of this thread except the same circular arguments that result when every thread similar to this is made.

chromiam

satansbedbugs wrote:

Anyone else think that these tickets WAY overpriced?? Hey , if you can get it great , but I think there should be a ceiling on these tickets.. I know, I know if you dont like the price then dont buy , but jeez for a concert? And they are only going to go up.. Love the band , love the shows, but I got more important issues to spend my money on.. AKA engagement rings, houses, weddings, beer...etc

You have to make a decision at some point... concert tickets for a band you love to see or the extra things in life that you enjoy. I made that decision after traveling all over the last tour. This tour, its 3 shows, one in Chitown (because staying with gf's sister) and 2 Philly shows because I live in Philly and couldn't miss the final show at the Spectrum. As we all get older, we have decisions to make about the way we spend money... its as simple as that.

choop

the only thing that irks me is if you are on the upper level of an arena or on a lawn at an ampitheater, you should pay less. Most bands tier prices accordingly, I wish pj would so younger fans can go on the lawn easily.

$77 for a good seat I'm fine with.

benjs

chromiam wrote:

satansbedbugs wrote:

Anyone else think that these tickets WAY overpriced?? Hey , if you can get it great , but I think there should be a ceiling on these tickets.. I know, I know if you dont like the price then dont buy , but jeez for a concert? And they are only going to go up.. Love the band , love the shows, but I got more important issues to spend my money on.. AKA engagement rings, houses, weddings, beer...etc

You have to make a decision at some point... concert tickets for a band you love to see or the extra things in life that you enjoy. I made that decision after traveling all over the last tour. This tour, its 3 shows, one in Chitown (because staying with gf's sister) and 2 Philly shows because I live in Philly and couldn't miss the final show at the Spectrum. As we all get older, we have decisions to make about the way we spend money... its as simple as that.

Great post. Simple and well-written.

immortaljam

Find another band that can book the Spectrum (or any other large arena) for 4 shows in 5 days and see what price they are charging. Then thank god that they suck and you don't want to bother to go see anyone but PJ.

satansbedbugs

benjs wrote:

satansbedbugs wrote:

Anyone else think that these tickets WAY overpriced?? Hey , if you can get it great , but I think there should be a ceiling on these tickets.. I know, I know if you dont like the price then dont buy , but jeez for a concert? And they are only going to go up.. Love the band , love the shows, but I got more important issues to spend my money on.. AKA engagement rings, houses, weddings, beer...etc

You'll find that the $80 the band charges is quite fair

Its actually 83.50 ... more than Ive EVER seen from ANY band...

benjs

satansbedbugs wrote:

benjs wrote:

satansbedbugs wrote:

Anyone else think that these tickets WAY overpriced?? Hey , if you can get it great , but I think there should be a ceiling on these tickets.. I know, I know if you dont like the price then dont buy , but jeez for a concert? And they are only going to go up.. Love the band , love the shows, but I got more important issues to spend my money on.. AKA engagement rings, houses, weddings, beer...etc

You'll find that the $80 the band charges is quite fair

Its actually 83.50 ... more than Ive EVER seen from ANY band...

I'm sorry, $83.50, since you want to be technical. I don't know what concerts you've seen, but depending on which artist you're talking about, $83.50 is totally fair. Before I buy tickets to a concert, I ask myself 'is this band worth this price?', and when I ask myself that question - is a Pearl Jam show worth $83.50 - I don't think I could ever say no to that.

DeLukin

Be thankful. They could probably charge a LOT more and we'd pay it...

Evolver

benjs wrote:

Is anyone else tired of this question?

Nice, a very sarcastic, incredibly predictable response. And who says anything has to actually come out of this thread? Can't a person just make a point or express their opinion? :?

satansbedbugs

OK , im done being a downer.... Oh, and for all those coming to OUR BACKYARD to see Pearl Jam :::::

WELCOME TO THE FUCKING JUNGLE , BABY !!!!!! :shock: :shock:

you gonna dieeeeee

:shock: :shock:

benjs

Evolver wrote:

benjs wrote:

Is anyone else tired of this question?

Nice, a very sarcastic, incredibly predictable response. And who says anything has to actually come out of this thread? Can't a person just make a point or express their opinion? :?

Of course a person can! I was expressing my own, that this question is asked far too often around here, and that I get deja vu every time I read one, as they contain the same arguments, and the result is always the same: some say the prices are fair, others don't. If this thread goes in a different direction than what I've seen in the past, however, I'd be glad to revoke my comment. It's nearly impossible to gauge whether the value is fair or not, as no one here has a clue about how much it costs Pearl Jam to hold a show. I'm sure they're doing MORE than fine, but their profit margins may be the same as any other band, just with larger numbers.

CJMST3K

I'd pay $300 for one ticket if they played a theater, and if they played with Dave A on the early stuff again. They could be getting a lot more from me....

Wilds

satansbedbugs wrote:

benjs wrote:

satansbedbugs wrote:

Anyone else think that these tickets WAY overpriced?? Hey , if you can get it great , but I think there should be a ceiling on these tickets.. I know, I know if you dont like the price then dont buy , but jeez for a concert? And they are only going to go up.. Love the band , love the shows, but I got more important issues to spend my money on.. AKA engagement rings, houses, weddings, beer...etc

You'll find that the $80 the band charges is quite fair

Its actually 83.50 ... more than Ive EVER seen from ANY band...

Well tickets to the San Diego show are $61.00 plus fees. Probably closer to $75.00 when all is said or done.

I think when Benjs said $80.00 he was just rounding.

Now there are plenty of bands who charge more than Pearl Jam, and plenty who charge less.

Many acts tier the cost of tickets. Pearl Jam doesn't, and I think it is because they want to keep the fan club tickets reasonably priced.

Now as for tickets being overpriced I wholeheartedly disagree. They are a lot, but I wouldn't say overpriced.

In fact I can say with a certainty that Ten Club tickets are well underpriced. What do I mean by that?

Well on an open market if you were to auction each pair of tickets, I'm sure that the front row would go for upwards of a thousand and so on. The worst the seats the lower the price.

Where does the price break?

Well for sold out shows, where even the last seat in the house sells, as is the case for LA2, then those seats, even the very last one in the last row was not overpriced, and you could make an argument for sold out shows that all seats were then therefore underpriced.

Now for an event that doesn't sell out. Then you would be correct. At some point that event/ticket was priced too high to attract a buyer.

This is rare with Pearl Jam, but does happen in markets that are not well represented by fans.

In a capitalistic society it is all about supply and demand. The regulation of ticket prices have always been below market value historically, thus the frenzy of ticket scalpers, who buy up tickets and then sell for actual market value.




P.S. I will add one more thing to this long winded post. Lately through the action of ticketmaster and Livenation, tickets have become somewhat overpriced for some events.

This is evident on the secondary market where people are forced to sell their extras for less than face. I've seen Bruce Springsteen, AC/DC, and Phish recently for less (although the Phish tickets for less is a symptom of fans buying too many to trade), and I will go to Outside Lands fest for less.

Pearl Jam has NEVER really had a problem of being overpriced historically, and I would say that holds true for 2009.

lebowski70

The people who complain about ticket prices either have not seen a major band in concert in the last 6 months or they are living in the past. $80 for a seat that could be 3 rows from the stage or a really good seat in the worst possible scenario?!!? You must be joking!!!! Look up other major bands/artists (I don't mean Ben Folds 5) and you will see that PJ tickets are WELL below current face market value. I guess it comes down to this:
When the band first started, let's assume that most fans were between 19-25. Add 19 years and most of these people are well established in careers for the most part (I don't mean to overgeneralize, but this is the case). If you account for inflation and rising costs in just about every aspect of our lives, you should be happy to pay only $80 for such a great band.

I have to bounce. The Phillies are fighting for the division and every win counts at this point...

Gern Blansten

satansbedbugs wrote:

Anyone else think that these tickets WAY overpriced?? Hey , if you can get it great , but I think there should be a ceiling on these tickets.. I know, I know if you dont like the price then dont buy , but jeez for a concert? And they are only going to go up.. Love the band , love the shows, but I got more important issues to spend my money on.. AKA engagement rings, houses, weddings, beer...etc

cincybearcat

lebowski70 wrote:

The people who complain about ticket prices either have not seen a major band in concert in the last 6 months or they are living in the past.

Yep...way in the past...like 6 years ago...2003....when I paid $77 for a PAIR of tickets.

6 years...100% increase...that is some serious inflation!!!!! Hell, gas isn't even at 100% increase over that time right now.

benjs

Wilds wrote:

satansbedbugs wrote:

benjs wrote:

You'll find that the $80 the band charges is quite fair

Its actually 83.50 ... more than Ive EVER seen from ANY band...

Well tickets to the San Diego show are $61.00 plus fees. Probably closer to $75.00 when all is said or done.

I think when Benjs said $80.00 he was just rounding.

Now there are plenty of bands who charge more than Pearl Jam, and plenty who charge less.

Many acts tier the cost of tickets. Pearl Jam doesn't, and I think it is because they want to keep the fan club tickets reasonably priced.

Now as for tickets being overpriced I wholeheartedly disagree. They are a lot, but I wouldn't say overpriced.

In fact I can say with a certainty that Ten Club tickets are well underpriced. What do I mean by that?

Well on an open market if you were to auction each pair of tickets, I'm sure that the front row would go for upwards of a thousand and so on. The worst the seats the lower the price.

Where does the price break?

Well for sold out shows, where even the last seat in the house sells, as is the case for LA2, then those seats, even the very last one in the last row was not overpriced, and you could make an argument for sold out shows that all seats were then therefore underpriced.

Now for an event that doesn't sell out. They you would be correct. At some point that event/ticket was priced to high to attract a buyer.

This is rare with Pearl Jam, but does happen in markets that are not well represented by fans.

In a capitalistic society it is all about supply and demand. The regulation of ticket prices have always been below market value historically, thus the frenzy of ticket scalpers, who buy up tickets and then sell for actual market value.




P.S. I will add one more thing to this long winded post. Lately through the action of ticketmaster and Livenation, tickets have become somewhat overpriced for some events.

This is evident on the secondary market where people are forced to sell their extras for less than face. I've seen Bruce Springsteen, AC/DC, and Phish recently for less (although the Phish tickets for less is a symptom of fans buying too many to trade), and I will go to Outside Lands fest for less.

Pearl Jam has NEVER really had a problem of being overpriced historically, and I would say that holds true for 2009.

+1. In my opinion, the hypothetical PERFECT (profit maximizing) ticket price would be one where no secondary market is around, or where the secondary market ticket prices are face value. I personally believe that, since we are seeing a secondary market with some outrageously high priced tickets (see Toronto prices) that aren't even such great seats, it's a safe assumption that, really, Pearl Jam has priced their tickets fairly, and could even raise them more to maximize profits.

hopethatuchoke

Evolver wrote:

benjs wrote:

Is anyone else tired of this question?

Nice, a very sarcastic, incredibly predictable response. And who says anything has to actually come out of this thread? Can't a person just make a point or express their opinion? :?

cincybearcat wrote:

lebowski70 wrote:

The people who complain about ticket prices either have not seen a major band in concert in the last 6 months or they are living in the past.

Yep...way in the past...like 6 years ago...2003....when I paid $77 for a PAIR of tickets.

6 years...100% increase...that is some serious inflation!!!!! Hell, gas isn't even at 100% increase over that time right now.

What sucks the most about that 100% increase is none of the other bands I try to regularly see have come close to an increase of that much in that period of time. They are the last band I would have ever imagined to do that to ticket prices.

thebetterman

cincybearcat wrote:

lebowski70 wrote:

The people who complain about ticket prices either have not seen a major band in concert in the last 6 months or they are living in the past.

Yep...way in the past...like 6 years ago...2003....when I paid $77 for a PAIR of tickets.

6 years...100% increase...that is some serious inflation!!!!! Hell, gas isn't even at 100% increase over that time right now.

but yet you still have the overwhelming herd that defends the prices.

Do I still go to as many shows as I can? Yes, but that doesn't mean that the tickets aren't too much. You can still see great bands for $40-50 per ticket.

A satellite forever orbiting

cincybearcat wrote:

lebowski70 wrote:

The people who complain about ticket prices either have not seen a major band in concert in the last 6 months or they are living in the past.

Yep...way in the past...like 6 years ago...2003....when I paid $77 for a PAIR of tickets.

6 years...100% increase...that is some serious inflation!!!!! Hell, gas isn't even at 100% increase over that time right now.

well, there are a lot of college funds to think of now.

Your Camaro's hood

satansbedbugs wrote:

Anyone else think that these tickets WAY overpriced?? Hey , if you can get it great , but I think there should be a ceiling on these tickets.. I know, I know if you dont like the price then dont buy , but jeez for a concert? And they are only going to go up.. Love the band , love the shows, but I got more important issues to spend my money on.. AKA engagement rings, houses, weddings, beer...etc

Here's the thing. This is an older band comprised of dudes in their 40s with a fanbase that is largely over 30. The band has a lifestyle to support. I'm sure they live in nice houses, have healthy mortgages, etc...and (wealth being relative) need to bring in a certain amount to sustain that lifestyle. Most of the fanbase are no longer teenagers, and therefore have some disposable income to spend on things like this. Is $70-$80 expensive for a concert? Sure. It is unreasonable? Absolutely not considering how established the band is and how loyal their fans are. I think the fact that they aren't charging $150 to fans who are rabid enough to pay still says a lot.

A satellite forever orbiting

S.O. wrote:

satansbedbugs wrote:

Anyone else think that these tickets WAY overpriced?? Hey , if you can get it great , but I think there should be a ceiling on these tickets.. I know, I know if you dont like the price then dont buy , but jeez for a concert? And they are only going to go up.. Love the band , love the shows, but I got more important issues to spend my money on.. AKA engagement rings, houses, weddings, beer...etc

Here's the thing. This is an older band comprised of dudes in their 40s with a fanbase that is largely over 30. The band has a lifestyle to support. I'm sure they live in nice houses, have healthy mortgages, etc...and (wealth being relative) need to bring in a certain amount to sustain that lifestyle. Most of the fanbase are no longer teenagers, and therefore have some disposable income to spend on things like this. Is $70-$80 expensive for a concert? Sure. It is unreasonable? Absolutely not considering how established the band is and how loyal their fans are. I think the fact that they aren't charging $150 to fans who are rabid enough to pay still says a lot.

i think it has more to do with the fact that they pay their road managers and crew really well. these people have been with them for almost 20 years.

cincybearcat

You know this issue is more than just about supply and demand. Certainly, from a purely economic standpoint benjs is correct. If they are selling out or close to selling our venues and there is a secondary market...they aren't charging enough for those seats on the primary market. That is pure capitalism.

The real question, didn't the band take quite a stance against this in the past? Haven't they chastized others for high ticket prices?

So, if they want to be pure capitalists...they should charge some more, a tiered ticket price like Madonna et al. BUt, if it's about more than just the $, I think they may want to review their ticket prices.

I'm still buying tickets and going...it's worth it, especially for 10C tickets. BUt you can't step up on your soapbox and then years later, try to step off without peple noticing.

Parksy

This is always a tough issue...

Yes, the tickets are expensive.... but not overpriced. It all depends on your perspective. A concert is a luxury. And... as such, most luxurious things are expensive. A car, to most, is a necessity. Some cars are more expensive than others... some not so much. Some are purchased as a luxury, some as a requirement. You pay for what you get. Of course, you could always take the bus.

It's all perspective.

I do know ONE THING for certain...

something needs to be done about scalping and online marketing of tickets. Be it a law, regulation... SOMETHING. I can understand that in an open market supply and demand dictates everything. But there should be a cap or something.

I hate scalpers. :evil:

Parksy

S.O. wrote:

satansbedbugs wrote:

Anyone else think that these tickets WAY overpriced?? Hey , if you can get it great , but I think there should be a ceiling on these tickets.. I know, I know if you dont like the price then dont buy , but jeez for a concert? And they are only going to go up.. Love the band , love the shows, but I got more important issues to spend my money on.. AKA engagement rings, houses, weddings, beer...etc

Here's the thing. This is an older band comprised of dudes in their 40s with a fanbase that is largely over 30. The band has a lifestyle to support. I'm sure they live in nice houses, have healthy mortgages, etc...and (wealth being relative) need to bring in a certain amount to sustain that lifestyle. Most of the fanbase are no longer teenagers, and therefore have some disposable income to spend on things like this. Is $70-$80 expensive for a concert? Sure. It is unreasonable? Absolutely not considering how established the band is and how loyal their fans are. I think the fact that they aren't charging $150 to fans who are rabid enough to pay still says a lot.

you HONESTLY believe they have mortgages?!!?!?!

Your Camaro's hood

A satellite forever orbiting wrote:

S.O. wrote:

satansbedbugs wrote:

Anyone else think that these tickets WAY overpriced?? Hey , if you can get it great , but I think there should be a ceiling on these tickets.. I know, I know if you dont like the price then dont buy , but jeez for a concert? And they are only going to go up.. Love the band , love the shows, but I got more important issues to spend my money on.. AKA engagement rings, houses, weddings, beer...etc

Here's the thing. This is an older band comprised of dudes in their 40s with a fanbase that is largely over 30. The band has a lifestyle to support. I'm sure they live in nice houses, have healthy mortgages, etc...and (wealth being relative) need to bring in a certain amount to sustain that lifestyle. Most of the fanbase are no longer teenagers, and therefore have some disposable income to spend on things like this. Is $70-$80 expensive for a concert? Sure. It is unreasonable? Absolutely not considering how established the band is and how loyal their fans are. I think the fact that they aren't charging $150 to fans who are rabid enough to pay still says a lot.

i think it has more to do with the fact that they pay their road managers and crew really well. these people have been with them for almost 20 years.

Agreed. I think that being generous to their crew fits into the same category as paying the mortage. It's all about sustaining their lifestyle.

blondieblue227

This old debate again huh. viewtopic.php?f=4&t=104392

It’s kinda like global warming. Some people believe it’s happening, some don’t

Some people think ticket prices are fine, some don’t.

I still say the consumer has the power. Consumers need to come together and boycott high price shows.
damn those Eagles... it all started with them.
there's other ways for a band to make money other then playing live for only the rich.

Inside Ticketmaster's Empire - July 09 Rolling Stone Magazine
http://www.ivykennedy.com/trash/RS7.09.htm

Hugh Freaking Dillon

I am paying $100 for Metallica, another band I've seen several times. It's all how much it's worth to you. A buddy of mind saw the Eagles on their last tour, and he paid over $300 to see them. To me that's a fucking crime. But to him it was worth it. It's all relative. I hate to use a tired old cliche on this type of thread, if it's too expensive in your mind, then it's not worth it to you. Of course, I'm not saying anyone is more of a fan than you are, as the live show is something different to each individual.

We can't honestly think that a band can sustain itself and its crew charging the same prices year after year when the economy stinks, not to mention inflation.

And none of us, unless we've been touring for 20+ years, has any clue as to why they charge what they charge. There's so much that goes into it, I'm sure it would blow our minds.

benjs

blondieblue227 wrote:

This old debate again huh. viewtopic.php?f=4&t=104392

It’s kinda like global warming. Some people believe it’s happening, some don’t

Some people think ticket prices are fine, some don’t.

I still say the consumer has the power. Consumers need to come together and boycott high price shows.
damn those Eagles... it all started with them.
there's other ways for a band to make money other then playing live for only the rich.

Inside Ticketmaster's Empire - July 09 Rolling Stone Magazine
http://www.ivykennedy.com/trash/RS7.09.htm

Yep, those would be the 'inconclusive results' we seem to see every time one of these threads pops up! You're right about the consumer having the power - what does a band have to decide a ticket price upon? Nothing but history.. I would be willing to bet that, had they not sold out their shows this tour, next tour would have much more affordable tickets. It's all up to us. We are the dictators of the price. Pearl Jam asks us, through their pricing, "does this work for you?" and the 15-20,000 people in each of the venues they're playing at answer "yeah, that's fine!"