Reminds me of a quote from my previous boss - "Charge them until they scream". Granted we shouldn't feel pain when buying concert tickets but I'm not feeling the pinch yet. Getting close? Yes.
Certain concert ticket prices are making me think twice of going. An example for me was Bruce Springsteen last summer, his tickets were essentially $100 a ticket, I went with some family and friends and had a great time. Bruce came back this year at the same price and I just didn't see the value of going again even though I knew that the show would be entirely different. The value was just not there for me.
Now for Pearl Jam ticket costs, they are starting to make me think twice about multiple shows, but I have a much greater emotional tie to this band then any other. Emotional purchases are usually not the wisest, but I was planning on a tour this year and saved my time off and vacation funds to use towards the shows. My perceived value of the Pearl Jam concert experience is much greater to me then $83.50 at this time. Down the road it may change, who knows I may find using my vacation time sitting on a beach with an ice cold beer more appealing then PJ in Chicago, Seattle or Philly. Unless of course they are playing Hawaii!! Damn you emotional side of the brain!!!
I agree the greatest power consumers have is to not buy a product they have a problem with. But concerts are such an emotional purchase it is hard sometimes to keep self restraint.
I agree the greatest power consumers have is to not buy a product they have a problem with. But concerts are such an emotional purchase it is hard sometimes to keep self restraint.
exactly
-one thing to remember, always have a good time, all the time
As I said in a previous post, tickets aren't that bad. What were the stones charging like $500 (CDN) for front row? Anyway I know just because some bands really screw you it doesn't make slightly less unfairness right, but for how often I have to fork out the cash, it isn't much. I can think of several things I have to pay for on a weekly basis that are just as much or more than these tickets. If they tour every three years or so, and I see them once or twice, whats a couple hundred bucks every three years to do something I really like. Someone said earlier that there are other things to pay for in life, for me this is one of those things I enjoy. Simply a luxury, and 80 bucks isn't that bad in the scheme of things, and I don't have a great paying job. There are MANY bands that charge MUCH more than PJ. Can anyone here realistically expect a $40 ticket?
I agree the greatest power consumers have is to not buy a product they have a problem with. But concerts are such an emotional purchase it is hard sometimes to keep self restraint.
exactly
Well said. At this point that emotional attachment to this band still burns bright. Can't be said about any other band for me. So price isn't a factor yet. We'll see what happens when I get older and add on more responsibilities.
I agree the greatest power consumers have is to not buy a product they have a problem with. But concerts are such an emotional purchase it is hard sometimes to keep self restraint.
that pretty much sums it up.
but i will say there're concerts i'm somewhat interested in and i don't up going because it's out of my range. just think of all those non-diehard fans/tickets they can sell if they lowered prices. but i guess for every non-diehard fan there's a diehard willing to fork out the dough.
*~Pearl Jam will be blasted from speakers until morale improves~*
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.
In Australia, we have to pay twice that for Ten Club tickets. Checked out my order history today and I'm up for a little less than one thousand dollars Australian. For 6 Ten Club tickets, worked out the cost to be about $160 including exchange rates etc. So $80 sounds like absolutely bargain basement price to me!!
curmudgeoness
Brigadoon, foodie capital Posts: 4,006
I think it depends a lot on what your priorities are. I think the original poster on this thread mentioned engagement rings and a wedding. Now, in my case, diamonds hold no value, and I would have had serious second thoughts about marriage had my now-husband blown a pile of cash on a ring. The same goes for the wedding. Those just were not big priorities for us -- not there's anything wrong with them being priorities for someone else.
When I compare the price of PJ tickets to, say, tickets to a Broadway show or a baseball game or the New York Philharmonic, well, I feel like I am getting a lot of bang for my buck. Broadway shows hold little appeal for me, I prefer to watch baseball at home in peace, and symphony orchestra performances just are not as fun and cathartic as seeing Pearl Jam.
We have all of those mature adult responsibilities: mortgage, taxes, college funds, orthodontist bills, etc. I have to say that it is nice, after years of saving and scrimping and not doing much beyond saving and paying bills, to be able to spend money on pure fun and the opportunity to jump around, scream, and sing back-up.
All those who seek to destroy the liberties of a democratic nation ought to know that war is the surest and shortest means to accomplish it.
I I have to say that it is nice, after years of saving and scrimping and not doing much beyond saving and paying bills, to be able to spend money on pure fun and the opportunity to jump around, scream, and sing back-up.
Thats great!
Hey we should though get discount if we're singing back-up!!!!!!!
Not sure of the conversion rates but im in Auckland new zealand and ticket price here for PJ is $119.....i think thats super reasonable if you take in the past year....coldplay charged $190....Kings of leon $110....green day $150...ac/dc $160.....alll prices nz dollars but still Pearl Jam very reasonable....
I think it depends a lot on what your priorities are. I think the original poster on this thread mentioned engagement rings and a wedding. Now, in my case, diamonds hold no value, and I would have had serious second thoughts about marriage had my now-husband blown a pile of cash on a ring. The same goes for the wedding. Those just were not big priorities for us -- not there's anything wrong with them being priorities for someone else.
When I compare the price of PJ tickets to, say, tickets to a Broadway show or a baseball game or the New York Philharmonic, well, I feel like I am getting a lot of bang for my buck. Broadway shows hold little appeal for me, I prefer to watch baseball at home in peace, and symphony orchestra performances just are not as fun and cathartic as seeing Pearl Jam.
We have all of those mature adult responsibilities: mortgage, taxes, college funds, orthodontist bills, etc. I have to say that it is nice, after years of saving and scrimping and not doing much beyond saving and paying bills, to be able to spend money on pure fun and the opportunity to jump around, scream, and sing back-up.
Great points.
Try going to a show in Vegas..... Pearl Jam is a far better value IMO.
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
I don't even have to read the 5 pages of posts to know that most of the others are flaming you. Fact is some of us can't afford it(multiple shows and travel) like me for example and obviously others can. No way I could buy tix and travel (only 5 hours away) to Seattle for a show, fortunately I can go to Portland and got 10c tix for the first time. And I know it's my own fault I don't save or make as much money and I'm happy for those of you who can travel to multiple shows.
Clark County Amphitheater holds over 17,000. At $75 each that $1.275 million. I know there's alot of people to pay but I think you have to agree everyone is making their fair share for one days work. At $50 there would still be nearly $1 million to go around.
Guess I just haven't drank the Kool-Aid.
When I orginally joined the 10c it only cost $1. 20 years later $20, now that's some inflation.
I'm betting it'll be cheaper from TicketMaster or Bastard as the drinker of the Kool-Aid would say.
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? :?
by paulonios
'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.'
i had really want to see clapton when he came down. i AM a big fan and his music DOES mean a lot to me. but at the price they charged, i couldn't go. so the 'worth it' theory is BS to me. it made me sick...clapton has money he's been doing this all his life, WTF? why can't average joe shmo afford a ticket?
so are you saying your favorite band can charge outrageous prices knowing their fan will ALWAYS buy and it’s totally ok to you?
I’m just saying they’ll be no limit if bands have the upper hand.
what I don't like is the constant "(insert musical act here) is rich beyond their wildest dreams, why can't they let us in for (insert ungodly small amount of money per ticket here)?". Wealth is relative. Just like you would be wealthy to someone in somalia that lives on a dollar a day. You have somewhere to live, probably a car, clothes, good food, etc. Not to get too preachy here, but don't you think it's a bit greedy to ask someone in a higher tax bracket than you to ease up on how much they charge for their business just so you can enjoy their product?
the guys have lots of money, I'm sure of that. but they would also have much higher expenses, probably in good proportion to how much they make. everyone spends their means, the rich are no exception to that. but that's not even the point.
What a reasonable price is for you, might also not be reasonable to someone else. How far down should they go? $20 per ticket? $10 per ticket? Free? Because if they charge $50 instead of $80, SOMEONE out there still can't afford it. So how do they know who to cater to? They shouldn't cater to anyone! This is their living. They can charge whatever the hell they want, and if people show up, then great for the band.
I stand by my claim that if you "can't" go due to it being too expensive, than that is a CHOICE. If there was a band coming through town that I absolutely could not miss, but I had no money and my credit cards were maxed, then I'd sell cd's, or deliver papers for a month, borrow money or what-have-you. Yes, I have done these things. I make a meager living, but to me it's worth it. There's nothing wrong with someone if it's not worth it to them, like I said before, live music is different to different people. If it's too expensive for you, it's not worth it to you (as in, you have different priorities). And that's the bottom line.
A personal example of this is there was a HUGE gap in time where I didn't see the band. I saw them in 93, then not again until 2003. It's because they never came close to my neck of the woods until then (Winnipeg Manitoba Canada). Could I have still seen them if I wanted to badly enough? Yes, I could have saved my money, worked more hours, planned a road trip to see them, whatever, but I made the choice not to. It's that simple.
Gimli 1993
Fargo 2003
Winnipeg 2005
Winnipeg 2011
St. Paul 2014
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.
YES. This is the only legitimate complaint IMO. The prices are the same for every single seat in a 20,000 seat venue...including rear view? That isn't right. The costs should be staggered like most shows.
by paulonios
'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.'
i had really want to see clapton when he came down. i AM a big fan and his music DOES mean a lot to me. but at the price they charged, i couldn't go. so the 'worth it' theory is BS to me. it made me sick...clapton has money he's been doing this all his life, WTF? why can't average joe shmo afford a ticket?
so are you saying your favorite band can charge outrageous prices knowing their fan will ALWAYS buy and it’s totally ok to you?
I’m just saying they’ll be no limit if bands have the upper hand.
what I don't like is the constant "(insert musical act here) is rich beyond their wildest dreams, why can't they let us in for (insert ungodly small amount of money per ticket here)?". Wealth is relative. Just like you would be wealthy to someone in somalia that lives on a dollar a day. You have somewhere to live, probably a car, clothes, good food, etc. Not to get too preachy here, but don't you think it's a bit greedy to ask someone in a higher tax bracket than you to ease up on how much they charge for their business just so you can enjoy their product?
the guys have lots of money, I'm sure of that. but they would also have much higher expenses, probably in good proportion to how much they make. everyone spends their means, the rich are no exception to that. but that's not even the point.
What a reasonable price is for you, might also not be reasonable to someone else. How far down should they go? $20 per ticket? $10 per ticket? Free? Because if they charge $50 instead of $80, SOMEONE out there still can't afford it. So how do they know who to cater to? They shouldn't cater to anyone! This is their living. They can charge whatever the hell they want, and if people show up, then great for the band.
I stand by my claim that if you "can't" go due to it being too expensive, than that is a CHOICE. If there was a band coming through town that I absolutely could not miss, but I had no money and my credit cards were maxed, then I'd sell cd's, or deliver papers for a month, borrow money or what-have-you. Yes, I have done these things. I make a meager living, but to me it's worth it. There's nothing wrong with someone if it's not worth it to them, like I said before, live music is different to different people. If it's too expensive for you, it's not worth it to you (as in, you have different priorities). And that's the bottom line.
A personal example of this is there was a HUGE gap in time where I didn't see the band. I saw them in 93, then not again until 2003. It's because they never came close to my neck of the woods until then (Winnipeg Manitoba Canada). Could I have still seen them if I wanted to badly enough? Yes, I could have saved my money, worked more hours, planned a road trip to see them, whatever, but I made the choice not to. It's that simple.
I think 70 is pretty reasonable for a good seat, not much PJ can do about all the fees they put onto the tickets, but I think Pearl Jam would sell out every show for sure if they came down on their nosebleeds. There is no reason why fans should have to pay over $80 for a nosebleed seat. You notice why just about every show this tour only has nosebleed and rearview seats left? Its not because nobody wants to see Pearl Jam sitting behind the stage or up in the 300 level, its because they charge way too much to sit there. There is no price range. Look at U2's tour prices, they start at around $30. If PJ charged that for nosebleeds they'd sell way more tickets.
I think 70 is pretty reasonable for a good seat, not much PJ can do about all the fees they put onto the tickets, but I think Pearl Jam would sell out every show for sure if they came down on their nosebleeds. There is no reason why fans should have to pay over $80 for a nosebleed seat. You notice why just about every show this tour only has nosebleed and rearview seats left? Its not because nobody wants to see Pearl Jam sitting behind the stage or up in the 300 level, its because they charge way too much to sit there. There is no price range. Look at U2's tour prices, they start at around $30. If PJ charged that for nosebleeds they'd sell way more tickets.
I also agree and have agreed with this.
If the nosebleeds don't sell it's because they were overpriced.
It is a very fair statement to claim that the worst seats in the house are overpriced when they don't sell out.
I think 70 is pretty reasonable for a good seat, not much PJ can do about all the fees they put onto the tickets, but I think Pearl Jam would sell out every show for sure if they came down on their nosebleeds. There is no reason why fans should have to pay over $80 for a nosebleed seat. You notice why just about every show this tour only has nosebleed and rearview seats left? Its not because nobody wants to see Pearl Jam sitting behind the stage or up in the 300 level, its because they charge way too much to sit there. There is no price range. Look at U2's tour prices, they start at around $30. If PJ charged that for nosebleeds they'd sell way more tickets.
I think making all of the ticket prices the same is the 10 Clubs way of keeping 10 club members ticket prices down.
This is not fair for those fans who get worse seats and have to pay more to subsidize our tickets. But it is a nice perk of being in the fan club.
paulonious - I said what I said in defense. I didn’t like somebody saying that people who don’t/can’t buy tickets are less of a fan somehow.
Bands can set whatever price they like. You’re right.
I guess the thing is, are bands aware when setting prices they maybe alienating a part of their fan base and do they care?
There’s other ways for a band to make money for touring other then ticket revenue.
PS. maxing out your credit card isn’t the answer. Work for what you want, yeah I get it. But I’m also not going to sell my first born for a band that I’ve been buying their cds faithfully for years just to see them live. I’ve been buying your music for years, but I can’t afford to see you live. That’s messed up.
______________
In my opinion the ‘if they’re overpriced, they wouldn’t sell’ thing doesn’t apply to concert tickets, because as somebody said before concerts are more an emotional purchase. It’s not the same as buying milk etc. People may be unrational about tickets because it’s their favorite band.
Post edited by blondieblue227 on
*~Pearl Jam will be blasted from speakers until morale improves~*
paulonious - I said what I said in defense. I didn’t like somebody saying that people who don’t/can’t buy tickets are less of a fan somehow.
Bands can set whatever price they like. You’re right.
I guess the thing is, are bands aware when setting prices they maybe alienating a part of their fan base and do they care?
There’s other ways for a band to make money for touring other then ticket revenue.
PS maxing out your credit card isn’t the answer. Work for what you want, yeah I get it. But I’m also not going to sell my first born to a band that I’ve been buying their cds faithfully for years just to see them live. I’ve been buying your music for years, but I can’t afford to see you live. That’s messed up.
Great points. I would never have become a huge fan had PJ not been conscious about the price of tix for the 2000 and 03 tours.
Comments
Certain concert ticket prices are making me think twice of going. An example for me was Bruce Springsteen last summer, his tickets were essentially $100 a ticket, I went with some family and friends and had a great time. Bruce came back this year at the same price and I just didn't see the value of going again even though I knew that the show would be entirely different. The value was just not there for me.
Now for Pearl Jam ticket costs, they are starting to make me think twice about multiple shows, but I have a much greater emotional tie to this band then any other. Emotional purchases are usually not the wisest, but I was planning on a tour this year and saved my time off and vacation funds to use towards the shows. My perceived value of the Pearl Jam concert experience is much greater to me then $83.50 at this time. Down the road it may change, who knows I may find using my vacation time sitting on a beach with an ice cold beer more appealing then PJ in Chicago, Seattle or Philly. Unless of course they are playing Hawaii!! Damn you emotional side of the brain!!!
I agree the greatest power consumers have is to not buy a product they have a problem with. But concerts are such an emotional purchase it is hard sometimes to keep self restraint.
exactly
Well said. At this point that emotional attachment to this band still burns bright. Can't be said about any other band for me. So price isn't a factor yet. We'll see what happens when I get older and add on more responsibilities.
hehehehe! nice....
that pretty much sums it up.
but i will say there're concerts i'm somewhat interested in and i don't up going because it's out of my range. just think of all those non-diehard fans/tickets they can sell if they lowered prices. but i guess for every non-diehard fan there's a diehard willing to fork out the dough.
In Australia, we have to pay twice that for Ten Club tickets. Checked out my order history today and I'm up for a little less than one thousand dollars Australian. For 6 Ten Club tickets, worked out the cost to be about $160 including exchange rates etc. So $80 sounds like absolutely bargain basement price to me!!
Fk the rush I get when I hear that first note....priceless.
When I compare the price of PJ tickets to, say, tickets to a Broadway show or a baseball game or the New York Philharmonic, well, I feel like I am getting a lot of bang for my buck. Broadway shows hold little appeal for me, I prefer to watch baseball at home in peace, and symphony orchestra performances just are not as fun and cathartic as seeing Pearl Jam.
We have all of those mature adult responsibilities: mortgage, taxes, college funds, orthodontist bills, etc. I have to say that it is nice, after years of saving and scrimping and not doing much beyond saving and paying bills, to be able to spend money on pure fun and the opportunity to jump around, scream, and sing back-up.
Thats great!
Hey we should though get discount if we're singing back-up!!!!!!!
Great points.
Try going to a show in Vegas..... Pearl Jam is a far better value IMO.
I don't even have to read the 5 pages of posts to know that most of the others are flaming you. Fact is some of us can't afford it(multiple shows and travel) like me for example and obviously others can. No way I could buy tix and travel (only 5 hours away) to Seattle for a show, fortunately I can go to Portland and got 10c tix for the first time. And I know it's my own fault I don't save or make as much money and I'm happy for those of you who can travel to multiple shows.
Clark County Amphitheater holds over 17,000. At $75 each that $1.275 million. I know there's alot of people to pay but I think you have to agree everyone is making their fair share for one days work. At $50 there would still be nearly $1 million to go around.
Guess I just haven't drank the Kool-Aid.
When I orginally joined the 10c it only cost $1. 20 years later $20, now that's some inflation.
I'm betting it'll be cheaper from TicketMaster or Bastard as the drinker of the Kool-Aid would say.
I don't think the poster was being sarcastic.
what I don't like is the constant "(insert musical act here) is rich beyond their wildest dreams, why can't they let us in for (insert ungodly small amount of money per ticket here)?". Wealth is relative. Just like you would be wealthy to someone in somalia that lives on a dollar a day. You have somewhere to live, probably a car, clothes, good food, etc. Not to get too preachy here, but don't you think it's a bit greedy to ask someone in a higher tax bracket than you to ease up on how much they charge for their business just so you can enjoy their product?
the guys have lots of money, I'm sure of that. but they would also have much higher expenses, probably in good proportion to how much they make. everyone spends their means, the rich are no exception to that. but that's not even the point.
What a reasonable price is for you, might also not be reasonable to someone else. How far down should they go? $20 per ticket? $10 per ticket? Free? Because if they charge $50 instead of $80, SOMEONE out there still can't afford it. So how do they know who to cater to? They shouldn't cater to anyone! This is their living. They can charge whatever the hell they want, and if people show up, then great for the band.
I stand by my claim that if you "can't" go due to it being too expensive, than that is a CHOICE. If there was a band coming through town that I absolutely could not miss, but I had no money and my credit cards were maxed, then I'd sell cd's, or deliver papers for a month, borrow money or what-have-you. Yes, I have done these things. I make a meager living, but to me it's worth it. There's nothing wrong with someone if it's not worth it to them, like I said before, live music is different to different people. If it's too expensive for you, it's not worth it to you (as in, you have different priorities). And that's the bottom line.
A personal example of this is there was a HUGE gap in time where I didn't see the band. I saw them in 93, then not again until 2003. It's because they never came close to my neck of the woods until then (Winnipeg Manitoba Canada). Could I have still seen them if I wanted to badly enough? Yes, I could have saved my money, worked more hours, planned a road trip to see them, whatever, but I made the choice not to. It's that simple.
Fargo 2003
Winnipeg 2005
Winnipeg 2011
St. Paul 2014
YES. This is the only legitimate complaint IMO. The prices are the same for every single seat in a 20,000 seat venue...including rear view? That isn't right. The costs should be staggered like most shows.
They're overpriced.
I would disagree, although they are expensive.
From Wiktionary:
Adjective
overpriced
1. Priced higher than what it is really worth.
The overpriced items would not sell.
Verb
overpriced
1. Simple past tense and past participle of overprice.
He overpriced the items to ensure they would not sell.
EDIT:
I argued earlier that they are generally underpriced, thus the crazy secondary market.
Compare them with bands that draw more(Radiohead and RHCP come to mind) and put as much or more back into their show, and they are overpriced.
Those bands might be more underpriced than Pearl Jam, but that fact doesn't mean Pearl Jam tickets become overpriced.
A fair deal on Milk at your corner store doesn't become a bad deal because there is a better deal on Orange Juice at the supermarket.
Can't really argue with such fervent fanboyosity.
or solid logic apparently.
I think the tickets are expensive. What is so hard to understand about that?
But they are not overpriced.
If they were they wouldn't sell out 90% or more of all their concerts.
Please explain how this makes me a fan boy?
Is your only defense/argument to make a personal insult?
I also agree and have agreed with this.
If the nosebleeds don't sell it's because they were overpriced.
It is a very fair statement to claim that the worst seats in the house are overpriced when they don't sell out.
I think making all of the ticket prices the same is the 10 Clubs way of keeping 10 club members ticket prices down.
This is not fair for those fans who get worse seats and have to pay more to subsidize our tickets. But it is a nice perk of being in the fan club.
Bands can set whatever price they like. You’re right.
I guess the thing is, are bands aware when setting prices they maybe alienating a part of their fan base and do they care?
There’s other ways for a band to make money for touring other then ticket revenue.
PS. maxing out your credit card isn’t the answer. Work for what you want, yeah I get it. But I’m also not going to sell my first born for a band that I’ve been buying their cds faithfully for years just to see them live. I’ve been buying your music for years, but I can’t afford to see you live. That’s messed up.
______________
In my opinion the ‘if they’re overpriced, they wouldn’t sell’ thing doesn’t apply to concert tickets, because as somebody said before concerts are more an emotional purchase. It’s not the same as buying milk etc. People may be unrational about tickets because it’s their favorite band.
Great points. I would never have become a huge fan had PJ not been conscious about the price of tix for the 2000 and 03 tours.
Its my only vice...well besides the drinking & smoking thing.