Ticket Prices (my beef)

HailHailVitalogy

I will start by saying I have never complained in 8 years on this board about PJ or the 10c, actually I have probably shut down any thread that I have ran across that I found stupid.

What the hell is this $171 a pair for the Virginia show? $173 for MSG?

What happened to tickets being 35-45-50$$?? I have seen so many threads on this but it has finally caught up to me that it's ridiculous. We have praised the band for years for keeping prices low and providing us with great service.

At the Nissan Pavilion (Jiffy Lube), I saw Radiohead last year, $47 a ticket. They promote free music and cheap tickets, so does Pearl Jam.

I expected MSG to be a bit high because it is Madison Square Garden. I understand there's bands such as Springsteen that charge $100 face value, but I feel kind of ripped off after just spending $20 to renew my membership to get 10c tickets (along with the Deep magazine and single I never got) and now spend $173 x2 and then $171.

I understand that tomorrow I will get both MSG shows, and spend the money and not care because money is absolutely nothing to see this band play at my favorite venue, and then again 20 minutes from my house in Virginia. But I just think some things have gone a little too far. I understand there is inflation but there is no way that the $35 I spent to sit in the 300s for MSG in 2003 is now $79.

Just wanted to see if people felt the same way or understood where this is coming from.

Cheers.

haffajappa

HailHailVitalogy wrote:

I will start by saying I have never complained in 8 years on this board about PJ or the 10c, actually I have probably shut down any thread that I have ran across that I found stupid.

What the hell is this $171 a pair for the Virginia show? $173 for MSG?

What happened to tickets being 35-45-50$$?? I have seen so many threads on this but it has finally caught up to me that it's ridiculous. We have praised the band for years for keeping prices low and providing us with great service.

At the Nissan Pavilion (Jiffy Lube), I saw Radiohead last year, $47 a ticket. They promote free music and cheap tickets, so does Pearl Jam.

I expected MSG to be a bit high because it is Madison Square Garden. I understand there's bands such as Springsteen that charge $100 face value, but I feel kind of ripped off after just spending $20 to renew my membership to get 10c tickets (along with the Deep magazine and single I never got) and now spend $173 x2 and then $171.

I understand that tomorrow I will get both MSG shows, and spend the money and not care because money is absolutely nothing to see this band play at my favorite venue, and then again 20 minutes from my house in Virginia. But I just think some things have gone a little too far. I understand there is inflation but there is no way that the $35 I spent to sit in the 300s for MSG in 2003 is now $79.

Just wanted to see if people felt the same way or understood where this is coming from.

Cheers.

I hate the complainers too! I'm too poor to go to any shows this year... Actually I've always been too poor but this time i've shown some restraint!
Aaaanyways. Saying "well other bands charge 150 dollars per ticket" is like comparing your country to a 3rd world totalitarian government just to defend your politicians... why would you wanna sink to a shittier situation?

Lanternjaw

I can't relate as far as a past attendee to PJ shows. Never seen them live before.

However, I will say that I've seen tons of concerts in the late 80's and they all ran from somewhere between $20-$35. When I finally got back into going to concerts this past year, I paid $98/pop plus fees to see six Springsteen shos. Now, past and up through this past tour, he'd been considered one of the greatest live acts ever. He played 3+ hours at 5 of the 6 shows I attended -- without an encore break. Why am I telling you this? Well... I've got a couple friends who paid $200+/ticket face value to go see Van Morrison this past year and he played for 1.5 hours. I've also looked into seeing Tom Petty this summer but I'm not willing to pay $131 face on those tix.

At $79 or whatever they're charging, PJ is a bargain by today's standards. Fortunately, PJ is a band who keeps their fans' interests in mind, like Springsteen... I foresee them being one of the few bargains -- as far as mainstream artists goo -- going forward. Count your lucky stars if you get to see them and The Black Keys or Band of Horses on the same bill for less than $200 face (or $100 face/ticket) going forward. Still a deal compared to what you'll get from Petty, et al.

shellerizm

I am with you man believe me. I am still recovering from those 4 philly shows. But in the bands defense it's really the promoters - I think. I do always wonder what pearl jam actually walks away with. After all these years these guys have built a corporation. They have a payroll. Take in consideration all the bills they have to pay, no wonder they play shows every year now and charge these prices. All that aside they are still one of, if not THE best live act out there. They have built a solid fanbase and the setlists they play are just mind boggling.

It's just a sign of the times my man. EVERYTHING is going up except my goddamn paycheck!

SolarWorld

If you bought Pearl Jam tickets and feel ripped off you've got problems... What are you even doing here?

DewieCox

HailHailVitalogy wrote:

I will start by saying I have never complained in 8 years on this board about PJ or the 10c, actually I have probably shut down any thread that I have ran across that I found stupid.

What the hell is this $171 a pair for the Virginia show? $173 for MSG?

What happened to tickets being 35-45-50$$?? I have seen so many threads on this but it has finally caught up to me that it's ridiculous. We have praised the band for years for keeping prices low and providing us with great service.

At the Nissan Pavilion (Jiffy Lube), I saw Radiohead last year, $47 a ticket. They promote free music and cheap tickets, so does Pearl Jam.

I expected MSG to be a bit high because it is Madison Square Garden. I understand there's bands such as Springsteen that charge $100 face value, but I feel kind of ripped off after just spending $20 to renew my membership to get 10c tickets (along with the Deep magazine and single I never got) and now spend $173 x2 and then $171.

I understand that tomorrow I will get both MSG shows, and spend the money and not care because money is absolutely nothing to see this band play at my favorite venue, and then again 20 minutes from my house in Virginia. But I just think some things have gone a little too far. I understand there is inflation but there is no way that the $35 I spent to sit in the 300s for MSG in 2003 is now $79.

Just wanted to see if people felt the same way or understood where this is coming from.

Cheers.

You're right on about the tix. Don't let anybody tell you otherwise. Worth it but overpriced, even though that doesn't make a bit of sense.

pjl44

You're gonna buy them and it's gonna sell out. Thus, probably underpriced.

This is another side effect of illegal downloading, kids. The bands and record companies need to find ways to make up for lost revenue. Remember that the next time your buddy tells you about the ten albums he stole today.

Get_Right

if you are able to secure 10c tix for msg you are lucky.
period.

dimitrispearljam

there is an option of not buy tickets,,son u be happy that u dont spent your money

CantKeepmedown

Where are these prices coming from? All the shows yesterday were $150 for a pair.

I expected Boston and MSG to be a bit more, but I wonder why Virginia is charging more than Indy, StL, KC and Columbus?

SpinTheBlackCircle74

pjl44 wrote:

You're gonna buy them and it's gonna sell out. Thus, probably underpriced.

This is another side effect of illegal downloading, kids. The bands and record companies need to find ways to make up for lost revenue. Remember that the next time your buddy tells you about the ten albums he stole today.

+1

justam

To be downstairs and up close, that's not an unreasonable ticket price.
If you want to pay less, you can always buy a regular ticket and sit waaaay up high in the arena.

Backspacer_Backer

for those who arguing against the OP's point: keep in mind, eddie vedder himself made this bed - mr. anti-ticketmaster put himself out there as the symbol of fair ticket pricing, and now his own band is gouging its loyal fans. believe me, i get the supply and demand argument. but that's just like me buying my fan club seats and then reselling them for twice face value. just because there's a market out there that will PAY a huge price, doesn't mean the band has to squeeze every penny. again, other bands who overcharge don't look as bad because they don't look like hypocrites. eddie has changed quite a bit, and he's a hypocrite. love the music, and i'm shelling out the money to go to three shows, but let's stop pretending eddie and the boys are on some high moral ground when it comes to treating fans properly.

dunkman

HailHailVitalogy wrote:

I will start by saying I have never complained in 8 years on this board about PJ or the 10c, actually I have probably shut down any thread that I have ran across that I found stupid.

What the hell is this $171 a pair for the Virginia show? $173 for MSG?

What happened to tickets being 35-45-50$$?? I have seen so many threads on this but it has finally caught up to me that it's ridiculous. We have praised the band for years for keeping prices low and providing us with great service.

At the Nissan Pavilion (Jiffy Lube), I saw Radiohead last year, $47 a ticket. They promote free music and cheap tickets, so does Pearl Jam.

I expected MSG to be a bit high because it is Madison Square Garden. I understand there's bands such as Springsteen that charge $100 face value, but I feel kind of ripped off after just spending $20 to renew my membership to get 10c tickets (along with the Deep magazine and single I never got) and now spend $173 x2 and then $171.

I understand that tomorrow I will get both MSG shows, and spend the money and not care because money is absolutely nothing to see this band play at my favorite venue, and then again 20 minutes from my house in Virginia. But I just think some things have gone a little too far. I understand there is inflation but there is no way that the $35 I spent to sit in the 300s for MSG in 2003 is now $79.

Just wanted to see if people felt the same way or understood where this is coming from.

Cheers.

you make a very well thought out and valid point.

please be prepared to be ripped apart by the sheep like masses though... they don't like any form of vocal dissent.... i'm surprised you havent had a "nobody is forcing you to buy them" answer.

1STmammal2wearPants

I'll agree. Negating whatever someone says about it being a "bargain" in relation to today's music, $85 for a concert ticket is still a lot of dough for the hard-working middle class man, and it's certainly a lot for a Pearl Jam show. Which is why I am only going to one show this tour -- too much $$$.

Indifference71

DewieCox wrote:

You're right on about the tix. Don't let anybody tell you otherwise. Worth it but overpriced, even though that doesn't make a bit of sense.

You are right on. It doesnt make much sense, but it makes so much sense!!

dimitrispearljam

btw u cant only think what u pay..u must think what u get...u see the best band in the planet live....im too ok with the tic prices...i think im stealing them..

.

capecodriot

lets remember why ticket prices are what they are, to rent out say madison square garden for 2-3 hours, pearl jams camp must shell out i believe 100,000 an hour, i know other venues are alot cheaper to rent but still, not like their making a ton of money off ticket prices, if you ever read rollingstones top grossing concert acts, pearl jam is NEVER on these lists, cause they dont overcharge, they make a reasonable profit, i have no problem supporting my favorite band as much as i can.

skere26

Why can there never be a civil discussion about ticket prices? It's like some people take it as a personal insult by saying "hey, prices are getting a little up there". The argument that it doesn't matter because you're seeing the best act in the world is flawed in my eyes; sure a BMW is a fantastic car, but it doesn't mean I can run out and buy one.

I will be attending the Cleveland show because right now I can still justify the price of the show, however I have had to think twice about it. When prices reach the 3 digit point per ticket is when I will bow out.

Finally, Last summer I saw No Doubt (I think Gwen is hot) for $10. They had a lot more visual effects tied with there show and the same amount of band members to pay. If you wanted the super close seats (first 10 rows) that cost $85, they gave you their entire Catalog to download with your purchase. The show itself was alot of fun, and most importantly, I heard alot of people saying they wouldn't have gone, but hell tix were 10 bucks...I feel like Pearl jam isn't helping to attract new fans to their live show experience with such high prices.

In closing, its OK to question things....including the Band.

I forfeit the remainder of my time to the Speaker.

CranMalReign

justam wrote:

To be downstairs and up close, that's not an unreasonable ticket price.
If you want to pay less, you can always buy a regular ticket and sit waaaay up high in the arena.

Wrong.

PJ ticket prices are usually pretty uniform no matter where you are. I paid the same for behind-the-stage at Night 3 in Philly as my buddies did for up in the rafters at the opposite end of the arena... which incidentally was roughly the same amount I paid for 10c seats the other 3 nights.

madtowndave

Ticket prices have gone up, that we can all agree on. But I don't feel that is has reached a ridiculous point. I think it was last summer when my wife wanted to see Coldplay at Alpine. A pair of reserved tickets was going to run about $320, if I remember correctly. Maybe we aren't getting the boys at Alpine because they aren't willing to put us in that situation.

Steel City Jammer

Skere ( and a few others) good posts! I just looked through my order history and the prices i paid for 10C tix the past 7 years....this is a rather large increase and warrants the original post, IMO.

William Wallace

capecodriot wrote:

pearl jam is NEVER on these lists, cause they dont overcharge, they make a reasonable profit.

In 2000 and 2003, Pearl Jam was on this list.
After 2003, they are not on this list for only one reason:
They did not play a lot of dates these years.
If they would do extensive tours like many other bands, they would be on the list for sure.

In my eyes, their prices are pretty high, especially considering they have minimal costs considering their shows (6 guys on stage, no special stage or light show).
They make the prices, so we have to accept it or leave it.
If there only wasn't the fact of what the band stood for for many years and what was one reason for me for becoming a huge fan...

Lennon_Cobain

I don't think the face value of the tickets is too outrageous. At least with Pearl Jam you know you're going to see a 2.5-3 hour kick ass concert.

It is the ticket service fees that are totally out of control. The presale tickets include these fees already in the price being paid. Unfortunately, there is no way around these fees due to the venues the band is performing at.

polaris_x

how much are yankee tickets?
how much are ranger tickets?
how much are tickets to the opera?
how much are tickets to cirque du soleil

i'm pretty sure - for good seats at all of the above they are more expensive ...

$80 a ticket is completely fair by today's standards ... consider $2 goes to charity ... money goes towards running this fan club ... paying their crew a decent wage ... for me - i'd gladly pay $80 to see PJ play live for 2 hrs compared to all the other comparable performances ...

i appreciate that $80 is a lot of money for people and it's not about what the market will bear (which is probably higher) - it's about what is a fair price ... and $80 is more than fair ...

SPEEDY MCCREADY

I am a firm believer in the "Pearl Jam Savings Fund", if you just save $10 a week, for a year, you have $520 saved for tickets and hotels.....right?

At least by doing it this way, it doesnt seem to be such a big "HIT" to your checkbook, when tickets go on sale.

As far as the original post? I really dont think $85 for a ticket to see Pearl Jam is expensive. I really dont. I think it is a bargain, actually.

Just my humble, Tuesday morning, before I have had a pot of coffee, opinion.

cincybearcat

polaris_x wrote:

how much are yankee tickets?
how much are ranger tickets?
how much are tickets to the opera?
how much are tickets to cirque du soleil

You really want to compare these? Then include all costs...how many people are involved? What's the cost for the stages? Costumes?

It really isn't a good comparison at all.

Bottom line is if Pearl Jam hadn't put themselves on the low ticket pedestal in the first place, then it would be an issue as their tickets are normal to slightly higher than normal. However, they put themselves there and apparently have had a change of heart.

iamloco724

to me 173 isnt that bad if i can get pj tix for that price..

i spent 600 in total to go to the last 2 msg shows cause wasnt a club member and couldnt get off ticketmaster

i do not really have this kind of money but theres few bands i will do this for

i dont go to many expensive shows to begin with cause i like smaller bands

landbeaver

I may have missed something, but how does the OP know the prices of the tix already? All 4 that are posted are $150 (which I believe is cheaper than I paid last year).

iamloco724

they posted the prices under the initial announcement on the main site

morgie2

I never understand these price complaints. Just look around, PJ's ticket prices are EXTREMELY reasonable compared to other big acts. Nuff said.