Petition Against Rising Concert Ticket Prices Gathers Momentum

A petition aimed at halting the increasing prices of concert tickets has received significant attention, amassing over 25,000 signatures.

Launched by Northwich resident Lana Hughes, the petition seeks to address the issue of soaring gig ticket costs. As an enthusiastic attendee of more than 400 concerts since 1984, Hughes has expressed her frustration with the sharp rise in ticket prices.

Hughes stated, «This hike in costs has out-priced many genuine fans, restricting ticket availability essentially to the wealthy. Concert-going is a cultural experience that should be accessible to all, not a luxury that only the affluent can afford.»

She also pointed out that the average price of tickets has dramatically increased since the Covid pandemic, leading to further alienation of both long-time fans and newcomers. Hughes emphasized the necessity for a return to inclusive pricing for concerts.

The petition targets major ticket vendors Ticketmaster and concert promoter Live Nation, both of which are part of Live Nation Entertainment. As of August 30, the petition has garnered 25,777 signatures.

In response to the petition, Dan Wall, Live Nation Entertainment’s executive vice president for corporate and regulatory affairs, disputed the claims that their companies are responsible for high prices. He argued that assertions regarding Live Nation and Ticketmaster ‘keeping prices high’ are fundamentally incorrect.

Wall explained that ticket prices are largely driven by supply and demand dynamics. He noted that demand for performances by top-tier artists often exceeds the available tickets.

Furthermore, he highlighted that concerts have become dependent on touring income as streaming has significantly reduced record sales. Wall concluded that concerts can no longer serve merely as loss leaders for album sales, thus leading to higher ticket prices.