http://www.ritholtz.com/blog/2009/06/ac ... n-special/

"Numerous music industry agents and lawyers have told me that the recession has really hurt concert sales — In 2007, they could tell that people were under economic duress by the weaker sales, before the recession officially began.

The most recent example: Tickets are now available for AC/DC concert at the Meadowlands Giants Stadium at $29.50!

We are on the Highway to Hell reduced discretionary spending for entertainment for a long time . . ."

IMO, $30 is what the top priced tickets to a quality show should sell for.

$30 for a staduim that holds 60,000 people seems about right. Paying over $100 to sit a mile away always seemed kind of stupid.

I can remember when the Jacksons were excoriated for charging $30 for tickets on the Victory tour in 1984.

If I remember correctly, they were sold in blocks of four. You sent in your $120, which only entered you into a drawing for seats. If you didn't "win" tickets, your money was returned to you--after the Jacksons earned interest on it.

Something like that.

Since sometime in the 80's, concert tickets have just been a big scam. Thanks, ticketmaster!

I remember all of us being pissed that Roger Waters (w/ Clapton for the Pros and Cons of Hitchiking Tour) were 19.95. Man, that's almost a cover charge for a bad covers - err, Tribute - band now.

I was pissed at paying @ $45-50 for Floyd at Ohio Stadium in 1994. Heck, I saw Phish on Halloween in Chicago in 1995 (in the tapers' section no less) for a mere $22.

Course, Phish is expensive now too.

I think $40 should be the ceiling for seats, and $20 for lawn. I think The Eagles are to blame for starting the ever-ascending ticket prices.

Just my .02

DW

I agree $40 should definitely be the top. Especially with 15% + 'service charge", that's still too rich more my blood.