Bruce Springsteen is facing backlash for his decision to charge fans up to $5,000 per ticket for his upcoming music tour in the United States. This has sparked criticism towards Ticketmaster’s “dynamic pricing” model, which increases ticket prices based on demand. While Springsteen is not the only artist with high ticket prices, with Taylor Swift, Drake, and Harry Styles also charging exorbitant amounts for their tour performances, his prices have been the most shocking.
The Boss’s show tickets are being sold for as much as $4,000 to $5,000 by Ticketmaster, with even the less desirable sections costing up to $1,000 per ticket. This is due to Ticketmaster’s practice of inflating prices when demand is high, a model that has been in place since 2011.
Interestingly, while this pricing model has been used for other artists like Harry Styles, Taylor Swift, and Drake, Springsteen’s ticket prices are five times higher than theirs. This has caused outrage among fans, who have taken to social media to express their disappointment at being priced out of the Boss’s tour.
What makes Springsteen’s high ticket prices even more offensive is the fact that his music has always represented the everyday American, and he has been a vocal advocate for the working class. This makes it difficult for fans to understand why his tickets are so unaffordable.
Ticketmaster’s “dynamic pricing” model also offers “platinum tickets” that allow fans to purchase any seat in the venue. According to Ticketmaster’s FAQ page, these prices are adjusted based on supply and demand, similar to how airline tickets and hotel rooms are sold. The goal is to give passionate fans fair access to in-demand tickets while allowing artists and event organizers to price tickets closer to their true value.
While Springsteen has not publicly addressed the high ticket prices, his E-Street Band member Steven Van Zandt has assured fans that he has no control over the prices. However, this does little to ease the disappointment of fans who cannot afford to spend thousands of dollars on tickets.
In recent news, Drake fans were also outraged at the high ticket prices for his upcoming Young Money reunion show in Canada. Platinum tickets for this show cost up to $1,480 for a premium seat.
It is clear that Springsteen’s ticket prices have caused a stir among fans and the general public. While Ticketmaster’s “dynamic pricing” model may be a way for artists and event organizers to price tickets fairly, it has also resulted in exorbitant prices that are unaffordable for many fans. As the Boss’s tour approaches, it remains to be seen how this controversy will affect ticket sales and the overall perception of the artist.
