• Registered: 2014-07-09
  • Posts: 6

Topic: Ticket prices

After checking the price of the tickets for the RAH shows today during the presale, I have decided to bow out.

Don’t get me wrong – plenty of people have bought tickets so far according to the forum and seem pleased with their seats; however, I really cannot justify these prices. Even allowing for the fact that the RAH is a prestigious venue - £154 for the top priced seat ? ?

I generally go to 10-15 gigs a year, including some major bands (The Who, Rush and Iron Maiden in recent years) and none of them charge anywhere near Joe’s prices for the best seats. I have commented on this forum before about ticket prices for Joe’s gigs, which appear to be creeping up and up each time he comes over here – sorry Joe, you are now starting to price some of your fans away from your shows, and out of principle, I won’t pay £154 for any artist, no matter how great they are.

Some of us might remember the early gigs – I first saw Joe at the Cheese & Grain in Frome in early 2008 and then at the Colston Hall in Bristol later in the year – ticket prices were reasonable at the time, less than £30 if I remember correctly. By way of contrast - the “British Blues” Colston Hall show in July attracted top priced seats of around £95 – how times have changed.

Yes – I know Joe is now more successful than in 2008 and deserves to charge higher ticket prices to match his profile; however, £95 for the Colston Hall and £154 for the RAH is just plain greedy. Unfortunately, people seem content to pay these prices (no one is voting “with their feet”) and as long the gigs sell out the ticket prices will continue to soar.

It is not as if Joe has a huge stage production. Yes – he probably has a large crew, all of which have to be paid, but does a JB show cost more to put on than, say, an Iron Maiden show, with their stage set up, lights, pyro, backdrops etc etc ? 

Sorry Joe – I have enjoyed watching you play live in the past but it has now come to a point where my future enjoyment is going to be via DVD.

Anyone else have any comments to make on Joe’s ticket prices ?

  • From: East Lancashire, UK
  • Registered: 2011-06-24
  • Posts: 3,019

Re: Ticket prices

None that haven't been done to death. You pay the price the market dictates. If you can't afford don't go. I would guess it will be a special show with a larger band. I can't go on this occasion as yet again on holiday away from the UK. Can't see the point of another thread on it that's all. big_smile

Come on the Blades (sorry Idolbone just had to borrow your line)
  • Kenny
  • Kenny
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  • From: Aberdeen, Scotland
  • Registered: 2009-09-04
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Re: Ticket prices

Supply and demand. Personally I don't have a problem with them.

  • From: Edinburgh, Scotland
  • Registered: 2010-10-19
  • Posts: 190

Re: Ticket prices

Got to pay for those bursts somehow. . .


I'm kidding.

It sucks, I know. But at the end of the day being a touring musician is a business, and there will be expenses involved, as well as supply/demand and a whole lot of other factors.

I'm tempted to get one still. . .

5 Reply by Lester

  • Lester
  • Guest

Re: Ticket prices

You raise some valid points Peter.
There are threads going back years regarding ticket prices, which normally produce a good discussion but not much else.
You should find in the general sale that there will be some standing tickets and possibly the choir stalls available which are more reasonably priced.
My 'complaint' would be having to buy so far in advance but this seems to be the norm for most venues.
I have paid between £15 and £100 to see Joe over the years.

Lester

  • Kenny
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Re: Ticket prices

Lester wrote:

You raise some valid points Peter.
There are threads going back years regarding ticket prices, which normally produce a good discussion but not much else.
You should find in the general sale that there will be some standing tickets and possibly the choir stalls available which are more reasonably priced.
My 'complaint' would be having to buy so far in advance but this seems to be the norm for most venues.
I have paid between £15 and £100 to see Joe over the years.

Lester

I think standing and choir will be released nearer the date. Promoters certainly seem to bank income earlier each year.

7 Reply by RickB (edited by RickB 2016-08-02 17:28:21)

  • RickB
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  • From: San Diego
  • Registered: 2009-10-30
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Re: Ticket prices

Hello from Berlin. smile We made it.
Same old story. Supply and demand. Some will be priced out of the market. Sorry some are dropping out but he sells out every gig
at the price point set.
Rick

Free download from Vienna! http://mbsy.co/bNLR
Lots of unique videos of Joe http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cwd5vL8fXTw
Buy Joe's merchandise here. http://www.jbonamassa.com/affiliates/id … hp?id=1381

RickB's Website

  • gary
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  • From: Palatine Illinois by Chicago
  • Registered: 2006-08-25
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Re: Ticket prices

whos says you can't beat a dead horse?
I hear You on the ticket prices ,but there is a difference between what the market bares and greed.The market will set the prices.I would never say someone is greedy if you sell out at the price you ask.Like a lot of things sports events in the States are crazy expensive in most cases but the good teams sell out their venues at a high price.Economics 101.Maybe in ten years Joe is not as hot.Prices would come down.Joe and his company have to make their money while they can.No guarantees in the music biz.
All is I can say as saw  Joe at a festival in 2008 for the $5 entrance fee! now that was a bargain of a lifetime!

Your rock candy baby
Your hard sweet and sticky

gary's Website

9 Reply by DougH (edited by DougH 2016-08-03 19:07:30)

  • DougH
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  • From: Toronto, Canada
  • Registered: 2011-04-01
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Re: Ticket prices

gary wrote:

All is I can say as saw  Joe at a festival in 2008 for the $5 entrance fee! now that was a bargain of a lifetime!

$5 can't even buy you a pint of beer at any major league baseball Park anywhere, 

I think this is an issue when the "compare-o-meter" is running.

Comparing Joe a 'pretty obscure' (but fantastic) World force to the likes of Rush and Iron Maiden which are world renowned forces.
That's where many of those that talk ticket prices, lay with the objective view of which bands which price.

Joe's a great gig, where is a limit vs compare-o-meter?

---------------

(If only I had 1% of Joe's guitar talent)
  • From: Sussex UK
  • Registered: 2009-07-12
  • Posts: 1,465

Re: Ticket prices

unfortunately the justification of market forces and price being set by supply and demand may not show that pricing is right with respect to ticket prices here. The proof of this was Hammersmith 2 (?) years ago when the prices were set too high and the event was not sold out and then a considerable amount of money (national press advertising) had to be spent to sell further tickets. I know of a few people that had intended to see Joe for this tour but did not purely because of ticket price, - this in my opinion was a massive mistake by management (please note that I am not saying Joe). In saying that last year the ticket price in the UK was a lot more reasonable, and for me it was money well spent.

- In the UK I suspect that this price will be the height/peak given the economic forecast for the next few years, and when things really bite it will probably be luxury events like this that suffer. 2 years ago there appeared to be a lack of local knowledge - the UK is not the same as USA. However if these RAH dates sell out quickly then the pricing is correct, - it is a premium venue, - as long as you are not expecting a good audio experience.

My YouTube channel with plenty of my Joe's videos dating from 2009 inc his first Hammersmith Odeon ones:
http://www.youtube.com/ian916fun

Ian916's Website

  • Registered: 2013-02-03
  • Posts: 76

Re: Ticket prices

Ah Colston Hall - the only venue that serves ice cream at intermission....

12 Reply by Lester

  • Lester
  • Guest

Re: Ticket prices

I was at one of the Hammersmith concerts that Ian refers to.
I sat at the back of the stalls and paid the same as someone in the front row.
There were a lot of empty seats at the back but I think that was because every seat in the stalls was the same price, around £100.

Lester..

  • Kenny
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Re: Ticket prices

I'm just glad he isn't repeating the Apollo run nor playing the dreaded O2.

  • From: Maine-USA
  • Registered: 2012-04-11
  • Posts: 378

Re: Ticket prices

OH NOoooo!! Believe me I hear you
All that will happen with lower tickets prices is that the secondary market will scoop them up and sell them

Dont need a helmet to get me through life-walk across the water blame it on foolish pride.

PORTLAND2012/SPRINGFIELD2012/BOSTON2013/HAMPTON BEACH2014/BANGOR2015/PORTLAND2016/PORTLAND2017
  • From: New Hampshire, USA
  • Registered: 2010-12-21
  • Posts: 3,650

Re: Ticket prices

This comes up every ticket sale. Ok so for me I know how hard these guys work and how long to get to the point they are now. It isn't any cheap an ordeal to have a show with up to 8 band members 24+ crew, three buses and two 18 wheelers touring around the world'! Sorry but Joe and all the artist deserve whatever the market bears.
If you shop you always always always can find a deal. So enough of the ticket bashing.
My two cents
Cheers Ron

"Joe B saved my soul, forever grateful Ron"
"Some people dream of worthy accomplishments while others stay awake and do them"
Skinner #1,JBLP 145(aged),252, (unaged),#285HM, Bburst #026, Joes 052 BCC black LP, Strat> RT,EC Gilmour,Beck,Lenny LP> PK 83,CC#2,3,4,9,Amps>Carol Ann RAH JB-100 SN 001,JB100 Red SN02,OD2, OD3,Tucana 2&3 Triptix,Twinkle land, Plexi ,JB Jub, Jubs,Plexi,Satch,Two Rock>others
  • Registered: 2008-06-19
  • Posts: 366

Re: Ticket prices

Got to pay for that guitar collection somehow!!

Doug

17 Reply by Ian916 (edited by Ian916 2016-08-03 16:52:22)

  • From: Sussex UK
  • Registered: 2009-07-12
  • Posts: 1,465

Re: Ticket prices

cindyron wrote:

This comes up every ticket sale. Ok so for me I know how hard these guys work and how long to get to the point they are now. It isn't any cheap an ordeal to have a show with up to 8 band members 24+ crew, three buses and two 18 wheelers touring around the world'!

How do other bigger bands do it for less then? This is not AC/DC or U2 playing and 80,000 seat football stadium with a massive stage set.  I saw U2 on their 360 degree tour for less than half the price of these RAH tickets and please do not insult my intelligence by trying to tell me that Joe pays out more than they did and still do for stage and crew.

How did Joe do Tour de Force RAH at a MUCH lower ticket price? To be blunt £154 is an enormous ticket price for anybody in the UK. Maybe Joe’s management could blame Brexit?

David Gilmour at RAH, last September - ticket prices from £65. i think that most will see the issue......

cindyron wrote:

Sorry but Joe and all the artist deserve whatever the market bears.

In the UK dates have not been sold out, as said above there were plenty of unsold seat at Hammersmith 2 years ago and last year in Brighton you could buy tickets at face value outside the venue, - Wooders could not sell his 2 front row seats on the day.
High ticket prices are paying for empty seats,  - please tell me if that is a good thing?

cindyron wrote:

If you shop you always always always can find a deal. So enough of the ticket bashing.

In the UK, you cannot get cheaper tickets than what is listed so I do not understand what you are saying here.

Sorry that you see as ticket bashing Ron, from my take it is concern and disappointment. - 2 years ago when this happened a lot of people were extremely frustrated, - I know for a fact that fans were lost and have not returned. The c0ck-up (IMO) followed a brilliant tour de force that created a lot of buzz, - the fact that it was necessary for the next tour to do national press advertising and adverts in tube stations only made the issue worse, - fans felt out-priced, unimportant as adverts were paid to attract new fans. Now you could just answer, “I am loaded and we don’t want people who are not as rich as me watching Joe” if the problem is not understood, but music in the UK is not followed by just the rich, it is quite the reverse. I am generalising but the more wealthy are not so interested in this  type of music, - they go to the opera, the ballet or a classical concert.

My (very) personal issues is that pricing to see Joe now takes it well out of being a family event but in saying that I accept that the management are no longer interested in it being that sort of event, - as I said on my review of the Greenwich show, - they want the super rich champagne drinking Hooray Henry in his red chinos and his peroxide blonde tanned wife who don’t even watch the show… I have seen the type of fans change over the last 7 years, - so many people now do not know how to behave at a gig.

I passionately believe in live music being accessible for kids and not just for the minority, - I just fail to see how these prices fit with “Keeping the Blues Alive” and the Street Team ethos.

Please do not take any of my comments as criticism of Joe, my frustration is not aimed at him.

My YouTube channel with plenty of my Joe's videos dating from 2009 inc his first Hammersmith Odeon ones:
http://www.youtube.com/ian916fun

Ian916's Website

  • From: New Hampshire, USA
  • Registered: 2010-12-21
  • Posts: 3,650

Re: Ticket prices

Ian916 wrote:
cindyron wrote:

This comes up every ticket sale. Ok so for me I know how hard these guys work and how long to get to the point they are now. It isn't any cheap an ordeal to have a show with up to 8 band members 24+ crew, three buses and two 18 wheelers touring around the world'!

How do other bigger bands do it for less then? This is not AC/DC or U2 playing and 80,000 seat football stadium with a massive stage set.  I saw U2 on their 360 degree tour for less than half the price of these RAH tickets and please do not insult my intelligence by trying to tell me that Joe pays out more than they did and still do for stage and crew.

How did Joe do Tour de Force RAH at a MUCH lower ticket price? To be blunt £154 is an enormous ticket price for anybody in the UK. Maybe Joe’s management could blame Brexit?

David Gilmour at RAH, last September - ticket prices from £65. i think that most will see the issue......

cindyron wrote:

Sorry but Joe and all the artist deserve whatever the market bears.

In the UK dates have not been sold out, as said above there were plenty of unsold seat at Hammersmith 2 years ago and last year in Brighton you could buy tickets at face value outside the venue, - Wooders could not sell his 2 front row seats on the day.
High ticket prices are paying for empty seats,  - please tell me if that is a good thing?

cindyron wrote:

If you shop you always always always can find a deal. So enough of the ticket bashing.

In the UK, you cannot get cheaper tickets than what is listed so I do not understand what you are saying here.

Sorry that you see as ticket bashing Ron, from my take it is concern and disappointment. - 2 years ago when this happened a lot of people were extremely frustrated, - I know for a fact that fans were lost and have not returned. The c0ck-up (IMO) followed a brilliant tour de force that created a lot of buzz, - the fact that it was necessary for the next tour to do national press advertising and adverts in tube stations only made the issue worse, - fans felt out-priced, unimportant as adverts were paid to attract new fans. Now you could just answer, “I am loaded and we don’t want people who are not as rich as me watching Joe” if the problem is not understood, but music in the UK is not followed by just the rich, it is quite the reverse. I am generalising but the more wealthy are not so interested in this  type of music, - they go to the opera, the ballet or a classical concert.

My (very) personal issues is that pricing to see Joe now takes it well out of being a family event but in saying that I accept that the management are no longer interested in it being that sort of event, - as I said on my review of the Greenwich show, - they want the super rich champagne drinking Hooray Henry in his red chinos and his peroxide blonde tanned wife who don’t even watch the show… I have seen the type of fans change over the last 7 years, - so many people now do not know how to behave at a gig.

I passionately believe in live music being accessible for kids and not just for the minority, - I just fail to see how these prices fit with “Keeping the Blues Alive” and the Street Team ethos.

Please do not take any of my comments as criticism of Joe, my frustration is not aimed at him.

You have much more time to think about this. I am sure you can find a good price. Sorry I do not have a drum to beat

"Joe B saved my soul, forever grateful Ron"
"Some people dream of worthy accomplishments while others stay awake and do them"
Skinner #1,JBLP 145(aged),252, (unaged),#285HM, Bburst #026, Joes 052 BCC black LP, Strat> RT,EC Gilmour,Beck,Lenny LP> PK 83,CC#2,3,4,9,Amps>Carol Ann RAH JB-100 SN 001,JB100 Red SN02,OD2, OD3,Tucana 2&3 Triptix,Twinkle land, Plexi ,JB Jub, Jubs,Plexi,Satch,Two Rock>others