Ticket Prices - a retrospective

[YellowKite]

I was packing last night and came across some old ticket stubs. I paid $13.50 + $1.50 service fee to see U2 in 1985. I paid that much for Howard Jones, Paul Young, Tears For Fears, Simple Minds through 1986. In 1986 I paid $36.00 to see the Amnesty Conspiracy of Hope tour. I recall that being a huge amount - but really worth it if you think about all the acts I got to see from row 6. Other ticket stubs range from $20.00 for INXS in 1986 to $5.00 for The Call - same year.

In 1987 I paid $16.50 for U2 - but I paid $17.50 for Duran Duran and Erasure and then $32.50 for Baryshnikov. Through 87-91 for INXS, Crowded House, Squeeze, Depeche Mode, Erasure and Simple Minds it stayed between $16.50 and $20.00.

In 1992 I paid $30.00 for U2 and then in 1997 I paid $52.50 + $6.50 for U2. In that same time frame I paid $22.50 for Natalie Merchant and REM.

Then comes 2001 and I paid $45 for U2 but I also paid $132.00 + $8.75 service fee.

So in a period of 5 years ('92 - '97) prices go up $20.00 - reasonable. Then in the next 4 years ('97 to '01) they jump $80.00 for U2.

Lets discuss.

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Mone

You ain't nothin without a rhythm section to back you up.

"What Adam does with his willy is his business..." -Bono

 

[spinninghead77]

Yes, U2 tikcet prices are expensive. But they put on a tremendous show, and they are my favorite band. To me, $150+ is worth it for a U2 concert. If I didn't think so, then I wouldn't be going....


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***Spinny***
"I don't know about you, but I feel good about the fact that I still haven't found what I'm looking for"-Bono, 1987

"Be uncool, yes be akward!"

 

[zonelistener]

I was checking this out too recently. I wish I had my Eighties tickets on hand (they may be a my Father's house).

At the same time - I saw Bob Mould last night (Husker Du and Sugar fame), and only paid $15. It was a great show, and I was about the same distance as from the "tip of the heart" at one of the Elevation shows.

 

[Hewson]

Concert tickets in general have risen in cost dramatically in recent years, not just U2 tickets.
My stubs are at home, but the average price has steadily climbed, and at a very fast rate over the past few yrs.
The Eagles broke the $100 barrier on their "Hell freezes over" tour, and its been Katy-bar-the-door ever since.

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The joker is the best card.