Expensive Tickets and the Metal Soul

If you want to find out what has happened to the concert industry, take a look at radio. The consolidation craze of the late 90's killed radio's heart and soul. The corporation I will refer to as the "Evil Empire" (CC) is the 800-pound gorilla in the music industry - radio, of course, but also concert venues and a number of advertising channels.

The Evil Empire took over the concert industry after they were well on their way to ruining radio. Ticketmaster and LiveNation are the two main heads of this corporate hydra.

I've enjoyed seeing many of my favorite 80's-era metal bands lately. Most of them have been reasonably priced, although I was willing to shell out more dollars to see Judas Priest since they are my favorite band. But especially with the "has-been" 80's bands, it makes more sense to price the tickets low so more fans will support the band and enjoy the nostalgia trip. I saw Slaughter a couple weeks ago at the Grizzly Rose, and the $20 price was perfect - two great opening bands, plus a super show by Slaughter. It was an awesome night.

However, other 80's bands aren't as kind to their fans. The case in point is Tesla. $40 for a ticket to see them at a second-tier venue in Denver is outrageous. I mean, they have some good songs, but they're certainly not on the level of Judas Priest or other top-name bands. Slaughter was a bigger name than Tesla back in the day, and a ticket to their show last month cost half as much.

I think overpriced tickets are an affront to the soul of metal. Metal is all about going against the norm, "sticking it to the man", and appreciating your fans. Charging fans too much for a show is just another form of selling out and broadcasting to the world that you're really only in it for the money, not the music. I would think LiveNation takes most of the blame for high prices, but you have to wonder if the band is involved too. Unless you're a top-level act, charging a high price for a ticket makes you look like a poser.

We need more independent music venues and metal bands who care about the music and their fans, not the money!