I understand it’s an artists job to entertain us. I am also more than happy to pay to be entertained. But something needs to happen when it comes to ticket pricing.
The reason I’m bringing this up is because now Eddie Vedder of Pearl Jam is trying to justify the cost of tickets. You can read that article HERE. Although it was only for a short period, I did work in that industry and know how costs have affected everything.
I also understand that the cost of everything has gone up. As an artist, it’s expensive to tour. The costs of fuel alone are driving prices. Like Eddie mentions, trying to find a crew to work is tough, and they want to get paid and you can’t blame them. There also isn’t money in selling albums anymore. So their income has to come from somewhere.
Don’t get me started on the cost of merch. Shirts that cost $25-$40 are now running at $50+. This also happens to be another job I’ve had. With the amount of shirts some of these bands are printing, at most their cost is $5/shirt. So that’s some pretty huge profit.
Eddie was asked about fans feeling cheated, and he said “If we can save money, we pass it on to the fans. But it’s essential for us to at least cover our costs. If we had to pay extra and couldn’t earn any money at all, we wouldn’t go on tour anymore.“
I really hope this is true after everything that Pearl Jam has fought for over the years. But you know for a fact that there are some artists that take full advantage of over charging to cushion their pension.
Every artist needs to do better. Most of us are still struggling from “corona,” too.